Great video on how to fix a hole in your wall .
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 home inspection or home building ideas.
Corrosive Metal ConduitThough it may come as something of a surprise, home repair businesses are often some of the most stable when the economy takes a dive, and the biggest reason for that is a relatively simple one. People are most likely to spend money on what means the most to them, and for most homeowners, the house is one of the things that is most important in life, because it's the biggest investment the average person will ever make. Therefore, even in recession, people remain willing to spend the money it takes to keep their homes in good repair. For that reason, home repair businesses rarely see a large downturn, even when the rest of the economy is dropping off, like it is now.
The fact that the home repair industry will hold strong in the face of economic downturn may be enough to keep a home repair business afloat, but alone it isn't enough to keep a business successful. To do that, even in a strong market, takes a good deal of business strength, character, and a small host of helpful practices. For the home repair entrepreneur hoping to keep his small business strong during this downward season, here are a few tips from other home improvement entrepreneurs for pushing your business ahead.
1. Constantly Learn and do New Things
The last thing the owner of any home repair franchise wants to do is pigeonhole himself. Whatever your client needs done, take the steps to learn how to do it and then get it done. Even when clients are only requesting services you're well versed in, keep your nose in home improvement magazines and websites; learn everything you can, when you need it and when you don't, because it's sure to come in handy sometime.
2. Grassroots Marketing is the Way to go
Almost all franchises come equipped with well established marketing plans, which are vital to the success of their franchisees, but absolutely nothing can replace good, old-fashioned grassroots advertising. Building relationships and getting your name out there are the keys. One good idea is to take donuts into the local hardware store on a Saturday morning. Make friends with the staff and ask if you can post an ad somewhere at the counter. Go to neighborhood places like the community center or your church and post your ads there. Send out postcards with company refrigerator magnets or go door to door with door hangers. Visit Home Depot on the weekend and leave your big truck in the lot with your business name and phone number painted on the side where everyone can see it.
3. Seek Guidance in Pricing Bids
If your franchisor doesn't have a set pricing system, talk to friends and associates in the industry about how best to price your bids, because though labor is what gets the job done, it's cash flow that keeps the business going. If you under-price, you won't be able to afford the business, but if you over-price, you'll never get a job. Either is equally fatal, so seek some help.
4. Price Yourself to Account for "Non-Billable" Hours
It's tempting to believe that only the hours actually spent building walls and windows count toward labor when you're billing your clients, but that's only part of the puzzle. In reality, buying materials, doing office work, and drawing up bids (none of which have any direct impact on how many square feet drywall go up that day) can often account for 25% of your day, and your bids must be priced to account for those hours too.
5. Having a Cell Phone is as Important as Having a Hammer
Very simply, your clients must be able to reach you at all times, and talking to an actual human being is vital. If your business can't afford to hire a fulltime secretary to answer a landline during work hours, then spend the far lesser cost of having a cell phone on you, so that you can talk to your clients directly. It also comes in handy when a job or task winds up taking longer than you expected and you're forced to postpone something else for a day or two. You can call up all affected clients and immediately let them know, which is something they are sure to appreciate.
With those tips in mind, the entrepreneur who doesn't yet own his own business may be wondering what business opportunities exist in the home repair industry. Here are a few franchise opportunities for you.
CTi-Concrete Technology
Serve clients with this business for sale by restoring and beautifying the concrete they already have around their homes. The concept is simple, and so is the business model, requiring no more than one or two employees to assist the business owner with the day-to-day work on client's pavement. There is already a well established marketing plan, territories are protected, and profit margins are huge, making this a perfect opportunity for a wise work from home franchisee.
N-Hance
This franchise business has perfected a method of restoring and refinishing hardwood floors and wooden cabinetry in a fraction of the time it generally takes, and with no dust or foul odors. Startup is cheap and quick and there's little overhead, which makes this a low-hassle opportunity for the franchisee, who profits from his labor as well as from the sales of cleaning solutions and tools.
Stone to Foam
Specializing in custom garage floor coatings, this home based business works in association with the Home Depot, whose local stores provide business leads for nearby Stone to Foam franchisees. Five days of training gets franchisees off the right foot, then continuing training keeps them that way, and everything needed for sales and installation is kept in a simple trailer pulled behind the company vehicle, making work a piece of cake.
Find more small businesses for sale including home service businesses and low cost franchises at Small Business Sale
Upside Down Electrical OutletFor any homeowner, custom-made kitchen cabinets bring a great sense of excitement because with it, comes the freedom and flexibility to design it according to their needs. Kitchen cabinets are not just a place to keep your stuff; their design can influence the entire look of your kitchen.
One thing is certain; for custom cabinetry, the choice is virtually limitless and it is advisable to do some research so that you can plan what you want, whether you intend removing your old cabinets and getting new ones or setting up a whole new kitchen in a new home.
Most people tend to believe that custom cabinetry is very expensive, but this is not necessarily true. Depending on what you want, a cost effective material can be engineered to the required specifications so that you have a custom cabinet at probably half the cost of stock cabinets.
The space available in the kitchen will determine the design and plan of your kitchen cabinets. Factor in space for other home appliances like refrigerator, cooking range, microwave, blender, and dishwasher, washing machine/dryer that will also be located in the kitchen and plan your cabinets accordingly.
When you go in for custom made cabinets, you can choose from hand-chosen wood, reclaimed wood, which is a more environmentally friendly option and rich woods like mahogany, oak, rosewood, etc. You can also get the cabinetmaker to reface or finish your existing cabinetry to give it a whole new look. Other options are fitting glass doors that are decorative, convenient corner cabinets, and drawers with gliders, etc.
Kitchen cabinet design, in its most basic form is usually taken as a straight line along the longest wall to maximize space. There is also the L or U shaped layout, but you will have to decide what is best based on your specific space. Preferably keep the refrigerator and cooking range far apart. If you intend including an island in your kitchen, plan the position of your kitchen cabinets accordingly.
To summarize, here is what you should look at while ordering custom made kitchen cabinets:
-Your kitchen layout - new cabinets or just renovate by replacing the doors for a new look.
-Material - since it will influence the price greatly
-Cabinet doors and drawers - do you want framed, paneled or plain? While decorative looks great, plain can also make a statement.
-Countertops - need to be coordinated with your cabinets for a harmonious look, so choose the complementary material with care.
-Cabinet accessories - hardware makes a difference in the appearance of your cabinets and in ease of use. It is always advisable to get good quality hardware in the form of hinges, handles, pulls, knobs, etc.
Check the quality of the material used to build your kitchen cabinets, depending on what you intend storing in the cabinets. In the long run, higher priced good quality is always better than short-term cheap material for your custom made kitchen cabinets.
Hello my name is Steven Tikas and I have a website that I have dedicated to helping people make an informed and educated decision when dealing with kitchen remodeling. For more helpful information please check out my website for more information about kitchen cabinets or also for general kitchen remodeling information
Stair Tread Carpet StainWell this is about the third time for me, going through some tough times and the bad economy, in the construction business. If you're a remodeling contractor or are currently working in the remodeling business, you're in a better position than those who are used to working in new construction, track framing or commercial tilt ups.
I got out of and will probably never go back to, track house framing. There were some pretty tough times and plenty of ups and downs, during the first recession I went through, which started in 1980. I was working one day a week and just barely making enough money to pay my bills. I would actually buy a box of doughnuts and make it last me for three days. Not the most healthy thing you could eat but financially, it did the trick.
I never wanted to go through that, ever again and decided to try my luck in the remodeling field. I've never had to go through the tough times like that ever again. I hope I never have to either, even though things are pretty bad right now, for those reading this article in the future, the date is March 3, 2009 and the economy is on the verge of going into tougher times. It seems like everyone is holding their breath, for the government to bail us out, with a stimulus package.
I don't know about the stimulus package, but I do realize, that once the interest rates drop, I would imagine, and that most remodeling contractors are going to have a free-for-all and plenty of work. People right now are waiting to buy homes, and when the interest rate drops, I would imagine the prices of some of these homes will actually increase as they start to get snatched up, remodeled and repaired to either rent down or sell at a profit.
Home owners that are waiting to remodel their bathrooms, kitchens or other home improvements, are waiting for signs that the economy is going to get a little stronger. This will provide them with a sense of job security, I know a few people who are waiting until we come out of the recession, to do any home improvements, because they're afraid of losing their jobs and not having the money in the bank to make their payments.
I live in Southern California and when I go to my local home improvement center or lumberyard, the parking lot is full. This tells me, that people are still working, buying and selling things and the economy isn't really that bad. For those remodeling contractors who aren't doing much work right now, there is hope and light at the end of this economically miserable tunnel. Things will get better and if you look back at history, things always do get better.
You are free to copy this article to your site as long as you include the following resource information with an active link to my site:
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 advice to take some of the frustration out of home shopping.
If your looking for some more Remodeling Pictures or home building ideas.
Rusting Ceiling SprinklerGive your old kitchen a new look by setting up an outdoor kitchen design. Get your architect to do an outdoor kitchen along with your indoor kitchen and you wont have to leave your house to go to the restaurant you love so much.
An outdoor kitchen design must include a barbecue or a grill and a wood burning oven. Some prefer a gas grill or barbecue and others a fireplace.
The most important factor to look out for is functionality and durability. Design your outdoor kitchen with fewer appliances like refrigerators or freezers. A Sink, drawers and cabinets can be added if necessary.
You can have a simple, low-budget outdoor kitchen or an extravagant one as long as your pocket can handle the expense. Add real clay chimneys to give the earthen look, but most importantly, flank your outdoor cooking and seating area with counters. One can also use pergolas or canvas. Use 2 to 3 large umbrellas for that desirable shade.
Fix a cabinet or a drawer in your outdoor kitchen so that you dont have to rush inside to get things that are needed. Give attention to the dining area along with your cooking. What good is a barbecue if you cannot enjoy it properly?
Throw some light by putting the right kind of bulbs and tubes, and you will turn your home into paradise. If you want, you can arrange few potted plants nearby or plant flowers with a really good smell.
You can throw a barbecue dinner whenever you like and you won't have to carry all the grills and cooking materials that are needed. Friends and family can help with this as well.
You can cook with outdoor kitchen as long as the weather permits. Also, with an outdoor kitchen design in your home, you can increase the value of your property almost 10 times the original investment on your kitchen.
To learn about renovation financing and other great redesign tips, try checking out http://www.interior-design-success.com. This is a popular interior design site that provides tips on getting your dream home on a budget.
Discount flooring can be a great way to get a new or older home renovated quickly and affordably. Although discount flooring used to mean substandard materials that looked poor, there are materials available today that are both appealing and cheap. Hardwood flooring and expensive carpeting are no longer necessary to achieve a great look in the home or in a commercial setting. There are a number of manufacturers out there today that can supply quality flooring at a very low price.
For some of the best flooring, look to suppliers that can provide vinyl flooring. Vinyl is easily one of the best and most affordable flooring solutions out on the market today. Both very affordable and flexible, vinyl flooring can work in almost all environments while providing a great looking surface. Vinyl flooring has been in use in the commercial sector for many years because of its incredible durability. Floors with a great deal of traffic demand a tough surface that won't suffer under frequent abrasions. Vinyl flooring provides just the durability needed to resist the abrasions of everyday high traffic levels.
Vinyl is also very resistant to stains and water damage. Pressure sealed against water damage, vinyl flooring is vulnerable neither from the top nor the subfloor. The pressure sealed flooring will not absorb stains either, and as long as the spill is cleaned up promptly, it should leave no mark. When vinyl flooring loses its luster, it can be easily restored with a buffing or refinishing of the surface. This is an extremely simple surface to care for, and does not require the sanding sometimes needed with a wood floor.
Wood can be very appealing, but it is also expensive and high maintenance. Wood can bow or buckle with water damage and moisture exposure. The flooring is also susceptible to expansion and contraction over the years, eventually leading to cracks in the surface.
Vinyl flooring does not suffer from these problems, and with its interlocking tile system, damaged tiles can be very simply removed and replaced.
Carpet can sometimes be an affordable solution, but it is also prone to suffering damage over time. Moisture and stains can be absorbed into the surface, causing a great deal of damage over time. Carpets can also be damaged by abrasion as time passes, becoming frayed and torn in places.
To find out more go to discount laminate flooring or to attain the most advantageous buys consider looking here laminate flooring
When I was a kid, the attic of our house was a scary and exciting place. All sorts of adventures waited there for anyone who dared to part the cobwebs and crawl into the dusty darkness. It was a mysterious, secret realm, reached only through a tiny panel in the top of my parent's closet. I wasn't supposed to go into the attic, but what kid can resist exploring a hidden room in the house?
Here in the Midwest, lots of kids have similar memories. The pitched roofs that shed our summer downpours and winter snows creates that space under the rafters that we call the attic. It's a storage space, or an extra bedroom, or it may not be used at all, but the space exists out of architectural necessity. The image of a roof, in fact, is synonymous with shelter; the pitched roof and the attic underneath it are a part of our culture.
The roof of a house is obviously a major component of the construction and a key element in the overall architectural composition. It shelters the interior of the building from the weather, protects the sidewalls and windows from sun and rain, but has an equally important role in determining the character of the design. Home styles, in fact, are usually strongly identified with a particular roof style. The New England "salt box" is easily recognized by its asymmetrical gable; Prairie style is characterized by deep overhangs and very low sloped, often flat roof forms. Victorian homes are well known for steep pitches, complex massing, and elaborate detailing. And the roofs of many Southwestern Adobe-styled homes are completely hidden behind parapet walls.
How does an architect choose a roof style and construction for a home? The first consideration is always the climate of the site. In northern climates roofs must shed heavy snowfalls and insulate the interior during the winter months so they tend towards steeper, thicker construction. Several very innovative construction techniques have been developed to "superinsulate" residential roofs against long, cold northern winters and prevent the ice-damming problems that can occur in that climate. In the arid Southwest, the relentless sun can quickly overheat the interior of a house if it's allowed to shine directly in through the windows. Deep overhangs, like those popularized by many of Frank Lloyd Wright's houses, allow the sun into these homes for only a few short hours of the day. The overhangs help keep the interior cool while allowing large expanses of glass to capture views of the surrounding desert. Lighter colored roofing materials also reduce the daytime heat build-up in hot climates.
Particularly vulnerable to the weather are the roofs of seaside homes. Salt spray and strong winds cause many roofing materials to degrade more quickly. In Florida, better homes sport metal or concrete-tile roofs, materials that can last 70 years or more. Again, lighter colors predominate, lowering the temperature of the roof surface and extending its lifespan. New England seaside homes may have traditional wood shingle or shake roofs that, when properly maintained and allowed to weather naturally can last the life of the house.
The architectural heritage of the region and the context of the immediate site may also influence roof choices. Many new homes have roofs designed to blend seamlessly with the styles already prevalent in the area. Historic neighborhoods often establish guidelines to help homeowners design roofs that are in character with the local architecture style. If a home design is of a particular style it is very important to consider the appropriate form, materials, and detailing of this very dominant element.
When usable space in the attic is desired, roof design, space planning, construction technique, and zoning and building code requirements all collide in a complex jumble. Designing usable attic space is a truly three-dimensional problem, especially in remodeling work. Properly done, however, a room up under the rafters can be a very special place; a private area for meditation, or a bedroom with great views over the neighboring homes. Dormers may puncture the roof plane to add character and detail to the exterior and allow light and air into the "attic". That was the case in my first home office, in the attic of an 1890's era home in a historic district. I had to duck to clear the rafters at the top of the 26 steep stairs up from the street level, but once at my desk, I had a wonderful view of downtown skyscrapers only a few blocks away.
Maybe that office space was a return to the days of exploring my parent's attic; kids always seem to like quirky spaces and I guess there's still a lot of kid in me. I like attic rooms and enjoy remodeling them for my clients.
I can do without the cobwebs, though.
Richard L. Taylor, AIA is a published author and recognized expert in Residential Architecture. He is President of Richard Taylor Architects, a 5-person firm in Historic Dublin, Ohio. Residential Architect | Luxury Home Plans
Composition Roofing Valley PatchStair building tips for installing lights and decking, handrail tips and some deck advice.
For more helpful home improvement information visit: http://www.gregvan.com
House Window BooksA green home minimizes the negative impact on its environment through its home design. Here are a few considerations an architect takes into account when designing a green home:
1. Site: Evaluations and analysis of access, slope, ledge, soil, bodies of water, and vegetation in order to limit the home's impact on the site environment. This includes the site location (farmland, wetland, protected species habitats) and proximity to public transportation, parks, schools, and stores.
2. Size: A green home is efficiently designed to keep the square footage to a minimum. This reduces the amount of energy to heat and cool the home, lighting, and the quantity of building materials used, and also controls costs and reduces site impact.
3. Solar: Whether or not there is a plan to install a solar energy system to heat the water or produce electricity, there are several other solar considerations in green home design. Designing the home for passive solar makes the most of solar energy by harvesting it into the homes' natural energy flows. Passive solar systems include day-lighting strategies, heating and cooling control techniques, and natural ventilation. When a whole-building approach is taken, energy savings can be great both in terms of reducing the home's carbon footprint and the costs associated with heating, cooling, and maintaining the home.
4. Energy: Lighting, heating, and cooling systems are an important consideration in green home design. Renewable energy systems such as solar, wind, and geothermal systems use the earth's natural energy to heat and cool the home, as well as provide electricity to run appliances and technology..
5. Water Conservation: Building a new home presents a unique opportunity to save water. Two money and energy-saving strategies which can be easily incorporated into an energy efficient home design are 1) reducing the overall water using in the home by specifying low-flow water fixtures, low-flush or composting toilets, installing aerators on all taps, and installing low-flow showerhead nozzles; and 2) specifying a plumbing system that reuses grey water (wastewater from domestic usage such as dish washing, laundry and bathing) for flushing toilets, watering lawns, etc. (note: some grey water systems require approval by most local building jurisdictions, your architect will verify this prior to design).
Of course, a new home should use minimal amounts of fossil fuels, last a long time, and cost less money. Many home design strategies don't cost a dime in materials but can save hundreds of dollars on heating and cooling costs. The result is a beautiful, healthy home - for both the homeowners and the environment.
About the Author: Jeremy Bonin, a principal partner of Bonin Architects & Associates (http://www.boninarchitects.com), is an award-winning green architect and the author of TIMBER FRAMES: Designing Your Custom Home. With a special interest in sustainable design and green homes, structural insulated panels (SIPs), as well as timber frame construction, Jeremy incorporates renewable energy practices where possible, including geo-thermal, solar, radiant heat, and energy-efficient foundation systems.
Tile Paver Stair DamageFirst and foremost thing, you need to consider while searching for home improvement loan is that you have a widened scope to make your choice. To be more precise, it means you should search various online sources. As your search through online sources will cater you with a large number of lenders at a single place and thus, it saves much of your time, as well as, effort. You can find nominal rates because of sharp edged competition in the market.
While making your search for home improvement loan, you will come to know that some financial institutions or lenders will offer a loan amount that you will be eligible for. But, your above average credit ratings will help you to find flexible terms of repayment of the loan amount, lower rates of interest and many additional benefits.
If you really want to borrow an amount on lower rates, then you can opt for secured home improvement loan. For these loans, you need to offer some of your assets as collateral to secure the loan amount. Always remember to offer a higher value asset against smaller loan amount. This will help a great deal in getting lower rate of interest for home improvement loan.
Whatsoever type of loan you may choose, make sure, you repay it on time. Otherwise, you may end up losing your valuable asset because of your carelessness. It is recommended to make some repayment schedule for home improvement loan
and strictly adhere to it.
The basics of home improvement loan are discussed in the article. What is Home improvement loan, where and how you should search to find the best nominal rates?
For all this and lots more, read the article.
Dina Wilson is an expert loan adviser at Online Home Improvement Loan. She has done MSc Management and Finance from University of Whales.To find Online home improvement loan, home improvement loan, online cheap home improvement loan, best rate home improvement loans visit http://www.online-home-improvement-loan.co.uk
Roofing ArticlesChoosing whether or not to refinance a mortgage is a difficult decision, no matter if you are in a single-family home, a condominium or a mobile home. The reasons for refinancing your mortgage and the things you must consider will be the same. So what some of the reasons people refinance their mobile home mortgage?
* Some refinance to lower their interest rate
* Some refinance to lower their monthly payment
* Some refinance to shorten the term of their mortgage
* Some refinance to consolidate debt
* Some refinance to remodel or expand their residence
* Some refinance for other reasons altogether
As you can tell, there are numerous reasons to refinance your mortgage. Now we need to discuss some of the key things to consider when making your decision on whether or not to proceed:
Interest Rate
One simple way to look and see if refinancing is right for you is to find out your current interest rate. If you can refinance and lower your rate, you may be able to save on your monthly payment and in overall interest expense over the time of the note. Be careful though, a lower rate is not always a guaranteed good deal. You also need to consider more. Is the interest rate adjustable or fixed? If you currently have a fixed rate mortgage and a lender is trying to convince you to consider an adjustable rate mortgage just because it is lower, run away fast! Adjustable rate mortgages are good for some people and not for others. Comparing a fixed rate mortgage to an adjustable rate is like comparing apples to oranges. You need to compare apples to apples, or fixed-rate to fixed-rate.
Fees and Points
Be sure to compare different lenders to see what type of fees and points they will charge you. Some will offer lower rates, but charge extra fees. This might be fine if you intend to hold the mortgage for a long time, but may be costly if you plan to sell or move in a few years.
Owner's Equity
How much is your mobile home worth? How much is your current mortgage balance? Take the appraised value and subtract the current mortgage rate to find your equity. Do you need cash to fix things around the home, remodel altogether or for some other reason? You might consider doing a cash out refinance and using the equity in your home for one of these purposes.
For more information on how to refinance mobile home mortgage loans and for guides on how to choose the right mobile home lender, visit the Mobile Home Mortgage Shopper at http://mobilehomeshoppers.com/
MastercarpenterdecksFinally, after months of thoughtful consideration, you have made one great decision. You are going to build your dream house! But with the ever-increasing cost of building a house, you need to be equipped with the necessary knowledge to avoid wasting your hard earned dollars.
In building a house, one of the first and most important steps you need to do is to find the perfect design for your future home. Do you need to have your house plan custom drawn or will you go for a stock house plan? So, what's the difference between the two? you might ask. Well, there is a world of difference between these two and cost is just one of them.
A custom drawn house plan is a plan specifically designed by a professional architect or designer to meet the needs of an individual homeowner. Among the factors taken into consideration in drawing a custom house plan are the size of the lot on which the house will be built, the location, the existing national and local building codes and the special needs of the home owner. A custom house plan requires considerable time to be completed and can cost up to a few thousand dollars!
Stock house plans, on the other hand, are plans that were previously drawn by a professional architect or designer either for a specific purpose or for general use.
So, why choose a stock house plan over custom drawn plans? Here are a few reasons why:
. Stock house plans are much more affordable than custom drawn plans. Can you believe that you can save up to 95% when you choose to buy stock house plans rather than commission a professional to have a custom plans drawn? While the cost of a custom house plan can be overwhelming, that of a stock house plan only averages at $700. That is just a small fraction of the cost of a custom house plan!
. You can save on construction costs when you use stock house plans. Most stock house plans have already been used at least once so you can be rest assured that any construction issues regarding the plan have already been resolved. You can also avoid unnecessary building costs and have more accurate budget estimates. Also, since yours will not be the first time the plan will be constructed, the building process will be faster and more efficient. That alone accounts for significant savings on the labor cost!
. Stock house plans can be modified to fit your needs. Don't think for a moment that you are forced to accept every single detail in your stock house plan. All stock house plans can be modified! You can request for some alterations to be done to suit your family's needs, to add a touch of character or to conform to local building codes. Modifications can be undertaken either by the original designer or through a number of design modification services. Even with the additional modification costs, stock house plans can still give you more value for your money.
. You can safely choose from a wide variety of designs available. You can find house plan designs in printed catalogs, in specially prepared CDs and in online sources. With the multitude of design options available, you can surely find one that will meet your budget and lifestyle requirements!
Michael Russell Your Independent guide to House Plans
This article talks in grat depths about the advantages of vinyl over normal wood. It talks about the fact that it looks just as good, but is cheap, has low maintenance and is eco-fiendly.If thought of building a log cabin siding but never took it seriously because of heavy work load and cost then you no longer have any excuses.
Making a log cabin from actual wood will not only prove to be very costly, but it will also have an adverse effect on the environment. Today the world has reached an advanced stage of deforestation. Therefore, we must do our bit to save the planet. Understandably, log wood houses have a very rustic look. With the advent of log cabin vinyl siding, this rustic look can be maintained while the installation and maintenance of the log cabin vinyl siding is cheap and it is artificially made out of vinyl (a chemical), therefore it is eco-friendly since it doesnt involve cutting down tree.
Advantage Log Cabin Vinyl Siding
Besides simply looking authentic, there are a lot benefits that come with log cabin vinyl siding. It also provides many saving opportunities, both fiscally and physically. Vinyl siding is practically maintenance free and does not require insect preventing, staining, and sealing as well as any type of refinishing.
Vinyl log siding is one of the best methods of weatherproofing your structure as it provides complete protection from all types of climates.
Vinyl log siding is 100% man-made but still retains the look of natural wood. Log cabin vinyl siding is certainly cheaper than using full-logs because it's mass-produced. AS it can be easily installed Cost of labor is cheaper.
Parkers Midwest Distributing at www.vinyllogsiding.com offers a wide variety of log cabin vinyl sidings. They come in many different shades, and look almost natural. Whats more is that it doesnt need much maintenance. There will be no holes caused by pests. There will be no termite infestations or beds of fungi on this artificial replica of the real world wood.
An Eco-Friendly Way of Siding
Resource Materials Corp at www.resourcematerialscorp.com offers yet another wide range of log cabin vinyl siding products. They specialize in heat treatment technologies. Once you install their log cabin vinyl siding, you will realize that the amount of heat dissipated into the atmosphere reduces in winter and increases in summer. In short, winters will be warm and summers will be cool
Sisson Log Homes at www.sissonloghomes.com
Sisson Log Homes is renowned for bringing excellently crafted log cabin vinyl sidings complete with the accompanying accessories and fitting should you choose.
In summary, log cabin vinyl sidings are cheaper than their wooden counterparts, are more resistant to moth attacks, are available in all shades, fit perfectly into one another, are eco friendly and require way less maintenance.
You can also find more info on harsh weather conditions and siding products. Homesidingreview.com is a comprehensive resource to know more about home siding review.
Home Building BooksSolar energy is one of the renewable energy resources that are advancing as a way to get energy in the future. Of all of the renewable energies, solar is the one that is used the most. It's clean, efficient and readily available. There are two ways solar power can be converted to be used in the mainstream. The first way is what you see on your tiny calculator. This is called the photovoltaic effect when light energy is converted into electricity. The other way to use solar energy is by heating a transfer fluid (many times oil) and combining it with water to create steam, which moves a generator.
These are both great resources and are being explored more and more everyday. However, not enough is being done because countries still rely on power plants, foreign oil and nuclear plants to get electricity. In the United States, there are more homes everyday that are converting solar power. In the western states where it's sunny and warm year-round, a large number of houses have already converted. By doing this they are saving money on electricity and helping save the environment.
Solar energy needs to be explored and used further. It has a great number of benefits.
1. Solar power is clean. When using solar power, the only waste is steam from water and oil combining. This doesn't create any greenhouse gasses and will help the global climate crisis lessen and maybe come to an end.
2. Solar power is readily available. Every morning when the sun comes up, solar power is ready to start working again. It can produce enough energy during the day that it can be used at night. However, there many commercial companies that use a hybrid for electricity. During the day, solar power is being used to heat the building or run the machines. At night, they convert back to regular electricity. Even though it's not going all the way, it's still a huge step in the right direction.
3. Solar has a wide range of uses. Solar power can be used for more than just electricity. There are simpler uses for solar energy that can help reduce the dependency on foreign oil. Solar energy can be used for cooking, all types of heating and lighting.
In developing countries, solar power has enormous potential and upside. In these countries, solar power helps reduce risk of injuries by reducing the use of kerosene lamps. This limits accidental fires and fumes being inhaled. It helps extend workdays. It improves literacy and gives people a chance to go to school in developing countries. This isn't a technology just for the best and most energy-starved countries. Solar power is beneficial to everyone.
Solar power is very reliable, even on cloudy days. The heat of the sun won't have as big as an effect, but will still do its job. The process is so good that solar panels are on the space shuttles. If NASA engineers didn't think it was reliable, there is no way solar panels would be used for such sensitive missions.
Abhishek is an avid Environmentalist and he has got some great Alternative Fuel Secrets up his sleeves! Download his FREE 70 Pages Ebook, "Energy Conservation And Alternative Fuel" from his website http://www.Wonder-Homes.com/643/index.htm. Only limited Free Copies available.
Lower Stair Handrail OverhangThrough out my career as an air conditioning, heating and refrigeration technician, I have seen thousands of jobs with the same problems over and over and over. I have seen just about every mistake you can imagine. I've been in the field going on 23 years now.
I came across one job a few years ago where the contractor (so called professional) installed a replacement digital thermostat in the same spot where the old unit was located. In between two door jams in a hall way. This guy used the old wires that were attached to the old thermostat, which is not a problem in it self, but the location of the wires is where he ran into trouble. The problem here was the person who installed this thermostat, installed it sideways because it was too long for this location. Instead of telling the customer he needed to go get a thermostat that fit the application or moving the wires to accommodate the thermostat he had on his truck, he installed what he had with him at the time and he told the customer "that was how these new digital thermostats needed to be installed" so they could operate properly. Of course the customer was a senior citizen in her late 80's and he had no morals or values. The funny thing is that this digital thermostat would have actually worked properly installed this way, because the sensor was a solid state device on a circuit board. Except for reading what the display said and reading what the buttons said, this thermostat actually operated correctly. You should have seen the way he installed the duct work but that is another story.
The reason the lady called was because it seemed to her that the furnace would always shut down too early or it would sometimes run for a long period of time making the room warmer than she wanted. I had to laugh when I arrived on the job and saw what this guy had done. The biggest issue mechanically with this thermostat was not the way it was mounted, but that it was mounted and covering a very large hole, where the thermostat wires came though the wall. The sensor was very near the hole on the wall and it was reading the cold inside wall cavity temperature. I removed the thermostat and installed a new one for her, free of charge and then filled the hole with sheetrock mud to stop the stat from reading the wall cavity temperature.
The customer wanted to pay me for my trouble and my materials but I told her that the next time she came across someone that needs a new furnace or air conditioner that could could simply give my name and phone number out and that would be enough. She agreed and thanked me for my trouble.
I still get referrals from her today. It has always bugged me to see someone take advantage of elderly people, especially when they have no business doing the work in the first place.
The digital thermostats today can do a lot and they are generally pretty reliable, most of the time its either that its installed wrong or programmed wrong, wired wrong or there are not enough wires to it. Maybe the thermostat needs the common wire from the thermostat hooked up to operate properly. The majority of these problems are the result of poor technical knowledge on behalf of the installer, or perhaps they simply don't care enough to read the installation instructions. Sometimes people get into the trade and learn how to install duct work and put sheet metal screws in with a drill gun and bam they think they have enough experience to go out and become a contractor.
Unfortunately home owners have no way of knowing whether or not the service company they chose has enough experience or knowledge to do the job right. The NATE Rating is about as close as you can come to being sure you hire the right people. However" I was trained a long time ago in a technical school that focused on the theory and operating principals of electrical, refrigeration, air conditioning and heating. Long before the NATE Training certificate came about. My schooling was 990hrs and the course took place over 9 months. I don't have the NATE certificate badge myself. I guess I should go get it to look more legitimate and I probably will get it as that seems to be the standard today. I have not looked into the certificate yet but eventually will.
You can contact me by email located within my site or you can post questions in our forum and I will respond fairly quickly. Maybe you had a new system installed and are having problems that the installer can't seem to fix. I would be glad to give it a shot. I specialize in residential gas/propane forced air heating systems, heat pumps, air conditioning and zoning.
John Grisler
Specialist in Environmentally Friendly High Efficiency Residential Air Conditioning and Heating Systems
Graduate Universal Technical Institute February 1986
23 Years Experience Residential/ Light Commercial Heating Air Conditioning and Refrigeration
US Patent 7234318 Multiple Stage, Single Pass Refrigeration System. June 2006
Designer of the Self Contained Air Conditioned Chair -see grizzco@feeservers.com
my web site is http://greenfeetco2.com/
Black mold doesn't care if your house is nice and new, or musty and old. It doesn't care where you live or how sensitive your sinuses are. It wants into your house any way it can!
Black mold happens to everyone, and it's a big headache. It's especially a pain to clean. That's why prevention is the key to keeping your home mold free.
Humidity
This is the number one condition for mold to grow. It loves the wet parts of your house. Keeping your home dry is the best way to keep the mold out.
Mold thrives best at around 55% relative humidity. Anything over that and mold can have a heyday in your home. The most surefire way to prevent black mold growth is to reduce humidity.
-Check your watery trouble spots. Especially keep your eye on the bathroom and kitchen, and look for places where water runs.
-If you have any area of standing water or water damage, get rid of it immediately. Clean it well and let it dry.
-Keep everything dry. After you wash the dishes, make sure you towel everything down. Don't leave standing water on any of your kitchen counters or around your sink.
-When you see mold, clean it up immediately. Don't let it go, or it will encourage more mold to grow.
-Buy a dehumidifier. This will help dry the house out a little and that will reduce mold. You can buy one at most department stores, and it doesn't have to be anything fancy.
-If you live in a humid or warm climate, you will definitely have to deal with the mold. Take that into account and keep your house dry before the mold gets in.
Air
-Make sure there is plenty of air flow in your house. Fresh air will clear out the mold spores that might be around. Open windows and get plenty of ventilation.
-In the bathroom, always turn on the exhaust fan during and just after showering. This will clear away some of the water before it has a chance to settle.
-Keep down the dust in your house. Dust can carry mold spores, and both can be major irritants.
-Routinely check and clean your air ducts. Mold can grow around your heating and air conditioning ducts, and this is especially bad because it circulates mold all over the house.
Inspections
-If you are suffering from any chronic sinus problems that might be mold related, get your house tested and inspected. Inspectors can check mold samples to see if they are toxic. They can also check and see how much airborne mold there is in your house.
-Routinely check around your house in the hidden places where Dangerous Toxic Black Mold likes to grow. This includes your attic, crawlspaces, basement and air ducts.
It's not enough just to clean up mold when you see it. To stay mold free, you have to prevent black mold from growing. Don't give it a chance!
Learn more about Black Mold Species on our site. You'll also find other information such as Black Mold On Onions ToxicBlackMoldHelp.org is a comprehensive resource to help individuals to test and inspect, identify health symptoms and removal of toxic black mold.
Before putting on the ceiling, all openings, through which fire might find quick passage to the structure above, should be adequately fire stopped. It is best to use incombustible materials for fire stopping, such as crushed refuse mortar, plaster, concrete, hollow tile, gypsum block, broken brick, or other similar material, containing sufficient fine stuff to fill voids.
Such openings may be found around service plumbing and bathroom fixtures (especially bathroom light fixtures nearby faucets), and between joists or studs, where they join the foundation. The fire stopping can be supported by horizontal wood strips, not less than two inches thick, or by metal or wire mesh.
Several materials are used for ceiling purposes. Gypsum or asbestos board, plaster on metal lath or on gypsum plaster board or properly furred metal ceiling may be used, depending on the taste of the individual and the amount that may be expended.
It is recommended that any such material within two feet of the top of a boiler or furnace, or in the case of modern home saunas (where the sauna steam is not created by the rocks) and infrared saunas, shall at least be protected by a loose-fitting metal shield, arranged to preserve an air space of an inch or two between the metal and the wood.
The air space may be provided by the use of small blocks of incombustible material between metal and joists, or by suspending the metal sheets on wires or hooks fastened to the joists. If tin is used for a shield, it should have locked joints, as soldered joints are not reliable.
Similar protection should be placed over any woodwork or wood lath and plaster partition, within four feet of the sides or back or six feet from the front, of any boiler, furnace, or other heating equipment which may commonly be found in your spa room if you have a hot tub or steam sauna.
This covering should extend at least four feet above the floor, and at least three feet beyond the heating device, on all sides. It is advisable to have all such installations inspected by a representative of the fire insurance company.
A dry, clean, well-lighted, and well-ventilated basement can be made a most useful part of a house by partitioning off spaces for different purposes. It is generally necessary, at least, to partition off a coal bin, and sometimes the furnace also is enclosed to protect the rest of the basement from dust and soot.
The remaining space may be divided off for a laundry, a workroom for the handy man, or a playroom for the children. It may also be desirable to provide a cold room for the storage of preserves and fruits and vegetables.
If a definite storage space is set aside for garden tools, bicycles and various other pieces of equipment, they can be kept in good condition and more readily located when needed. An orderly arrangement in a basement tends to encourage neatness and lessen the amount of work required.
Allison Ryan is a freelance marketing writer from San Diego, CA. She specializes in home improvement and hot tub and sauna installation. For a selection of steam showers, bathroom fixtures, and infrared saunas, check out http://www.mybath.biz/.
If you live in a moist climate in the winter and a dry climate in the summer and you have exterior wood beams exposed to these elements. You could develop wood beam problems over time. If wood beams are properly maintained and painted often they could last for a long time. Wood beams can last many years if properly taken care of.
Exterior wood beams that are used to hold up roofs, patios and decking can suffer from wood rot if not taken care of. Let's take for example a wooden beam located in a patio holding up a section of a large roof. The span of the roof being is only 10 feet long. As we look at the exterior wood beam. We noticed the upper corner of the beam is soft and rotted.
The beam damage is roughly the size of a baseball. The wood beam itself is a 6 x 10. Do we need to replace this beam even though the damage is not real big. The answer to this question is yes, any amount of damage to a wood beam takes away from its structural strength.
If you have a wood beam holding up the roof and the beam fails you could end up replacing a large section of your roof as well as the damaged beam. Replacing the damaged beam is usually a difficult task. The beam is usually sandwiched between two walls and will have siding or stucco around it.
If you're lucky enough to have the wood beam sitting in a saddle or on top of a wood post this will make your job easier and will require less skill. If however the beam is located between two walls this will require shoring up the roof and removing the beam.
Beam replacement should be left to professionals. This is not often as easy as it looks and could create a safety hazard if not done properly. I have seen beams replaced by homeowners or handyman and the damage that was done after the repairs, was worse than just leaving the beam alone in the first place.
The biggest problem with exterior wood beams is that they are usually holding up large amounts of weight. If the beam is removed without the proper bracing and shoring of the roof or floor area you could have a larger problem than you started with.
Exterior beams over time seemed to develop large cracks or splits in dry weather. These large cracks and splits weaken the structural strength of the beam adding more stress to the beam itself leading to structural failure eventually.
Extreme climates where temperatures very over 40 in one day seem to suffer the most damage to exterior wood beams that are not properly maintained. Beam maintenance will require painting and keeping moisture away from them.
Be aware of structural beams in or around your house. A little painting now and then can save you thousands of dollars over the life time of your house.
Greg Vanden Berge has been in the home building and remodeling business for over 30 years. With this knowledge he has created a few websites that provide useful information for home owners as well as contractors. His main goal is to educate professionals in the home related businesses, dealing with problems that can easily be avoided with just a little bit of information
His website http://gregvan.com provides all kinds of answers to remodeling and new house building issues that could create major damage as well as possible damage to your pocket book
Visit us now for Vista Home Improvement
Bathroom BooksIf your home has an air conditioning unit, you need to stay prepared if it breaks down someday. It is never a pleasant feeling when your air conditioning unit breaks down on a hot and humid afternoon. Therefore it is important for you to know who to call in case it breaks down.
Usually when the air conditioning unit breaks down, you will most likely call up the first air conditioning repair company in the listing of your local directory. However, picking a good air conditioning repair company is very important. Even if your air conditioning unit is repaired temporarily, there is no guarantee that it will not break down again. In this article, let me highlight some of the things to consider when picking someone to repair your air conditioning unit.
The company that you choose to service your air conditioning unit must have fast response time. The company should be able to respond to your need 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. You will never know when your unit will break down; therefore this is a very important criteria when choosing a service company. Usually, such a company has their own customer service officers and will send a technician to your home after you have enquired about their service.
Next, you need to find a competent service company to repair your air conditioning unit. You will want a professional technician to show up and repair the unit. Therefore, make sure that the service company has all the necessary professional certifications to show for. This is very important because you do not want a person with no technical know-how to meddle with your air conditioning unit.
You also need to be comfortable letting the technician into your home. The technician should arrive ready for work, with all the necessary equipments ready. Before you let him or her into your house, be sure to check his identification. Some service company only service commercial units, so be sure to check with the company whether they provide servicing to residential units.
Last but not least, the service company should offer a 100% satisfaction guarantee for the work done.
So spend some time on research to pick the right air conditioning service company for your home. You should shortlist a few companies and compare their prices, credentials and competency. There is no hard and fast rule on choosing the best company for the job. If a company suits the criteria that you are looking for and you have a good feeling about them, go ahead and appoint them for the job.
To seek professional aircon services, visit EricoolAircon.com now.
Cheow Yu Yuan is the co-founder of OOm, an online marketing agency that provides professional SEO Services.
Feel free to publish this article on your website, or send it to your friends, as long as you keep the resource box and the content of the article intact.
The warranty game, is the most over used sales tool in the industry. The most advertised, yet the most misunderstood, part of having structural repair work done on your property is the warranty. You will see "Lifetime Warranty" or "Lifetime Transferable Warranty" or even "Longest Warranty in the Business". What does this mean? What is the warranty worth? Are there any costs associated with the warranty? Most importantly, what warranty do I need?
The number one piece of advice about warranties - Read It! If the salesman does not have a copy for you to read, tell him to go get one. There is generally only one reason that he is not carrying one and that is because he does not want you to read it. If the warranty is too long or too hard to read, forget it. Warranties are simple - "This is what we cover and this is how long we cover it for".
When it comes to Lifetime Warranties, be careful. In some states a "lifetime warranty" is 7 years, some states it is 11 years and then some states it is for the life of the structure. Why would a lifetime warranty be 7 years? This can be the case because, according to a general law enacted by some states, the standard life of a service is 7 years. In these states your lifetime warranty is not as good as the others guys 10 or 15 year warranty.
Limited Warranties are standard in foundation repair. "Limited" means that the only things that are covered are the things that can be affected by the work that has been done. You still want to read this type of warranty and understand what is covered and for how long. Don't forget to ask if there are any fees required before the contractor will honor his warranty.
A manufacturer's warranty of their products is the number one item that you should be looking for. If the individual installer goes out of business, there will still be someone standing behind the products you purchased. The best of these manufacturer's have very simple and comprehensive warranties for their products. One specific manufacturer has a three part warranty form that states exactly what is covered and for how long. One copy goes to the installing contractor for his records and the other two go to the property owner. The property owner then submits one of their copies directly to the manufacturer so there is no doubt that it has been filed. Simple and effective.
Warranties should not be difficult, they should be readily available and straight forward. They need to state what is covered and for how long. If a foundation engineer has been hired to design and supervise the installation, and he recommends a product that a quality manufacturer will supply, there should not ever be a warranty issue in the first place. If there is, call the engineer first, the contractor second and lastly the manufacturer. Your issue will be resolved, and you will be happy.
Don't play the warranty game. Hire quality people to work on your most valuable asset and rest assured that you have taken the correct steps in getting what you pay for.
About the Author:
Jeff Tully invites you to view his website http://www.myfoundationrepairs.com if you are having any foundation issues including bowing walls, cracks in your foundation or any type of settlement issue. On this website you will find the truth about foundation repair methods and what you should expect. There are many misconceptions about foundation piers or tie backs, get the straight answers here.
This site was designed and built with the homeowner in mind is the only true source for foundation repair and waterproofing information. From determining if you really have a structural issue to hiring an engineer or foundation expert, you will find the answers on my site.
Roof Framing Drywall BackingWhen you finally put in a hardwood floor, you can finally sit back and enjoy the warm beauty that glows from underfoot. There is something almost breathtaking about a finished hardwood floor but it can be completely overwhelming when you stop and think about how you should care for your new home investment.
Let's face it, you can't ask people to not walk on your floor and you definitely can't leave all the furniture out of the room, although that would probably seem like the best solution to the scuff problem. Instead, you should get ready to care for your floors right from the start.
Surprisingly, hardwood floors really don't need too much extra care and most of the overall care comes in with the set up of your furniture instead of on a regular basis.
The Do's of Hardwood Flooring:
There are several do's when it comes to caring for your hardwood flooring and I have outlined them below.
Do use felt contacts and floor pads for your furniture to ensure that it won't scratch the hardwood.
Do sweep your floor regularly with brooms that have soft, fine bristles. Hard bristles may gouge your floors.
Do dust mop your floors on a regular basis. You can do this by having a soft head mop, about 12 to 18 inches in width, and a special dust mop cleaner. Simply spray the mop head and dust the hardwood. No water is necessary.
Do mop with a solution of a neutral pH cleaner and water whenever your floor needs it. Only wash with a damp mop, never swamp a hardwood floor.
Do choose cleaners that are designed for hardwood floors.
Do use floor mats at any entrance to keep dirt from being tracked across your hardwood floors.
Do wipe up any water or liquid that has spilled on your floor as soon as you see it. Moisture can damage your hardwood flooring very quickly.
The Don'ts of Hardwood Flooring:
With every do, there is a don't and obviously some of them have been identified in the do's section of this article but it is still important to look at a few don'ts that we haven't gone over yet.
Don't drag furniture when you move it. This will cause serious damage to your hardwood floors.
Don't use hard and abrasive cleaners on your hardwood floors. Also avoid using any high oil soaps and cleaners.
Don't use a vacuum with a rotating brush. The best type of vacuum to use to remove debris is a canister vacuum with floor attachments.
Don't let dirt and grime build up on your hardwood floors. Dirt works as an abrasive and will begin to cut, dent, scratch and dull your hardwood.
Don't let water collect on your hardwood flooring. Make sure you clean it up immediately. Also, keep dog dishes on a mat, and make sure you dry their paws off when they come inside during the winter or on a rainy day.
Don't expose your hardwood to long periods of direct sunlight. Sunshine will cause fading and discolouring to occur in your hardwood flooring.
If you are aware of all the do's and don'ts of caring for your hardwood floors, you should have beautiful floors for the life of your home. You shouldn't have to refinish your flooring or repair any significant problems with your flooring.
Following a regular cleaning regime with your hardwood is very simple and you will find that you spend only half the time caring for your hardwood that you would caring for a carpet.
Sirena Van Schaik is a professional writer who provides information on hardwood flooring and wood flooring for A1 Wood Flooring.
Working in the construction business for over 30 years and listening to homeowners, tell me how fortunate I am to have the ability to work on my own home. It kind of makes me feel good to hear them praise me and when I have completed their project, they usually are extremely happy with how it turned out. I've been listening to this for years and came to one conclusion, anyone can do what I do, with the correct information.
I was building a deck and a homeowner and his son were there constantly, watching me work on the project. They would ask if they can help and if there was anything they could do, they would like to learn the deck building process, so one day they could build their own decks. Most of the time, they were in my way and slowed me down. I finally got to a point where I had to asked them if they could watch from a distance, because I was starting to run behind on the project. It was starting to cost me money to educate them. I just didn't have time for this and there was no way, that I wanted to hurt their feelings or make them mad at me.
They agreed and at the end of the day, would have a couple of questions for me. I told the father, that I would bring him a few books on deck building and he could keep them as long as he needed. Him and his son were more than happy to accept my offer and the next day, they were nowhere in sight. At the end of the day as I was putting my tools away, a homeowner and his son approached me and thanked me for loaning them the books, but they were done with them. The son explained to me, that they were going to purchase some of their own books on deck building, because mine were a little out of date.
To make a long story short, I finished the deck, got paid and went on my way. A few months later they contacted me and asked if I had time, can I come over the house and look at the new deck, that they built next to mine. I said I would be glad to, and would be there tomorrow evening. When I arrived at the job site, I couldn't even get out of my truck, the father and his son were waiting for me in the driveway and directed me to drive to the back of the home.
There new deck was about 10' x 10' and matched the one that I built pretty good. They did a great job and after I told them, what a wonderful job they did building the deck, they were like two kids in a candy store. It seemed like, I had just made their day and it made me feel good, and that they felt good.
Sometimes building a deck or home repairs can be performed like a professional, with a little bit of help, from the book.
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.
I have to confess it - I am an office supply store junkie. When my children were in elementary school and it was late August, other parents were looking forward to getting their kids back to school. Most of them were busy shopping for back-to-school clothing, or doing the last minute rounds of dentist appointments, hair cuts etc. Meanwhile I was happily drifting round the stationery store, three class lists in hand.
I loved those crisp, fresh notebooks, some with wide lines, some with regular lines, some with half the page blank for drawings. Oh, who could resist those beautiful colors, crayons for the little ones, pencil crayons for the older kids. I would pick out boxes of shiny new pencils and lovingly sharpen them all once home.
Well, time goes by, and even though I insisted on shopping for supplies through high school and even into college years, the sad time came when no-one in the family needed me to buy school supplies any longer.
At last came new hope. My grandchildren reached school age. My school teacher daughter thought I was crazy when I pleaded to be allowed to do the school supply shopping - no luck there, my granddaughter's school sells pre-packed kits. My other, still-a-student-herself daughter was delighted to let me buy the school supplies for my grandson and I was in business once more.
However, for all you school supply lovers out there (surely I can't be the only one!), let me give you some advice. Never take a six year old with you when shopping for school supplies. I thought my grandson would have a ball, shopping for his Grade 2 kit. I didn't bargain for all the bright shiny things the middle and high school students need. After many "no"s - "no you don't need a geometry set, it is not on your list. No, you only need crayons, not color markers. No, there is no calculator on your list......." I had a rather disappointed little boy on my hands. A quick trip to his favorite burger joint soon fixed that - wonderful how easy it is to distract a six year old!
Well, last year he started Grade 3 in a new school. This time I went to an office supply store that prides itself on great customer service. I asked for the Grade 3 list for his new school. "Here we are" said the helpful girl, "Just wait here a moment." In about three minutes she was back with everything on the list. Sigh!
Dear grandson's school has now also gone to the pre-order system, but I still need my fix occasionally, which explains why our home is full of half used notebooks, packets of pens, pencils, rulers.....
There is hope on the horizon for me. In another five years my new little grandson will be starting school. I can hardly wait!
Gillian is the proud grandmother of two 9 year olds and a new grandbaby boy.
For grandparenting ideas, you can visit her website: http://www.grandparentscafe.com
This site offers information on grandparent's rights, distance grandparenting, as well as photos, stories, games, recipes, travel hints and more.
If you're a do it yourself or or a homeowner who every once in a while, once to tackle a small or large project but doesn't know where to begin, can gather useful information from home building books. I have been using these books for years and may have been worth their weight in gold.
I started my career working for my father and my father worked for his father as a Carpenter. Our job was to frame the house and we built a Lotta homes. I learned how to frame and developed some great carpentry skills from my father and working with other skilled carpenters. Over the years, if you're paying attention, even a monkey can figure out, how to assemble almost anything.
The only problem that I faced, was learning how to build the rest of the home. I would often ask questions to other building trades like plumbers, electricians, roofers and construction superintendents. Some of these people were helpful and others were not. When I was in my early 30s, I purchased my first book on home building. This book lead to other books and soon I found myself with more home building knowledge that my father.
I had about 50 books on home building and soon found myself doing large home remodels, with no formal education. I would attribute almost everything that I learned outside of house framing to books. These books have proven invaluable to me over the years and with a relatively small investment. I couldn't have spent over $200 purchasing these books but have used the knowledge from them to save myself thousands of dollars.
One $20 home building books or home repairs, can save you lots of money, if you're willing to do a little research and the labor to complete almost any home building project.
By the way, if you're interested in learning how to repair a roof, build your own house, interior decorating, structural engineering, building a deck, gathering some more information about home painting or even remodeling your bathroom. An online home building bookstore can save you money if you're willing to do the work.
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 home inspection or home building ideas.
Wood Post And Beam ConnectionTo make this article interesting, Let's Mix it up a little:
1. Solar Panels, usually on your roof, convert (Free) Sunlight Energy into Electrical Energy.
You can use the electricity produced by your Solar Power System to run your water heater.
2. The amount of energy produced by your Solar Power system is dependant on several factors, some of which are:
Angle of the sunlight to the Solar Panels,
Number of hours of direct sunlight,
Presence of shade.
This renewable energy can also be used to run all the appliances in your Kitchen.
3. These Solar Panels are electrically connected to each other in what is called an Array. This is done to increase the amperage.
This amperage, when properly converted, is useful to run your washer & dryer, (you don't really want to wash your clothes on a rock, do you?) although, weather permitting, I like to dry our clothes on a line out in the backyard.
4. The energy coming from this Solar Panel Array is connected to an Inverter which converts the 12 Volt Direct Current (like you use in your car) into 120 volt Alternating Current that your house needs for all of the energy eating stuff you have in there that makes your life so much more comfortable.
And that A.C. power can run your Computer, your Printer, your Television and the pump that runs the air into (& out of) your Tropical Fish tanks.
5. Unused electricity produced by your Solar Power system can be directed to storage batteries thru a charging controller. This helps to prevent over charging.
The electricity that you did NOT send to the batteries can be used to power your own battery charger for all those expensive little batteries that we all use for so many things, such as toys for the kids, the TV remote, and the radio that is out in the yard for when you are gardening.
Some of the power stored in your Solar Power system batteries can be used at night, when there is no direct sun to power security lights and all the power needs that you have at night such as alarm clocks, that same set of fish tanks and the coffee pot that starts your brew going in the morning.
6. Unused electricity produced by your Solar Power system can ALSO be sent thru your electric meter (called: 'Net Metering') to the electric company and they have to pay you for it! This IS another one of the perks to this whole idea of producing your own power.
Did this article confuse you? Let me summarize: (while adding a little bit more explanation)
Solar Power - True Clean, Green, Renewable power from the Sun! On your roof, in your Life!
My resource box has some more information.
Thank You for your time.
Mickey Brundege lives in the Beautiful Pacific Northwest with his bride of 25 years. He has run a Recycling Business, worked in sales/bookeeping for a Typewriter & Calculator co. He is very interested in the environment as he believes everyone should be.
For additional information addressed by this article go to http://solarpowerformyhome.info
You will have access to Step-By-Step instructions as well as videos to help you every step of the way.
Handyman can be described as a person who undertakes different types of jobs such as small construction works, electrical works, plumbing, painting, and garden maintenance. All these activities are completed with the help of tools and equipment, which are normally referred to as handyman hardware. Handyman hardware does not consist of specially designed tools and equipment; it is just a collection of tools and equipment used by electricians, plumbers, and construction workers.
Many handyman tools are coated with insulation material that provides insulation against electric shocks. Insulation material is made from specially formulated materials and is scientifically tested before being used to coat handyman tools. Insulated handyman tools are rated according to the level of voltage they can withstand which is usually in the range of 1000 volts to 1500 volts.
A number of manufacturers produce handyman hardware tools based on current national standards defined by American society for testing and materials (ASTM). Handyman hardware tools may include pliers, screwdrivers, knives, scissors, bolt cutters, cable cutters, and hammers. Bags that carry these accessories are made from a combination of cotton cloth, leather, and other strong material to make it long lasting. Household users should make sure that the handyman hardware tools they are buying are manufactured according to standard quality specifications.
Handyman hardware tools need to be replaced after one or two years as they are subjected to heavy wear and tear while rendering handyman services. The cost of replacing or maintaining such type of hardware can be unaffordable for many handymen. The best option for them is to work for an organization that provides all the necessary hardware needed for performing their services.
It is necessary to use handyman hardware tools in a technically correct way, as improper handling can damage the equipment being handled as well as the tool. People can take help from handyman guidebooks or magazines for learning the correct use of handyman hardware tools.
Handyman provides detailed information on Handyman, Handyman Services, Starting A Handyman Business, Handyman Tips and more. Handyman is affiliated with Home Remodeling.
Kitchen Remodeling As A Home ImpEighty five percent of homes in the US experience a flooded basement sooner or later - these are the estimates from home builders and insurance providers.
The sump pump was invented to handle minor basement flooding problems, and this solution came with it's own set of new problems. Questions about safety soon arouse with this machinery open and exposed. Also, small animals could get stuck in the sump pit. Unable to escape it could clog the system, as well as cause an unpleasant mess when it came time to cleanup.
These issues, of course lead to the sump pump cover being made available.
Installing a sump pump cover gives the security and peace of mind that no one can bump, step on, or otherwise damage the unit - leaving your basement unprotected. And no foreign objects will be able to enter the sump pit causing malfunction or inefficiency.
Today, more and more systems are sold with a complete line of accessories, which includes a cover. Other sources of sump pump covers are specialty home stores that sometimes carry these items sold separately from a pump unit.
Now days, it is fairly standard for sump pumps sold in the United States to include covers. If you are outside the United States, or in need of a cover for an older installation, check the specialty home stores near you.
Safety issues
Do not be tempted to leave the cover off after any routine servicing or maintenance. The system can run just fine without it, so long as it doesn't get damaged, or objects get caught in the sump pit possibly causing failure. You will probably never even know about any such damage until you need your basement sump pump the most.
One final advantage is the dust and dirt that is kept away from the workings. Keeping this dirt away helps keep the system from overheating and ensures a long service life of your sump pump system. There's really no disadvantage to using a sump pump cover. Without one, you risk premature failure when you need your sump pump the most.
Pumps-and-Filters.com presents Sump pump covers - if you don't have a cover now, you'll want one - See Sump pump covers
Odd Drywall DamageWhen you are working with a welder there is always the potential for Arc Flash. Anything that you do that works with electricity can do this and it can be a deadly process. Arc flash can happen on a large or small scale, and depending on the welder's safety precautions, it can cause severe burns or be deadly.
An Arc flash happens when there is a fault somewhere in an area where the welder is working. A quick and sudden amount of light energy and heat are released and if the welder is standing in the way, they can receive intense burns or the arc flash can be fatal.
This flash can also destroy equipment, cause eye problems and hurt people within a large radius from where it happened. In order to understand what this may look like, think about a large bolt of lightening that comes down and hits something on the prairie. This arc of light could explode the material that it hits upon and cause a lot of damage to that material.
This is basically what happens in an arc flash. This does not have to happen on a large scale only because you can also suffer from it when you are not using the correct safety equipment when you are welding.
The welder will expose themselves to UV rays that can hurt the surface of your cornea. Sometimes you don't know that this has happened until your eyes begin to feel warm. You may not know it until the next day when you have pain in the eyes. This pain can feel as though you have fractured glass in your eyes.
When you are doing welding it is very important to use a welding lens shade that is at least a number 5 and should be worn within 20 feet of the welding that is being done. If you are standing within 10 feet then you should use a number 9 lens.
Normal arc flashes can also expose you to fumes and toxic gases so it is crucial to your survival to make sure you are in an area that is well ventilated when you are doing your work.
It is equally important to make sure that your equipment is functioning properly because often an arc flash is cased by faulty equipment. You will need to check enclosed systems also because these can cause a problem because some electrical equipment can become energized when it is faulty.
There are a variety of products that can help you resolve issues of arc flash as long as the equipment is working properly, but they only work if the welder will use them. You can get specially insulated gloves, rubber roll blankets (that allow you to isolate the area that you are working within) and carbonX clothing for protection.
Although arc flash can be deadly when it happens, knowing the safety precautions needed can help you get out of the way and be safer. It is wise to know the consequences of arc flash and how to prevent it as much as possible.
Go to WelderWorld.Com to get your free ebook on Welding at Welding. Welder World also has a Welder Forum where you can discuss welding with other welders and get tips for welding or showcase your welding work. Come to WelderWorld.com to check out our new community site all about Welding and get your free ebook on the basics of Welding at Learn Welding.
Toilet Tank Lid CrackedInfrared security cameras are the perfect choice for areas with low light, or even where there is no light at all!
These types of cameras have infrared LED's (light emitting diodes) encircling the lens, that produce a type of light invisible to the human eye, but that creates conditions suitable for your cameras to record, even in the dark!
Where there is some light, but not enough for a conventional camera, these little cameras will compensate, and the image you get will be the same quality you'd get from a conventional camera in daylight, but even in complete darkness, you'll get a serviceable image.
The main difference is that during the day, these cameras will capture color images, but at night, or when lighting is poor, the cameras switch to IR, and you'll get black and white images, although considering that the camera still needs no light to produce that, it's really quite amazing!
Consider the applications. A dark corner of your warehouse, or maybe in an area of your home or garden where you need surveillance footage, but can't install lighting.
Many security estates are turning to infrared or day/night cameras for their perimeter security, since they are generally cheaper than installing a camera and lighting.
When choosing a camera, the viewing and capturing distance capabilities will play a part in your choice. If it's only a few feet you need to cover, a smaller, cheaper unit can be installed. These cameras, sometimes called bullet cameras are small, lightweight and easy to install.
Longer viewing and capturing range may require a more expensive, higher tech option, such as a dome camera. These cameras can come with swivel, pan and tilt capabilities, which can be remote controlled, so you have a camera that can see in the dark, and move to "look" at whatever you want to see. Sounds a bit like a spy movie, but it's true!
Whatever your requirements, there is a infrared camera that can meet your security camera needs, even in the dark, and while prices may vary considerably, depending on what you need, its always best to make a choice based on the image quality, range and ease of installation you need first, as well as the quality, warranty and after sales service availability, rather than price alone.
Any good supplier or security contractor should be able to recommend an infrared camera system that meets your needs, and your budget, so don't be afraid to ask the experts!
Click these links to learn more about Infrared Security Cameras and Night Vision CCTV Systems.
Finding something you don't like about yourself is usually very easy for most people. Most of the time you don't even have to ask your family or friends because you have heard them complain about the same thing for years. How many times have you heard someone mention, I need to lose weight?
Here's a list of things people don't like about themselves. If you're one of those people that has a hard time finding something wrong with yourself, you could always ask one of your friends for some suggestions. I'm sure they would like that.
1. The need to lose weight. This of course is one of the worst problems with Americans. Most people need to lose weight and let's not forget there are some people that need to gain weight.
2. The need to stop gambling. As more Indian reservations are allowed to build gambling casinos and of course as the Internet gambling gets larger, I've noticed some people with gambling problems.
3. The need to stop drinking alcohol. The abuse of alcohol has been going on for many years. These people have an excuse for why they drink and most of the time it doesn't make sense.
4. The need to stop smoking. This could be one of the most difficult things I've ever seen my friends and family deal with.
5. The need to stop excessive behaviors. For example, gossiping, cruelty, bullying, lying, cheating, stealing, partying etc. You get the idea.
6. Don't forget the dreaded shopaholic. Most shopaholic's seem to have large credit card debt and can't seem to stop this vicious circle of buying and owing money to their creditors.
7. Working long hours or the workaholic. Sometimes this is a necessity but I would suggest that you change your lifestyle if possible. Reevaluate your reasons for working so hard.
8. Religious fundamentalists. People that spend too much time at their place of worship and soon find themselves feeling guilty if they're not doing something spiritual.
9. The need to be on time. This would include people that have problems giving themselves enough time to get ready for work or school.
10. The need to stop doing drugs. I thought by now, approaching my 50s, that drugs would no longer be a problem in the United States, but it is. It's one of the most damaging things people can do to their lives.
There are plenty of things that people would like to stop doing or start doing. If you're a smoker and you seem to shop excessively near the casinos, I would advise you to start with something small and work your way up to the big stuff.
What are you going to change today about your life? Make a list of things that you're not happy with about your life and start making the changes today that you need to create the life you deserve and desire.
Greg Vanden Berge is a published author, internet marketing expert, motivational inspiration to millions of people all over the world and is sharing some of his wisdom with experts in the fields of writing,marketing, and personal development.
Greg is currently working on a personal development video library filled with great movies on a wide array of topics, like religion, self help and spiritual changes in the world. His views on religious freedom are slowly changing the way people think about institutional religion.
Plants Growing In SidewalkThe house you live in was probably a mass produced home built as part of a housing track. The track home is a rapidly built house in phases. These phases if possible will over lap the other home building trades. If possible you will have the plumbers working on the same house as the electricians and the framers. This is called fast tracking.
Fast tracking a house is building a home as fast as humanly possible. So you can imagine the pressures put on all of the people involved in building a track home.
The pace is so fast sometimes that I have seen job superintendents and foremen look like they were actually going to blow up. I mean explode from the pressure they where under.
Framing the stairs on the job was the same experience for me most of the time. Sometimes I had three jobs going at once. Think about it. At the most, I could only go to each of the jobs twice each week. That involved working on Saturday of course. This made a lot of framing foremen extremely upset. They had full time crews on their jobs always working five days a week. If I missed one day of work. I was behind for the rest of the job.
Now it rarely happened but if I did miss a day of work I had to make it up some how. The only way to make it up was by working late or on Sunday. Well most of the time I worked six days a week from 7:00 in the mourning until 5:00 at night. So working late meant sunrise to sunset. Oh did I mention that I did have a family. This wasn't easy for them either.
One time I got so far behind on a job that I was putting stairs in while they were roofing the houses. Talk about one unhappy foreman. I think you get the idea about the pressure I was under to install these stairs on time. My experience building stairs on track built homes taught me to build homes extremely fast while being proficient.
I'm not interested in working like that anymore. My life is simple now and I want to keep it that way. The next time you see a construction worker working late on a Saturday show some compassion. Maybe by reading this article you will understand some of the pressure he is under.
Building tract homes is hard on you mentally and physically.
Happy Home building.
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. Stairway Safety
Stair Handrail Inspection
