Home Made Solar Panels

Solar panels are designed to produce electricity through the use of the natural energy of the sun. These panels absorb the wavelengths of light and turn the natural imminence of the sun into heat and power for the home. Homemade solar panels even work on most cloudy days simply because the light sends enough of the UV wavelengths of light needed. However on bright sunny days the panels work even better.

Now, it is so easy to construct and design your own solar panels with the simple purchase of kits. These kits offer all the instructions, designs, and information needed to accomplish the task. For many homeowners the concept of having homemade solar panels is increasing in popularity everyday.

The kits that are sold and used are not considered expensive and in addition the overall cost of the entire project is worth the funding; because the homemade solar panels will usually pay for themselves within the first few months of installation or being constructed.

Many people who have purchased the kits have done all of the work own his or her own, this means that hiring a contractor or having major technical experience isn't necessary, you don't need professionals to do the job at all.

Homemade solar panels are being seen more now than ever as individuals want to also preserve the environment and the resources. Some panels are even being seen on recreational vehicles, office buildings, and even factories. However, there are more homes seen with the panels than a year ago and that estimation is speculated to increase as well.

In order to achieve having homemade solar panels on your home too all an individual need do is purchase the kit through a web site via the Internet, or also at some local home improvement stores. The idea is so popular there are even some bigger hardware stores that carry these kits. As more people consider the idea of becoming eco-friendly and use the panels they also save a great deal in expenses. There are occasions when some utility companies or power companies in various areas will pay individuals for the unused power that the homemade solar panels produce. So, in essence it all works out for the best when it comes to the homeowner and the decision to have solar panels.

For the most part the kits are selling faster than any other home improvement product on the market today as more individuals realize the increased potential of the homemade solar panels on the homes. Earth4Energy is a guide that explains building Homemade Solar Panel.

Designing For Kids -The CastleFort Story

"It should be about this big..."

My six-year-old son's voice trailed away as he paced off an area in our back yard about the size of a blimp hangar.

"...and about that tall..."

He pointed to the top of the tallest tree in the neighborhood, but had the Sears Tower been on Bellaire Avenue he would have chosen it instead.

"...And it should be red..."

My two-year old interrupted: "and yellow..."

"...with a windmill on top, and a rope ladder, and a slide, and a swing, and...can you build it today?"

"Well," I said, and started to explain that before we could even start to build his new tree house, plans had to be drawn; cost estimates had to be calculated, and we hadn't even picked out a site yet. It was a pretty big tree house so we might need a structural engineer. Could I build it myself or would I need to get competitive bids from contractors? I was just getting to the part about applying for a building permit when he broke in:

"Dad," he said, "you can do it, you're an arky-tek."

(Slight pause as I choked down the lump of pride rising in my throat - how could I say no to that?)

"Okay. Hand me my credit card, son, we're off to the lumberyard."

Like a lot of architectural projects, this one started off with a clash of dreams and reality. As the "director" of a project, I'm often challenged to sort out the possible from the impossible and simultaneously create something beautiful, useful, and lasting. And if my client is open to alternatives and willing to explore options to control the cost, then we've got a realistic chance of bringing the project in near the budget.

But the budget for the "castlefort", as my kids had now come to calling it, was only $300. And even that began to look like a distant dream when we got to the lumberyard. Yikes! For a minute, I thought the prices were in Yen.

I just needed utility-grade lumber, not the straightest, smoothest boards on earth; not perfect knot-free specimens lovingly hand-carved from trees that had lived long and happy lives and in the end, had fallen softly into thick beds of pine straw - just plain old 2 x 4's.

Eventually, I culled out the worst looking boards from the bunch and talked the store manager into a sizeable discount. We were back on budget.

I'd known early on that the biggest problem we faced in the siting and design of our tree house was the lack of trees, or at least trees that could support a tree house. But there is always another solution lurking in the background, hidden behind the pile of baggage in my brain that keeps trying to tell me what a tree house should look like. The solution was really quite simple when I realized that it wasn't so much that the tree house had to be up in a tree, it just mostly had to be up. And so we built it on stilts in a simplified version of coastal construction where pilings are sunk into the sand to hold up the floor deck. With my six-year old supervising, I set four 4 x 4's into postholes and filled them with concrete.

The rest of the project had many of the elements of a "real" house; framing, siding, roofing, painting, even indoor/outdoor carpeting. I balked at my son's request for electricity and cable TV but gave in on the chimney/skylight.

Painting was collaboration between my kids, my wife, and me; the adults handling the outside while the kids tackled the interior dcor. To the relief of our neighbors, the exterior complements the house. The inside, however, looks like an oven after a particularly bad lasagna explosion. But the kids love it, and so do I.

Right from the beginning the castlefort was a huge hit with the neighbors and their kids. At every party it's the first place the kids go and it is the center of activity for almost every game they can think up. But then a funny thing happened - the neighbor kids started asking their dads when they'd start building their castleforts. For at least one dad, the pressure was too much; his tree house is on schedule for a late spring completion.

One evening my wife and I were sitting on the deck watching the kids play tag around the castlefort. "Honey", I said, "I wonder how old the boys will be when they get tired of playing in the castlefort?"

"I don't know if they ever will," she said. "Right now it's a big toy but eventually it'll be a secret hideout, or a cabin for summer sleepovers with their friends," "Why maybe they'll even invite their girlfriends over to see it someday."

"Girlfriends?" I said. "Girlfriends?" We looked at each other for a moment and suddenly the realization of what she'd just said hit her.

"Ten years, babe," I said. "Then it's coming down!"

Richard L. Taylor, AIA is a published author and recognized expert in Residential Architecture. He is President of Richard Taylor Architects, a 5-person firm in Historic Dublin, Ohio. Residential Architect | Luxury Home Plans

What Causes Attic Odors And Stra

The Ethical Advantages of Vegan Shoes

Everywhere we look we're seeing and hearing about different ways to help keep our environment green from building homes and using energy- efficient appliances right down to the clothes we're choosing to buy and wear. Of particular interest to many are vegan shoes. Vegan shoes are designed and created in a way that make them more sustainable and, therefore, directing us towards a greener future. One company calls their process for making vegan shoes "Green Toe". By using the most innovative construction and materials, they make their vegan shoes in a way that they will last a long time, thus eliminating the need for new shoes. Not only are these vegan shoes durable, but they are also extremely comfortable.

One of the first steps we, as a society, have taken in our mission to wear eco-friendly shoes such as vegan shoes is to eliminate a wardrobe filled with leather shoes, boots or handbags. With the large effort shoe manufacturers have made to give us non-leather shoes and other synthetic shoes and accessories, it's never been easier to live a vegetarian lifestyle with the wide choice of vegan shoes now becoming available. Vegetarian products like vegan shoes, handbags and accessories have advanced a lot in recent years. With the many advances made in the production and manufacture of synthetic products, the non-leather goods we buy are almost identical and can hardly be told apart from their genuine counterparts.

There are many products that previously went into the manufacture of shoes that not only hurt the environment but were not comfortable on the foot, with leather being just one of them- in fact, it was a major component. Now, instead of using leather, pvc or vinyl in the manufacture of shoes, the new vegan shoes are made of a polyurethane synthetic microfiber.

Other materials that are used in vegan shoes include cork, latex or hemp. Hemp is easy to obtain, doesn't harm the environment and is biodegradable. We'll be seeing hemp used in more and more eco-friendly products for your home and daily living. Another major component in the manufacture of shoes is rubber. As a way to conserve the environment while cutting back on waste, many manufacturers of shoes are using recycled car tires and bicycle tires for the soles and heels of the shoes.

With the many advances in products and materials used for eco-friendly clothing, vegan shoes and green products, it is easier every day for us to help keep the environment green and healthy.

If you want to wear shoes that are animal friendly, you'll need vegan shoes to fit your needs.

If you want to wear shoes that are animal friendly, you'll need vegan shoes to fit your needs.

How Tough Are Concrete Epoxies

Buying Your New Bathroom

Buying your new bathroom is probably one of the largest and most demanding expenses you will face. The bathroom market is very diverse and you will need to make decisions about where to buy, how much to spend, and what bathroom style to choose. I will clarify some of your choices.

Your first decision is to decide upon a bathroom budget and how to raise the money. A new bathroom will increase the value of your home, so it is akin to an investment.

Your home has a maximum potential value according to its location. To prove that to yourself, just look at a flat in London, and then look at the same style and size flat in Newcastle-upon-Tyne. The London flat will cost much more. So spend according to the potential marketability of your home. Estate Agents often say a 5-10% expenditure on interior upgrades is a reasonable cost. So a 100K flat could warrant a 5-10K expenditure on upgrades. Much of that could be for your new bathroom.

After fixing your budget, you need a bathroom design done. There are key decisions to about product types to make. You may want a steam unit, a whirlpool, a sauna, rainbars, bodyjets, a walk-in enclosure, a shallow tray, or many other bathroom fittings.

A bathroom showroom is a good place to start and ask the sales manager to do a design. He may need to visit your home. Designs are done using CAD (computer aided design) software or graph paper. After his design, you will have a good idea of what can be done. The sales manager will offer normally an installation service and provide a total price for supply and installation.

Giving your purchase to the showroom is the safest and easiest route. He has premises and is easily accessible and you will have just one contact. However, using the services and products from a showroom is probably the most expensive route to take. It is safe, but that safety has a cost.

Showrooms are given special pricing on certain lines, and they will recommend those lines. Also, the showroom has a limited supply line; maybe only 10% of supply lines. So you choice is limited. Labour via a showroom is marked up, so the installation will be expensive.

If you decide against using a showrooms services, you can try shopping at a plumbers merchants.

Plumbers Merchants have limited customer service and they rarely do bathroom designs. They are in business to serve plumbers, but they also do retail. Plumbers merchants are cheap, and the large nationally based ones can get almost any product.

You will need to have all your facts available to yourself. Buying that route will save you money. They will not install for you, so you will need to find your own plumber.

Plumbers advertise in their local papers and that shows they are looking for work. That will normally mean a far better price for you. Advertisements in the Yellow Pages for plumbers, especially with 0800 numbers, rarely advertise low cost services. Use a local paper if possible. Always use the services of a Corgi registered plumber whenever possible.

The Internet is another source and one that is growing very rapidly for bathroom supply. Bathstore.com embraced the web and it sells via the Web and its stores. There are countless showrooms also on the Web.

Buying via the Web will widen your choice dramatically and also open up deals to you for great prices. You will need to know the products well, and be careful about deliveries. Under the law, when you sign for something as received and in good condition, you have no legal recourse if the goods are damaged.

Phone the web retailer to put a human voice to the website. That will increase your confidence in the companys services.

Happy Shopping.

This article is written by Trevor Oakley. He is the managing director of Merrows Bathrooms. Merrows has traded for four years selling hundreds of thousands of pounds of quality goods. He also manages the Sayworth website. That site is about consumer advice and it has buying tips.

Broken Fire Hydrant Home Damage

Are You Looking For Unique Small Bathroom Decorating Ideas?

When It Comes to Bathroom Remodeling Small Spaces Can Offer Great Rewards!

When it comes to bathroom remodeling, small spaces can seem impossible to work with.

Fortunately, even if you have a small bathroom, it is possible to create a great looking bathroom. In addition, by utilizing a few simple decorating tricks, you can make the bathroom appear much larger than it actually is. With these small bathroom decorating ideas, you can create a functional bathroom that is also a joy to use.

When decorating a small bathroom, you can open up the space by using some of these simple tricks...

* Install large mirrors, as the reflection in the mirror will make the bathroom appear larger
* Keep clutter clear from the bathroom, as a cluttered space feels more cramped
* Utilize lighting and let in natural light as much as possible, as a well-lit room appears bigger than it really is

One way to add extra light to your bathroom is to install a skylight. Not only will this add natural light to the space, it will also make the ceiling appear higher - and will help make your bathroom seem larger than it really is.

When it comes to bathroom remodeling, small spaces should be kept as clutter-free as possible. You should avoid adding knick-knacks or unnecessary accessories to present an open space. Also, make sure the accessories you use are on the smaller side. If you put large accessories in your bathroom, they will only accentuate the small size of your bathroom.

Of course, when it comes to small bathroom decorating ideas, you might not be looking to make the space appear larger. In fact, you might prefer giving the bathroom a nice, cozy feeling that provides you with plenty of storage space. In this case, installing plenty of cabinetry is essential. To ensure a tidy and cozy feel, cabinetry with solid doors is the way to go. Another option is to install shelving and then cover it with soft cloth or netting.

When it comes to bathroom remodeling, small spaces can be a bit of a challenge. Armed with some innovative small bathroom decorating ideas and a little creativity, you can create a wonderful space that suits your individual taste and needs.

James Mahoney is the owner of two sites on home design, Bathroom Designers Ideas.com and Kitchen Designers Ideas.com. He has written many articles on both bathroom and kitchen design. Learn about bathroom design ideas and trends by visiting his site at http://www.BathroomDesignersIdeas.com

Damaged Exterior Drywall

Making Your Bathroom Part of Your Home

In the home, a "bathroom" literally means a room where you take a bath. In our country, a room must have four fixtures to be considered a full bathroom. These fixtures include a toilet, sink, shower, and a bathtub. A half bathroom, or a powder room, only needs to contain a sink and toilet, while a bathroom needs to include a toilet, sink, and shower. When you decide to change your bathroom, you will want to take these things in consideration, simply because it can make a difference in the value of your home. Whether you choose to do it yourself or hire a professional, you will want to carefully plan out your bathroom renovations and each activity, so that it meets your wants and needs.

Remodeling a bathroom in your home may include installing a new fixture or just updating the fixtures. Whether you choose to renovate the entire room or upgrade the colors and accessories, you will find that it can make a big difference in the look and feel of your bathroom. The bathroom is an often used room in the home, so it needs to be relaxing and welcoming.

Normally, when you remodel the bathroom in your home, you will want to install something new into the room. Some of the common plans for the bathroom include adding a new shower door, vanity, light fixture, and other fixtures. You can find step by step instructions to install anything that you can imagine in your bathroom to make it more efficient and functional on the internet. Most of these sites can also point you to other websites or stores that will offer you the pieces that you need to make your bathroom into that relaxing and welcoming space.

You may find that routine maintenance is an activity that you should consider in your bathroom renovations. This may include installing a new faucet, fixing your existing flooring, or changing your shower curtain or showerhead. Most of these things take very little time and money and they can help make your bathroom work better. Upgrading these fixtures can give your bathroom a new look and feel that you will enjoy and that will make your bathroom more inviting and welcoming.

Another improvement that you may want to make to your bathroom is making it safer and easier to use for the older or infirmed family members. You can make it safer and more functional for these family members by adding a toilet that has a higher seat, adding texture to your bathtub floor, installing safety bars to your bathtub, and/or changing the faucet handles. All bathrooms should have a ground fault circuit interrupter to make sure that the power will automatically be shut off in the case of short circuits. This is essential in a bathroom, due to the moisture.

It does not matter why you want to improve your bathroom. By making plans, you will find that you can make your bathroom into that special place that you will enjoy and love.

The magazine writer Johnathan Bakers is very excited about problems relating to woodworking bench and woodworkers workbench. You might come across his comments on how to build a articles bench at many different sources for how to build a abstracts bench news.

Wood Post And Beam Connection

Bathroom Decorating For A Zen Like Spa Look

Bathroom decorating can be fun and challenging but when it ends up giving you the relaxing feeling of a Zen like spa it is well worth the effort. Here are some tips on how you can get this relaxing feel in your bathroom

You should use soft colors and neutral tones colors for your Zen bathroom. Matching colors with your wall paint, towels and shower curtains is key so get paint cards that have your paint colors on them and bring them shopping with you when you buy your bathroom accessories - that way you will get a perfect match.

In the bathroom, consider accessorizing with artwork on the walls, as well as toiletry and toothbrush holders, towel racks, towels and decorative soaps. You want to end up with a minimalist look so don't put too much in. Consider sleek designs for the hamper and wastebasket.

If your bathroom is big enough it could include shoji screens, plants and furniture with simple lines as well as a table water fountain and some bamboo. Window treatments for the Zen bathroom decorating theme should be simple and plain. Try updating your windows with bamboo blinds. After you get the ideal look on your windows, you might realize the walls are drab by comparison. To overcome this, try hanging watercolors or oriental silks in frames around the room.

While you may not think about it much, flooring plays a vital role in your interior design style so putting in bath mats to compliment your Zen decorating theme can really improve it's style. The best type of flooring for the peaceful and serene style is organic woven mats which you will want to purchase in neutral tones.

For some decorative touches which will help tie together your Zen decor think about a lotus bowl with 1 flower, rice paper lamps, and Asian pottery to accent your room design. You could also add towels that match your wall colors rolled up and stacked in a bamboo basket just like you might find at the spa.

Your Zen bathroom decorating theme can be a snap if you take the time to plan it out adequately. Simply buy the pieces on your plan and put them in place - your room with have the feeling of a peaceful spa before you know it.

Visit http://bathroomdecoratingguide.com for more great tips on decorating your bathroom in a variety of popular bathroom decorating styles.

Mold On Sub Floor Block

Facts About Why You Should Use Chlorine Shower Filters

Why should you use a chlorine shower filter when you are bathing? Apart from the health issues, some of which we will cover later, it is almost luxurious to bathe in clean and healthy water.

Your skin will become softer and your hair shinier quite often after only a couple of showers. The body and hair loses natural oils when showering with water that contains chlorine. Chlorine is added to our water supplies by municipal authorities as a way of treating the water. Chlorine has, in many clinical studies, been linked to various cancers.

It can enter the body either by ingestion or absorption. We can also inhale the gasses produced by chlorine. Remember the World Wars when gas warfare was used. Quite often chlorine was used in the manufacture of these gasses. The airborne form of chlorine is called chloroform.

The chlorine shower filters can remove up to 99% of the harmful substances in our water supply. It is also important to remember when purchasing a chlorine shower filter to purchase one for each shower in the home. If you are constantly feeling tired one of the causes of this fatigue may be bathing in chlorinated water.

With all the different chemicals present in our water supplies it is now more necessary than ever before to make use of these chlorine shower filters. Shower filters may also remove chemicals that are the cause of things like nausea and brain damage.

The airborne particles of the chlorine after it is heated in the shower or bath situation will aggravate conditions such as asthma and other respiratory diseases. Just imagine, as the steam spreads throughout areas outside the bathroom other family members, who suffer with respiratory conditions,may be affected also.

I think that you are now aware that you need to protect your family and loved ones by installing a chlorine shower filter in all the bathrooms in your home. Please remember to change the filters regularly in line with the manufacturer's guidelines.

Please Click Here to obtain much more information than it was possible to include in this article. Thank you for reading our article...

Linoleum Edge Lifting

Bathroom Renovation Luxury Cabinets Rediscover Luxury in Your Bathroom

An article in BusinessWeek.com confirmed a drastic shift occurring in the home renovation market. The trend in renovation is shifting towards bathroom remodels. More and more people want style, beauty and luxury in their bathrooms. Control your environment. Get tips on how to better organize your home.

Is there a need for a cabinet?

Most people do need a cabinet as they find it comfortable to store towels, personal products and other bathroom essentials. It is also easy to access and makes life easier. However, few families do not prefer to store items in cabinets. Depending on the budget and the need a bathroom renovation luxury cabinets can be considered.

Express your style

If you are installing high end fixtures along with a luxury tub and shower wall during bathroom renovation, luxury cabinets should also be included in the plan. This would increase the ambience of your bathroom and match the levels of other fixtures in your bathroom. There are several types and styles of luxury cabinets that are available in the market. You will be amazed at the styles and colors of luxury cabinet that are available in the market these days. Take your pick and see how it fits your bathroom.

Budget Planning

Create a budget and design the bathroom renovation plans based on your budget. Have an eye for product costs and spend wisely on what you really want.

Plan your space

A luxury cabinet as a part of bathroom renovation needs lots of planning. You have to follow these simple steps to select the cabinet based on your bathroom specifications.

1.Measurement: Measure the dimensions of your bathroom perfectly.

2.Layout: Sketch your bathroom layout, including where your cabinets, tub, sinks and other fixtures will be and chart out the dimensions in terms of length, width and depth.

3.Design and revise your bathroom renovation plan until you are satisfied.

Selection

Based on the dimension of your bathroom, select the luxury cabinet as well countertops and sinks to make an impressive difference in the appearance of the bathroom. The cabinets should fit into the overall statement the homeowner is trying to make in the room. Check out for colors and patterns and try to match the color scheme of your bathroom. Choose from a wide range of products and designs to make your bathroom a heaven at home.

If you're looking for more information about bathroom renovation or are looking for bathroom remodeling ideas come visit me at my bathroom remodeling blog.

You will find lots of information about bathroom tile design, shower and tub installation, bathroom remodeling tools, bathroom renovation ideas, bathroom remodeling pictures and even specific information about the topic of this article: Bathroom Renovation Luxury Cabinets.

Hole In Roof And Roofing

How to Know If a Bathroom Vanity is Right For You

One of the highest points of design impact in your bathroom is your vanity. Along with your tub, the vanity is one of the first noticeable elements upon entering the space. How do you know which style vanity is right for you? With all of the designs available on the market today, selecting a vanity can be a nightmare. This does not have to be the case. By analyzing your style and determining what kind of look you want to achieve, selecting a vanity for your bathroom can be fun and exciting.

If your home is more traditional, you may want to select a built-in vanity. If you wish to create a more contemporary and modern look, you may be better off selecting a free-standing vanity. Free-standing vanities are available in more colors and finishes and are easier to install compared to their built-in counterparts. You can select light or dark woods, and tops constructed of stainless steel, marble, glass, granite as well as other finishes. When selecting a vanity, talk to your retailer about purchasing a piece that has all of the selected finishes of your design together in once piece of furniture. Many times in showrooms you may see a vanity with a base you like, but a top finish in a color you may not want in your bathroom. Find out if other colors are available so you can get what you want in one sale.

Once you have selected a style, take into consideration what uses your vanity should have such as storage and style. If you have a lot of make up and other facial products, select a vanity with additional storage.

After you have selected your design, it is time to show it off with your bathroom lighting. If you have decided to go with a built-in vanity, accessorize your selection with bathroom vanity lighting. This installation will allow you to showcase your purchase and make it a key design element. Once of the best choices in bathroom vanity lighting is wall sconces. Choose a sconce that can be installed above the mirror; this will allow for the light to shine down onto the design element itself. If you decided to go with a his-and-hers vanity style, you can even install a wall sconce between areas, allowing for a division of space and an overall balanced look.

There are other options in bathroom lighting to dress up the space. If you have a stronger light focused on your new vanity, you may want to address the other light fixtures in your bathroom. Install a light fixture where you can soften the lighting for a relaxing atmosphere.

Bathroom lighting does not have to limited to functionality. If you are looking to create a certain feel in the space, you can allow your vanity selection to set the tone. If you select a vanity with darker woods and stainless steel fixtures, allow such elements to assist you with accessorizing the space. Purchase a simple piece of art to hang on the wall that will complement the other colors and design elements in your bathroom. Let your light fixtures play up your bold design choices. If you decide to hang art on the walls, play it up by installing track lighting in that part of the bathroom. You can adjust the lighting to focus on the key elements of your design.

Whatever design you choose, make sure that the space has a balance and a flow to it. If you prefer traditional styles in your home, select a built-in vanity and accessorize it with bathroom lighting and fixtures that complement the design. If you are looking to take on a new direction of style in your home, select a freestanding vanity with a modern and contemporary finish.

Amanda works for Your Home Supply (YHS) the definitive website for home improvement tools, and gardening supplies. Your Home Supply offers a wide range of lighting fixtures to help customers with common household repairs, as well as decorative accessories for the home. Visit them now at http://www.YourHomeSupply.com

Drywall Repair For Damaged Walls

Log Homes As Eco-Friendly Homes

While a log home may not be the first type of home you think of when you think of a green home, the fact is log homes are naturally more eco-friendly than traditionally built homes.

The Logs and Wood

The first consideration for any log home to be eco-friendly is the logs that are used. The main factor for logs to be considered eco-friendly is that the logs should be from a sustainable source. Sustainable sources would include reclaimed wood from other homes and buildings that have been demolished or remodeled, logs that come from a tree farm or other managed forest, logs from burnt out or diseased trees and wood reclaimed from rivers such as old pilings and piers. These types of wood are excellent choices to use in building a log home. The idea is to make sure that your source of logs is sustainable and definitely not from old growth forests or sensitive forest lands.

Size and Layout

Another consideration is the size and layout of a log home. The larger the home, the more logs and materials that will be required. In addition, the layout is crucial to a log home's eco-friendliness. The layout should minimize energy usage for heating and cooling, maximize outdoor sources of light with strategic placement of windows and maximize the sun's rays at different times of the day. The layout and placement of the home should also be in harmony with the existing land and environment.

Building Materials

Other than the logs, the other materials used in a log home are also essential to the eco-friendliness of the space. Carpets, fixtures, flooring, cabinets, appliances, windows, every aspect is important to making a log home green. Some materials, such as carpeting, can give off what are called VOC's or Volatile Organic Compounds when they are installed. These compounds are from the manufacturing of the product and the use of various solvents and glues in the process. These compounds take time to dissipate and can be harmful to chemically sensitive people. This is why the selection of the materials for the home is so important. Nearly every element of a log home can be eco-friendly, you just need to opt for the more organic and eco-friendly choices available.

Energy and Electricity

Like other homes, a log home can be powered by alternative energies that can either comprise the entire energy system of the home or act as an adjunct to a traditional power supply. Solar panels are a popular accessory for log homes, especially those in an area with excellent sun exposure.

When taking these aspects into account, a log home can be one of the most environmentally sound choices when building a new home.

Log Home Exchange is your source for log homes for sale and log cabins for sale in the US and Canada. Visit us at: http://www.loghomeexchange.com/

Window Over Stairway Ceiling

Bath Mirrors - Variety of Styles, Shapes and Sizes

So what makes a good mirror and what style should you choose for your bathroom. Both of these are very good questions and often it will come down to personal preference to what you want in your bathroom and with this in mind how much space you have to fit it in. There are as mentioned previously a number of different bathroom mirrors you can have in your bathroom, and we will touch on a few in this article.

Bathroom Wall Mirrors

In this section there are a number of distinct types of mirrors. There are the standard wall length ones which can span the length of the wall, often these can be referred to as full length mirrors. These are probably not as popular due to the fact that many people do not have bathrooms big enough for such a mirror. The other type of bathroom wall mirrors is the smaller mounted ones which are connected to the wall and can be used as a vanity style or a shaving style mirror. These come in a whole range of shapes and sizes from the standard hinged version to the contemporary square faced style. So whether you have a modern bathroom which needs something that is superbly made with chrome finished square magnification mirror or a scissor extendable mirror there will be a style which is perfect for you.

Freestanding Bathroom Mirrors

These are a popular option and are different from the wall mirrors as they are not attached to a wall or to a shelf and can be moved anywhere within the bathroom. Again like the bathroom wall mirrors these come in a whole range of shapes and sizes to suite any type of bathroom. Usually these will be smaller than the wall mirrors and will have a mirror only on one side which will not be magnification. So if you are on the look out for a magnifying mirror then the best option is to opt for a bathroom wall mirror.

Contemporary Bespoke Solutions

If you are looking for something a little more out of the ordinary then there are lots of contemporary bespoke style mirrors that can be found. The contemporary bespoke mirrors give you the chance to make your bathroom a one off and give you something a little different from the norm. Whatever style you choose there will be a bathroom mirror which will be perfect for your bathroom or wet room.

Bath Mirrors are an important part of any bathroom and selecting the right type is an important part of finishing your bathroom. If you are looking for Bathroom Wall Mirrors then check out the specialist online ecommerce websites for the best deals.

Home Stucco Books
Home Security Books

Old Versus New Construction Adhesives

When I first started building in 1978 as a young carpenter and an apprentice to my father. I had the grand illusions of becoming what they call on the east coast a master carpenter and on the West Coast a journeyman carpenter.

Part of my training in construction was learning to use the proper adhesive and caulking for different parts of the building project. We used to use a standard solvent-based construction adhesive when we were building our stairs and they would also use this adhesive on the floors to eliminate squeaks.

This glue dried extremely hard and everyone thought the harder the better. This construction adhesive was great when I started using it in 1978. There wasn't the polyethylene super elastic expandable multi-use glue and caulking construction adhesives at that time.

We used this brittle glue and it always seemed like a waste of time. As the wood dried and started to shrink the brittle hard glue would crack and break away from the wood it was glued to. Normally the glue was breaking away from plywood floor sheeting. I have seen 2 x 12 shrink 3/8 of an inch before in as little as a few months during the summer.

Now as time went on the old construction adhesives were replaced with a new window sealant made by a company called TOPS. This stuff was the hottest and best product of the decade to me. I used this stuff for everything.

This new urethane glue was now being used for sub floors, stair treads, sealing the windows flashing and siding. This stuff is still in use today and is a great choice for all of the uses I mentioned above. The price for this sealant is about double that of most water-based or solvent-based glues. But it's worth it.

So there you have it I like the urethane glues because of their flexibility, elasticity, their ability to adhere to wood concrete or metal and their performance in the years ahead.

There is one thing to keep in mind when using construction adhesives. Most construction workers seem to ignore the fact that the wood needs to be dry and clean before applying the construction adhesive. There have been quite a few times I have witnessed carpenters working with me and ignoring my advice.

Don't put yourself into this category. Doing quality work and following the manufacturers recommended installation instructions for their product will decrease your liability if there is ever a problem. Read the instructions carefully on all of the building products you use.

The manufacturers of these construction adhesives have thoroughly tested them. So use them properly and follow all safety warnings.

Greg Vanden Berge is working on the internet to promote the education for creating simple to follow guides and home building books to help professional building contractors as well as the weekend warriors. He is currently working on more Building and Remodeling Library and adding useful content to help solve problems created by the lack of construction knowledge in the building industry.

Visit us and get more information on building and remodeling your homes and Carlsbad Structural Repairs

Shear Panel Water Damage

Record Your Home Improvements

Will that new HDTV and home entertainment center fit in your existing space, or will you have to remodel the room to make it fit? How can you communicate the size available vs. the size needed? Do you know what's there now and what was there previously?

What did your living room look like before you remodeled it? What will it look like after the furniture is re-arranged? Your inventory and photo records help make the job of moving furniture matching wall colors, and shopping for new wall and floor coverings a lot easier!

Begin by looking through the old photos taken during the holiday seasons or other occasions. They will help you put together a more detailed sketch of what the rooms looked like at earlier times. These will give you an idea of how the room looked at that time. They may also reveal before remodeling issues like walls or doorways that have been changed.

Now is the time to update views of your rooms. Take photos of various directions of the room. The color photos may even be taken without flash to give you a better idea of how natural window lighting impacts overall view and shadows in the room. Take photos at eye level when standing in the entry, seated in your favorite chair and from a child's eye view.

Copies of these photos can then be added to the room inventory that you develop and maintain from now on as you make changes and update room furnishings. Some of the current photo storage and software options permit storing the file off site. This can be extremely valuable if you ever have a flood, fire or other disaster.

A more valuable benefit of these records comes during the shopping phase prior to purchase of window coverings, wallpaper, paint, art, furniture or floor coverings. These references should also contain reference measurements like room width, room length and ceiling height. While you're measuring, don't forget to measure door widths and sketch out the locations and measurements for wall electrical outlets, hearing and air conditioning vents and registers.

With the current schedule of communication changes, especially HDTV, many consumers are purchasing new, larger screed HDTV units. While the sales people are very helpful at suggesting a larger screen format, you may find that it is just too big for the space available!

How do you plan to upgrade the present equipment and furnishings? Can you do it yourself? If you plan to have someone else do it like a local handyman or interior design or home furnishing company, your planning, outlined above can greatly reduce down time, cost and ultimate satisfaction with the finished job.

Dennis Bries
http://briespix.com Home and Yard Improvements don't 'just happen' they need to be planned.

Plumbing Vent Pipe In Attic

All You Need to Know About Power Showers

In many ways the modern man is now exposed to a wide variety of life enhancing services that is progressively making our generation attain the status of the highest epoch in the annals of human development. The nature of this technology based "madness" is just simply unbelievable it literally cuts through all facets. Yes! Even to areas that were hitherto giving little attention and premium. One of such areas is a place as lowly as a bathroom. The introduction of power showers into the conventional and traditional bathroom systems is a living reminder of the relics of technology there.

I will begin this article by discussing in general terms the operations of technology driven products in the sanitary industry. Primarily, let it be stated in the early phase of this paper that power showers share very striking similarities with the various electric shower systems you must have heard about. In my smartest judgment, which I am certain of is that as a reader your interest will be more in knowing what distinguishes it from other showers.

If you are considering installing a power shower in your home, then expect the following inevitable rewards that will come along: First of all, you will have a regulated service of hot water running through your shower. In addition, as the name implies, it influences the intensity and rapidity of the water from the mains before it is delivered. Interestingly, they are offered in different varieties and shapes that offering customers a luxury of alternatives in the choice process.

If you want to know more about Mira Showers then it is a good idea to visit Bella Bathrooms.

House Attic Books
Home Selling Books

Home Selling Tips - Best Real Estate Advice Ever

One of the most important things to remember when selling your home is to keep it as clean as possible. If you need help or don't have the time to organize your stuff, you can hire a home staging professional in your area. Ask your real estate professional for more information.

1. Remove any clutter from the home and place it in storage. Do not store this stuff on the property if you don't have enough room. Storing clutter in closets or in your garage, will often make these areas look smaller. By removing clutter or even large pieces of furniture, the rooms will look larger.

2. Disconnect yourself emotionally from your home. This is a big problem for people who have lived in their house for long periods of time. If you've raised a family here, the children could have emotional ties also to the home. Some home sellers are looking for someone special to buy their home, if you've got the time and money to wait, you can be selective but be careful, because the longer you wait, the market could go up or down.

3. When your real estate professional is showing the house, it's always a good idea to leave the home until the potential homebuyers are gone. One example of this would be if you were in a bad mood or didn't have a good day and were a little upset at the world. Your mood could cause potential homebuyers to lose interest in the property. I've seen this more than once.

4. Make sure everything is operating properly. This would include doors, door knobs, windows, kitchen appliances, garage door openers, cabinet drawers, bathroom fixtures, toilets, faucets, lights, switches, electrical outlets and anything else that moves, slides, turns or rotates that is part of the home.

5. The Interior and exterior walls of the home should be in good shape. Make sure there's no termite damage, wood rot, peeling paint, broken windows or holes in the walls.

6. Make sure the flooring is in good shape. Some real estate professionals will suggest, replacing the carpeting with a neutral color. This method often works pretty good but I have seen plenty of homes that were re-carpeted and after the home was purchased the carpeting was replaced again, by the new owners. Just make sure the flooring is in good shape.

7. Here's a trick that definitely works a little magic when selling a home. Leave some cookies or a nice fruit bowl on the dining room table. There is no need to leave a sign that says "Eat Me". It gives the home a warm feeling, almost like a country atmosphere.

8. Even better than home selling tip number seven would be baking some cookies just before the perspective buyers arrive, it's not the cookies, it's the smell from the cookies that most people cannot resist.

These are just a few home selling tips but the most important is to keep the inside and outside of the home clean.

Greg Vanden Berge is working on the internet to promote the education for creating simple to follow guides and home building books to help professional building contractors as well as the weekend warriors. He has just finished a home buyers guide to take some of the frustration out of home shopping.

Don't buyers sell a home without checking how the problems with poor home repairs.

Structural Garage Door Header

House Extension Tips - Remodeling

Adding an extra kids' play room to your house? Or are you planning a study for yourself? Such home extensions can require a lot of planning and research. Paying heed to the legal side of the matter is also important to save you from fines and penalties. Here are some instructions to help you with your venture.

Permits And Regulations
Home extensions generally need you to obtain a permit before you can go forward with the job. Especially, for a new extension to the old plan of your house, it is mandatory to seek a permit from the local authority. Standards set out in the 'Building Regulations' need to be followed and met. This is precisely what is checked by the authority when you present them your new home extensions plan. They inspect the plan and confirm it meets the building regulation standards. Upon the receipt of the planning permission you will then need to apply for the Building Regulations. It is necessary to obtain the planning permission before proceeding with the further actions.

Consider Your Neighbours
When planning house extensions, make sure it does not cause trouble for your neighbours. Do not construct any structure that may have adverse effects on their lives, like block their driveway or sunlight. The best practice is to consult your neighbours before going for any house extensions. This will prevent any problems arising later on and also maintain a healthy relationship between your family and your neighborhood.

It may reduce your expenses in case the neighbour is looking to do something similar, e.g. building a wall around the property. Such a consultation with your neighbours can sometimes prove beneficial to you. Special permits and agreements are required for building walls and constructions for semi detached or terraced houses or flats.

Contracting The Trades
Different tradesmen are required for your home extensions. You may have to employ an electrician, a plumber, a gas fitter, to name a few. How do you find them? Some people believe the best way to look for a tradesman is to ask friends and family for proper recommendations. These generally prove to be the safest avenues to get hold of a good choice. However it is recommended to only go for a licensed builders company. This ensures the trade is qualified to the required standards to do the job. However it is recommended to employ one company only to undertake the whole project. This would help to take the stress off you organising different trades.

You should also prepare a legal contract between you and the people on the job. This is to prevent any unpleasant situation that may arise just in case there is any disagreement or problem later on.

Some More Planning
Some more planning before you finally start your home extensions project are as follows. You need to understand if you are looking at an extension or a major conversion and plan accordingly. This will save you a lot of space and money. E.g., instead of building a new room, try and convert the garage you never use. The other thing to consider is the time frame within which you want to complete the project. And obviously, budget is a very important factor. So, for the best results, plan your home extensions carefully considering all that has been discussed above.

Arthur Prudent is a developer of London house extension - web site offering all aspects of builders services. Visit our site for more helpful information about London house extensions and other similar topics.

Rolling Scaffold

Bath Mirrors - Variety of Styles, Shapes and Sizes

So what makes a good mirror and what style should you choose for your bathroom. Both of these are very good questions and often it will come down to personal preference to what you want in your bathroom and with this in mind how much space you have to fit it in. There are as mentioned previously a number of different bathroom mirrors you can have in your bathroom, and we will touch on a few in this article.

Bathroom Wall Mirrors

In this section there are a number of distinct types of mirrors. There are the standard wall length ones which can span the length of the wall, often these can be referred to as full length mirrors. These are probably not as popular due to the fact that many people do not have bathrooms big enough for such a mirror. The other type of bathroom wall mirrors is the smaller mounted ones which are connected to the wall and can be used as a vanity style or a shaving style mirror. These come in a whole range of shapes and sizes from the standard hinged version to the contemporary square faced style. So whether you have a modern bathroom which needs something that is superbly made with chrome finished square magnification mirror or a scissor extendable mirror there will be a style which is perfect for you.

Freestanding Bathroom Mirrors

These are a popular option and are different from the wall mirrors as they are not attached to a wall or to a shelf and can be moved anywhere within the bathroom. Again like the bathroom wall mirrors these come in a whole range of shapes and sizes to suite any type of bathroom. Usually these will be smaller than the wall mirrors and will have a mirror only on one side which will not be magnification. So if you are on the look out for a magnifying mirror then the best option is to opt for a bathroom wall mirror.

Contemporary Bespoke Solutions

If you are looking for something a little more out of the ordinary then there are lots of contemporary bespoke style mirrors that can be found. The contemporary bespoke mirrors give you the chance to make your bathroom a one off and give you something a little different from the norm. Whatever style you choose there will be a bathroom mirror which will be perfect for your bathroom or wet room.

Bath Mirrors are an important part of any bathroom and selecting the right type is an important part of finishing your bathroom. If you are looking for Bathroom Wall Mirrors then check out the specialist online ecommerce websites for the best deals.

House Window Books
Green Home Building Books

Luck is What Happens When Preparation Meets Opportunity

You must be ready when an opportunity comes before you, opportunity often comes in the form of work and that's why most people seem to miss it. Most people are too busy looking for the easy path through life. They seem to lay around waiting for the opportunity of a lifetime,... to simply fall at your feet.

Why would you want to spend so much time complaining about something, or someone? Other people can help you along the way, if you let them, but it's up to you, ultimately, to become the most you can possibly be. I have had plenty of opportunities in my life and have took advantage of some, while letting most of them pass by.

I'm no different than most people but now seem to be aware of my surrounding opportunities, all the time.

How many times do you wish for an opportunity to come along? It's probably one that you missed already, at some point during your life. Are you going to be prepared for the next opportunity when it comes along? These opportunities seem to repeat themselves throughout our lives and if we're not in the right state of mind, we often overlook them and let them pass by, time and time again.

You need to prepare yourself in advance for the next opportunity. If you are prepared and have your eyes open, you will be able to see the next opportunity that comes your way. Preparation will increase your chances for success and good fortune always.

Opportunities come in all shapes and sizes. Be on the lookout, when you're walking to the grocery store, taking a break at work, reading the newspaper, talking to your neighbor, walking down the street or even while you are sitting alone, letting your mind wander away. Your chances for success could come while your in your quiet places, or relaxing. Be prepared.

Greg Vanden Berge is a published author, internet marketing expert, motivational inspiration to millions of people all over the world and is sharing some of his wisdom with experts in the fields of writing,marketing, and personal development.

Greg is currently working on a video library filled with great movies on a wide array of topics, like religion, self help and spiritual changes in the world. His views on religious freedom are slowly changing the way people think about institutional religion.

Plaster Wall Moisture Problem

10 Things You Didn't Know About Corrosion Inhibitors

If you've never heard of corrosion inhibitors, then the chances of you having used them either directly or indirectly are high.

What is a Corrosion Inhibitor?

As it suggests, a corrosion inhibitor slows down the rate of corrosion. It is usually a chemical compound that is added to a fluid or gas to stop the fluid or gas from corroding any metal that it comes into contact with.

Where are Corrosion Inhibitors found?

1. Corrosion Inhibitors are found domestically in Central heating systems, to stop the water from corroding the metal pipes and radiators. Without them, there would be a greater chance of the pipes and radiators rusting.

2. Many other common items require corrosion inhibitors. Lubricants for power tools, garden tools, bike chain oil, factory machinery and much more, ensure the tool or machine operates smoothly and properly.

3. Vehicle brake fluids contain Corrosion Inhibitors so that the brake fluid does not wear out the metal of the brake discs and pads and cause the brakes to rust and fail with severe consequences. Car cooling systems also benefit from corrosion inhibitors so that the engine will stay cool and not overheat.

4. Vehicle oil needs to lubricate the relevant metal parts without causing them damage. Without the corrosion inhibitors, there would be a risk that some car components would rust and cause structural weaknesses or mechanical damage and make the vehicle unsafe.

5. Fuels such as petrol and diesel, as well as biofuels, need corrosion inhibitors so that the engine stays lubricated without rusting, and decaying. They also help to ensure that the engine will perform for the lifetime of the car.

6. Pipelines need to be protected from decay from the oil and gas that they carry. As pipelines are often under the sea, or in other hard to reach places, they need to be resilient and last for a long time, so that they don't have to be replaced too often.

7. Oil refineries need corrosion inhibitors so that the vast quantities of oil stored there doesn't corrode the storage tanks. Oil refineries may deal with oils of varying quality and origin, and so the tanks will need to be capable of processing and storing different grades of oil.

8. Corrosion Inhibitors are also used in concrete, in structures such as bridges and buildings. Adding the inhibitor will help to ensure the durability of the concrete.

9. Paint needs corrosion inhibitors so that the surface that is painted doesn't rust. Vehicles, metal structures such as bridges, oil rigs, scaffolding and cranes, electricity pylons, and much more need to be protected from the elements and from other liquids.

10. Wherever there is a risk of rusting, Corrosion Inhibitors should be used to help lessen the effect of the corrosion and to ensure that the metal doesn't rust which will weaken the metal.

Now that you know more about corrosion inhibitors, where they are found and what they do, isn't it time you checked to make sure that the ones you use are the most effective?

See how Corrosion Inhibitors and Diesel Additives are helping to improve fuel performance at InnospecInc.com

Exterior Wall Framing Over Roof

Shower Curtain Talk

If you have been trying to find a good quality shower curtain without any break through do not despair, you are not alone. A number of people have been to bed, bath and even beyond searching but still to no avail.

Why is it that the best shower curtains are only found in hotels? Why is it that people can't seem to get a grip of the vitality of this great piece of home decor? Maybe it is because we place no value to it. If hotels do it then why can't we take a leaf from them and use them as decorative features for our homes. I mean fabric shower curtains are widely used by hotels mostly because it is a great advance over plastic and represents the hotels status well - who said we shouldn't want status for our humble bathrooms?

Why don't you just go out sometime and find ones made of fabrics to really spruce up the look of your bathroom together. For instance, with a bright white one you can bring a light, airy feel and fresh, clean look to your shower and bathroom decor. If you take some time to do your search, you can even find a fabric that matches the fabric of your window curtains.

Okay let me give you one great buy you can look out for. Just go out there and buy yourself a beautiful chocolate brown shower curtain that has a dotted pattern woven into it. Try looking for one that is machine washable to save yourself from all the stress. Some additional options can include, a brown one made of 100% polyester or 100% faux suede.

Always make sure that your choice does not contradict your overall decor; look for accessories that complement your choice, for example, for a brown shower curtain, buy hooks and a brown vase with greens and combine it with Abby Hill Light Beige bathroom rugs.

Visit http://www.findshowercurtains.com for reviews, comparisons and recommendations on the best shopping outlets online. This site will give you everything you need all on one place.

Go find best shower curtains

Home Remodeling Books
Handyman Books

Checking the Building For Square

The most important thing when building a home is the ability to keep everything as square, plumb and level as possible. Starting with the foundation, if the foundation is not square or level, the rest of the house is going to be out of alignment.

You've probably heard the saying, start with a good foundation. This applies to the building industry as well. There are quite a few ways to build a square foundation, it all depends on what kind of tools you have, to build it with.

Some of these tools can be quite expensive but it used every day can save you a lot of time and of course time is money.

You don't need expensive tools to build a square foundation. You could actually build a square foundation with less than $100 worth of tools. It might take you a little longer but could be done.

Let's start with the 3 - 4 - 5 rule.

Okay lets see if I can explain this in layman's terms. If no West side of the foundation is 3 foot and the north side of the foundation is for foot, then the diagonal measurement from the southwest corner to the northeast corner would be 5 foot. Out of square building can create foundation problems

This can also be done using 30' x 40' should equal 50 foot. You can use this if the building is large and you need to check it for square.

By measuring the foundation diagonally from each corner, the measurement should be exactly the same. If it isn't, the building is out of square and should be adjusted before the concrete is poured. This measurement should always be checked before you get too far along in the form building process.

Greg Vanden Berge is working on the internet to promote the education for creating simple to follow guides and home building books to help professional building contractors as well as the weekend warriors. He has just finished a Home Buyers Guide to take some of the frustration out of home shopping.

If your having problems in your attic, find out more at concrete contractor basics and home building ideas.

Gregvan

Easy Remodeling Primer for Flipping Real Estate

If you've ever considered flipping real estate to make some extra income, only to be dissuaded at the prospect of having to self-manage a sizable remodel on a particular piece of property, you're not alone. In fact, many people, though excited at the thought of buying, renovating, and selling an old fixer-upper, think they either don't have the time, and/or the necessary knowledge to even consider such an undertaking.

The reality, however, is that anyone, even a first-timer, can manage a small-to-medium-sized renovation with some thoughtful pre-planning, and a hands-on approach to monitoring your project. I'm not suggesting that you can just step right into a general contractor's shoes and do something that he/she does on a daily basis. What I am saying, however, is that you can manage a successful remodel by simply giving some forethought as to what exactly you want to accomplish, how much it will cost (assuming you have solid estimates from reliable sub-contractors), and if you are able to make a profit once the house is sold. A solid relationship with your chosen subs is always a good thing too.

Again, if you're new to house flipping, and are considering a flip with extensive, whole-house renovation, then yes, you should probably keep looking for an easier project to do (in terms of potential remodeling) instead of taking on a larger project right out of the gate. If, however, you do decide to move forward, consider some of the more important aspects of a major rehab with the following remodeling primer to help you form a working budget, and to provide a doable timetable to execute your remodeling project.

You will be talking with people in the industry such as:

Architects and/or Draftsman
To do any necessary drawings or renderings for your particular remodeling project

Building Inspector
If you are removing and/or erecting interior walls, you will most likely have to obtain a building permit from your local community building permit/code enforcement division

Sub-Contractors/Tradesman
Trades such as demolition, mechanical contractors (HVAC, electricians, plumbing), insulation installation, drywall installers, painters, trim carpenters, cabinet/counter top installers, tile installers (if needed), flooring professionals, roofers, exterior siding, concrete specialists, and landscapers.

Determine what exactly it is you want to do with the house in terms of remodeling. See where improvements/updates can be made for the least amount of time and money. You certainly want to present a professional-looking remodeling job to prospective homeowners so that they feel they are getting their money's worth.

But first things first. If you have a simple remodel where you are freshening up the carpet and paint, along with a few odd and end type things, you're more than likely able to handle that without too many problems. But, if you're looking at a complete kitchen and bath upgrade, for example, you will need to be aware of the need to deal with an entirely new set of sub contractors and professionals that suddenly makes the project a little bigger. Certainly doable, but just broader in scope.

The time to develop a working budget, is after you have received all of the pricing back from any of the subs you want to work with. Get at least two prices per trade, if you can. You can get leads on various sub- contractor trades from the phone directory, internet, or the many local hardware, paint, or home-improvement stores around your town. Many good, honest tradesman advertise with these businesses, so you should have more than enough to choose from.

There will be some personal time involved just getting prices together, meeting subs at the job site, etc., but you want to be as efficient with your time and money as you can be. Once you have a firm budget in place, get with the sub-contractors you've chosen, and set a doable project timetable. Don't be shy about asking a lot of questions. After all, it is you're money on the line, and you want the project to be done in the best way possible.

Tell your subs that you want to keep an open line of communication going so there won't be any surprises and confusion. And lastly, always account for some sort of cost add-ons that typically occur in any remodel. Usually about 3 - 5% of total remodel cost will do for any overages.

If you're relatively new or considering entering the house flipping business for the first time, please visit http://www.House-Flipping-Helper.com for more information regarding all things house flipping and remodeling.

Strap Garage Headers

Nailing Or Screwing Drywall

Nails versus screws who will become the winner. When drywall first came out the installers used everything from regular steel nails to galvanized roofing nails. After a short amount of time they started to develop major problems from nails popping out of the finished drywall.

Nail popping results when the nail is driven into moist lumber and as the lumber shrinks the house settles and nail can actually pop out to the walls. Hard to imagine the nail could actually pop out of the drywall as the wood was drying out.

How far the nail would actually pop out was determined by how far it was driven in to the framing studs or ceiling joists. Well pretty soon drywall installers started to use ring shank nails to eliminate this problem. This worked great but these nails were hard to drive in and would often break.

As time went on the nails improved and were made out of galvanized metal with cupped shaped heads and came in a few different sizes. The size of the nail used was determined by the thickness of the drywall. These new nails worked great and had good holding power and eliminated a lot of nail popping.

Using nails means driving them in with a hammer. If you miss the nail you damage the drywall. This seemed to be a big problem and was virtually eliminated with the screws.

Well pretty soon people started using screws which had greater holding power and pretty much nail popping. Another advantage to using screws over nails is the simple fact you need less screws than you do nails to attach the drywall to the metal or wood framing.

This means less labor installing and finishing the drywall.

There is one problem with the screws and that is they have to be set perfectly. They can not break the paper surface on the drywall but have to be set enough into the drywall so that it can be finished properly. Most screw guns have an adjustable setting used to get just the right depth for the screws installed in the drywall. But this also was a problem when screwing into a hard piece of wood you can actually snapped the screw head off, strip the screw head or break the screw.

Nails on the other hand can bend while driving them into a hard surface.

Who wins the nails versus screws while installing drywall? I have got to give it to the screws. That doesn't mean the nails just got screwed or the screws just got nailed.

I couldn't resist. I actually preferred the screws over the nails except for when nailing the drywall corner bead on. Some drywall professionals use nails to hang the drywall and go back with a screw gun and some screws to finish the job. The nails sometimes seem handier than the screws when installing the drywall.

Greg Vanden Berge is working on the internet to promote the education for creating simple to follow guides and home building books to help professional building contractors as well as the weekend warriors. He is currently working on more Building and Remodeling Library and adding useful content to help solve problems created by the lack of construction knowledge in the building industry.

Visit us and get more information on building and remodeling your homes and Carlsbad Home Improvement

Crawl Space Repairs

Cheap Hotels in Bangkok

Bangkok is a beautiful city in Thailand where people of different religions live harmoniously. It is adorned with silky skyscrapers embellishing the skyline along the amazing and historical temples.

Bangkok is a city that does not fail to amuse its visitors. There are many things to enjoy here such as the floating markets, popular tuk-tuks and the nightlife of the city. Also get a chance to watch their famous Muay Thai boxing. People may also try the legendary Thai massage and rejuvenating spa.

Bangkok is known for excellent pampering services like massages, haircuts, manicures and cosmetic surgery.

There are many cheap accommodations you can find here. Here are some of them.

Buddy Lodge Hotel
The Buddy Lodge Hotel is classified as a two-star hotel. The swimming pool area is on the 6th floor. It is embellished in a contemporary style with stone layers. There are also chairs, snack pool bar and a sundeck.

This hotel also provides cheap and quality spa service on the 3rd floor. It has 7 treatment rooms for massaging, body and facial services. The sauna, steam room and Jacuzzi are offered free to use.

The newly opened unit bar pub is located next to the lobby. It is a 4-storey modern concrete and unit structure.

The hotel is also located on the heart of the popular Khao San Road with very convenient access to several restaurants and local street vendors.

Montien Hotel
The Montien Hotel is classified as a four-star hotel. The public areas of the hotel are tidy and clean. This hotel also provides lots of amenities and services such as medium outdoor swimming pool with fitness, sundecks and sauna rooms. There are also 2 modern high rise walls of glass and concrete, and finished in white.

The Montien hotel is situated on Surawongse Road. It is adjacent to the PatPong recreation area. It also has some connections to other commercial, shopping and amusement spots.

It has a convenient passage to subway, near Sam Yan station. And it is walking distance to the sky train Saladaeng Station.

Sofitel Silom Bangkok Hotel
The Sofitel Silom Bangkok Hotel is classified as a five-star hotel. It is situated on Silom Road in the center of the monetary, profitable, and political districts. This hotel is a 38-storey building, and the first five-star hotel to rise in Bangkok.

Guests here can enjoy a short walk to innumerable local views to the Chong Nongsi Station. This is the house of the Skytrain and Silom subversive Station of Bangkok.

China Town Hotel
The China Town Hotel is classified as three-star hotel in Bangkok. It has no swimming pool but is still advisable for the budgeted travelers. It is also good for those want to experience the Chinese culture and ways. The hotel is made with concrete and glass in unique Chinese design.

The China Town hotel is located in the classy part of Yaowaraj Road. This is about 40 minutes driving from Suvarnabhumi International Airport while 10 minutes through walking from subway Hualumpong Station and Rajawongse Harbor.

This hotel is very near to various tourist spots. It is at the heart of the shopping bazaar and popular food markets.

For more information on Cheap Hotel Rates and Cheap Hotels in Amsterdam please visit our website.

Swimming Pool Books
House Attic Books

How to Hire the Right Home Improvement Contractor

New York was dubbed the "City that Never Sleeps" for a good reason and that is the 24-hour hustle and bustle not only of traffic but people as well. Home improvement is an area which is increasingly gaining importance in NYC living. A very busy lifestyle, calls for a living space that would be worth coming home to no matter the size or type of residence. There may also be damages and functionality issues lurking somewhere and are only brought to the attention of the busy occupant when the damage is beyond repair. There is no doubt that in times when the need for maintenance, repair, renovation, and remodeling arises; the most ideal option for any New York City person is to get help from a home improvement contractor, but how do you hire the right one?

Good word of mouth is the best form of advertisement for every business operator and service provider, as well as the most damaging. Try to ask family members, friends, and neighbors for any recommendation. These people would be the best source for honest testimonials on the work of an NYC home improvement contractor. Be wary of names that come up when asking at some building materials store or at a local pool supply as these leads could just be among those that benefit from a finder's fee scheme.

If you have nobody trustworthy to consult to regarding this search, check with the BBB or Better Business Bureau in New York first before spending minutes and hours going through the local Yellow Pages. While at it, see the list of home improvement contractors that have bad records or unresolved complaints to their names and make sure to steer clear from them. The Internet can also be a good source of information that could lead you to the right NYC home improvement contractor. You can browse through rip-off websites or simply Google the name of the professional that you are interested in, and you are sure to find either good or bad things about him. From here, you could already draw up possible candidates who have clean records.

After going through the steps, now is high time to screen them to determine the right home improvement contractor to hire. Phone each of your picks and tell them exactly the same details and get bids. When conducting the interview, never hesitate to ask many questions especially important ones. Do not base your choice on the price given by the contractor as the cheapest is not always the most economical and the most expensive does not always end up with the highest of quality. When comparing bids, consider what the contractor plans to do and the materials that he will be using. Make sure to get references to check out and verify his license.

There are numerous benefits in acquiring the services of a New York City home improvement contractor, so much more if you did your homework and hired a competent one. The time extended on going through the selection and the dollars spent would prove to be well worth it not only after the project has been finished successfully but in the long run. Hiring the right home improvement contractor for the job helps you avoid the risks of additional costs for maintenance and back jobs.

Eugene Makeev has been in the home improvement industry for a while. His skills and expertise, which have been polished through time, are now used to help New York home owners avoid the common pitfalls in home improvements by matching their needs with the right, prescreened New York General Contractor. To know more, visit New York Remodeling.

Timber Strand Floor Joist Corner

Finding Something You Don't Like About Yourself - Creating Habits

Finding something you don't like about yourself is usually very easy for most people. Most of the time you don't even have to ask your family or friends because you have heard them complain about the same thing for years. How many times have you heard someone mention, I need to lose weight?

Here's a list of things people don't like about themselves. If you're one of those people that has a hard time finding something wrong with yourself, you could always ask one of your friends for some suggestions. I'm sure they would like that.

1. The need to lose weight. This of course is one of the worst problems with Americans. Most people need to lose weight and let's not forget there are some people that need to gain weight.

2. The need to stop gambling. As more Indian reservations are allowed to build gambling casinos and of course as the Internet gambling gets larger, I've noticed some people with gambling problems.

3. The need to stop drinking alcohol. The abuse of alcohol has been going on for many years. These people have an excuse for why they drink and most of the time it doesn't make sense.

4. The need to stop smoking. This could be one of the most difficult things I've ever seen my friends and family deal with.

5. The need to stop excessive behaviors. For example, gossiping, cruelty, bullying, lying, cheating, stealing, partying etc. You get the idea.

6. Don't forget the dreaded shopaholic. Most shopaholic's seem to have large credit card debt and can't seem to stop this vicious circle of buying and owing money to their creditors.

7. Working long hours or the workaholic. Sometimes this is a necessity but I would suggest that you change your lifestyle if possible. Reevaluate your reasons for working so hard.

8. Religious fundamentalists. People that spend too much time at their place of worship and soon find themselves feeling guilty if they're not doing something spiritual.

9. The need to be on time. This would include people that have problems giving themselves enough time to get ready for work or school.

10. The need to stop doing drugs. I thought by now, approaching my 50s, that drugs would no longer be a problem in the United States, but it is. It's one of the most damaging things people can do to their lives.

There are plenty of things that people would like to stop doing or start doing. If you're a smoker and you seem to shop excessively near the casinos, I would advise you to start with something small and work your way up to the big stuff.

What are you going to change today about your life? Make a list of things that you're not happy with about your life and start making the changes today that you need to create the life you deserve and desire.

Greg Vanden Berge is a published author, internet marketing expert, motivational inspiration to millions of people all over the world and is sharing some of his wisdom with experts in the fields of writing,marketing, and personal development.

Greg is currently working on a personal development video library filled with great movies on a wide array of topics, like religion, self help and spiritual changes in the world. His views on religious freedom are slowly changing the way people think about institutional religion.

Corrosive Metal Conduit

Looking For Decorative Bathroom Mirrors?

Nowadays, there are a lot of varieties of decorative bathroom mirrors suitable for your taste, whether it has a frame or it is frameless. Many people can't live without mirrors in their houses, because only the mirror can tell on how they look like as they go to schools, respective offices or to any gathering.

You might ask where you can find the best decorative mirrors in your place. With the help of the modern technology nowadays, internet surfing is the answer for your query. Yes, it is true that mirrors can be bought from a variety of online stores found in internet.

It is best to seek for advice to bathroom expert before purchasing any accessories and stylish furnishings for your bathroom. Seeking a professional can give you a lot of ideas to ponder and most of the time people who are not convinced with their own taste hire for an interior designer so to help them to choose the best premise of their bathroom. Beforehand, consider the needs of your family first before buying any type of accessories.

If you desire to beautify your bathroom, it is a good start to have a mirror. You can have washrooms mirrors if you desire, and it is available in any sizes and shapes you wanted. The first thing you should consider in buying a decorative bathroom mirror is that, you'll be supposed to know the measurements of your washroom. Be familiar with the measurement of your washroom so that you will exactly buy the mirror that is best fitted in your bathroom. Second thing is planning your budget upon purchasing one, and it is best to save money before planning to buy. Most of the time, there are some people who desire to hire a construction freelancer to help them in every aspects as they desire everything for the outcome.

Upon buying the accessories for your bathroom, you should be cautious enough and never just give a take with the quality of the items. It is better to grab those expensive ones because they are guaranteed to last long than the cheap ones. World Wide Web offers a lot of web stores for you to surf the best accessory that you will put in your bathroom, and it comes from many affordable prices that would surely gratify your needs. With the variety of designs to choose from, there are also discounts that you would enjoy. Just remember that it is not that complex to surf one in the web if and only if you follow some tips and procedure.

Eliza Maledevic Ayson writes for Jump2top.com - SEO Company

Home Repair Books
Home Theater Books

Home Painting Contractor - Home Repair Advice

Most people lead very hectic lives. Between work and socializing, you probably have a pretty full schedule. So, when projects need to be completed around your home, you might be tempted to keep putting them off due to a lack of time in your schedule to complete them.

When it comes time to have the outside of your home repainted, it may be a good idea to hire a home painting contractor if you have a lack of time in your schedule to complete the project on your own. Hiring a home painting contractor can be a good idea in this case, because you may have kept postponing the house painting if you had attempted to complete the project of your own. Postponing a house painting that needs to be completed is not a good idea because you could be risking damage to the outside of your home. An old paint job is not as effective in protecting the outside of your home, which can basically invite damage to occur.

Even if you do have time in your schedule to complete a paint job on the outside of your home, it may still be a good idea to hire a home painting contractor if you do not have any experience in painting the outside of your home. Attempting to complete a paint job on your own if you do not have any previous experience can sometimes turn out very badly, especially if you have not done any research before attempting to complete the project. If in doubt, it is probably good to hire someone.

More information on College Works Painting home repair for your home is just a click away.

Metal Pin Holding Down 2 X 4

Surviving As A Contractor In California

So you want to make big money making a living as a contractor in the state of California. Well now I bet you have seen contractors on TV or maybe you know someone who is a contractor. You see these men and women playing the part as Mr. or Mrs. Money bags. If you have the slightest thought that becoming a contractor will provide you with a life of riches think again.

Most contractors that I know and have worked with over the years don't think of there jobs as easy. They have to work everyday and a lot into the night doing estimates or meeting with potential clients because they are to busy during the day. The life of most contractors in the beginning will be difficult to say the least. But if successful you will make a great living for yourself and your family.

Now that we got the false illusion of the contractor answering his cell phone all day at some nice golf course having lunch talking about the money that he just made selling his oil stocks. We can start on reality. If being a contractor was that easy everyone would be a contractor. Right..... Well maybe not everyone.

I have been a contractor for over 22 years and in construction for 30 year. I have seen a lot of changes over the years. I remember when a few contractors that I worked for made a lot of money during the late 1970's. These guys had Ferraris and money to burn with one exception they had no idea how to save any of it. These guys went on vacations and bought extravagant toys for them selves. Out of most of the big framing contractors I worked for about 10 percent are still in business or actually saved their money during the good times so that they could make it through the bad times.

These contractors never thought it was going to end. Life on easy street that is. But it did and most went by the way side. I guess that is the nature of business. Especially the current economic business cycles that we seem to go through over the years. If you don't have the money to advertise or carry a payroll. Your business is going to suffer during the bad times. Sure there is credit and bank loans but you still have to pay that money back. IF you can't save your money stash some away for advertising.

Some of the best advice I can give a contractor anywhere especially in the state of California is " Don't Think The Great Times Of Easy Money Will Last Forever". Save some of the money you make just in case you need to get through the bad times. You will thank me for this latter, Some time down the road. Take this advice and put it into action starting right now.

Greg Vanden Berge has over 30 years of experience in residential home building and remodeling. This provides you with the comfort of knowing that you have a professional with the knowledge and skills to complete your construction projects in a timely manner.

Our low overhead along with our new online estimating system will provide you with the most competitive construction pricing in the area. We continue to educate ourselves about the new home improvement books and building systems in the construction industry. If we have any doubt that something might not work we don't use it. We have found some of these products to be the root of some major home building problems.

Click on the Home Remodeling Ideas to get more information and a possible online estimate for your home improvement project.

Support Post For Valley Beam

Best Material to Be Used in the Bathroom

Everyone wants to live in a big house, which looks grand and beautiful. Though the bathroom is a small room, which you cannot personalize a lot or add a lot of furniture, there are numerous ways of making it look pretty. A simple way to do this is by using good materials for your bathroom. You have got to find and choose the best material to make your bathroom look more splendid. Here are some of the best materials to be used in a bathroom.

Material for the Countertops

You could start by deciding what material should be used for your countertop. There are many choices available from which you can choose. Before settling on what type of countertop you want, you must take into account factors such as its price, durability, maintenance, style and installation. Having a countertop in your bathroom is a must. You must decide on a countertop material, which is not affected by water, that is considering the humidity and water in the bathroom. Bathroom countertops are usually customized however nowadays you can even get yourself pre-made countertops. Some of the best materials that can be used for your countertop are marble, laminates, tiles, granite and soapstone.

Material for the Bathtub

Next you can decide on the type of bathtub, whether you want a luxury bathtub or an old fashioned one. Later on you can decide on the material for your bathtub. Again there are a number of materials to choose from while deciding on the material to use for your bathtub. Each of these materials have there own advantages and disadvantages. Even though these materials may be quite superior and good in quality, you must remember that over time they will be damaged due to use. Some suitable materials you can use are acrylic, marble, fiberglass, cast iron, enameled steel or porcelain on steel and solid surface.

Material for the Bathroom Walls

Selecting the material required for your bathroom walls is quite a task what with the endless number of options that are now available to you. But you must remember to make the right choices. You must consider certain factors such as it should be water resistant, easy to clean and durable. Also each material has its pros and cons that you must keep in mind before deciding on the final material. Some materials which are most commonly used and are the best to use for your bathroom walls are tiles which are available in a wide variety, fiberglass, acrylic sheet materials and marble and natural stone tiles. These come in a variety of sizes and colors to choose from.

Material for the Bathroom Floor

There are many options available when picking the right flooring for you bathroom. However you must keep in mind how the material handles moisture, whether it is durable or not and how the particular style will suit your bathroom. Materials that can be used are laminates, tiles which come in a wide variety of styles and surfaces and also vinyl flooring.

Keeping all these suggestions in mind you can now decide on how to remodel or design your bathroom according to your preferences.

Marble City Company is the leading installer and largest importer of granite slabs in the Bay Area, California.

Home Repair Books
Hiring Contractors Books

Sauna Heaters - The Choices are Many

When incorporating a private sauna into your home, the type of sauna heater you plan to implement will influence several other crucial decisions you'll need to make before the building process begins:

• Will your sauna be located indoors or outdoors?
• Will you need a portable sauna that can be moved to a new location if necessary, or will this be a permanent fixture?
• Do you have the necessary space for a dedicated room or separate enclosure for your sauna?
• What are your must-haves for the design of the sauna? For instance, will you need a built-in shower or changing area?

The type of heat source you choose for your home sauna will determine the options you'll have for many aspects of the unit, including location, size, materials, and layout. Sauna heaters are designed to produce heat and steam for enjoyable sauna sessions. Often, rocks are placed on the heater to retain the heat; when water is poured over these stones, it adds to the production of humidity and steam. Some of the more commonly used sauna rocks are olivine and peridotite, both of which can be purchased at your local sauna supply store or online.

In general, there are four main types of heaters that are used for a majority of today's home saunas. Among these varieties, you'll find a wide range of pricing and performance. Each has its own unique advantages and disadvantages.

Wood-Burning Sauna Heaters

Inspired by the original heat sources used by the first Finnish saunas, wood-burning heaters are still preferred by many purists today. This sauna heat source can be a convenient option for outdoor saunas with a separate entrance away from the main home, since the sauna can be positioned near the wood pile. The resulting ashes are also much easier to clean up if the sauna is outdoors. One potential drawback of wood heaters is that they require quite a bit of maintenance and attention. Also, if you don't have the time or resources to cut wood to fuel the fire, you'll need to make special trips to regularly purchase kindling. One other shortcoming is that sauna wood heaters don't allow fixed control over their temperature.

Gas-Burning Sauna Heaters

A popular alternative for the budget-conscious sauna user, gas heaters are powered by either natural gas or propane. Natural gas is far more economical than standard electricity, although one potential disadvantage is that not all areas have natural gas available. Propane gas provides a more portable option, requiring no hard-wiring from the sauna to an electrical outlet. One benefit of sauna gas heaters is that they warm up very quickly. Note that you will need to enlist the services of a certified plumber to run any necessary natural gas lines to the sauna stove.

Electric Heaters

First emerging in the 1950s, electric heaters are now the most common sauna power sources in the United States today. Some of their most appealing features are their cost-efficiency and ease of operation. Most electric heaters for saunas are equipped with built-in thermostats and digital timers, making it easy to set and maintain specific temperature settings.

Infrared Sauna Heaters

Growing in popularity in recent years, the sauna infrared heater uses cutting-edge technology to directly penetrate the body with far infrared heat, rather than warming the surrounding air as other types of heaters do. As a result, infrared sauna users enjoy a more immediate and direct therapeutic benefit from infrared's radiant heat. Infrared saunas use a much lower temperature than other types of saunas, while still achieving the same levels of warmth and relaxation. Some other advantages of infrared sauna heaters are that they warm up quickly and are easy to install and operate. You will, however, need to hire a certified electrician to make sure your infrared sauna is wired according to the local building code.

About the Author:

Kevin Urban is the editor for http://www.sauna-talk.com, the web's premier informational site on home saunas. Visit the site for our recommended list of sauna books and a great selection of sauna accessories.

Copyright 2008 Sauna-Talk.com

Permission is granted to publish this article on your site providing all links are included and clickable

Walls Framed For Entertainment