Useful Tips to Remember When Remodeling Your Home

Once in a while you need to indulge in a remodeling or redecorating project in your room to give a whole new look for your house. If you plan this, you need to have enough money on hand because remodeling projects can typically costs more than tens of thousands of dollars especially if you would want to include areas such as the flooring, cabinets and new appliances. If finances are not a problem, then feel free to go out and buy the furnishings such as Tiffany table lamps and materials you have been saving for in years.

Although money may be no object for you, you still have to take your time when purchasing for the right supplies, furniture and selecting contractors. Determine your budget beforehand for each piece furniture or service and stick with it. At this rate, you will not find yourself going over the intended financial arrangements. The secret lies in spending only about 70-80% of your budget to buy everything you desire for your house. In this fashion, you will still have money to spare when unexpected surprises happen. This will prevent delays that often happen when a contractor unknowingly discovers a termite colony in the process of renovating.

Naturally, people will most often spend their budget on windows, flooring and fireplaces. The expenses in these areas will usually exceed the budget and tends to leave limited choices for other important home accessories such as furniture and lighting. This is not a good idea. You should always put into consideration and include in the budget these important aspects.

For the furniture, always begin with large items such as sofa, chairs, coffee tables and matching accent tables. It is entirely possible that you will over budget in buying these key pieces but it is better to invest in high quality furniture than risking it on poorly made ones that you will surely regret later on. In the long run, you will end up saving money and will wind up with a more complete and durable furniture pieces.

On the other hand, you should also consider the three types of lighting to provide your home with a more comfortable and appealing look. The three types will include the ambient, task and accent light. In the ambient lighting, there is an overall illumination of an area. In contrast, the task lighting is intended for specific tasks and is more concentrated. It has less ambient lighting that is often used for reading and other related tasks. The third type is accent lighting which is light often left in the middle of the night to prevent us from bumping into things. Whenever possible, it is advised to use these types of lighting fixtures to provide a more balanced lighting effect. A living room can therefore be designed to have flush mounted ceiling fixture for ambient lighting, a couple of tiffany table lamps atop accent tables for task lighting and maybe some wall lamps for the accent lighting.

Remodeling and renovating your home will take a lot of effort and patience. As this is an immense project and will most likely be expensive, you should never purchase items such as furniture on impulse. Plan everything ahead of time to harmonize everything and stick with your budget. Surely in the end, you will appreciate the overall look of your new home because of your persistence and hard work.

For more tips and information about tiffany table lamps, please check out http://www.mylampselections.com.

A Basement Ceiling Home Makeover

When I helped by buddy redo his basement, he wasn't sure what the best type of ceiling to use would be. Some of the choices available were traditional drywall, tongue and groove boards, acoustic ceiling tiles, and a drop-type ceiling. We didn't know which to choose, so we looked at each type a little closer.

A drywall ceiling would be a lot of work. Almost all of the pipes and ductwork would have to be rerouted to fit into joint cavities or out to the edges of the room. If there were still things hanging below the bottom of the ceiling joists, we'd have to build boxes around them. Wherever we needed extra strength, we'd have to nail up furring strips.

In using a drywall ceiling it's important to use the furring and framed boxes to make a strong backing to hold the finishing materials. Although drywall was a low-cost option, we knew there was still a lot of work after the sheet rock was hung, and we weren't real excited about it.

Acoustic ceiling tiles are another great option. They are small enough to be easy to handle and cut. Ceiling tiles are installed by stapling them onto furring strips. In order to do that, once again, we'd need to move everything in order to have a flat surface to staple them to.

The next option we considered was T1-11 tongue and groove boards. This project would once again entail moving pipes and ducts, and it was also the most expensive option we looked at. My friend decided that this just wasn't the look he wanted for his ceiling, so we moved on.

Last on our list was a standard drop ceiling. This is one of the easiest ways to cover ceiling joists, but you still have to cut and hang rails for the ceiling framework, and my friend didn't like the fact that this type of ceiling looked like it belonged in an old office building, not his newly-decorated basement. Besides, drop ceilings were one of the more expensive options we'd looked at.

We'd worked our way completely through our list, and we still hadn't come up with a solution. Then, while shopping one day, he noticed the ceiling of the store he were in. It looked just like his basement ceiling, but a whole lot better. He had to ask the owner what they had done to achieve the look. The owner said all they'd done is clean the pipes and ductwork thoroughly, gave them a coat of primer, and used a sprayer to paint the whole works the same color. It looked amazing, and my friend knew he had found his ceiling.

Once we got started our one concern was whether or not we could paint electrical and gas lines. We solved the problem by calling a professional electrician to ask for his opinion. You know, this ceiling was easier to do than any of the other options, and it cost far less, but it looked super. Before trying this option in your own home, make sure to call a professional electrician like we did, just to make sure it's safe. So I guess the moral of the story is, if you don't like standard ways of doing things, start thinking outside the box.

Before you start your basement projects, learn more about waterproofing basement products and basement sealing paints.

The Beauty of Cedar Deck Railing

The Importance of Good Railings For Your Home

Stair railings are a necessary component of stairs that lead either to the upper or lower level of your home. This is the legal description of stair railings. They are, however, more than just that in your home. They offer protection from family members and guests accidentally falling off the stairs as well as being very complimentary to the overall dcor of your home. Cedar deck railing is very popular for outdoor decks while wood or vinyls are both used inside the home.

If you're building or remodeling your home, you'll be amazed when you see the many different designs, styles and materials there are available for railings for deck stairs and staircases inside the home. The style you choose will depend on your personal taste and preference. There are simple and plain designs for a casual or country design, while artistic and elegant designs can be used for a real touch of style and class. Long staircases have always been popular in homes and continue to be popular. With the ever-popular decks being built all the time, you'll want to take the time to decide which style of railing you want on your deck. Although a little more costly than most woods, cedar deck railing always looks great, especially with proper treatment. The most important thing when choosing deck railing is to use a material that can withstand the elements of weather, which can be very hard on certain materials.

Building Safe Railings

Besides as home dcor, the main reason for stair railings is to prevent people from falling off the stairs and injuring themselves. Make sure the handrail and baluster are both sturdy enough to withstand the amount of weight that they'll encounter. Another safety factor is the space between the balusters, which should not be more than 4 inches. Certain laws are in effect regarding stairways and railings. Any size larger than 4 inches may cause a problem with a small child slipping through or being stuck and being injured.

Materials For Stair Railings

Many different materials can be used for building your stair railings including wood, vinyl, composites and metal. Aluminum railings can have different finishes such as powder coated, brushed silky look or brightly polished. They all look great and are a matter of personal preference. Wrought iron, brass, bronze or cast iron are all used to make metallic railings, which are also popular. Many people choose to mix and match materials. For instance, they'll use wood on the floor and vinyl cap rails on cedar deck railings. The most important thing to remember is to use the materials that will last the longest and withstand the most perils like weather, rotting or insects.

Adam Peters is the author of many resources on stair railings related topics published at http://www.deck-porch-railings.com - Read additional info on wood railings or cedar deck railing

Tips For Removing Linoleum

When it comes time to get new flooring you can save money by removing the old flooring yourself but if you have old linoleum on your floors you might be in for quite a challenge. Depending on how old the linoleum is and the type of adhesive that was used it can be extremely difficult to get up.

First of all, it's unlikely that you'll be able to just remove the linoleum and adhesive all at once. The surface under the linoleum and the damage you might cause it needs to be considered - especially if that surface is wood. Concrete floors can take a lot more in the way of rough treatment. The type of scraper you use has a lot to do with your success as well as the damage to the floor underneath. Many people use paint scrapers but those with a razor blade are usually more efficient. Be prepared to break some blades it if the adhesive is hard, and you're working on concrete.

Try cutting the linoleum into strips or sections instead of removing the whole chunk at once. This will make it easier to get an edge to pry up. Of course, the linoleum probably wont come up in nice neat sections so be prepared to deal with a lot of left over backing and glue that is still attached to your floor.

One way to deal with those remnants that just wont come up is to apply some kind of solvent or remover. A popular brand is Krud Kutter, which appears to work very well from the customer feedback comments. Follow directions on the label of whatever product you employ, and wear gloves to protect your hands. Do a small section at a time, and then move to the next one.

Another technique is to use boiling water and pour it directly on the backing and adhesive. Let it soak and then scrape up. If you dont want to use water, you can try to heat up the glue with a hair dryer or heat gun. Pick a very inconspicuous area, such as behind a door, to try it. Heat the adhesive with the hair dryer and scrape it up with a straight-blade scraper (like a stiff putty knife with a beveled edge). Move the scraper in the direction of the grain of the wood if you are uncovering a hardwood floor. Have a pan or some other container handy to drop the scrapings into - one that is unlikely to either melt or ignite when coming in contact with hot materials. Be very careful if you are using a heat gun as this can easily damage the floor underneath if it is wood.

If worse comes to worse and you are left with some stubborn adhesive on the floors, it might be time to sand. Of course, if your floors are wood and you plan to refinish them you would need to sand anyway, but during this step you must be careful not to damage the particular area by keeping the sander on it for too long.

Once you finally get the linoleum and all traces of adhesive up, you are ready to seal the floor as recommended for the type of flooring and apply the new floor as recommended!

Lee Dobbins writes for A Kitchen Decorating Idea where you can find more tips on kitchen remodeling and decorating on a budget.

Creating the Perfect Home Remodeling Priority List

Home remodeling is one of those projects that can be fun or a pain in the -- you know what. It is best to start your home remodeling plan with one room at a time and decide on the value of each room to prioritize where to save and where to spend. This article will look at the value of each room to help you deiced the type of home remodeling project you may consider.

The big debate on what room is the most used room in the house could go on forever. Some say it is the kitchen others say it is the living room while others say the master bedroom. Everyone is entitled to their opinion, and you can use some basic rules to see what the highest priority is for you.

If you have kids then you probably spend more time than you like in the kitchen cooking. If you have a smaller family maybe the kitchen is just a place where you are in and out. If you cook allot then the kitchen should get some very high consideration for your home remodeling project.

Do you like to play games and watch TV? If you find yourself or your family watching television often and you perhaps enjoy family night games then you should place the family room at the top of your list. Maybe it is time to add family room to your home remodeling ideas. Perhaps you could remodel a spare bedroom or add a new room to the house.

Do you have guest spend the night often? You may want to think about making a nice guest bathroom with all the luxuries of a five star hotel for your guest. Do not do this unless you love to have people stay awhile and come often. They are likely to really enjoy visiting you.

When planning your home remodeling ideas you will find that they become much easier with a good priority system. Once you know which rooms are the most important to you and your lifestyle then that is where the money should be spent on nicer upgrades. On rooms that are not high on the list, but still need some fixing you could use less expensive things to fix them up.

Find more helpful remodeling tips by visiting http://best-home-improvement-projects.com where you will find helpful remodeling tips, advice and resources to include Home Remodeling.

Why Bathroom Remodeling Will Add Life to Your Home

There are many ways to remodel a bathroom and depending on how extensive of a remodel project you want, you could spend three or four times the normal amount if you are doing a lot of tile work, granite counters, new cabinetry, etc. Usually the older the bathroom the more extensive and expensive the remodel project will be.

There are so many things to consider when renovating your bathroom. Replacing the current window with a larger one will add light and also give you an opportunity to add a more energy efficient window. Maybe you can add a skylight, this is an excellent way to bring in more light and increase the feeling of spaciousness. Replacing fixtures with modern designs can make a bathroom more decorative and style that not only looks good, but is functional. There is a wide price range for light fixtures, so you can easily pick one that fits your budget. Replacing a toilet can be a simple thing if you avoid the most common mistakes made by many homeowners.

Remember, the door fixtures will be the first thing you see when you enter any room so you might want to start here! Remember, if you don't fell 100% comfortable with or confident in the possible outcome, stop and meet with your contractor immediately and discuss an alternative route. Piece of mind is priceless especially with a project of this importance. After all, it is your sanctuary.

A shower remodel is also a perfect time to experiment with shower heads. There are many types, styles and brands you can choose from. The type of concrete used for shower walls and floors is highly engineered and a must if your looking for the perfect job. Tiles are generally durable, and you won't have to worry about replacing them if you choose the right material.

Tile is also an area where you have a wide range of choices. From sheet linoleum to ceramic tile the choices are numerous. Tile mosaics are especially popular in Mediterranean style bathrooms. Tile can also be used as decorative design pieces (glazed, glass mosaic or quarry styles).

Bathroom flooring, more than anything else, can have a stunning effect on the overall look of a bathroom; choose bathroom flooring wisely and you will achieve the bathroom of your dreams? Many homeowners like to install below floor heating, which is recommended with a stone or concrete floor.

You can install hardwood floors on the floor of your Bathroom, provided that they are coated with a water-proof finish. Many people will opt for this type of flooring in this part of the house because it provides warmth and has the effect of creating a soft relaxing atmosphere.

Neutral colors are probably your best bet and will last for many years to come. Some contractors will recommend using self leveling cement but good old poured concrete screened floors is the only way to get that perfect job. Selecting a contractor by referrals is also the best way to choose the right company for the job.

DiCicco Building Company has been doing Home Additions Macomb for over 20 years. We are also leaders in Macomb Remodeling along with being an award winning custom residential home builder. We also specialize in Finished Basements and home additions.

Soundproofing Makes Life A Little Better And Quieter

Air, water and land pollution are not the only pollutions that plague our planet nowadays. One major problem that our world is struggling to overcome at present is noise.

Noise doesnt only destroy your peace of mind, it also degrades performance, reduces efficiency, makes you lose your sleep thus affecting your health and sometimes, it even causes accidents. A noisy home creates chaos among family members just as noise in the office breaks down production and causes workers to misunderstand each other.

Because of noise, gap is created and the order of things is disturbed. Noise is truly detrimental not only psychologically and emotionally but almost in all aspects of every individual. This is why when it comes to noise, you have to shield yourself and your home.

Soundproofing Tips To Help Restore Peace And Quiet To Your Home

To effectively achieve soundproofing, you first have to understand the principle behind noise. Sound is actually produced from the reverberation of air; hence, in order to do soundproofing, you have to deaden the air or stop it from moving. If its not possible to do this, at least reduce the speed of air so as to moderate noise as well.

Using sound barrier is the most frequent solution for soundproofing any room or space. Those materials that block off or oppose noise are called sound barriers and they are mostly made from nonporous materials; thats why most of them are sturdy and solidly strong. Examples of sound barriers include acoustic panels, drywall, plaster board, wood and concrete.

Noise can also be eliminated or dampened through passive absorption. This method is the exact opposite of blocking sound using sound barriers. Here, sound wave passes through an absorbent material such as acoustical foam or mat and is forced to change direction multiple times or dissipate. The diffusion of noise reduces its energy or intensity thus when the sound reaches your ears after passing through an absorber, it wouldve been considerably regulated and usually accompanied by a transformation into heat energy.
Whether you live in a big house or dwells in a modest apartment in the city, the sound of peace and quiet is almost a luxury amidst the multitude of noise that beleaguers you. Soundproofing your home will get rid of all the noises that disturb you, not to mention that it will also please your neighbor with an ear-piercing squeal.

Aside from surrounding and sticking all types of soundproofing materials on the walls, ceilings, floor, windows and doors of your home, you can also soundproof your home in other simple yet innovative ways. For instance, having some trees or big plants in your front yard could dampen down noises that come from the road. Another small thing that you can do to minimize noise at home is by installing rubber pads on the edges of your doors. This will stop all that slamming sound and banging of doors which startle you out of your wits. You can also check your houses for inconspicuous airspaces and crevices where noise may enter your home. Seal these fissures with liquid type sealant to ward off noise from crossing the threshold of your home. If youre into art or imaginative enough to try off other atypical things, then you may set up fountains or put in a large aquarium into your living room to replace the noise with soothing sounds of gushing water.

Soundproofing doesnt need to be that complex and costly. With your own innovations and unique ideas, you can find ways to keep peace and quiet to your home.

Robert Banks is the owner of http://www.soundproofing-info.com Know the different soundproofing methods and solutions by checking http://www.soundproofing-info.com

Small Basement Remodeling Ideas and Tips

Space is a common housing issue especially in big city living. As the song popularized by Frank Sinatra goes, I want to be a part of it... New York, New York. Most everybody still wants to experience and live through the action of the never-sleeping city. So if you do live in New York, there is still another option to consider other than just learning to live with how things are. The answer to your space crunch lies through looking into the possibilities unused areas has to offer. This makes small basement remodeling one of the best home improvement projects to undertake.

Why small basement remodeling?

- When thinking of adding square footage to your home's living area, this is a more cost-effective alternative than having a home addition where you would need to extend. This would cost you only a fraction of what you will be spending on the later with most or all of the same features. One of the reasons for the great savings is that the structural necessities are already there like the ceiling, flooring, and walls.

- Another benefit for undertaking a small basement remodeling is the ideal location of the area that promotes fewer hassles posed by home improvement works to the family's daily living.

- Since the nature of the space is underground; it is typically warm during colder months and cooler on summer. This factor helps you enjoy the small basement remodeling project results with less energy costs.

There are many ways that you could come up with a finish your small basement remodeling and this depends on your personal needs and preferences. The isolation and originally compact masonry of the place makes it ideal to be turned into a home office, playroom for the younger children, game or recreational room, home theatre or an exercise area. Because plumbing is readily available and easily accessible, the area can also excellently make up for a sauna, additional bathroom, or large custom shower. Other popular small basement remodeling ideas include: a wet bar, kitchenette, and additional room for guests.

When we think about our small basements, the most natural thing to come into out minds is their dungeon-like features. To bring out the most in our remodeling project, you can play with certain elements to make the space as inviting, comfortable and more spacious to look at.

- This area would naturally require heavy lighting compared to most areas in the house. You can provide fixtures promoting intense light as well as maximize the use of windows to let in more natural light.

- Carpets have been a popular choice but are you aware that tiles could do better as flooring? Aside from the durability that it offers, it is also low maintenance. As your small basement is prone to moisture and water problems, this would serve as the better alternative. To make up for the hardness and help with the over-all room design, you can also put beautiful area rugs.

- Light paint colors, horizontal designs and diagonal patterns are great in making the small basement remodeling finish seem much wider.

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

Remodeling Your Garage

Ever thought of improving your garage or remodel it to add more
space to your house? A very cost-effective way to gain more space
for your house is to remodel your garage. If you no longer use your
garage to park your car, you can greatly expand your homes living
space. Apart for that, remodeling your garage can help you become
more organized and stop storing everything in your garage.

Garage has been traditionally been used as workshop or to park your car
as it provide a perfect environment to work. Many people are converting
their garage to used for a gym or for another living room designed for
special activities. However, remodeling your garage does not necessarily
mean that you have to sacrifice your storage space or your parking area.
Garages today have become multi functional, allowing cars, general storage,
a workshop and even a home office all in the same place.

Because many garages are attached to the home they can benefit
from the same comfort as a home: phone wires, heating and
cooling and plumbing. All you need is a little imagination, a fixed
budget and a plan.

Moreover, when remodeling your garage you should consider an
addition above the garage. Adding a room for work space and even
for living, for one of your kids(they usually love this) above the
existing garage can give you additional space and also increase the
value of your home without major changes to the floor plan.

If you feel the need to remodel your garage but you dont know
exactly what you want or need, you should consider the following
ideas.

1. Converting your garage into a laundry room, if you have your
laundry room in the basement, will eliminate the need to go up and
down the stairs.

2. A music studio can be a great choice for your garage remodeling
plans if you or your kids have some tendencies in this direction.
The garage is the place where many garage bands got their start.
To avoid your neighbors complaints consider soundproofing your
garage walls.

3. Transform your garage into a gym. If you do not have enough place to
store your equipment, you can always move it into the garage and have
plenty of place for your daily exercises and training.

Before you decide to remodel your garage, first consider your budget
and determine how much you can allocate to spend on your garage.
If you are converting your garage to a living area, you need to consider
adding additional phone lines, electrical wires, heating, cooling, and
plumbing,.

However if you prefer your garage to remain your workshop, you could
consider the following things that need to change or improve.

1. Storage cabinets

2. Workbench

3. Drywall

4. Flooring

5. Plumbing

6. Electrical

7. Heating/Air/Ventilation

8. Countertops

9. Ceilings

10. Interior walls

11. Interior/Exterior doors

12. Laundry/Mud room

13. Bathroom

Discover the insider secret to a successful home improvement at http://www.perfecthomeguide.net

A Conservatory and How to Enhance Your Home's Value

A conservatory can be an extended living space for the home, but it can also be an often used area in the summer. The real problem is that when you install a conservatory, the space for your lawns or garden becomes constricted. This may be a case of compromise much like living in a glass room to enjoy beauty of nature in summer.

Some important factors, which are to be kept in mind while setting up conservatories, are direction in which it faces sunlight. For example, conservatories that face north fall short of getting ample sunlight. The extra heat accumulated also effects household items present in rooms like furniture and may lead to extra cost replacing them. Some of the mechanisms to get cooling effect in conservatories are tapestries and Conservatory blinds.

Nowadays, there are many offline dealers and online websites, which can supply or can even install conservatories. They make the supplied conservatory a perfect extension of your home. However, you can opt to make your conservatory in your own unique way. These are popularly known as DIY projects that you can enjoy in your spare time. This will give you an opportunity to experience the thrill of constructing your own conservatories and can help you save some money in these tight economic times.

Conservatories are also available in ready to use format where you just need small alignment adjustments to get it done. If you are thinking to assemble your own conservatory then keep the following, things in mind so avoid any further issues:-

1) If there are manholes in path of your proposed conservatory fill it up completely with a cover that is sealed tight

2) To amass rainwater by the wall, some conservatories like Edwardian or Victorian come with a roof that is boxed in

3) Height restriction should be assessed carefully, through hipped-back or low-pitched modulations

A conservatory provides you with extra yards of covered spaces where you can relax and spend some time. You can entertain your guests or visitors and it acts as great place to relax during summer days. Take care to include right furniture, right blinds and right utility objects to enjoy these to maximum.

On a monetary aspect, a conservatory can add a great value to a house. On average, this can give up to 11000 pounds for owners in UK. Another good aspect is that a conservatory seldom changes a home's structure. This is something aside but an integral part of a home.

Vince Samios writes about Conservatory Furniture, including Cane Conservatory Furniture, Wicker Conservatory Furniture, and Rattan Conservatory Furniture.

A Basement Ceiling Home Makeover

When I helped by buddy redo his basement, he wasn't sure what the best type of ceiling to use would be. Some of the choices available were traditional drywall, tongue and groove boards, acoustic ceiling tiles, and a drop-type ceiling. We didn't know which to choose, so we looked at each type a little closer.

A drywall ceiling would be a lot of work. Almost all of the pipes and ductwork would have to be rerouted to fit into joint cavities or out to the edges of the room. If there were still things hanging below the bottom of the ceiling joists, we'd have to build boxes around them. Wherever we needed extra strength, we'd have to nail up furring strips.

In using a drywall ceiling it's important to use the furring and framed boxes to make a strong backing to hold the finishing materials. Although drywall was a low-cost option, we knew there was still a lot of work after the sheet rock was hung, and we weren't real excited about it.

Acoustic ceiling tiles are another great option. They are small enough to be easy to handle and cut. Ceiling tiles are installed by stapling them onto furring strips. In order to do that, once again, we'd need to move everything in order to have a flat surface to staple them to.

The next option we considered was T1-11 tongue and groove boards. This project would once again entail moving pipes and ducts, and it was also the most expensive option we looked at. My friend decided that this just wasn't the look he wanted for his ceiling, so we moved on.

Last on our list was a standard drop ceiling. This is one of the easiest ways to cover ceiling joists, but you still have to cut and hang rails for the ceiling framework, and my friend didn't like the fact that this type of ceiling looked like it belonged in an old office building, not his newly-decorated basement. Besides, drop ceilings were one of the more expensive options we'd looked at.

We'd worked our way completely through our list, and we still hadn't come up with a solution. Then, while shopping one day, he noticed the ceiling of the store he were in. It looked just like his basement ceiling, but a whole lot better. He had to ask the owner what they had done to achieve the look. The owner said all they'd done is clean the pipes and ductwork thoroughly, gave them a coat of primer, and used a sprayer to paint the whole works the same color. It looked amazing, and my friend knew he had found his ceiling.

Once we got started our one concern was whether or not we could paint electrical and gas lines. We solved the problem by calling a professional electrician to ask for his opinion. You know, this ceiling was easier to do than any of the other options, and it cost far less, but it looked super. Before trying this option in your own home, make sure to call a professional electrician like we did, just to make sure it's safe. So I guess the moral of the story is, if you don't like standard ways of doing things, start thinking outside the box.

Before you start your basement projects, learn more about waterproofing basement products and basement sealing paints.

Basement Finishing Projects

Basement Remodeling Pricing, Cost Estimates and Research

Transforming an undecorated basement into a stylish living space is not as difficult as some may think. In fact, with a few inexpensive interior designs techniques, you can have your basements shining in no time. However, be sure to make all necessary repairs to existing problem areas (insulation, drywall, waterproofing) before tackling the interior design.

Basement Lighting

The first area of design that you want to focus on with a basement is the lighting scheme. Most basements are known for being dark, gloomy environments. Unless you plan to turn your basement into a movie theater or photography studio, light is the way to liven up the atmosphere. Certain basements are equipped with windows to the outside. Taking this natural light and letting as much of it in as possible is a great start. Use simple window treatments instead of treatments that block out light.

If natural light isn't available in your basement, using artificial light is also a wonderful way to open up the room. Placing lights on the ceiling will create the illusion that the room is larger and more open. To keep a warm setting in your basement, consider using floor and table lights.

Finishing Your Basement

Aside from lighting, bringing color to your basement will definitely bring it back to life. You want to be sure to stay away from dull, boring colors. The best way to make your basement look inviting is to integrate bright, dramatic colors. Some ideas include blue, green, yellow, red, orange, and purple. For the best coloring scheme, you may want to hire an interior decorator that can take your favorite colors and use unique design techniques to compliment your style.

Last but not least, you want to accessorize! The basement can be made to feel like a comfortable, safe haven. Take that comfort and security and use it to your utmost benefit by incorporating your favorite things. Maybe music and movies are your cherished past times. If so, bring that entertainment system downstairs. Perhaps your family enjoys game nights, or you have children that need a play room. Try adding a pool table, card table, or miniature kid kingdom!

This is also the time to decorate walls with your favorite artwork and accessorize tables with loved pictures and collectibles. Also, try making a clear distinction between the areas of the basement where you will be entertaining, and the area where you will be storing your belongings. Separate storage rooms, closets and shelves are recommended for optimal use of space.

Looking For More Information On Basement Remodeling?

Basement remodeling is a great investment. You'll want to make sure you are choosing the right basement remodeler for your house and your budget. We offer Free Basement Remodeling Price Quotes and Designs!

Visit: The Basement Finishing Company

About the Author: Eddie Case

Since 1992 Eddie Case the owner of the The Basement Finishing Company has remodeled hundreds of basements in the local Harrisburg PA region. Eddie is an expert in 3-D basement design work and high-end construction techniques.

Basement Finishing Projects

Basement Remodeling Pricing, Cost Estimates and Research

Transforming an undecorated basement into a stylish living space is not as difficult as some may think. In fact, with a few inexpensive interior designs techniques, you can have your basements shining in no time. However, be sure to make all necessary repairs to existing problem areas (insulation, drywall, waterproofing) before tackling the interior design.

Basement Lighting

The first area of design that you want to focus on with a basement is the lighting scheme. Most basements are known for being dark, gloomy environments. Unless you plan to turn your basement into a movie theater or photography studio, light is the way to liven up the atmosphere. Certain basements are equipped with windows to the outside. Taking this natural light and letting as much of it in as possible is a great start. Use simple window treatments instead of treatments that block out light.

If natural light isn't available in your basement, using artificial light is also a wonderful way to open up the room. Placing lights on the ceiling will create the illusion that the room is larger and more open. To keep a warm setting in your basement, consider using floor and table lights.

Finishing Your Basement

Aside from lighting, bringing color to your basement will definitely bring it back to life. You want to be sure to stay away from dull, boring colors. The best way to make your basement look inviting is to integrate bright, dramatic colors. Some ideas include blue, green, yellow, red, orange, and purple. For the best coloring scheme, you may want to hire an interior decorator that can take your favorite colors and use unique design techniques to compliment your style.

Last but not least, you want to accessorize! The basement can be made to feel like a comfortable, safe haven. Take that comfort and security and use it to your utmost benefit by incorporating your favorite things. Maybe music and movies are your cherished past times. If so, bring that entertainment system downstairs. Perhaps your family enjoys game nights, or you have children that need a play room. Try adding a pool table, card table, or miniature kid kingdom!

This is also the time to decorate walls with your favorite artwork and accessorize tables with loved pictures and collectibles. Also, try making a clear distinction between the areas of the basement where you will be entertaining, and the area where you will be storing your belongings. Separate storage rooms, closets and shelves are recommended for optimal use of space.

Looking For More Information On Basement Remodeling?

Basement remodeling is a great investment. You'll want to make sure you are choosing the right basement remodeler for your house and your budget. We offer Free Basement Remodeling Price Quotes and Designs!

Visit: The Basement Finishing Company

About the Author: Eddie Case

Since 1992 Eddie Case the owner of the The Basement Finishing Company has remodeled hundreds of basements in the local Harrisburg PA region. Eddie is an expert in 3-D basement design work and high-end construction techniques.

Soundproofing Makes Life A Little Better And Quieter

Air, water and land pollution are not the only pollutions that plague our planet nowadays. One major problem that our world is struggling to overcome at present is noise.

Noise doesnt only destroy your peace of mind, it also degrades performance, reduces efficiency, makes you lose your sleep thus affecting your health and sometimes, it even causes accidents. A noisy home creates chaos among family members just as noise in the office breaks down production and causes workers to misunderstand each other.

Because of noise, gap is created and the order of things is disturbed. Noise is truly detrimental not only psychologically and emotionally but almost in all aspects of every individual. This is why when it comes to noise, you have to shield yourself and your home.

Soundproofing Tips To Help Restore Peace And Quiet To Your Home

To effectively achieve soundproofing, you first have to understand the principle behind noise. Sound is actually produced from the reverberation of air; hence, in order to do soundproofing, you have to deaden the air or stop it from moving. If its not possible to do this, at least reduce the speed of air so as to moderate noise as well.

Using sound barrier is the most frequent solution for soundproofing any room or space. Those materials that block off or oppose noise are called sound barriers and they are mostly made from nonporous materials; thats why most of them are sturdy and solidly strong. Examples of sound barriers include acoustic panels, drywall, plaster board, wood and concrete.

Noise can also be eliminated or dampened through passive absorption. This method is the exact opposite of blocking sound using sound barriers. Here, sound wave passes through an absorbent material such as acoustical foam or mat and is forced to change direction multiple times or dissipate. The diffusion of noise reduces its energy or intensity thus when the sound reaches your ears after passing through an absorber, it wouldve been considerably regulated and usually accompanied by a transformation into heat energy.
Whether you live in a big house or dwells in a modest apartment in the city, the sound of peace and quiet is almost a luxury amidst the multitude of noise that beleaguers you. Soundproofing your home will get rid of all the noises that disturb you, not to mention that it will also please your neighbor with an ear-piercing squeal.

Aside from surrounding and sticking all types of soundproofing materials on the walls, ceilings, floor, windows and doors of your home, you can also soundproof your home in other simple yet innovative ways. For instance, having some trees or big plants in your front yard could dampen down noises that come from the road. Another small thing that you can do to minimize noise at home is by installing rubber pads on the edges of your doors. This will stop all that slamming sound and banging of doors which startle you out of your wits. You can also check your houses for inconspicuous airspaces and crevices where noise may enter your home. Seal these fissures with liquid type sealant to ward off noise from crossing the threshold of your home. If youre into art or imaginative enough to try off other atypical things, then you may set up fountains or put in a large aquarium into your living room to replace the noise with soothing sounds of gushing water.

Soundproofing doesnt need to be that complex and costly. With your own innovations and unique ideas, you can find ways to keep peace and quiet to your home.

Robert Banks is the owner of http://www.soundproofing-info.com Know the different soundproofing methods and solutions by checking http://www.soundproofing-info.com

Universal Design

Few of us pay attention to how we get around in our home until for one reason or another it gets harder to navigate that home.I personally had not given much thought to the fact that my master bedroom was on the second floor until I had knee surgery and found that it was difficult climbing those 13 steps. Luckily for me that inconvenience was temporary and I worked around it with the help of my wife.

Baby boomers like myself are beginning to realize that we are not immortal or immune to the effects of time.Sooner or later we will need to either make or living spaces accessible for our friends, family or ourselves. As architects, we work with these issues every day.From designing a new home which is fully accessible to a library addition on the first floor which can be converted to a master suite or guest suite by closing a pocket door at the end of the hall.

Built in accessibility can be so subtle it is almost unnoticeable unless you are looking for it.Wider doors, spacious bathrooms, grade level entries and curb less showers are a few of the easy features to include in a home you plan to spend a lifetime in. We designed a home for an 89 year old client and his partner who were both avid gardeners and loved to cook.Although the 89 year old was in a wheelchair, he still wanted to get into and out of his house on his own as well be able to prepare meals and tend to his beautiful flower garden.He also did not want his home to scream handicapped accessible.We listened and designed the first floor of his home so he could work and move around without help. He could easily come and go while tending his garden or help cook a fine meal.He decided the second floor could be for guests.

Options have improved for making a home accessible from premade adjustable countertops to less expensive residential elevators, baby boomers have once again changed the way we look at living our lives at home.

http://www.crisparchitects.com/ James M. Crisp, AIA is an architect working in New York, Connecticut and Massachusetts.

Basement Remodeling Plans - Turn That Boring Room Into a Game Room

More and more people are converting their basements from storage areas into very usable family rooms and game rooms. Basement remodeling plans are sometimes a little more difficult because the sizes of basements and usable space can be a bit tricky. With that said, the advantage of remodeling your basement is the fact that it is going to be used as an additional room and not main living space.

One of the first things you need to do when creating your basement remodeling plans is to decide on a theme that you might want try to and capture with the room. If it's going to be a game room you might want to think about your favorite college sports team or favorite sport for that matter.

Once you've determined the theme and the color scheme that you're going to be using for your new room you need to start thinking about the dcor. Perhaps speaking at a news pinball machine might add a nice touch to the room.

You want to make sure when drawing up your plans that you have an area that will allow you to place the machine, where won't be a distraction for other activities going on the room.

One trick you may try is to contact a few professionals and have them come out and sketch out some basic basement remodeling plans of what they would do with the basement. There's no obligation to choose any certain contractor, but by speaking with them and having them sketch out some plans for you in creating a bid. It gives you some great ideas to go on.

Find more helpful remodeling tips by visiting best-home-improvement-projects.com where you will find helpful remodeling tips, advice and resources to include Basement Remodeling Plans.

Metal Stair Tread Brackets

Stair Hardware


Metal stair tread brackets are used instead of wood cleats and for plenty of good reasons. Wood stair cleats or tread brackets often become a safety hazard over time, as the wood starts to deteriorate. Metal stair tread brackets, will not disintegrate as fast as the wood it is normally attached to.

In most cases the wood stringers and stair treads will suffer from wood rot or termite damage before the metal stair brackets become a safety problem.
Metal stair brackets, often require lag screws instead of nails or screws to attach the stair tread to the stair stringer. These lag screws are normally an inch and a quarter for the stair treads, if they are built from 2 x materials. For example a 2 x 12 or 2 x 14 stair tread will require lag screws that will not go through the stair tread.

A 2 inch like screw will easily go through an inch and a half stair tread. If you're building a stairway, this will be useful information.
Some metal stair brackets have four holes on each side of the metal bracket for the lag screws, while other metal stair brackets have three holes on each side. This normally depends on the thickness of the stair tread and the use of the stairway. Public stairways will normally require the stronger stair tread bracket.

During my career of building stairways, I have seen quite a few metal stair tread brackets. Some builders had custom made brackets to meet specific stair tread applications, while others used Simpson products, that are more readily available to home builders and contractors.
One of the biggest problems I have noticed, using metal stair brackets is the lag screws can loosen up over time, creating a safety hazard. Warping stair treads, along with stair treads that split where the lag screw is located, seem to be the biggest problems associated with metal brackets.

Staircases are normally high traffic areas and should be maintained regularly. Public stairways with high traffic areas should be maintained more often. Anyone walking up and down the stairways should notify the building owner of any problems, to prevent accidents in the future.