Factors That Contribute to the Cost of Your Roof

So you have roof damage, and you need to have the damage repaired. So where do you start? Well, first you should consider what must be done to repair the roof, and also make an estimate of what the job will cost.

The first thing to consider is the roof type. Is it gabled, or hipped or some other type? The type of roof and the pitch of the roof must be recorded in order to get a proper estimate. Other roof types include flat roofs, mansard roofs, bonnet roofs, saltbox roofs, gambrel (barn) roofs, and shed roofs.Flat roofs are gaining in popularity due to some newer methods of drainage.

Along with type and pitch, determine the square footage of the base of your home. All this information together will give you a good idea of the quantity of materials required for the job.

Next, consider the type of material you wish to use. Some people like metal roofs, and these are very good in the sense that they are very durable; they may be, however, out of your price range. I myself have no problems with asphalt shingles, as long as they are rated for 20 years or more.

There are other options to consider like attic ventilation systems and skylights. We have a skylight, and it is really a nice option - it adds a nice brightness to our living room.

Lastly, don't forget to get at least three quotes from contractors. Contractor quotes sometimes differ quite a bit, and with proper research, you can save thousands of dollars!

For more advice in minimizing roofing cost, please visit our website: http://roofing-cost.com

Extreme Temperature Building

Post Your Ideas Here On Deck Building

Do you have any ideas for building or repairing wood decks . We would love to hear from you in the comment area. Any useful comments that you can make on deck construction or deck building will help our blog readers.

House Framing Books
Patio Books

Concrete Foundation Crack Repair

Foundations made of concrete can crack as a natural process of it curing. These cracks are called shrinkage cracks. As the name suggests, concrete actually shrinks as it cures. This shrinkage builds up stress and the concrete must crack to relieve the stress. While they are a normal condition for a home's foundation, foundation cracks can let water leak into the basement.

Water that gets into the basement can damage carpets, insulation, drywall and the homeowner's possessions. That is why before you begin an expensive remodeling of your basement, you should make sure that the foundation cracks do not leak.

Homeowners traditionally had to call professional waterproofing contractors to chisel out a vee-notch in the concrete wall and fill it again with hydraulic cement. The hydraulic cement would temporarily fix the leaking problem. Unfortunately, as water enters the crack and evaporates out into the basement, salts dissolved in the water are left behind. Eventually these salts build up and cause the bond of the hydraulic cement and concrete foundation to fail. The hydraulic cement cracks let water back into the basement.

Now homeowners and professionals can repair the concrete foundation leak with a liquid urethane injection process. The urethane is injected directly into the crack in a liquid form. The urethane begins to foam and expand inside the crack. This expansion fills the crack from top to bottom and from front to back. Once completed, the foundation crack will not let water into the basement. Also, the repair gives a long life because water cannot enter the crack and deposit salts and cause a failure of the bond between the foam and concrete foundation.

This article is written by Aaron Kuertz with Applied Technologies. Aaron has been in the waterproofing industry since 1998. Applied Technologies is a manufacturer and supplier to professional waterproofing contractors and homeowners in the United States. To learn more about concrete foundation crack repair visit Applied Technologies on the web.

Dangers of Walking on a House Roof

Here's some things to think about before walking on the roof of a house. If you slip and fall off the roof you could get hurt seriously. For your own safety if you have no experience walking on a roof use extreme caution. I would even suggest using a ladder and moving the latter around the perimeter of the house if you are inspecting the roof for damage.

Here's some things to keep in mind before walking on a house roof.

1. If the building is above two stories hire a contractor especially if you think the roof has building damage.

2. If the roof is too steep stay off. This could be extremely hazardous to your health.

3. If the roof is severely damaged and has loose shingles or tiles, this could create a safety hazard as you slip on one of these loose shingles and possibly fall off the roof.

4. You should stay off the roof at all costs if there is snow or ice. Ice obviously is extremely slippery and would be difficult to walk on. The difficulty would be increased if the roof has a steep slope.

5. Now last but not least if the roof is wet you should avoid walking on it until it is dry. I have been on wet roofs before and personally slipped myself losing my balance but not falling off of the roof.

Climbing up on a roof and walking around is not child's play and should be left to an experienced professional . If you feel comfortable walking around on any roof please use caution. If you slip in the middle of the roof there is a good chance you will be able to regain your balance or have time to stop yourself before falling off.

I would suggest using caution near the edges of the roof. If the roof is too steep or you don't feel comfortable, why risk serious injury. Use common sense along with the proper ladders to ensure your safety and "Think before walking on a house roof."

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

Long Dryer Vent Problems

Residential Metal Roofs - Color Your Roof in Style

The variety of metal roof colors and styles available today may astound you. If you are considering a metal roof, you can forget that old tin roof look.

If you want the price and durability of a metal roof, but prefer the classic shingle look, metal roof shingles are available in all the colors of traditional asphalt shingles. Other colors you may not have considered before are also available.

Metal roof tiles are available in a multitude of colors, and can be purchased with a stone type finish to give them a real tile look. Sculpted cap pieces complete the effect. All metal roofs will save you money in the long run, but metal tile versus traditional tile may be the best bargain.

The other candidate for the best bargain would be a cedar shake style metal roof. That's right, you can have the look of a traditional cedar shake roof for less than the price of a shingle roof. Again, different colors and styles are available.

Even the traditional metal roof design can look better than the old tin roof of yesteryear. Many standing seam configurations are available that do not show any screws. With the colors available today, you can have a truly beautiful roof in a simple classic style that will last a lifetime.

An interesting development available today is photovoltaic roof panels. These panels look just like a standard roofing panel, available in the same colors as a standard panel. These panels are only available in certain standing seam models, but they are a vast improvement over the look of standard photovoltaic installations. This do not look like an add-on. It would be an integral part of your roof.

You do need a licensed electrician to install all the equipment you need to connect your house to a photovoltaic system. But you could install the roofing system on your own.

If you are considering a do-it-yourself installation, your manufacturer should have a contact available to help you through the entire process. They will have metal roof installation instructions for the style you choose. Local permitting would be your responsibility, but they will even have advice to help you through that process. The cost savings for doing it yourself are significant, and are definitely worth the time and effort.

Most metal roofing sold today is rated for fifty years. With the addition of coatings available today and in the future, your new metal roof may be the last one your house will ever need.

Learn more about Residential Metal Roofing Installation.

Problems With Black Mold

The Benefits of Back Yard Ponds

Back yard ponds can be exotic landscape features that can improve any garden and turn it into a relaxing haven. A pond in the garden can provide hours of enjoyment for your friends and family and can be a wonderful addition to any home and can increase the value of the property. And did you know that a pond can also be beneficial to the local wildlife - even in an urban environment?

Depending on where you live, there are many species of wildlife that could benefit from your back yard pond design. Frogs and fish, birds and butterflies can all gain something from a garden pond. When you attract native fauna like this to your garden you will add to the enjoyment of your outdoor area while benefiting the environment.

Humans Benefit From Garden Ponds, Too

It's not just wildlife that will enjoy the back yard pond ... your family and friends will reap many benefits, too. There are proven health benefits associated with practicing relaxation techniques, and spending time by a pond is certainly a wonderful way to relax and achieve peace in your life. The sound of running water provided by a water feature in the garden is a sure fire way to calm jangled nerves and restore balance.

A pond in the garden can provide so much pleasure and can provide more than just a place for relaxation. Imagine being able to teach your children about nature first hand as they watch life unfold in your pond. The pond will have its own ecosystem and will respond to the changes of nature and climate in its own way.

Pets And Plants For A Pond

If you make a pond that is more than a foot deep you may be able to stock it with fish. Comets and goldfish adapt very well to pond life and they are very easy to manage and will eat mosquito larvae which is very helpful in warmer areas. Add some aquatic plants to the pond to provide shade from summer sun for your fish. Water lilies come in many colors and will provide shade for the pond and places for the fish to hide.

If your pond is three feet deep or more you could consider stocking it with koi. Koi are popular and long-living fish that come in a wide range of colors and they are often quite expensive to buy.

Any fish in your pond will add to its charm and watching the fish swim amongst the plants and interact with each other will increase your enjoyment of your back yard fish pond.

Getting Started With Garden Pond Design

Back yard ponds are becoming very popular and you can now find do-it-yourself pond kits in any garden center or superstore. This is an easy way to get started with your pond design. There are landscaping and pond building firms that can install a pond for you if you'd prefer to have professional help

The sooner you get started on your design and construction of your pond, the sooner you will be able to begin enjoying the many benefits that back yard ponds have to offer the homeowner.

Did you find these tips on back yard ponds helpful? Learn more about how to build a back yard pond and stock a pond with fish at D-I-Y Ponds.

Buying A Functional House

How to Repair a Corrupt Windows Registry

You've determined that your windows registry is corrupted and not working properly. How do you fix your registry errors and get your computer running like it should?

First, perform a system restore. A computer with Windows 2000/XP/Vista should allow you to open the following utility form:

Start- All Problems- Accessories- System Tools- Backup (System Restore in Vista)

Once it's running, choose a restore point. If you are aware of the date the problems started, pick a restore point before that date, and then follow prompts.

This should fix your registry, though problems could remain. You may need to go back even further, or there might not be any restore points available if they were never created

At this point, you will need to edit the registry and get rid of the errors yourself. This article will give you instructions on this long process

If you are well-versed on windows registry and know what you are doing, open the registry & make your changes. If you don't know how to open the registry editor, STOP NOW. This could damage your personal computer permanently.

The safest and easiest way to repair the registry, even if you work in IT or you're an advanced computer user, is to use a reliable registry cleaner program like RegCure

A professional registry cleaner will do the following:

* Backup your registry

* Scan your registry for errors and isolate the faulty keys

* Safely fix the problems found

* Get your PC back to normal - even boost its performance!

Jeff Farley recommends a FREE SCAN at Registry Cleaners Review. Click here for more information on how to repair a corrupt registry.

Building a Deck Steps Home Building Video

Stair building tips for installing lights and decking, handrail tips and some deck advice.

For more helpful home improvement information visit: http://www.gregvan.com

Stair Building Help

Jesus Wasnt A Christian

New Bark House Stopping Traffic!

When my husband and I bought a vacant lot near Charlotte Street ten months ago, we only considered one material for the exterior as we got ready to build a house there: poplar bark shingles. We were used to seeing 100-year-old chestnut bark houses farther up in the mountains, and wanted that same kind of no-maintenance durability for our new Asheville home.

Apparently not many Asheville residents are used to seeing all-bark houses, though, because the construction site has been stopping traffic since the bark went up in the fall.

Today, chestnut bark is no longer available since a blight wiped out all the trees. However, poplar bark shingles are a worthy substitute, and because I was writing a book about poplar bark shingles, we felt no reservations about that material. My co-author, Chris McCurry, is one of the owners of Highland Craftsmen, the company in Spruce Pine, N.C., that produces the shingles.

Poplar bark is a reclaimed forest material which would otherwise be mulched, burned as industrial fuel, or left to rot on the ground after commercial timber operations. Instead, squared by hand, then kiln-dried and carefully wrapped until installation, the shingles provide a hardy exterior cladding that never needs paint or stain.

Poplar bark shingles are being used not only for homes all over the United States, but also for commercial applications. The shingles range from " to 1 " thick, depending on grade, and come in various lengths and widths. They require careful installation over a plywood substrate and a layer of roofing felt, but once nailed in place according to manufacturer's guidelines they remain flat and stable for decades.

Our lot's small dimensions -- 3,900 square feet, or .09 acre -- dictated a small building footprint, in this case 30' X 32'. That includes a 24' X 24' two-story core of heated space linked by an 8' X 8' bump-out stairwell, with covered porches upstairs and downstairs in the Asheville bungalow style.

Builder Frank Wilson of Candler has overseen construction, with Asheville carpenter David McCaslin hand crafting stairway and porch railings from locust poles. Custom cabinetry by Carl Hankins, owner of Asheville's Kitchen Concepts (cabinet55@charter.net) looks like fine furniture instead of just cupboards.

The downstairs consists of a great room with kitchen and living/dining room, flanked by a guest suite with bathroom; upstairs there's an office and spacious master suite. The house has an energy-saving on-demand water heater and only an under-counter refrigerator, and the covered porches should diminish the need for air-conditioning.

One observer said, "It looks like it rose from the ground." That's exactly the feel that poplar bark shingles give a building. A squirrel took off running up the back of the house once the bark was on.

Nan Chase's first book, Asheville: A History, has just been published by McFarland, and her book Bark House Style: Sustainable Designs from Nature, with Chris McCurry, will be published in June 2008 by Gibbs Smith.

Author: Janet Marie http://www.abandre.com (This is one of the most popular articles that went out in our Christmas newsletter)

Highland Craftsmen (company who produces the bark shingle siding) http://www.barkhouse.com

Plaster And Drywall Cracks

Windows Vista Registry Repair - The Easy Way

If you want to learn about why you need to do Windows Vista Registry Repair, then you'll want to read this article. Specifically we'll discuss what the registry is, the results of a corrupt registry and how you can resolve your registry issues simply. After reading this article you will know how to resolve your registry issues permanently.

The Windows Vista operating system relies on the registry to function. The registry is a huge database full of information about all the applications and hardware drivers on your PC. The more you use your Vista PC, the larger and larger it becomes.

The registry becomes corrupt predominantly due to installing and un-installing applications or hardware drivers. The more you install and un-install, the more redundant entries get written or left behind in the registry. The more redundant entries exist in the registry, the slower the registry operates. The slower the registry operates, the slower the PC operates.

Identifying if there are problems with your registry is fairly easy. You can download a free registry scan from some reputable web sites. These registry scans will identify all the useless entries in the registry and all the details that need to be cleaned up. Then, in reality, cleaning the registry is as simple as pushing the "Go" button.

If your Vista machine has slowed to crawl and you want to return it to it's former glory, the best thing you can do is download one of the many registry scans available and clean up your PC today. It is advisable to then continue to run a registry scan periodically to keep your PC running at it's peak.

For Windows Vista Registry Repair advice and downloads see David's web site at http://www.RegistryRepairAdvisor.com

Cut Electrical Wire

Repairing a Sinkhole Damaged Home? Beware of the Money Pit

If you buy, sell or own real estate in Florida or have been a resident in Florida for any length of time, you are probably well aware that Florida is more prone to sinkholes than hurricanes or tropical storm damage combined. It's impossible to determine the amount of monetary damage caused annually by Florida sinkholes. One sinkhole damaged home costs on average between $100,000 to over $150,000 so we could do the math, however, we just don't know how many homes or businesses are actually affected.

Although there is a database maintained by The Florida Geological Survey of the number of reported sinkholes in Florida-no one really knows the true number of sinkhole homes or occurrences of sinkholes in Florida and the only data that is collected are data based on the number of observed Florida sinkholes. The Florida Geological Survey (FGS) has gathered data on Florida Karsts (sinkholes) since 1907 in an attempt to understand the relationship between karsts and the state's groundwater resources and aquifer systems.

However fascinating to geologists -sinkhole formation in Florida and its relationship to "karsts" and the "aquifer" is the last thing the owner of sinkhole damaged home cares about. If you suspect your home has been damaged by a sinkhole than what you need is "HELP." If you have seen or experienced any one of these 9 common signs of sinkhole activity, than you should promptly educate yourself on what to do and maybe most importantly, what not to do next.

1.) You have depressions or an opening in the ground.

2.) Cracks running in the interior floors, walls or ceiling.

3.)The windows and doors do not open and close properly.

4.) There is a slope in the floor of the house.

5.) Stair step cracks on the outside walls of the house.

6.) Cracking or buckling of the concrete slab floors.

7.) The well water has dirt or debris in it.

8.) Feeling the house shift under your feet.

9.) The house next door to your home is a Florida sinkhole home.

There could be other signs of sinkhole damage to your home such as plumbing and other various problems, and it is best to seek the advice of an expert sinkhole engineer in order to determine what steps to take. Are You Prepared for a Sinkhole Damaged Home?

Owning a sinkhole damaged home can be costly and even once repaired; owning a home that has been affected by a Florida sinkhole can be a continuous nightmare. Most homeowners believe that once a sinkhole damaged home is repaired, it is no longer a financial or otherwise dangerous risk. This is not the case. Owners of unrepaired sinkhole damaged homes can spend in excess of $150,000 repairing a home only to have the sinkhole and the damage reappear over and over again. Often, selling your home to an investor who will buy your sinkhole home "unrepaired" is the wisest choice. As difficult as it may be to part with the damaged home, it most often saves a homeowner financially and in some cases, removes them from what could be a very dangerous situation.

Repairing a Sinkhole Damaged Home? "Beware of the Money Pit"

The cost of repairing a sinkhole damaged home is astronomical. Most homeowners think that if a sinkhole damages their home, the insurance company will have to cover the cost of the repairs. The truth is that, the insurance companies do not encourage using combined methods of repair and they will only pay up to the policy limits for the repair of the house. The problem is compounded and somewhat of a double edged sword as most insurance companies try very hard to avoid paying out to the limits of the policy. Additionally, insurance companies often recommend that a homeowner opt for only one particular repair method versus a combined proven method of sinkhole repair. This makes it even more susceptible to recurrent damage and more costly repairs.

What Options Do Sinkhole Damaged Homes Owners Have?

Owning a sinkhole damaged home can affect an owner's finances in numerous ways. Not only does it suck the value out of your home, it sucks you dry from the high cost of initial and recurrent repairs. But, what options do you have if you own a sinkhole home? The options are pretty straight forward--- Stay and repair or sell and move into a home that is safe and free from sinkhole damage. Most importantly, selling releases the owner from the big money pit. (No pun intended.) This means, no initial or recurrent repairs must be covered by the owner if sold to an investor of sinkhole damaged properties.

What Buyers Want to Know about Your Sinkhole Home & What You Must Disclose

If you think you can sell your sinkhole damaged home after you have repaired it -think again. First, you must disclose this information to potential buyers of your home. Secondly, insurance companies will normally advise a buyer seeking property insurance that your home is listed as a sinkhole property-- if in fact you have been determined to be in a sinkhole "area." Of course there is no real ready reference on this with the exception of maps of past sinkhole activity in the area as well as the area geology reports. Insurance availability is a valid concern and buyers who do not specialize in buying sinkhole damaged homes, most always walk away from this type of sale. Many buyers and home owners are denied insurance even if there has been a report of a sinkhole within a half mile or less of the home they wish to purchase. Again, this is just another reality of owning a sinkhole damaged home. Insurance companies have the right to not issue an insurance policy on the basis of sinkholes in the "area."

If you believe yours is a sinkhole damaged home educating yourself prior to calling your insurance company is recommended. From finding a sinkhole attorney, an unrepaired sinkhole home buyer or to learn more about the different types of Florida sinkholes and sinkhole repair, visit http://tampalots.com. Florida Florida Statutes. 627.7072 refers to sinkhole insurance claims and you can read it in its entirety on the website mentioned above.

For many Florida homeowners, sinkholes are a very common natural occurrence and just another price we pay for living in paradise! All you can do if you're a victim of a Florida sinkhole and you find yourself saddled with an unrepaired sinkhole home is take the recommendations of a qualified engineer, file a claim with the help of a good sinkhole lawyer who may help you get the most from your insurance policy or sell your sinkhole home to a buyer who specializes in sinkhole homes.

Chris Langee is an expert in the repair and purchase of sinkhole damaged homes in Florida. Chris has extensive experience and knowledge about Florida sinkholes including the cause and solutions to sinkhole damaged property. If you are curious about how sinkholes are formed, the Florida Aquifer, "Karsts" and the various types of sinkholes in Florida visit http://www.tampalots.com For general information about sinkhole insurance claims, Florida statutes or to locate a buyer for your sinkhole damaged home, please visit Chris's website. For over 17 years, Chris has been assisting homeowners with valuable information and resources as well as providing tangible relief to owners of sinkhole damaged homes.

Chris Langee and Bay Area Graphics & Marketing authored this article about Florida Sinkhole Damage in hopes of providing readers with comprehensive information that will help them survive the financial and emotional stress of owning a sinkhole damaged home.

Waterproofing Basement Window

Post Your Ideas Here On Deck Building

Do you have any ideas for building or repairing wood decks . We would love to hear from you in the comment area. Any useful comments that you can make on deck construction or deck building will help our blog readers.

Home Fence Books
Deck Building Books

Bathroom Remodeling Solutions For Poway Contractors

Here's a list of problems that contractors run into when designing, planning, and remodeling bathrooms. These bathroom remodeling solutions listed below, often create problems for homeowners as well as contractors. Some of these problems have created contract disputes and could have been solved if the contractor or a homeowner was informed properly.

1. Problems with Old Galvanized Water Pipes: This is one of the biggest problems with older homes. Metal rusts and water running through these metal pipes will speed this process up, considerably. The problem arises when the galvanized water supply pipes cannot be taken apart or unthreaded, to add new plumbing fixtures or pipes, during the bathroom remodel.

Solution to the Problem: Experience contractors should inform their clients, about problems like this and what they propose to do, if they run into a situation where the galvanized water pipes are badly damaged. There will usually be extra work, which leads to extra money and this could create a problem between the contractor and a homeowner.

2. Problems with cast-iron drainpipes: these pipes often rust or become separated at the joints, creating water leaks and even areas for tree roots to enter the drainage system. These tree roots of course will cause the drainpipes to clog and eventually will have to be cleared in order for the drainage system to work properly.

Solution to the problem: informed the home owner of problems with cast-iron plumbing. If the contractor explains to the homeowner, any problems that could arise and a solution, you will find the process of bathroom remodeling a little less stressful. This stress can be eliminated or the contractor and a homeowner with a little preparation.

If you're a remodeling contractor, it wouldn't be a bad idea to make out a list of potential problems for the homeowner. List as many of the problems as you can think of, that you have ran into in the past or have heard other contractors and homeowners talking about. These lists can be given to your clients when you sign the contract.

Greg Vanden Berge is working on the internet to promote the education for creating simple to follow guides and home building books to help professional building contractors as well as the weekend warriors.

If you're really interested in learning more about remodeling, new home construction, home maintenance, home repairs and really want to get the nuts and bolts of home improvement. Visit our web site and select from the best-selling home building books on the Internet.

Ceiling Plumbing Leak Repair
Corner Ceiling Water Damage

The Skinny on Home Water Filters

Being somewhat of an expert, I get a lot of questions about home water filters. Recently, this question showed up in my in-box. Carla asked, "How do water filters work?"

On the surface, it seemed like a simple question to answer, but as I began to write an explanation, I realized that it depends on "which" home water filters we were talking about. Reverse osmosis, submicron filtration, granular carbon, multi-media blocks or ion exchange are all purification methods available for the home and they all work differently.

Let's take a quick look at each of them.

How Do Reverse Osmosis Water Filters Work?

Home water filters that include a reverse osmosis step work by forcing the liquid through a semi-permeable membrane. Only things that are smaller than the pores of the membrane will pass through. Larger contaminants will be blocked. It's a kind of like a pasta strainer.

How Do Water Filters Work that Include Submicron Filtration?

Submicron filtration is similar to, but less expensive than, reverse osmosis. Again, it works like a strainer, allowing only particles smaller than the pores of the filter to pass through. If the porous structure is less than one micron and made of a tough material, anything larger than a speck of dust will be removed.

What About Granular Carbon?

Granular carbon works to remove chemicals because of a process called "absorption." Certain chemicals "stick" to certain materials. Chlorine, for example, "sticks" to granular carbon. If the granules are tightly packed, chlorine can be reduced by more than 99.99% with this method.

What's a Multi-media Block?

Typically, a multi-media block is composed of carbon and other materials that attract different chemicals. With this kind of system, chemicals that are normally difficult to remove, such as THMs, VOCs, MTBE, as well as traces of bug killer and weed killer will be trapped. It's an important step to include, because many of those chemicals increase the risk of cancer or cause other health problems.

How Do Water Filters Work that Include an Ion Exchange Step?

Home water filters that include ion exchange are some of the most technologically advanced systems on the market. They are so advanced that they are difficult to explain in simple terms. Basically, microscopic metallic particles, such as traces of the heavy metal lead, have a slight electrical charge.

They can be trapped in a polymer bed that has the opposite charge, similar to the way that positive and negative magnets stick to each other. This step will reduce the lead content of your water by more than 99%.

How Do Water Filters Work that Include a Number of These Steps?

Well, reverse osmosis is unnecessary, but anyone serviced by a public facility needs all of the other steps, in order to be safe. Home water filters that include all of those steps are reasonably priced. You just have to do a little comparative shopping to get the best deal. Hopefully, Carla, that answered your questions.

Bob Goodhand is an advocate for home and personal water purification systems to protect and promote healthy living. Visit his site at http://natural-purified-water.com/ to discover the drinking water filters that Bob recommends.

A Sustainable Alternative - Conventional vs Straw Bale Construction

Embodied energy is the energy required to extract, transport, process, install, and dispose of, or recycle the materials that make up the building.

For this study, the total embodied energy was not used to compare the two construction types, only the energy for the material manufacture was used, because energies used to transport, install etc. would in most instances be the same for both construction types and cancel each other out, and because almost 70% of the total energy invested in a building's construction (Embodied energy) is embodied in the materials themselves, one can compile a rather accurate comparison with using just the energy used for the material manufacture alone, however, when referred to the energy used to manufacture the materials I will refer to the Embodied energy.
Materials which will be more or less the same in quantity / volume eg. ceiling boards, cornices, skirtings, floor slab & finishes, because of the same floor area, have been omitted for they will have no impact on the embodied energy outcome.

Construction

To compare the two types of construction, I started with a 12000mm x 6000mm brick building and included 2 bedrooms, a bathroom, open plan kitchen & living and a garage. To justify the comparison, I designed the strawbale dwelling with the same rooms and exactly the same floor area for each room, but because of the bales rather wide (approx. 480mm) module width I ended up with a 13200mm x 7250mm external envelope for the straw bale dwelling. This made quite a difference on the material volume of the roof and roof trusses. Both the dwellings received one plaster coat, but vary in thickness. Conventional brick wall plaster width vary from apprx. 12mm 18mm, compared to the 30mm plaster coat for strawbale walls because of the greater surface un-evenness among other reasons.

The foundation details differs from conventional brick buildings. The straw bales are laid on a bed of stone so they will not retain moisture. A cement screed is cast in the bottom of the trenches on the conc. footing to be sure that any water that might find its way into the trench would be directed away through the weep holes on the sides. These are the only bricks used in the strawbale dwelling, thus embodied energy values for mortar and bricks are a lot less for this type of construction. The foundations for strawbale buildings are shallower (200mm deep), thus less conc. Is used as well.

The last main difference is, of course, the wall material which differs hugely in the amount of embodied energy to produce & install them. Embodied energy for straw bales is 31MJ/m3 compared to the 5200MJ/m3 of stock bricks, thus because the walls have the greatest material volume of all the building components, it is understandable that the strawbale dwelling will have a much lower total embodied energy value than its rival as is indicated below.

Conclusion

Straw is a viable building alternative, plentiful and inexpensive. Straw-bale buildings boast super-insulated walls simple construction, low costs, and the conversion of an agricultural byproduct into a valued building material. Properly constructed and maintained, the straw-bale walls, plaster exterior and interior remain water proof, fire resistant, and pest free. Because only limited skill is required, a community house-raising effort can build most of a straw-bale house in a single day. This effort yields a low-cost, elegant, and energy-efficient living space for the owners, a graceful addition to the community, and a desirable boost to local farm income. I think, especially in this country, residential straw bale buildings could be a very sustainable viable alternative to residential architecture.

Written by Jere Botes, architect & founder of http://www.dreamhouses.co.za, a website dedicated to provide home builders, home renovators, home owners & developers with free professional advice on all aspects of home design, building & diy. Reproductions of this article are encouraged but must include a link pointing to http://www.dreamhouses.co.za.

Perma-Base Exceeds Standards For Asphalt Surfaces

The big boom in both commercial and residential new construction in the last ten years has taken its toll on blacktop surfaces in the St. Louis area. Parking lots and subdivision roads have been more prone to premature failure mostly due to undesirable soils, poor base construction, or improper design for intended load force. "We've just noticed that newer asphalt surfaces are falling apart much faster than they should. This region is comprised of a variety of soil conditions which should be accounted for when constructing a paved surface," said John Furr of Creve Coeur Paving.

The Perma-base system stops many of the area's bad soil characteristics from causing damage to blacktop pavements. It's success is attributed to keeping defects, moisture, and movement below the pavement, instead of allowing them to surface. The extra cost in constructing a Perma-Base structure is minimal when compared to the exhaustive efforts required to maintain or repair a surface that experiences problems associated with sub-base decline. Currently Creve Coeur Paving is one of few contractors using this style of base construction in the St. Louis region.

Area business owners and property managers can expect a much better return on their investment. The system possesses a higher tolerance for heavy loads and is more permeable so moisture can pass through it, instead of surfacing to the pavement. Because of this quality, new construction can take place after the base has been installed and compacted. Heavy loads such as concrete and refuse trucks will not disrupt the base. The project manager doesn't have to worry about soil-yielding causing delays at his worksite.

Expansive clay found in northern areas of St. Charles County and Lincoln County has been known to cause severe cracking even in 8" thick asphalt surfaces. The Perma-Base system resists reflective cracking from clay to help protect against surface cracking and shifting.

Property owners and managers are doing more to find ways to lower their overhead. Perma-Base brings them the desired solution. Less maintenance, larger load capacity, and greater longevity from asphalt surfaces depend on a solid sub-base. Perma-Base addresses all of these concerns.

Creve Coeur Paving:
A St. Louis based; family owned paving company focused on delivering the best possible solutions for its clients. Motivated by the company's highly regarded work ethic, it's owners and employees have been striving for perfection in paving for over thirty years. "Our Reputation Rides On Our Service."

Contact:
Richard Dinkela II, Operations
Creve Coeur Paving
314-427-3303
http://www.ccpstl.com

Finding Homes Using the Internet - Home Shopping

You can simply type the words real estate or homebuying into any search engine on the World Wide Web and you will come up with hundreds, maybe even thousands of websites that are extremely helpful and full of great information. Like the one you're on right now.

Finding homes with the internet, combined with a skilled real estate salesperson, provides you with the most effective technology available today. Most websites start out, having you select a state you would like to search in and then, select a city, with your price range.

By answering their questions, this narrows the search down to all of the homes available in the area. The internet has made home shopping very simple. Considering what you had to go through in the 1970s. You found a realtor or by looking in the yellow pages, sometimes you found a good realtor and if you are lucky, maybe you would find you a good home.

Most of the time, the first homes you would look at, were owned by the real estate professional you were working with.

There are however a couple of problems with using the internet to find your dream home. Some of the verbage used and photographs taken can create a wonderful illusion of a tropical paradise but the reality, it's a regular home in a decent neighborhood.

Some of these photos are taken by skilled photographers who take advantage of every angle and tend to give an illusion of grander. When you actually start driving around and looking at these homes, only then will you get a reality check, of what the home actually looks like. You'll get used to it.

After you've looked at a few of your future dream homes, you will get a better idea of what I'm talking about with these wonderful pictures and the extraordinary home descriptions like "Beautiful Three Bedroom House with an Ocean View." When reality it's a two-bedroom house with an extra closet for the third bedroom and the ocean is 45 miles away, but you can see it on a clear day if you actually climb to the top of the largest tree on the property.

Take your time when searching for your dream home and don't let any one push you into making a decision if you're not ready. If you find your real estate professional a little too aggressive or pushy, get out of your contract, if you've signed one and find another, more helpful real estate salesperson to help you with your home purchase.

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

Find other real estate tips and great advice, from another one of the Internet's best website creators

Plaster And Drywall Cracks

Post Your Ideas Here On Deck Building

Do you have any ideas for building or repairing wood decks . We would love to hear from you in the comment area. Any useful comments that you can make on deck construction or deck building will help our blog readers.

Deck Building Books

Help When Buying Replacement Windows

When is the Best Time of Year to Consider Buying Replacement Windows?

Buying replacement windows can be a big project. Here are some tips to get you started on the right track to a successful window replacement.

The best time of year to consider buying replacement windows is around spring or fall. Buying replacement windows and having them installed will leave your home open to the elements for a day or so. You want to avoid hot, cold and rainy times of the year if possible.

The first thing anyone should do is budget for the windows. This can become a big factor in your choice. Prices of windows vary greatly. Your budget may or may not allow you to get into higher design options. This is one of the most important tips.

You need to know which windows, if not all, have to be replaced. Look at the type of window and decide on whether you want to replace it with a new style or use a style just like your old ones. You'll need to evaluate how your original windows were installed as well as note any potential problems with tear-out and preparation for the new windows.

Buying Replacement Windows

Once you have a good understanding on what you need, call around and get estimates on the installation. If you are able to, it is possible to install the windows yourself and save money. But make sure you have enough and experience and expertise to be able to perform this project. An improper window installation can cause many problems.

If you need an installer after buying replacement windows, make sure to go over your different options with them. Make sure they understand what results you want from your new windows. Before choosing a contractor you should get several bids and compare them. Getting a guarantee and signing a contract is important when buying replacement windows and hiring an installer.

Another important aspect of hiring someone to do a remodeling job is the need to feel comfortable around him or her. Whoever you choose will be working on your home, and you'll want to feel at ease about letting them work. If you are not sure about any given contractor's credibility, ask them for references and have them checked out.

For further satisfaction do not pay for the job until the job is done right. A deposit may be necessary but try to keep it as low as possible.

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.

Furniture Design Trends Of 2008

Termidor Versus Sentricon - Tips To Choose The Best Termite Treatment

The Debate Between Termidor Termite Treatment And Sentricon

The debate on both the Termidor termite treatment and the Sentricon treatment , both of which are popular in treating termite infestation keeps going on in the pest control business.

In the Sentricon method, bait stations are placed around the house. These are then monitored by the Company and if termites are sighted, poison is used instead of wood bait and this should eliminate the entire colony. Sentricon is environmentally friendly, but professionals are not entirely sure of its effectiveness.

The Termidor system, on the other hand, provides chemicals in the soil around the house. This is not really harmful to people and costs around $50/- more than Sentricon at the start, but if you take a contract for the year which covers supervision and extra applications if required, it comes to $150/- less than Sentricon.

Weighing The Pros And Cons Of Termidor And Sentricon

It is true that Sentricon is environmentally friendly and could be used in the elimination of termite infestation. But it must be remembered that it is not as effective - there seem to be chemicals that are far more effective in the market. So far as Termidor is concerned, chemicals are in the soil and in the yard right around your house. This does not sit well with many people as they should not be exposed to any type of chemicals and on these grounds alone, they would reject the use of Termidor.

Looking at the pros and cons of both these chemicals, the choice could be confusing. It is not possible to persuade anyone that one or the other is the right choice - it depends on the individual and the way he looks at the situation. If you believe in an eco-friendly atmosphere and dislike being exposed to any type of chemicals, you will naturally go for Sentricon in spite of the fact that it is less effective than other chemicals. But, if you are concerned about destroying the termite infestation permanently and thus saving your home from untold damage, you would probably go for Termidor which is highly effective.

While making a choice you will need to consider the pros and cons and decide whether you want to be exposed to chemicals in the area surrounding your home in spite of the fact that the termite infestation is effectively dealt with or whether you choose to have an eco-friendly environment even if the termite treatment is not as effective and may need to be redone. The choice is entirely yours - so far as debates are concerned, it will go on and you may get involved in it but the final decision is entirely up to you.

Abhishek has got some great Termite Elimination Secrets up his sleeve! Download his FREE 79 Page Ebook, "How To Win Your War Against Termites!" from his website http://www.Wonder-Homes.com/117/index.htm. Only limited Free Copies available.

Good Orange County Contractors

I would love to hear your good contractor stories. I'm so tired of hearing about contractor nightmares, is there anyone out there that has a good contractor story. Place it in the comment area underneath this question.

Landscaping Books

Creative and Useful Ideas For Home and Garden

Spring is in the air! Take advantage of the resources at hand and make the most of the creative and useful ideas for Home and Garden that are available online, in books and libraries and give your home a sprightly look.

Try rummaging in your own home

If you are on a budget, use whatever materials you have at home before going out and buying anything. Make an inventory of discarded, faded dried twigs and flowers which could look new with a fresh coat of paint or just soap and water. Mix these with a few fresh twigs or flowers and arrange them in attractive bowls. Enhance your window treatment by just changing the drapes with colors that reflect the season. Re-arrange objects and centerpieces and notice how a little re-arrangement projects a newer look. Change furniture around and bring out the patio armchairs. Revive neglected garden furniture with a coat of polish or paint if you are one of those who love pottering around in the garden.

Spring-clean and make do with clutter

Use this opportunity to get rid of stuff that has piled up in attics and closets. Empty out closets and wardrobes and air them out. Check out the garage area and make a checklist. Do away with leaky hoses, faucets etc. which cannot be used anymore. Cash in on useful ideas for home and garden and learn how to re-use or repair certain items. Rugs and mats, tucked away in winter, provide a refreshing change when vacuum cleaned and aired out. Set aside in storage all items earmarked for yard sales in the neighborhood or in your own back yard.

Make your home and garden come alive

Make your garden beautiful this spring. Spruce up a big garden with colorful nectar-rich flowers and birdbaths or water fountains. Hummingbirds and butterflies make a bee-line for these in summer and depending on where you live, certain species like the oriole, black jay and red robins, to name a few, grace your garden with frequent visits. It is worthwhile to employ a designer for landscaping the area available. Take advantage of their useful home and garden ideas for a transformed look. A small garden can also have a walkway or driveway adorned on both sides with shrubs or pretty flowers. Garden statues are available in all home stores. Use these as accessories. Fill up window boxes with seasonal flowers and hang flowering baskets on your patio.

Thomas B. Chuong is currently writing about topics related to home improvement & decor, personal fitness, and home & garden. Find out more by visiting these sites Crib, and Elliptical.

Stair Landing Fire Block

Home Remodeling Stair Lighting Help

Walking up and down the stairs in the dark could become a safety issue. If the stairs in the house are not that old, there should be a light switch at the top and a light switch at the bottom of the stairway. This is a three way switch and is designed to allow you to turn the stair lighting on as you walk up the stairs and then turn the stair lighting off, once you've safely reached the top of the stairway. And vice versa as she walked down the stairs.

If you don't have a light switch, there are motion sensor lights that are battery operated and can be installed easily in the stairway. These lights can provide you with peace of mind, while protecting your family from accidents.

Stairway accidents are nothing to joke about, I lived in a two-story house with four other people and was the last one to fall down the stairway. None of us got seriously injured and the stairway was built to meet local building codes and was inspected by a building and safety inspector. The stairs were built correctly and the stair lighting was no problem, but people still fell down the stairway and it always happens in the evening.

During the day time there were two windows that let plenty of light into the stairway and in the evening the stairway became quite dark, rarely was the stair lightning ever turned on. This could have been outright laziness but nevertheless, it was rarely used and eventually became a safety issue.

Lighting your stairway might not end all of your problems but it can and some of your problems. There are plenty of stair lighting systems available on the market today and some of the battery operated stair lighting systems can be installed by most homeowners.

Think safety always and do your best to solve your stair lighting problems as soon as possible to prevent injuries or accidents.

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

If your looking for some more building stairs or home building ideas.

Building Handrails Books

Kitchens Cook Up Value

There's no better way to give an old home a fresh start than remodeling the kitchen. Kitchens are the heart of family life, it's where we go to prepare and eat meals together. Creating a pleasant, orderly environment for family gatherings is the core of kitchen remodeling.

Before you begin your kitchen remodeling project, you should identify the goals you wish to achieve. Are you looking for more cabinet space? Do you want more light? New appliances? Knowing what you want to do is just as important as getting it done, especially in kitchen remodeling.

Color sets the tone for any kitchen. With smaller kitchens you'll want to use cool colors to make the kitchen space seem larger. In bigger kitchens, you have more flexibility.

Once you've chosen a color, consider your kitchen's lighting scheme. You may want to use under cabinet or inset lighting for countertops. Pot and recessed lighting can create a soft light in your kitchen and with dimmers they will provide good lighting for tasks like washing dishes or cutting. Xenon lighting is steadily replacing halogens because xenon lights don't create as many shadows in the kitchen.

Counters and floors are another major decision. Countertops can be among the most expensive components of a kitchen and also lead to many form versus function conflicts. A granite countertop may look great, but solid surface may be a better solution if you do a lot of cooking. With floors, you need to consider how much traffic your kitchen gets, as well as aesthetic concerns.

When budgeting your kitchen renovation include the cost of all labor (electricians, carpenters, gas technicians, plumbers, contractors etc.) While budgeting the kitchen renovation, you should try to account for as much as possible, then tack on another 20 percent. Unexpected costs often arise during kitchen renovations and the best way to compensate for these overruns it is to create a flexible budget.

Because kitchen renovations require advanced building, electrical and design skills, you'll probably want to hire a contractor. Remember to shop around for price quotes and don't be afraid to ask for portfolios and references. Kitchen remodeling is too big of a project to risk with a shady operator.

Kitchen remodeling is a time and money-intensive exercise, but by keeping a few basics in mind and by careful budgeting and hiring, you can be sure of a recipe for success.

For more information on Renovating Your Kitchen visit our new website http://www.dreamhomeimprovementguide.com

Cabinet Frame Damage

Remodeling a Mobile Home - - San Diego Home Tips

The cost of remodeling a simple home can be estimated very simply by a market survey or by using cost estimating software. It is easy because simple home remodeling is very common and everyone has a bit of its knowledge. You can have an exact idea about the expenses of contractors, laborers and even the materials that would be used for remodeling a home. However, it becomes a little different when you are talking about estimating cost of remodeling a mobile home.

Remodeling a mobile home costs a little more as compared to normal homes. You can't get an exact idea about the cost of remodeling a mobile home. Its costs keep changing. However, you can use some of the below mentioned ideas in this article to know about the basic issue which make remodeling mobile homes more expensive as compared to fixed homes.

The Basic Cost Difference between Mobile Homes and Fixed Homes
You can get some ideas about the cost of remodeling a mobile home by making a simple comparison between the older homes and the latest models. You will find a lot of differences in their models as well as in their costs. The basic difference between newer and older models is the implementation of building codes and civil laws. Earlier, there were no such restrictions for building codes but now they are essential. It gives you an idea of possible costs for remodeling a mobile home.

What it says openly is that the costs of remodeling a mobile home these days are much higher as compared to the old ones. Remodeling your mobile home in alignment with the city codes might cost you a lot of money. You can, however, remodel the ceiling area because the mobile homes come with factory made ceiling areas but removing the old ceiling for remodeling your mobile home also costs much. The job gets doubled here as you will have to pay for removing the ceiling of your mobile home as well as for installing a new ceiling in your mobile home.

In a mobile home almost everything is settled inside the factory, even the floors of the mobile home. They are finished facing the walls and when you are remodeling your mobile home, you have to spend double of your time and money to fix the new flooring. It too costs a lot and as double as compared to ordinary homes. Moreover, in a mobile home, neither the doors nor the windows are of standard size. They vary in height and setting up new doors & windows causes a lot of effort. Experts have to work very precisely to make the new doors fit into their places. Here again, costs get doubled.

However, you can find good rates of remodeling a mobile home at times if the price of the materials and costs of labors have decreased. But it would still be more expensive as compared to remodeling a fixed home.

There is a lot more that you can get to know about remodeling, constructing and improving a home. All the related details are available at http://www.theyarelocal.com/articles/remodeling/index.php

Increasing the Appeal of Your House by Means of Home Renovation

They say a man's home is his castle and since it's where we spend most of our hours away from work, it should be one that we're always looking forward to come home to. Whether it is a two-story Victorian, a hillside hideaway or a cozy beachfront bungalow, our homes should be a reflection of ourselves and our character. Also, it should be an embodiment of what we perceive to be the ideal hideout from the pressures and chaos of the outside world.

A person's home should be a place of relaxation and bliss, relatively free of the stresses of day to day living. It is where we spend our time unwinding and meditating and it is where we wake-up to the light of a new day- gathering energy for the activities that await us.

There comes a time when people get bored with the appearance of their homes. Maybe the paint starts to peel, or the plumbing starts to drip. In any case, when our haven from the pressures of the outside world ceases to be a place of Zen and becomes a source of angst in itself, it might be time to consider a few changes and doing a home renovation.

Renovation is the most practical thing to do for homeowners who've had their dwellings for quite a few years. Times are harder nowadays and unless you're one of the lucky few who have extra dough, it doesn't really make sense to sell the home you've become attached to and purchase a new one.

If what's bugging you is just a drippy faucet or a few stains on a wall, you can certainly grab a monkey-wrench or a paintbrush and save yourself some money. If it's something bigger like a new all-around color scheme, an overhaul on the plumbing or actual remodeling, you might still be able to do it considering you've had experience in those things. Otherwise, it's wiser to hire the services of a contractor to avoid making costly mistakes and irreversible damage to your castle.

Contractors have years of experience and expertise on anything you might want to have done. There are general contractors and there are those that do specific tasks: roofing contractors, plumbing contractors, painting, etc. All that you need to do is sit down with one recommended by someone you trust and tell them what you have in mind and how much you're willing to spend.

There are several things folks should look into when having major home renovation done. The first thing obviously, is your budget. It wouldn't make sense to start a major remodeling project only to stop halfway because you've run out of funds. Have a realistic figure on how much you can spend and how much you want done.

When it comes to remodeling and renovation, it's also important to know exactly what you want from the beginning. It's ultimately better to have a clear picture of what your goals are and do your planning from there rather than decide on what you want along the way.

Having a timeframe on how much the project is going to take will also help you manage the adjustments your family has to make. Timing is a big issue when it comes to construction and it's best to plan around holidays, celebrations and family gatherings to avoid unnecessary headaches.

During these tough financial times, home renovation is the better way to go if you want to address problems of wear and tear, increase the value of your home, or just change the appearance of your dwelling and make it more pleasurable to live in.

Jo is a writer for 'EBL Group Limited' (http://www.eblgroup.co.uk), a family managed, established and recommended house insurance repairs outworker stationed in Runcorn Cheshire. If you need insurance building repairs as a result of storm, flood, fire, malicious or fortuitous damage or any other reasons or if you have home and buildings improvement requirements then you should check out EBL Group.

Home Security Books

Leadership Team Building in Business

Many times in business a project must be completed by a group of qualified individuals. As the head of this group, you may have problems making them pull together. Leadership team building is what you may need. You will have to find a way to rally the troops. This may be harder than expected.

One of the problems with leadership team building is communication. In order for things to run smoothly people must know what each part of the group is doing. Effective communication is a key element for making a team run smoothly. When people are talking they are sharing. This means ideas are flowing. Brainstorming with each other is an effective tool in getting teams to work together.

Recognizing the assets of your group is another motivational tool you can use in leadership. Team building can be greatly enhanced when the group knows what they are capable of. Pointing out individual attributes helps with this. People try harder to get the job done when they know it will be appreciated.

Another key element in getting the team to work together making sure the people want to be there. You will find when someone does not want to participate, they probably won't. To ensure proper leadership, team building means getting the right people. When someone enjoys what they are doing, the job gets done so much better. This means commitment.

In leadership, team building means making and getting a commitment. You must dedicate yourself to the project and ensure it follows the project plan. You must also determine if your team is committed in following this plan. The project plan must be implemented correctly. A dedicated team will make sure each step is followed so the project can reach it's goal.

Setting goals is a big part of the leadership in team building. You must have a goal the team can work towards. With no set plan or goal, the team may be working on the same things for months. Chaos accomplishes nothing. Directing the team towards a common goal or setting vision will enable everyone to complete the task.

As part of the leadership team, building trust is crucial. When someone is working in an environment where no one trusts each other, there can be strife. Very little work will get done when the team is bickering with each other. You are to act as the liaison between the group members to build trust and confidence.

You will also have to act as a motivator. Part of the leadership, team building will mean motivating the group to accomplish the tasks which they are given. This can come in the form of recognizing a job well done. It can be simply telling someone what their key assets to the team are. Pointing out why they are important to the group can make all the difference in the world. You may have the best programmer in the world, but unless he or she has confidence the work might be sub-par.

There are many things which come into play when in the position of leadership. Team building is not difficult. It just takes a few people skills. These skills can help build the team and get the job done.

Visit NiurkaInc for excellent Leadership Training & Team Buildling courses proven to enhance the effectiveness of your team. They even offer a free Peak-Performance-Workshop for those who qualify.

Long Dryer Vent Problems

Stair Parts - The Building Blocks of a Good Stairway

For anyone who grew up in a house with at least two levels, a simple slide in the stairway handrail has always proved to be a childhood joy. For most who are planning to build their own houses, they are always considering to put in a magnificent staircase that is (definitely not only for their children to enjoy sliding unto) for aesthetic and practical reasons.

A common feature of a house is with a staircase landing directly in front of the main door of the house, making it one of the first things a visitor (whether a relative, friend, or just a pesky neighbor checking to see if your house is better) will see. Generally, stairs are made by the same people who made the house (the carpenters), but, on the testament of how important it is, not a few would hire additional help from experts such as specific stair makers or craftsmen, sometimes even woodworkers for intricately designed wooden stairs.

The parts of a staircase may be divided chiefly into two main stair parts: the steps and the railing system. How these two stair parts look and designed says much about the general look of the entire staircase. Depending on the rest of your house of course, stair parts may be made of marble, stone, cement, wood, and steel, among others. The type of materials used for the stair parts may be the same or even mixed. One can use wood for the steps while using steel railing system, as an example.

Whether a stair is going to be straight, curved, or even spiral will be up to the owner, and of course, depending on the general plan of the house. Different kinds of stair parts may be more preferable depending on the type of stairs, for example, it may be easier to use steel, which can easily be molded, for spiral stairs than wood or even stone.

Lastly, a staircase's main function is to serve as a path for the household members to go from one level of the house to the other, either by ascending or descending. So aside from addressing this primary function, it is important that a stair will be designed to be safe for use. Whether the steps are too narrow or too wide, or the handrails too high or too low will play a crucial role when it comes to the safety of its users. With that, the stair parts are also essential because aside from the work and the design themselves, the stability and durability of the stair parts used are essential to avoid future accidents in the stairway.

Indeed, a good house should have a good stairway, which of course, requires good and sturdy stair parts.

For more information about Stair Parts feel free to visit: http://www.elegantstairsandwoodfloors.com

Eliza Maledevic Ayson writes for Jump2top.com - SEO Company

What To Do If Your Home Floods

How Will a New President Affect the Precast Concrete Building Industry?

The recent election was the buzzword for the past several months. Everyone debated about their favorite candidate, watching the news and polls to find out the latest happenings. With building projects in a state of urgency across the country, many people are wondering how a new administration will affect the building industry.

Just a week before the election, a gathering of mayors, governors and special interest groups occurred on Capitol Hill. The group presented various ideas to boost the economy and employ people through new public works projects.

Building projects played a large part in the plans presented on Capitol Hill. Both political parties showed their desire to build roads and sewer and water projects. Each concrete highway barrier and sewer built will help to employ someone who may otherwise be jobless. As people earn more money, the economy will get a healthy boost it needs.

At a hearing of the House of Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, Rep. John Mica of Florida revealed how many people building projects can potentially employ. According to Mica, "Every billion dollars in spending on infrastructure, on highway and transportation expenditures, does result in 35,000 new jobs."

Fresno precast concrete workers will be glad to hear a large economic stimulus measure might be in the works as soon as early next year. Jon Corzine, governor of New Jersey, called for the stimulus. The measure has an emphasis on railway repairs, sewer projects, water projects and road construction.

Corzine feels strongly about building projects. He states, "This time of adversity should be translated into a time of opportunity with respect to our infrastructure projects. We should not lose the opportunity to invest in our future, our children and our grandchildren's future."

Concrete projects last up to 100 years or more because of their durability, strength and resistance to the elements. Concrete is versatile and tough enough for highway barriers, sewer systems, building structures and electrical equipment enclosures to store Sarcramento precast electrical accessory items.

The stimulus measure also seeks to extend jobless benefits in the meantime. For thousands of unemployed workers, the best break would be new infrastructure projects. These projects will be an ongoing source of income for many workers who can't find a job rather than depending on unemployment.

Additionally, many of American's infrastructures seriously need attention. Safe roads are essential for people to travel. Sewer and water projects keep the environment cleaner and greener by properly disposing of waste and maintaining safe water supplies. Precast concrete building structures stand the test of time and weather so they will remain functional for future generations.

For businesses ready to take advantage of the economic stimulus before it arrives, fresno precast concrete products to build a concrete highway barrier, sewer or electrical equipment enclosure to house Sacramento precast electrical accessory items can all be found at JensenPrecast.com.

Long Dryer Vent Problems

Dog Creates Remodeling Nightmare

How many homeowners normally leave their dog in the backyard or they have full time access to the backyard through a doggie door. You're probably wondering how can a little dog create a remodeling nightmare for any contractor.

This wasn't the case this dog was a large Labrador retriever and tore up everything in the backyard constantly. The house remodel we were working on was a two story room addition over a single story house. This job lasted around six months and the dog was a daily reminder of how much attention a large dog actually needs.

Let's start with the first item of value the dog actually destroyed. It was my favorite tool bags of course that I have taken care of for over five years and deeply appreciated the fact that they were broke in just the way I wanted them to be. Kind of like a baseball mitt that doesn't quite fit right because of how stiff it is until you break it in.

While the homeowner of course apologized and never even offered to replace them. Oh but after that he did mention never to leave anything lying around in the backyard. Lesson learned of course and never forgotten. Well to make a long story short this large dog could chew up tools, lumber, plumbing pipes, electrical wire and was even able to destroyed the plywood fencing we would use to keep him away.

I'm going to stop right there with the remodeling nightmare created from this dog in hopes that other contractors can learn from my valuable lesson. As a contractor you should never assume that a homeowner will replace any damaged or broken tools and materials.

As a homeowner with a dog reading this article, think about having a place to enclose the dog if necessary while remodeling work is done on your home.

I love being around dogs and other animals but sometimes a problem like this can make life extremely miserable for both parties.

Greg Vanden Berge has been building and remodeling for over 30 years and his information has proven valuable to most contractors and homeowners all over the world. He usually tries to write at least two articles a day on home improvement or remodeling problems.

Greg is in the process right now of working on a home inspection website that will revolutionize the home inspection business. He is also working on a book to help homeowners and contractors as well as other home related professions in dealing with the home inspection process.

You can visit the home inspection website currently under construction at Home Inspection Help

Pick Perfect Bathroom Accessories

Any fashion-forward individual will tell you that properly accessorizing can make - or break- any outfit. This guideline does not just apply to fashion, however. When remodeling, redecorating or even rearranging furniture, adding accessories can complete the look you're going for. More often than not, however, many homeowners and renters overlook one of the most crucial rooms in their home: the bathroom. Providing unique, useful accessories can transform your bathroom instantly.

Down the Drain

Though this turn of phrase is usually applied to wasting money unnecessarily, when it comes to redecorating your bathroom, it is critical. Evaluate your current drain both in the shower stall, bath tub and sink. Is each drain functioning properly? Are any drains slow or may be clogged? One of the major reasons for slow drainage in showers and tubs is due to hair. To unclog your drain yourself, unscrew the screws holding the metal lid in place; remove the lid and check the piping to see what's literally causing the jam. Prevent future stoppage problems by purchasing a plastic hair stopper to slip over the drain.

Faux Faucets

Even if you're not a millionaire, styling your bathroom like you are does not necessarily cost much money. Check out your faucets; are they made out of plain, dull metals? Why not add a touch of elegance and class by replacing your faucet with a different, less ordinary metal? If you like shine-opt for chrome, polished brass and satin nickel finishes. Contrarily, oil rubbed bronze gives off a luxurious, rich tone to any bathroom.

Soothing Showers

Admit it; you've got a shower problem. Whether it's too little or too much water pressure, too small a showerhead or just simply an old, rusted shower unit, your shower set could use a makeover. It's time to admit this problem and replace it! Installing a new shower set can instantly transform your bathroom from boring to fantastic. Consider shower units that offer detachable or moveable shower heads; these models combine cleaning with a relaxing water massage, making your everyday shower experience all the more thrilling.

If you have replaced your faucets and drains with a new finish, be sure to match your bathroom set completely by installing the same or complimentary finish. Shower set finishes typically include a dark bronze, chrome and satin nickel.

Trendy Towels

If you're just not ready to throw in your ordinary white towels, that's okay. While hanging bright towels in unique patterns or designs does add flair to any bathroom, white towels are just fine. Consider replacing your towel bars instead. Typical bathrooms utilize the space on the back of the door. While this is convenience and space-saver friendly, it does not add much to the overall design.

By installing multiple towel bars in a ladder-like pattern on your wall, you can not only hang more towels, but also create plush wall art. When purchasing your new towel bars, remember what other fixtures you have already replaced. While most of the finishes in your bathroom should match or be the same, do not be afraid to go bold when it comes to your towel hardware. Matte blacks, browns and greens offer a rich tone, while polished chrome and satin nickel and chrome provide a more sterile, clean feeling.

For the ultimate upgrade, choose towel bars that have a heating function. This way, you'll never shiver as you emerge from your 90 degree steam shower again!

Soak in the Suds

Naturally, any good bathroom must have the proper soaps, shampoos and fragrances on hand. While shampoos and conditioners tend to be more sweet-smelling, your hand soap should not. No guest likes to spend the rest of their day smelling like a watermelon. Instead, choose a softer scent that is fresh, clean and light. No matter what soaps you choose, ensure they are gentle on your hands, especially if you wash your hands frequently throughout the day.

Jim Richardson is Vice President of Your Home Supply (YHS) the definitive website for home improvement tools, and gardening supplies. Your Home Supply offers a wide range of towel bars, and shower heads to help customers pick perfect bathroom accessories for their home.

Home Remodeling - Why Remodel?

Throughout the U.S housing history, the recent decades have become the moment for many homeowners to take small steps or great leaps in bringing out the best in their homes through various home remodeling projects. It can be as simple as painting a room or as complex as having a home addition, but either way, you are adding more value to your New York home as well as enhancing the quality of your family's living.

Looking for and buying a new home is not an easy nor cheap task. This makes home remodeling a financially sounder decision than moving out. Just imagine all the things that you've been through before you got the house that you love, and the dear neighborhood that it comes with. And with the situation that the New York real estate market is in, chances of finding a better home is slimmer and could be very stressful as well as expensive.

Other than changing the look and feel of any room in the house, home remodeling can also be a sensible solution for several factors that affect your everyday living including:

Enhancements

To be able to live comfortably, it is crucial to keep up with the times and update your homes. The housing market has been revolutionized and even each room can be branded as trendy or out of style. Aside from this, technological developments and innovative designs can now be availed to make life more comfortable, enjoyable and easier. Home remodeling can be your tool to achieve and integrate modernity and luxury into your daily lives.

Maintenance

Home remodeling can be your answer to whatever repair needs while maintaining the beauty and functionality of your home. To avoid the hassles of facing larger issues that entails more costly and additional repairs, it is best to attend to minor damages before their condition becomes worse. By sticking to a regular schedule of home evaluation and maintenance, you could also add years to the life of your house.

Safety and Security

Security and comfort are some of the essentials that our homes provide. This makes keeping your houses equipped and safe from burglary, fires, natural calamities and other unforeseen events crucial. There are also circumstances that make home remodeling a must to keep the household safe such as making it child-proof or easily accessible in case of disabilities.

There are various reasons why homeowners think of undertaking a home remodeling project. As time goes by, your and your family's wants and needs are changing and what you currently have may not be enough to meet these. The home is getting older, out of style and not as functional. But whatever the reason, the project would eventually turn out to be well worth the cost as the family starts to enjoy the great transformations. To make sure that you'll give value to every cent you plan to spend, ensure quality in the materials, products, and craftsmanship. Look not on the price tag but into the durability and operability that a product offers and hire one of the best local contractors.

Eugene Makeev of Craftsmen Network has been in the home improvement industry for a while. His skills and expertise, which have been polished through time, are now used to help New York home owners avoid the common pitfalls in remodeling Brooklyn by matching their needs with prescreened contractors Brooklyn, NY.

For more information, visit home renovations Brooklyn.

Your Bathroom Needs Glass Tile

Most people want to use mosaic tile somewhere in their home. The bathroom is the ideal place to get creative and install glass tile. There are many potential locations for your glass including the shower, sink backsplash, floor, and entire walls.

The shower is probably the most common install location for glass mosaic tile in the bathroom. Whether you choose to use just one solid color throughout or create a blend of colors that you want instead, you can cover the entire area for a reasonable price if you shop around. Another popular use in the shower is to use large 12" tiles on the wall and run a border of colorful glass tiles at the waistline. You can go one step further and tile that shower seat or shower inset with the same shiny glass tiles.

The sink backsplash is a great way to add a little bit of color to a somewhat boring room. Choose a tile blend that compliments the countertops. You can install this tile between the mirror and the countertop at a very low cost. If you want to add more zing to your room then tile all the way to the ceiling wrapping around your mirror.

The small mosaic tiles will make your room appear larger. If your bathroom is very small then you might consider installing glass tile on one entire wall. This will enlarge your space and add amazing color and texture. If you tile the wall across from your mirror then the reflection will enlarge the area even more.

Most glass tiles will work perfect on a floor. Check with your supplier to verify that the tile you like is floor friendly first. The best thing about using this tile on your bathroom floor is that it is easier to install than large ceramic tiles. These are so small that you simply cut the sheets to work around the toilet, sink, and shower areas. No need for a wet saw. Some might ask if it is really safe to put glass tile on the floor. If using mosaic tile that is 1" or smaller then you will a lot of grout joints. This in itself will give you plenty of texture and makes them slip resistant. Vitreous glass tile is somewhat textured on the surface and will add even more grip for your floor.

Once you decide what tiles you want to use and where you want to use them, you will need to install these. Whether you install them yourself or use a professional, make sure to use the appropriate adhesive and grout. The best grout to use in a bathroom is an epoxy grout. It is more difficult to work with but it will not stain or mildew. In a bathroom, this is a great perk.
Choose to keep it neutral or go wild with vivid colors but definitely express yourself in the bathroom. It is the one place that you can step out of your comfort zone and create an amazing look.

Tammy Wise has been creating mosaic art for over 9 years. She has been published in major glass magazines and has done mosaic commission work for businesses. Tammy currently owns her own mosaic business in Owasso, Oklahoma. Tile Shack Mosaic Supplies ships superior products all over the world. Find plenty of supplies plus more information on mosaics at http://www.tileshack.com

Do it Yourself Home Security Systems Comparisons - Research the Products and Options

The modern world for all its fascinating advances still can be less than safe. There are lots of dangers out there that may present themselves to our lives at some time. This is why many people install a security system for their homes and their possessions. There are many different systems available to consumers today, so it is important that you learn how to do 'do it yourself home security systems comparisons'. Renters as well as homeowners can benefit from the safety offered.

It's obvious to anyone who looks that home security systems vary widely. For example, do it yourself home security systems comparisons might search for the best wireless home security systems or a wired alternative. It's always best to make sure you know what's available before looking for the best of those systems. You can do so by conducting your own research.

Lots of firms provide installation at no extra charge on a high proportion of their security systems. One can economize by buying diy wireless home security systems too. They are not as expensive as the ones from services which include installation with no fee added. This is their best feature of all. They may come with cameras, alarms, motion sensors, and fire detectors. Some of them can be turned on and off by remote control or telephone. In addition, there are models which automatically notify the homeowner if something bad happens.

Do it yourself home security systems comparisons are available online. The topic is addressed on various websites through reviews and articles. It is helpful to read what others have to say so that you can learn from their experiences and hardships. Learning by following the advice of others is crucial to your success in any area of interest.

You are not able to put a price on the safety of you and your family. That is why home security systems are so important to you and your loved ones. Purchasing a security system is like purchasing peace of mind. Such peace of mind will allow you to worry less about someone breaking into your home or perhaps harming your family!

Plenty of reliable security systems are out there, you'll find - the most important thing is to find one that meets the needs of your unique situation. For example, if you have the ability to complete the installation yourself, then your needs will be different from someone who is searching to hire an installation or monitoring company. In either case, plenty of worry can be averted through do it yourself home security systems comparisons.

Nowadays, shoppers can choose from all sorts of security systems, so you should learn how to perform do it yourself home security systems comparisons and contrasts. Even rental tenants derive advantages from the extra safety these systems provide. As you research the various models, be sure to check out the outstanding wired ones as well as the best wireless home security systems while you're at it. You can also save some money by purchasing a system known as diy wireless home security systems. You will see that these systems really cost less than those from companies that offer free installation.

Louvered Garage Vent On Plywood

What You Need to Know About Vinyl Shake Siding

Vinyl Cedar Shake Sidings have some obvious benefits. Otherwise, they would not be preferred over the conventional wooden sidings, which have been serving a lot of home improvement activities for some time now.

With benefits like low maintenance costs and excellent longevity, you would find Vinyl Cedar Shake Sidings increasingly finding favor with a lot of home owners. If you wish to be using sidings for your home or business space, then you should definitely consider some top quality products, for example The Foundry.

Variations in the exterior and the tone coupled with splits along the granular lines are typically some characteristics of cedar vinyl shake siding.

Austere and Simple - Two words for Cedar Vinyl Shake Siding

These sidings are known to grant a very good, old and a rustic look to your home. Though at times, some people may find this a touch too expensive, especially on the lines of some wood shake sidings, but the fact that these sidings allow so many benefits to people make it an excellent prospect to be used in most homes. With that being said, polypropylene shakes allow an extra touch of finesse to the wood shakes and also helps in reducing maintenance costs.

Homes that have these sidings definitely look a class apart. Ask people who stay in the home, and they would tell you that their homes are now calmer and much more pleasing to stay in. In earlier days, wood shakes with cedar finishing used to be done with the rather arduous method of hand sewing. Of course, with time, this has been replaced with much sophisticated techniques to give cedar sidings.

More about Vinyl Cedar Shake Siding

For a moment, think like a termite (Not a creature you would want to think of)! If you really were a termite and wished to have a family, trust you would head for the wooden places to establish your base. The good news with Cedar Shake Sidings is that they do not encourage termites. Bad news for you if you are thinking like a termite as yet!

Cedar shakes that are hand-hewn can be good, but not many people like its appearance. If that really is the case, you should go for vinyl cedar shake sidings, which anyways will impress you with their style and low maintenance costs.

Jim Warren is a consumer advocate who enjoys writing about the right way to purchase and take care of Vinyl Log Siding. Be sure to visit http://vinyllogsidingreport.com for more important vinyl siding tips and resources.

Plywood Framing Around Toilet

All About Wood Burning Pot Belly Stove

These days the antique wood burning stoves are witnessing a revival in popularity among the vast majority of American consumers. Antique wood stoves come in several diverse types such as Box, Cylinder, Parlor and Potbelly. A Potbelly stove is a type of wood burning stove which is constructed from cast iron. They are easily distinguished from other antique wood burning stoves by their barrel shaped body which bulges slightly in the middle. That bulge seems to be the likely reason for using the name Potbelly. Compared to other types of wood burning stoves they are a bit smaller and much shorter.

In the earlier days of their creation they were often used for heating railroad stations, school houses and general stores. As their popularity grows they began being used to warm the American homes also. The wood used for fuel is readily available and so these stoves provided a very economical and efficient method of keeping large rooms warm. The potbelly stoves have been a part of American tradition fro many years and more then likely will continue to be a mainstream of Americana design. These stoves represent the earlier design versions prior to the wood burning stoves.

The potbelly stove has a small door mounted on the front of the unit which is used for supplying wood for burning as well as a means for cleaning the ash from the bottom of the stove. A potbelly usually has a mushroom shaped top to it and often comes with fancy claw feet although a few have been built using a simple block base. If you wish to purchase a potbelly stove there are several major categories from which you can select from. You have your choice of either purchasing a genuine antique potbelly or of buying one of the new replica potbelly stove currently being manufacturer. The antique ones are much heavier then the newer ones and the cost are generally higher since they are often considered to be an antique. Some of these antique stoves are actually over one hundred years old and still in e3xcellent working order. If maintained properly and cleaned regularly the stoves will continue to function as they were designed to do for a very long time.

The potbellies have become the choice for many people due to a vast array of reasons. They are ideal for old remodeled homes, old fashioned or Victorian houses, hotels with some sort of historical theme as well as for museums. They are a highly ornamented item and quite stylish making them the ideal piece of furniture for decorating your home.

They display a great amount of pride when placed in any room of your home. The wood burning pot belly stoves provide an economical approach to heating the modern homes. The older stoves can provide considerable conversation when used amongst friends and family. Learn more tips at http://potbellystoves.faq-guide.com