Patio Designs

and Creative Patio Design Ideas

Seated Walls

Instead of building a flat patio, consider building up portions of the patio to include a seat wall, which adds some depth to the patio. This can done very nicely with stone, brick, and wooden patios and can easily be a do-it-yourself or add on project for later down5B4 the road. The only difference between a flat patio and a seated wall patio is deciding where the seats will go, how large they will be and how many will be needed. From here, it requires building the stones or bricks up in these areas into the shape of a seat using a cement and sand, or mortar mixture, to seal them together. Because this requires stacking the bricks or stones, quite a few more will be needed to get the job done.

Built In Fire Pit

Along with seated walls, a built in fire pit is a wonderful way to add continuity to your new patio and a place to entertain guests. The area of the fire pit is usually in a central location on the patio. Before placing stones or bricks, it's important to mark off the area where the fire pit will go and begin the patio there. Most fire pits are built in a circular shape, so this will have a large impact on the bricks or stone patio design as well. The bricks or stones for the fireplace will be laid in a circular pattern, one layer at a time, until reaching a desired height and will be sealed with mortar to ensure they will remain in place.

Garden Feature

There are several ways to incorporate a garden into your patio. This may include a raised garden area built with stone or brick pavers, a portion of the patio left unpaved to incorporate a small garden, or weaving a garden around the borders of the patio. The garden feature can help the patio maintain a na593tural feel, but can also incorporate the same material as the patio for edging in order to maintain continuity throughout the design. Any number of garden feature ideas can be implemented.

Water Features

Although it may be more difficult for a first time do-it-yourself patio installer, a water fountain or waterfall as a centerpiece to a patio can add beauty and tranquility to a variety of patio designs. Most water fountains are made of cement or stone, but there are also some made of copper, fiberglass and ceramic. If you aren't interested in "running water", you may also want to consider a small, still water pond. This can be created using stones built up around an area of the patio. Remember if you're interested in running water, you will need an electrical pump that flows from up under the waterfall or fountain to keep the water moving. This will require more excavation if you are planning to do it yourself.

For more creative patio designs, please visit Great Landscaping Ideas Stairway Ideas

Granite Countertops

The Cost of Granite Countertops

The beauty, hardness and utility of granite makes it a highly desirable material for countertops in home design. In addition to its natural strength, granite is a beautiful stone that adds color and warmth to a room. Though the cost to add granite countertops to any new kitchen or remodel can be quite high, they remain the premiere choice in many new and remodeled homes.

The price of granite countertops ranges from $60 to $120 a square foot, which may or may not include the cost of installation. Discount granite can be found for as little as $30 per foot, not including installation. The premium cost is not in the stone itself, but rather in the costs related to transportation and installation.

The stone industry remains unregulated, which can make it confusing. Every entity that handles the granite, from the quarry to the supplier and fabricator, can establish their own pricing based on the demand in the local market. Dealers who provide full service, so that a homeowner doesn't have to do the shopping or planning, will add a markup of up to 50%.

Granite suppliers will typically have three or four groupings (or “tiers”) of granite to choose from. The first tier will consist of the premium products that sell for the highest price. Stones are grouped based on several criteria including the country of origin, color, veins or patterns, thickness of the slab, amount of soft minerals in the stone, and current fashion trends. Some granite colors exhibit ""movement"", or a distinctive pattern within the color. The combination of color and movem1699ent also affect the final price of granite countertops.

Granite from lower tiers has the same beauty and utility as the slabs in the upper groupings. Additionally, stones in a lower tier could be harder than stones in a first tier, so it pays to get out and look around. A lower tier could also be referred to as “commercial grade.” Typically the commercial grades have a large number of “pits” that have been filled in. The presence of softer minerals may require additional cabinet supports or penetrating sealant, which adds to the final price of granite countertops.

Cheaper, thinner cut stone may be a little less than two centimeters instead of a recommended three, in which case the installer would laminate it to plywood backing for additional stability. Discount granite suppliers will typically deal with a thinner cut stone; many suppliers now carry stones that are intentionally cut thin and laminated at the quarry. It is now common for stone that originates in Asia or India to be cut thin and fabricated prior to shipping. Pre-fabrication does create a lower cost product with less waste being shipped to the supplier. In addition, the fabrication is done in countries with much lower wages, saving on the labor costs at the final destination.

The price of granite countertops is greatly affected by the number of seams and cuts that will have to be made in the stone slabs. Discuss how the cuts will be made when the installer or fabricator makes their preliminary measurements for the template. Another thing to question are the hidden costs of wasted material. Depending on the length of countertops being installed, there will be at least three square feet of waste by the time the fabricator is finished. The cost of wasted material is paid by the homeowner.

Shopping for granite countertops doesn't have to be frustrating. Focus on finding a reputable supplier and installer who are willing to answer all your questions. Despite the fact that labor expenses are the largest price of granite countertops, this is one project that needs to be left to the professionals. The oversized sheets are extremely delicate and must be precisely cut. Failure to properly set a granite countertop could create an expensive mistake for a do-it-yourself homeowner.

Granite Countertops provides detailed information on granite kitchen and tile countertops, advice on installing and cleaning granite countertops, information on price and locations to purchase discount granite counter tops, and more. Granite Countertops is the sister site of Kitchen Sinks Web.

Choosing Home Theater Seating Furniture

The home theater is a growing trend. People want a quality entertainment experience right in their own homes without having to go to a cinema. There are plenty of benefits to a home theaterB22 system. Convenience, privacy and comfort are just a few. A home theater can be set up in any spare room of your home. The best rooms to consider for such a system are spacious and dark. There needs to be ample room for not only the screen and speakers but also the seating. Home theater seating furniture comes in a variety of styles and prices to suit many budgets and preferences.

Berkline is one of the most popular manufacturers of home theater seating. They offer home theater loungers which recline for maximum comfort. You can order your loungers in various fabrics like leather and microfiber. Some even come with convenient cup holders which allow you to enjoy your favorite beverage without having to place your cup on the floor next to your seat and risk a spill. One of the most innovative optional features of Berkline loungers is called the butt kicker, which is a subwoofer which can be installed into the seat for an amazing experience. The buttkicker causes seat vibrations which vary with the intensity of the sound.

In addition to loungers, you will also find other types of seating made by not only Berkline but other companies as well. Club chairs with ottomans, loveseats, sofas and sectionals are more examples of popular types of seating for home theater rooms. If you´ve got young children, you can also find an assortment of seating choices for them as well. There are child size club chairs and fun beanbag chairs that young viewers will love. The point is, no matter what your individual seating needs are you can find plenty of choices.

Home theater seating furniture ranges in price from fairly cheap to very expensive. Comparison shopping can help you locate the perfect seating for your theater room. There are also a wide variety of accessories you can add to create an ambience reminiscent of your favorite cinema. For example, a few extras like some movie posters and a popcorn cart can really spruce up your theater room. Because home theaters are so popular, there are plenty of furniture choices and accessories in stores today.

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10 Tips for Working With a Contractor

By: Debbie Rodgers



This is the year you're going all out. You're going to build a deck, add a porch, erect a gazebo or lay a patio. You've done the research. It's well within your capability and you're looking forward to the satisfaction of creating a structure of beauty.

Or not. Yes -- you'd like to proceed with an outdoor structure but for you, it isn't a do-it-yourself project. How can you find the right person to do it for you? Here are 10 tips for hiring and working with a contractor.

1. Plan your project carefully. Clip pictures, make sketches, write a description. This will help you accurately convey to the contractor what you want the finished product to be.

2. Make a list of contractors. Ask your neighbors or friends for the names of reputable tradesmen. Contact material suppliers -- lumberyards, for example -- and ask for recommendations.

3. Get at least three written bids for the project, but don't give in to the temptation to automatically accept the lowest bid. A higher bid may be worth the price in better materials, workmanship and reliability. If you get a very low bid, the contractor may have made a mistake or forgotten to bid on everything you wanted. If they have deliberately low-bid, they may use cheaper materials or take shortcuts to make a profit.

4. Many states and provinces require registration and/or licensing. For the USA, www.nationalcontractors.com provides a starting point for your state and type of construction. Click on Verify Contractors License. If licences are required in your jurisdiction, be certain to ask to see your contractor's licences and be sure that it's not expired.

5. Ask for references and then check them out. Look at the projects and ask the previous clients if they are satisfied with the quality of work done, if it was started and completed on schedule and if it is complete.

6. Get a signed, written contract and be sure you understand it. The Construction Contractors Board of Oregon claims that the single biggest cause of homeowner-contractor disputes is the written contract: not having one, having a poor one, or having one everyone ignores. A good contract should include:

The company name, address (not a post office box) & phone number, the name of the builder, contractor and licence number, if applicable
A detailed project description
A materials list
A statement that all necessary permits and inspections are the responsibility of the contractor
Starting and completion dates
Warranties of workmanship, the length of the warranty, and specifically what's covered and what's not
Contractor's guarantee that he carries liability insurance and worker's compensation coverage
A statement that clean-up will be done by the contractor
The total price and payment schedule
Be wary of hourly, time and materials or cost-plus pricing where the final price is not determined until completion of the project. Although it may seem higher, a fixed price may give you the best protection and price.
Be cautious about upfront payments for more than 15% of the contract price.
The schedule and criteria for each instalment should be clearly defined in the contract.
Any instalments should be not be required on a certain date, but correlated to work completion.
Do not pay cash. A reputable builder will ask for a check.
7. Make any changes to the project in writing with a "work order change" to avoid misunderstandings and surprises.

8. Keep pets and children away from the construction site. This will ensure not only their safety, but also that of the workers. In addition, it helps keep the project on schedule.

9. Inspect the work regularly.

10. Pay directly and promptly according to the contract.

Above all, you should feel comfortable communicating with your contractor. If you sense he is being evasive when you are getting a quote, it won't get any better during the construction period. Find someone you understand and who understands you, and who is open and forthright.

Working with a contractor takes a little preparation, but following these steps is well worth it. Are you looking forward to your new outdoor space?

About The Author


Debbie Rodgers owns and operates Paradise Porch, and is dedicated to helping people create outdoor living spaces that nurture and enrich them. Visit her on the web at www.paradiseporch.com and get a free report on “Eight easy ways to create privacy in your outdoor space”. Mail to debbie@paradiseporch.com

Construction Equipment

– Buy, Lease or Rent?

Construction equipment is also known as engineering vehicles. These heavy-duty vehicles are specially designed to carry out construction and engineering tasks.

The finance needed for buying construction equipment is arranged through an equipment leasing association. The construction market is buoyed by a boom in the construction business after experiencing a couple of slow years.

Only those corporations or smaller businesses who are flush with cash can afford to buy the construction equipment on an outright basis.

Renting or leasing is the traditional best option for contractors who do not have large reserves of cash. The contractors who could not afford to buy the construction equipment have these methods as an alternative arrangement. Renting of construction equipment is an option to face a short-term need whereas leasing is the option suitable for long-term needs.

According to a survey conducted by the industry, there is less desire on the part of the contractors to own construction equipment and they always go through reviewing the concepts – leasing or renting – to select the best option.

Leasing or renting should be seen as a forerunner to buying since it gives a chance to test the construction equipment without the burden of large cost or long-term investments. Normally the rental of construction equipment for six months leads to out right purchase to avoid the loss of equity investment. Find more info at www.construction-financing4u.info

In a typical example for a project with three contractors bidding for the work, the contractor with equipment owned outright has to consider only the interest amount spent on financing the purchase while costing the project.

Whereas a construction company which opted for leasing only has to consider the recurring monthly payments for leasing while making the estimate for the project. The contractor who rents the construction equipment has only to calculate the rent he is going pay and he is not saddled with equipment, which is not incurring loss when left unused.

Complicating the matters further, there are too many types of finance plans, with offers of a wide range of schemes beckoning the contractors with repayment terms averaging from 3 to 5 years. Manufacturers such as John Deere and Caterpillar have their own sub division for financing, which permit the contractors to lease the construction equipment directly from the manufacturers. These types of sources serve nearly twenty percent of the market.

Leasing opportunities are also offered by banks. Because of the inherent risk, most of the banks steer clear of the construction indust10ECry. Still around sixty percent of the financing of construction equipment is carried out by banks or companies affiliated to the banks.

Lucy Bartlett is a proud contributing author. For more info visit Construction Equipment Financing or Construction Finance Interest Rates

Real Estate Investing and Home Improvement

Biggest Home Improvement Mistakes For A Real Estate Investor
by: Joel Teo



As a real estate investor it is sometimes a good investment move to make home improvements to any real estate properties that you purchase. There are several mistakes that commonly occur involving home improvement and real estate investing, and by knowing what these mistakes are you can save a lot of money and aggravation. Let the mistakes that other real estate investors have made be your guide on what to avoid.

The first mistake that some real estate investors make is to buy a property in a bad location or for more money than the house is worth. No matter how many home improvements you make on one of these properties it is unlikely that you will recover a decent profit or even your investment back. Always consider both of these factors before deciding to invest in the property and make home improvements.

A big mistake that many real estate investors make when they are doing home improvements is not knowing or finding out about the building codes in their area. Some investors do not obtain the necessary permits that are required by the city where the real estate investment property is located. This is one of the biggest mistakes, and it can cost you plenty if you make it. The building inspector is there to make sure that the home improvements are safe and done properly. If there is a permit required and you neglect to get one, you may be required to tear down any work that was done, get the permit, and then start from scratch.

Under budgeting for the home improvement project is another common mistake made by real estate investors. The old saying was to take the costs and triple them. That is an exaggeration but not by much. Most investors do not make a full detailed budget of what is needed for the home improvement project down to the last nail and staple. By being realistic and budgeting for all possible materials you will have a more realistic budget and are a lot less likely to go over budget. You should also plan for any unexpected eventuality that could occur and plan for it in the budget as well to avoid any unexpected and costly problems.

The single biggest mistake that real estate investors make is trying to save money on home improvement by doing projects themselves when they are not qualified. There are some projects that should have a licensed contractor or repairman on them. Many home improvement projects can safely be taken on by an amateur and turn out beautiful, but some projects like a new roof or any other extensive renovations should only be done by experts. This is because there are many safety issues involved in these projects, not just for the person doing the job but also for any tenants or owners who live in the house.

By avoiding these mistakes you can save a lot of money on your real estate investment. Know the value of the property before you purchase so you do not pay too much, and make sure that the location is decent. Make sure that your budget is realistic and that it takes into account every possible piece of material and cost. Also make sure that you factor in any possible unexpected cost or problem. The biggest mistake to avoid is to know when you should call for professional help and when you can safely do the home improvement project yourself.

Copyright © 2007 Joel Teo. All rights reserved. (You may publish this article in its entirety with the following author's information with live links only.)



About The Author

Joel Teo writes on various financial topics including Las Vegas Real Estate. Learn more about Las Vegas Real Estate Investing at http://www.realestateinvestment101.info/

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