Steps to Creating Safe Deck Railings

Railings are the most visible element of any deck. They make an instant design statement for all to see and admire from a distance and close up. Deck railings do more than add a safety feature to a deck. They establish the style and limits of the deck space itself. Local building code standards won't affect the nearly endless number of deck design choices and construction choices to be used. Railings are not necessary on all decks but when they are, usually because of the deck's height above ground level, it is important to make a wise choice as to their design and structure.

Step #1 - Deck Height:

Railings are generally required for decks over 36 inches high above ground level and for any set of stairs. However, 24 inches might be a better minimum because in today's society people are more likely to sue a homeowner in the event of a fall. All it takes is one too many drinks and no railing for an accident to occur. In many cases the injured parties who launch these lawsuits are relatives or friends who just happen to be the individuals most likely to be on your deck. It's better to be safe than sorry!

Step #2 - Railing Height:

Railings are generally 36 to 42 inches above a deck's surface. They can be as low as 30 inches or as high as 48 inches depending upon the height of the deck above ground level. The rule of thumb is: The higher the deck; the higher the railing. This is all done for safety considerations. Deck railings can have wood, vinyl or aluminum balusters as well as louvers. They can be built with solid facings that can include plywood siding, plastic panels or tempered glass. However, they need to be a safe height above the level of the deck.

Step #3 - Railing Construction:

Railings are made up of vertical posts capped and joined by a cross member laid flat. The cross member may be the same width or wider than the posts. The spacing distance between the posts depends upon the cap's size and the horizontal rail's length. For example, 4x4 posts can be spaced up to 4 feet apart under a 2x4 cap while 4x4 posts can be spaced up to 6 feet apart under a 2x6 cap.

The strongest and simplest railings are those with horizontal parts secured by bolts or screws to the outside faces of the posts. For a cleaner, more streamlined railing, the horizontals would be placed between the posts. Building codes specify the maximum space between balusters, often 4 inches. Screws and bolts are always a better choice for the construction of railings.

Railings should coordinate with the architectural style of the home in some way. This can be done in terms of materials used, detailing and connections. It is important to check with local building code bylaws to clearly determine the requirements in terms of railing height, material types, lumber sizes, distances between support posts and distances between balusters.

The important things to do in the building of deck railings are to create a railing that complements your overall deck design, to comply with local building codes and to take the time to do the job as well as possible. In no time you'll have a railing system in place on your deck that will be the envy of the neighborhood.

Richard Vande Sompel is a professional deck builder of 35 years and over 850 decks built and is the author of "How to Plan, Design and Build a Deck from Start to Finish". To Learn More About Deck Railings and Claim your 2 FREE Deck Plans, Insider Report, MP3 Audio and discover everything to know about building a deck visit: http://www.DeckBuildingRevealed.com

Building Inspections - Permits and Problems

Things to Know

1. The General Contractor or the person that the Building Permit was issued to must make all inspection requests.
2. Building Permit Cards must be posted and building plans must be available at the jobsite or the inspection will not be performed and a penalty can be charged.
3. Permit Fees are based on the valuation of project defined as labor, materials, plus profit
4. If the project is large enough a plan review will have to be completed by the building inspector

Who are They

The BDI inspects approves and issues all permits required by code for new construction and for repairs and additions to all public and private buildings. They assure safe building standards for the general safety and welfare of us all. When Do I Need a Building Permit Building permits are required when any structural change or major alteration is made or for new construction. Normal maintenance doesnt need a building permit.

Here are some common examples, although this list is not complete:
1. New structures
2. Enlargement of existing rooms
3. Porches, decks, and retaining walls
4. Anything involving structural beams, joist replacement or bearing support
5. Foundations and footing repair, underpinning or shoring up of a structure
6. The conversion of basement or attic space to living quarters
7. All new fences except the replacement of existing fences
8. An entire new roof, when roof work is not replacement of like material

When Don't I need a Building Permit

Here are some common examples, although this list is not complete:
1. Ordinary repairs to residential buildings and structures, there could be height restriction here.
2. Plaster patching, exterior and interior painting, floor sanding and refinishing, floor tile, carpeting, replacement of flooring
3. Repair or replacement of gutters and downspouts
4. Replacement or repair of exterior doors and non-fire rated interior doors whenever no modification is made to the opening
5. Wall paneling applied directly to wall surfaces; acoustical ceiling tile applied directly to ceiling surfaces;
6. Installation of battery-operated smoke detectors
7. Replacement of existing fencing, same height, material and location in the rear or side yards
8. Non-dish radio or television antennae

The BDI will focus on all common areas unless there is a specific complaint. In that case they can go anywheres in a building. They do not need an owners permission to enter a unit, but they do need the tenants permission to enter an apartment. They will look at all common areas to sleuth out dangerous or hazardous code violations or egress issues. They are essentially interested in safety issues and will look especially for fire extinguishers, doors, lighting, stairs, doors and smoke detectors. If there are any violations of code they will issue a "notice of violation" or NOV.

What They Do: They will inspect a property for three reasons:

1. Law requires general inspections to uncover and correct safety issues and code requirements. These inspections are mandated periodically.
2. Someone has complained
3. To review new construction work for safety and code violations.

The Dreaded "Task Force Inspection"

If a building is a nuisance and gets repeated complaints then the city can call in many or all the agencies and create a task force to inspect the building. The agencies involved can include fire, health, police, and the D.A. The task force is only formed for the worst offenders, generally drug dens or health hazards.

Construction Inspections

The inspector is looking to see that the work is up to code and does not exceed the scope of the permit. Very often, construction will take place and other issues come up. If they exceed the parameters of the work approved they can deny approval of the work. Now you have to come into compliance and that can mean a bureaucratic snafu or worse. A citation or NOV (Notice of Violation) is issued and you will need to apply for another permit to fix the problem to come up to code. When the work is completed according to the demands of the BDI, you will need another inspection to get cleared. If you still have problems with getting the work approved you have a few alternatives

Fighting the BDI

1. Know the code: You will need to prove the condition cited is legal
2. Get all the permit plans the DBI has and try to make a case that the condition is historical
3. If its an older building it may be grandfathered
4. Talk to the senior inspector and make an informed case
5. Talk to a real estate attorney or engineer

The Hearing

This is your last effort to right a wrong. You can have your attorney or property manager or possibly a structural engineer make your case. This is your last ditch effort to allow a condition to remain in place. Obviously, you dont get to this unless there is a lot of money at stake.

Howard Bell
yourpropertypath.com

http://www.yourpropertypath.com
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Remodel Your Kitchen with Pest Control in Mind

Kitchen remodeling is high on the list of many 2237home owners' renovation plans. The reason for this is that a kitchen is the most commonly used area of the house, and it is also the one room in the house that ages faster than any other in terms of interior design. Outdated appliances or even cupboard door knobs can decrease the aesthetic appeal of a kitchen faster than outdated furniture will in any other room. Updating your kitchen can be a simple and easy task depending on what parts of your kitchen you are updating.

When you are considering a kitchen remodel, you may also want to consider implementing a pest control system in your kitchen. The reason for this is that because the kitchen is the heart of the home it also carries with it the most appealing features for pesky pests. Pests and rodents are motivated by the sensuous smells coming out of the heart of your home. Where the food is will be where the pests are. If you want to consider some kitchen remodeling, you will want to implement pest controls as a proactive means of keeping your new kitchen safe from intruding creatures.

New cupboards are an excellent way to take a kitchen from retro to contemporary in a heartbeat. Or perhaps you like the retro look and want to move backwards. You can do this too with a wide variety of color choices and styles that will meet your overall design plan. If you are installing cupboards, you can implement a simple pest control plan by adequately sealing all cracks and crevices that may occur with a new cupboard installation. Rodents and pests enjoy crevices, cracks, and small holes that give them easy access to your food. Use steel wool or insulated cement to seal up these cracks and crevices and stop them in their tracks. No hole or crevice is too small for a pest or rodent, so ensure all spaces are adequately sealed.

Pests and rodents like to use spaces under your sink to gain entry into your home. If you are installing new cupboards under your sink, leave a small cup or saucer of soda pop in your cupboard underneath the sink. The carbonization of the pop will kill the pest or rodent before they realize what has hit them. Steel wool is a good option to fill up those cracks between pipes underneath your sink as well. If you can stop them before they get in, you will not need to worry about destroying them.

If you are using plaster of paris in your kitchen remodel, consider mixing it with just a hint of chocolate powder before you conduct your plastering. Do not worry about the aesthetics as chances are you will be painting over this. But if you use this mixture in areas where pests are likely to enter, you will have a very effective pest control plan in your kitchen. This method works particularly well with mouse control. The chocolate is appealing to the mice, but the plaster makes them thirsty. They will dine on your plaster of paris and go out in search of water to quench their thirst. By this time, the plaster will expand in their systems and they will destroy themselves outside of your home.

These simple pest control plans can be implemented in any new kitchen remodel and are very cost effective at that. Stop pests from ruining your brand new kitchen. Being proactive will save you heartache and frustration in the long run.

Your kitchen is a room too! Probably the most important room. We will help you with a Kitchen Remodel or a Interior Painting Job or Pest Control if you like.

Planning Successful Home Renovations

Renovating your home is a big job. It does not matter if you are renovating a kitchen or renovating your entire house, the entire process takes a lot of planning ahead, patience and money. When you decide that it is time to renovate your home, there a few things that you need to do to make sure that your home renovations go smoothly and as planned. Here are some great secrets and tips to help you plan out and complete any home renovation project.

The Key is Planning Ahead:

Finding the secret of success when it comes to any size home rB68enovation project lies in the planning stages. In order to make sure that your renovation, whether you are doing it yourself or hiring a contractor, is successful, you will need to take the time to think the process through and plan ahead. Part of the planning phase of your home renovation project includes knowing what you want to do with the room, finding the right tools and equipment if it is a do-it-yourself project or hiring the right general contractor, and staying within your budget. When you begin to plan your home renovation project, you should sit down and make a list of the things that you want out of your room and how much you expect to pay. Sticking with your list will make your project more successful from the time it is started to the end.

Staying Within Your Budget:

Of course, the next thing you will want to do when you tackle any type of home renovation project is to carefully stay within your budget. Your budget will depend completely on what you have to spend. If you are doing the project yourself, you can often save hundreds, if not thousands of dollars. Hiring a contractor will ensure that your project is done correctly, but will add to your budget. If you find that you are going over your budget, then you can start looking at ways to save money, such as installing cheaper appliances or completing your renovation project in smaller stages. Completing your project in smaller stages is often the key to success for many homeowners that find that they have many things that they need to do to their home. If you start with the rooms that you use the most and then gradually work your way through your project, it will be a great way for you to stay within your budget. Another tip that will help you stay within budget is to work with the items that you already have. For example, if you want a new look for your kitchen, instead of replacing your cabinets, consider finishing the cabinets that you already have and adding new hardware.

It is not possible to complete our renovation projects and stay within your budget and time allotment. Many homeowners fail in their home improvement projects because they do not have the ability to plan ahead, shop wisely, and to see their project through to the end. If you find that you do need to hire a contractor to complete your work, make sure you choose wisely and find one that you can trust and one that comes highly recommended.

The free-lance writer Eric Slarkowski is particularly passionate about information on storm protection and home improvement. With his publications such as http://w327ww.replacement-windows-tips.com/basement-replacement-windows.html, the columnist improved his capability on areas related to replacing basement windows and home improvement.

Bathroom Decor - Quick Bathroom Decorating on a Budget

When seasons change, one of the most overlooked rooms in the house for updated decorating is the bathroom. Whether you want to add some oomph to your guest bath, or want to bring a spa quality to decorating a master bath, here are some quick and easy decorating tips to get your bathroom in tip top shape!

*You actually don't spend a lot of time in the bathroom, so do something special with it. Try a daring color combination or a theme room you love but wouldn't use in another space. Name your theme bathroom, then get to the paint store! Try rich jewel tones or cheery pastels, whatever fits your theme. Just make it a color you love that you've always wanted to try!

*Bump up the excitement level of your boring bath towels, and stitch an easy and quick edging to them with pretty fabric. It takes just a small amount and some simple hemming to add pretty custom details to your bath. You can also create custom bath rugs this same way, by sewing edging to all four sides of a bath towel. Be sure to sue a non skid pad underneath.

*Use pretty everyday things in a practical way in your bathroom. Creamers make great toothbrush holders, pretty sea shells make a soap dish, or roll up extra towels in a large pottery piece. Just because it's the bathroom, don't overlook small details and opportunities to bring beauty into your life.

*Afraid to hang pictures in a bathroom? Pick up inexpensive frames from the dollar shop, and fill them with pages from garden catalogs. Hang them in groupings in the bath for a gorgeous accent. If water eventually damages the pictures, just remove them and insert new ones. After all, they were free!

*In a guest bath, make your visitors feel pampered by adding a pretty tray full of bath items such as lotions, tissue, and perfumed soaps. Create a tray on a budget by taking an old picture frame, giving it a good coat of paint to blend with your baths dcor, then instead of a picture, add a piece of fabric to the frame for elegance. Instant pretty tray, and you probably had everything your need already!

*Use glass paints and faux leading strips to create a stained glass look on that ugly and plain bathroom mirror. You can even add wood trim around the edges of the mirror to give a framed mirror effect. No more ugly builders mirrors!

Take a weekend and create pretty bathroom dcor for yourself or your visitors. Its quick and easy to make small changes that make a huge difference in decorating a bathroom!

Kathy Wilson is an author, home decorating columnist for LifetimeTv.com, and editor of several popular home and garden websites. For hundreds of free do it yourself home and garden ideas, please visit her websites now at http://www.TheBudgetDecorator.com, and http://www.TheGardenGlove.com . Also visit her work at home site at http://www.Women-on-the-Net.com, where ANY woman can learn to make money on the internet!

The Need for Roof Flashing

A roof is an integral part of any building or home. All of us want our roofs to look great with little or no maintenance. No one wants to deal with leakages and water seepage. To prevent leaks and seepage of water in your roof it is very important to install roof flashing. In fact many contractors describe roof flashing as their final form of defense against penetration of water.

Flashings are made of different types of materials. They can be composed of aluminum or galvanized metal. Aluminum seems to a much popular choice amongst homemakers because of the fact that it does not rust easily. Aluminum is also preferred as the material for roof flashing because it can be easily bent into desired shape and size.

It is pretty easy to use a flashing system. Roof flashings are required on all the places on your roof where various surfaces meet together. It is used at roof peaks, dormers, vents, edges, skylights and other such places. It is important to install roof flashing in such places and seal them to ensure that no leaks are developed to cause damage to your building.

Ideally speaking you must install roof flashing at all places where there is any type of penetration in the roof or where two different surfaces meet. There are different types of roof flashings to suit different needs. As for example, we use v-shaped flashing for valleys into a roofline. It is also used along the peaks of roof. Generally, roof flashing is installed with the help of nails on the roof. Apart from roof flashing you also need to use other kinds and layers of sealants and protection against leakage and water seepage. This will ensure that your roof is completely waterproof.

Proper Roof Flashing

Roof flashings are secured with the help of nails. With the passage of time, the nails might get loose and may even come off. But you need not worry, as this requires only minor service and repair. Within no time your roof flashing can be secured tightly back into its appropriate pace. Thus roof flashings are quit easy to handle and require very less maintenance.

Aluminum roof flashings being a widely accepted choice can be easily bought from your local hardware or home improvement store. It is very easy to bend them in shape and size as and when needed. The quality of aluminum roof flashing is very important, especially when used in places around vents, skylights or around any other such unusual and odd shapes. It is because of this versatility of aluminum that it is the preferred choice of material for installing roof flashing.

There is another place where it is very important to install roof flashing. That place is along the bottom edge of roof, also known as the drip edge. Flashing is essential here to prevent moisture and water from seeping under roofing material edge. If water does go through, then it can spread around the under-layment and shingles, and cause a lot of damage. During winter, the edge area also has a tendency to accumulate ice and snow. Such a situation is called as formation of ice dam. Such a situation should be avoided and can be prevented by installing a two part edge flashing. You also need to install a heating strip over the roof edge.

Another very significant note that must be kept in mind while installing roof flashing is that to have the best possible results, always install it in co-ordination with other protective sealant sand layers. This will surely ensure a leak free roof for years to come.

As Long Island, LI Roofing Contractors, and Northern Virginia Roofing contractors we take great pride in maintaining customer satisfaction for all types of new roof installation and roof repair work for residential and commercial roofing accounts.

Add A Touch Of Class To Your Bathroom When Modernizing

A Whirlpool tub offers a distinctive experience, from a relaxing, restorative soak to the stimulating rush of whitewater rapids. The Whirpool will stimulate your muscles causing relaxing sensations all throughout your body and invigorating you as you soak. Whirlpool tubs are made with designer luxury in mind; slip off your robe and into a hot tub of relaxation and tranquility.

The bathroom of today is a designer paradise with remote controlled shower enclosures that have a built in steam and sauna as well as a radio and seat to keep you relaxed, even down to the mirrors and tiles that we accessorise our bathrooms with but the new found capability of being able to turn a what used to be a bath into a household massage centre has given tubs a leading role in new and updated bathrooms. It's now even possible to get retro look hard wearing claw foot Whirlpools with an air or jetted whirlpool system with an antique look but with modern features. Look out for a tub with double head rests so you and your partner can maximize the relaxation your whirlpool experience has to offer, leaving the troubles of the world behind and soaking with your partner.

As with most things in life, the more popular things become prices start to fall due to competition 5B4from manufacturers and the Whirpool tub market is no exception. Lower prices are helping put whirlpools in more remodeling plans as they are now getting more and more affordable. Take a tour of any plumbers supply store and see for yourself the fine detail and special care we put into each and every whirlpool tub on the market, designer elegance at its best. Costs have dropped so much many people now install a tub in their en-suite bathroom as well as master bathroom.

Be careful what additives that you put in the water of your tub as some products are not designed to go into Whirpool tubs, these can leave residue in the pipes of your tub and reduce the performance over a period of time, and you don't want to spoil the distinctive experiences that your Whirpool can offer you. If you do find that over time the performance of your tub diminishes you can clean the system by flushing it out with a specially formulated product.

Whirlpool tubs jet warm water, which is heated by a whirlpool tub heater to keep the water at a constant temperature, you don't want to be relaxing in a whirlpool full of luke warm water, this means you can spend as long as you like in the tub before getting out and putting on your bathrobe, ready to relax for the evening. Whirpool tubs are usually made of high density acrylic to stop them from be5AEnding or mis -shaping over a period of time. Most Whirpool tubs nowadays come complete with a standard pump to give you a set up and go product with no need to be buying add on's.

So maybe that Whirlpool tub isn't such a crazy idea as you maybe thought it was, imagine after a long hard day at the office being able to soak away the stress and strain of the day, without breaking the bank.

I try to pass on my musings on life and experiences in a way that people may find interesting to read.
Whirlpool Tubs
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You may not always agree with my writings but I hope to inform.
Harwood E Woodpecker

DYI Guide On How To Paint Aluminium Sidings

This article is a Do It Yourself Guide on how to paint Aluminium Sidings. It gives a detailed step by step guide. It is a must read for people planning to take up this project. You have purchased an old house and you observe that house is covered with aluminium painting. The siding is in perfect shape but its factory painted finish has faded. But do not fear, Aluminium Siding can be repainted.

A Step by Step Guide to Painting Aluminium Siding

One can repaint old aluminum rather than replaced. Here's the process

1) First check whether the siding is aluminum or galvanized steel. Galvanized steel should not be painted with any oil based paint; some paint manufacturers specify latex only over steel. Notice that the Galvanized steel will have a black siding. But remember that before painting the aluminium surface, it needs to be dry. If painting is done under wet conditions, the paint will not be consistent and it may have a chemical reaction and end up corroding the painting aluminium siding. In this way the painting and aluminium siding will last longer and you won't need much money in repairs.

2) Use any lime scale/mineral deposit/hard water stain remover to clean the aluminum by applying it .Thereafter agitate the surface with a brush or sponge and finally rinse it water.

3) If the surface is in poor condition such as peeling or chalking, you need to primer coat. Use a good oil based exterior primer. The use of an oil-based primer is preferred over a latex primer because the later generally contain ammonia, which reacts over time with aluminum to form microscopic gas bubbles, leading to premature failure of the primer (and hence, paint) surface.

4) Remember that a light sanding is helpful before applying the final finish coat on the painting and aluminium siding. Sand with a 150 grit sandpaper. You don't need to worry about using a sand paper if you are coating the painting aluminium siding with a latex paint

5) Add a finish coat of acrylic latex. Use a low luster or satin finish. It looks more like the factory finish. For a real smooth job, use an airless sprayer with a .017 gun tip.496 Always remember not to apply by exposing in direct sunlight which may lessen the amount of time for paint to be on surface. Let it dry after finishing

You can rent a professional machine in most areas.

You can also find more info on traditional wood siding and siding hardboard siding. Homesidingreview.com is a comprehensive resource to know more about home siding review.

Is a Sauna Right for Your Home?

Stress is quickly becoming a part of today's fast-paced life. All the pressures you encountered at work, in school, and elsewhere, are better off released from your body. And total relaxation coming from a good sauna experience is what you really need.

But then again because of people's busy lifestyle, finding time to go to a sauna salon becomes harder each day. Well, if you can't go to the sauna, why not let the sauna come to you? There are a lot of modern home saunas a16B6vailable today that can be installed conveniently in one of the available rooms of your house.

The benefits of saunas are not only for the body's total relaxation. It has many health benefits as well. Regular sauna sessions are known to improve a person's cardiovascular health and immune system. A lot of skin disorders are treated by a sauna because it helps in flushing out toxic substances from the body through sweating.

But one of the notable benefits of sauna is in the area of weight loss. Several people can attest that sauna had helped them cut off inches and lose some pounds. Sauna works by melting body fats and turning them into sweat. Also, it is known to speed up one's metabolism, which is very important to ensure the normal function of all body processes.

Home sauna kits can be easy to install. And not much space is required. It can be placed somewhere in the bathroom, or even inside the bathroom closet. But if you have an extra room in the house, preferably adjacent the bathroom, you can join the two together for a real spa experience.

Modern home sauna kits are available in a ready-to-assemble package. For those who can afford it, custom-built sauna baths are the way to go. By custom building, you can specifically design the whole room, considering the space you have, and use the equipments of your choice.

The heat source is the most important element of a sauna. And you have different options. Wood fired heaters are the most popular choice among families who prefers a Finnish-style sauna room. Then there are electric heaters too, which can conveniently be plugged to a regular power outlet. Gas heaters are also used.

So if you need to enjoy a warm, relaxing treat anytime you feel like it, install a sauna right inside your homes. And you will be living healthily and calmly from then on.

Thomas Oak writes articles for http://www.hot-sauna.com/ if you are in the market for a new sauna stop and take a look at all of the latest advancements and information on new saunas and sauna kits for your home.

Changing a Toilet Wax Ring

If there is water slowly leaking around the base of your toilet, or you constantly smell a foul odor in your bathroom chances are the toilet wax ring has begun to fail and it is time for it to be replaced.

A toilet wax ring is pretty much described by its name. It is a 1 to 2 inch thick ring of wax, frequently found surrounding a plastic funnel. The toilet wax ring works by forming a water/air tight seal between the base of the porcelain toilet base and the toilet flange (plastic or cast iron).

If a toilet rocks when it is sat upon, over time the toilet wax ring will breakdown and fail. This failure manifests itself in the formation of small water and odor leaks around the base of the toilet. If left unchecked, damage could occur to the bathroom floor and unsafe sewer gasses may build up in the home.

A new toilet wax ring should also be replaced any time a toilet is removed (e.g. during the installation of a new bathroom floor).

Replacing a toilet wax ring is easy to do and can be done by the do it yourself homeowner with a little knowledge and some preparation. Replacing a toilet wax ring can be done in about 1 hour assuming there are no extenuating circumstances.

The basic ste16D0ps required to change a toilet wax ring begin with turning off the water supply line and emptying the tank and bowl of water. The supply line also needs to be disconnected from the toilet.

Next the anchor nuts, secured to the Hold-Down bolts, need to be unscrewed.

The toilet is then lifted off the toilet flange and turned over.

The old toilet wax ring can then be scraped and removed off the base of the toilet, and the floor can be cleaned of any old wax ring residue.

The new toilet wax ring is then pressed onto the base of the toilet and the toilet is then reseated onto the toilet flange.

The anchor nuts are then re-screwed back onto the Hold-down bolts and the supply line reconnected.

The water supply line to the toilet can then be turned back on and the toilet is back in business.

For more help on changing a toilet wax ring see the Changing a Toilet Wax Ring EBook from HomeAdditionPlus.com. The Changing a Toilet Wax Ring EBook will quickly explain to you in detail the step-by-step process for changing the wax ring on a toilet and includes how-to pictures for every key step in the process.

Over the past 20+ years Mark Donovan has been involved with building homes and additions to homes. His projects have included: building a vacation home, building additions and garages on to existing homes, and finishing unfinished homes. For more home improvement information visit http://www.homeadditionplus.com and http://www.homeaddition.blogspot.com.

Remodeling Your Basement

The American family is requiring more and more space to spread out. Basements fill this need and add value at the same time. If you're lucky enough to have one, you are ahead of the game in terms of resale value.

But, what if it's unfinished or you want to remodel it? Following are four things to consider when taking on a basement remodeling project to get the most value for your money.

Basement Remodeling:

The Proper Use of the Space One of the very first things you want to consider is what kind of basement remodeling project it's going to be. Are you putting in a home5B4 gym, a media room, an in-law suite, a game room, etc.?

To properly answer this question, it's important to figure out your family dynamic, eg:

• Do you often have stay-over visitors who have to sleep on the pull-out couch (in-law suite); or
• Do you work out a lot and wish you could give up the commute and the membership fees to your gym (home gym); or
• Are you starting a new business and need a home office separate from the rest of the house (media room/office).

This is what is meant by figuring out your family dynamic.

Basement Remodeling Costs

Once you decide on the use of the space, figuring out how much your basement remodeling project is going to cost is a simply matter of getting quotes from several contractors.

When remodeling your basement, you can save some money by tackling some of the simpler projects yourself, eg, hanging sheetrock and drywall (if your basement is unfinished); painting; and installing basic cabinetry and sinks.

You can call in professionals to handle things like electricity, waterproofing and plumbing.

When you are contacting basement remodeling contractors for quotes, make a list of things you absolutely want them to handle. Each one is different, so check several for the best price.

You may want to get quotes on things like electrical wiring, plumbing, painting, ventilation systems, insulation588, waterproofing, floor installation choices, etc.

Basement Remodeling and Resell Value

According to a 2006 annual cost vs. value report by RemodelingOnline, the average cost for finishing a basement ran about $51,000. But, you recoup 90% of that upon resale. So, it's an investment worth making.

Basement Remodeling and Length of Time in the Home

As cited above, basement remodeling is not cheap, but is well worth the investment. This comes with one major caveat: how long you plan to stay in the home.

If you plan to sell, make sure you will recoup the money you spent on your basement remodeling project. While it's easy to recoup $1,000 spent on landscaping, it takes a steady, strong real estate market to recoup $50,000 (if you spend the average).

If you plan to move within the next 3, 5 or 7 years, ask yourself is a basement remodeling project is financially prudent.

All Around the Home is an online home improvement contractor directory, where homeowners can search for contractors by region and specialty like basement remodeling Fix the Home is a website where homeowners can get more information on all types of home improvement projects like remodeling at 297http://www.fixthehome.com/cat/remodeling/topics/basement/

Clawfoot Bathtubs - A Classic Touch in Your Own Home

Flat TV's, contemporary art, remote controlled curtains, and all things modern can be found everywhere in a typical American home. They may be pleasing to own but too much of it can make your house too "modern" to look at and sometimes dull and boring.

You may remember the times when simple things were beautiful to look at. Today, many people are considering adding a touch of history in their homes. The warmth and homey look of a home isn't found in modern appliances and fixtures. Even bathroom fixtures are now integrated with state-of-the-art technology. Home bathtubs are integrated with personal Jacuzzis with a large plasma TV and a floating remote control. These things can be great but it just lacks that classical, homey look that a home should have.

Whenever you visit your grand parent's house, you will notice the inviting look of a simple yet very classic look inside their homes. No plasma television, no remote controlled curtains, simple kitchen fixtures and those great cookie jars. You may even notice that their bathroom is equipped with simple yet attractive fixtures.

Even the bathtub has its traditional look. If you want this in your own home, you may try and consider buying a clawfoot bathtub. A clawfoot bathtub is very popular for people who want to have that classic American look in their bathroom. It is very simple in design and very pleasing to look at.

There are different styles in a clawfoot bathtub. You should consider choosing one that will compliment your bathroom more. There are clawfoot bathtubs that are made from cast iron or acrylic. The style also varies from roll top, dual and dual slipper. You can also choose from different kinds of feet for your clawfoot bathtub like a ball & claw, lion paw, imperial pedestal and skirt.

Choosing what kind of clawfoot bathtub you want for your home is up to you. Basically, here are the things you should know about the two different kinds of materials used in the clawfoot bathtub.

If you are a strict traditionalist and want a clawfoot bathtub to have that original look, you may want to consider having a cast iron clawfoot bathtub. These bathtubs can be painted and repainted to match the dcor in your bathroom. Cast iron clawfoot bathtubs are heavy and are not suited for people with bathrooms in the second floor of their house. And, since it is metal, it will not retain heat too long. One advantage of cast iron clawfoot bathtubs is that it can last a long time.

On the other hand, the acrylic clawfoot tubs are light weight and are easier to move and install. It is also perfect for upper story baths because of its weight. Acrylic clawfoot bathtubs are good insulators that can keep your water warm longer.

One disadvantage of acrylic is that it will break down if strong cleaning chemicals are used, like acetate.

You can also install different kinds of faucets for your clawfoot bathtub. Try experimenting or think about what designs you want your faucets to be in your clawfoot bathtub.

If you want your home to have that classical touch, you can start redecorating it in your bathroom. Having a clawfoot bathtub installed in your bathroom can have a pleasing effect with the things around it. With a clawfoot bathtub, you will surely have an enjoyable and relaxing experience while you are bathing.

Claire Bowes is a successful freelance writer and owner of Clawfoot Bathtubs where you will find further tips to spruce up your bathtub.

Picking The Best Bathroom Flooring

There are two considerations when it comes to flooring (as with many choices that you have to make in your bathroom renovation pro1C4Fject). Can we describe them as style and substance to borrow from the old aphorism. Do you want your floor to be all style and no substance, all substance and no style or a bit of an all rounder. An all rounder is the obvious response but you may have other things in the room that you want to set the style of the room, like an elaborate statue, modern vanity units or an unusual whirlpool tub. In this case you want a functional flooring that helps to show off these features. If you have no other features that you want to show off then maybe your flooring can be super stylish or have an elaborate pattern and be the main feature of the room. Of course these choices come down to your personal likes and your budget. This article will examine some considerations when picking the best bathroom flooring.

In terms of cost tiling is probably the most expensive flooring. Then comes laminates and vinyl. Some people use carpet in their bathrooms but this is generally going out of fashion as it is harder to clean and doesn't really react very well to moisture. It pays to shop around either physically or on the internet for good deals for these types of materials. Often there will be an end of line material that is going cheap so you may end up getting a cheaper tile flooring that may be a few years old than the latest vinyl patterns. If you do this however, ensure that there is enough of this material to cover your bathroom (with a few spare tiles for any mishaps during the installation).

Another consideration with bathroom flooring is who will install the flooring. Whilst it is a good learning experience to lay the bathroom flooring you probably don't want to learn this skill on a super expensive Italian ceramic tiling that costs $20 a square foot. You probably want to hire a professional or even the person that sold you the tiling to install it. If you are installing a vinyl tiling or sheeting then this is relatively inexpensive and could be a good project to get your feet wet. This all comes down to cost in the end.

Ceramic tiling looks great and is the best way to make a statement in your bathroom. This is your all style material however it has many practical qualities. It is extremely durable and will last a lifetime.

Laminate is a fairly new material in the bathroom (and homes in general). It is cheaper than tiling and can come in some impressive designs, like pine flooring or a stone effect. It is easy to install. It comes with an underlay that gives it a sense of give and dampens any noise when you walk on it.

Vinyl comes in sheets or tiles. Vinyl sheeting is probably the cheapest and easiest to install. It is a great material to use for DIY projects. This is because you can make mistakes and it won't cost too much. Vinyl is also durable but will wear out quicker than the other materials. It is also liable for fad in terms of color and pattern over time.

If you want to breathe new life into your home or are simply looking for a little inspiration then visit http://www.finehomeideas.com The site gives tips and advice for home renovation and interior design, including a review of bamboo flooring and tips for laying bathroom tiles. Adrian Whittle writes about ideas for making your home special.

Glass Tiles For Your Kitchen - Clean And Clear

Glass tiles are perfect for your kitchen especially if you're thinking of having a contemporary or modern look. These provide a very clean and sleek look that will surely bring in lots of light into the area. Glass tiles are durable as well and are not very hard to maintain aside from what most people would think. Here are some design tips when using glass tiles.

There are different types of glass tiles and colors can vary from transparent to colored opaque. These acquire colors through mixed pigments in molten glass during manufacturing. The color and shade permeate within the tiles' body. During the firing method, a layer of pigment is fused to the tiles' surface. As a result, colors of them are permanent and well-protected against moisture. Color is generally uniform among batches of glass tiles. Clear glass tiles do not use any pigments and are simply molten then fired.

Glass tiles have many advantages. It is moisture-proof which makes it very useful and sturdy in the kitchen. It works best and is most commonly used in walls where it allows light to enter the area without heat.

It is very aesthetic as well considering the variety of colors so people usually create mosaics which serve as a centerpiece of the kitchen. It is good both indoors and outdoors and with its non-permeable quality, endures moisture, heat, fire and ultraviolet rays. By installing glass tiles, other surrounding structures are protected against instant temperature changes.

Smalti is a type of glass tile made up of melted silica with sodium. Some metals and metal oxides are used to stabilize the material before it is fired and hand-cut. Fused glass tiles are usually translucent in nature with a visible opaque layer. Sintered ones usually come in 1 to 3 square feet measurement. It is manufactured by pressing glass powder then heating to fuse particles. Terrazzo glass tiles involve a cast method using glass and concrete amalgam. Cast tiles have a layered appearance created by putting glass chunks into a mold. Slumped glass has a contoured or curved appearance.

For ideas on kitchen tile design, visit http://www.kitchentile101.com

Using Christmas Tree Lights

For many children, sitting in front of the Christmas tree with the Christmas tree lights twinkling is a daily hobby during the holiday season. Many of us remember spending long moments doing just that, fascinated throughout. By turning off all light in the room and lighting just the tree, it will create a beautiful, peaceful glow for the entire space. With perhaps some Christmas music playing in the background, it quickly would become a favorite way to spend your day.

Memories As A Child

As a child, you may have had fond memories associated with the Christmas tree, such as helping to get it straight in the stand and then taking care of it. Perhaps it was your mother that would place Christmas tree lights throughout the branches, so that each one would hold onto the branch just right so that the cords were hidden. With Christmas carols playing in the background, it creates a lasting memory that can only be perfectly honored by replaying it each year. Once the lights are placed on the tree, next will come the beautiful ornaments, many of them ornaments that were used year after year; some crystal, some glass, some beautiful handmade pieces. As they are added the ornaments danced in the Christmas tree lights. The tree looks beautiful.

More Than The Tree

Although Christmas tree lights are mainly used for the tree itself, they5B4 do have decorating abilities for other locations around the home. For example, you can use them to decorate the banister or wrap the cords along a favorite mirror. You can use the Christmas tree lights on any fixtures that it is safe to use on. When you do, you allow those items to fit in the Christmas themed home, giving it more character and festive attention. Use the lights as they fit throughout your home.

While using Christmas tree lights on the actual Christmas tree is the normal thing to do, it is also a warm and welcoming way to greet people by placing them throughout the home. Using Christmas tree lights to decorate your home is something that you can learn to do and then pass on to your children. Throughout the process of decorating the home together, you will quickly find yourself creating traditions that will be cherished for years to come. Use Christmas tree lights to enhance and enamor your home to make it the most beautiful for the holidays.

Adam Peters enjoys writing about design for http://www.home-decorating-reviews.com A focused website that offers the best articles on christmas tree home decor and design.

Steel Buildings - Understanding the Steel Building Industry

The rising trend

Increased population, expanded businesses, advanced technological processes leading to an insatiable demand for quality, attractive and low-maintenance cost buildings have made the world extol and accept the steel building industry. Building steel buildings from concert halls to hospitals to schools to churches is the new trend in todays day and age.

Why steel?

Steel buildings have numerous advantages over the more conventional sort of buildings and thus are the preferred choice:

* Sturdy: Steel buildings are not only stronger than others buildings, like that of wood, but also more economical. Dimensions noted and requirements taken care of; steel structures are shipped where wanted when they are fully constructed, hence saving time, labor cost and energy over on-site constructions.

* Utility: Compared to the conventional mediums of other building material, the wastage in the case of steel is minimal if not nil. The heavy amounts of wastage in materials such as wood is excoriated by all in sharp contrast to steel where ALL amounts of steel used can be recycled easily.

* Need: With steel buildings, another factor to be taken into account is that steel buildings can be designed according to requirements. To take an example, high ceilings needed in churches or the height to accommodate big machinery in factories is easily arranged with steel buildings where machine construction ensures fulfillment of exact needs.

What to take care about?

All advantages of steel building may be disparaged by a single unwise decision. It is prudent to be careful about certain things beforehand and be invulnerable instead of falling prey to money-centric predators:

* Price: Needs and budget given a thought, one must not be driven by the price alone when getting a steel building built. Steel building industry has its own share of scam artists who can make you an unsuspecting victim of a steel building rip-off. Make sure that you check the history of the company and compare prices of the steel being offered. As you may falsely believe, all steel is NOT same. Hiring a professional steel supplier is a sensible choice to make.

* Requirements: Ask questions and minute details and dont settle for anything but the best. In most cases, steel skeletons are directly transported to the location decided making it indispensable for you to know exactly what you want beforehand. The height of building for an office, the number and type of doors at residence, the mapping of a factory before order, according to the machinery to be installed are common examples.

* Professionals: When you want the best, make sure you get the best professionals. Any pre-deposits or advance money should be made after contract-signing. Care needs to be taken to see that all aspects covered are those already discussed and decided. If any company offers a-ready-to-deliver building or something at an out of the way discount or shying away from paperwork; make sure you are not foisted a deal.

Mike Zhmudikov is a professional copywriter and seo consultant.

What Does It Cost To Build A Home In Ocala

Marion County, where the city of Ocala is located, has seen burgeoning growth, and it continues to rapidly rise till the present day, and is dramatically changing the face of the county. Nowhere is that more evident than on State Road 200, where commercial and residential development moved at a fever pitch. In 1995, Ocala was named the fifth best place to live in the U.S. by Money magazine.

The city was named an All-America City earlier in the year, and moved up in the national rankings from 78th place in 1994. It was also named the second best mid-sized metropolitan area in the nation and the second best city in the South. The city offers investors with not just lovely horse farms and estates, which Ocala is famous for, but also an assortment of industries and employment opportunities ranging from electronics, aerospace development, manufacturing, real estate and tourism.

Affordable Housing

Marion County, as well as Ocala, offers several affordable housing programs for income-eligible households. The County provides medium-income families a State Housing Initiative Partnership or SHIP, and the Community Development Block Grant or CDBG for home purchase or rehabilitation outside of the city limits.

In Ocala, the CDBG Housing Rehabilitation Program, which utilizes federal funds, along with the s5B4tate-funded SHIP program is offered to income eligible residents who wish to buy homes within the city limits. Each year, several home events are also hosted by the city, expose potential buyers to the area's developers.

Two of the city's major annual events are the annual spring Parade of Homes and the Fall Showcase of Homes. The Marion County Building Industry Association sponsors both events. Homes usually range from the more affordable end of just over $100,000 to those considered in the luxury price range of over $500,000.

Tips For Ocala Home-seekers

The local local realtors association is a good first step in looking for a nice home. Most local brokers suggest stopping by the local Chamber of Commerce for those new to the area and looking for a house. They note that a wealth of information is available to help make the search easier. In addition to contacting a local property broker of choice and getting referrals from peers, they also suggest getting in the car and driving around town, to better learn the area.

For the second quarter of 2007, the median prices of homes in Marion County was pegged at $170,900, which represents a slight jump from $169,500 for the same period in 2006. The National Association of Realtors reported a U.S. median home price of $223,800 for the second quarter of 2007 compared to $227,100 in 2006. Statewide, the median price for the period was $221,200, down from $243,300 in 2005A56.

Most major housing indicators show the market in Ocala is leaning toward the area of being a buyer's market. Housing analysts say this is being driven by the increasing inventory of both new and existing homes. During 2006-2007, Marion County reported 2,698 permits for construction of single-family homes, which is down from 6,355 in the 2005-2006 fiscal year.

As for construction of multi-family homes, which include condos, town homes and apartments, there was a slight increase in 2007 with 48 permits versus 37 permits in 2006.

Vanessa A. Doctor from Jump2Top - SEO Company

http://www.fountainsatgolfpark.com/fountains/index.htm - Ocala Real Estate

Standing Seam Metal Roofing

Standing seam metal roofing should be a preferable choice when you think of metal roofing of your building or house because it has so much to offer with an economical price. Standing seam metal roofing is very tough and durable roofing solution. Standing seam metal roofing almost last as long as the lifetime of the building itself. It doesnt just end here. Standing seam metal roofing is very beautiful and catchy than any other roofing solution. Hence standing seam metal roofing provides toughness of the metal with economical price and appealing appearance.

Installation Process of the Standing Seam Metal Roofing

The installation process takes a couple of days. It is a difficult process therefore it is better to hire the professional contractors for the job. The construction is done in different metal panels that run vertically down the roof. Installation is done in such a manner that water can sweep down the roof without any difficulty. Therefore you wont have to worry about any leakage in the roof.

Another good thing about this kind of metal roofing is that they can be customized in such a way that when the metal is cut in the factory, it is done with keeping in mind the requirements of the building where it is going to be installed.

Visual Look of the Standing Seam Metal Roofing

Standing seam metal roofing enjoys the fact that it is completely customizable with all the available colors that are offered in metal roofing and many kinds of metals like stainless steel, copper, and aluminum. The thing that distinguishes standing seam metal roofing from other metal roofing is that the way in which it is installed, it looks very beautiful on any building with the fact it carries all the properties other metal roofing solutions have.

Professional contractors should be hired in order to get the satisfaction of the quality of the work because this is a very tricky job to be done personally.

Standing seam metal roofing is simply the best solution if you are either installing the new roof or reroofing your building. It has so many advantages like it is corrosion resistant, tough, durable, non-combustible works in all kinds of weathers, fully customizable with many color paints and metals, and its metal can be cut according to the precise requirements of the building where it is going to be installed.

Therefore if you are looking to install the new roof for your building, think about standing seam metal roofing. It is optimum choice with the least cost and lifetime of care free satisfaction.

You can also find more info on sheet metal and structural metal roofing. Homeroofinghelp.com is a comprehensive resource to known about metal roofing.

Building By The Square Foot

How much material is it going to take to do the job? What is the labor cost for the project?

These are questions a contractor asks himself when bidding a job. In most cases a contractor will use the square foot method to determine the answer to those questions.

This method of take off is particularly handy in figuring sheet good type materials such as wall sheathing, plywood decking, roof sheathing and drywall. To find the square footage for one of these areas, multiply the height or width times(x) the length. For example if you have an eight foot high wall by 40 feet long the square footage for the wall would be 32E2B0 square feet. Most sheet goods are 4 feet by 8 feet or 32 square feet. The square footage of the wall is divided by 32. It will take 10 sheets of plywood or insulated sheathing to cover this wall.

This same method can be used to figure the plywood or OSB for the house deck and roof. To figure the deck simply multiply the width of the deck by the length to get the square footage and divide by 32. Figuring the square footage of a roof is similar but with a twist.

For the roof multiply the length of the rafters by the length of the roof. Take the result times 2 for the total square footage for both sides of a gable roof, then divide by 32 to get the amount of plywood to sheet the roof. The square footage of a hip roof is figured the same way.

Drywall is also figured by the square foot. This can be an involved process. It can be broken down into two parts. First the square footage for the ceilings can be figured. Like the deck this is figured length times width. Then the lineal feet of all the walls is taken times the height. Interior walls will be added in twice because they have drywall on both sides. Labor to hang, tape, and paint the drywall is also figured this way. Besides drywall and painting, many other labor costs are figured by the square foot. Roofing and siding are figured by the square. A square is 100 square feet. For example if a roof is 1200 square feet, it will take 12 squares of shingles to cover it. The same unit of measurement goes for vinyl, wood, aluminum, steel and cement sidings.

Carpentry makes use of this measurement also. The cost to frame a house is usually figured by the square foot. Costs to build a whole house are estimated this way to help people determine if a house or its house plans are affordable for them to build.

Flooring is also among one of those things that use the square foot method to figure labor and materials. This includes ceramic and quarry tiles, hardwood, laminate, and vinyl flooring, and carpeting. Most contractors and installers use a price per square foot for their labor when calculating their costs for installation.

This information will help you understand contractor estimates and help you do your own calculations for projects.

Mike Merisko(c) 2007 - www.sawkerfs.com

Mike Merisko has been a carpenter for 26 years. Most of those years were spent in the homebuilding and remodeling industries. He was also in business as a carpentry and general contractor. While that is his forte, he also has experience in bridge building, commercial construction, and exhibit building which is how he earns his living these days. You can browse through articles by him and others at his website http://www.sawkerfs.com or visit his blog at http://www.sawkerfs.blogspot.com

Create An Attic Bathroom

How to turn your attic into an extra room by creating a bathroom

Install shelving in niches beneath sloping walls and create a luxurious feel with a walk-in wet room style shower and a large freestanding bath. A delicate colour scheme helps soften the angular lines of the room and a window seat with cupboards below is both comfortable and practical.

HOW TO MAKE IT WORK...
A console table or a simple chest of drawers can be adapted to make an excellent alternative to expensive fitted units and create a stylish integrated look.

A wet room style shower will increase the sense of space within the room, while a specially made storage unit below a window can double as seating.

Draw up a detailed plan of the room, and consider each corner carefully. For example, can you fit a shower under one of the eaves?

Consult a good bathroom supplier for advice on creating a wet room.

Paint walls and pieces of furniture in pale colours to give the room a light, spacious feel.

All wood used in a bathroom should be oiled to protect it against water. Choose wooden flooring that has been engineered for use in a bathroom.

Use different materials, such as wood and stone, to create gentle divisions in the room.

Make removable covers for all soft furnishings so that they can be easily washed.

Use acrylic eggshell or a specially formulated bathroom paint with a plastic base which is impervious to water and can be wiped down.

You can find more information on bathroom ideas and bathroom planning at house to home, helping you create a look you'll love

A Career As An Electrician

Work Profile

In new building construction, the work of an electrician is to ensure that all the electrical wires and cables are properly installed. It is mandatory under the law that only qualified electricians should handle the wiring of electrically equipped buildings, whether residential, commercial or industrial. When installing electrical systems, electricians are required to work with blueprints that specify the locations of load centers, panel boards, circuits, outlets and other electrical equipment. Electricians have to work in conformity with the National Electrical Code and the state and local building codes.

Nature Of Work

While installing wiring systems, electricians place conduits in the walls, partitions and concealed areas, as per instructions in the blue prints. They fasten small metal or plastic boxes to walls for housing electrical switches and outlets and pull insulated wires and cables through the conduits to complete the electrical circuits between these boxes. They join the wires and cables in the boxes using special connecters. In course of their work, the electricians have to use tools like screwdrivers, wire strippers, hacksaws, conduit benders, knives and power tools like drills and saws.

The work of electricians who specialize in maintenance consists primarily of repair and the maintenance of electrical equipment and upgrading existing electrical systems. The actual work would vary, depending on where the electrician is employed. For example, in a home they may be required to rewire, remove an old circuit box or replace the existing one to accommodate additional equipment and install new fans. Maintenance electricians working in factories may need to repair transformers, generators, motors, machine tools and electronic controllers.

Working Conditions

Electricians have to work indoors and outdoors. Their work may take them to factories, homes, offices and construction sites. At times, the work may be physically demanding, such as bending conduits, stooping, standing and kneeling for long hours. They are exposed to weather conditions that at times could be quite inhospitable. In their course of work, electricians are exposed to the risk of injury from electrical shock, cuts and falls. To avoid these, they have to adhere to5B4 strict safety procedures.

Weekly Working Hours

Electricians work forty hours a week, but many do work overtime. Those attached to maintenance and repairs in factories are required to travel to the worksites at any time of the day or night, in case of an emergency.

Training And Qualifications

Most electricians are trained via apprentice programs that offer a combination of on-the-job-training and classroom instruction. The apprentice programs are sponsored by the local chapter of Associated Builders and Contractors and the Independent Electrical Contractor's Association or the joint training committees, comprising of local unions of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers and local chapters of the National Electrical Contractors Association.

Applicants to the apprentice programs must be at least eighteen years of age and possess a G.E.D. or a high school diploma.

Earnings

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, in 2004 electricians recorded median hourly earnings of $20.33. The lowest and highest figures for the hourly earnings for electricians were $12.18 and $33.63, respectively.

Tony Jacowski is a quality analyst for The MBA Journal. Aveta Solutions - Six Sigma Online (http://ww29Aw.sixsigmaonline.org) offers online six sigma training and certification classes for lean six sigma, black belts, green belts, and yellow belts.

Electric Shower Evolution

Remember the old days when a household shower was nothing more than two rubber cups that resembled the implement used for milking cows had to be fitted over the hot and cold tap? Not the most high-tech product ever invented I'm sure you'd agree. And then there was the age old problem of either freezing or scalding yourself every time someone else in the house decided to run a tap, a bit like shower Russian roulette. But we've moved on a lot since those days.

The electric shower, perhaps once looked upon as more functional than stylish is now competing with many other household items as the must have product for the house. Electric showers have evolved from the simple on - off unit of 10 - 15 years ago into high-tech designer toys for the upwardly mobile. Shower cubicles with build in steam and sauna settings are readily available on the market, these usually come complete with a built in radio to keep you entertained whilst you steam away. Who wants to stand up in a steam room or sauna whilst listening to the radio? Why not sit down? These electric showers also come with a little seat to keep you comfortable as you relax, and as if t5B4hat wasn't enough you can even get an electric shower with a water massage facility. If you can't be bothered to wait for your shower to heat up why not get a remote controlled version that at the press of a button allows you to chose a pre-set temperature for your shower, turns the shower on, and even tells you when it's up to temperature. Now that's evolution.

Electric showers now make up 52 per cent of the overall shower market with approximately 1.4 million instantaneous electric shower units sold in 2006. And the appeal of the instantaneous shower looks set to increase for a number of reasons. Firstly, there's the environmental issue - instantaneous showers are 99 per cent efficient as they only heat the water required and used. This compares sharply to other shower concepts, many of which rely on large volumes of stored hot water.

With the emphasis for the trade and homeowners increasingly being on energy efficiency instantaneous showers will doubtless remain a clear choice for consumers wishing to do their bit for the environment Secondly, there's the ongoing trend for homeowners to renovate and extend properties rather than moving house, a trend that's likely to continue if the housing market levels out as forecasters are predicting. Instantaneous showers are the perfect solution for second bathrooms or en-5B0suites, being simple and easy to install as well as taking up minimal space compared to a standard bath.

Finally, it's about consumer choice. The majority of bathroom fixtures and fittings chosen and installed by consumers in their home are chrome, which is firmly established as the chic and stylish material and finish for both contemporary and traditional bathrooms. However, whilst 95 per cent of the mixer tap valve market is made up of chrome units, the choice of electric and power showers is much more limited. Instantaneous shower manufacturers have developed showers available in classic white and chrome in response to the consumer market and demand.

As with most markets, the manufacturers will produce what ever they think the markets desires and with the power of the consumer growing ever stronger who knows where the evolution of the electric shower will end?

I try to pass on my musings on life and experiences in a way that people may find interesting to read.

http://www.designer-bathrobes.com

You may not always agree with my writings but I hope to inform.

Harwood E Woodpecker

The Added Convenience Of An Indoor Swimming Pool

Homeowners who enjoy the added luxury of owning a home swimming pool will surely tell you of the countless hours of enjoyment and increased property value that their swimming pool has provided them. In fact, more and more people who are embarking upon new home construction are choosing to include the backyard swimming pool in their initial Construction Plans. But for some homeowners, climate and convenience have prompted them to opt instead for an indoor swimming pool a place where they can enjoy the luxuries of the water unobstructed.

The indoor swimming pool is just what its name suggests an enclosed swimming pool that is within a building or home. Many public facilities such as gyms, country clubs, hotels, and schools offer an indoor swimming pool. But now, more than ever, there is a growing trend for the private sector to include an indoor swimming pool in their home design. In this case, the pool may be within the confines of the home or within an attached atrium that is surrounded by glass. In either case, the indoor swimming pool is protected from the elements including temperature and bugs and allows users to enjoy the water without having to give any thought to the time of day or time of year.

Of course, as with any swimming pool, ongoing maintenance of the indoor swimming pool is essential to ensuring that the pool stays in proper working condition. Often homeowners will enlist the services of a professional swimming pool maintenance company that will clean, maintain, and repair the swimming pool according to the terms of their contract.

However, there are certain safety issues that must be addressed if you choose to have an indoor swimming pool especially if there are children in the home. While an outdoor pool can certainly be dangerous, you at least have the opportunity to fence off the pool area so that children do not enter without being accompanied by an adult. If you have a pool inside your home you must take extra precautions to ensure that children are supervised at all times and know not to enter the pool area without permission. It may be advisable depending on the ages of the children to keep the indoor swimming pool behind locked doors. In addition, all children should be taught to swim, as well as taught comprehensive pool safety.

An indoor swimming pool can be a luxurious addition to any home. If you use it safely and maintain it well, it will surely bring you many years of enjoyment.

For easy to understand, in depth information about indoor swimming pool visit our ezGuide 2 Swimming Pool.

Bath and Shower Tile Designs

Ideas to help you create beautiful bath and shower tile designs.

One of the wonderful things about tile is the fact you have almost unlimited creativity. There are many types of tile and different ways to createB3D your own unique bath and shower tile designs. From standard bulk tile to individually hand painted, no matter what your decorative style, youll still have many choices.

Before creating bath and shower tile designs, you must choose your pattern and tiles you want. When using tile to create designs there are three kinds of tiles you can use. There are field tiles, which are simple in shape. These come in many sizes and are great to use when covering a large area. The next tiles are the accent tiles. These tiles are designed with unusual shapes, sheens and textures. All it takes is a few of these to turn an ordinary tile pattern into something extraordinary. Last, the trim tiles are your border tiles. These are typically narrow and go around the edge to add to your design.

Tips for choosing bath and shower tile designs:

• Light airy tile choices make your room look larger. For a stronger effect use contrasting accent tile colors.
• Consider the entire color scheme of the room including counters, floors, and walls. Adjust your tile creation to create focal points or to compliment.
• Using two or three colors can create subtle, yet very effective results.
• Add color to your tile choice by using randomly spaced contrasting tiles.

Bath and Shower Tile Designs

Another important bath and shower tile design element is the grout color choice. The wide array of grout color will make your patterns come together with a matching or contrasting color. When you choose a high contrast color of grout to the tile it becomes more visible. Contrasting a white grout with black tile will contract for a checkered look giving you a little extra design. It is also important for grout to be cleaned with warm soapy water and re-sealed often in regularly used areas.

Dont be afraid to be creative as you choose your bath and shower tile designs. The result will be a uniquely beautiful bathroom youll enjoy for years.

This article was written by Gregg Hicks of http://www.reliableremodeler.com which provides Internet-based home improvement information and services. Offering homeowners a simple, quick, and free way to access, qualified home improvement remodeling contractors.

Different Styles of Residential Fencing

Although there are many different types of residential fencing perhaps aluminum is the most popular. This is a galvanized steel product with a hard wearing powder coat finish. It is designed to add beauty and value to residential homeowners. There are a wide variety of styles and colors to select from and any of them will complement any color that you may have on your home. This type of fence is designed with the residential person in mind and provides a level of quality and resilience that the home owner needs. This fence is made for durability to withstand the elements and it is possible to have a special formulated powder coating made to suit your needs.

This power coated system of polyester resin prevents early rusting. This type of fencing comes in eight-foot sections to cut down on time and labor. The posts that are provided will hold the pickets firmly in place and will adapt to any contour of slopes in your landscape. The panels can be secured to the post without any welding and there are brackets provided. Most of these come with a 12 year warranty.

You can find these available from 4 foot to 6 foot high and there are many different colors to choose from. This fence carries very low-maintenance which can free up your time for other things. Whether you need a picket fence or a privacy fence, this fencing can provide what you need. If you have animals that you want to keep in or animals that y46Cou want to keep out, this is the fence that can provide the security for you. With its low maintenance, durability, and appealing look this fence will be a welcome addition to your home. No matter what your needs this fence can provide what you're looking for.

For lots of information on garden fencing and other related topics, visit Fences Guide at www.fencesguide.com

Chinking For Log Siding

Understanding Gothic Revival Architecture

Some architectural styles should never change. That's likely what many builders thought in the early 1800s when Gothic architecture was re-discovered. With its tall, looming lines and intricate facades, the style was as relevant and attractive then as it was in its original period between the 12th and 16th century. Many Gothic Revival structures throughout the united states have been carefully preserved, and new examples are always celebrated.

Gothic and Gothic Revival architecture is alwD84ays easy to identify. Buildings of this style often have high pitched roofs or spires, tall, narrow windows coming to a point at the top, exposed wood structural beams, and cross hatched decorative patterns. Because of its defining characteristics many people have the misconception that all gothic buildings are tall and narrow. In fact, some of the best examples of the style are squared or rectangular structures such as the Oxford University Museum of Natural History, and the Saint Clotilde Basilica in Paris - the Gothic tradition in these buildings is as apparent as anywhere else. Gothic skyscrapers built in the late 19th and early 20th century, particularly in New York City, may be responsible for the style's most common interpretation. The Cathedral of Learning at the University of Pittsburg, is another beautiful example of tall, narrow Gothic architecture.

Gothic architecture is widely accepted to have begun in the 12th century with the Basilique Saint-Denis in Paris, where nearly all of the country's monarchs were buried. The style quickly spread across Europe, and was developed over several centuries, with the last high profile example being the Chapel at Westminister, built by Henry VII in the early 16th century.

Gothic architecture never died out completely, but resurfaced less frequently between the 16th and 19th centuries, while post renaissance styles were popularized. The literature of the 19th century helped as much as anything to revive interest in the middle ages, as authors like Horace Walpole began to celebrate the period in their works.

The Gothic Revival was in full swing by the early 19th century, and came to America in the 1830s. While the style re-emerged largely unchanged, it was now being applied to smaller structures like homes and commercial buildings, as well as in traditional settings. Gothic revival architecture remained popular in the U.S. until the 1870s, although, again, it never vanished completely. Aspects of the Art Nouveau style of the 1930s can be traced to Gothic and Gothic Revival architecture, and occasionally a gifted architect is able to channel the original style in all its unmistakable stark beauty.

Susan Zanzonico has a wealth of information for buyers, sellers, and investors in the Harding NJ real estate area. Visit her website for community profiles, property listings throughout the area, including homes in Madison NJ, and information on her extensive real estate services.

A Carpenters Story

Peaceful Co-existence: Pets and Hardwood Wood Floors

Even though it has been established by many that hardwood wood floors require regular attention when you have a pet, it is not a forgone conclusion that you must choose between your Faithful Friend and the beauty and class that hardwood wood floors can bring to an interior.

Taking care of hardwood wood floors will demand a certain level of attention, and as such it is just as easy to incorporate a few simple steps into a cleaning routine which takes your pets into account as well. In some ways, having hardwood floors in a pets environment is a great alternative to carpeting. Hardwood wood floors make the clearing away of animal hair and dander a much simpler exercise. Pets enjoy the coolness of hardwood, and will often remain in those areas away from your carpeting. This can save a lot of time and bother when it comes to vacuuming.

Be Vigilant

Overall, the key principle to remember about hardwood wood floors and pets is awareness and timely action. Responsible pet owners are likely to find success when it comes to taking care of their hardwood floors as well as their furry friends. Provided that you keep a few things in mind, you may well enjoy the company of your pets as well as the high quality a hardwood wood floors unique appearance will lend to your interior for years to come. Some actions to take when it comes to pets and hardwood wood floors may include:

Considering some areas of your interior to be no pet zones

Clipping your pets claws to avoid scratching the surface of hardwood wood floors

Seeking ways of avoiding spillage from pet water dishes buy broad-based water dishes or water dishes that come with a spill-resistant stand

Making use of strategically placed mats to protect from spills and wet paws fresh from outdoor exploration. Make sure that wet mats dont sit too long on your hardwood wood floor.

Assuming the worst when it comes to urine stains and lingering odors even before they happen. Seek advice from pet store retailers and DIY experts about how to treat the surface of a hardwood wood floor in the event of an accident. Always follow the instructions as stipulated by manufacturers of stain-removal products

Being prepared to clear water spills and urine right away dont leave messes to sit

One option to explore of course is finding out about as many flooring options as you feel are viable as alternatives to hardwood wood floors. Many varieties of flooring (laminate flooring, porcelain tile et al) are very conducive to high pet-traffic, and with comparatively less to worry about when it comes to many of the elements discussed here. Look at as many as you can and know how much attention each option will demand when it comes to your pet. In weighing the pros and cons when it comes to a choice of flooring and your pet, you may save yourself a significant amount of bother and expense in the future.

The author of this article, Rob Jones, is Communications Coordinator with BuildDirect, a leading online wholesaler of building products. Rob writes articles for commercial contractors and DIYers on features, installation, and maintenance of building materials used in commercial and residential projects. These articles focus on materials such as flooring, decking, roofing, and siding, and other related topics.

Diagonal Lattice Fence

Bathroom Design in Perth

Choosing a bathroom design in Perth should be an easy thing to do. However when faced with the plethora of available products it can be daunting.

Begin by looking through magazines. Tear out or mark all the bathrooms that appeal to you. Look at the home- themed TV shows and make note of the bathroom features that you like. Over time you should be able to see a common theme/pattern running through your choices. At this point you may choose to go it alone or get the help of a qualified designer, indeed some people find the choices so overwhelming that it is best to get the designer in at the beginning!

Decide which process is easier for you, remember that the cost of using a professional can often be offset by the fact that they can save you on some products, save time finding tradesmen and most importantly save costly mistakes by making wrong choices. You will, in all probability, have to live with the mistake or the dream for a long time. You have to decide which would be easier to live with.

Next work out your budget - a vital step! You cannot have a "champagne" bathroom on a "beer" budget so it is important to be realistic. Remember to leave money in the budget for demolition of an old bathroom, if applicable. After the budget has been considered it's time to measure up the space you will have to work with, you cannot have a giant spa or bath in a tiny bathroom . It is also wise to consider your storage space in the bathroom design particularly for future users such as teenage kids.

When you have worked out where everything will go, remembering it is always expensive to move plumbing, then you need to choose your fixtures and fittings. Tile shops can be ideal for this as they invariably have the laminate samples available so you can put that part together there. If you do not want laminate tops be sure to take samples of your chosen items to the tile shops or tile samples to the other shops you need to visit. Remember your lighting and mirrors as well as paint colours, you are planning the whole room.

Bathroom design in Perth offers so many choices - have fun and enjoy your end results.

Jacqueline Hars is an interior designer in Perth, Western Australia. She is known for creating the "wow" factor for her clients.

She also has an intimate knowledge of where to source the best product and good tradesmen. With this knowledge she can save her clients around 10% on a typical project, and yet Jacqueline's fees are only about 5% of the project cost.

By engaging Jacqueline, her clients get a stunning result cheaper than if they did it themselves. Click the link for Jacqueline's free report on Perth Interior Design.

Porcelain Quarry Terracotta

Ideas For Bathroom Sinks In Your Next Bathroom Remodeling Project

A bathroom remodeling project is often defined by the scale of the changes that you want to make. If the remodeling involves an extension or changing the layout of the existing fixtures then it is quite a large project. This requires a plan, a budget and possibly the hiring of subcontractors to do some of the work. However many bathroom remodeling projects are merely a touch up of the existing layout. This might mean repainting or tiling the walls, replacing the flooring or updating some of the fixtures. An easy way to update your bathroom is to change the sink. This is generally a cheap project and quite easy to do yourself. This article will discuss some of the bathroom sinks that you may want to consider.

There are two basic designs of bathroom sink fixtures. There is the vanity and pedestal sink arrangement.

The vanity sink is simply a sink on top of a vanity unit. The vanity unit is the most obvious thing about the fixture that you can inject a bit of your personality into or help to create a theme in your bathroom. There are many different styles to choose from but ultimately it comes down to what you like. The unit has two purposes. The first is to store stuff in. If you have aA84 need for lots of storage space in your bathroom then this might influence your choice of vanity unit. The second purpose is to hide pipes that connect the sink to the water supply. The piping is relatively unobtrusive but some people prefer not to see it.

A pedestal sink is the exact opposite of a vanity sink, in that it does show the piping. It simply attaches to the wall with a bracket or two. All the plumbing behind the sink is exposed. This is probably the easiest sink to install as there is very little to do. Simply turn the water of and remove the old sink. Add the brackets if needed and then attach the sink. Connect the pipes and the sink is ready to go. Pedestal sinks are also used in small bathrooms where there is not much space for vanity units or other storage units.

Another thing to consider with your new sink is the shape of the sink. The standard and most common sense shape is oval or even bowl shaped. However, if you want a original look to your bathroom you can get any shape you want. Square sinks are popular if you want it to stand out.

Finally, another consideration is the material that the sink is made from. Most sinks are made of porcelain. It is noted for it's durability and that it does not stain. Other materials that could be used include pottery and glass. Both these materials can bring unique styles or themes to your bathroom.

If you want to breathe new life into your home or are simply looking for a bit of inspiration then visit http://www.finehomeideas.com . The site gives tips and advice for home renovation and interior design, including selecting bathroom sinks and tips for laying bathroom tiles. Adrian Whittle writes about ideas to make your home special.

Fireplace And Hearth Framing

Size Does Matter In The 21st Century

In spite of a slight lessening of enthusiasm in the housing market, builders are still building bigger and bigger homes. Americans love to buy bigger homes, it is like an announcement that 'we have arrived'!

Perhaps one of the reasons is that we love to out-do our neighbors, but the underlying root is that we Americans just love houses and homes. Homes are featured on all media outlets, often as double- page celebrity home layouts or as renovating ideas or introducing trendy fads for the home. Homes make good entertainment material!

However, homes have changed over the years and once the home was considered to be only a modest place to hang your hat and not the showcase it often is nowadays.

After the lean years of the Second World War, newly built homes were an average of only one thousand square feet. Not quite the two and a half thousand square foot monster which represents the average home built today.

Our love affair with homes is all enco222Dmpassing and all aspects of the housing market seem to appeal to us from decorating them, renovating and designing them to building and expanding them. When one room or area of the home is to be decorated, it is a family affair and everyone has an opinion on the new design and decor.

If you can actually renovate yourself you will get all the glory for the new look of your modern home. In most cities these days, the local Home Depot is practically the largest store you will ever find.

The real story line is in the mega-rich houses. The percentage of homes costing over $1 million has doubled since the 1970s and the sale of these homes has increased by 500%!

Filling the space in our new large homes is not a problem, as people have a list of amenities that they now want in a home. They include luxuries like his and hers showers, mini-theaters, home offices, media areas and walk in pantries.

But size counts, the garage is now the largest sized single space in the modern home, and the master bedroom is creeping up to be almost double the measurements of the other bedrooms.

When renovating a home for sale, do not do away with too many bedrooms when you are modernizing. Some people make the mistake of developing one of their smaller bedrooms into a luxury bathroom.

Real estate agents tell us that the number of bedrooms in a home is still a factor in boosting the price; it also still counts in boosting the prestige of the property!

One of the reasons that our homes started to get bigger was simply because we bought more possessions. More clothes encouraged the idea of two separate closets and/or the walk- in dressing room. More cars and more recreation vehicles meant bigger garages. Even the TV is now bigger and many people have a home theater in their own home.

Between 1950and 2006 the average U.S. home measured has risen by 150%. The amount of homes that have three car garages has doubled in that time period. But, there are a couple of factors about modern day homes that are getting smaller! However, neither of them relate to the size of the house - one is the plot of land that the house is built on, and the other is the family that is living inside the house!

AffinityProperties.com, your one-stop source for information about Austin real estate. This diversified team of highly skilled real estate agents are ready to answer all of your questions regarding Cedar Park Texas real estate.

The Right Home In The Right Place

Do you want to build a new custom home on a piece of bare Real Estate? You may want to custom design the floor plan to accommodate your family and lifestyle.

Here are a few questions that you may want to consider to start on your road to building the home of your dreams:

1. What is my budget? This is a very important question because it will give you some boundaries on the type of home you desire to design and build. This will also regulate your spending limit in a good way.

2. What size home do you want? Some singles or couples only need or want a simple 1500 square foot home with 2 or 3 bedrooms and 1 or 2 baths. Some larger families want a 2500 square foot home that can accommodate at least 4 bedrooms and have at least 3 bathrooms. What exactly are you looking to build and how much room do you need?

3. What type of home do I want built? There are many options to choose from. You can go from a simple Ranch style home with some accents, a Two-Story home with some extras, a custom A-Frame or Cape Cod, a Tudor style home or any design you can find. Do you want everything on one level or will two or three levels be an option?

4. What type oD65f home foundation do I want this home on? Your piece of property will also help in determining the answer to these questions. If your land is somewhat flat, you can possibly install a slab or crawlspace foundation. If your land is not flat, you will probably need a basement installed. Basements are popular because you have extra space for a garage and/or storage. This also leaves an option of finishing off the basement into a living area in the future. Most of the time clients choose to create a daylight basement where the exposed part of the basement is wood framed and sided like the rest of the home. This eliminates any block work that is not getting any dirt against it and makes the basement easier and more appealing to finish off in the future.

5. What type of siding do I want on this home? You can go with anything from a natural wood siding such as pine, cedar or even log siding, to a cement hardi-board siding, to vinyl, to brick, and many others.

6. Do I want any decks or porches installed on the home? If there is a view from the lot or if you want a place to relax comfortably outside, a deck or porch is a perfect option.

7. How many windows and doors do I want on this home? You may want more windows on a certain side of the home depending on how your building lot is situated. Many people put extra windows on the side where the sun is for the majority of the day or where the view is seen the best.

8. What type of finish do you want on the interior of the home? Drywall is most common; although some people want a rustic all wood interior finish. Of course the all wood is much more expensive so keep this in mind when you are making these choices.

9. What type of flooring do you want in your new home? You can choose to have hardwood and ceramic tile throughout your home or you can choose to have carpet and vinyl. There are many types of flooring choices on the market today.

These are some questions that will help you choose or design your new home. You must also look at the market in your desired area. You would not want to build a 5000 square foot mansion in a neighborhood where there are mostly 2000 square foot homes. You would not want to put an 3000 square foot extravagant home will all tile floors in an area where there are simple 1000 square foot ranch style homes with carpet and vinyl for flooring. It is very important to put the right type of home in the right place and finding a neighborhood where your home choice would nicely fit in.

Author: Janet Marie http://www.abandre.com