Bathroom Mirrors, the Perfect Feature

How do you make you bathroom seems bigger and brighter, without breaking the bank? With mirrors, of course! Mirrors can be the perfect feature in your bathroom. The reflection of light makes the room brighter, and creates the illusion of a more spacious area. Mirrors in the bathroom are also functional, and there are as many style options as there are styles to choose from.

If you need a bit of extra storage in your bath, why not choose a medicine cabinet mirror? Mounted over the basin or vanity is a great placement for one of these double duty gems. You can store your medicines, makeup, and daily supplies inside the cabinet, and use the mirror for getting ready in the morning.

Another great option for getting out the door looking great is magnifying or lighted mirrors. A magnifying mirror lets you see your face at twice (or more) the actual size, allowing precision shaving and makeup application. With a lighted mirror, you'll see yourself more clearly, again, making getting ready for the day a little easier. Lighted mirrors look fantastic mounted over a vanity basin for an old fashioned or a modern look. If your short on space, an extendable mirror can be mounted to the wall, and pulled out to just the right height and angle for your morning and evening grooming routines. These mirrors are a compact way to get an up-close view of your face and hair.

A frameless or etched mirror can give you an Art Deco or modern look.

Framed mirrors can give a more traditional, classical look to the room. Frames can be of any width, simple or ornate. You can find plain wood and metal frames, or more lavish craved and painted ones. If you have already have a frame you love, why not find the mirror glass to mount in it? Buying the mirror glass to place into any standard size frame is usually inexpensive and not difficult to do, allowing you to have a custom piece in your bath for a fraction of the usual cost.

Mirrors are a timeless decorating accessory. Whether etched, painted, framed or frameless, a mirror in the bath not only visually expands the room, but can continue to belong with any other accessories as your personal style evolves. No matter what colors or themes you use in your bathroom, one or more mirrors will always be a fabulous finishing touch in your bathroom.

Written by James Chapman, a director of Bella Bathrooms who supply Bathroom Mirrors for the UK market.

Bella Bathrooms is an online retailer formed by 2 plumbers from the North East of England. Having hands on experience of custom bathroom installation and products has enabled Bella Bathrooms Ltd to only select quality bathroom products for their online shop. They sell bathroom furniture, bathroom suites, showers and bath related products for consumers through the United Kingdom.

How to Replace your Broken Oven Element

The oven element in your electric range can burn out at any time. Unfortunately it always seems to happen at the most inopportune times, such as the week before Christmas or Thanksgiving.

Most elements do give warnings before burning out. They will often have a bright spot that will be noticed by the homeowner, just prior to burning out. If your element has a bright spot replace it as soon as possible. Waiting for the element to burn out is inadvisable because the oven thermostat or other electric components can be affected.

In all aspects of this job safety must come first. Use only the manufacturers original parts, not a cheaper substitute. Only attempt this repair when you have enough time, and patience, to do it properly. Remember, you will be dealing with 240 volts - thats twice as much power as flows through your regular household circuits. Only attempt this repair with another adult present.

If you feel confident in your ability to safely replace an oven element then try the following method:

1 Disconnect range from electrical power, either by unplugging or turning off breakers. Pull range away from wall so all sides can be accessed.

2 Remove rear panel of range to expose the element wiring. Identify which element you suspect being burnt out.

3 Carefully remove the element wiring. They are usually screwed on connections. Avoid breaking the connections or stripping the screw head with your screwdriver.

4 Go to the front of the range. Locate the screws securing the element within the oven cavity. This may require a flashlight because they are usually covered in debris. Again use caution not to harm the screw heads. The screws may be very tight and will require patience to remove without harming. If the screws will not turn they will have to be drilled out using a high-speed drill. If this becomes necessary use caution not to chip the oven interior.

5 Remove the oven element. If its broken avoid touching the pieces with your bare hands. The pieces can be very sharp. Plus, the white powdered insulation contains harmful chemicals.

6 Proceed to a parts store to obtain a replacement. Make certain you have your make, model, and serial number. Manufacturers use a vast variety of elements. Each model, type, configuration, and wattage requirements will determine which element was installed in your range.

7 Install the new element and secure it with the screws. If the holes in the mounting plate dont align you will have to drill holes in the cabinet interior. Carefully drill holes in the cabinet using a high-speed drill. Use caution not to let drill slip to avoid damaging or chipping the interior liner.

8 From the rear of the range reconnect the element wiring. Dont bent the electrical connections or allow the screws to strip the threads. If the wiring is burnt the insulation must be cut back to expose undamaged wire. Cut the insulation back using a knife or wire-stripping tool.

9 With the new element installed plug the range back into the electricity. Start the oven and allow to run for five minutes. Disconnect the electricity and quickly feel the wiring insulation at the element connections. They should feel slightly warm, but not hot. A hot connection indicates a poor connection, or the possible failure of other components associated with the oven. If hot, it will be necessary to remove it and redo. Once satisfied with connections replace the rear panel and reinstall into counter.

10 Test the oven operation. All elements should go off and on as per normal.

11 Final step is to do a test run of the oven temperature. If you have an oven thermometer allow the oven to cycle off three or four times at a regular baking temperature. The thermometer should indicate same temperature at which the oven dial is set. As a confirmation bake something such as muffins or cookies as your test substance.

As the preceding has shown, replacing a burnt element is not a difficult repair. But, it is certainly one that should only be attempted by someone who is confident around electricity. If you are uncertain about your ability around high voltage, telephone an appliance repairperson for help.

An appliance repairperson can have your element replaced, tested, and operating in less than an hour. Less time than it will take you to find the part. Also, they will have all the tools and testers required to do the job quickly and safely.

Copyright 2006 Donald Grummett. All rights reserved. Need answers about repairs and maintenance of Household Appliances? With 35 years experience Donald Grummett can help. Visit http://www.mgservices.ca to learn much more invaluable information.

Making Space in the Bathroom

Bathroom design has gained considerable appeal in recent years. In the past the bathroom served only for personal hygiene. Today, many homeowners have reinvented the purpose of the bathroom. The bathroom has become not just a room to carry out personal hygiene, but also a refuge where residents can pamper themselves with a relaxing bath.

Bathroom design requires formulating a good plan. Most remodeling plans begin with a budget. Once the homeowner has determined a budget and goal of the remodel a contractor should be located in order to carry out permitted work. The goal of the contractor is to inform the homeowner and give the homeowner remodeling advice and direction.

Common issues that affect bathroom remodels are space, plumbing and lighting. Most homeowners seek to increase space by knocking down interior walls and choosing smaller fixtures and appliances. Improving space is a major consideration when homeowners are looking to add spas or hot tubs.

For today's bathroom remodel, there are a variety of styles for bathroom sinks. Unlimited sink options exist; from the standard, white porcelain, to the glass, granite, corian or ceramic freestanding basin style. Many bathroom sinks today are preformed sink and countertop combinations made of cultured marble. These are cost-effective and a great way to spruce up any bathroom. With one purchase, you can resolve your sink and countertop design. Owners should get creative and shop around for ideas.

Many owners consider a hot tub to be the ultimate bathroom improvement. Owners are recommended to explore the benefits and features of hot tub ownership. Another popular upgrade in bath tubs is the Japanese soaking tubs. They are deeper than the long shallow Western style bathtub and designed for sitting in with the water up to your shoulders. Some even include massage jets and all the other options you find in luxury lie-down bathtubs.

When it comes to bathroom remodeling, homeowners are far more interested in expressing their individuality and sense of style than they are in following current bathroom design or decorating trends. Whether you're looking for details on incorporating historical architecture, adding a luxurious texture to the wall or you just want to fresh change remember to use a licensed contractor for any remodeling requiring a permit, Sovereign Homes will meticulously design and implement a program tailored to your specific needs. From the inception of architectural and interior design to the completed project, we offer a full gamut of renovation services, undertaking projects as small as a kitchen remodel to a full scale renovation.

Drew Macdonald is an experienced Realtor(R) and rental agent from Marco Island Florida and manager of Direct Home Rentals.

House Flipping - House Ideas

You usually don't hear people talking about "hidden" costs when flipping houses, rather, you hear about how much money they made.

"And we really didn't have to do much either!", you'll hear them say.

While there are flipping jewels that do indeed fall into people's laps, the reality is that those flips are few and far between. If you're considering flipping, you certainly want to go into it with a lot of enthusiasm, but with a healthy dose of caution as well. Learning to "read" houses when inspecting them before buying will help you see more clearly what possible repairs might be needed to make the house ready for the market. Not paying attention to certain warning signs of structural problems could mean the difference of making, or losing money altogether.

If you're relatively inexperienced at flipping, or considering your first flip, pay attention to what the house is "telling you". You could go into it thinking you will make some great money, only to spend any profits on major repairs. Remember, in many flips, you are buying foreclosure property, property with tax liens against them, etc. So, understand that you are buying the property as is, warts and all.

Some major repair signs to be on the lookout for, are the following:

Leaky basement walls. It could get very expensive to waterproof a basement and make it completely dry.

Evidence of mold anywhere in the house, particularly in bathroom, kitchen, basement, and crawl spaces. This means water is coming into the house from somewhere.

A wavy roof. If you notice the roofline has a slight wave to it, it might be due to deteriorating structural support and underlayment. Also, the condition of the shingles and flashing could mean stripping away the old roof and installing a new one.

Sagging floor. Does the floor have noticeable sag to it? If so, there might be serious problems with not only deteriorating floor joists, but deeper foundation and structural support problems as well.

Strong smell of pet odor in the flooring. Not a huge expense if hardwood floors don't exist. But if there is hardwood flooring and you want it utilized, you should definitely have the floors sanded and refinished.

Weak and/or deteriorating wall structural support due to termite infestation or rotted wood framing. You can't see what's behind drywall or plaster, so the best you can do is look for water stains, bowed walls, and sagging ceilings with cracked walls as evidence.

Look for evidence of asbestos. You'll see it in the form of shingle-style exterior siding, insulating wrap for plumbing and ducts, tile flooring, and attic insulation. You will know it because of it's old, yellow-coloring and flaky, fibrous texture. Asbestos removal can be an expensive, and because of environmental concerns, you should use only experienced removal companies.

Just like asbestos, be on the lookout for lead paint as well. Removal can be potentially expensive to tackle because of the extent with which you would have to safeguard people from exposure, and the cost to replace/treat any contaminated areas.

Having this particular increased-awareness mindset makes good business sense when evaluating any piece of property. Consult with a professional such as a general contractor or realtor and have them help you assess any possible repairs and related costs. When you have all of the facts and figures in front of you, can you then make an informed decision. When you do, in fact, submit a bid, you're price will reflect any necessary repair expense.

If you're relatively new or considering entering the house flipping business for the first time, please visit http://www.House-Flipping-Helper.com for more information regarding all things house flipping and remodeling.

Drywall Repair Considerations

There are numerous reasons why someone would be looking for drywall repairs. Just today I was getting a sandwich at a local eatery and a group of teenagers were bragging about how they had just finished repairing the walls from a party that got out of hand and were hoping that their parents wouldn't notice when they returned; I wonder who will be more surprised.

Doors are notorious for having a grudge against drywall. People have been known to poke, punch or even fall through sheetrock at various stages of life. If you have decided to rent a property, you may be getting a tough education in just how many odd and sundry damages can occur to walls. Perhaps you have purchased your first home and are noticing some cracking or nail pops - check your contract, a good portion of that should be covered in your initial warranty.

Regardless of the source of the damage to your drywall, you now have to decide whether it is worth spending your time to repair these areas or if you will hire someone else to complete the task for you. Whether you are doing the repairs yourself or discussing the cost with contractors, you may find these points helpful:

1) Nothing is perfect, primarily you are creating the perception of perfection, when repairing even a small damage you will want to flare your repair area so as to get a greater surface absorbing the repair. This will help to divert the eye from inconsistencies that even the best repair can leave behind.

2) If the sheetrock is broken, heavily cracked or noticeably uneven you most likely will need to remove and re-inforce a section behind the wall board. I have found that 1"x3" pine is a great resource in providing a firm backing and plenty of room to fasten the repaired section to existing drywall. There are some re-inforced surface patching materials, but unless you are used to working with these they can be difficult to texture.

3) Hot muds (joint compounds that have a set drying time) and aerosol textures are great for smaller areas. When working with hot mud, check the label and give yourself plenty of time before the material hardens because they tend to be a little harder to tool and difficult to sand. The aerosol textures are great for small repairs as they save you from having to get your texturing equipment out and dry much faster than convential texture.

H and I Construction, LLC Oregon general contractor specializing in remodel and repair. Find out more about us and view our projects - http://www.handioregon.com

How to Choose the Perfect Power Shower For Your Bathroom

Choose the right power shower

Wake up to a great shower every day with our guide to the best shower for you

What is a power shower?

Power showers are mixer showers with an internal pump that increases the rate at which the water flows from the shower head.

Is a power shower suitable for my home?

A power shower can only be fitted to a gravity-fed, low-pressure system, usually found in older properties with a cold tank in the loft and a hot cylinder in the airing cupboard. Power showers aren't suitable if you have a combination boiler, or needed if you have a mains-fed, high pressure system.

What if I have a combination boiler?

As combination boilers heat mains-pressure water as soon as you turn the tap on, you should only need a standard mixer shower. If you want a stronger flow of water, an electric shower is a good option. This is connected to the mains supply and heats the water as it's needed, while an electric pump helps with the pressure- choose one with a high kilowatt rating to get a strong flow.

Are there any disadvantages to power showers?

They need high water volumes, so check how many litres per minute your shower delivers and make sure your water tank can cope - otherwise you run the risk of draining the system and creating an air lock. Your plumber will be able to assess this.

Does the integral pump make the power shower bulky?

Some can be concealed behind a wall with just a fixed shower head and the controls visible, so they can look very sleek. Exposed ones are easier to install and aren't too space hungry.

FEATURES TO LOOK OUT FOR

Thermostatic control:
Automatic adjustment to maintain a set temperature via the flow of the hot and cold water supplies. It will also maintain the temperature if someone turns a tap on or flushes the toilet while the shower is in use.

Eco-setting:
An option that saves water by reducing the power and using the systems natural gravity.

Easy-clean spray head:
Anti-limescale nozzles or rub-clean spray heads keep the water flow constant as they don't block up.

Choice of spray:
This gives you the option of a gentle spray for relaxation and an invigorating blast for a more stimulation shower.

Automatic shutdown:
This safety feature stops the water flow if the hot or cold supplies fail.

Height-adjustable shower-head:
Perfect if you and your partner are very different heights of if children will be using it.

Need to know
Due to the high pressure of power showers, a wet room or shower cubicle will contain the water better than a shower curtain or bath screen.

You can find more information on interior design and interior design ideas at idealhome

Drawbacks of a Gutter Guard System

Homeowners use gutter guards to prevent debris such as leaves and other particles from clogging the gutter. There are different types of products that people can choose from when purchasing from online stores. A homeowner can purchase them on online stores that sell home appliances or online superstores that retail home and other appliances.

These products should be in good condition, especially during the rainy season, to prevent rainwater from flowing down the walls of a home. One can hire specialized cleaners to do it for them if they do not know how to do it. Most companies that sell home appliances also offer cleaning services for a fee.

Copper Gutter Guards

These are the best for long term use because they do not rust and nor do they rot. Aluminum gutter guards, which are cheaper than most others, are strong. However, they rust when kept in poor conditions. During the winter season, most people experience problems with their gutters, as ice blocks the opening at the top. If a person does not get rid of them the moment they start to build up, then the water may flow over it or against the walls of a home. The freezing temperatures may cause the formation of massive ice dams, thus causing the entire system to over flood. Homeowners can avoid this by having companies install heater cables. This is a costly procedure. However, it is worth the effort and it saves a person the trouble of having to keep unclogging their gutters.

Besides the installation of heater cables, many people purchase gutter guards to prevent ice from forming at the top and falling into the system and blocking it. A homeowner needs to maintain copper gutter guards by purchasing and applying sealants on them regularly to prevent them from turning green. The green color is also called a patina. Some people like it and allow the metal to gradually turn green. Others prefer to maintain the original color and apply the sealant regularly.

Aluminum Gutter Guards

These products also have special sealants that a person may use to prevent them from rusting quite fast. Unlike the green patina, rust will materially impair the effectiveness of the aluminum. Protection and maintenance is important because it enables one to avoid incurring extra costs, which include repair costs or replacements costs. When selecting a suitable solution, one should mull over a number of things such as the circumference of the gutter, the design as well as their functional advantages.

Aluminum, by nature, can be have a natural useful life of about 10 - 15 years. This useful life will vary dramatically depending on several factors including the external environment, the galvanization used and the maintenance employed by the owner. For example, using aluminum products in a house next to the ocean that are not galvanized with some sort of corrosion-resistance coating and poorly maintained is going to have a much shortly lifespan than a zinc galvanized product located in a dry (desert) community with an owner who performs annual maintenance.

From a design perspective, not every product is suitable for every home. Homeowners should try to match gutter guards with the existing system and the type of home. For instance, homes made out of stucco match well with copper, while grey houses blend well with aluminum.

Plastic Gutter Guards

Plastic is another material used in the fabrication process. They come in various colors. Therefore, one can select one that matches their roof. Homeowners can also blend the roof with a gutter guard of a different color though the two should compliment each other. The shape of the product may make a home visually attractive or not attractive at all. This requires a person to compare their shape and that of the product in order to select a suitable piece.

In summary, there are three major types of materials that you can use for your solution, copper, aluminum and plastic. Each one has its own strengths and weaknesses.

To learn more about copper gutters, please read the following article at http://www.guttersa-z.com/Copper_Gutter.html It has information about copper gutters.

You can also find other valuable information about gutters, downspouts and more at http://www.guttersa-z.com

Internet Bath Lift Dealers and Returns

If you have someone in your household who needs a bath lift, you're probably going to find that none of your local stores carry them. Therefore, you'll have to rely on Internet dealers in order to purchase what you need. A bath lift is considered specialty equipment, and local stores just don't stock these items. As with all Internet purchases, the biggest drawback is that you don't get a chance to physically check over the merchandise before you buy it.

When you start looking online you'll discover that there are a lot of differences between bath lifts. Each model is going to have its own mode of operation, because some of them operate by such varied methods as hand cranks, rechargeable batteries, or water pressure. Not all of them will have the same durability, size, and quality. You can only learn how well a certain model will fit in your bathroom and meet your needs by taking it home and trying it.

Most people are under the impression that there is a standard size for bathtubs; however, this is untrue. The depth of a regular bathtub can range anywhere from thirteen to sixteen inches, and the length of a tub will vary somewhere between four and five feet. Obviously, purchasing a large lift for a small tub won't work. The height of the individual using the lift will also make a difference when it comes to choosing the correct model. You might also find yourself getting a lift that is much too complicated to be installed and run easily.

No matter where you end up shopping for your bath lift, always check the store's return policy before you buy. All return policies are different and established at the discretion of the dealer. You'll find some dealers who refuse bath lift returns altogether. They may make a statement such as "The manufacturer will not accept returns on this product for sanitary reasons", or "Due to hygiene issues, any products which have been used in a bathroom are non-returnable." They may even tell you that federal law won't let them accept bath lift returns even though, in reality, there are no federal regulations about them at all.

Other dealers will allow you to return a lift as long as it hasn't been used in the water and provided you put it back in the original packaging. This policy allows you to take the unit home for a dry run before making the decision to buy. If you decide to return it, however, you will probably be charged a restocking fee.

If you order by phone, never take the salesperson's word about the company's return policy. Insist that they send you something in writing before ordering from that company.

When your lift arrives at your house, make sure that you test it out right away. As long as it works the way you want it to without water, it will work fine with the water, too, and if it works when you're wearing all of your clothes, it will also work when you take them off.

If you decide that you need to return the lift, give the dealer a call to request a return number. Put the lift back into the packaging it came in, and send it back to the company's address. If you're working with a quality business, the dealer will look over the item you've returned and issue you a quick refund. Hopefully, though, the lift you get will work so well that you'll want to keep and enjoy it for a long time to come.

For more tips on bathtub surrounds including a review of Japanese bath tubs, visit http://www.betterbathtub.com

Log Home Preservation Methods - Borate Wood Preservatives

Log Home BorateTreatments - the options and how and when to use!

One of the most important ways to protect your investment, your home, is to use a wood preservative on your logs. There are only two times that you can effectively use these products on your logs. When the home is built, before it is stained, or after cob blasting a finish off of your logs, before you re-stain. The wood preservative must be applied to raw wood, so it can soak in and dry underneath the stain.

All wood faces the possibility of rot and insect infestation, even in dry climates. Fungi and insects actually consume the cells of dead wood, often causing severe structural damage that often requires log replacement-a costly repair. We use Penetreat to help protect your home from costly damage of rot and insect infestation. Penetreat is a borate based wood preservative. Borates are well known across the world for their protective qualities. Penetreat provides a protective "shell" coating which helps defend your home against dry, wet, and brown rot, as well as termites, house borers, powder post beetles, and carpenter ants, (to name a few).

Borate is not toxic to people and animals. It will not harm you or your pets. Borates do not affect the natural color or strength of wood. They are completely odorless, and are not corrosive to metal fasteners, nails or screws. When a "Penetreat" home is properly sealed against moisture, the borates can provide many years of effective protective.

Impel Rods are a highly concentrated solid form, water diffusible borate rod. They are ideal for both preventative treatments of high risk areas and remedial treatments in areas with existing decay. Because Impel Rods stop decay when properly used, there is no need to replace decay damaged, yet structurally sound logs! Decay prone and rot hot spot areas at greatest risk include: base logs, corner construction, exposed rafters or overhangs, and below windows, doors, and dormers.

Impel Rods depend on moisture to work. When moisture contents of wood reach levels suitable for decay attack, i.e. (around 25 percent) Impel Rods slowly dissolve and begin to diffuse throughout the moisture saturated wood. The preservative will migrate into the areas of highest moisture, which are at the highest risk from fungal decay. The diffused Impel Rod will adequately and effectively prevent the wood from rotting and decaying because it will not allow the fungus that causes rot to grow. When moisture levels drop below 25 percent, the preservative becomes dormant and provides a reserve, ready to reactivate should decay conducive conditions reoccur. We feel that Impel Rods are an essential part of the protection of your log home, and include them as part of our prevention and restoration system.

We hope this article has been helpful and look forward to giving you much more information in future articles to help you preserve your log home dream!

Jamie Fonder

Top-Coat Log Home Restoration LLC

http://topcoatloghomerestoration.com/

The Pet Safe Kitchen

Do you know what dangers lie under your kitchen sink? Many of us are unaware that we have a virtual toxic waste dump in our kitchen. So many of the soaps, detergents and cleaners that we use on a day-to-day basis present a serious danger to our dogs, cats and other furry friends (not to mention yourself).

Eighty-one Thousand (81,000) chemicals have been registered with the EPA in the last 30 years, and fewer than 20% have been tested for toxicity! EPA studies indicate that elevated concentration of household chemicals persist in the air. Long-term exposure to chemicals inside our homes may be harmful to our families and our pets.

Has your dog ever tried to lick the dishes after you've rinsed them with liquid soap and water? Does your cat peak into the washing machine while your loading it or curl up on the wash fresh out of the dryer? Several years ago we had a cat that loved to jump into the tub right after we cleaned it and he would try to drink the water left in the tub (we would always shoo him out before he got the chance). The behavior of our furry friends, while often cute and endearing, can very often be dangerous to their well being. Many common household cleaning products contain chemicals which are dangerous to you, your family and your pet. Some things you can easily watch out for:

1. To protect your pet you should avoid sodium hydroxide, commonly known as lye. Found in dish-washing liquids, laundry products, oven cleaner, scouring products, and tub & tile cleaners, sodium hydroxide is immediately irritating to the respiratory tract if inhaled. Contact can cause severe damage to the eyes, skin, mouth, and throat. It can cause liver and kidney damage as well.

2. Have you ever sprayed air freshener around the litter box or caught your pet drinking from the toilet bowl? Both can be dangerous to your pet. Hydrochloric acid is often found in odor eliminators and toilet bowl cleaners. Hydrochloric acid can cause severe damage to skin. It can be harmful to health, just by breathing the fumes. If swallowed hydrochloric acid can be fatal.

3. Many all-purpose cleaners, cleaning wipes, de-greasers, floor polish, rug shampoos, toilet bowl cleaners, tub and tile cleaners, and window cleaners contain butyl cellosolve. It can cause irritation and tissue damage from inhalation. Butyl cellosolve is so hazardous a person who spends just 15 minutes cleaning scale off shower walls could inhale three times the acute exposure limit. Imagine what harm it can do to your beloved pet.

According to The Encyclopedia of Natural Pet Care by C. J. Puotinen, accidental exposure to toxic chemicals is the leading cause of death for America's dogs, cats and other pets (pg 323).

The Pet Poison Helpline (800-213-6680) recommends you keep pets away from cleaning products. Shut them out of the room while spraying bathroom cleansers, etc. They also suggest you close toilet lids to keep pets from drinking the water. This is very important if you choose to use automatic chemical tank or bowl treatments.

To protect your pet you may wish to start using "Green" products. Sloan Barnett, in her book Green Goes With Everything, suggests that "A green product is one that won't harm you, your children, your pets, or the environment inside the house or outside where your waste goes. And it won't hang around like an unwanted guest after you use it - on floors, carpets, counters, clothes, and so forth."

One of the most effective and well known "Green" product lines is Shaklee's Get Clean. It has been featured on the Oprah Show and on Rachel Rae. Get Clean products are nontoxic, natural and never tested on animals. According to Rachel Rae the products in the Get Clean starter kit "provide you with a combination of really great cleaning power but also they're non-toxic, they are economic, and they are safe for you, your home, and most importantly, the planet."

No matter how hard you try, it is still possible that your beloved pet comes in contact with something dangerous to her health. That is why the American Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) recommends pet owners keep a "Pet First Aid Kit" that includes:

- Fresh bottle of hydrogen peroxide, 3 percent USP (to induce vomiting)

- Turkey baster, bulb syringe or large medicine syringe (to administer peroxide)

- Saline eye solution

- Artificial tear gel (to lubricate eyes after flushing)

- Mild grease-cutting dish-washing liquid (for bathing an animal after skin contamination)

- Forceps (to remove stingers)

- Muzzle (to protect against fear- or excitement-induced biting)

- Can of your pet's favorite wet food

- Pet carrier

The ASPCA recommends you always consult a veterinarian or the Animal Poison Control Center (APCC) for directions on how and when to use any emergency first-aid item. We also suggest that you keep the telephone number of the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center-(888) 426-4435-as well as that of your local veterinarian in a prominent location. More information is available on the ASPCA web site, aspca.org.

The Pet Poison Helpline handles some 100,000 cases of pet poisoning each year. They have compiled a "Poison Proof Your Home" list. It includes items like:

Identify your plants. Are they toxic to pets?

Keep medications safely locked up behind cupboard doors. Do not leave them on counter tops or tables. This includes inhalers, dietary aids, dietary supplements or neutraceuticals!

Keep home fragrance products beyond their reach.

Keep rodenticides far away from a pet's access. Keep in mind that rodents can transfer the toxins to accessible locations. Certain rodenticide products do not have treatment antidotes.

Know what a product's active ingredient is and potential toxicity for pets.

Do not spray aerosols or use any heavily fragranced products (including plug-in products) around caged birds or other caged pets.

Never medicate your pets with human products without first speaking to a veterinary professional!

Keep open dishes of potpourri (liquid or dry form) out of reach.

Do not use insecticides around your pet without knowing their toxicological profile. Read labels and use products only as recommended.

Keep garbage behind closed doors.

Do not allow batteries of any type lying around. Dogs enjoy chewing on them which can result in serious harm if ingested.

(The complete list may be found at petpoisonhelpline.com).

Finally, remember there are a number of food products that are toxic to your pet. Products such as chocolate, chewing gum, raisins, grapes, macadamia nuts, onions, or garlic should never be left somewhere that your pet may be tempted to take a taste test. Often kitchens may contain many toxins to pets such as cigarette and other nicotine products, coffee grounds, alcoholic beverages, moldy dairy products, & chicken bones. Keep these items in closed cabinets, closed refrigerators or in closed trash containers, away from the reach of our curious little friends.

Have the phone number for your veterinarian easily accessible. It's also a good idea to keep the local pet poison control hot-line with your emergency phone numbers.

Our pets can provide years of affection and companionship. Take a few minutes today to make your home environment one that is safer for your pet. In the long run you will benefit in so many ways.

Wendy Re Boyd is the owner and president of Greener Living, an eco-consulting firm, located on Cape Cod, Massachusetts. Greener Living helps families have greener, safer and healthier homes. Wendy is also a Shaklee Independent Distributor. She and her husband, Keats, together with their children, their Golden Retriever, rabbit and two cats reside on Cape Cod. You can learn more about Get Clean by calling (508) 428-6154 or by visiting http://www.Go-ing-Green.com or http://www.ilovegreenerliving.com.

It's Time to Remodel Your Bathroom! Do You Know What to Do?

How can you tell when the time is right to do a makeover on your bathroom? It's probably a job you've been putting off while, telling yourself that it really doesn't look all that bad. After all, the toilet works most of the time, and only a little of the grout is gone from between the tiles, and there's just a little rust that you can't get out of the bathtub, and... Wait a minute! I'd say it's time for a makeover. What do you think? Take a good look around and see what other little things you can find that are signaling you that now's the time:

Start by looking at all the little details you might have been ignoring. Are your porcelain fixtures looking a bit yellow? Maybe there's a ceiling tile missing from the renovation of 1974. If you have wallpaper, is it starting to curl up a bit on the edges? None of these problems in itself is a world-stopper, but they are still the clues you need to motivate you to get busy remodeling.

If your bathroom still looks like something out of the '70s, that's another clue. Look for the 1" wall tiles, stained vinyl flooring, and the colors that will date your room on their own: harvest gold, avocado green, and bright oranges. If this is what you're seeing, it's definitely time you did something about it.

A good time to remodel is when you've decided to sell your house. A nice bathroom is a real selling point for most people and can even raise the value of your home. You know for yourself, from being in some yucky public restrooms that no one likes a crummy bathroom, so spruce yours up a bit, and you'll have a hit on your hands.

It may be that you don't want to completely remodel everything in the bathroom. Maybe you're only interested in making it look better without the effort and expense of an extensive makeover. One way to do this is by changing the accessories in the room. If your bathroom is too far gone, this won't work, but if the room is just looking tired and dreary, new accessories can make a world of difference. You might get new fixtures, some fluffy towels, soft cozy rugs, or bright shower and window curtains. By adding these new things, you'll probably be amazed at how much nicer your old bathroom looks.

For the major overhauls, you might want to hire a bathroom contractor. I know they cost money, but unless you're a better plumber than I am, you will find it money well spent. You don't have to hire a contractor to do the whole room, but it would be good for any plumbing and fixture installation you want to do. Have you ever lifted a porcelain bathtub? Believe me, a contractor comes in mighty handy for that kind of work. Find someone who comes with a lot of experience. He'll have been in hundreds of bathrooms and will be able to give you design tips that he's seen elsewhere. He'll also be able to help you maximize your available space.

Hopefully you've now realized some of the benefits that will be yours if you do decide on a bathroom remodel. It doesn't matter what type of makeover you decide to do, you'll love the improvements you can make. You can completely change the look of your bathroom with a little effort and a few new accessories. How about getting started right away?

Find answers to questions like how to install a bathtub, where can I find bathroom accessory ideas? Visit us today!

Personal Improvement

Some people just always seem to win. No matter what they touch, it always seems to turn into gold. Are you that person? If not, you might be the one who is aspiring to be that person. Why do certain people seem to do great at everything while others struggle just to get by?

There are several key factors that go into becoming successful. Any person can become successful regardless of age, location, or their current financial condition. You can always get better than where you are if you focus on self-improvement. People who always seem to win always have great attitudes. Think back on your life and pick out the people who always win. I would be willing to bet that the vast majority of them had a great attitude. They are the people that you always like to be around. They are the ones that make everyone around them feel better.

The key ingredient to this winner's attitude is expectancy. These people actually expect to win and they live their lives accordingly. Losers tend to sit around and make fun of the winners. They complain about circumstances while winners believe that circumstances are made.

Besides having a winning attitude, those that are successful inevitably set goals. Goal setting is essential to achieving what you want in life. If you play football on an unmarked field, the battle will be a pointless one. Why would you run through life without an end zone to work towards? Everyone needs something to work for.

Once you decide exactly what you want, you need to break your goals down. Break them into long-term goals and short-term goals. This means that you need to break the bigger ones down into little achievable goals that you can do every day. If your goal is to make so much money per year, just figure out how much you need to make per day. Then work every day to earn that amount of money.

Once you have these long-term goals and short-term goals figured out, you also need to write them down. Putting these goals on paper is a big step in the process. There is something about getting them on paper that makes them concrete in your mind. Then you will know exactly what you're working towards at all times. If you don't have a concrete goal, you'll probably forget about it and move on. You'll get sidetracked with all that life can throw at you. Only about 3% of people actually claim to have written goals. This means that once you write your goals down, you are ahead of 97% of the population. This is before you even achieve a single goal.

With these two aspects improving in your life, self-improvement will be easy. Once you've mastered a winning attitude and set your goals, you're well on your way to success. Just put any notions of failure out of your mind completely and move ahead. You will start to win at every single thing that you do.

Barbie Figueora is an Expert Internet Network Marketer who has adapted the secret of the "Top Producers" Do you want to know what they are? Go to http://successstartsinthemind.info

Build Your Business Online in a Just a FEW Profitable Steps: http://www.mlmsuperfunnel.com

Planning Your Bathroom Remodel Budget - Home Improvement Ideas

As a bathroom remodeling contractor, I get calls from people, that have no idea what they want or how much anything is going to cost. Here's some simple tips that can be very helpful when planning a bathroom remodel budget.

Bathroom Remodeling Investment

In 2008, the average mid-range bathroom cost around $16,000 and you could recoup around $12,000 of your original investment upon the sale of your home. According to a popular remodeling magazine, larger bathrooms using expensive fixtures, tile, bathtubs, woodworking, toilets and showers had an average of $52,000. Upon the sale of a home, you could recoup around $36,000 of your original investment.

Finding out How Much Things Cost

My first suggestion, would be to visit your local home improvement center, lumber yard or plumbing supply warehouse. Larger stores like Home Depot and Lowe's, seemed to provide you with value pricing but don't have a large selection. While doing some research on the Internet I noticed that some of their pricing is outrageously, outrageous. Some plumbing supply warehouses can provide value but beware others won't.

Create a List of Bathroom Remodeling Parts

You can get a good idea of your bathroom remodel costs for your budget by making a list of bathroom parts with pricing and then adding them up for a grand total. If you're a total bathroom remodel budget is $15,000 and you have a $6,000 bathtub with $4000 worth of tile, you could have a budget problem.

Figuring out the Labor

You will have to contact a contractor to get an actual cost for the labor. Sometimes you can double the cost of your bathroom remodeling parts to get a rough idea. If you have a list or a couple of lists and a few pictures of some sample bathrooms, this will make the contractor's job easier and often they can give you a labor price within a few days.

Give Yourself a Cushion

I would suggest leaving yourself a small financial cushion for any additional remodeling items. For example, you could see a different toilet, or instead of painting the walls, you now choose to wallpaper, you could incur additional expenses that you haven't planned for. If you know exactly what you want and stick to the original bathroom remodeling plan, you shouldn't need the cushion.

Financial problems often transfer into construction problems, so spend some time figuring out, how much money you want to spend on the bathroom remodel and try not to go overboard on the budget. I hate to see homeowners struggling with home improvement loan payments. Try to create a bathroom remodeling budget that is realistic and will not create a financial burden upon you or your family.

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 bathroom remodeling or home building ideas.

Putting Together Basement Bathroom Plans

If you're thinking about adding a bathroom to your basement, there are a few things you'll need to think about. Without the right plans, you may have trouble getting the room put together and all fixtures correctly installed. Fortunately, all you need to do is think ahead and pay attention to what you can do and what you expect out of your new room. Basement bathroom plans may seem complex, but they don't have to be. Here are a few things to think about when you're deciding how to put your bathroom together.

Will you be adding a full bath or half bath? This will make a big difference in the amount of space you need and how you finish the room. A shower or tub will improve your basement bathroom's functionality, but it'll also take up more space and be more difficult to install. Remember to think about whether or not your basement is comfortable for bathing - many below ground spaces feel cold, and aren't a pleasant place to shower. If you want to include a shower or bath in a chilly basement, you may need to invest in heating.

You'll also have to think about the type of toilet you'll be using in your basement bathroom plans. An above floor plumbing system with a macerator is one method that's relatively easy and requires no digging up of the floor. The down side of this type is that it's more costly. Sewage ejectors are also used to remove waste water from a basement bathroom. These are less expensive, but may require you to excavate space in the floor. Decide which is best, based on your needs, budget, and what you expect out of your bathroom.

You're going to need to think about the size of fixtures and the amount of space needed to comfortably move around in the basement bathroom. Before settling on the fixtures and spaces you're thinking about in your basement bathroom plans, you may want to snap chalk lines in the area you'd like to use and see if it looks like you have enough space. After all, no one wants to create a basement space that's cramped and claustrophobic.

To prevent that cave like feeling that's common in basement rooms, lighting and mirrors are a good choice. You can install ambient lighting and use wall mirrors to make the space in your basement bathroom seem much larger. Just don't use lights that are too bright or badly positioned - glare and too much light aren't any more pleasant than too little. You want your basement bathroom to feel inviting and pleasant to be in. Your plans should reflect that fact. Basement bathroom plans shouldn't just stop at the fixtures and plumbing - include paint, flooring, and other finishing features to help you create the perfect room.

If you spend a little time thinking and researching, your basement bathroom plans will be accurate and you'll have no trouble coming in under budget. You'll get a great new addition to your home that gives you more value and functionality, making the basement a pleasant place to be. Many people want to add to their useful basement space, and a bathroom installation is the perfect way to do it. Get started planning your new basement bathroom today.

Thomas Johnsen is the Author and Leading Expert on Basement Bathroom Plans and the creator of the publication Basement Bathroom Plans. Visit the site now to find the easy-to-understand step-by-step guides on basement bathroom construction available online today.

Wood Finishing - How Can Stains Be Removed From Logs and Wood

During and after construction logs can become stained from rain hitting the logs and leaving water spots as well as having black stains develop from water hitting the nails, spikes or lag screws used in construction and leaving unsightly black stains on the logs and other wood. This can be easily removed by using several methods:

• Oxalic Acid For black nail stains you can use oxalic acid and water. A cup of oxalic acid in a gallon of warm water is the best mixture for normal stains. If you have a few stains, just rub the solution on with a soft rag and presto..they are gone. If you have a lot of stains or want to brighten up the logs prior to staining the house, you can use a hand, pump sprayer for the job. This solution is poison so keep away from any living thing. Also use eye protection and a face mask to filter out any of the chemicals. This chemical can be obtained at most home centers and goes by the name of "wood bleach".
• Bleach and Water Another way to brighten up and clean up logs or deck prior to finishing is to use a mixture of half house hold bleach and half water. This can be sprayed on with a hand held pump sprayer and worked in with a brush on tough spots. Never ever try to make your own super stain remover and mix oxalic acid (wood bleach) and house hold bleach together. This will give off a tremendous volume of noxious fumes that can be damaging to your lungs.
• Sodium Percarbonate (CPR) CPR is used to clean and brighten uncoated wood that is dirty, faded or gray from UV exposure. Mix CPR to the brightening solution strength for use on new construction just prior to staining to remove dirt and grime from logs during the building process and to break down mill glaze. Mixed at the log cleaning solution strengthuse for periodic cleaning of stained logs to extend the life of your stain. It can be applied eaisly by using a garden sprayer.
• Phosphoric Acid Phosphoric Acid is a liquid concentrate for cleaning log and wood surfaces. It commonly goes by the name Log Wash. It can be used as maintenance cleaner or to prepare the surface of wood for a new coat of stain or topcoat. The exterior surfaces of a log home are a settling ground for dust, pollen and other airborne contaminants that dull the surface and encourage mold growth. A light cleaning once or twice a year will keep a home looking beautiful and helps prolong the life of the exterior wood finish. For preparing the surface of bare or finished wood or for a new coat of stain or topcoat, Log Wash removes dirt, grime, pollen and surface mold and mildew without harming the wood or the finish. As opposed to bleach solutions, Log Wash does not upset the natural pH balance of the wood, thus preventing wood fiber damage and iron tannate stains. It can be applied easily by using a garden sprayer.

For more information about replacing rotten logs, chinking material, stain log cabin kits and everything else related to the log home industry contact Clyde at http://www.Westernloghomesupply.com or call 719-547-2135.

We are a distributor of log home chinking, cabin caulking, log stains, wood finishes, knotty pine log cabin siding, replacement house logs & complete log home kits.

Shampoo Dispensers - A Quicker and Convenient Way to Use Shampoo

Squeezing out shampoo from the bottle can be annoying and can take a long time especially if there is only a few of it left at the very bottom. Furthermore, having too many bottles in your shower or bath area can give it a more cluttered look making your bath time more stressful instead of relaxing. Shampoo bottles can also contribute to more environmental problems when you dispose of them so as a solution to all those problems, you can start using shampoo dispensers instead.

It's like a liquid soap dispenser

A shampoo dispenser is used for holding shampoo but you can also use it for dispensing conditioner. Usually made up of one or more containers, shampoo dispensers have a nozzle for releasing the shampoo when you press the button or the pump. They may resemble liquid soap dispensers except that they contain shampoo and conditioner.

The most common types of dispensers for shampoos include those that you can mount on walls and those that you can set on your bathroom counter, the shower area, or bathtub. Wall-mounted variants are permanent and stable for easier access to shampoo and they are activated with buttons at the top or at the bottom. On the other hand, counter dispensers look like bottles of liquid soap dispensers but they can be moved or transported. They have nozzles on top and utilizes the pump mechanism to dispense the shampoo.

A buying tip: can you see the shampoo?

Shampoo dispensers provide you with a more convenient and quicker way to gain access to your favorite shampoo when washing your hair. You want to go for a dispenser that allows you to see what's inside. Choose a semi-transparent or a fully transparent one so you can easily determine when it is time for a refill just by looking at the contents.

Important information

Complete information on shampoo dispensers is available at PickyGuide, the authority in free consumer advice. Access top-ranked, best-reviewed, and most competitively priced shampoo dispensers in PickyGuide's recommended products section.

Composite Decks - Why They Get Dirty and How to Clean Them

Composite decks were supposed to be maintenance free and last forever, that's why everybody spent the extra money on composite decking instead of a traditional wood deck.

Now it seems that we been "had" , they do get dirty, mold spots show up all over the deck like a case of the measles and anything that drips or spills on the deck, like sun tan lotion, grease, food, food condiments, etc leaves a stain that doesn't wipe off.

What is composite decking? Composite decking is nothing more than compressed wood pulp (saw dust) which is usually mixed with recycled plastic to give it some stability.

How can it get so dirty? Mold needs an organic food source to survive and the wood pulp serves that purpose, so mold will grow on composite decking just as it would on a wood deck. If you have ever seen how cardboard absorbs a drip of oil, you will understand how composite decking absorbs spills, it goes in beneath the surface but still it is visible and that is what makes cleaning tough.

Sodium percarbonate based cleaners are highly effective because when mixed with water they created a bubbling action much like "alka-seltzer" and when applied to composite decking these bubbles will actually dissolve and lift any organic material to the surface which can be easily cleaned off.

Cleaning is simple, apply the mixture to the affected area of the deck, allow it 15 minutes to penetrate and to start breaking up the stains, while the area is still wet take a deck scrub brush and in circular motions scrub the spots out, when cleaning is complete rinse the area well with water. A pressure washer may be substituted for the scrub brush, but light pressure, max 1,000 psi, is all that is needed.

The key, when cleaning is to clean small sections at a time and always keep that area wet with the mixture while scrubbing, if the area dries before the cleaning is complete the organic matter could settle back below the surface and the process would have to begin again.

Sodium percarbonate is also a great product to use to prevent mold, simply apply a coat to your deck in the spring and fall and this will break up and dissolve any organic matter that is starting to make your deck it' new home and food source.

Not all Sodium percarbonate based products are made of the same quality ingredients, strengths vary from 10 to 90% and there are additives necessary to take the sodium percarbonate mixture below the surface of the composite decking, without these additives the sodium percarbonate will only clean what sits on the top of the decking. The right formulation will be the difference in how clean your deck will come out.

John Redihan is the owner of Wash Safe Industries of Harwich, Massachusetts. Wash Safe Industries manufactures environmentally safe cleaning products, such as Composite Deck Wash and provides exterior "green" cleaning services. http://wash-safe.com/

Vessel Sink Vanities - Chic Bathroom Vanity Sinks

Elegant and chic, vessel sink vanities and faucets are becoming popular with homeowners who want to add an artistic quality to their bathroom design. It is a sink that rests on a countertop or on top of a piece of furniture. This article is not just going to tell you about all of the different kinds of vessel sinks but it will tell you how to install them as well.

They come in two major styles, on vanity counter tops or stand alone. As previously stated a vessel sink, is basically a sink, usually in the shape of a bowl but not always, that simply sits on top of another surface. While there are some sinks that sit inside the bathroom counter top that are billed as vessel sinks, these are probably not what you are looking for. Whether you have your eye on the sink vanities, the bathroom vessels or the bathroom cabinet sinks, chances are that you will choose one because it is eye catchingly different from your traditional bathroom sink.

Now you can beautifully display your distinctive style in a much more dramatic way than a simple sink, that is a basic basin, just sitting there inside the bathroom counter. You should have no problem finding one to match your decorating ideas with the wealth of vessel sink styles to choose from. In fact, there are as many different styles, shapes and colors to choose from as there are people's personalities.

No longer is white porcelain your only bathroom sink choice. You will be able to choose from, almost any color imaginable and from a variety of materials as well as shapes and textures. For example you can choose from glass (the most popular choice); stone including marble, granite, onyx, travertine, soapstone and many others; copper and even wood. Of course for those that are not so daring there are simple white porcelain and ceramic vessel sinks available. Your vessel sink faucet choices are numerous as well and will be the finishing touch to the look you aim to achieve.

Whether you are looking for a sink for the bathroom and want to add a vanity sink to your bedroom (if that is possible) there are plenty of online catalogs to look through to help you make your choice. The vessel sinks for the bathroom are sometimes just a basin that is made to sit on top of your existing countertop (which will have to be remodeled when you take out the old sink) and sometimes they are a freestanding bathroom cabinet sink.

As for the installation of vessel sink vanities, like the installation of any other sink this can be a complicated undertaking. Professional installation is advised but not required. There are several websites dedicated to the step by step instructions for do-it-yourself vessel sink installation, but our suggestion is to follow the instructions given to you by the sink manufacturer. Remember, installing a sink is not simply the building of the countertop and the attachment of the sink basin, there is plumbing involved.

Vessel sinks offer far more personality than the sinks that come already installed (in the event that you did not build your house yourself). Do a little research, you will find a wealth of prices, photos and styles with just a click of the mouse online or you can go to your local bathroom design store. In the end vessel sink vanities in your home will show off your your unique personal style in a elegant or chic manner.

Get more in depth vanity and bathroom sink ideas and information go to Custom Bathroom Vanity Cabinets.

Also go to http://Countertops-And-Cabinets.Com which is dedicated to providing quality information on bathroom, vanity and kitchen countertops and cabinets.

Bathroom Remodeling Made Easy

Ok, you have made the decision: Your bathroom is in need of a face lift! The next question is "Where Do I Start"? This very simple question creates the basis for your project.

This article provides a "road map" to help you make sure your bathroom remodel is a success. By careful planning, you will save money, time and (more importantly) grief and frustration. The following issues should be determined before hiring a contractor. This way (if you are getting multiple estimates) you will have "apples for apples" estimates as each contractor will know exactly what they are bidding on.

There are numerous decisions to be made when remodeling your bathroom. These decisions will not only determine the cost of the project, but will have direct a impact on the success (or failure) of the final product. It is crucial that you spend sufficient time addressing theses issues prior to commencing work. As with any home renovation, the key is in the planning.

One of the best ways to begin planning is to draw up a simple floor plan of the bathroom space, including the size of each wall. From here, you can begin to put the pieces of the puzzle together.

Here are some basic questions you need to ask yourself:

What is your proposed budget? If you can answer this question first, the material selection process will be much easier. Case in point: Tile (material only) is priced anywhere from $1.50 to $30.00 per square foot! Considering an average tub enclosure is around 80 sq.ft., just the price difference in tile selection can change the cost of the project by thousands of dollars.
Are you keeping the same configuration of the bathroom as the existing layout? When moving walls or changing the layout requires framing, electrical, plumbing and drywall work. Replacing existing components (without relocation) is the most cost effective way to remodel your bathroom.
Tub or Shower: Are you replacing the tub? Or are you converting the tub into a shower? When converting a tub into a shower, additional costs incurred will be in re-locating the plumbing drain, shower valve, building and sealing the shower pan among other things.
Shower or Tub Enclosure: Do you want a tile or fiberglass enclosure? If it is a shower; do you want a fiberglass shower pan or tile. Prefab fiberglass units are (of course) more cost effective than tile however tile is much more aesthetically appealing.
Tile Selection: Stone, tile (ceramic or porcelain), marble? Same tile for floor and enclosure? Any decorative tile additions? Shampoo nooks? Shower seat? Material and color choices are almost as infinite as the price points.
Floor Covering: Using same material as tub/shower enclosure? Wood or tile base board? Wood base is more cost effective, however tile has a much classier look.
Wall Covering: Paint, wallpaper, tile or a combination?
Vanity Cabinet: Type of wood? Painted or stained? Low profile (31 1/2" height) or regular (34 1/2" height)? Master baths usually have the 34 1/2" height while hallway or secondary bathrooms typically use the low profile cabinets.
Vanity Top: Granite, tile, prefab unit?
Sink: Surface mount or undermount?
Toilet: Round or elongated? White or special color? Prices change dramatically for "designer" toilets and even the color choice can change the cost for the fixture.
Lighting: Wall mount or recessed lighting? Re-locating lighting (requiring electrical and drywall work)? Installing or replacing exhaust fan? Keeping fixtures in the same location will (of course) save you money.
Shower or Tub Door: Same configuration as existing (sliding or hinged)? Again, choices of doors "run the gamut" with regard to pricing.
Replacing a Window? Retrofit or standard replacement (standard window replacement involves stucco/siding and drywall repair)?
Bathroom Door: Replacing the existing bathroom door? Same style? Paint or stained? Hollow core or solid core? Pre-hung or replace door use existing door jamb?
Hardware: Style and finishes for shower door, vanity cabinet knobs, sink faucet, towel bars? Pricing for fixtures changes dramatically when it comes to design and material choices.

Below are some basic space guidelines provided by the National Kitchen and Bath Association:

Lavatory

15" (38 cm) or more of clearance space from the centerline of lavatory bowl to a wall or similar obstruction.
30" (76 cm) or more of clearance space between the centerlines of double-bowl lavatories.
At least 30" x 48" (76 cm x 122 cm) of clear floor space in front of the lavatory.
Toilet / Bidet
16" (41 cm) from the centerline of a water closet or bidet to a wall or similar obstruction, or fixture adjacent to it.
At least 48" x 48" (122 cm x 122 cm) of clear floor space in front of the water closet or bidet.

Bathtub / Shower

Shower size large enough to comfortably use, at least 34" x 34" (86.36 cm x 86.36 cm).
Tub size large enough to comfortably use.
At least 60" x 30" (152 cm x 76 cm) of clear floor space in front of shower/tub.
General Information
The bathroom entrance door swings so that it does not interfere with people in front of fixtures.
Fixtures located so that more than two people can use the space comfortably.
Water closet and bidet in separate compartments or shielded from entrance view.

Safety Requirements

Non-slip flooring used throughout the space.
Ground-fault circuit interrupter electrical receptacles used.
Electrical switches placed away from tub or shower.
Grab-bars at shower/tub entrance and inside enclosure.
Tub and/or shower easy to enter and exit.
No steps at the tub or shower.
Safety glazing on glass used for shower doors.
Shower door swings into bathroom, not into shower enclosure.
Bench/seat included in shower enclosure.
Pressure balanced water control valves used in shower.
Temperature regulating water control valves used in shower.

Storage Requirements

Adequate counter or shelf space around lavatory.
Adequate storage for grooming equipment, toiletries, linens, etc., 15" - 48" (38 cm - 122 cm) above the floor.
Towel bars /rings located within reach of fixtures.
Bathroom linen and paper product storage space provided.
Storage space for shampoo and such in the shower/tub area, between 15" to 48" (38 cm - 122 cm) above the floor.

Mechanical System Requirements

An efficient ventilation system is part of the plan.
Bathroom heating system will keep the space comfortably warm.
Task lighting provided at every functional area.

In closing, remodeling your bathroom is an exciting endeavor and one (with proper planning) which can provide you and your family with years of enjoyment; not to mention improving the value and re-sale potential of your home.

Steve Frick
Paul Davis Restoration, San Diego, CA

If this article has been helpful and you would like more information on our kitchen remodeling services, please visit our website at http://www.pdremodelingsandiego.com

For a free estimate, simply send us an e-mail at sfrick@pdr-sd.com and we will be happy to give you a free consultation. We service all of San Diego county

Things You Should Know About an Electric Shower

Are you planning to buy an electric shower, but do not know what features you need? For this reason, this article will help know the basics and features of different models of electric showers.

Electric shower is a water heater whose main principle is to apply pressure on the water. Cold water flows to the unit where it is pressurized and heated through electricity. The amount of water dispensed depends on the water pressure applied. This way electric showers are economical since you only get water as much as what is needed or consumed. This type of shower does not required hot water system as the source. It is called as instantaneous water heater because you will get hot water whenever you want it.

Pumped power shower is a type of electric shower. Such showers are connected to both hot and cold water supply i.e. mixer showers and uses electric pump to increase pressure coming out from the shower head. It uses lesser electricity than electrically heated showers.

Features of Electric Shower

Riser Rail: The riser rail is the vertical metal bar attached to the wall allowing variable height and flexibility for the shower head.

Shower head: Is the handheld spray that is attached to the riser rail. Shower head has different patterns of spray. When all the holes are opened, water sprayed is weaker than using one or two combinations of opened holes. However, using only inner holes provide high powered spray.

Power ratings: It usually varies from 8.5 to 10.8 Kilowatt. Electric showers are made with high power ratings. They produce high powered spray while supplied with lower water temperature.

Wireless showers: Is newer design of electric showers whose physical shower unit is hidden and a remote control is used to communicate with the box to control the water temperature. Wireless shower installation does not require plumbing thereby maintaining the look of the bathroom which is the main advantage of using this type of shower.

Some showers have variable power out put so that you can choose features according to range and adjust power out put.

Additional features of showers include the thermostatic models that help control the temperature so that showers will not be affected by other appliances like washing machine. Push button control to maintain shower settings each time it is used. Memory function, built-in to most expensive showers available in the market, is designed to allow showers to store information of the pre-set shower temperature. Shut down button flushes out the remaining hot water from shower head before it turns off to prevent from scalding. LCD is a small display that shows the temperature of water being heated. This allows users to control the water temperature.

Electrical shower can only be installed properly by a person who is well equipped with the right knowledge of the task or a professional. The cost of the installation depends upon the electrician and the design. If the model has a separate top, bottom and sides then it is easier to install as it gives flexibility while rooting cables and pipes.

Shower installation requires plumbing from cold water supply and connection to electricity. Electrical cable and fuse size vary on the power rate of the shower. For safety, it is necessary to use double pole switch with an indicator for turning the shower on and off.

With electrical showers, it is easier to regulate warm and cold water output according to a person's need. Shower temperatures can also be adjusted to counter the temperature of the season for perfect refreshment.

If you are looking for more information then feel free to visit electric showers and electric power showers

Home Insurance - ABI Warns Against Flood Plain Development

The Association of British Insurers (ABI) believes government proposals to boost the country's housing stock significantly are inherently flawed. Where southern England is intersected by major rivers, the surrounding land is prone to flooding. However, because this is where demand for new housing is highest, current plans envisage major developments in precisely these areas.

The ABI believes that up to one third of the planned three million new homes to be built will be constructed on flood plains Consequently the ABI has suggested that its members may have to remove flood cover as a standard component of their policies, should these plans see the light of day. The position of the ABI has drawn criticism from Ian Wright, the Housing Minister, who maintains that current planning regulations are sufficiently stringent to guard against the risk of newly built houses rapidly becoming uninhabitable through flooding.

Wrights believes that because all local authorities have to consult with the Environment Agency before giving the seal of approval to new developments, home insurance providers have nothing to worry about.

The whole question of flooding and house insurance has registered more strongly on the national radar in recent times because of recent disastrous flooding, not to mention all the hullabaloo about global warming. News images of towns in Gloucestershire completely cut off by flood water linger a long time in peoples' memories.

All told, the 2007 floods cost three billion pounds. In view of this incredible sum it is inevitable that this issue will continue to figure prominently on the future policy agenda of home insurance providers. For the customer in an area that may be affected by flooding, this emphasises the importance of selecting the appropriate cover. The internet is an excellent resource in this regard and it is well worth undertaking a little research to identify the best product.

11.4.2008

source: http://www.guardian.co.uk/money/2008/feb/14/homeinsurance.insurance

Mark Lauterwein is a UK based writer currently writing on home insurance and house insurance.

Home Contractor Problems and Solutions

This is one of the biggest problems in business today. You have some work done on your home in good faith that the contractor knows what he is doing. When all is said and done you have a problem that needs to be resolved as soon as possible. I really don't care how long it has been since the work was done. If you have a problem the least that your contractor can do is answer the telephone.

Some companies go out of business and others get to busy to respond to your problem. You will hear the old excuse "That's not my problem" or the ever popular " I didn't do that". I have been in business for over twenty years and had very few problems. Of course I built things to last as long as possible.

Keep in mind that some contractors are a one man operation and they might be on vacation. Some contractors do not answer their phones over the week ends or after business hours. So don't sink the ship to fast.

Do not call the Contractors Licensing Board or the Better Business Bureau unless it has been at least a few working days. I would give it at least a week or so. Oh yeah don't assume that the contractor got your message. Call a few times at the least.

It has always made me mad when I have to fix someone else's problems. I get the call when the other contractors won't respond. I listen to the home owner with regret for being in a business where I am considered a crook. This is one of the reasons why contractors in my business get out of it.

If you have the contractors address and they aren't responding by phone you can always send them a letter by certified mail. Request a return receipt. That's your proof that the company received your letter. Keep a copy for your files.

The good news for a home owner when a contractor will not respond to your calling them is the Department of Consumer Affairs. Most states have a complaint department of some sort that will listen to your complaints. Does this mean it will get resolved? NO there are no guarantees here.

If your state has a licensing board for contractors, this will be your next step.

This will get your contractors attention and there is a great chance they will respond now. If there are enough complaints against the contractor and they do nothing about them the contractors board will take their license away.

If your contractor does not respond after all of this. There is very little you can do about it. Hire someone to fix the problem and look at it as a very important lesson learned.

If your state doesn't have a contractors licensing board contact the Better Business Bureau or your local government for their recommendation. Ask some of your friends if they have had any problems like this and how they handled them.

For some more tips about hiring contractors go to
http://gregvan.com/library/homeowner_checklists.htm

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.

Is a Glass Sink the Right Choice For You?

Maybe the thought of a glass sink may give you doubts about its durability. If this is so, just think of all the ways you use glass every day. You have glass in the windows of your home and your car, you use glassware for drinks and you have glass table tops. So, why not a glass sink? Just think of how beautiful this will look on your new sink vanity, bathroom vanity, or in your modern bathroom. It will really enhance the decor of your bathroom.

Glass sinks are made of tempered glass. This is glass that has been heated to just below the melting point and then cooled at a very rapid pace to make it much stronger and more durable than regular glass. While it can break if something very hard is dropped into the sink, it is safe because it breaks into tiny pieces rather than large slabs of glass that can give you a severe cut. The small pebble size pieces are not sharp so there is no danger that you or a child will suffer a deep wound if the sink shatters, which highly unlikely anyway.

At the same time, you do have to treat a glass sink with care. The bottom of the sink is the thickest and the rim is quite sound. Quite often the reason that homeowners have had broken sinks or shower doors that were made of glass is that they were not installed properly.

Normal everyday items that you use in a bathroom, such as toothbrushes, hairbrushes, and toothpaste, etc., will not cause the glass to break if you drop them into the sink. You need to be careful when filling the sink with water, however. If the glass is really cold, then you should not run hot water into it until the glass has warmed up a bit. You can easily do this by gradually increasing the temperature of the water.

Cleaning a glass sink is actually a lot easier than cleaning one made of acrylic or stainless steel. You can use glass cleaner for cleaning the sink, just as you do for cleaning your windows. If you do have stubborn stains that will not come off easily, vinegar works well in taking these off.

You should not use any abrasive scouring pads or cleaners on a glass sink but you can still use them on bathroom vanities or regular sinks if you need to. When cleaning, you should avoid placing any extra pressure on the rim because this is the most vulnerable part of the sink. Wipe the sink out after each use to prevent any water spots from causing stains on the glass to make your cleaning chore a lot easier.

If you have any plumbing skills, you can easily install a glass sink either as an insert into the bath vanity countertop or as a freestanding vessel sink that rests on the top. Take care when you are fitting the plumbing fixtures to the drain hole in the bottom of the sink. If you tighten them too much this can cause the glass to crack. Once there is a chip or a crack in the glass, you cannot repair it. It must be replaced.

Once you see what glass sinks look like as you browse the various sites online or look at photos in magazines, you should keep in mind what styles you prefer so that when it comes times to renovate your bathroom, you will know just what your future plans for your home are!

Allison Ryan is a freelance marketing writer from San Diego, CA. She specializes in home improvement and remodeling, particularly for bathroom vanities and steam shower doors. For a wide variety of bathroom vanity ideas or for the ideal swim spa, please visit http://www.mybath.biz/

Inexpensive Romantic Getaways at Hotels

If you are looking for a romantic getaway in western New York state, you need look no further than Buffalo, New York hotels that cater to the romantic couple. As Buffalo is close to Niagara Falls, you can take a long weekend to see the Falls, get away from it all and spend some romantic time together as a couple. And if you think that you have to spend a lot of money and cannot afford a weekend getaway, think again.

It does not have to cost you a lot of money to stay at a Buffalo, NY hotel or an Amherst hotel. You can find one that will not offer you all of the comforts of home, but even a package designed for the romantic couple. This includes accommodations and a gift card to a nearby restaurant, all included in the package.

If you stay in Buffalo, New York hotels that offer a free, continental breakfast, you can end up spending very little money during your long weekend getaway. These breakfasts offer muffins, pastries, cereal and even do it yourself waffles. Also included are juices, coffee and tea. If you time this right, you can have a brunch and then use the gift card for dinner, saving yourself a lot of money.

In addition to seeing Niagara Falls, you can also spend some time enjoying the amenities of the Buffalo, NY hotel. These include fitness rooms as well as indoor swimming pools. You can choose from king sized to queen sized rooms and have free internet access as well as cable TV, including HBO channels, right in your room. The lobby will often offer tea and other free beverages throughout the day so you can relax with one another and not end up spending a lot of money.

Many couples think that they have to spend a lot of money if they want to get away for a long weekend. This is not true. When you choose a Buffalo, NY hotel or Amherst hotel that offers these amenities, especially one that will give you a romantic weekend package, you can actually enjoy such a getaway on a shoestring budget.

In addition to Niagara Falls, there is much to see and do in Buffalo, NY. There is a huge shopping district and nearby university. Western New York state is one of the most picturesque areas of the state so you will not run out of romantic scenery when you visit this area of the country. This is true no matter what time of the year you are traveling to this part of the state.

If you think that Niagara Falls is just for newlyweds, think again. This area is one of the most romantic spots on Earth and visiting a Buffalo, NY hotel can really put the romance back into your relationship for a lot less money than you think. Instead of thinking that you cannot afford to get away together for a few days, consider a romantic getaway at one of the Buffalo, New York hotels that offer romantic packages.

Michelle Subs is an author and a consultant. For more information visit http://www.comfortinnuniversity.com

Finding the Right Hotel For Your Vacation!

Treat yourself with spa treatments, Sauna bath, steam bath and hot stone treatments this vacation. Discover the luxurious settings of resort hotels. Be it romance, family, relaxation or a blend of work and fun, you have travel packages to suit all kinds of interest. Choose a complimentary breakfast, vacation offers, discounted stays and couple passes to pubs and other night clubs. Always check with the Matheran hotel representatives on whether the hotel will extend any special courtesies for groups. Many hotels will offer you a package that includes stay, breakfast, packed lunches, and great dinners. Some have a day trip or two for the group within the package.

How about a hotel tour package? You can opt for a hotel tour package and get better benefits. A travel guide, your tours and hotel bookings are taken care of. The whole family can have a great vacation at no additional cost. Such travel agencies will have a tie up with a chain of hotels which offer good accommodation in your favourite destination. Tourist guide will accompany you to your favourite places and plan out your traveling in such a way that you waste no time, and see most of the places near by in less time. You can pen down your experience at any of the hotels you've visited and share your thoughts on your travel experience with others, thus making choosing the destination for vacation, honey moon, or a family get together simpler.

Some hotels offer you a list of special deals in their web site itself. Lookout for those which offer you special discount rates and book your rooms online. It's always good to get back to those hotels you liked, and didn't get any rooms, as it was already booked. Get back and find out if there were any cancellations. Also, find out if there are any hotel booking cancellation fine, for your current booking and then move on to your earlier favourite hotel. Read reviews of hotels written by tourists like you and if available have a look at the hotels.

Kirthy Shetty, Platinum author,

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Bathroom Layouts - Tips You Should See

So you believe that a bathroom remodel project is only about changing the vanity or repositioning the bathtub? Your much-feted remodeling project will hit a roadblock if your treat the supremely important issue of bathroom layouts flippantly. After all, isn't it the layout that has a tremendous import on the final outcome of the project and the overall costs?

Ignore the layout of the bathroom, and the results are sure to be calamitous.

Address Those Niggling Problems

If after even several feckless attempts your bathroom fails to ignite your imagination, then it's time to give the layout a fresh lease of life. Before you plunge headlong into action, make sure you consider a few rudimentary aspects earnestly.

First, you must ascertain the inherent limitations in the existing layout. Lack of storage space, no place to fit in that ornate bathtub or may improper lighting and ventilation, just to name a few. A spanking new layout is perfect to address these concerns.

It's also important that you don't mothball ideas that are closest to your heart. List out what you feel form an indispensable part of your dream space. A luxurious shower or an aesthetically crafted vanity, the choice is entirely yours.

No layout can be a winner without efficient planning. Make sure all the fittings and fixtures that you have envisioned for the space find a place in the blueprints.

Four Tips That You Cannot Gloss Over

If you are in the midst of designing the perfect layout for the bathroom, here are tips that will hold you in good stead:

• You just need a single door to access a world of opportunities.
• A rectangular or square bathroom is the best shape you can have. Make sure the length is twice as much as the breadth.
• Let there be some breathing space in the center. Fixtures like the toilet and bathtub can be safely sequestered to a corner, from away from prying eyes, I mean, the main door.
• Don't continue to remain in the dark about the illuminating radiance of natural lighting. Let windows and skylights rule the roost.

Don't be surprised if your design is already garnering rave reviews.

Learn exactly how to generate 100's or even 1000's of positively *BRILLIANT* Bathroom Remodeling Ideas ... FAST ! And here are 25 Dirt Cheap Home Improvement Ideas that could increase the value of your home by several $1000's ...

Installing a Tub Surround

If your tub/shower enclosure has seen better days, why not give it an update? One of the easiest, cost-effective ways to replace your dingy enclosure is to purchase and install a shower/tub surround kit.

Why panels?

These handy kits generally come with three or five pieces. If your enclosure is perfectly square, a three-piece kit (with a back panel and two side panels) is the way to go. But if you're dealing with crooked walls or walls that aren't plumb, the five-piece kit (with a back panel, two corner panels, and two end panels) offers more flexibility.

Not only are these panels water-resistant, they're also easy to clean and will almost instantly revive your bathroom-what's not to love about that? And they come in a variety of materials, from solid surfacing to pressed fiberglass. Though thicker panels are usually more expensive, they're more stable and easier to work with.

Prep work.

Before getting to work, protect the bottom of your tub from dings and scratches with a heavy cloth. If your current shower interior is solid, flat, and in good structural condition, you can install the panels over the existing material (just be sure to give it a good cleaning first, and scuff tile with sandpaper so it'll better grip the adhesive). For drywall, cut out damp sections and replace it with a moisture-resistant version. If you've got a tile surround, simply stick loose tiles back in place with ceramic-tile adhesive. But if several tiles are loose, just remove them altogether and replace them with moisture-resistant drywall.

Now comes the tricky part: removing the showerhead, faucet, and spout-as well as other accessories such as wall-mounted shelves or soap dishes.

Using a tall piece of cardboard, make a template of the side of the tub with the bath fixtures. Measure the exact locations of the faucet handles, showerhead, and tub spout. Cut holes in the cardboard, hold the cardboard up to the wall to make sure the holes align with the fixture placements, and mark the locations on the surround panels.

Installation.

Measure your walls and trim your panels accordingly. Following manufacturer's instructions, apply the adhesive, then attach the panels to the walls and let them dry thoroughly. Replace the hardware, and seal joints with caulk.

For more detailed instructions, check out Popular Mechanics and This Old House. Or watch this step-by-step video, courtesy of HGTV.

Lexicon Consulting, Inc

The Home Know-It-All: Your One-Stop Shop for Home Design, Improvement, and Repair

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Handheld Shower Heads - How to Use Them to Your Benefit

All of us would love to have a flexible and handy shower head in our bathroom. What could be better than having a shower head that can be rested on a cradle, be mounted on the wall or be attached to the shower pipe! If this is what you have in mind, then you should consider purchasing a handheld shower. As the name suggests, you can hold this device in your hand and enjoy the warm water run all over your body.

Advantages Of Using Handheld Shower Heads

As the shower head can be held in your hand, it allows you to relax conveniently and let the warm water relieve your sore muscles. With a massage action head attached to them, these handheld showers can be used to provide a spa-like massaging experience. You also have the option of injecting oxygen into the shower water using such handheld shower heads. This can greatly rejuvenate your skin and give a truly refreshing experience! By using a handheld shower diverter, you can also attach your existing shower to a tub spout. As these showers direct the flow of water to where you actually need it, they help save water and avoid wastage. Also, since the shower can be held closer to the body, water has to travel a lesser distance. Because of this you can adjust the water temperature to a lower level and save on energy costs.

Special Features Of Handheld Showers

In addition to ease of use and versatility, handheld showers also have a long hose and a pipe mounted holder. They can be installed easily and fast. You can also have certain customized attachments such as massage tops and full body spray attachments. Handheld shower heads are also known to be durable. Most of these shower heads have clog free spray channels for even distribution of water so that you can enjoy a complete body soak and clean the shampoo or soap faster by directing the water to where it is needed.

Visit CORE online to get free access to tips and advice on using handheld shower heads.

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Estimating Building Construction Costs - Building Advice

The practice of estimating building construction costs is as important a step as the construction itself. In building a home, a facility or any other structure, it is important to approximate the amount that will be used on the project or come up with an estimate as close as possible to the actual costs. Most construction project failures, be it domestic or commercial, are caused by lack of balance in the anticipated cost of the project and the actual expenses.

Elements of a building construction cost estimate

A building cost estimate should take into consideration a lot of factors. First is the time-frame of the project and the type and size of the building or structure that will be built. Another is labor cost or the wages that will be paid to the workers who will be doing the job. Third is the price of the materials like cement, metal, wood and whatever building supplies that will be used in the structure.

Another important concern is the equipment cost or the cost of the machinery that will be used in building the house or the facility. Subcontractor costs are also significant. And so are indirect costs, which are extras that will be spent outside the primary cost concerns. Aside from these, other expenses such as taxes, compliance costs and certification should be included in the estimate.

Tools of cost estimates

There are a number of tools and services that a building or home owner can consider to come up with an estimate for the project. One is the free online building estimate tool. These free online tools can be easily accessed and can provide a useful estimate for the project. Take note, though, that such tools are very basic and are good only for the start of the project.

Another option is hiring a professional cost estimator. There are a number of these professionals who will be more than willing to lend their services for a certain fee. Check for certification or choose the ones recommended by someone who has already tried the estimator's services. Software programs are also another option. These software packages are used by architects and builders when they make their own estimates and are deemed reliable. However, one might need an expert who knows how to use these programs and how to interpret the data they provide for them to be effective.

It is important to have an estimate of building construction costs before a homeowner or facility builder proceeds with the project. Unless the project will have unlimited budget and the owner can afford to throw a lot of money away, then estimates might not be needed. But then, we all know there is no one in the world who would risk wasting his money on an unplanned construction project, particularly the richest among us.

Learn more about using Construction Cost Data to make accurate project estimates and software that can assist you at => http://www.construction--estimating.com

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