5 Ways To Lower Your Homeowners Insurance In Santa Clarita

Santa Clarita homeowner's insurance has varying costs. These costs, or premiums, are dependent upon a number of things. These include the type of coverage you choose to carry, the amount of your deductible, and the kind of home you need to insure. Santa Clarita is located just north of Los Angeles, California, in an area prone to earthquakes and heavy rains at certain times of the year. Here are 5 tips for lowering your homeowner's insurance rates if you live in Santa Clarita.

1. When you are purchasing a home, look closely at the location, building materials and quality of construction of the home you want. Newer homes will cost less to insure for at least the first five to seven years. In an earthquake prone area, such as Santa Clarita, choose a home with wood frame construction. This type of construction will be more likely to withstand this kind of disaster.
2. Every year, look at your possessions. If you have expensive jewelry, furs, silver or fine art work, you are probably paying extra to insure them on a floater policy. You may no longer own these items or you may find that you do not need to insure them for as much as you currently have your homeowners policy set to cover.
3. Purchase your homeowners insurance and automobile insurance policies from the same company. This way you will receive a discount and, also, have only one company to deal with in case of a claim.
4. Maintain a strong credit record. Your insurance company most likely uses credit information to determine the price of your homeowners insurance policy. Check your credit record annually to be sure that the information stated is accurate.
5. Raise your deductible limit. The deductible is the amount that you must pay before your insurance pays when you have a claim. By raising this deductible to $500 or even $1000 on your homeowners insurance you may be able to save up to 25% on your policy.

By checking with your insurance agent you will be able to discuss your individual situation and circumstances to get the best possible rate. Remember that price is not everything; the service and reputation of your agent and insurance company will mean more to you when you have a loss or claim.

To find out more about how to lower your homeowner's insurance rates go to http://www.InsuranceSantaClarita.com

5 Ways To Lower Your Homeowners Insurance In Santa Clarita

Santa Clarita homeowner's insurance has varying costs. These costs, or premiums, are dependent upon a number of things. These include the type of coverage you choose to carry, the amount of your deductible, and the kind of home you need to insure. Santa Clarita is located just north of Los Angeles, California, in an area prone to earthquakes and heavy rains at certain times of the year. Here are 5 tips for lowering your homeowner's insurance rates if you live in Santa Clarita.

1. When you are purchasing a home, look closely at the location, building materials and quality of construction of the home you want. Newer homes will cost less to insure for at least the first five to seven years. In an earthquake prone area, such as Santa Clarita, choose a home with wood frame construction. This type of construction will be more likely to withstand this kind of disaster.
2. Every year, look at your possessions. If you have expensive jewelry, furs, silver or fine art work, you are probably paying extra to insure them on a floater policy. You may no longer own these items or you may find that you do not need to insure them for as much as you currently have your homeowners policy set to cover.
3. Purchase your homeowners insurance and automobile insurance policies from the same company. This way you will receive a discount and, also, have only one company to deal with in case of a claim.
4. Maintain a strong credit record. Your insurance company most likely uses credit information to determine the price of your homeowners insurance policy. Check your credit record annually to be sure that the information stated is accurate.
5. Raise your deductible limit. The deductible is the amount that you must pay before your insurance pays when you have a claim. By raising this deductible to $500 or even $1000 on your homeowners insurance you may be able to save up to 25% on your policy.

By checking with your insurance agent you will be able to discuss your individual situation and circumstances to get the best possible rate. Remember that price is not everything; the service and reputation of your agent and insurance company will mean more to you when you have a loss or claim.

To find out more about how to lower your homeowner's insurance rates go to http://www.InsuranceSantaClarita.com

Building and Remodeling Your Getaway

The cabin in the country was perfect for me and my hunting forays but was not large enough for my wife. My old cabin was comfortable but was not what my wife had envisioned as her dream house in the woods.

Retirement was still several years away and spending a lot of money on housing that would be vacant 95% of the time was not what I had envisioned. A trip to Shreveport in search of housing brought forth good results. We found a 14 x 28 foot metal building that had nothing but bare walls. The building had one large door in the front plus two front windows. There was a large garage door at one end. Obviously this building was meant to be used for a vehicle storage unit.

We made calls to the builder and asked for changes to be made to the building that was being built for us. An exact duplicate of the one we had seen on the lot but with our changes implemented was ordered. We called for the elimination of the garage door and an added window space for an air conditioner. We asked the builder to install five electrical outlets with light switches for a ceiling light.

Our wait of two months ended on the day that the builder said that the movers were ready to bring the building out to our acreage. The bull dozier and operator that I had hired to clear the trees for the installation did an inadequate job. On the third trip to our acreage the movers were finally able to gain access to the installation area.

I installed fiber glass insulation in the walls and in the ceiling area. The ceiling was very tall and required huge amounts of insulation which I installed with a staple gun. I used chicken wire to hold the insulation up in the ceiling. I added canvas cloth over the wire instead of another type of ceiling covering. I installed wood paneling in the walls. The floor was covered with padding and carpet, A partition was selected to wall off a bathroom area. A shower enclosure was installed along with the proper plumbing. A toilet was added next to this small area. The light fixture in the ceiling was exchanged for a ceiling fan with attached lighting. We installed a loft at one end of the building that could be used for storage or as extra sleeping quarters.

A weighty concrete step was added for stability at the entrance. An air conditioner was installed into the extra opening in the wall that was cut by the builder. Under the loft we have added a refrigerator and freezer. Cabinetry has been cut to accommodate the spacing available in the building. Bedding is located at one end which is surrounded by a couch with a suitable structure built for the television. The dining area is set off to one side. It includes a table with matching chairs. The walls have been decorated to suit the tastes of my wife.

Exiting the building we encounter an electrical pole with external outlets located on it. Wiring from an electrical device built to control bug populations is plugged directly into one of the outlets.

The remodeled building is located hundreds of yards away from any habitation. It is situated about fifty yards back off of the main road. This seems to be a perfect solution for a desire and dream to have a cabin located in an area of total privacy. The plans are now in the works to add a deck in front with space for a hot tub. My wife has picked a spot for our new stock tank. A pier will have to be built to accommodate the fishermen that will use it.

Our ideas are endless.

Stephen Graham-Writes articles from his own life experiences.

http://buckskinnews.blogspot.com

http://goodstuffintexas.blogspot.com

Granite Tile: Stone Cold Beauty

Granite is a decorative natural st1C84one that is truly eye-catching, delivering a unique, classy look to any interior or exterior. Granite is as durable as it is beautiful, being one of the hardest substances on earth. Also, to the question of usage and longevity, with proper care, your granite tile project can last a lifetime, transforming a foyer, a kitchen, or even in an outdoor installation (provided youve chosen a non-slip, unpolished finish) into a key feature of a property. Granite tile flooring is, in many cases, the obvious choice for those interested in any kind of natural stone tile flooring or countertops material.

The origins of granite

Granite tile is often a feature in a residence or a commercial building, not only because it is visually impressive, but because of the auspiciousness of having a flooring material which literally took ages to create! Formed deep in the earth, granite is the end result of tremendous heat and pressure applied over thousands of years. Granite is an igneous rock that is described as intrusive. That is, granite is formed when liquid magma is forced between other layers of rock, where it eventually cools and forms a layer of its own. Here, it is fused with elements such as quartz, feldspar and mica among other trace elements. The cooling process is slow, the new layer of rock being shielded by the layers above and below where the molten magma had been forced. The mineral elements which have become suspended in the cooling magma define the crystalline appearance of this unique natural stone. Due to its harsh origins and the lengthy process that suspends so many stabilizing elements within it, granite is an incredibly hard surface. This is material you can trust for durability!

Granite at the Quarry

Once the raw granite has been removed from its bed, first stage in processing granite for the purposes of flooring or countertop slabs is cutting the larger chunks of granite into manageable blocks. These blocks of granite are then further cut to size for use as both slabs and tiles by means of wire saws which are treated with various kinds of durable abrasives, such as sand, aluminum oxide, and diamond. These saws are most commonly used with water as a coolant. Sometimes, high-pressure water jets are used to cut the granite in tandem with the more traditional wire saws. Once the cutting process has been completed, the granite undergoes three processes that make them recognizable as tile flooring or countertop slabs. They are polished on one side, calibrated and gauged. These latter two terms refer to the process of making the back of each tile or slab as even as possible, and the edges as square as possible respectively. Once completed, the granite tile or slab is ready to be shipped to site, ready for your installation.

Popular uses for granite tile for flooring and countertops

Granite tile, being a very versatile material, can be installed in a great many locations in a residential or commercial project. Some of the more popular uses of granite are halls and foyers. Because of their decorative appearance, the popularity of granite tile in these areas is far from surprising. Granite tile helps to create an ambience of professionalism, strength, and permanence when placed in the foyers and halls of an office building. In the home, a granite tile floor can make all the difference in creating a space that is characterized by a singular, refined beauty that complements the surrounding dcor.

Further to this, granite tiles and slabs make a great countertop surfaces. Granite tiles are commonly used as highly suitable backsplashes that can add just the right accent to a kitchen installation. For an outdoor installation, on a terrace for instance, or a walkway, unpolished granite tile can add similar visual accent to a property as well as overall value. If you have leftover granite tile pieces after your installation is complete, granite tile can be cut to size and serve as cutting boards, coasters, fireplace surrounds, and a number of other uses limited only be your imagination and sense of practicality.

Caring for granite tile flooring and countertops

Given the hardness of granite, and the harsh origins that make it extremely resistant to certain types of wear, many of the things you would have to worry about with a lesser material is simply not an issue. For instance, many people choose granite for kitchen countertops and flooring because granite tile and slabs are highly resistant to abrasion caused by cutlery. Granite is also extremely heat-resistant, making it a worry-free countertop solution when it comes to hot pots and plates placed directly on its surface.

However, despite how durable granite tile is, it does require your attention in terms of care. One of the first things to consider is the application of an appropriate sealant. The choice of sealant may be determined by the variety of granite tile youve chosen to install, and where youve chosen to install it. Generally, a sealant is required to protect your granite tile from moisture, which is the most insidious enemy of any building material. As to the specific brands and varieties, talk to your local retailer or flooring expert about which one is the most effective choice with regard to your specific choice in granite tile.

Many of the other approaches to caring for your granite tile come down to common sense; clean up spills right away, keep your granite tile free of dirt and grit that can scratch the polish, and see about which types of cleaners and polishes are most appropriate to granite tile. Also, consider what you are prepared to do to maintain your granite tile surface. A level of commitment is needed in order to keep the sheen of the polished granite tile the same as it is when you first lay it down.

Granite: All this and brains too!

Granite tile and slabs are both a decorative and practical choice, making your choice of granite both a stylish and smart one indeed! Due to its hardness, its resistance to heat and other forms of stress, as well as the versatility which is offered by granite tile, you are making an investment that will add value to your property and one which will be the source of a tremendous pride of ownership. The production of granite has been millions of years in the making, made by the greatest manufacturer there is the earth itself. For a lasting durability designed by nature that is stone cold gorgeous too, granite may be the best idea youve ever had!

Granite Tile Dos and Donts

Here are a few things to think about when you are considering granite tile for your project:

Do:

Consider the area where you intend to install granite tile. Make sure that factors such as moisture levels, foot traffic, and slip resistance are carefully considered. Consider what type of surface is the best polished, honed, or brushed (AKA flamed) are popular varieties in granite tile, each better suited to certain areas than others. Polished granite is great for countertops and low traffic areas, but often becomes slippery when wet. Honed flooring is more all-purpose, but may 5B4be considered less decorative by some. Brushed or flamed granite tile is most commonly used outdoors

Read all warranty information before purchase

Look into hiring a flooring tile professional to help you as working with granite can be very strenuous, due to its weight particularly. When in doubt, its always best to get experienced help

Inspect the whole batch before beginning an installation for possible breakage and any other issues, and consult your terms and conditions as to how to see about compensation, if any

Expect color variations in your batch of granite tile. Remember, granite is a natural material. Use these natural color variations found in your batch to your advantage. Get as creative with your layout as you can

Lay out all of your granite tiles in a dry run before applying mortar or other chosen adhesive agent.

Choose a sealant that best suits your choice in granite tile. Ask your sales rep or flooring professional about specific varieties and brand names

Initiate a cleaning and maintenance regimen; choose the appropriate cleaners and polishes based on experienced advice in order to make sure your granite tile retains all of its natural beauty

Dont:

Install granite tile on an uneven, dirty or wet subfloor

Leave spills to sit on your granite tile flooring or counter9ADtops. It is important to avoid excessive moisture as this is what contributes to the wear of any building material. Also, liquids with an acid base are often culprits of stubborn stains

Allow dirt and grit to remain on the surface of your granite tile. These elements can affect the finish over time and take away from the natural beauty of granite

Use acid-based cleaners or other agents on your granite tile. This can be a major source of wear on your tile, cause stains to become permanent, and dull the finish as well. Avoid using any product your no sure about

Forget to thoroughly rinse your granite tile once youve used a recommended cleaner, or forget to change dirty water or solution which you are using to clean the tile

Use scouring powders, steel wool, or other abrasive materials to remove stains from your granite tile

Obviously this is not a complete list. Once again, one of the best courses of action to take to ensure that granite tile is the right choice for a flooring or countertop solution is to consult with the experts. This way, you are benefiting from years of experience which will allow you to avoid costly mistakes. It will also help to make sure that your granite tile will be as attractive and long lasting as it is meant to be with you as its best ally!

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

Custom Bathroom Vanities - Adding Beauty & Value to Your Home

Custom bathroom vanities are a great way to add value to your house or the house you are remodeling. These are not vanities that you will find in your neighbors homes nor will you find them at your local home improvement superstore. It used to be that custom vanities were exactly that... custom made for each situation. They were designed specifically for you and according to the requirements you set forth. With more and more products being made in China, they have even started importing Decorative or Custom Bathroom Cabinets that come completely assembled, with the vanity top, sink bowl, hardware, and matching mirror(s).

So Why Should you Consider a Custom Bathroom Vanity?

The are many reasons why they could be right for your project, but most importantly would be resale value. Buyers like the idea of getting a great bargain for their money and are often eager to buy a home that has custom cabinetry in the kitchen or bath that is unique to that house. With all of the mass produced neighborhoods popping up, homeowners are looking for ways to differentiate their homes from those of their neighbors. Because of this, it is very rare that you won't recoup your investment when you go to sell your house.

There are many things that make custom cabinetry and vanities appealing to many different people but one of the most easy to identify is the quality of not only the workmanship involved but also the craftsmanship. It shows when you have custom cabinets and buyers will recognize that 'pride of ownership' and experience less apprehension when buying from you, particularly if you've taken great care of your woodwork. With higher quality materials, and more attention to detail, I decorative bathroom vanity will hold up much longer to the wear and tear of your family.

The best reason for making the investment in a custom bathroom vanity is for your personal enjoyment. The bathroom is where we usually start and end our day. With more and more people trying to turn their bathroom into a spa environment, it only makes sense to carry that feeling over to the vanity that you install.

A custom made vanity is not only about appearance but should also meet your requirements for functionality. Everything seems to work better when it has its own place and is put back into that place. A good custom vanity will have a spot for all your morning bathroom routine needs.

Where can you find a decorative bathroom furniture vanity?

Even with th9F6e increase in popularity, custom pieces are still hard to find. Since they are not mass produced, you won't find custom vanities gracing the aisles of your local home improvement stores. As I mentioned before, you can find some manufacturers and importers online by searching for decorative bathroom vanities or custom bathroom vanities, but even the search engines have a hard time finding all of the companies that are available because of the lack of traffic they generate. Searching for local carpenters is another way to go, but be prepared to pay a lot for your custom project and be ready for a long lead time.

Most of us have a good idea of what we like when it comes to design features and looks but have very little knowledge of the actual physics involved in getting the look and functionality we desire. Searching on-line is a great way to find samples or pictures of what bathroom vanity you would like to have for your bathroom. It will also give you an idea of what styles each manufacturer or carpenter specialize in.

A custom bathroom vanity or a piece of decorative bathroom furniture can not only add value to your home, but also create a unique focal point for your oasis. By having a good idea of what you are looking for, doing some research on-line, and narrowing down the manufacturers and carpenters that specialize in what you are looking for, you will be able to build the custom bathroom of your dreams.

I have been remodeling houses for over 15 years, and I have found a way to save hundreds on each bathroom that I remodel. If you are looking for a High End Bathroom Vanity , Euro Vanity, or RTA Bathroom Vanity check out one of these links to find out my secret.

Installing Ceramic Tile in a Shower

Installing ceramic tile in a shower starts with a proper Foundation. The Foundation consists of WonderBoard or Durock cement board on the walls and a Shower Pan Membrane Liner in the shower floor, if the shower floor is to be tiled too.

WonderBoard or Durock cement board, also known as backerboard, are resistant to water and are ideal materials for applying ceramic tiles to high-moisture areas. Durock can be applied directly to wall studs and ceiling joists using hot-dipped galvanized nails or galvanized wood screws.

Thin-set or an adhesive mortar can be applied directly on the WonderBoard or Durock cement board for attaching the ceramic tiles. However, fiberglass mesh tape should be applied over all seams and smoothed out with a latex thin-set prior to the application of ceramic tiles.

If ceramic tile is desired on the floor of the shower as well, then a shower pan membrane liner should be installed prior to the installation of the WonderBoard or Durock cement board. The shower pan membrane liner is used to ensure a leak-proof shower. Shower pan membrane liners are used to funnel any water that seeps through the floor or wall grout to the shower drain below. The shower pan membrane liner is made up of a flexible type of plastic material that sits below a bed of mortar, and the tile, in the shower floor area.

Prior to installing the shower pan membrane liner, the floor of the shower needs to be pre-sloped to ensure that the water will flow towards the shower drain assembly. The pre-slope is accomplished by applying a layer of mortar to the floor of the shower unit area. The layer of mortar is troweled in such as way as to create a gentle slope from the shower wall edges to the center of the shower where the drain resides.

Once the pre-slope mortar has cured, the flexible shower pan membrane liner can then be installed. There are a couple of types of shower pan membrane liners on the market, with each having their own benefits. With either type of membrane, the homeowner needs to form and fold the material into the base of the shower area and secure it to the sides of the shower wall frame with staples and/or nails. In addition, an opening in the membrane should be cut out to allow the adjustable shower drain assembly to slip through.

With the shower pan membrane installed, the cementitious ceramic tile backerboard can then be secured to the framed shower walls. The backerboard is a rigid material that is ideal for attaching tile in wet areas such as a shower stall.

After installing the ceramic tile backerboard, a final coat of mortar needs to be applied on top of the shower pan membrane to protect it and to provide a solid base for laying the ceramic floor tile.

With the final coat of mortar cured, the ceramic tile can then be installed in the shower.

Once the tile and grout have been installed, the shower drain assembly should be adjusted so that the drain height sits flush with the finished ceramic tile floor.

For more information on installing a shower pan membrane liner, see the Shower Pan Membrane Liner Installation EBook from HomeAdditionPlus.com. The Shower Pan Membrane Liner EBook will quickly teach you the step-by-step process for installing the shower pan membrane liner correctly. It includes instructions on framing the shower stall, pouring the pre-slope and shower base mortar, and installing the shower pan membrane liner.

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

Works for the Workshop

The workshop is a great place for reusing items formally destined for the landfill. Even if you do not have a shop or craft area you can always donate the items mentioned in the following paragraphs to friends, schools, shops, youth centers The concept of reusing is as limitless as your imagination.

Screws, bolts, picture hooks, plant hangers, curtain hooks, and hinges are common hardware items used in most homes. Although not overly costly when purchased a few pieces at a time, they can add up over the years. Salvage any reusable hardware and parts from old cabinets, furniture or mechanical items before discarding. These can easily be organized and stored in plastic containers of different sizes. Shop with this in mind and purchase items like peanut butter or mayonnaise in clear plastic containers.

These are our favorite as they are recyclable, sturdy and you can easily determine the jars contents at a glance. When buying screws and bolts avoid the small plastic packages and try to find a store that sells these items out of bulk bins. You save money and packaging too.

Strong plastic jugs from juice, milk, o5B4r detergents make excellent storage containers for tools, rags or parts in the workshop. At a section near the top of the jug remove all but a flap of plastic to attach it to a wall or post. Any rough spots can be filed off or covered with tape. Drill a few holes in the bottom for drainage and use in the same way outside in the garden and for storing clothespins.

Any clothing or towels too ragged to donate to a thrift store still have value. Cut the material into squares of different sizes to use as cleanup rags. Many garages, cabinet shops and backyard mechanics will gratefully accept excess rags. Sewing groups would gladly accept the buttons and zippers gleaned from the clothing. Childrens programs and daycare centers also use buttons for crafts.

Small household appliances that are no longer working can be salvaged for parts. If you are not familiar with this type of operation dont attempt it - you can always donate them to handymen types that you may know, or appliance repair classes in your community. Handles from pots and pans can come in handy for fashioning custom tools, or they can be used to make a storage box easy to carry. Old utensils can be bent and made into various picks and scrapers.

The workshop can become a veritable stew pot of reuse ideas. As it is not a place commonly viewed by guests or neighbors it will not matter so much if the look is compromise492d by the reused items. Of course, the most important thing is the fact that you are reducing your landfill contribution by taking the matter into your own hands and making a difference!

Written by Dave and Lillian Brummet based on the concept of their book, Trash Talk. The book offers useful solutions for the individual to reduce waste and better manage resources. A guide for anyone concerned about their impact on the environment. (http://www.sunshinecable.com/)

Living Up With The Modern Bathroom Designs

Bathroom designs are constantly changing from time to time. The furniture and sanitary ware are innovated to fit the modern trend.

Modern bathroom design when it comes to color is more natural. Prints and patterns are becoming the favorites. There are also some who prefers to use floral patterns. These designs can still be incorporated with solid colors but not that much. Solid colors are still around but just to accentuate the modern designs.

The vanities or storage places in the bathroom are also a hit. There are different designs and styles that fit your design. The regular square shape is still in but there is an added feature such as a different color or design. Hanging vanities are preferred since it takes advantage of space in the bathroom. Another favorite are drawers and furniture which has many shelves.

In line with tapware, the single tap still holds the top place. It is irreplaceable as of this time. The only difference is the square type body.

Basin shapes are totally changing these days. Gone are the square shapes. It is now being changed to softer designs. The designs are egg-inspired and look more round. Floral designs for basins will also come out soon. Basins with pedestal are also widely accepted these days. It fits small-sized bathrooms.

Storage places in the bathroom are taking up fewer spaces. These are now preferred when hanged since it saves more space. The designs are also becoming more striking.

Toilets for this season are more elegant. It59F looks lesser and smaller but still with the same functions others even better. In today's trend, toilets can already be kept within the walls and only the flush button is exposed.

Freestanding bathtubs are the star in today's modern bathroom designs. You can avail of the best looking and most comfortable bath tub within your budget. The favorite bath tub these days are the deep soaker baths. These are bath tubs that suit smaller bathrooms as they make the most of the spaces available. Designs with wood-veneer will some come out and it is predicted that it will be one of he favorites soon.

Showers for this generation are also a hit. Innovations are made such that even low-pressured water areas can provide an efficient water flow even without the use of water pumps.

For bathroom design ideas, visit http://www.bathroomdesignideas101.com

Bath and Shower Tile Designs

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

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

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

Tips for choosing bath and shower tile designs:

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

Bath and Shower Tile Designs

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

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

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

Chinking For Log Siding - Learn The Basics Of Chinking Your Log Home

One of the most important procedures that you will have to learn is known as chinking for log siding. Let's take a look at what chinking for log siding does for your brand new log home, and we'll see why it is such an important step.

To put it simply, chinking is the almost mortar like substance that fills in the gaps between the logs in your beautiful new log home. It functions as a heat and energy preserver that also helps to keep your home waterproof during rainy days. As important as the logs are in your beautiful new log home, the chinking for log siding is just as important. Unlike in the past, today's chinking is actually quite flexible and not as cement-like like it used to be. Some styles of log cabins don't even need chinking to keep moisture out and heat in, but simply use it for aesthetic reasons. Regardless of what kind of log cabin home you have, you may find yourself in need of chinking for log siding.

When you choose which kind of log home you want to have built, you will probably have the choice to have a log cabin home that actually needs chinking to be properly insulated, or one that locks together without the need for it. You can still have chinking for log siding applied so that your log cabin matches the general idea of what a log cabin looks like, but it will be up to you. Many people find chinking for log siding to be a beautiful and a classy touch to their new home even if they don't need it. For these people, the added cost of having cosmetic chinking for log siding done is more than worth it.

You can also have the choice of having chinking applied to both the inside and the outside of your home. Again, some homes need chinking applied to both the exterior and the interior of the home to keep the home energy tight, while others only need it for cosmetic purposes. Many folks, however, wouldn't want a home that didn't display the beauty of interior chinking for log siding as part of their home dcor.

Mountain Home Building Products offers solid wood siding, log home finishes, caulking and chinking, rustic hardwood siding, artistic antler castings and hand forged lighting.

Visit us at http://www.mountainhomebuildingproducts.com

The Written Contract - 9 Important Items That Every Homeowner Must Include!

Congratulations! You are now finally ready to begin that long-awaited project. You have been patient, planned your project, done your research, and located an awesome contractor who will become a part of your family for the next few weeks. Once you have chosen a contractor no work should begin on your home until you have received, reviewed, and signed a written contract. The written contract should spell out in detail exactly what will take place before, during, and after your project is complete. You need to be sure that everyone involved is thinking, talking, and working on the same page.

What is a Written Contract?

In dealing with home construction projects, a written contract is a legally binding document between you, the homeowner, and the contractor you hire. It specifies the work to be completed, the amount of money to be paid for the work, and the separate responsibilities that both you and the contractor must fulfill. A written contract is needed to ensure that all parties involved understand their obligations and to make sure that nothing is left open to an individual's interpretation. The written contract will also protect the homeowner against a dishonest contractor or one who does poor quality work. It also protects contractors and ensures that they will be paid in a timely manner. A contract is also the best tool for settling disagreements if things should go wrong and end up in a legal dispute. In short, do not ever start a project without protecting yourself and your home.

Minimum Home Construction/Repair Written Contract Requirements

Many states, by law, have specific minimum requirements for home construction written contracts...read and understand them! These requirements are often found on state or attorney general websites. In Maine, any home construction or repair project totaling more than $3,000 in materials or labor must be accompanied by a signed, written contract. By failing to use a written contract, as noted above, Maine contractors can place themselves in a position to commit an Unfair Trade Practice.

Note: Many written contract laws are not inflexible. A certain section of the state law may allow the contractor and the homeowner to agree to exempt themselves from the law in part or even entirely. However, in order to properly qualify for an exemption, the contractor must specifically inform the homeowner of the homeowner's rights under this law.

Below are 9 important items that should be in every written contract:

1. Names of Both Parties: This should be obvious but isn't always the case. The name, address and phone number of both the contractor and the homeowner is an absolute necessity.

2. Location: This is the physical address of the property upon which the construction work is to be done. So simple yet often ignored. Don't let this come back to haunt you.

3. Work Dates: This is the date the project will start and the estimated date of completion. Either or both of these dates may be changed if work cannot begin or end due to circumstances beyond the control of the contractor. This needs to be agreed to in writing and signed by both parties. This helps eliminate a contractor taking a month to do a project that should be completed in a week.

4. Contract Price: This is the total contract price including all costs to be incurred in the proper completion of the project. A contract based on a "cost-plus" formula, which is the agreed upon price and an estimate of the cost of labor and materials, needs to be handled in its own way.

5. Payment: This is the method of payment, with the initial down payment being limited to no more than what the state law allows at that time. Many contracts include a down payment and then a percentage of the remaining cost is paid as the project continues. In Maine, the down payment is limited to one-third of the total project cost, unless waived and agreed upon by the homeowner and contractor.

6. Description of the Work: This is a general description of the work to be completed by the contractor and materials to be used. If the homeowner requests specific materials or products then it is advised that they be spelled out in the contract to avoid confusion.

7. Warranty: A warranty statement should state that the contractor ensures that his work will be free from faulty materials, constructed according to the standards of the state and/or local building code, and constructed in a skillful manner and fit for habitation or appropriate use.

8. Resolution of Disputes: This is a statement that allows the homeowner and contractor the option of resolving contract disputes using select methods. Potential options are:

Binding arbitration - an arbitrator is agreed upon and assigned to make any final decisions.

Nonbinding arbitration - either party can chose to ignore the arbitrator's decision and proceed with a lawsuit, if necessary.

Mediation - both parties agree to allow a mediator to help resolve their differences.

9. Change orders: A change order is a written agreement that both parties sign when any change is made to the original written contract.

Other provisions the homeowner might want to consider adding to the written contract:

Lien releases to ensure that you are not held liable for any third-party claims of nonpayment.

Details pertaining to access to your home, care of the premises, phone and bathroom use, cleanup, and trash removal. Daily start and stop times (unless you want them there for breakfast and to tuck you in at night).

Information on who will obtain and pay for necessary permits and other approvals.

Once presented with a written contract take the necessary time to read it thoroughly and ask questions if you don't understand something. Make sure everything you requested is on the contract BEFORE 58Fyou sign it. And finally, NEVER sign a partially completed or blank contract!

Paul Lawrence has owned and operated Home Project Partners, a free Maine-based contractor referral service, since 2002. He helps bring homeowners together with reliable, quality-conscious, pre-screened home contractors skilled in numerous trades. Paul makes presentations to realtors and other groups that have an interest in his service. He has also taught adult education classes showing homeowners how to find contractors on their own and to learn how to properly screen a contractor.

For more information contact Paul at info@HomeProjectPartners.com or visit online at http://www.HomeProjectPartners.com

Why The Right Gutter System Can Save You Thousands

Few homeowners give a lot of thought to their gutter and downspouts on their home. That is if they have them at all. The truth is though; a guttering system can literally save you thousands of dollars in structural damage.

Rain gutters are a simple way to channel rainwater off of your roof and away from your home. They protect your home from damage because it won't stand up to water constantly running down the sides of the house, or going on the fascia boards and rafters.

On a continuous basis the structure is compromised as well as your foundation. Homes with poorly designed downspouts or without them at all, will have rainwater collect and pool underneath the roof. This eventually weakens the foundation, causing thousands of dollars worth of damage.

What may seem incredible to some is that it is better to have no gutter system at all than to have one that is poorly installed and leaks all over. Replacing damaged roofs, siding and other areas of your home can be very expensive to say the least.

Today, gutters and downspouts have many different designs than they did just 20 years ago. Seamless gutters and gutter guards have made installing and maintaining gutter systems much easier than ever before.

By far, aluminum is the best material for rain gutters. Seamless gutters can be quickly produced right at your home by gutter machines that make perfect gutters every time.

As a maintenance feature, gutter guards make cleaning your gutters a thing of the past. It eliminates leaves and other debris from clogging gutters and downspouts and causing the homeowner to climb a ladder and clean them out.

So, while gutters and downspouts may not be the first thing that comes to mind when owning a home, they can save you a lot of money in the future.

All Rights Reserved Worldwide. Reprint Rights: You may reprint this article as long as you leave all of the links active and do not edit the article in any way.

By the way, you can learn more about buying the right Gutter System as well as much more information on all types of gutters and downspouts at http://www.GuttersA-z.com

Foam Building Materials

Although there are many metal foams made up of solid metals like aluminum, their high price prevents them from being used in normal household constructions Commonly used foams are plastics, which are primarily made up of polyurethane and polystyrene. Most of these materials are low density elastomers, polymers and other ma1C84terials with various porosities. Foam building materials are characterized by their high density, tensile strength and thermal conductivity and dielectric strength. They are used in roofing membranes, insulation, pipe covers, vapor barriers, crack suppressant membranes and as installed flooring protection.

Polyurethane is polymer with bubbles produced at the time of foaming from one polyols and one isocyanate -- usually TDI (Toluene diisocyanate). There are rigid and flexible polyurethane foams available.

The most simple and common process to manufacture foams is by adding water to the liquid precursors of polyurethane. Water will react with the isocyanate of TDI. This will result in the production of carbon dioxide, which can create relatively uniform bubbles that harden through the polymerization process producing solid foam.

One other important polymer used to make household foams is polystyrene. Most polystyrene foams are made by adding little amounts of volatile materials known as blowing agents. The commonly used blowing agents in the past were CFCs (Chlorofluorocarbons). Other agents like acetone and methylene chloride have replaced this.

When polyurethane foams are required in soft form, they are mixed with resin. These soft foams are generally heavier than rigid foams. Forcing a pressurized gas, usually nitrogen or carbon dioxide, into the polymerizing mixture, produces large amounts of polyurethane and polystyrene foams. Some surfactants are also used for reducing the surface tension of foams, which are mainly silicone-based.

The machinery used to produce polyurethane foam depends on the application of foam. The most commonly used machinery is a spray foam gun, which are available in different sizes.

Building Materials provides detailed information on Building Materials, Building Material Manufacturers, Recycled Building Materials, Deck Building Materials and more. Building Materials is affiliated with Home Buildings.

Proven Methods For Pressure Washing Houses

The X-Jet is named that because it is an "external" injection system, introducing the cleaner to the water after all of the hoses and fittings. Using an X-Jet prolongs the life of all of your wear items such as hoses and quick-connects.

Always soap from the bottom up and rinse from the top down. You can apply a strong cleaner to the surface of the house and let it sit for about ten minutes before rinsing it off.

You can accomplish the job with many different ingredients, but degreasers and sodium hypochlorite are the primary ingredi5B4ents that most professionals rely on. Our experience led us to preference for a butyl-based degreaser for its terrific results on the hydrocarbons that make the atmospheric dirt stick to the house surface.

When power washing with an X-Jet, you automatically dilute the cleaner at some ratio. If you have to dilute a product before you run it through your X-Jet, the math can get pretty confusing. Let's start with the basics of x-jets, and advance to Combination Ratios.

The X-Jet is simply a chemical delivery system disguised as a pressure-wash tool. While keeping you off of ladders for housewashing, it will deliver any chemical to places up to 40 feet up in the air without requiring that chemical to go through the pump, hoses, fittings, etc. The term we have coined for this is "external injection". Instead of replacing brass QC fittings in as little as three months or replacing hoses as frequently as once each year (which happens when you downstream strong cleaners) these wear items can last for years when all they ever touch is water. In the end, owners of X-Jets stay off ladders more often, save lots of money on replacement parts, and save time and labor dollars.

We even demonstrated the X-Jet for our Work Comp carrier and got our premium reduced because it indicated that we would not normally use a ladder for a housewash job.

There are two inherent difficulties to overcome when you begin using this tool, however.5B4 One of these problems is the math of double dilutions. The other is mobility while working on large areas (like washing houses).

The double dilution math problem happens when you must first dilute a concentrated cleaner before putting it through the X-Jet (which dilutes the product a second time). Some of us have a hard time with ratios and proportions and proper dilutions, and double-dilutions are doubly hard to think through.

When you use an X-Jet (and you are using detergent concentrates for their cleaning power and low cost) this can all be just too much math. Many contractors just experiment until they find a mix that works, but there is a better, more exact way to look at these complex dilutions.

Let's say you want to use Power House siding cleaner (which is so concentrated that the label advises not to use it on painted surfaces at a dilution less than 15:1). That means 15 parts water to one part detergent. With an X-Jet and this powerful cleaner, you have several options to get the desired results.

We will figure on using our 4 GPM power washer. (X-Jet proportions change according to the GPM of the equipment.) Let's also not worry too much about being exact. If we are aiming for 15 : 1 and can easily get to 16 : 1, then we just ought to accept 16 : 1 as "close enough".

Under the 4 GPM column in the X-Jet directions, we see the following:

No proportioner: 1.6 : 1

Grey 2.5 : 1

BlackB68 5 : 1

Beige 10 : 1

Red 16 : 1

...and so on.

What options do we have? Well, we could dilute the product 10 : 1 and then run it through the X-Jet with no proportioner and get 16 : 1. Or we could just drop the X-Jet hose directly into the jug of cleaner and use the red proportioner, which delivers 16 : 1. Those two are the easy ones.

If the only proportioner I could find that day was the grey one, the math would get a little harder. In order to end up with 16 : 1 as my dilution, I would have to dilute the cleaner to some level. The math is not hard, just unfamiliar. In that case, I know that I want to deliver 15 gallons of mix for every gallon of concentrated cleaner that I use. If I use the grey proportioner (2.5 : 1) then I divide the 15 gallons that I want to end up with by the 2.5 ratio of my proportioner. That tells me that I must start out with 6 gallons of diluted cleaner - made from one gallon of my concentrated Power House. Adding 5 gallons of water to one gallon of Power House will give me 6 gallons of cleaner, which the X-Jet will further dilute to 15 gallons of cleaner with the 2.5 : 1 grey proportioner.

How many gallons of cleaner should you plan for any job? A universal number for using quality concentrated cleaners is that, in their final dilution, they will cover about 150 square feet per gallon. If the surface to be cleaned is about 3000 square feet, then you will need about 20 gallons of cleaner (3000 / 150). So, if the house we are washing has about 2400 square feet of surface area (a good typical size), we will need (2400 / 150 =) about 16 gallons of cleaner.

Let's also assume that the recipe we are going to use is the following: 1 Part Power House

+ 2 Parts 12.5% Bleach

+ 7 Parts water

= 10 Parts of cleaner

Applied with no proportioner in our X-Jet, meaning that we dilute this to 1.6 : 1, the 10 Parts of cleaner mix we start with becomes 16 Parts of cleaner applied to the surface. This is the right amount for the 2400 square foot house we used as our example.

This recipe results in the Power House ending up diluted to 15 : 1 (15 Parts water and bleach to 1 Part Power House). It also ends up with the bleach at a 1.8% concentration (14 Parts water and Power House to 2 Parts 12.5% bleach) which is plenty strong enough for most situations.

Obviously if you have a power washer that only puts out 3 GPM, your ratios change (and so should your recipe). You will still need the same number of gallons (16) to clean the surface. The X-Jet (without any proportioner) on a 3 GPM power washer will dilute the cleaner by a ratio of 1.2 : 1 (as opposed to 1.6 : 1). That means that we need 13 gallons of cleaner to do the same job. (16 / 1.2 = 13).

In that situation, creating a recipe is simple. The recipe above results in 10 gallons of cleaner with the ingredients in the right ratio. We5B4 need to end up with 13 gallons of cleaner, so we have to use 1.3 times as much of each ingredient to get the proper result. Here is the easy conversion:

1.3 gallons of Power House

+ 2.6 gallons of 12.5% bleach

+ 9.1 gallons of water

= 13 gallons of cleaner

Once you have nailed down your house washing formula, you are ready to start work. Here is where "mobility" becomes an issue. Most contractors start out with an X-Jet and no accessories, because they are unfamiliar with the product and the potential. We see people concentrating on getting the lowest price on the internet for the tool, but not talking to someone experienced at how to use the tool to its fullest capacity. The dealers who have never walked in wet boots just don't understand how important those accessories are.

The top item on the list is the spill-proof Closed Pail System . This is a 5-gallon pail that is completely closed and cannot be spilled (even if it is tipped over). You simply detach the mushroom filter from your X-Jet siphon hose and attach that siphon hose directly to the tube coming out of the spill-proof jug. The tube runs down to the bottom of the 5-gallon container, so you always pull cleaner from the bottom of the pail. The container, when full, weighs about 40 pounds, which is easy enough to carry from one side of the building to the next. It will carry enough soap so that you will probably only refill it once to comple5B4te the average house wash (particularly if you are using one of the proportioners). If you accidentally pull the hose and tip the jug over, your cleaner will stay in the jug and your X-Jet will continue to siphon out cleaner at the proper ratio.

The manufacturer used to make a backpack container, but there were always inherent problems using a backpack. I know, through a very personal experience, that backpacks develop leaks over time. You don't want something that will clean a house dripping down into your personal areas. The new closed-system pail is about half the price of the old backpack system, and much safer to use.

If you have questions about how to use an X-Jet or where to buy one, please call us or look online at the Sun Brite Supply web store.

By the way, consider adding extras like 4 ounces of Wet Wax to make your house-wash mix 'special' for your customers. The Wet Wax adds a soft sheen on aluminum or vinyl siding that will look great for several weeks. This will help you get more jobs in the neighborhood. Since you don't charge extra for the addition of the wax, people are pleasantly surprised by the nice appearance it leaves over ordinary house washes. Four ounces of Wet Wax could cost you as little as 60 cents. Another great adder to customize your mix is to add 4 ounces of SoSoft Rinse Aid. This allows the windows to rinse almost spot-free - a great "up-sell". We charged customers when we added the rin5B4se aid to the final rinse of the house, but I know several contractors who just throw it in as a part of their service. This is something that costs as little as 40 cents per house, so you can economically include it in your mix without charging extra.

Finally, consider cleaning the outside of the gutters as an extra-charge service. Gutter Zap and your X-Jet make an unbeatable team for that job. Expect to be able to remove about 90% of those pesky black streaks without ever getting on a ladder!

In all, washing a house with an X-Jet is economical from a labor/time perspective - with most jobs only taking an hour to do (or up to two hours for very large homes). The cleaner mix is inexpensive as well.

EXAMPLES:

Example 1: For our illustration, we will use Power House concentrate for a house wash. This cleaner's label advises you to dilute the product at least 15:1 before applying to a painted surface. To use Power House straight from the jug (full-strength), you could simply use the XJet with the red proportioner and get an application @ 16:1 (which is fine).

Example 2: If you have lost your red proportioner, you could add 1 gallon of water to 1 gallon of Power House and then use your beige proportioner. Because you "cut" the cleaner 1:1 before it went through the X-Jet at 10:1, you would actually end up applying at a final ratio of 20:1 (which is OK).

Example 3: If you didn't have any proportioner, you 5B4could "cut" the product by mixing 9 gallons of water with 1 gallon of Power House. By the time it ran through the X-Jet @ 1.6:1, your final application rate is actually 16:1.

The math here can be complex and confusing at first, but look at it this way. If you add up the total number of gallons resulting from the first cut of the product, and then multiply that number times the ratio of the X-Jet proportioner you select, you will find the overall dilution rate. In Example 2, the first cut produces 2 gallons of diluted cleaner. Running those two gallons through a 10:1 ratio gives you the 20:1 final ratio. In example 3, which is a little harder to understand, you have to see that you have 10 gallons of diluted cleaner which you then run through your X-jet at 1.6:1 - which gives you a final ratio of 16:1.

So let's put all this higher math to some practical use:

For discussion purposes, assume that you will use about 10 gallons of this cleaning mix to completely wash a 3-4 bedroom (2400 sq. ft.) ranch house. You can easily clean 5 or more of these houses with a single jug of Power House.

To make a KILLER STRONG housewash product using Power House and 12% bleach, mix 1 gallon of Power House with 5 gallons of water and 4 gallons of 12% bleach. That gives you 10 gallons of cleaner, with the Power House diluted to 10:1 and the bleach is cut down to 4.8%. Running that through the X-Jet with no proportioner (1.6:1) gives yo80Du a final dilution on the Power House of 16:1 and cuts the bleach to 3%. This is the strongest solution of bleach you should ever use to wash the dirtiest, moldiest house.

To make a NORMAL housewash product that still foams and cleans well, make a mixture of 1 gallon of Power House, 7 gallons of water, and 2 gallons of 12% bleach. Once you put this mix through the X-Jet with no proportioner, you end up with the Power House at 16:1, which is great. The bleach will end up at 1.5%, which is ideal too.

Peter Marentay, Owner of Sun Brite Inc.

Mr. Marentay joined Sun Brite Inc. in 1998 and immediately created a new division of the company - Sun Brite Supply. Since that time, SBS has become one of the fastest growing suppliers of specialty products to the pressure washing industry.

Pete co-authored the Power Washers of North America Wood Certification course and is currently a PWNA Certified Instructor. PWNA Certification is available separately for those interested at the end of the class.

Pete has taught this 4-day hands-on class since 1999. The important focus of this 4-day course is Profitability.

Pressure washers Toll-free 1-877-5-SUPPLY or 1-877-578-7759 Phone (770) 277-9924 Fax (770) 277-1612 Address: 361 Pike Boulevard, Suite 240 Lawrenceville, Georgia 30045

On Line Chef Cooking and Entertaining Secrets - Peak Into My Professional Home Kitchen

In 2002, when housing prices were starting to rise, I proposed to my husband that, with our forth kid on the way, that we look for a bigger house. He agreed to LOOK. We looked at several areas but wanted to move to a part of town that was closer to the freeways and shopping. When we walked into this house, you would have said, like we said, how odd. It was a 5 bedroom, 4 bath house with over 3,300 square feet of living space. The master was downstairs with four rooms and a HUGE loft upstairs. The kitchen was average with little room for a kitchen table. The reason the house was odd was that the entire downstairs had a 12 by 12 tile floor which had not been completed. The laundry room tile butted against the hall tile but did not match. The worst part was that they attempted to make it match so it just looked off. The master had a wood floor which was elevated, probably over the tile underneath. The walls were painted with watered down primer and they painted around the pictures that were hanging on the walls. No one was living upstairs where we found unpacked boxes and stained carpet. Bottom line, the house did not show well.

But I had a dream. I knew this house was a diamond in the rough. My vision included gutting the kitchen for a gourmet kitchen I could teach out of. We got rid of the family room to make the kitchen and eating area more like a great room. We eventually put laminate flooring all over the house, upstairs and down which made cleaning up after the kids a breeze. The kids are all upstairs and my husband and I have a suite downstairs. Dan finally gave in when I told him that we could view the stairs from our room so that any female teen aged child of ours who attempted to bring a male teen aged child up the stairs would be seen and shot! Just kidding. But the house seemed just right.

This is what I did to the kitchen:

1. Had a 5 foot by 10 foot dual level-island installed. There is granite on the top, custom wood cabinets on the bottom with plenty of storage and electrical, an extra-deep double stainless sink with an instant-hot water faucet, two built in soap dispensers and a button for the garbage disposal. One side of the island has three pull out baskets where I store onions, potatoes and squash and plastic ware, set vertically and on the other side is my proud invention of a cooling rack. It is made of aluminum inside and has 5 racks. The door has mesh so that the hot items placed on the cooling rack won't steam. Finally, I have four stainless steel bar stools and an additional 8 checkerboard bars stools that I use for classes.

2. I put in two self cleaning, extra-wide electric conventional/convection ovens and a warming drawer. I use my double ovens several times a week. Sometimes I even wish I had a third! The warming drawer comes in handy during my classes or dinner parties to keep plates or extra food warm.

3. I put in deep, large storage drawers for pot lids and small appliances like a juicer and spice grinder.

4. I had butcher block cutting boards installed in two areas of my kitchen, one right above the trash and one on the other side of the kitchen. The one over the trash works well because I can toss the remains of anything I'm preparing easily. The other cutting board is nice, specifically when my kids are cooking with me because it is just out of the way that I can still watch what they are doing but they are not in my way of whatever I am preparing. Also, the second cutting board sits below my appliance garage which houses the mixer, food processor and vacuum sealer. The appliance garage has an outlet but the cutting board allows me to pull the appliances out when I am using them.

5. My favorite toy is my pot filler. I think now pot fillers are standard in custom kitchens, but when I installed mine five years ago, the contractor looked at me funny. The pot filler is a cold water spout on a pivoting arm that extends the area of my six burner Viking range top. I can put a stock pot on any of the burners and fill them with water. I use the pot filler all the time. It protects my back because I don't have to fill and left the filled pots from my sink to the burners.

6. I added a wine glass and bottle holder above, a plate rack setting ten dinner plates within reach, some book shelves to show off some of my favorite cookbooks, and a shelf for alcohol where I keep my Sherries, Madeira's, and cognacs.

7. I choose all stainless steel appliances. My close friend, who is a CIA trained chef and married to another CIA trained chef says that she hates stainless appliances because it reminds her too much of industrial kitchens. Well, I never tire of the look. I do not care that there are handprints on it. This just lets visitors know that my kids are around. I do not mind that they are not magnetic because all the ma5A7gnetic stuff just clutters the kitchen. I don't even mind the water stains in the sink. That just proves how much I use it. I do not have time to wipe it down because it is constantly in use.

When I prepared to have the kitchen redone, I acted as my own general contractor. I read up on all my sub contractors to make sure that none were in bad standing. I took the proper insurance precautions to make sure that I was covered in case of an accident. I kept on top of all the subs that they were sticking to my time frames and incentivized them financial to finish on time. Being 7 months pregnant was my incentive to have the job done in 3 months. I cleaned out my dining room and living room and converted them into a kitchen during the construction. I had my fridge, microwave, gas camping burners, shelves for food and plastic ware, and my laundry room sink for washing dishes. It worked out nicely.

I love my kitchen. There are a few things I would do differently, but that is for another article.

Dawn Walker, Chef and Mom of Four Delicious Girlies. To see pictures, please visit my website at http://www.chefdawn.com

Your Personal E-Chef Live: Everything about Cooking, Food, and Family. Bring back dinner parties!

3 Trade Secrets Revealed That Cleaners Don't Like To Talk About!

1. Paying For A Maid Service By The Hour: One contentious issue that you and your cleaner might have is time. You will both have different expectations of what can be cleaned in any given time period.

When a cleaner starts to clean your home it's going to take them longer at first. As they get familiar with the lay out of your home they become more efficient. You see that the cleaner has now got spare time, and will ask for extra things to be cleaned. The cleaner thinks they were given a set list of task to do, and now it's been changed. You're thinking, I am paying for x amount of hours, I don't expect to see the cleaner standing around or going before the time is up.

As with many industries much has changed over the years, as you might know it has be come harder to find people to do this kind of work. So in an effort to encourage people back, changes have been made. The payment system being one. The language of payment has always been on a hourly rate basis. Because it was Easier to understand.

It is now common practice to pay for the jobs to be done; this is a list of jobs agreeAF2d by both parties.

One last point. You must make it clear that the work must be of a good standard; never reward poor performance this just encourages it in the future.

2. Beware of cleaners that take advantage of you: Knowing what is to be done each visit, clears the air of any potential This list of tasks should always be out for when the cleaner comes, so they know that you expect this fix list of weekly and monthly tasks to be carried out. Stops misunderstandings.

Then if any cleaner try's to take advantage of you, normally they want to decide what gets done. Problem here is that they avoid things they don't like doing. They can't, because they now have a written plan to work to, and you have a check to to check the work.

3. Familiarity breads contempt: Trying to keep a professional relationship when somebody comes into your home on a week to week basis can be hard. After all it's your home and not a work place.

Chatting helps build up a barrier that you will find hard to cross when bringing up issues about cleaning standards.

The very best way that we have found to combat this, is for both ourselves and all our staff call our clients by their surnames. Some people find it hard to do this and think it old fashioned, Please believe me when I say from experience that both myself and my staff don't mind, as it reminds us all that we are in a professional relationship.

About the Author
Ian Harper owns and operates a carpet cleaning company, http://www.carpet-upholstery-cleaner.com which specialises in the Bio and Eco friendly cleaning of carpets, and soft furnishings, using the most up-to-date efficient methods and micro-splitting, detergent-free, bleach-free solutions. You can learn more about these technologies by visiting the website for his Carpet Cleaners Network . also he gives marketing and start up advise on his forum and blog http://www.pro-forum.carpet-upholstery-cleaner.com/ his latest project is Wikiclean a wiki for cleaning

Awesome Ways to Watch Wild Water Wasting

Recently my monthly water bill nearly doubled. I didn't think I was using any more water than before, so I knew it wasn't a change in my usage that was causing it. I'm in a building at my apartment community that has 4 different units sharing one water meter, so every month the management splits the total bill for the building up 4 ways and sends us the bill.

Honestly, I've heard of similar sudden water bill rising situations from a number of Apartmentites and it seems this issue is quite common. There could be a number of reasons for the sudden change. It could be a leak in the plumbing somewhere in the building, someone's toilet, or refrigerator could be running. If any of these are going on, they should be brought to the managements attention immediately. There could even be a new neighbor who showers four or five times a day or a vacant unit in your building is now filled with a normal water using Apartmentite.

Whatever the reason, because you are more than likely sharing the water usage responsibility with other Apartmentites, it's always good to be conscious of your water usage. Since you can't control the other units' water or number of times they bathe, monitoring your water usage and finding ways to cut corners is the best way to do your part in keeping the usage down. There are a few key things that will help you minimize your wasting of water.

1. Report Leaks and Such- Whether the toilet runs because the handle sticks or you have a leaky faucet, let the management know about it immediately. You should always let them know as soon as a leak or something of the sort happens so that they can get maintenance in there to fix it ASAP and stop the water wasting.

2. Shorter showers- We all love a long hot shower, but the amount of water that is wasted during a 20 minute shower is egregious. If you cut your shower time down by 30 to 50% you will see a considerable difference in your bill.

3. Brushing Those Chops- Do you leave the sink running the entire time you brush your teeth? Stop. There is no need to waste all the water while you scrub your chops. If you need to wet your toothbrush first, do it with a slight drip and then shut off the faucet while you brush. Then turn it back on slightly to rinse and wash off the brush.

4. Sound Muffler- If you are using the sink or the running water in the tub to drown out sound, stop it! That is a huuuuuuge waste of water. That's what the fan is for. You could even run the hair dryer if you have to.

5. Dishes & Clothes- Try hand washing your dishes and only running the dishwasher when you absolutely have to and it is absolutely full. If you have a washer and dryer, only wash full loads of clothes when necessary. Do not arbitrarily wash small loads with lots of water. This is also a huge waste.

If you follow these five tips to watch wasteful ways, you will lessen the amount you and possibly everyone else in your building owes every month, and might have some more fat cash in those pockets!

For more info on apartment living, check out: ApartmentHomeLiving.Com

Jeff's just a regular guy with a funny goatee that really enjoys people and life. On top of that he is a bit of an expert on apartments, living in them, and getting the most out of the apartment living lifestyle.

As a Managing Partner of Apartment Home Living, Jeff wants to help you find the right apartment by getting to know you. Not only where you want to live & what you want to pay, but what you like. This way, we can help you find an apartment that fits your personality, not just your budget.

At AHL Apartmentites have a platform to share their own stories, get great info & tips on apartment living, read Jeff's entertaining blogs/stories, find Answers to a wide array of apartment related questions, and have a ton of fun sharing their love of apartment living with others. Don't forget to go and set up your own MyPlace page to really get the full Apartmentite experience!

Bathtub Refinishing

Bathtub refinishing is a popular choice when it comes to renovating or remodeling a bathroom. Instead of taking the time and expense of removing an existing bathtub, old bathtubs are looking new once again by refinishing the tub.

TAEAhe concept of making an old tub look new has caught on for homeowners who like the idea of saving money on a bathroom makeover project. Bathtub refinishing allows people the option of applying different substances on an existing tub to bring back the shine of a new tub.

The cost of replacing a bathtub can be a huge expense and the demolition that is sometimes required for removing an old tub can be very time consuming. The process of refinishing a bathtub can take as little as two days for completion without the added cost and time.

When considering restoring an existing bathtub, there are several products to choose from. Bathtub refinishing products range from less expensive do it yourself kits available at the local home goods store to the more expensive materials that a bathtub restoration professional uses. Although the entire process can be done by most people, hiring a professional may be worth the extra expense.

When a professional refinishes a bathtub, the supplies used are usually a superior quality and the result often shows. The professional uses a spray on type application that gives a nice smooth even coat on the entire bathtub. Most do it yourself refinishing kits have roll on applicators, which do a good job for most bathtubs, but may lack the superior quality of a professional application.

Consider bathtub refinishing if you are planning a bathroom renovation. It is less costly than replacing a bathtub and the final results have proven to make homeowners very satisfied with their old but new bathtub.

Be sure to read more about bathtub refinishing where we show you the benefits of refinishing a bathtub. Also learn more about bathroom renovations including installation of luxury bathtubs such as clawfoot bathtubs, walk in bathtubs, steam showers, and more by clicking on the link today at: http://www.bathtub-depot.com/bathroom_renovations.html

Paver Pool Remodeling

Thin pavers are the most cost effective, longest lasting, and aesthetic solution for a remodel of any existing pool deck.

Whether you have a perfectly smooth existing deck or one that has cracks and settling issues, thin pavers are the answer. Typically made of concrete, and having a compressive strength of 8000 psi, thin pavers will last a lifetime. In addition to their one inch thickness, thin pavers are "color-through", meaning the dyes used to color the products are completely mixed with the cement and aggregates during the production process. This method of production results in a material that will retain its color over the years and can withstand routine washing in order to keep clean. Having a durable material that can withstand the elements is especially important for pool decks in the southern states that receive continuous summer time sun.

This product can be installed over top of concrete decks, cool deck, acrylic and painted surfaces, tile, and Chattahoochee river rock. Depending on the condition of the existing pool deck, a small bed of sand may be installed beneath the pavers in order to smooth out any irregularities of the existing surface prior to the installation of the pavers. Bullnosed, remodel coping pieces will be installed around the perimeter of the pool in order to transition the pavers to the edge. The coping pieces provide a safe, smooth surface and in many cases are produced in solid colors to delineate the edge, all the while providing a desirable accent or contrast to the color of the pavers in the field. Additionally, any existing drains will be capped and raised unless they are not currently functioning, then they will need to be replaced.

In order to remodel your existing deck your local paving professional will need to determine several primary factors:

Total area to be paved

Amount of linear feet around the pool

Total linear feet of drain, if any

Slope and water retention issues

During the estimation process of a pool deck remodel, other factors taken into consideration are: the presence of a screen enclosure and whether or not the doors should be raised in order to accommodate pavers outside of the screen, the location of the skimmer lid which will be raised to the level of the new thin pavers, any existing planters that can be paved over, and where all of the materials and tools shall be stored.

The process of remodeling the existing deck normally takes three to four days for most residential applications. The lead time for the material from most manufacturers, however, is four to six weeks from the order date. If you would like to get an estimate or find out more information on how to transform your pool deck Central Florida Thin Pavers can help you!

Garrett McGinnis
407-575-6081
http://www.paverweb.com

Walk in Bathtubs

Safety is a primary concern when it comes to bathing among the disabled and elderly. A walk in bath1C4Btub, designed for accessibility and ease of entry, can help make bathing a safer and more enjoyable experience for handicapped persons.

Many times, showering in a walk in shower becomes the only option for personal hygiene needs due to concerns for safety. Having a walk in bathtub can change this. Walk in bathtubs are more accessible since they are designed with a door on them. Having a door on the side of the tub provides a way to enter by only stepping up a few inches instead of a few feet. Since bathing occurs while sitting down, a walk in tub can actually be safer than a walk in shower for handicapped persons. Walk in showers are easily accessible, but since showering is a standing activity there is a risk of falling.

A walk in bathtub also allows a handicapped person to enjoy the experience of a luxury bath. Many walk in bathtub models come with whirlpools and jet features to make bathing a relaxing experience. Since whirlpools are good for circulation, health benefits can come from this as well.

Cost can be a limiting factor when it comes to installing a walk in bathtub. If installing a new walk in tub is too expensive, consider transforming an existing bathtub into a walk in tub by installing a door on it. Kits and instruction manuals are available to help with this process.

Amanda Taylor is a writer for various home decorating and home improvement websites. For more information about walk in bathtubs visit http://www.bathtub-depot.com today. Also, visit http://www.bathtub-depot.com/handicap_showers.html for information about handicap showers.

Different Types of Carpet Fibers

Carpeting can be a major purchase for your home. You want it to have a long life, look good, and be comfortable to walk on. Before you choose your carpet, it is important to understand the different types of carpet fibers that are available and their advantages and disadvantages.

The type of fiber used to make a carpet determines its visual appearance, overall durability, feel, resistance to stains - and the cost.

Synthetic materials are the most popular of the fibers used in today’s carpets accounting for about 97% of all fiber used. Synthetic materials are adaptable into a variety of styles and applications. They are generally easier to maintain than natural fibers.

Common materials used for carpet fibers are:

Nylon

Extremely durable, stain and mildew resistant and static free, Nylon is an excellent choice for all levels of traffic and applications. It maintains its fiber height allowing it to withstand the weight of heavy furniture and people. Nylon is dyed during the production of the fiber thereby avoiding any color run after it is produced

Nylon accounts for approximately 90% of all residential carpeting. Expect square yard prices from $10 for Cut Piles increasing to $30 for Multi-Level Loops.

Olefin (polypropylene)

Controlling the commercial market with an 80% share, Olefin is the least expensive of the man made fibers. A very strong fiber, Olefin is resistant to moisture and mildew and is easy to clean and maintain. It is an indoor and outdoor fiber and is the common fiber used for artificial turf.

Polyester

Less expensive than nylon or wool, Polyester fiber creates a very attractive carpet.

Commonly used in soft loop or Berber loop carpets, Polyester is a fiber that is used to make a luxury product. Crush resistant, available in a vast array of dynamic colors and its resistance to fading provides Polyester fibers with a lot of advantages. Polyester fibers are easy to clean and are resistant to water based stains.

Acrylic

Acrylic is the closest synthetic fiber to wool. Because of its wool like attributes, it is used extensively in Velvet and Plush Level Loop carpets. Acrylic fibers offer the appearance and feel of wool at a much lower cost and has the advantage over wool of being moisture and mildew resistant. The Acrylic fiber resists crushing, stains and will not fade from sunlight.

Acrylic fibers are not suitable for high traffic areas, such as hallways, family rooms, and stairs as they are a high wear product. Hence, they provide a perfect carpet in master and guest bedrooms.

Wool

When it comes to luxury and performance, no other fiber compares to Wool. Wool carpets maintain their height; they are ultra soft with a feel that is incomparable.

Wool fibers are easily died or you can choose natural colors of off white to black, and they repel water. They are very easy to clean and have an exceptionally long life. Wool fibers are usually used in cut pile and textured carpets.

Wool is one of the most expensive of the natural fibers and much more than synthetic fiber carpets. Wool carpets are also less resistant to moisture than synthetic fiber carpets.

Blends

The aforementioned four fiber types are often combined in a many variations to produce carpets that take the best qualities of each fiber type to produce a group of exceptional finished products.

For the luxurious look and comfort of wool with the durability of nylon, consider a Wool/Nylon blend.

Other common blends include Acrylic/Olefin and Nylon/Olefin. Although less expensive these blends are usually subject to staining.

PET

If a “green” environment is part of your criteria then you may want to consider the purchase of a carpet made of PET fibers.

Recycled plastics, primarily soda containers, are the basis for polyethylene terephthalate or as it is more commonly known in the industry PET. Fibers made from PET are not as plush or soft to the feel as other synthetic fibers but they are very durable, water and static resistant and offers extremely good value.

For additional information on flooring products for your home or other renovation projects including landscaping and gardening, visit Renovation Headquarters.

Designing the Ultimate Game Room - Ideas To Get Started

Many people would love to be able to create and have their ultimate game room. When you spend a lot of time entertaining others or you enjoy having extra space in your home to relax and have fun, a game room can be a great way to be able to have room for the kind of activities you love to do. If you really want to design the ultimate game room, you need to have the right ideas to get started. Here are some ways that you can begin the planning and renovating process.

Turning your game room ideas into a reality will take a list of things that you want to include in your new room. Think of this as the ultimate Christmas List that will contain all of your wildest dreams in a game room. Maybe you want to have video games that you can play over and over or an old-fashioned pool table. Think about your favorite images of a game room and then make a list of the elements you like most about the room. This is not a time to think about price or feasibility, but rather just to find out what you really want to do.

Ultimate Game Room

Next, you need to create a budget that is realistic for your life. For many people, they will begin with the cheaper parts of creating an ultimate game room, like the flooring and the wall coverings. As this process progresses, they will begin to add pieces that add dcor and then the actual game playing pieces. Unfortunately, you will not have your game room up and running by the weekend, but you will eventually have the room of your dreams it just may take a little longer.

Don't forget to add the luxuries that make an ultimate game room a place all your friends talk about. For example, add in a bar and a keg cooler or a place for a refrigerator for snacks. You want to think about all the things you might want down in that room and then figure out ways to add them. A leather couch and a flat screen TV will help you entertain friends that aren't actively playing games, but will ensure they are having a good time.

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

All Types Of Conservatories

Victorian, Gazebo, Georgian and Edwardian are some of the conservatory sun room styles you can select from, a range of wood types to build your sun room, including oak, maple, cedar, mahogany and fir. They provide maximum insulation thereby increasing energy efficiency. The glass room controls the air temperature inside, even during extreme climatic conditions. These patio room enclosures are best suited for regions with a breathtaking view, by allowing maximum space for viewing the lands5B4cape. The English-Style conservatories are well known for their classic design and elegant look and feel, you can select from a range of decorative Victorian sun room conservatories to the magnificent Georgian structures.

Features of Sun room Conservatories

These conservatories have their respective architectural plans. They are provided with beautiful windows of various frames, you can also select from a range of stained glass to add a personalized touch to the conservatory. The doors and windows can be provided with multi point lock facility for added security. Instead of glass, if you use polycarbonate multi-ply for the roof you will get increased insulation, they only allow the soft light to diffuse inside the room. The walls have multiple chambers and the PVC used to make the walls of the sun room is reinforced with metal to provide more strength to the structure. This feature also makes the conservatories more durable. You can derive greater ventilation by fitting the turn and tilt windows. In times of bad weather conditions, these windows can be tilted in such an angle that they provide the necessary ventilation with allowing the adverse weather to affect indoor atmosphere, they can also be opened to 90 angle. giving you unrestricted view of outside environment.

Conservatory Design and Style

The conservatories can be built according to a number of designs and styles. Some of the common styles and designs5B4 include Victorian conservatory, Georgian conservatory, Edwardian conservatory, Mediterranean conservatory and Pavilion conservatory. The Victorian models sometimes have aluminum exterior and interior finish, they are provided with interlocked window and door sashes with thermal panels. You can select a number of systems for your doors and windows from fixed to dual, removable screens to sliding ones, child secure handles to double lock, in place of aluminum, you can also have wood interiors. They can have aluminum exteriors with laminated wooden beams and thermal panels. The windows can have various attachments including double security lock, awnings, grills, and casement windows. You can place French doors or even single swing and sliding doors, you can even have the Victorian conservatories clad with vinyl. They have low maintenance cost and the construction is energy efficient, they are available with the French swing doors or the sliding doors with glazed roof panels. The Double Victorian style is a hybrid variation with Victorian arcs and Edwardian columns.

The Edwardian conservatories are usually built with a corner facet of 45, they have a typical vaulted ceiling that is often made up of stained glass, they usually run parallel to the house and are best suited for conventional houses. The Georgian conservatory provides you with spacious rooms made of glass that are economical and are energy efficient, they are provided w5B4ith insulated roofing and thermal panels with interlocked window and door sashes, they have quad doors or swinging French doors with removable screens and have child proof door knobs with double locking system.

Extending The Room With Conservatories

Your rooms can be extended to form the conservatory patio rooms, porches, full glass rooms and the three or four season sun rooms. The patios allow the fresh air to enter, but stop insects and unwanted intruders from entering. But most of the time using this room is done only in summer or when the chill is not there in the air. You can build the sun room on an existing structure or just convert a room into a sun room depending on your needs. Some of the conservatory sun rooms make use of the heating and cooling system of the house to regulate the room temperature of the glass enclosed area. If this facility is not provided, you can easily install the system in the conservatory. The conservatories facing the North require fewer blinds as they are the coldest. On the contrary, the South facing ones are really warm and require constant ventilation in the form of open windows, vents on roofs and tinted roof. The West facing conservatories gets the benefit of the evening light of the sun, while the East facing one gets the morning sun and is best suited as a breakfast room. Conservatories sure do add charm to family relationships by bringing all the family members together in the morn491ing and in the evening to share the outdoor environment and enjoy the beauty of the surrounding landscape. If well planned, they become the ideal place to relax and indulge in your favorite pastime.

Andrew Caxton is a journalist who has written more articles and newsletters on the subject for http://www.allsunrooms.com For additional information regarding sunrooms or patio rooms go to conservatory sunroom.

How To Install A Skylight?

Skylights can be installed in any room of a single story house or the upper most rooms near the roof in a multiple story house. How to decide upon the perfect skylight for your home? The structure of the house and the roof will help you decide. In the case of a truss roof, the size of the skylight will matter. The size of your skylight should fit between the rafters of a truss roof frame. However, in the case of a conventional roof, the rafters can be cut and re-framed to accommodate the skylight. Both these methods are equally popular and sufficient expertise is available amongst roofers to install them with ease.

The planning for a skylight begins when you feel the need for more sunlight within the house. The thought of cutting a hole in the roof often discourages a person from using the option of having a skylight, but these thoughts are ill founded. Actually, installing a skylight is easier than installing a window. Most skylights come with flashing systems that will seal the roof effectively.

There are two basic types of skylights: curb-mounted or frame in place. A curb-mounted skylight is raised above the plane of the roof; it either sets on a wood frame curb or the curb is an integral part of the unit. A framed-in-place skylight is installed flush with the plane of the structure, much like a vertical window. It is held in place with L-shaped brackets. Curb-mounted skylights may be glazed with a clear acrylic dome or with glass. Framed-in-place skylights are glazed with glass. Either may use insulating glass, and the glazing in top-of-the-line skylights may have low emissivity coatings and argon gas fill for added energy efficiency. The flashing system on a curb-mounted skylight typically consists of a head flashing, a sill flashing and two pieces of side flashing that run the length of the skylight.

The head flashing is slipped under the shingles above the opening. The side flashings are slipped under both the head flashing and the shingles on the side of the unit. The sill flashing goes under the side flashings but is set over the shingles below the skylight. The configuration allows water to run around and off the skylight. A framed-in-place skylight also has a solid head and sill flashing, but the side flashing consists of a series of step flashing that match the exposure of each row of roofing. Like a curb-mounted skylight, the head flashing goes under the shingles and the sill flashing goes under them. The step flashing is woven into the roofing, slipped under each shingle. Flashings may be made of galvanized steel or aluminum; most are aluminum, often finished to match the color of the skylight frame.

The decision to fix the place to install the skylight is very important. The location will have to be free from any obstacle to sunlight. The procedure is more or less fixed. Mark the ceiling accordingly to the size of the light (or shaft) and remove the ceiling drywall, and insulation. Next, cut the joist and frame the ceiling opening with the same size lumber as the joist. If your ceiling is a cathedral ceiling you will have to cut the roof opening in this step also. Next make the holes in the roof to adjust the skylight frame. Depending upon the kind of roof and the skylight, make the necessary changes. If your ceiling has an attic space you should construct a shaft. You will need to install a shaft to divert the light into the room. Most ceilings, except cathedral ceilings, will require a shaft which connects from the roof to the ceiling.

The care you take in installing a skylight will go a long way in ensuring that the skylight serves its purpose for a long time and remains a source of pleasure for you for years to come.

As a Virginia, VA Roofing Contractor, Roofer911.com takes great pride in maintaining customer satisfaction for all types of new roof installation and roof repair work for residential and commercial roofing accounts.