Your Royal Stairway - How to Achieve One

More often than not, most items found in your home serve primarily the purpose of decoration. Take your vases, paintings, and carvings, among others, as examples. However, some items serve for particular functions but may also serve as a decoration. Take your crystal chandelier (it is primarily to give light to your home but also serves as dcor to your ceilings) and your antique mirror for instance.

One thing that is not actually furniture which can be both useful and decorative in function is the stairway. Oftentimes, they serve as pathways from one level of our house to the next. Obviously, this is really a great help in houses with two or more floors. There are also houses which opt to put a stairway's platform in direct vision of a person entering the house from a front door. It gives out this appealing impression. Given this, it is therefore necessary that a stairway is not only sturdy and secure (for purposes of safety) but also must demonstrate "grandiosity" in its own right. Usually, this is attributed to the entire design of the stairway, but can also be tracked down to the specific stair parts, too. You have to remember that even the smallest detail, in this case part, can affect the totality of a whole structure to function and serve its purpose. This goes the same for the stairway and its stair parts.

A stairway may be built in different fashions. It can be helical, straight, or sectioned with a balcony. These final structures usually depend more or less on the materials used for the stair parts. Colossal mansions and castles usually have marble staircases of regal grace and elegance. Suburban homes have staircases of wood. For high buildings and skyscrapers, they have cemented or stone-made staircases. There are also some which have more than two or more materials mixed.

Some stair parts may be made of wood, while the others with cement or steel or other materials. For example, the steps are made of cement, the balusters from steel and the handrail from wood. However, when a staircase is made of marble, it is almost always the only material used for its stair parts, too. Oftentimes, the color of these stairways is usually the same with the rest of the house. This is because a stairway is a part of the entirety of the structure of the house.

There are various designs and materials of stair parts which when combined properly may produce a great look for the stairways. The general consideration is on the structure of your home. Also, consideration is also given to your budget to achieve the one which you like and is fit for your home. Most construction stores and depots offer various stair parts with affordable and reasonable prices.

Stairways, just like any general structures, rely greatly on their stair parts to achieve the final look to be visually stimulating to your guests and visitors and also for its solidity. Be certain that you only get what is best for your stairway to produce the effect of a royal pathway, to the next floor that is.

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

Eliza Maledevic Ayson writes for Jump2top.com - SEO Company

Contractor Manners For Customers to Give to Their Builder

Often custom home builders will have something written up or a prepared speech to give their clients at the start of the process that is designed to get everyone on the same page. It is an orientation intended to set up guidelines of etiquette such as when it is o.k. to call or it might include tips like not talking on and on with the workers. It probably includes a rough time line and perhaps a list of small problems that may occur but need not be made into big ones. This kind of reality meeting can go a long ways in eliminating future frustrations and bringing expectations down to earth. Simply put, it is a pound of prevention.

For the builder, it helps insure the freedom to run their business as they see fit. This is fair, since the builder is running a business. It is also beneficial to the customer, giving them a guide about how the builder expects them to interact.

While the customer is usually not experienced with the custom building process, they also have the right to present the builder with their own set of guidelines designed to orientate the builder with what they expect from them during the building process. My list is the product of 40 years involvement in the home building field starting out as a young laborer for my contractor parents, then as a sub contractor and finally as a home builder for nearly 20 years. I've never seen a customer present such a guideline but I have always thought both parties would do well starting out with one.

1) Do not talk derogatorily about us to people in your office, your subs, the lenders or anyone else. The truth is that many people are difficult to work with and so it follows that people having their home built are often such types. Additionally, the home building process involves a lot of money, emotions and expectations on the part of the customers which can make even polite and reasonable people not so polite and reasonable.The thing I have seen over and over is builders putting a difficult client into their mental "These Guys Are Idiots" file and commence an ongoing dialogue with the office staff, their subs and anyone who will listen about how hard these customers are to work with. The builder is really being unprofessional and seeking sympathy rather than doing the work to figure out how to make the customer happy. If they only want to work for really nice people they need to move to Mayberry.

Talking behind anyone's back at any time is unwise, but in the custom home process it is especially foolish because it creates negativity around a very important undertaking. The worst part is that builders, like every one, think they can get away with it when there is no way a customer will not pick up the negative attitude the builder has spread around concerning them during the long and socially intense
building process.

2) We need constant updating, reassurance and edification. This really is not too much to ask from the builder. While the customer has to be reasonable and not call five times a day, they need to have questions answered. Often it is in the best interest of all concerned, like when the home owner spots a mistake that might be easy to fix the next day but very difficult after a week's progress. Good builders understand the customer has a huge stake in the project and should not be left in the dark. One suggestion is to use emails. They lend themselves to none intrusive and thought out communication, and they leave a record as to what was actually said.

3) Answer your cell when we call or get back within 30 minutes. Everyone has caller I.D. and they know how to use it. Too often busy and somewhat rude people abuse it by using it to screen calls when they are not in the mood to talk to a particular person. It is fair to take a few minutes to listen to a message and then prepare for a conversation. The main thing is to be available and not evasive because this builds distrust and frustration.

It is a good idea to set up times when calls are welcome, and only go outside of those parameters for emergencies. It also fair to have the office staff sometimes return calls when only a simple answer is required.

4) View us like they do at Sears or anywhere else I spend my money. The building process is very involved and drawn out, but basically it is the same as patronizing your favorite convenience store or grocery store. You do business there because you chose to and you get what you want and are treated with respect.

If a builder is not professional, they often lose sight of the fact that they are in business to provide a service and that the customer chose them to provide it. This comes from the fact that building a home takes months and involves thousands of dollars and a million decisions. It is easy to lose sight of the simplicity of the relationship in such a complex undertaking.

5) Please don't roll your eyes when we ask dumb questions or want to make changes. The builder knows in advance the home owner is going hit him with lots of both. What you are asking for in advance is patience and forgiveness. In the first place, there really is no such thing as a dumb question and you certainly have as much right to ask whatever you want as anyone. In the second place, concerning changes, everyone has the right to change their mind about prior decisions. The key here is to understand they cost time and money, and are some times a pain in the rear. But as long as you are willing to pay for them, the builder should be politely accommodating.

6) I'll try to see your side if you try to see mine. This is really the key to working through the myriad of decisions and complications of the custom home building process. If you want to enjoy the experience and wind up with the home of your dreams then you have got to be mature and fair and pick a builder that will treat you the same.

As you probably have surmised, the above list is really just common sense and common courtesy. Most builders are professional enough and experienced enough to not need any such reminders. However, I am continually amazed at the number of custom home builders that either load their plates to full and forget their manners or never learned any in the first place. Edit this list or add to it , but present some version of it at the beginning. If they react with an open mind, then stick with them. If they react defensively, then you know you have a problem.

Craig Swanson is a second generation home builder in Spokane, Washington. to learn more about him or his company, Craig's Building Services, go to http://spokanevalleyscoop.com

How to Create a Stylish and Fully Functional Bathroom

An ultimate bathroom experience is easily accomplished. And it does not necessarily have to be a go-for-broke pricey initiative, nor does it need to have a flashy, pushbutton House of Tomorrow look. Whether redecorating, remodeling, or building, you can stick to well-recognized and appreciated traditions with efficient and effectivebathroom fixtures. Much of the room's dcor serves vital functions. From faucet to sink, tub and shower, to the toilet and accessories, decorative and functional fixtures will offer an optimal and effective bathroom experience that will improve the way you live.

You will find great bathroom sinks and faucets for your bathroom. These bathroom standards get a whole lot of attention, and with good reason. You can rinse and clean with sinks and faucets in a full range of styles - contemporary, Victorian, modern, or traditional, to name a few. You will discover many finishes and sizes for a perfect fit in your bathroom.

Your bathtub and shower are essential to making a complete bath. They can be your place to clean and freshen up, and also become an escape from the outside world. Many intelligently designed shower faucets and intricate shower kits reinvent the way we shower via massaging jets and pulses of water from various nozzles. Customer favorite brands such as American Standard, Jacuzzi, Kohler or Duravit offer excellent tubs and shower and tub faucets from which to choose. Whether you are looking for a standard soaking tub, clawfoot tub, whirlpool tub, or airbath, you will find the right style, size, and finish at the right price for your design budget.

Bathroom accessories are vital to bathroom design. Items as simple as shelves and hooks improve the efficiency of the bathroom by assisting in tasks. Toilet paper holders, soap dishes, and shower accessories come in great styles to match your bathroom's other fixtures. Typically, plumbing brands offer a line of accessories to go with their faucets and sinks so customers may create a coordinated look in the bathroom.

Vanity topsoffer cabinetry, counter top, and sometimes sink and faucet all in one. They are crafted in different sizes and styles to fit most any bathroom. You will also find mirrors and wall sconces to match your vanity top's style.

The toilet is a vital part of the room. This fixture needs to be dependable and function exceptionally without fail or fear of embarrassment. Toilet plumbing technology has improved greatly in recent years. You will discover advanced toilet equipment with incredible flushing capabilities. Because the toilet is the biggest culprit for water loss, intelligent and durable designs save water while flushing waste away better than any toilet has ever before. Once you discover the advanced water saving, flushing, and anti-clogging capabilities of the modern toilet, you will find the quality of your investment is well worth its price. Check out toilets from brands like Price Pfister, TOTO, St. Thomas, and American Standard.

Bathroom experts such as Delta, Whirlpool, Moen, Central Brass, Danze and Kohler are dedicated to providing high performance bathroom utilities, fixtures, and accessories.

FaucetOutlet.com carries a wide selection of high quality discount bathroom faucets and discount shower faucets in the styles you want at prices you can afford.

Foundation Waterproofing Sprayers

Foundation waterproofing spray equipment can be the biggest capital expenditure for a waterproofing contractor when they are starting out. It is important to purchase the right piece of spray equipment for your business. Too large of a piece of equipment and it may be difficult to stay above water. Too small and you may not be able to spray enough foundations in a day for your customers.

It is also important to purchase a foundation waterproofing sprayer that works for the type of material that you are spraying. The most common type of waterproofing used in residential new construction today is asphalt based products. Asphalt based products have the advantage of being relatively inexpensive and readily available. They are formulated to meet national and local building codes and in some cases have been on the market for decades.

Dampproofing vs Waterproofing

The first thing a waterproofing contract must know is the difference between dampproofing and waterproofing. They are not the same thing. Traditionally, foundations have been coated with asphalt-based dampproofing. Dampproofing does an excellent job of keeping the dampness out of a basement. That is it stops water vapor from penetrating from the soil around the basement and into the living area of the basement. It must be noted that dampproofing does not stop water under hydrostatic pressure or cover cracks that develop in a foundation.

According to national building codes, foundation waterproofing has to do three things to be considered a true waterprofoing material.

1. It must stop water vapor from penetrating to the interior
2. It must span shrinkage cracks that develop in a foundation wall
3. It must prevent water under hydrostatic pressure from penetrating into the basement

The most common foundation waterproofing material used today in new residential construction is polymer-modified asphalt. This is the basic asphalt that is used for dampproofing with the addition of polymers that allow it to stretch and withstand hydrostatic pressure.

Emulsion Vs. Solvent-Base Materials

Foundation waterproofing and dampproofing comes in two varieties, emulsion (water-base) and solvent-base. Emulsion materials require little or no heating of the material to spray. Solvent-base materials usually must be heated to 130-150 degrees F in order to spray. It is therefore extremely important to choose the right spray equipment for the material you are using.

Foundation Waterproofing Sprayer

A basement waterproofing contractor needs a sprayer that will do the job reliably and quickly. The best method of spraying a solvent-based material is to have a heated tank system. The tank is filled with the waterproofing material. The tank will have a pipe inside it that is surrounded by waterproofing material. This pipe is connected to the truck engine cooling system. The heat from the truck heats the material in the tank.

A solvent-based material waterproofing sprayer will also have a heat exchanger. A heat exchanger rapidly heats the waterproofing material to the final spray temperature. It is also connected to the truck engine's cooling system.

Emulsion-based waterproofing spray equipment can be used with a tank, tote or simply suck straight out of a drum. This is because the emulsion-based waterproofing needs less heating to spray. A smaller heat exchanger than one used on a solvent-based waterproofing sprayer is all that is needed to get the material to the proper temperature.

It is recommended that emulsion waterproofing sprayers be an enclosed unit or one that is mounted inside a box van bodied truck. This is because the waterproofing material can freeze in cold temperatures and prevent the unit from working properly.

Additional Features

For ease of use a foundation waterproofing sprayer should have an electric hose reel. This will allow a contractor to quickly finish a job and continue to another. Also, the spray hose should be insulated and covered with an abrasion protection sleeve. This will both keep the waterproofing material at the proper spray temperature and protect the hose from damage.

Temperature gauges should be on both the tank and the spray hose so that the contractor knows the temperature of the waterproofing material. A pressure gauge is useful for both correct spraying and in diagnosing any problems that may occur with the pump.

This article is written by Aaron Kuertz who's 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 foundation waterproofing sprayers visit Applied Technologies on the web

Herbs For That Wondrous Bathroom Scented Waters Indulgence

The bathroom and the time we spend in it are important for so many reasons. Besides the usual short visits, we spend time there cleansing and reviving our body and inner person. This is a time that you have "me - time" the few minutes when the children cannot get to you, your family have to fend for themselves or all have gone to bed and now is the time to relax, slow down and enjoy your senses and stir the imagination:

We have five senses; Smell, feel/touch, hear, see and taste, but in our rushed life we often forget, or don't have the time, or just postpone stopping and enjoying being alive.

Take a little time to spoil yourself, make this easy herbal scent, for your bathroom.
Place these next to the bath, when you bath add lavishly to bath water, relax smell it, run your hands through the water, feel the water and scent on your skin, smell the air, smell your skin. When you dry yourself, spread more of the Scented Waters over your entire body. The difference it makes to how you feel is amazing.

Place some Scented Waters next to your basin. When the weather is hot, pour water into the basin, add Scented Waters, and splash your face with this wondrous luxury.

The great thing about making Scented Water is that it is so easy, you can use any herb you like, or whatever is available in your garden or once a flower arrangement has slightly lost its firmness, use the flowers to make your scented waters:

Herb Scented Waters
Use any herb you like, here are a few you might consider: Rose petals, lemon balm, lemon thyme, rosemary, chamomile, violet, sage, mint or lavender, vanilla pods, or a combination of any flowers or herbs, whatever takes your fancy.

Directions:
Wash and sterilise a jar that has a screw top. Fill the jar with fresh or dried flowers or flower petals and cover them with boiling water. Allow to cool. Add surgical spirit in the proportion of 4 tablespoons of spirit to 1 litre of water. Add 15 drops of lemon juice. Leave for two days, shaking daily. Strain and pour into clean sterilised bottles. Pretty small bottles, preferably dark glass, with cork or glass stoppers look the best especially if you have in mind to use these super fast and easy to make scents as a gift to a fiend. Make a card saying made with love or care by hand from yourself and you have a winner present for any occasion.

Spice Scented Water
This takes a little longer, but it is well worth it:
Use any of the following spices: Cinnamon sticks, cloves, coriander, or combine them with a favourite herb like bergamot, patchouli, or sage.

Directions:
Coarsely ground, crush or pummel the spice. Place 1 part spice and 5 parts rubbing alcohol in a sterilised screw top jar. Seal and leave for a week, shaking daily. After a week, strain discard spices and herbs and smell, if you feel it needs a stronger smell, replace the herbs and spices with fresh and repeat the storage and shaking for a week. Once you are happy with your Spice Scented Water, strain and pour into clean sterilised bottles with glass or cork stoppers as above.

BIBLIOGRAPHY
Garland, Sarah. The Herb and Spice Book. 1979
Harrop, Renny. Encyclopedia of Herbs. 1979
Boxer Arabella, Back Philippa. The Herb Book, 1980
Roberts, Margaret. A-Z of Herbs, 1993
Bremness, Lesley. The Complete Book of Herbs, 1988

For this and more articles like this or to contact me please visit my blog called "How to make herbs part of your daily life" here. Please feel free to use this article - provided it is published in its entirety, with my resource box and a "live" linkable link to http://www.hester-lynne.com/bathroom/

Log Homes As Eco-Friendly Homes

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

The Logs and Wood

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

Size and Layout

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

Building Materials

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

Energy and Electricity

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

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

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

Bathroom Remodeling - Vanities, Mirrors, Faucets, & Lighting

Few people ever really think about all the ways in which a bathroom can be remodeled. Some of the most popular and cost effective ways to make over a bathroom include using mirrors, vanities, faucets, and lighting. Taken on together, these make for a total redecorating project, but using just one or two to spice things up can be refreshingly cost effective.

Bathroom Vanities: There is a multitude of vanity options on the market today. You will be sure to find one that fits your personal style and budget. If you are working with a small space, look for single sink options, they are available as narrow as twelve inches wide. If you have a large room, consider a double sink vanity. If you cannot find the type of vanity you are looking for, you have the option of having a vanity custom-made. Custom-made units add a special feel because you can have the exact vanity you want.

Mirrors: A new mirror can truly transform a room. They are versatile and can serve multiple purposes. Mirrors are available in various sizes and shapes these days, so finding one that fits your style and your space will be simple. Select from traditional square and rectangle mirrors, ornate framed mirrors that add to the dcor of the room, or try a small mirror with an interesting shape. If the bathroom is small, the mirror can double as the front of a medicine cabinet or storage unit. Mirrors are also great for creating the illusion of a larger space.

Faucets: There is an incredibly wide selection of faucets to choose from today, from classic throwback styles to a sleek modern brushed aluminum look, the possibilities are almost endless. Keep in mind that if you decided to go this route, you should also change the shower head and bath fixtures too. It all depends on your style; try gold, bronze, black, or stainless steel. Faucets types include: single-handle faucets, double-handle faucets, center-set faucets, and more.

Lighting fixtures: New fixtures can create quite a statement in any room, especially if you change out your light fixtures for something really ornate or unusual. Every bathroom should have good lighting near the mirror so that you can see what you are doing. Other lighting should help to soften the room and create ambiance. Experiment with colored bulbs until you find the style that is just right.

All the features listed above can give your bathroom a comfortable and relaxing feel. The best part is you can do as much or as little as you want to ensure that you stay within the budget that is right for you.

Julia Ritzenthaler is Owner of boutique multiple online furniture stores, For more information about unique bathroom vanity ideas, visit us online or email us with your questions at uniquevanities@msn.com.