Crawl Space Dehumidifier Can Protect Your Home From Wood Rot

Humidity and moisture in your crawl space can often lead to a serious problem for homeowners not using a crawl space dehumidifier; wood rot. Wood rot, also called wood decay, is caused by microscopic organisms that belong to the fungi group. These organisms are what cause the wood to actually decay.

Wood is comprised of 3 major components: cellulose, hemicellulose and lignin. Wood rots because the fungi "eat" these 3 major components of wood cells by releasing enzymes that digest wood cells.

Wood that has a moisture content of 20% or above is very susceptible to rotting. The attacking fungi require 4 conditions for colonization:

1) Adequate oxygen supply

2) Temperature range between 40-100 degrees Fahrenheit

3) Constant moisture source

4) Adequate supply of food (wood)

Untreated moisture damage can cause a decrease in your property value by 10% to 15% according to the National Association of Waterproofing and Structural Repair Contractors (NAWSRC).

Catching moisture problems like wood rot in the early stages will save you both money and headaches. There are several warning signs to alert you that moisture may be damaging your home: excessive condensation on windows, blistering or peeling paint, discolored wood surfaces, splits across the wood grain, mold spots, musty odors and standing water in your crawl space.

If you notice any of these warning signs, you need to determine where the moisture is coming from. Check for plumbing leaks, roof leaks, debris filled gutter and downspouts, foundation cracks and poorly graded soil that drains towards your home. In your crawlspace, look for mold stains on the foundation walls and/or puddled water.

Moist, humid air from your crawlspace increases the moisture content of the wood in your home, making it vulnerable to wood rot. By installing a vapor barrier and a high grade crawl space dehumidifier, you can protect the value of your home.

About the Author Chuck Jaymes is an indoor air quality professional and offers reviews and comparisons about Crawl Space Dehumidifiers for OscarAir, Inc.

The Ethical Advantages of Vegan Shoes

Everywhere we look we're seeing and hearing about different ways to help keep our environment green from building homes and using energy- efficient appliances right down to the clothes we're choosing to buy and wear. Of particular interest to many are vegan shoes. Vegan shoes are designed and created in a way that make them more sustainable and, therefore, directing us towards a greener future. One company calls their process for making vegan shoes "Green Toe". By using the most innovative construction and materials, they make their vegan shoes in a way that they will last a long time, thus eliminating the need for new shoes. Not only are these vegan shoes durable, but they are also extremely comfortable.

One of the first steps we, as a society, have taken in our mission to wear eco-friendly shoes such as vegan shoes is to eliminate a wardrobe filled with leather shoes, boots or handbags. With the large effort shoe manufacturers have made to give us non-leather shoes and other synthetic shoes and accessories, it's never been easier to live a vegetarian lifestyle with the wide choice of vegan shoes now becoming available. Vegetarian products like vegan shoes, handbags and accessories have advanced a lot in recent years. With the many advances made in the production and manufacture of synthetic products, the non-leather goods we buy are almost identical and can hardly be told apart from their genuine counterparts.

There are many products that previously went into the manufacture of shoes that not only hurt the environment but were not comfortable on the foot, with leather being just one of them- in fact, it was a major component. Now, instead of using leather, pvc or vinyl in the manufacture of shoes, the new vegan shoes are made of a polyurethane synthetic microfiber.

Other materials that are used in vegan shoes include cork, latex or hemp. Hemp is easy to obtain, doesn't harm the environment and is biodegradable. We'll be seeing hemp used in more and more eco-friendly products for your home and daily living. Another major component in the manufacture of shoes is rubber. As a way to conserve the environment while cutting back on waste, many manufacturers of shoes are using recycled car tires and bicycle tires for the soles and heels of the shoes.

With the many advances in products and materials used for eco-friendly clothing, vegan shoes and green products, it is easier every day for us to help keep the environment green and healthy.

If you want to wear shoes that are animal friendly, you'll need vegan shoes to fit your needs.

If you want to wear shoes that are animal friendly, you'll need vegan shoes to fit your needs.

Older Homes With No Dryer Hookup

Riverside, California Home Builders

City of Riverside is the home to various national and local home builders. You can search online for sale of new homes and new homing communities in city of Riverside. Below you will find information about home builders and their homing communities in Riverside, California.

Barry Duble General Contractor - Barry Duble General Contractor is a local home builder building homes across the city of Riverside for over thirty years now. They are known for their commercial buildings, custom homes, room additions and remodels. Visit Barry Duble General Contractor online for more information about their floor plans, home pricing, new home designs and subdivisions.

Centex Homes - Centex is national home builder building quality homes across US. In Riverside, Centex offers premium homes at affordable prices and also have a community with pricing starting from $100,000. To get an insight into this community and its pricing, visit Centex online.

KB Homes - They are known for their dedicated designing. In the city of Riverside, KB homes have two new communities, both located at Bridgeport. The pricing of this community homes start from $250,000. Visit KB homes online for more information about their floor plans, home pricing, new home designs and new home subdivisions in the city of Riverside.

Pacific Scenes Homes - They are known for their innovative designs and low pricing. Pacific scenes homes have one communities in the city of Riverside, offering homes at a starting price of $100,000. Know more about these communities by visiting them online.

Lennar Homing - Lennar Homing is a national home builder building homes and new homing communities across US for a long time. In Riverside County, Lennar Homing is coming up with a new community with an expected price range of $150,000 - $400,000. View floor plans, quick move-in homes, home pricing and community location by visiting them online.

Richmond American Homes - Richmond American is a new home builder which has built homes for 150,000 families across US. They are equipped with 3,800 professionals to cater to the demand of their customers. Richmond American Homes has two housing communities in the city of Riverside. Learn more about each community and their available homes in Riverside, California by visiting them online.

Search Riverside new homes and Victorville new homes today!

Buying A Functional House

In A Bad Mood? Build A Sunroom In Your Home

It's pretty commonly known that your mood can be affected by how much sunlight you get. Not everyone is affected the same way, but there are people who need a certain amount of sunlight in their lives in order to keep from getting depressed or down. If you notice that you feel better when it's a nice sunny day you could probably benefit by having your home more open to the outdoors. This can be accomplished with the addition of a sunroom.

Sunrooms can also be referred as solariums, conservatories, patio rooms and green rooms. They don't have to be a brand new room, they can be addition to your kitchen or family room, an old porch or deck that gets converted, or even a breezeway in your home that you fill in with mostly windowed walls. It can be it's own separate structure with a separate entrance and exit from the rest of the house. Sunrooms are an excellent home addition, providing a relaxing outdoor atmosphere while still being inside. Sunrooms are also a great opportunity to increase the value of your home without the expense of a traditional home addition.

These are also great for gardeners because they provide an easy way to showcase plants, as well as an optimal growing environment. Regardless of the climate in which you live, a sunroom can be added to your existing living space. Sunrooms are ideal for warm and cool climates.

Since the purpose of the room is to have a larger than normal amount of sunlight coming in they tend to be more windows than actual walls. For heating and cooling efficiency you'll want to get highly efficient windows that are designed to be energy efficient.

Check with your zoning laws and neighborhood association to see if your area has any requirements about the structural appearance of additions to your home. With the increase in home value you can expect to get a boost in equity and could return as much as 70% of the building costs. They're popular because they're so inviting and relaxing.

For more information on patio enclosures and sunroom kits please see our website.

Concrete Stained Sheathing

Nicuesa Rainforest Lodge - A Great Ecolodge For the Entire Family

One of the many things that impresses me about ecolodges is how they approach construction of the lodge. As it would be rather eco-contrary if a lodge were to cut down trees and prepare a building site instead of working with nature's offerings. At Nicuesa Rainforest Lodge, meticulous care was taken to ensure no trees were cut. All wood came from either naturally fallen trees or tree farms. In all, 18 different species of wood were used. The roof tiles were made locally out of recycled plastic bags and bottles. The lodge and rooms are designed with a certain amount of openness creating a seamless transition between inside and outside. Nicuesa seeks a balance of providing their guests with a high-quality experience while minimizing their impact on the environment.

One of the many tours they offer is their 'sustainability tour.' It's a fascinating one hour tour given by co-owner, Donna Butler. Starting in the lodge, Donna describes how and why they came up with the locations for the various buildings, their design philosophy and where the various wood types came from. It's a great introduction to the property.

My favorite tour at Nicuesa is the 'Esquinas River Tour.' The tour begins after breakfast. With kayaks in tow, keep your eyes peeled for dolphins as it's a beautiful, 10 mile boat ride up the coast to the mouth of the Esquinas River. The boat slows and enters meandering channels of mangroves. A variety of birds take off in front of and behind the boat. Coffee and snacks are served as guides tell stories about local families and the importance of mangrove forests. After breakfast, it's time for the kayaks and an awe-inspiring paddle through this magical place. On the way back to the lodge, the boats stops once more at a local reef for snorkeling where numerous fish species can be seen.

The hiking at Nicuesa is also spectacular. The property itself is a 165 acre, private reserve and borders the beautiful and largely undiscovered Piedras Blancas National Park. Beautiful waterfalls, huge trees, hundreds of species of birds and animals along with thousands of species of plants call this area home. I could not get enough of these trails.

Communal dinners are served by candle light in the spacious and open lodge. Guests and employees sit at the same table where friends are made and memories are shared. An after dinner cocktail is the perfect night cap before bed and another day of adventure.

Nicuesa is involved in numerous conservation efforts and matches individual donations. They've donated thousands of dollars to the region they love and want to see protected for others to experience.

Michael and Donna Butler's goal of creating a place with little environmental impact and huge environmental appeal is evident in what they've created at Nicuesa Rainforest Lodge.

Mitch Popa is an independent video producer working on promoting Costa Rica's Ecotourism Industry. Please visit our website at http://www.ecotourismtravelguides.com or contact me personally at redwoodmitch@yahoo.com.

Attic Repairs

Guide to Choosing Bathroom Fixtures

Bathroom fixtures can either be used to create a wonderful room and add style to your room. Bathroom fixtures can also be used to create a neutral backdrop to accent your home. There are different ways that you can do this by adding accompanying accessories which can enhance the look of your bathroom. Decorating a bathroom can be quite difficult, however there's no reason you can't have some fun decorating.

How to Choose the Right Accessories

If you're not entirely sure how to decide which bathroom fixtures to use in your bathroom you should ask an interior designer for advice. You can decide by comparing modern and traditional accessories. Modern bathroom fixtures are well suited to use in high-tech and minimalist bathrooms.

Traditional bathroom fixtures are much more elegant and classical. These are commonly used in bathrooms that want a country or antique bathrooms. Modern designs use geometric shapes, whereas traditional fixtures normally have a floral or fluting design.

If you want to create a traditional bathroom then you should consider installing a bathtub which has claw feet. To create a classical look in your bathroom then could also consider a sunken marble style bathtub. When creating a modern bathroom you need to think about curvy whirlpools, or rectangular bathtubs.

When it comes to thinking about bathroom fixtures then you should consider your sink options. You can use a pedestal sink in order to create a modern or high-tech look fairly easily. To create traditional look bathrooms you should consider using marble sinks, if you can't afford the real thing then you could opt for marble look sinks. There are so many different sinks available that you will certainly find one that suits your bathroom.

You can even carefully choose toilet and shower curtains to tie in with your style. You can use a shower door made of plain glass, or it can be frosted or even stained to give the appearance that you like. Modern bathrooms work well with wall mounted slim line toilets, whereas traditional models with wooden seats work very well for more traditional style bathrooms.

If you intend to change the design of your bathroom on a regular basis then you should plan a bathroom with plain colors. You should use faucets and fixtures which complement your bathrooms theme. It's very poplar to use porcelain and brass fixtures in traditional bathrooms. Many modern bathrooms use gooseneck and waterfall faucets.

You should also make sure that all of the accessories in your bathroom including towel rails, cabinets, and any other accessories complement your bathroom theme. You could consider using simple white walls for your design as this will work for any type of bathroom.

Chad Dethelo continually writes long articles on themes related to shower curtain hooks. His abstracts on shower curtains are found on his webpage and also many different online sites.

Mold Under Floor Tile

How to Install Ceramic Tile - Proven Steps to Success

You can quickly learn how to install ceramic tile and have stunning success with your project. Sure installing tile is usually left to the pros. But with the right tips, most people can build beautiful surfaces. It's just a matter of getting the right tools and learning how to prepare the surfaces and put the tile in place. Following are the four basic steps for getting tile installed the right way.

Gathering the materials is the first step. Now materials includes getting the few basic tools required for tile installation. There are just a few special tools required. The most important tools you don't already have are the tile cutting tools. That would include tile nippers, maybe a tile cutter board and usually a tile saw. You can rent a saw or start with a very inexpensive saw too.

The other part of gathering materials is deciding on the tile you will use and how much tile you need. That may be the hardest part of the whole project. That's because you have so many tile choices. After you decide how much tile you need, you'll know how much tile adhesive and grout you'll need too. Your tile supplier can help you figure quantities of all the materials. Once you have your materials you're ready to get started with the installing.

An important preparation step is getting the base for the tile solid and clean. A surface that moves will cause cracked tiles. Often the easiest way to get a solid smooth surface is to put down cement board. But that's not necessary since tile can be installed over many different materials. Once you have your materials and your surface preparation done, the actual installation is not very hard.

Laying the first tile is the hardest part. That's because the position of the first tile determines how much cutting of tiles you'll do. It also determines how straight the joint lines will be. Getting the tiles lined up correctly will make for a neat installation. The best way to get the lines straight is to use your chalk line early and often. Actually setting the tiles involves some art. Setting tile is easiest if you gently twist the tiles into position. You don't want to drop the tiles into place or slide the tile into place either. Make sure you have enough mud on the tile so you have a little extra so you can bump the individual piece into place.

Once the tiles are in place, the grouting of the joints goes quickly. Grout does come in several types. Whether you choose sanded or unsanded grout depends on the size of the joint. Another option is using epoxy grout where the tile is in a constantly wet place. After the grout sets briefly, it is easily cleaned to finish the job.

You can learn how to install ceramic tile with the right instruction and some practice. There's no reason why you can't do a professional looking job on your first project. There are quite a few tricks to learn to make it easier to lay tile.

Video tutorials showing how to install ceramic tile can be found at our website.

Al Bullington invites you to visit http://InstallingCeramicTile.net for answers to your tile questions.

Delaminating Roof Plywood

Tuckpointing

Tuck pointing is a growing industry. It has been around for thousands of years, but has become much more popular in the past ten years. This has spawned a number of innovations.

Originally, brick/stone masons would hammer and chisel out the mortar as needed. Then rinse away their dust allowing the new mortar to stick. After preparing the cracks for re-pointing, these masons would mix up new mortar to replace the old cracked mortar. At this point, they used a hopper or a trowel to hold their mortar, and a pointing trowel or a tuck-pointing trowel to push the mortar into the chiseled mortar-joint. After allowing the mortar to dry to a proper texture, these mortar-joints are tooled and brushed clean.

In todays market, tuck pointing is considerably different. We no longer have to hammer and chisel the mortar-joints to open the cracks up for repair. Most companies use an angle grinder fitted with a diamond-carbide blade prepared for the purpose of removal of the mortar. This innovation allows us to cut the mortar-joints out deeper and faster than had typically been done prior. This depth is about to of an inch deep, and allows for a better bond into the wall. This still requires the dust to be rinsed away to improve the ability to stick or bond in. In recent years, the new mortars are blended to match the original mortar of the masonry work. Note that not all companies are offering Custom Color Matched Mortars. (For companies that offer the Custom Color Matched Mortar System copy and paste this in your search bar). We also no longer need to use the pointing-trowel or tuck pointer to install the new mortar. This industry has adopted a tool used for grouting tile. It is called a grout bag, and it allows for more speed and accuracy when injecting the new mortars/grout into the mortar-joints. The mortar is still allowed to dry to a desired texture, then tooled and brushed clean.

Each of these new tools and processes has made this service faster, stronger, and more desirable.
There are books and other reports available at http://alamomasonryrepair.com/products.htm which will help you to locate quality contractors in your area or guide you through the process of doing the project yourself.

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

Attic Repairs

Adding Value to Your Home by Bathroom Remodeling

The bathroom is no longer a place where you simply take a bath or use the restroom. Bathroom remodeling is one of the most rewarding and popular home improvement projects to undertake. The main things to consider when planning such a renovation are improving lighting, renovating and expanding cabinet space, replacing flooring and installing new fixtures.

Bathroom remodeling is the first step towards a desired upgrading of your life style. Bathroom remodeling is easier and cheaper than you think, if you have a game plan. Instead of spending money on replacing all of your fixtures, upgrading a few key items can transform the bathroom into a relaxing environment. Bathroom remodeling is perhaps the most popular project for home improvement because it yields the highest return on your investment. Moreover, homeowners can enjoy their relaxing bathroom from the time they remodel until they decide on selling the house. It's not only fun but significant changes can be accomplished with modifications in lighting, color, surface materials, and ventilation. Introducing more natural lighting into your bathroom with skylights or glass block windows softens the character of the room.

Bathroom remodeling is also a major selling point. Learn about current trends in deluxe shower systems (replacing tubs in many newer homes), the latest in bathroom flooring and countertops (everything from natural stone to glass and stainless steel), learn the latest trends in sinks and faucets, medicine cabinets, magnifying mirrors, vanities, and layered lighting. Bathroom remodeling is a serious job and it's not only fun but very rewarding.

Bath remodeling is something many people avoid because of the stress and hassle that accompanies it. Trying to find the right vanity, picking out matching tile, can be very frustrating. Bathroom remodeling is one way that you can add to the appeal of your home and is a great way to spruce up your house if you're thinking about selling. Bathroom remodeling is strong, as most bathrooms become outdated in 15 years. With many consumers becoming dissatisfied with their current bath, and more aware of industry trends, bathroom renovation is seeing unprecedented growth.

Bathroom remodeling is one of our specialties. Bathroom remodeling is outlined and performed with a 3-4 man crew, depending on the size of the bathroom. It is one of the home renovations that can add a lot of value to your home when you list it for sale. Another key to getting potentials buyers to want to buy your home is to use simple sleek bathroom fixtures.

Now all you have to do is stop wondering if and when you can set out and complete your goal of a new and better bathroom and just make the decision to get it done.

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

Animal Dropping In Attic

What You Might Not Know About Your Bathroom Needs

If you are thinking about tackling a contemporary bathroom remodeling project, there are a lot of things that you need to consider. While you might already have ideas in your head as to the style and colors that you want, there are plenty of other options to consider along the way. For example, choosing the right modern bathroom vanities will allow you to maximize your storage capacity as well as your style. But it is the little details that you might not recognize that will really pull the bathroom look together.

Vanity cabinet ideas you can use for space concerns

Traditionally there are two different kinds of modern bathroom vanities: European style and face-frame. With the European style, you will be able to construct a more contemporary look with the frameless design. These kinds of vanities will also give your contemporary bathroom remodeling project hidden hinges and extra storage for your various bathroom needs. Or you can choose the face-frame style that is more traditional, but still immensely popular. These are the box-type styles of cabinets that have panel doors that can either have visible or hidden hinges. These cabinets can also provide you with ample storage, though they tend to look more bulky in size.

When you are trying to create an antique vanity look

If you cannot find what you are looking for at contemporary bathroom remodeling stores or in catalogs, you might want to go to an estate sale or antique shop to find bathroom sink cabinets from the time period that you want to capture. These cabinets may need some additional work to look modern and polished, but this is easy to do. At your local hardware store, you should be able to find knobs and pulls for the piece of furniture that match or can replace the existing pulls. If you are looking to really match the antique look, you may end up spending a lot of money for these small modern bathroom vanities accessories. However, when you have saved money by buying a used vanity, this might not be a problem for you.

A counter offer for your vanity

Modern bathroom vanities now come in a variety of materials for their countertops, each with its own advantages and disadvantages:

• Laminates: easy to clean, budget friendly, needs to be replaced when worn
• Ceramic tile: difficult to install, long lasting, easy to clean, grout can get stained
• Stone: heavy and hard to install, long lasting, can become stained
• Engineered stone: heavy and hard to install, long lasting, solid surface, not porous
• Solid Surface: engineered. Clean look, can sustain cuts and stains, not porous
• Stainless steel: easy to maintain, can be expensive
• Wood: beautiful finish, but need to be maintained to prevent mildew and warping
• Concrete: very durable but can become stained and crack

While installing most of these surfaces is simple for the homeowner, it can be a problem when it comes to maintaining the surface, as you can see. What you might want to realize is that you do not want to spend more time maintaining your contemporary bathroom remodeling project than actually completing it.

There are plenty of things that you need to do when it comes to your contemporary bathroom remodeling project. From choosing the right modern bathroom vanities to the material of your countertop, no detail is too small in this important remodeling project.

Dave Robert is a VP at Discount Bathroom Vanities Publishing, and an avid fixer-upper who's been restoring old houses for more than twenty years. Readers can tap into Dave's knowledge about home remodeling, and kitchen and bathroom design, at: http://www.DiscountBathroomVanities.com

Cut Hip Rafter Damage

The Basics of Plastering

In figuring for plastering it is not customary to deduct for doors and windows, unless of very large size. It is considered better practice, however, to deduct them and figure accordingly, so that it is possible to use the same figures for getting quantities of material.

Plastering is usually done on spruce lath, which comes 1/4 x 11/2 inches, and made in 4 foot lengths. As studding is spaced 16 inches apart this makes three spans, and all laths should be nailed to the studs at both ends. To cover 100 square yards will take about 1500 laths, and 10 lbs. of three penny nails.

The plaster is usually applied in three coats, known as the scratch, brown and white coats. The first is applied directly to the lath, and consists of lime, sand and hair. Its surface is scratched with a stick to give good adhesion for the brown coats, which contains less hair, but is otherwise very similar.

The white or finishing coat is usually composed of lime putty and fine beach sand in equal parts, to which plaster of Paris is added to make it hard and smooth. For 100 square yards, allow 10 to 12 bushels of lime, 2 bushels of hair, 1 1/2 cubic yards of sand and 100 lbs. plaster of Paris. If a sand-finished effect is desired, the plaster of Paris is omitted and cubic yard of sand added. The surface is finished with a wooden float, so as to bring out the sand and produce a rough surface.

Other types of plaster exist, based on the use of gypsum in the place of lime. They set more rapidly than lime plaster, and care must be taken to use them as directed by the manufacturers. Metal lath and plaster board are also much used in place of wood lath for reproduction corner guards.

They increase the expense slightly, but reduce the fire risk. Whatever method is used, the plaster should be run back of dados and baseboards, as the open spaces add greatly to the fire risk. This is in fact required by the building codes of most cities.

One man will lath about 100 yards in an eight-hour day, openings not deducted. With metal lath he can do from 100 to 150 yards, though if the plan has many corners his speed is greatly reduced. It has been estimated that a plasterer with one helper can do about 150 yards of the first two coats in a day, and about 90 yards of finishing coal.

Cornices and ornamental pediment add greatly to the cost, but are now far less common than they were a few years ago. Most ornaments are cast in the shop, while moldings are generally run on the job. When work of this kind is to be done, stock models should be used as far as possible. These are furnished by a number of manufacturers and can be ordered from their catalogues.

When plaster board is used in place of wood lath, the first or scratch coat may be omitted. This greatly reduces the labor of plastering, but the plaster often tends to crack at the joints between the boards.

For work that must be done quickly, a new type of gypsum board is now on the market, requiring no plastering, but finished ready for paint or paper. It is preferable to use paper, as with point it is hard to hide the joints. This material is only about 3/8 inch thick, while lath and plaster is 7/8 inch. It can be applied with practically no waste.

There are also a number of makes of wall board, generally some sort of wood pulp composition. These shrink badly after application, and if they are papered the paper always cracks at the joints. The manufacturers recommend covering the joints with wooden corner protectors or strips, but this greatly limits the possible treatments, and makes an agreeable effect almost impossible.

The gypsum board mentioned in the preceding paragraph is far preferable, and the cost is not much greater. Both types of wall board are made 4 feet wide, and almost any even number of feet in length.

They are very easy to apply, and if 20% is added to the cost of the material it will usually cover the labor of nailing on. This, of course, is only for plain work, with few corners, and does not include wood strips or other woodwork.

Sarah Martin is a freelance marketing writer based out of San Diego, CA. She specializes in home improvement, remodeling, and working with ornamental pediment. For the best in hardwood moulding and wooden corner protectors, please visit http://www.ferche.com/.

Backing Block Holds Up Drop

Bathroom Layouts - Tips You Should See

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

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

Address Those Niggling Problems

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

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

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

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

Four Tips That You Cannot Gloss Over

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

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

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

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

House Painting Books
Home Siding Books

Planning Your Bathroom Remodel Budget - Home Improvement Ideas

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

Bathroom Remodeling Investment

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

Finding out How Much Things Cost

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

Create a List of Bathroom Remodeling Parts

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

Figuring out the Labor

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

Give Yourself a Cushion

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

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

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

If your looking for some more bathroom remodeling or home building ideas.

Attic Sheeting Water Damage

Solving Issues With Crawl Spaces Under Your Home

First major issue is circulation. The circulation in this case, typically because there aren't many pored floors in crawl spaces is the circulation can cause mold to grow faster in a tight, dark, moist environment. Simply installing a fan to pull air out of the space and outside can solve a few issues, but it can also create quite a few.

By pulling air through the space you can coax the moisture to, through capillary action, pull more moisture through the foundation. Or when the fan isn't running, you have a direct leak for dense humid air to gather in the craw space via the fan duct. There are systems out there that you can research to find solutions to circulation. However, there is a more permanent solution to crawl spaces' moisture issues.

Encapsulation is a process that takes a high density vapor barrier (one much less permeable than a Vapor Diffuser which most contractors use on the above grade house construction.) and actually wrapping the walls and the floor in it. Essentially locking the moisture under the barrier where it can then be directed to a Sump Basin and be ejected from the house using a sump pump and discharge line.

Encapsulation, depending on your desired outcome, can be designed as either a moisture lock out or a functional storage space. By adding sub flooring under the high density Vapor Barrier you're ensuring moisture flow to the sump as well as creating a more stable floor in which to cause less friction with the above Vapor Barrier. If it's going to be a high traffic crawl space, with much moving and storage on a regular basis, then a second sheet of Vapor Barrier can be installed on top of the encapsulation to add extra strength. If someone wanted to add yet more sub flooring on top of the vapor barrier, which could also be an option.

Jacob Lee - pioneer basement - http://www.pioneerbasement.com

Kitchen Skylight Framing

Making a Cost Plan For a Sunroom

According to National Association of the Remodeling Industry (NARI) price of sunroom ranges from $12,000 - $70,000. NARI estimates that the sunrooms can save up to 70% of the investment cost. The cost that is incurred in the construction of a sunroom includes the material cost and the labor cost. It has been projected that on average the material of a sunroom may cost up to $10,400. Constructing the deck, may require approximately $1500 of material. For the construction of the stairs the estimate material cost can be near to $270 figure. Construction of roofing system, floor improvements and all other material costs for the construction of an average sunroom can be very near to $13,500 - $14,000.

The second main aspect that should be considered while chalking out the cost of sunroom is the labor cost. For the construction of an average sunroom the labor charges can exceed $11,000 figure. For the construction of the deck, the labor cost is estimated to be around $1650. Likewise, construction of the stairs may cost from $200 to $250.

If we merge these costs with the flooring, roofing system and the total labor cost which is not less than $12,000 we can get a big figure of around $25,000. So it is obvious that only the construction of an entire sunroom can cost up to $25000. It is commonly seen that the sunroom prices can vary because of the material used in the construction work.

Many people like the aluminum work for their sunrooms and it is also widely accepted material for sunrooms construction because it makes the sunroom very beautiful. But on the other side many people also use wooden material in the construction of the sunrooms which may reduce the beauty of the sunroom as compared to the aluminum work. An aluminum sunroom can be constructed with energy proficient exterior and interior with panes that are thermally broken. A sunroom with wooden panels can also be constructed with beams that can give your sunroom a classic touch. Sunrooms that are covered with vinyl shell are commonly used in the building of the Victorian and Georgian Art schools.

The type of fixture that is used in the sunroom can increase its total cost. The types of windows and doors that are planned to be fitted are the main factors that may increase the costs. Sliding doors with dual locking system can also be fitted that are widely used because of childproof handles. The style of the sunroom also plays an important role in increasing the cost or reducing it. There are various roof designs that are introduced for sunrooms; include cathedral, straight, curved and conservatory. The roofs of sunrooms are normally made-up of aluminum with a coating that helps in restricting the injurious ultra violet rays of the sun from entering in the room. Aluminum costs are surely more than vinyl but vinyl provides more insulation that does the aluminum. If you are building a wooden sunroom then keep in mind that it can cost very much to you because it requires the proper maintenance and care. Make sure to build a budget for this project before you select designs for your sunroom.

Andrew Caxton is a freelance writer. Learn more about sunroom addition and patio enclosures at http://www.allsunrooms.com/enclosures.html

Walkways Books
Home Skylight Books

Is Money a Big Part of Organized Religion?

Where do you think most modern day religious organizations would be without money? Is money really a big part of modern day organized religion or is that something in the past. Why do certain scriptures require their believers to donate a portion of their earnings?

Does this money improve the lives of religious believers? I'm asking these questions because most people won't. Most people don't even no where the money they earn is going. If you donate money to a religious organization and they choose to hire someone to install stained glass windows throughout the sanctuary, is this really going to help the congregation. Is this a want or a need?

When does a religious group become too powerful for its own good. Do you think the Catholic religion, which at the time of me writing this article, is the largest organized religion in the world, by itself, is very powerful or driven by finances. This organization has seeked wealth and power for centuries, creating an establishment that has its hands in everything all over the world.

Is it fair to have religious leaders living a life of luxury, while some of their followers suffer and go without food or shelter. Should some of this money go towards the aid of others who choose not to believe in the religious culture of their patrons?

Why do some people give money to their religious organization, even though they can barely survive. Are these people driven to contribute money because someone makes them feel guilty? Some of these people give money and time, even at the expense of their own family. It's just not fair, when I see people who are barely scraping by but give faithfully to an organization that promises them a better life after they die.

Your rewards for living a good life on Earth will be received after you die and are allowed to enter the kingdom of heaven. Does anyone have any proof of this? If you choose to base your life entirely on faith instead of seeking knowledge and wisdom, or even questioning your religious doctrine, you're not doing yourself any favors.

Money plays a big part in organized religion and honestly does a lot of good throughout the world. Christianity has had a large impact on the United States of America but only time will tell if it was a good thing or not.

If you have extra money and desire to give it to a religious organization of your choice, feel free, but if you're giving 10% of the money you've earned and really can't afford to, I wish you would take the time to research what your church actually spends it's money on. If your church is building another church in Mexico but you don't have enough money for food, clothes or other necessities, I would suggest that you let other people donate their extra money instead.

It might not be mentioned anywhere in your religion, but I'm sure your God or the ultimate Almighty power of the universe you believe in, does not want anyone to suffer or go without, because your religious organization chooses to make you feel guilty if you do not contribute a certain amount of money, for whatever reasons they can possibly come up with.

If everyone that believes in this interpretation has the keys to the kingdom of heaven, wouldn't Jesus be suggesting a life kind of like Mother Teresa but without any money. She wouldn't be allowed to ask any wealthy people for money, let alone use it if she acquired it somehow.

Have you ever ask yourself is there any Hope in Religion .

Would it be safe to a sound that by asking for money from a wealthy person would mean I would not be going to happen. Does it say anything in the Bible about using money from a wealthy person for great earthly deeds and you get to go to heaven but he does not. If this is starting to sound a little confusing, welcome to my world. There are very few people that follow organized religion, that even ask these questions, let alone seek the answers and find the truth and keeping an open mind to future information that possibly could change the old answer that they accepted as a truth but now realize, the possibility that the old information could be wrong.

If you were a religious leader and could not answer some of the major questions that you yourself had, would you continue living a life of confusion or seek relentlessly to find the answers until you are satisfied. Knowing that if you were satisfied with the answers to your questions and now your religious beliefs have changed considerably, would you retire or quit working with the religious organization you were involved with.

This is one of the biggest obstacles for most people that seem to get comfortable in their religious environments. If the interpretations of a you Bible verses are incorrect and can be proven, either scientifically or through translation errors, does this mean that there are more verses in the Bible that could be incorrect or misleading.

Greg Vanden Berge is a published author, internet marketing expert, motivational inspiration to millions of people all over the world and is sharing some of his wisdom with experts in the fields of writing,marketing, and personal development.

Greg is currently working on a video library filled with great movies on a wide array of topics, like religion, self help and spiritual changes in the world. His views on religious freedom are slowly changing the way people think about institutional religion.

Bottom Of Wall Damaged From Water

Are There Really Home Water Filters That Work?

A lot of people seem to be of the opinion that home water filters won't really do enough of a job of purifying our drinking water to make them worth the expense. Then you will hear many of those same people turn around and ask, how do water filters work. It all just seems odd to me, that's all.

I mean, how can you tell me in one breath that you don't think that home water filters do an adequate enough job to protect you from the pollutants in our drinking water, and then turn around in the next an tell me that you don't even really have a full understanding of how the filter operates?

If you suffer from a lack of knowledge as far as how do water filters work, then how can you pass a judgment down upon them? You have to have a full comprehension of what these units can do, and you also have to have a working knowledge of exactly what kinds of contaminants the unit is going to have to face.

Home water filters have to have a well rounded filtering design due to how many different pollutants that it deals with. The most potent threat comes from the chemicals that are present in our water supplies. There can be literally hundreds of them present in trace amounts, and the majority of them all reach our homes at one point or another.

To understand how do water filters work against these chemicals you have to know that there is such a variety of them that you actually need more than on internal filter in order to be able to effectively block them all. For this your unit needs both a multi media block, and a granular activated carbon filter. Together they will block 99% of the chemical content of your water.

Your home water filters also need to be able to block parasites and cysts from you drinking water. For this you need what is called a sub micron filter system. There is also one more filter that you need if you are going to be successful in removing the only remaining threat which is lead and copper.

So, how do water filters work in removing these toxic metals from your water? The system will this time employ an ion exchange unit which will effectively trap these heavy metals, and it will replace them with sodium and potassium. This unit is also effective for keeping your waters pH level balanced,

Any unit that you may find that has all four of these filters in it is a water filter well worth the money that you pay for it, and to be honest with you there are units that contain all of these features that are really quite reasonably priced. Don't let anyone fool you into believing that you have to pay a small fortune for home water filters that are effective in purifying your water, because that is absolutely not the case.

Learn about other water filtration systems at my website that I personally use that can dramatically improve the quality of your water.

Dana Lakes is a passionate researcher of water purity issues that affect our health and well-being. She articulates her opinion at http://www.clean-filtered-safe-water.com. To learn about water purification systems that Dana recommends for your home or office visit http://www.clean-filtered-safe-water.com

Missing Shear Panel Anchor Bolts

Inexpensive Accommodations In New York

New York City can be taxing for tourists with shoestring budgets. Even a cheap package tour of the city can cost quite a bit, so, this class of tourists can benefit from cheap accommodations in New York. Rest assured as the Big Apple also has a big heart. There is everything for every class of tourist in it.

Cheap accommodations in New York for the budget-minded tourist are suggested below.

Chelsea Savoy Hotel: This is in Chelsea near the subways. It has dining options as well as night-life. A quad room is the biggest attraction in this hotel. It can accommodate four persons at a tariff of $145 to 225 per night. The range in price is available for various rooms with different amenities. Besides the quad room, each room at the hotel offers cable television, goose-down pillows, and an attached bath. The rate includes continental breakfast served from 7.30 a.m. onwards.

Colonial House Inn: This hotel is also located in Chelsea. It features both Economy rooms and Standard rooms on the one hand and Deluxe rooms on the other. The Deluxe rooms come with attached private baths, cable TV, and sinks. The other categories of rooms feature shared baths. Rates range from $80 per weeknight to $140 per weekend night.

Cosmopolitan Hotel: The hotel is conveniently located (in Tribeca) across the street from a subway that connects to tourist destinations within the city. Rooms feature private baths and cable TV. Some rooms feature twin double beds that can accommodate a total of four persons at $159 a night.

The Gershwin: The hotel is located on Murray Hill. Its rooms are clean. It also has a dormitory. Besides these, it also offers suites for families. Rates are $99 and upwards. Subways are located in close proximity of the hotel.

Larchmont Hotel: It is located in West Village. Its rooms feature shared baths and kitchenettes. Each floor has one kitchenette. Except for these downers, TVs, robes, sinks, phones, and Continental breakfast are some of the good amenities in every room. Rates range from $70 to $125.

The Marcel: The hotel is located in the Flatiron District near Gramercy Park. Room service, CD players, Goose-down pillows, and New York City bagel breakfast are some of the amenities offered in its small but stylish rooms. Besides these, a cappuccino machine is available 24 hours in the lobby of the hotel. Subways are close to the hotel. The other good thing about the rooms is that they have private baths. Room rates are $125 and upwards.

The Milburn: The hotel is in the safe Upper West Side family-friendly neighborhood. Rooms feature kitchenettes inside them. So you save money on your food expenses. Children (accompanying parents) stay free in the rooms. Rooms are big and can accommodate up to four persons. Room rates range is $129 to $245.

You can save money by finding cheap accommodations in New York. The money can then be utilized by you on better things!

David Corn owns and operates http://www.newyork-attraction.com
New York Attractions

Home Siding Books
Home Fence Books

Putting God on Trial

I was listening to something interesting the other day when someone mentioned putting God on trial for some of the atrocities in the world. If God is the creator of the universe and all that is, or all that ever will be, how can we put him on trial, he's our creator. We can't put our spiritual master on trial can we, he'll just escape anyway if we convict him, won't he. He's got to be smart enough to break out a prison.

As a child I often thought about God and why he would allow such suffering throughout the world. It never made sense to me when I was child and it still doesn't make sense to me today. Why would the creator, want us to suffer, with even the littlest of problems. Other religions have explained it as if God was teaching us a lesson and that's why we have hardships in our lives.

Do you think God ever went through these hardships? Did God have problems finding a job or gathering some food? Does God even eat? Okay now I'm getting off the topic here,(I wonder what God does eat)... if children do something wrong, most of the time their parents will discipline or correct them. If adults to things wrong, the government will discipline and reprimand them. Sometimes these punishments can be severe. It depends on the crimes committed.

If man has to be put on trial for committing crimes like murder, genocide, and general atrocities towards mankind, should God also be put on trial or is he above man because he's God. I can't imagine the creator of the universe ever being put on trial for man's crimes against humanity or other men, but it seems like someone who is all powerful and all knowing could help his children out of this little mess that we're in today.

Couldn't God help us like we help our children. We as parents might not have all the answers, but we do not claim to have them. We are not all powerful and all knowing, like we would assume God to be. When is God going to help us solve some of our major world problems, like genocide and starvation.

Putting God on trial might not solve all of our problems today but it would be nice to have some help with our problems. If he created us to please him, do we have to go on trial one day, for all the things we did or ignored while we were alive. Something to think about isn't it.

Greg Vanden Berge is a published author, internet marketing expert, motivational inspiration to millions of people all over the world and is sharing some of his wisdom with experts in the fields of writing,marketing and personal development. Check This Out What Happened to the Wise Men's Gifts

Greg is currently working on a video library filled with great movies on a wide array of topics, like religion, self help and spiritual changes in the world.

Cellulous Attic Insulation

How to Come Up With a Simple Kitchen Remodeling Plan

Kitchen remodeling is a tough task and it takes a lot of time as well. But if you don't want to get indulged in complications or any extended work, it is also available in simplest of its forms. You can follow simple techniques and come up with a whole new change in your kitchen. And it won't be complicated at all.

For a simple kitchen remodeling project, you need a detailed plan before beginning. Just a plan will not be enough in this case; you also need to have a perfect design for your kitchen remodel. You can get a design very easily and you can also make your own design if you are that creative and remodeling savvy. But a detailed plan means you have all kind of information about your remodel. You need to have details of expenses regarding plumbers, carpenters as well as electricians because all these professionals are essential parts of a simple kitchen remodeling project. Making a detailed plan will save you from a lot of hassle and you will be able to cope with your project very easily.

In addition, you need to make an estimate of total costs of your simple kitchen remodeling project. See your plan find out the prices of all the things that are going to be a part of your home improvement project. But what you are going to need the most is the understanding with your kitchen remodeling designer. Discuss everything with him and make him care for your budget as well as your ideas - putting them aligned together. In addition to designers, also focus on other professionals such as carpenters because they too are supposed to handle delicate work, which puts a great impact to your kitchen.

Once you are done with all these basic requirements, you are ready to call a contractor and get things rolling for a simple kitchen remodeling project. However, you also need to be aware of complex kitchen remodeling project, designers, contractors and latest ideas that can help you out in your projects. All these things result in betterment of your kitchen.

For further details on kitchen remodeling projects and things that make it efficient, you can always visit http://www.theyarelocal.com/articles/remodeling/kitchen_remodeling/index.php.

Repaired Shower Wall Framing

Bangkok Guest Friendly Hotels - Where to Find and Stay

Guest friendly hotels in Bangkok is a label for hotels that do not charge an extra fee for bringing in an unregistered guest into your room to stay overnight. You may have also heard of the label no joiner fee which means the same thing. Hotels that require their guests to pay an extra fee even though the room had been booked for two is an unfair business practice that occurs throughout Bangkok hotels. Non guest friendly hotels usually charge a 500 THB ($14 USD) fee for bringing in unregistered guests. Some places charge as high as 1000 THB ($30 USD).

Fortunately there are many guest friendly hotels in Bangkok. You can find them mainly centered in the popular commercial areas of Sukhumvit Road which is conveniently close to the myriad of nightlife venues and hot spots throughout the area. Here are names of 5 popular guest friendly hotels in Bangkok (as of writing):

1. Ambassador Hotel
2. Citi Chic Boutique Hotel
3. Amari Boulevard Hotel
4. Landmark Bangkok
5. JW Marriott

There are many more guest friendly hotels of course, with hotel rates ranging from 1000 THB up to 6000 THB ($30 USD to $170 USD) per night, which usually includes a buffet breakfast. There are hotels with even lower rates. Some have rates that go as low as 500 THB or $14 USD per night , but I highly suggest that you avoid staying in a hotel with such low rates as it will most likely be unclean and far from the center of nightlife activities in Bangkok.

Another alternative is to book your stay in a serviced apartment in Bangkok. Serviced apartments in Bangkok are either run by hotel or private management. They treat their guest with full hotel hospitality such as daily house keeping, use of facilities like a fitness gym and swimming pool. Most up market rooms may be equipped with a full kitchen and washer dryers. Most even provide a free buffet breakfast included in the room rates just like hotels in Bangkok. It would stand to make sense that serviced apartments do not charge a joiner fee because the room's are technically apartments. However you are personally responsible for your guests.

There are many serviced apartments in Bangkok. The most popular one is called Centre Point. Currently there are 7 Centre Point Hotel properties that are in convenient locations close to main attractions through out Bangkok. They are a fully established serviced apartment, labeled as a hotel, but most of the guest who stay there are vacationers. Personally Centre Point hotels are my favorite places to stay in and I never have to worry about having to pay a joiner fee for my guest.

For a more comprehensive review and list of guest friendly hotels please visit Guest Friendly Hotels in Bangkok for more information. If you would like to know more about Centre Point Serviced Apartments please visit Centre Point Hotels in Bangkok Review for more information on all 7 of their locations.

James P. Hunt is an avid traveler and writer for an underground blog with information about Bangkok, Thailand.

House Renovation Books
Home Basement Books

Luck is What Happens When Preparation Meets Opportunity

You must be ready when an opportunity comes before you, opportunity often comes in the form of work and that's why most people seem to miss it. Most people are too busy looking for the easy path through life. They seem to lay around waiting for the opportunity of a lifetime,... to simply fall at your feet.

Why would you want to spend so much time complaining about something, or someone? Other people can help you along the way, if you let them, but it's up to you, ultimately, to become the most you can possibly be. I have had plenty of opportunities in my life and have took advantage of some, while letting most of them pass by.

I'm no different than most people but now seem to be aware of my surrounding opportunities, all the time.

How many times do you wish for an opportunity to come along? It's probably one that you missed already, at some point during your life. Are you going to be prepared for the next opportunity when it comes along? These opportunities seem to repeat themselves throughout our lives and if we're not in the right state of mind, we often overlook them and let them pass by, time and time again.

You need to prepare yourself in advance for the next opportunity. If you are prepared and have your eyes open, you will be able to see the next opportunity that comes your way. Preparation will increase your chances for success and good fortune always.

Opportunities come in all shapes and sizes. Be on the lookout, when you're walking to the grocery store, taking a break at work, reading the newspaper, talking to your neighbor, walking down the street or even while you are sitting alone, letting your mind wander away. Your chances for success could come while your in your quiet places, or relaxing. Be prepared.

Greg Vanden Berge is a published author, internet marketing expert, motivational inspiration to millions of people all over the world and is sharing some of his wisdom with experts in the fields of writing,marketing, and personal development.

Greg is currently working on a video library filled with great movies on a wide array of topics, like religion, self help and spiritual changes in the world. His views on religious freedom are slowly changing the way people think about institutional religion.

Fascia Board Fell Off Wood Rot

Tuscan Architecture

Tuscan architecture combines modern and classic elements that make up pure Old World Europe. The beauty of architecture Tuscan style comes from the typical custom crafted natural stone. This includes limestone, travertine and marble. Terracotta floor and roof tiles are often used to give the antique feel. In Tuscan architecture, wooden beams are often refurbished from Tuscan farmhouses.

Tuscany architecture involves fine Italian building materials that create beautiful marble fireplaces, wrought iron gates and amazing fountains.

Integrating Tuscan elements brings a sense of Old-World charm and mystique to indoor and outdoor aspects of your home.

Exterior architecture typically include:

Tile roof Wrought iron front door entrance Walls covered with vines Crumbling stone walls that outline patios and walkways Beautiful travertine cobblestone driveways Brick or stone set garden paving Tuscan Landscape : Lavender, rosemary and sage can be found surrounding a Tuscan style home. Old lemon pots and antique jars give the feel of a Tuscany garden .

Interior architecture typically include:

Walls: Plaster walls with hand painted wall treatments. Usage of warm colors that represent the rolling hills of Tuscany bring the feel of basking under the Tuscan sun! Mediterranean decor involves subtle earth tones. These are standard in French Country decorating.

Ceilings: Textured richly. Stenciled borders can be found along the ceilings. Paneled or vaulted ceilings are a typical choice in decor as it creates pure Tuscany architectural framework. Wooden or chestnut beams provide a rustic feel to the Old World style home.

Floor: Glass, stone and tile are often used to create amazing mosaic art for flooring, which works well with table tops. Terracotta tiles, marble and ceramic flooring marks true Tuscany home decor . Selection of marbles that blend nicely with your Tuscan color palette.

Tuscany architecture uses pale travertine in home flooring. Marble Chips, stucco and crushed stone are polished nicely creating terrazo floors.

Your home can be so beautiful when choosing architecture Tuscan style!

Patrice D. Walker is an Architect student who specializes in Tuscan Decorating. Visit: http://www.Tuscan-Home-101.com/tuscan_decor.html for more Tuscan interior design tips and information.

Four Bolt Shear Wall Hold Down

Dangers Using Wood Stair Cleats - New Stair Construction

I would imagine most people don't even know what it wood stair cleat is, in construction we have so many words that describe the same thing. A stair cleat is another word for a thread bracket. In other words it's the part of the stairway that connects the stair stringer to the stair step. These have been used for years and over time, most of them will develop the same problem.

Most wood stair cleats loosened up and create a safety hazard. If the stairs are located outside in extreme weather conditions, for example, if it rains or snows a lot, extremely humid humid weather, or extremely hot and dry temperatures, your staircase might not last that long, if it is or isn't maintained properly. It's not a bad idea to use steel or concrete for stairways in these climates.

If you're ever walking up a set of stairs with wood cleats and the stair steps feel a little loose or wiggly, make sure you examined the stair cleats for safety. It's not uncommon for someone to be walking up or down a set of wood stairs and having the stair step or tread giveaway because the wood cleats has loosened.

If the wood stair cleats are nailed to the stair stringer, the nails can loosen up, causing it to become loose, as you walk up and down the stairs applying pressure to the stair cleat, this will create movement in between the stair step and the stair stringer. This could cause the cleat to crack, break and separate the connection between the stair step in the stair stringer.

I would suggest using metal brackets instead of wood cleats. The metal brackets will not crack or disintegrate like some wood cleats. Stair building brackets of course can loosen up and should be maintained regularly.

If you decide to use wood stair cleats, I would suggest using screws instead of nails and drilling holes in the wood stair cleats, most of the time this will prevent cracking the cleat. Try to use a thicker material for the stair cleat, for example using a 2 x 4 with lag screws and washers would be better than using a 1 x 4 with nails.

If you're walking up a set of stairs and a stair step feels loose, contact the owner of the property and let them know, they have a problem with their staircase.

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 stair building books and adding useful content to help solve problems created by the lack of construction knowledge in the building industry.

Old Electrical Wiring

How Much Does it Cost to Remodel a Bathroom?

How much does it cost to remodel a bathroom?

I am asked this question at least ten times a day, answer, what do you want? What materials do you want to use? Most people do not know what is available and what the options are;therefore they don't know what they want so I can not give them an answer. Are you looking for a permanent solution? Or a quick fix? All the problems in the bathroom are caused by water, if you cannot control the water you cannot control the problems, you control the water, you control the problems. When it comes to remodeling a bathroom most homeowners think that there are a million ways you can do, there are only a 5 ways you can remodel a bathroom. The first question you must answer is how long do you want it to last? Remember, you get what you pay for

The Most expensive Bathroom is the one you have to do over and over again!!!!!!

5 Ways to Remodel a Bathroom The firstfour solutions are a quick fix.

1. The first option is to re-glaze, painting over, usually done for tubs; I have seen it on tiles as well. The tub cost $400-$600, walls are about the same.Most companies will give a 3- 5year warranty, but if you leave anything that is wet, like a shampoo bottle or wet towel, it will crack, chip and peel sooner, it can last from 3 months to 3 years. New tubs are baked after painting, this cannot be done in the house. 2. Wall system only, vinyl walls from the home center, cost $400-$800, if you do it yourself it will cost you nothing, if you hire a contractor it will be double the cost. It is adhered with liquid nail. Liquid nail dry's after a period of time, it cracks, pull away from the wall. It can last 1-3 years.Hiring a contractor will cost $800-$1,200.00

2. Fiberglass costs to purchase from $1,200- $2,000, 1 piece tub and wall, this is still a porous material, it has a jell-coat on it, it will wear away in about 3-5years. Ounce it wears away it will expose the nooks and crannies in the fiberglass, and when that dirt gets inside, it will become difficult to clean. It cannot be installed in most homes due to existing framing; generally they are installed in new homes before the walls are framed. First remove existing tiles, tub. To install a fiberglass unit you must remove everything including sheet rock, this unit installs into the wall studs. You need a plumber to install drain and valve, after installation the walls need to be repaired. The total time to install is 3-4 days, the warranty on the fiberglass is 1year, from the contractor none. Total cost with a contractor approximately $4,500.00. This will last approximately 5-7 years.

3. Total Remodel in Tile, this is the traditional way of remodeling. Update an existing 9-by-6-foot bathroom. Replace all fixtures to include 30-by-60-inch porcelain-on-steel tub with 4x4-inch ceramic tile surround; new single-lever temperature and pressure-balanced shower control; standard white toilet; solid-surface vanity counter with integral sink; recessed medicine cabinet with light; ceramic tile floor; vinyl wallpaper. Tile is a good material, the problem is not the tile it is the grout. The grout is sand and cement, it is porous, water will penetrate it sooner or later.This will take up to 2 weeks, According to Remodel Magazine Mid-Range in 2007 cost is $16,830.00. Now the most important question after spending all that money, what is the warranty? lifetime? I don't think so.

Ask your tile contractor how long is the warranty? If he is a good contractor he will give you about 1- year, for labor, no warranty on tile, that's it!

Luxury Bath solution is aPermanent Solution- do it right the first time and Never do it Again. Acrylic tub,walls and shower systemswill control the water, because it is non-porousmaterial, water will not penetrate it, mold and mildew will not grow on it., easy to clean and maintain.

5. Luxury Bath acrylic tub, this is the only material that is non-porous, the wall and tubsystem comes with a lifetime warranty, you will never do it again. The Acrylic system will cost less than the total remodeling, from 1/3 to 1/2 of thetraditional remodeling.Price will depends how much work needs to be done before we can put up the system, colors and styles you choose from. The estimate is free of charge, we will measure, and you pick and choose, then we will give you a quote. visit our website http://www.luxurybathremodeling.com

Illia Kornea http://www.luxuryathemodeling.com

Solar House Books
Home Fence Books

How to Build a Room in Your Garden - Home Tips

Need extra living space but don't want to move? Building a room in the garden is a clever and cost-effective solution. Creating a separate room in the garden gives you a great getaway for work, hobbies, or just some piece and quiet.

'A garden room adds appeal to a house, making it attractive to all types of buyer, and a real draw for families,' says James Redington from Foxtons.

What are my choices?

The simplest cabin or summer house is similar to a shed, with either shiplap walls and cedar roof shingles or a log-cabin construction. These are usually supplied in pre-fabricated panels and, if you're a skilled DIYer, you could put one up yourself. More advanced ones, with sliding glass doors or a deck, for example, will need to be built on site by a specialist. Once the concrete base or piles are in, installation can take from one day to two weeks.

Limitations and security

Avoid positioning the garden room near growing trees, and ensure there's access for maintenance. You'll also need to think about access for delivery, though panels could be carried through the house.

As for securing your garden room, it's best to fit locks on doors and choose toughened glass. Check that the locks comply with your home insurance requirements. It's worth considering external lights, a burglar alarm and Venetian blinds to prevent anyone seeing in.

Can I use it all year round

If you insulate well and fit double-glazed windows, you'll be fine for the colder months. An electrician can run a cable from your house to the room to power lights and heating. In some cases, downlighters, sockets and wiring may be pre-installed in the panel walls.

How to use your garden room

Plan your room to ensure it's fit for purpose.

Home office Companies such as Henley will kit out your office with fitted furniture.

Gym Equipment can be bulky, so you'll need a large room. It's also an investment, so ensure your security is up to scratch.

Games room

You'll need plenty of space to play table games - L247cm x W153cm for a table tennis table, for example.

Music room

Use a company that specialises in sound-proofing.

What permission do I need and how much will it cost?

If your building is away from the house, takes up less than 50% of the garden and is smaller than 15sq m, or in some cases 30sq m, you're unlikely to need planning permission or Building Regulations Approval. However, there are exceptions - such as if you intend to use the room for sleeping - so check online at planningportal.gov.uk, and consult your local council's planning department.

Prices start from 439 for a Buckingham summerhouse (H213cm x W198cm x D205cm) from B&Q to around 22,600 for a bespoke design from Inside Out.

You can find more information on interior design ideas at house to home, helping you create a look you'll love.

Toilet Pipe Going Through Floor

Dangers Using Wood Stair Cleats - New Stair Construction

I would imagine most people don't even know what it wood stair cleat is, in construction we have so many words that describe the same thing. A stair cleat is another word for a thread bracket. In other words it's the part of the stairway that connects the stair stringer to the stair step. These have been used for years and over time, most of them will develop the same problem.

Most wood stair cleats loosened up and create a safety hazard. If the stairs are located outside in extreme weather conditions, for example, if it rains or snows a lot, extremely humid humid weather, or extremely hot and dry temperatures, your staircase might not last that long, if it is or isn't maintained properly. It's not a bad idea to use steel or concrete for stairways in these climates.

If you're ever walking up a set of stairs with wood cleats and the stair steps feel a little loose or wiggly, make sure you examined the stair cleats for safety. It's not uncommon for someone to be walking up or down a set of wood stairs and having the stair step or tread giveaway because the wood cleats has loosened.

If the wood stair cleats are nailed to the stair stringer, the nails can loosen up, causing it to become loose, as you walk up and down the stairs applying pressure to the stair cleat, this will create movement in between the stair step and the stair stringer. This could cause the cleat to crack, break and separate the connection between the stair step in the stair stringer.

I would suggest using metal brackets instead of wood cleats. The metal brackets will not crack or disintegrate like some wood cleats. Stair building brackets of course can loosen up and should be maintained regularly.

If you decide to use wood stair cleats, I would suggest using screws instead of nails and drilling holes in the wood stair cleats, most of the time this will prevent cracking the cleat. Try to use a thicker material for the stair cleat, for example using a 2 x 4 with lag screws and washers would be better than using a 1 x 4 with nails.

If you're walking up a set of stairs and a stair step feels loose, contact the owner of the property and let them know, they have a problem with their staircase.

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 stair building books and adding useful content to help solve problems created by the lack of construction knowledge in the building industry.

Wall Damage From Window

Hotels at Affordable Rates in Gurgaon

Gurgaon is one of those cities in India where hotels at affordable rates are available in number. This city is ideally located adjacent to Delhi and falls under the area of the national capital region (NCR). It accommodates a motley group of industries, organizations and people. This article is dealing with some of the hotels in Gurgaon available at affordable rates...

Lemon Tree Hotel - 866, Udyog Vihar, Phase V

Located in Udyog Vihar and adjoining the expressway (NH - 8), this hotel is in close proximity to many national and multinational organizations, including IBM, American Express, Ranbaxy, Maruti Udyog, Tata Consultancy Services and Coca Cola. It accommodates more than 40 well furnished rooms and a multi-cuisine restaurant - Citrus Caf, the bright fresh 24x7 coffee shop.

The facilities provide by the hotel include fitness center, conference room, swimming pool, guest rooms and meeting rooms with broadband net access. Its services include housekeeping, travel assistance, currency exchange and safe deposit lockers.

Hotel Star Villa - 49, Akashneem Marg DLF City, Phase - II

Hotel Star Villa, located just 20 minutes drive from the international airport, adjoins main commercial centres, business areas and destinations of tourist importance and shopping malls. One of the particular features of this hotel is providing an exceptional combination of comfort and outstanding value for money. It offers a wide range of services and facilities, including stylish modern guest rooms designed for utmost comfort.

The hotel has fully furnished air-conditioned presidential suites, business suites and standard kings that offer a choice of double beds with large attached bathrooms. Its facilities include color television for every room with satellite network.

Hotel Bizzotel Gurgaon

A 3-star hotel located in the business hub of Gurgaon City, it is surrounded by the major shopping malls and corporate houses. The hotel is in close proximity to the national and international airports, nearly 15 minutes drive. Its more than 30 rooms are equipped with modern facilities, such as televisions with cable TV network, computers with high-speed Internet connectivity and personal safe lockers in each room.

Hotel Swanso Palace - DLF City, Phase - II

Strategically located in the central part of Gurgaon city, this hotel lies opposite to the Sahara Mall, which makes visitors very easy to locate it. Its location is just nearly 300 meters away from the MGF Metropolitian and DLF City Center, and 12 km from national and 10 km from international airport.

Every room of this hotel is equipped with all the facilities of modern times. It offers various facilities that include air-conditioners, generators for power back-up and televisions with cable facilities.

For more information about hotels in Gurgaon, Gurgaon hotels, cheap hotels Gurgaon visit http://www.hotgurgaon.com/

Bathroom Books
Structural Engineering Books

Repair Cracks in a Concrete Foundation

Leaking cracks in concrete foundations are a common problem for many homeowners. While the cracks are caused by the natural process of concrete curing and shrinking, the cracks can be an annoyance for the homeowner. That is because many homeowners want their basements to act as an added living space with carpeting, finished walls and furniture.

Concrete Foundation Shrinkage Crack Causes

First, all residential foundations crack. Concrete has water as an ingredient in the mix. As the concrete cures, it goes through a chemical process that causes it to harden into a solid. As it hardens, the concrete actually loses volume; that is it shrinks. In fact a concrete wall 100' long can shrink by as much as ".

The shrinkage process causes stress forces to develop in the concrete and to relieve the pressure, it cracks. This is okay because a concrete foundation has steel reinforcing bars inside that maintain the strength of the foundation wall. It is common to see cracks develop in the middle of a long wall, under a window or where the foundation steps down.

You will notice that the cracks are usually wider at the top of the foundation and get narrower as you go down the wall. Again, this is normal. You should rarely see the reverse and if so, it may be signs of structural problems with the foundation.

Water Penetration into a Foundation Crack

Water can enter a foundation crack from two directions, from the top of the crack or horizontally from the sides. If a foundation crack occurs at the corner of a basement window, it is possible for rainwater to enter the crack from the top where the window sits back from the edge of the foundation. The water will run down the inside the foundation wall and be forced out to the interior surface somewhere below where the crack gets narrower.

Also, improper grading can cause water to enter from the top. Low spots in the yard or sloping towards the house will cause water to enter at the top. A home with improper grading can cause rainwater to pool against the foundation and enter the crack.

Another way for water to enter a crack is horizontally below the ground (called below grade.) As it rains, the rainwater saturates the soil around a foundation and water enters the foundation crack. Again, the water enters the crack and begins running down inside of it until the crack narrows and is forced out to the interior of the basement. The homeowner will then see water seeping down the wall and onto the basement floor.

Repairing the Foundation Crack Leak

There are several ways to stop the water from entering a foundation crack and leaking into the basement. The first and most expensive way is to excavate along the foundation wall and exposing it. A contractor can then apply one of several different waterproofing membranes to the foundation wall.

This is the most expensive repair process since a large machine must be employed to excavate the foundation wall. It is not a feasible solution for most homeowners because of the time and expense of the repair. A typical repair process may take 2-3 days, depending on how much must be excavated. The excavation requires a large area around the home to place the removed soil. And any landscaping around the home must be removed.

Interior repairs are much more common and feasible for a homeowner. They can be done quickly and for little expense. A traditional interior repair entails a contractor chiseling out a vee-notch approximately 6" wide on the interior surface of the foundation wall and 4" deep. This notch narrows as it is made to about 1" in width at the back of the notch. The vee-notch is made the entire height of the foundation wall.

Once the notch is made, the contractor will then fill the crack with hydraulic cement. This cement actually expands a tiny amount and bonds to the existing foundation walls. The disadvantage to a vee-notch repair is that water can still penetrate halfway into the crack; that is the other 4" of foundation wall width.

As the water evaporates out and into the basement, it leaves behind salts that were dissolved in the water. These salts build up along the bond between the hydraulic cement and the foundation wall. Eventually these salts will cause the bond between the cement and wall to fail and allow water to enter again.

Also groundwater exerts a horizontal force called hydrostatic pressure. This pressure can be transferred directly to the cement in the crack and cause it be forced out of the vee-notch.

Crack Injection Foundation Repair

A better solution is to perform a urethane foam injection. For over 15 years urethanes have been used to stop water from leaking into a basement. The repair is performed by a technician inside the basement. The urethane enters the crack as a two part liquid that is mixed by a static mixer as it enters the crack.

The liquid urethane fills the crack completely, from front to back and bottom to top. When the urethane encounters water that is already in the crack or placed there by the technician, it begins to foam. This foaming process greatly increases the volume of the urethane and it fills the crack.

Since the crack is completely filled, no water can enter the foundation crack. So there is no problem of the dissolved salts breaking the bond of the urethane to the concrete foundation. Also the hydrostatic pressure can't force the urethane out because its bonding strength is much higher than hydraulic cement.

A typical repair can be done in one hour per crack.

A Dry Basement

With the foundation crack filled, the basement area will be dry and free of water. The outside landscaping is not disturbed and for little expense the basement becomes a usable area. Now the homeowner can safely install drywall, carpeting and furniture.

This article is written by Aaron Kuertz with Applied Technologies. Aaron has been in the waterproofing industry since 1998. Applied Technologies is a manufacturer and supplier to professional waterproofing contractors and homeowners in the United States. To learn more about concrete foundation crack repair visit Applied Technologies on the web.

Column Framing And Roof Soffit

When We Choose Misery Over Happiness

I am not one to feel sorry for most people. They seem to have a unique ability to cause themselves the most damage during certain parts of their lives. I have met some pretty self destructive people in my life. Being raised by a mother that lived in misery and love.

My mother had a difficult childhood. It seemed as if every corner she turned there was a obstacle either right in front of here or waiting just around the corner. Her father died when she was 12 year old. He was a farm laborer and didn't make much money. In other words they were poor...... She got sent to live with a few foster families and according to her she was molested by one of the fathers she lived with.

Soon her older sister invited her to live with her. My aunt was married to the owner of a pottery business and had 2 children about 10 years younger than my mother. My aunt soon realized she had a live in baby sitter that allowed her to stay out drinking most of the day.

My Uncle was what you would call a drunk back then, now we call these people alcoholics. Well any way I think you are starting to get a picture of my mothers life up to this point. It is probably safe to assume that this isn't the ideal life for a young woman.

The next event to happen in my moms life was for my uncle to fall in the shower one night after tying one on that night. He died soon after but my aunt seemed to make a another good choice and ended up marring the owner of the bar that they spent most of their time in.
The Grand essentials of happiness are: something to do, something to love, and something to hope for. Allan K. Chalmers

By this time my mom was in High School and met my future father. It wasn't exactly a marriage made in heaven. My dad was always an easy going man. He seemed to let most stuff go in one ear and out the other.

As you guessed it they had a few children. Nice one Dad and Mom. According to the books I have read on Angelic beings. People that believe in the after life and angels. They tell me I had a choice and was able to choose my parents....... What was I thinking...... I should have choose someone with some money and a couple of parents that were deeply in love .

How did I end up here in this situation.

I ended up loving my parents like most of us. They seemed to be doing the best that they could possibly do raising me, my bother and my sister. My mom and dad ended up getting a divorce and I went to live with my father.

My Father is remarried to a wonderful woman that seems to bring him a lot of happiness.
I haven't seen my mother for a while now. She lives with a life of excuses and misery. Her childhood was not the greatest but that doesn't give her the right to bring misery into other peoples lives. She has made a conscious choice to live what seems to be a painful life. Maybe her choices in life have made me choose happiness over misery.

I have always wondered what it is that motivates someone to live a life of true unhappiness when it takes the same amount of energy to live a life of joy. Life is meant to be full of joy and happiness so start today by making the right choices to live a fulfilling life of happiness.

If you are reading this and can't make up your mind what kind of life you truly want to live visit me at http://live.spiritualideas.com/ . Change your thinking and change your life.

Greg Vanden Berge will help you create a new approach to life and discover talents you never knew you had. We can help you get the most out of yourself all the time. Start developing your innate strengths and abilities to start enriching your life TODAY !

Bottom Of Wall Damaged From Water