DIY Bathroom Remodeling - Home Remodels

The first question you need to ask yourself when remodeling a bathroom is can you actually do the work yourself or do you have someone that can help you with the remodeling. If you don't know anyone and can't do the work yourself, I would suggest hiring a contractor with experience remodeling bathrooms.

If you can do the work yourself or think you could do the work yourself, why not give it a shot. Any experience you have in construction or home remodeling, is going to be beneficial to your bathroom remodeling project. There is plenty of information on the internet or in your local libraries on bathroom remodeling and these often prove to be great resources for do it yourselfers.

As an experienced contractor I have gathered a great deal of information through books, at work and watching local home improvement shows. The biggest problem with the show's and quite a few of these books, is they don't provide enough information. Most of the time they provide you with the basics of bathroom remodeling and you could soon find yourself in trouble or seeking the advice from a home improvement professional.

The largest benefit for doing the bathroom remodeling project yourself, could be the money you save, along with the satisfaction of completing the project. It makes homeowners feel good when they've completed a large home remodeling project, like a bathroom remodel.

If you don't have the time, lack the experience or a combination of both, I would suggest hiring a contractor to relieve you from the stress and frustration of your bath remodeling project. The more complex your bathroom remodeling project is, the greater the degree of difficulty, the longer it will take to complete the project. Some of these projects can take up a lot of your time.

If you're working on galvanized water supply pipes or old cast iron waste pipes, you could find yourself hiring a plumber to install your bathtub and fixtures. These old pipes create problems for most do it yourselfers and I would suggest hiring a professional, whenever you run into a problem you don't feel comfortable with.

Choosing to tackle some of these difficult problems yourself, could lead to water leaks and more damage to the home eventually costing you even more money than the original cost of hiring an experienced plumber in the first place. When it comes to water, structural framing and electricity, think twice, especially if you're not experienced in these areas.

My advice to do it yourselfers is to hire a professional if you're not comfortable or seek the advice from a contractor or someone with considerable experience bathroom remodeling.

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 House Remodeling Pictures or home building ideas.

Shower Shelf Wood Damage

Fixing Up Your Home And How To Finance It

Undertaking a home improvement project can be really expensive and thus, financing is essential. There are many financial products that can help you finance home improvements. Some are more suitable for the task than others but all of them have advantages and disadvantages.

When home improvements are necessary, the following financial solutions can provide you with the needed funds for the project depending on the amount you want: Credit cards, unsecured personal loans, mortgage loans and home equity loans. All of them (except for the credit cards) can be called home improvement loans because what defines a home improvement loan is the use that you give to the money. However, home improvement loans are usually either mortgage loans or home equity loans.

Credit Cards For Financing Home Improvements

Credit cards are undoubtedly great financial tools due to their flexibility. However, they are not particularly useful in terms of scrimping and saving. The interest rates charged by credit card issuers are significantly higher than the rates charged by lenders and thus, a $3000 home improvement project can end up costing $600 more per year. However, used in combination with other financial products like home equity loans, credit cards can provide the funds necessary for covering unexpected expenses in the project or additional improvements that may rise while the original project is on course.

Unsecured Personal Loans For Home Improvements

Unsecured personal loans are perfect for home improvements but can provide the funds for small projects only. If your home improvement plans will not be that costly, then an unsecured personal loan for home improvements may be the solution. Besides, personal loans have an advantage over secured loans: there is little to no paperwork and they are processed considerably faster due to the lack of collateral.

Mortgage Loans For Home Improvements

If your property is not securing any debt, then, you can request a home improvement mortgage loan. These loans come with the lowest rates on the market. Since you already own the property, however, the interest rate will not be as low as home loans for first time home buyers which feature subsidized rates. But the interest rate will still be significantly lower than that of any other financial product.

Home Improvement Loans Based On Equity

Last, but not means least, home equity loans are the most common form of home improvement loans. These loans are based on the equity left on your property. Thus, it does not matter if you have a mortgage balance on your property, you can still get finance for your home improvements as long as the value of the property is higher than the amount of money you owe that is secured by it.

The amount of money you can obtain will depend on your available equity. However, for home improvements, there are loan options offering up to 125% financing if you have a good credit score and history. Thus, even if you have only $10,000 left on a $100,000 property, you will be able to obtain up to $35,000 on a home improvement loan based on equity.

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Jessica Peterson writes finance articles for Yourloanservices.com where she shares her knowledge about how to get money for a starting-up business, consolidating any kind of debt, repairing a home even with a bad credit history and more.

How Water Restoration Services Can Help Your Home

Water damage can be found anywhere in your home and not only can it cause a lot of frustration, it can also cost money to get it repaired and restored. Some people think that all it takes is to get a wet vac and suck up the water and dampness.

Unfortunately, it doesn't work like that. You will find out that there are other hazards that come from water damage which can affect you and your property.

You may not be able to see all of the damage, but it's there. A lot of times, it may just be too much for one or two people to deal with. If you're dealing with a leak that was ongoing or a severe inclement weather, then rest assured you will need to have professional help.

If it's due to severe inclement weather, you may have to deal with more than just water seeping into your home. Along with the water comes mud and debris piled up together. In this case, there's no doubt that you will need the services of a professional company that specializes in water damage restoration.

Some people don't realize what kind of damage that water on its own can cause. Carpets can be soaked, items can be soaked or damaged, and the water damage level can reach an unprecedented level. The material used for the home, such as drywall or wood, can be damaged. Once the water seeps in and makes contact, it's crucial that the water is removed as soon as possible.

Another thing that you can be faced with is the presence of mold. Mold is toxic and can cause allergies to trigger and even cause the onset of asthma. A lot of companies that specialize in water damage restoration know the perils of having mold in a home. They work very quickly to remove the affected material so that it won't spread. They also try to remove it prior to it starting up.

If it gets to the point where mold has made contact with items in the house, then they are no longer salvageable. They use special equipment to get rid of the mold that is already growing inside of the home.

They also work to get rid of any water and dampness that is still there. The technicians work to fend off mildew, which can leave a horrible smell. They use a special cleaning solution and deodorizer to make it look and smell fresh.

The water restoration company is also in the business of restoring and repairing parts of your home that were damaged. Of course, your house has to be livable in order for this to happen. When looking for a water restoration company, look for one that has experience in all areas of water damage. They should be reputable and willing to do what it takes to get you back on track.

Leo Nov is an editorial staff member of RestorationSOS.com, a leading service provider for water damage cleanups. To learn more about Water Damage Cleanup New York and Water Damage Restoration New York, visit RestorationSOS.com.

Bathroom Remodeling Contractors

Well here's the age old question, how do we go about finding a decent bathroom remodeling contractor.

Here's some things you will be looking for in a contractor.

1. Is Your Contractor Fair and Honest?

2. Does Your Contractor Have Experience Remodeling and Designing Bathrooms?

3. Can You Actually Find a Contractor Who Will Complete the Job in a Timely Manner?

4. Do You Think the Workers Will Be Able to Clean the Job up Daily?

5. Will the Contractor Show up on Time?

6. Is the Contractor Going to Work At Least Eight Hours a Day?

7. Does the Contractor's Crew Have Experience?

8. Is Your Contractor and His Crew Courteous?

If you find a contractor for your bathroom remodeling project that has answered yes to all questions above, hire that person immediately. Most contractors can sincerely answer yes to half of the questions above. If you're looking for the ultimate bathroom remodeling contractor, you could be searching for quite a while, you're looking for some one that is competent and you feel comfortable with.

When hiring a contractor, look for someone who has your interest in mind first and not theirs. Find someone who is willing to help with the designed process of your bathroom and the remodeling. If you find a contractor to be arrogant or controlling, there is a good chance, your bathroom might not turn out the way you envision it.

When hiring a contractor for your bathroom remodeling project or any home improvement project, the most important thing to keep in mind is, whether or not you feel comfortable with this person or not. Never hire a contractor you're not comfortable with.

If a contractor is referred to you by someone you trust, this does not guarantee you will be happy with the bathroom remodel. Most referrals that I have gotten over the years are like rolling the dice, I believe I would have done just as good picking a name out of a hat.

Greg Vanden Berge is working on the internet to promote the education for creating simple to follow guides and home building books to help professional building contractors as well as the weekend warriors. He is currently working on more building stairs and adding useful content to help solve problems created by the lack of construction knowledge in the building industry.

What Types of Doors Can Be Availed From the Market?

If you want to perfect the beginning as well as the end of your home improvement project, you need to focus on each and every installation. Choosing what suits your requirements is what you must keep in your mind while starting your home improvement projects. Among the few important factors that play an important role in a home improvement project, doors are what can either enhance or destroy the look of your house. Many of us are not aware of the types of doors and the qualities upon which these types are differentiated. We need to know all about it if we want to precede with efficient home improvement projects.

You can select the types of doors that sound good to your taste and most of the available door's types can also be customized. For example, if you need a panel door, which consists of wood panels, stiles and rails panels, you can either get a solid wood panel door, plywood panel door or a panel door made up of glass. However, you won't find all such types of doors for everywhere in the market unless you are savvy of such details. You can also ask the manufacturer for your requirements. Besides just panel doors, solid core doors, hollow mental insulated doors, hollow core wood door, stable doors, trap doors French doors can also be customized to set your requirements.

Therefore, if you are interested in exploring different types of doors that are not only feasible enough to provide your required facilities but also give your home a fine classy look. You must always perform a detailed research in the market before buying any types of doors. Pay visit to different door shops, collect ideas and order your desired type of doors. Qualities of all these types of doors, however, differ with money but you can be able to select the best out of the most by using your expertise.

For more details on door types and their qualities, visit http://www.theyarelocal.com/articles/home_improvement_tips/doors/index.php

View of the Economy From Below

This is just my view of the economy as someone who tries to live within our means. Our retirement funds are down about 30%, gas and medical expenses are up over 40% and our net worth is about what it was about 4 years ago. Yet I feel that we are doing quite well, we live in a 40 year old ranch that is very comfortable. We have moved down stairs to the mother-in-law apartment and our parents in their 90's have main floor bed room, den and master bath.

The company that I retired from has dropped our live insurance, dental insurance and started phasing out the health insurance starting in 09. On the flip side, our daughter is married and they are doing well, my retirement is available after my death, so the insurance is not so critical. The dental insurance did not pay for that much anyway so I doubt that we will miss it. As for the health insurance, for now our increase in social security is covering the added premium for 2009.

A year ago I was asked to return to work part time for someone I work with years ago so the added income has helped. We are completely out of debt and pay all the credit card bills off each month. I have started a savings account for a replacement auto due in about four years.

So all things considered in this time of tough economy I believe that we are weathering the storm just fine.

Housing crunch;

For years we have watched the building boom around us and wondered where these people were getting all the money to buy these huge houses. Not only could we not afford one but did not want to live in such a big house knowing how much cleaning and up-keep was involved. We instead opted for a small log cabin along a river in north Georgia.

A friend of ours who was a building contractor in the 80's told me that the only way to make money as a contractor was to build the biggest houses that the market would handle. At the same time congress and other groups were pressuring loan companies to lower the qualifications for home buyers to the point that they could not afford to pay for them.

I experienced this first hand when I sold a rental house in 2007 just as the housing crunch was starting and had already hit in Florida. The buyers had no problem getting a zero down loan and even increased the purchase price and loan for cash to furnish it. I just could not believe what I was seeing. Now I wonder if they have let it go back to the lender. We need smaller homes and time for the need for large homes to catch up with the surplus.

Jobs;

Skilled labor is still in demand. Work is always available for someone who is willing to work hard and has the necessary skills. My son-in-law is always looking for good people to work in his company that he can count on to still be on the job after several years. I recently referred a friend's brother to him for work. He delayed hiring him until he could pass the drug test and was doing well until he decided to move out of state. My son-in-law took the loss in stride stating that it usually takes over a year before a new hire starts to show a profit for the company. People have been taught by our society that it is OK to treat others with disregard and than only of them self. Employers are viewed as evil and trying to take advantage of the workers instead of someone who looks after and provides income for others. Is in now wonder companies take the jobs to areas where they are appreciated.

Retirement;

Some are starting to save now for retirement and all you hear on the news is that we are not spending enough. The government is now throwing money at banks in an effort to encourage more loans instead of saving. We all know that the social security will not be enough to retire on by itself, yet we are not saving to meet the upcoming need. I have another friend who has not even paid the minimum into the social security system to qualify, works odd jobs with no benefits and is not even thinking about the future. We truly live for the now and not the future.

Where will it all end;

The government is heading toward paying all of our debts, covering all of our medical cost, bailing out all the failing companies with high wages and poor products. The feeling is now that we should not worry as the government will take care of us.

As far as the economy is concerned, for those of us who have lived within our means and not over extended our finances, we should come out of this just fine. But the nation overall will remain in trouble and drift toward a more social state, with inflation hurting us all until we wake up and work our way out of these troubled times.

For a complete viewing of my articles with photos please visit my article web page at: http://hubertcrowell.name/

Installing Molding For Interior Doors

When installing door trim, some carpenters begin with the legs(vertical pieces); Others prefer to hang the top trim first. Installing the top first has the advantage of offering precise control over the most finicky part of the installation, the miters. Once the top trim is up, install the legs one at a time, positioning each so that the miter is perfect. If you install the legs first, you'll have to fit the top trim on both miters simultaneously. Unless both miters are perfect and the legs perfectly parallel, you are bound to get gaps you can't close in your work.

Lay out out the reveal., The door trim is never flush with the edge of the jamb; typically it sits back from the edge by about 1/8th inch. The space, or reveal, leaves enough room for the hinge barrel and provides a margin of error if the jamb dips.

The frame on the prehung door is likely to have a layout line on it that marks the edge of the reveal. If you work on an unmarked door frame, set a combination square to 1/8 inch, and guide it and a pencil along the frame. Mark the reveal on both sides and above the door.

Measure and miter the top trim. First cut a 45-degree miter on one end of the top trim piece; hold it in place to mark the inside point of the second miter cut. Lay out the cut with a combination square, and cut it with a miter box.

Nail the top trim in place. To help position the trim, miter two scrap pieces of molding, and clamp them in place along the sides of the door frame. Cut and place the top trim and adjust as necessary to get a tight miter. Nail the top trim into the jamb. Leave at least 1/8 inch of the nails exposed in case you need to adjust the piece later. Use #6 finishing nails for the jabs and #8 finishing nails through the trim and into the studs.

Miter the legs. Mitering a piece to fit can be tricky. Make it easy on yourself by mitering the legs before you square them off. Then place the legs against the frame so they are upside down. This leaves the miter on the floor and the fulll length of the trim extending toward the ceiling. Mark where the tiop trim touches the leg and cut the leg quare at the mark.

Nail the legs to the door frame. Start at the top, holding the leg so the miter closes tightly, and drive a #6 finishing nail through it and into the jamb. Work down the leg, flexing it if necessary so that it aligns with the line that marks the framing behind the wall. Repeat on the opposite leg, and then set all the nails. To keep the corners tight, predrill and drive a #6 finishing nail at an angle up through the edge of the leg, through the miter, and into the header molding.

For professional mortgage help with lowering mortgages, extending your loan maturity date(s), getting Home Savers Loans, home improvement instructions and tips, please visit http://hstrial-oswingrant.homestead.com

Contractor Manners - A Free Pamphlet For Customers to Give to Their Builder

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Mold Under Floor Tile

Five Most Essential Items For Do it Yourself at Home

As a person who wants to get his or her hands dirty there is nothing like the satisfaction of getting things done and seeing the finished product in all its glory. The joy and happiness of having completed the work with utmost satisfaction is beyond words and cannot be described on a piece of paper.

That said there are few tips and things that you would need to have in case you want to enjoy the thrill of do it yourself at home. I will be listing five essential items that are a must in your tool box and you should own so that you can do things at your own sweet will without rushing off to buy the stuff every time you wish to do something.

Here is my summary of five essential items in your toolkit.

The first and foremost is the hand tools entire set tool box. That tool box should contain the main screw driver with removable head so that you can plug all other different size screw heads into the main screw driver. That said most of the tool boxes also contain the various spanners for removing various nuts and bolts of different shapes and sizes.

Before buying the tool box make sure that the box contains all the sizes otherwise it becomes an issue for getting the screws to tighten or to remove.

The next essential item is the drilling machine and that is one thing which is required for most of the tasks you do at home. The holes are needed for almost anything that you need install at home be a towel holder or a soap dispenser. You will also need drill bits of various sizes for use along with the drilling machine.

Next comes the measuring tape. You would argue that it is not that essential but believe it is very essential. Almost anytime you get to work you will need to measure the distance for drilling holes correctly as well as getting the alignment correctly. There are various analog and digital measuring tapes which are available in the market.

The fourth item that is a must have is the box full of markers, duct tape as well as etching pens. This will help you in making all the necessary marks and etchings for accurately placing the things.

Last but not the least is the safety goggles as anything you do at home there will be a strong chance of particles of things flying and these goggles will protect your eyes.

The author writes about ceramic bits and ceramic material.

Horizontal Or Vertical Drywall

In Search of Vintage Bathroom Vanities

Do all things with a nostalgic echo stir up some wonderful memories in you? Do you earnestly believe that classic pieces are defined by unparalleled elegance and charm, and that one must celebrate their timeless intrigue?

Thankfully, you are not alone in your attempts in taking a trip down memory lane. And before you are convinced that your dreams of recreating that magic of yesteryears will remain nothing but a black hole, take time off to admire some simply breathtaking vintage bathroom vanities.

They manage to infuse life into bathrooms that seem to be floundering for breath with impeccable refinement and unmatched sophistication.

That Unmistakable Regal Touch

Antique looking classy bathroom vanities are crafted from solid antique wood, with a detailed china top. That's really the secret to their intriguing, almost bewitching beauty. Modern-day advances ensure that the magnificence of exquisite, intricate carvings and etchings are protected with the help of chemicals.

If there's even an iota of doubt about the quality of these vanities, here's a pronouncement that is sure to gladden many hearts. The quality of these antiques is exemplar par excellence, as they are carved from high density fiber board that is further enhanced with a superb stain finish. Antique water faucets and antique brass and ceramic hardware only add to the ethereal appeal.

And before you make snap judgments about the functionality, or rather the lack of it, these vanities surprise you with an enormous amount of storage space.

Selecting One Could Take You Ages

You may find it rather hard to resist the exceptionally beautiful appearance of these bathroom vanities, but there's something else that you are sure to find more arduous. Just try your hand at picking your favorite, and you'll be able to comprehend the enormity of this decision.

There's the Antique Oak Record Cabinet for bathroom vanity that takes your breath away with its sawn oak construction, smoldering bronze faucets and pristine white sink. It is a spectacle that promises pure, unrestrained happiness. For those that believe in uninhibited opulence, the Marble Top French Dresser is both unique and rare.

Whatever you choose, you are sure to have a bathroom that will become the cynosure of all eyes.

Here's exactly how you can generate 100's or even 1000's of positively brilliant Bathroom Remodeling Ideas... FAST ! And you could easily increase your home's value by several $1000s fast with these 25 street-smart tips for Dirt Cheap Home Improvement

Damaged Composition Roof Shingle

Surviving As A Contractor In California

So you want to make big money making a living as a contractor in the state of California. Well now I bet you have seen contractors on TV or maybe you know someone who is a contractor. You see these men and women playing the part as Mr. or Mrs. Money bags. If you have the slightest thought that becoming a contractor will provide you with a life of riches think again.

Most contractors that I know and have worked with over the years don't think of there jobs as easy. They have to work everyday and a lot into the night doing estimates or meeting with potential clients because they are to busy during the day. The life of most contractors in the beginning will be difficult to say the least. But if successful you will make a great living for yourself and your family.

Now that we got the false illusion of the contractor answering his cell phone all day at some nice golf course having lunch talking about the money that he just made selling his oil stocks. We can start on reality. If being a contractor was that easy everyone would be a contractor. Right..... Well maybe not everyone.

I have been a contractor for over 22 years and in construction for 30 year. I have seen a lot of changes over the years. I remember when a few contractors that I worked for made a lot of money during the late 1970's. These guys had Ferraris and money to burn with one exception they had no idea how to save any of it. These guys went on vacations and bought extravagant toys for them selves. Out of most of the big framing contractors I worked for about 10 percent are still in business or actually saved their money during the good times so that they could make it through the bad times.

These contractors never thought it was going to end. Life on easy street that is. But it did and most went by the way side. I guess that is the nature of business. Especially the current economic business cycles that we seem to go through over the years. If you don't have the money to advertise or carry a payroll. Your business is going to suffer during the bad times. Sure there is credit and bank loans but you still have to pay that money back. IF you can't save your money stash some away for advertising.

Some of the best advice I can give a contractor anywhere especially in the state of California is " Don't Think The Great Times Of Easy Money Will Last Forever". Save some of the money you make just in case you need to get through the bad times. You will thank me for this latter, Some time down the road. Take this advice and put it into action starting right now.

Greg Vanden Berge has over 30 years of experience in residential home building and remodeling. This provides you with the comfort of knowing that you have a professional with the knowledge and skills to complete your construction projects in a timely manner.

Our low overhead along with our new online estimating system will provide you with the most competitive construction pricing in the area. We continue to educate ourselves about the new home improvement books and building systems in the construction industry. If we have any doubt that something might not work we don't use it. We have found some of these products to be the root of some major home building problems.

Click on the Home Remodeling Ideas to get more information and a possible online estimate for your home improvement project.

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Can You Help Us with Your Remodeling Experience

To would appreciate any home remodeling tips for ideas that you have that could help other homeowners, building contractors and other people involved in home remodeling. Post all your comments below.

Driveway Raised Creating Problem

DIY Bathroom Remodeling Or Hiring a Contractor

The first question you need to ask yourself when remodeling a bathroom is can you actually do the work yourself or do you have someone that can help you with the remodeling. If you don't know anyone and can't do the work yourself, I would suggest hiring a contractor with experience remodeling bathrooms.

If you can do the work yourself or think you could do the work yourself, why not give it a shot. Any experience you have in construction or home remodeling, is going to be beneficial to your bathroom remodeling project. There is plenty of information on the internet or in your local libraries on bathroom remodeling and these often prove to be great resources for do it yourselfers.

As an experienced contractor I have gathered a great deal of information through books, at work and watching local home improvement shows. The biggest problem with the show's and quite a few of these books, is they don't provide enough information. Most of the time they provide you with the basics of bathroom remodeling and you could soon find yourself in trouble or seeking the advice from a home improvement professional.

The largest benefit for doing the bathroom remodeling project yourself, could be the money you save, along with the satisfaction of completing the project. It makes homeowners feel good when they've completed a large home remodeling project, like a bathroom remodel.

If you don't have the time, lack the experience or a combination of both, I would suggest hiring a contractor to relieve you from the stress and frustration of your bath remodeling project. The more complex your bathroom remodeling project is, the greater the degree of difficulty, the longer it will take to complete the project. Some of these projects can take up a lot of your time.

If you're working on galvanized water supply pipes or old cast iron waste pipes, you could find yourself hiring a plumber to install your bathtub and fixtures. These old pipes create problems for most do it yourselfers and I would suggest hiring a professional, whenever you run into a problem you don't feel comfortable with.

Choosing to tackle some of these difficult problems yourself, could lead to water leaks and more damage to the home eventually costing you even more money than the original cost of hiring an experienced plumber in the first place. When it comes to water, structural framing and electricity, think twice, especially if you're not experienced in these areas.

My advice to do it yourselfers is to hire a professional if you're not comfortable or seek the advice from a contractor or someone with considerable experience bathroom remodeling.

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 House Remodeling Pictures or home building ideas.

Value Of Change In Your Life

Remodeling Advice

Have realistic expectations. Remodeling can be very messy; there is no getting around that. Sometimes projects can take longer and cost more than expected or planned for. Be sure to ask lots of questions and do your homework ahead of time to ensure that the people you hire are reputable and conscientious. They will be worth their weight in gold.

It is best not to cut corners when it comes to how you trim out your house in regards to appliances, materials or fixtures. When you invest in quality, it will pay off in the long run.

Be sure the company you hire as a "go to" person so you can ask him/her daily questions, such as: What time will the workers will be arriving the next day. Don't take it for granted that they will be back -ask. Also find out what time they will be starting and finishing. Make sure you find out what work will be going on. I always recommend getting an approximate schedule for the week in advance. Knowing the answers can mean the difference between having peace of mind and giving someone a piece of your mind.

Find the right balance...you'll need to be around to do some supervision, but you'll also need to stay away to keep your sanity.

Finally, make sure you do some fun or relaxing things for yourself so you can get through it in a positive way. Keep this thought - Remodeling is like having a baby, the pain is difficult but only temporary and the final results have a way of making it all worthwhile.

Remodeling will give you benefits if you decide to sell your home. A good estimate is you'll get a return of 92% of what you invested into a kitchen remodel and 105% of your investment back on a master bathroom remodel. Be mindful - don't expect low-cost, quick fix remedies to pay off very well. A complete renovation using quality materials and experienced contractors will be much wiser and a better investment.

Good luck with your remodel.

2008 Sandella Custom Homes and Interiors LLC. All rights reserved

Need help with your project? Start a Design Notebook. Get the FREE how to guide and click on FREE STUFF! Whether you need to expand, remodel or build from scratch, Enhance Remodeling by Sandella, provides the architect, contractor and interior designer. Enhance Remodeling accesses things like usage, pattern flow and privacy needs to design spaces that work for the whole family. We create environments that are more than just living spaces. Let us create what you imagine.

About Cheryl:
Cheryl Sandella, Interior Designer ASID Allied Member, works with her husband and partner of 30 years, Al Sandella, General Contractor. They own Sandella Custom Homes & Interiors, and Enhance Remodeling in Fountain Hills Arizona. They design, build and remodel homes in the valley.

WANT TO USE THIS ARTICLE IN YOUR E-ZINE OR WEB SITE? You can, as long as you include this complete blurb with it: Cheryl Sandella, Interior Designer publishes a monthly eZine called "Bespoke Home". If you want Tools, Tips and Guidance to design and build your custom home, be sure to get your complimentary subscription at http://sandella.net

Cheryl Sandella
Sandella Custom Homes & Interiors
PO Box 18132
Fountain Hills, AZ 85269
480.836.1543 - office
480.816.4233 - Cheryl's personal line
http://www.enhanceremodeling.com

Fireplace And Hearth Framing

Finding Homes Using the Internet - Home Shopping

You can simply type the words real estate or homebuying into any search engine on the World Wide Web and you will come up with hundreds, maybe even thousands of websites that are extremely helpful and full of great information. Like the one you're on right now.

Finding homes with the internet, combined with a skilled real estate salesperson, provides you with the most effective technology available today. Most websites start out, having you select a state you would like to search in and then, select a city, with your price range.

By answering their questions, this narrows the search down to all of the homes available in the area. The internet has made home shopping very simple. Considering what you had to go through in the 1970s. You found a realtor or by looking in the yellow pages, sometimes you found a good realtor and if you are lucky, maybe you would find you a good home.

Most of the time, the first homes you would look at, were owned by the real estate professional you were working with.

There are however a couple of problems with using the internet to find your dream home. Some of the verbage used and photographs taken can create a wonderful illusion of a tropical paradise but the reality, it's a regular home in a decent neighborhood.

Some of these photos are taken by skilled photographers who take advantage of every angle and tend to give an illusion of grander. When you actually start driving around and looking at these homes, only then will you get a reality check, of what the home actually looks like. You'll get used to it.

After you've looked at a few of your future dream homes, you will get a better idea of what I'm talking about with these wonderful pictures and the extraordinary home descriptions like "Beautiful Three Bedroom House with an Ocean View." When reality it's a two-bedroom house with an extra closet for the third bedroom and the ocean is 45 miles away, but you can see it on a clear day if you actually climb to the top of the largest tree on the property.

Take your time when searching for your dream home and don't let any one push you into making a decision if you're not ready. If you find your real estate professional a little too aggressive or pushy, get out of your contract, if you've signed one and find another, more helpful real estate salesperson to help you with your home purchase.

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.

Find other real estate tips and great advice, from another one of the Internet's best website creators.

Always Question Your Religion

Brick Repair

There are a lot of do-it-yourself'ers out there that attempt to perform their own brick repairs.
Many of them are using various products from their local hardware store or kits that are found on
line.

As you have probably noticed, most of these kits or crack repair tubes and various other
products don't give the desired effect. These products are intended to seal cracks, but they are
not intended to make the cracks go away.

If you have not used one of these products, you may still have seen their results on homes in
your neighborhood. They tend to leave a noticeable lightening bolt repair across the side of the
home. This is known as the LBE or lightening bolt effect.

In general, these LBEs are ugly and undesirable to you as the resident or to the prospective
buyer of your home. In the buying process, the buyer will generally have an inspector take a
look around the home to determine the extent of the damage on the home. The buyer will then
devalue the selling price of the home based on what the inspector thinks the repairs will cost.
These estimates are often higher the more undesirable things look.

It is for this purpose, I have created a method of matching the new mortar for repairs to the
original mortar of your home. We use this method daily and can match any mortar within a
reasonable tone, which is difficult to locate just hours after the repair is complete. These services are available on my website for the do-it-yourself'er. Just send us a sample of your mortar, and we
will analyze it, match it, and send you the exact recipe to recreate it as needed to complete
your repairs.

There is also a guide to help you through the process of brick repair which takes you through
step by step. It explains each tool needed, what it is used for and how to use it, Learn how to match the mortar, and more.

This is the best guide on the market. We have tested it in trials to confirm the content to be
informative and complete. There are discounts available in the "Brick Repair Guide" for mortar
matching and other services. Before you spend money on some form of do-it-yourself kit, visit
our website and become well informed. http://alamomasonryrepair.com/

James Nech is a Masonry Repair Contractor in the Dallas / Fort Worth area. His company has repaired thousands of homes restoring them to their original beauty. When he is not repairing Brickwork or other masonry he can be found talking or writing about it. For more articles on brick repair visit his website at http://www.alamomasonryrepair.com

Driveway Raised Creating Problem

Nasi Lemak, Roti Canai, Chicken Rice & Malaysian Food

Nasi Lemak
Rice cooked with coconut milk(cream) for traditional Malay dishes, is called Nasi Lemak.
Traditionally, it comes as a platter with cucumber slices, Ikan Bilis (small dried anchovies), roasted peanuts, hard boiled egg, and hot spicy sambal (traditional chili sauce), is the basic version. Nasi lemak can also come with any other accompaniments such as stir fried water kangkong (convolvulus), chicken, cuttlefish, cockle, beef curry and etc.
There are even Chinese version Nasi Lemak, which is usually non-halal, as sometimes pork is added. And also Vegetarian version Nasi Lemak, in which vegetarian ingredients replace the traditional ingredients.

Nasi Lemak is also considered National Dish of Malaysia, as the most widely eaten food in Malaysia. Not only for its inexpensiveness, but also because the basic version Nasi Lemak, which comes with only anchovies, hard boiled egg and sambal, is available everywhere and consumable by all ethnic groups.

Roti Canai
Is a type of flat-bread food widely consumed in Malaysia by all the ethnic groups, commonly sold in Mamak stalls (Tamil Muslim restaurants), Indian restaurants and Malay restaurants. For it's availability and popularity, it is claimed to be the second National Dish of Malaysia.
As the name implies, Roti canai is said to have been introduced by immigrant labor from Chennai, India (formerly known as Madras. However, the first instance of the use of the name Chennai is said to be in a sale deed dated August 1639 to Francis Day, an agent for the British where there is a reference to the place of the current Chennai) where a similar combination of parotta and dalcha - the accompanying lentil curry - is served.

Roti Canai is usually served with 'dhal' (lentil) curry, it can be taken with sugar or condensed milk.
There are numerous variations of Roti Canai to suite individual's taste, common variations include: Roti Telur, (with eggs), Roti Planta (stuffed with margarine and sugar), Roti Bawang (onion bread), Roti Sardin (stuffed with sardine), roti pisang (banana bread).
There are also a lot of different curries used besides dhal, such as Kari Ayam (chicken curry), Kari Daging (beef curry), Kari Kambing (mutton curry), Kari Ikan (fish curry), Kari Campur (mixed curry, mixture of dhals and curries can be selected)

Chicken Rice
Usually referred to Hainanese Chicken Rice, roots in Hainan Cuisine and it was introduced by Hainanese overseas Chinese. The most commonly served Chicken Rice is "White Chicken" and rice. Chicken Rice accompanied with Bean Sprouts is common especially in Ipon, a town in Perak Malaysia. Which contributes to a version called "Ipoh Chicken Rice". Whereas, "Roasted chicken" is another popular version of chicken rice widely consumed by Malaysian, as there is also Malay or Halal version Chicken Rice (Nasi Ayam), usually served with Roasted Chicken, and it is commonly available in Malay Restaurants or Stalls.

Nasi Lemak, Roti Canai, Chicken Rice are the three most consumed foods in Malaysian, for their convenient, fast, low prices and being accepted by most of the people. Making it the de facto traditional Malaysian Fast Food today.

Being a multicultural country, Malaysians have over the years adapted each other's dishes to suit the taste buds of their own culture. Malay version Chicken Rice is a good example of cross-culture influence, Malaysians of Chinese descent have adapted the Indian curry, and made it more dilute and less spicy to suit their taste. Chinese Fried Rice and Noodles have been crossed with Indian and Malay tastes and thus Malay fried rice, fried noodles and Indian fried rice, fried noodles were born.

On top of the most widely consumed Nasi Lemak, Roti Canai and Chicken Rice, which represent Malay, Indian and Chinese cuisine respectively. There are also Nyonya food, Thai food and others.

Nyonya food
It was invented by the Peranakan people of Malaysia. It uses mainly Chinese ingredients but blends them with South-East Asian spices such as coconut milk, lemon grass, turmeric, screwpine leaves, chillies and sambal. It can be considered as a blend of Chinese and Malay cooking.

Thai Food
It also features strongly in Malaysian cuisine, such as the most popular Tom Yam are widely available in various restaurants and stalls, especially in the northern region.

Other food
Such as those introduced by Filipinos (mostly in Sabah, a state in East Malaysian) and Indonesian migrants, also have their restaurants or stalls, catering to both their same ethnic group of clients and local clients. Being culturally close to Malaysia, a lot of Indonesian food have been accepted by Malaysians as a part of their daily dishes, like Satay (sate), Soto (food), Rendang (dry curry), Cendol (dessert) and others.

Tony Ng,

Contributor of Best Malaysian Food portal, at http://www.bestmalaysianfood.com/

Car Paint Scratch Repair

Many people around the world have great affection for their cars. They care a lot and even a single scratch makes them uncomfortable. Anyway, there is no need to worry about such minor problems because the car paint scratch repair is not a hard task in recent days. A minor scratch can be easily repaired but if it is a major one you really need help of one professional car painter. It is obvious that a car will get a scratch or two and there is nothing you can do about it. The only thing you can do is take proper precaution while parking in or away from homes.

The most important part in car paint scratch repair is to fix the scratch in early stage. There is no need of any expensive tools to fix it. You can just put in your fingernail over the surface and find out whether it is deep into the paint or just sitting on top of it. The scratch on top can be easily removed with acetone or polish thinner. If still remain you can use polishing compound to remove the scratch. Many times a mark appears because of rub against certain items such as rubber, plastic or other paint. This is not a scratch and it can be easily removed by using aerosol tar.

Car paint scratch repair can be easily done even if the scratch is long and deep. The first step is to wash the affected section with soapy water and dry it. In general, you can use black shoe polish for red color car or white shoe polish for dark color cars to fix the scratch. Sand the damaged area with dry sandpaper until they come to same level. Blow away all dust by using a brush. The next step is to apply body compound to the scratch area and wait until it hardens. After hardening, you can apply primer paint and wait until the area dries up completely. Finally, you can apply the touch-up paint that perfectly suits your car by using special touch-up brush.

Car paint scratch repair can be easy by using the above method but the primer paint will not apply to the cars with enamel paints. Many new cars have the enameled paints and will not mix well with the lacquer based primer paint. Hence, the best way is to take help of some specialist or local auto shop before proceeding. You can just provide them your vehicle identification number that will enable you to get the better idea.

If the scratch is deep enough on the entire door, it is nice idea to allow the car painter to do the job. In such cases, the painter repaints the entire panel and this will provide your car the original look. Well, the scratch is a common thing that is bound to happen at certain times. There is no need to bother, as the car paint scratch repair is not a difficult.

Candis Reade is an accomplished niche website developer and author. To learn more about car paint scratch repair, please visit Auto Repair for current articles and discussions.

Moss Growing On Stucco

Do It Yourself Truck Repair, The Toolbox Essentials

Remember when all you really needed to fix your own truck was a little bit of mechanical inclination, a small tool box and that dogeared repair manual? Man, do I miss those days sometimes! Nowadays its OBDII, fuel trim, O2 sensors, evaporative emissions and allot of other jargon that can make your eyes cross. Lets cover some the the "must have" items you should have in your arsenal! The actual tools that reside in your box are not what I'm referring to. Those tools are the easy part. I'm referring to those specialty items that make diagnosing and repairing your vehicle a whole lot easier.

- A quality Scan Tool, not just a "code reader", it should be able to give you basic data stream information about your vehicle. This is critical when trying to diagnose a problem or "check engine light" issue.

- A quality DVOM (multimeter). Another critical item for testing the electrical components of your truck

- Internet access! Yes, you heard it right. And heres why:

1. Say your check engine light comes on, you scan your truck and come up with a P0301 code. Simply "google" that puppy and you've got like 25 search pages of free help!

2. And on any number of those search pages you'll find general and specific vehicle forums to join for free! Simply sign up and post your questions. You'll get helpful tips from professionals and fellow forum members.

3. This is for you hardcore DIYer's, A number of the professional vehicle repair data base companies are now offering a DIY version of their services on line. For a small monthly fee, usually a "per vehicle" charge, you have access to their database full of information, repair procedures, code descriptions, trouble shooting guides and wiring diagrams!

Bear in mind some of these items can be quite expensive. But there are some really good deals out there, you just have to shop around! And be wary of used equipment, make sure the seller has a good return policy if your shopping on the internet. Repairing your own vehicle can be a daunting task! I hope some of these tips and suggestions help to ease the frustration when problems arise.

Until next time,

Chris

Chris is a retired Navy Veteran, who owns Advanced Diagnostic Services. Specializing in mobile automotive diagnostics and technician training. He currently writes on a wide variety of subjects and for 2 of his local news publications.

Advanced Diagnostic Services, Mobile Automotive Diagnostics and Technician Training

http://www.mobilediag.net/3 http://www.mobilediag.net/4

Bottom Of Wall Damaged From Water

Phantom Loads and Energy Saving

Most common household appliances are equipped with an on/off switch. Many people don't realize, however, that these appliances may still be consuming electricity even when they are switched off. These so-called "phantom loads" can consume a significant amount of electricity. If you are interested in reducing your energy costs, it is important to know about these phantom loads and energy saving.

Devices that create phantom loads can sometimes be recognized because of clocks or lights that continue to operate after the appliance is turned off. VCRs, stereo systems, microwave ovens and stoves are often equipped with timers that run 24 hours a day.

Any device that can be operated with a remote-control is also consuming power around the clock. It has to stay in a ready state in order to be switched on by the remote control. The ready state consumes less electricity than when the device is "on", but over a 24-hour period the energy consumption can be substantial.

Other phantom loads include DC converters or "wall warts" that are used with many small appliances like modems, cordless phones, and recharging devices.

You may be saying to yourself that the amount of power that these things use is insignificant. In actual fact, phantom loads account for 6% of the total amount of energy used in the United States. This is the equivalent of the power produced by nine nuclear power plants.

How do you reduce phantom power? The easiest way is to plug these devices into switchable six way outlets. When you turn off the TV or the stereo, also turn off the power supply to the outlet.

Using switchable outlets is especially important for DC converters. These devices run at 60 to 80% efficiency which means that even when they are being used, they only provide six cents to eight cents of electricity for every ten cents that you spend.

If this seems like a lot of trouble, consider the fact that you will be saving an average of 6% on your electricity bills. If your average annual bill is $1500, that means you can save $90 a year by eliminating phantom loads.

Hans is author of http://www.alternative-energy-guide.com/ come and profit from our http://www.alternative-energy-guide.com/articles.htm.

Some Simple Yet Effective Methods That Will Keep Mice Away From Your House

It is well known that the easiest way to get rid of mice is to go to the pest store and purchase a repellent. However, if you want to save some money and make sure that your favorite pet is totally safe then it is time to change that way of thinking. Do it yourself methods are extremely popular nowadays and they don't require a lot of knowledge. It is not rocket science at all. Just a little bit of experimentation and positive attitude and everything is going to be fine.

However, there are people that might be allergic to cats or even not like them at all. In that case they need to look for another natural way of getting rid of mice. This time we can recommend using different odors. Again, you can purchase a good repellent in your local pest store but this doesn't mean that it is chemical free and won't harm anyone. But, if you are willing to do it yourself then you should get some ammonia. It will produce the unpleasant scent that mice will stay away from. Another good odor is produced by peppermint. You should consider it as it will definitely keep mice from coming in.

It is a pity to write such an article and not to mention that the fox urine is a good natural repellent too. Unfortunately, it is pretty hard to get. It is usually sold in small bottles as mouse deterrent. You might ask in your local pest stores but even there they might lack it. This method works great if you manage to spray the urine around the infested areas in your home or simply just the holes where the mice tend to get in through.

Well this is it. These are the most well known and natural odors that might keep mice stay away from your home. If you would like to find out more about how to get rid of mice we recommend you to visit our blog. We teach people different interesting methods and offer free advice. Knowing how to exterminate mice is a must if you are a farmer or just living in the rural area. Killing mice is not always necessary but it is always good to know how to force them stay away!

Xbox 360 Repair - How to Repair Your Console!

The Xbox 360 was one of the first next generation consoles to be released, there is quite a rush to get the system out and some people believe that this is the reason that there is so many hardware problems with the console.

This article will tell you a bit more about those problems and also give you a few tips that you can use to get Xbox 360 repair.

Probably one of the most popular problems is the three red lights error or the red rings of doom! This error is caused by the compact design of the x-box and what happens is as you are playing your games the two main chips that deal with all the processing heat up considerably.

Eventually the soldering snaps off and then when you go to turn your Xbox on again you will notice three flashing red lights.

So how can you prevent the 3 red lights error?

Well a good idea if you haven't already is to invest in a cooling system and you can pick one up for about $30 dollars, it is not really a cooling system as much as it is a fan the plugs into the back and just gives the Xbox an extra cooling.

Another good idea is to keep your Xbox near a window and up off the floor focusing on getting enough room to breathe. Most of the problems can also be caused by dust as there is a lot of high end components inside the console and these do attract a lot of dust so if you continue getting problems like frezzing and graphical glitches, then grab a vacuum cleaner and hoover out the dust in the side and back vents of the console.

If you already have this error they're really 2 ways that you can approach it!

It can be annoying and frustrating I know, but what you should really do is give Microsoft customer service a call and explain the problem to them. If you tell them that you have flashing red lights on your console they will go through a series of checks and then probably tell you that it needs to be sent away for repair.

What happens then is they send you some labels and you need to find an empty box and put your broken console inside and then ring the number they give you and someone from you UPS will come and pick you up for you.

Normally they are quite quick at picking up the console but unfortunately he can take about four weeks to get it returned to you.

Another way you can repair it is to look up information online and find a good Xbox 360 repair guide, there are a few about if you do research and if you're going to go down this route make sure that you get one with the complete guarantee and preview videos.

I hope this article has told you a bit more about Xbox 360 repair and how you can fix your system and get back to your games fast!

For A FAST, GUARANTEED and EASY way to perform Xbox 360 Repair and get back to your games today then click the link below and download the best Xbox 360 Repair guide with step by step videos:

Xbox 360 Repair

Video on Home Repair, Large Hole in Your Wall

Great video on how to fix a hole in your wall .

Greg Vanden Berge is working on the internet to promote the education for creating simple to follow guides and home building books to help professional building contractors as well as the weekend warriors. He has just finished a Home Buyers Guide to take some of the frustration out of home shopping.

If your looking for some more home inspection or home building ideas.

House Foundation Books
Hiring Contractors Books

A Bathroom When Space is an Issue

Planning a bathroom when space is an issue is a common, if sometimes frustrating, problem. One of the first things you must consider is what, exactly, your needs for this space are. If you do not need a bath, but do need a shower (or the other way around) then having what you do not need is simply a waste of space. Plan for only those elements of a bathroom suite which your household will use regularly and your small bathroom can become much more spacious.

Measure your space, and make a scale model on paper or with a graphics program on the computer. A 10 cm to 1 meter scale is commonly used. Using simple shapes made to scale with standard measurements, try different arrangements for your suite and furniture. Think about how much room you will need around each element to use it comfortably. Make sure you take into consideration where your existing water and electrical lines are! Using your existing utility points will save you time and money in construction.

Clever use of storage can make the most of a small space. Often overlooked is the storage capabilities of an under basin cabinet. This can be a convenient place to store extra toilet rolls, shampoo and soap, as well as bathroom cleaning supplies. If you have room for a shelf - but not much room - consider using the vertical space to its best advantage. Shelving that extends from floor to ceiling, even if it is quite narrow, can provide much more storage for rolled or folded towels, wash cloths, and other bathroom necessities than a standard height shelf.

Many bathroom suites are available in a smaller than standard size.

This can give you the same facilities in a smaller space, allowing more floor and wall space left over. Using the smaller sized elements makes the entire room seem larger, as each thing takes up less space. Using an entire suite - Bath, shower, basin, toilet and bidet - of a smaller size keeps each element in scale as a whole. A smaller element can be used side by side with standard sized pieces, but try to keep them the same basic styles to create a better design flow.

Heated towel racks can be a good choice in small bathrooms, as they serve to both hold towels and heat the room. Likewise a combined bath and shower unit may serve best if you find that you need to have both a bath and a shower in your bathroom. Any time that a suite or piece of furniture can do double duty, it becomes a better choice for a small bathroom.

Written by James Chapman, a director of Bella Bathrooms who supply Small Baths 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.

A List Of Patio Window Coverings

Windows which are unpainted and which are not mounted with curtains or draperies appear boring and lifeless. You could also be seen by the people who just simply happen to pass by near your place.

Hence, you lose your privacy and you become more inclined to getting harassed. Then, the more that you are to be bugged by such concern when you talk about the patio window coverings.

Generally, the basic use of the window coverings are to provide a cover for the interior and then to basically boost the impression created by the decorations used inside.

However, do not misconstrue the fact that you could purchase any patio window covering that you spot at the department stores that you visit from time to time.

You need to think about many elements such as the size of the patio window, the color, design, pattern, and texture of the patio window covering to use, and a lot others. Your taste and preference matters when you choose the patio window coverings.

The following is a list of the most sought after and bestseller kinds of patio window coverings.

1. The blinds. There are generally four kinds of the blinds that you may use as patio window coverings. They are the aluminum, fabric, vinyl, and wood. The two basic constructions of the blinds are the vertical and the horizontal blinds.

The vertical blinds are perfectly utilized for the bay windows, patio doors, and for the corner windows. On the other hand, the horizontal blinds are nonetheless mounted on standard windows.

2. The curtains. These depend on the length that you desire and the color, design, and casement that would truly fit into the patio windows that need them.

3. The swags. These may be matched with the shades, shutters, blinds, and curtains.

4. The shutters. These are the louvers or solid panels that may be available for customization.

5. The shades. These are used for the purpose of blocking or filtering the light that comes into the room.

6. The draperies. They contribute to the formal touch that is endowed to the interior of the home.

7. The valances. These are the adornments that may be added to the layers of the patio window coverings.

These are just some of the choices that you may opt for when looking for the patio window coverings.

For tips on choosing window coverings, visit http://www.windowcoverings101.com

Home Mold Solution Books