<?xml version='1.0' encoding='UTF-8'?><?xml-stylesheet href="http://www.blogger.com/styles/atom.css" type="text/css"?><feed xmlns='http://www.w3.org/2005/Atom' xmlns:openSearch='http://a9.com/-/spec/opensearchrss/1.0/' xmlns:georss='http://www.georss.org/georss' xmlns:gd='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005' xmlns:thr='http://purl.org/syndication/thread/1.0'><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3740640956046816501</id><updated>2011-07-28T22:47:30.554-07:00</updated><title type='text'>Contractor Guide</title><subtitle type='html'></subtitle><link rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#feed' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://contractorguide.blogspot.com/feeds/posts/default'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/3740640956046816501/posts/default?max-results=100'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://contractorguide.blogspot.com/'/><link rel='hub' href='http://pubsubhubbub.appspot.com/'/><link rel='next' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/3740640956046816501/posts/default?start-index=101&amp;max-results=100'/><author><name>Chuck Tiber</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/04774526438395501691</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='31' height='21' src='http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_KoR1x1SmsCw/SeVHGgLvt3I/AAAAAAAAAIA/e4_3kdGOOVs/S220/Suzanne_and_Andrew_047.jpg'/></author><generator version='7.00' uri='http://www.blogger.com'>Blogger</generator><openSearch:totalResults>467</openSearch:totalResults><openSearch:startIndex>1</openSearch:startIndex><openSearch:itemsPerPage>100</openSearch:itemsPerPage><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3740640956046816501.post-7254159001299469989</id><published>2009-10-05T11:15:00.001-07:00</published><updated>2009-10-05T11:15:51.807-07:00</updated><title type='text'>Tub Faucet Repair Tips</title><content type='html'>&lt;p&gt;The bathroom is a very important part of your home as it is with the other areas. Here, you get to have warm baths and doing some vanity for yourself. In the bathroom, you will find different bathroom fixtures such as tub and shower faucets. Over time, you might experience damages in your bathroom fixtures and the first thing you can do is to fix such fixtures.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;There are many do-it-yourself tips that you can use at home especially for the bathroom. One of which is tub faucet repair. You can fix this by just simple and easy steps. Before anything else, it is just best that you get to know the different things needed in tub faucet repair.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Faucet Designs&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Tub faucets have different styles and designs. There are tub faucets that have a single handle that is very convenient as this already controls the temperature and the water flow coming out of the faucet. On the other hand, there is also a double handle type of faucet where in the hot and the cold temperature is done separately using the two handles. To choose which type of faucet you want, it is better that you imagine yourself turning the lever. If you are someone who wants to have two controls for temperature then you better choose to have double lever type faucet handles. There are different designs available for tub faucets nowadays and all you just need to do is to mix and match it with the style of your bathroom. It is recommended that you buy fixtures all from one manufacturer to ensure synchronization of fixture designs.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;What Are Washers And Seats?&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Washers are usually used in old design types of faucets. Their function is to block water from dripping. A seat on the other hand is when a faucet handle is tightened compressing the washer against it.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Tub Faucet Repair Tips&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;In repairing a tub faucet, you will notice that there will be drips that you need to address to. With this, you will need to replace the washers and/or seats.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;On the other hand, you will need to turn off the water from the main water line so that you can perform your tub faucet repair very well. By doing this, you are sure to fix your tub faucet by removing outer trims without hassle. In removing trims, make sure that you remove carefully the handle/s. The cap is removed thus exposing the screw, which you can take out afterwards. Handle/s should be removed next but should be done very carefully as this may stuck up. You may use pliers to assist you in taking out the needed pieces. After removing the handles, a sleeve or somewhat looks like it should be removed too.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Next, you can now deal with the valve system. You have to hold the handle back for some seconds and then try to half-open the valve. You are sure to take out pressure and thus help you with unscrewing of the pieces. Take note that you have to make sure you are opening the correct piece.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Once you have done this and you have found the washer being broken then you can assume that this may be the cause of the faucet leakage. You are now ready to purchase a new one.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;You will also have to check the seats. They are the ones that are being tightened by the washer to ensure stoppage of water flow. You might also need to replace this just to ensure that you will not have to do any reworks.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;After replacing such, you are now ready to put back all together the different pieces and after which, you can already use your tub faucet again.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Aikaz Run - Bathroom Advisor&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;For more information about &lt;a target="_new" href="http://www.bathroom-share.com/tub_faucet_repair.html"&gt;faucet repair&lt;/A&gt; just visit my &lt;a target="_new" href="http://www.bathroom-share.com"&gt;bathroom designs&lt;/A&gt; site.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;div class="blogger-post-footer"&gt;&lt;img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/3740640956046816501-7254159001299469989?l=contractorguide.blogspot.com' alt='' /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;</content><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://contractorguide.blogspot.com/feeds/7254159001299469989/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=3740640956046816501&amp;postID=7254159001299469989' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/3740640956046816501/posts/default/7254159001299469989'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/3740640956046816501/posts/default/7254159001299469989'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://contractorguide.blogspot.com/2009/10/tub-faucet-repair-tips.html' title='Tub Faucet Repair Tips'/><author><name>Chuck Tiber</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/04774526438395501691</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='31' height='21' src='http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_KoR1x1SmsCw/SeVHGgLvt3I/AAAAAAAAAIA/e4_3kdGOOVs/S220/Suzanne_and_Andrew_047.jpg'/></author><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3740640956046816501.post-6051679574633731625</id><published>2009-10-05T03:02:00.001-07:00</published><updated>2009-10-05T03:02:34.120-07:00</updated><title type='text'>Avoiding Mistakes For Do-It-Yourselfers - Drain Clearing</title><content type='html'>&lt;p&gt;The other day I was in a popular home improvement center picking up some irrigation parts for our house, when I was ease dropping on a conversation between an older man and one of the stores representatives. The man explained to the so-called in house plumbing expert that he had a clogged drain and was looking for a product that could be poured into the drain and solve his problems.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;They were both standing in front of the liquid plumber selection of fine products(that was a joke). What product do you recommend the older man asked. The do-it-yourselfer plumbing expert answered by pointing to a product that he recommended, this seems to do a pretty good job at clearing drains. The older man, having been around the block before, a little more educated than he was a few years ago, from his previous purchases of a product that claimed to perform a task, but didn't.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;If this was a young man or woman, I would have waited until the home improvement specialist left the area and then, I would've explained who I was, and my experience with a few of these products. However, I felt that this man, who looked like he was in his late 60s or early 70s, should've known better. I chose the let him help the economy with his purchase. I guess in a sense, I was doing my good deed for the day.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Their conversation soon ended as the in-house plumbing expert left to advise another customer, hopefully on something that he actually knew something about. The older gentleman selected a different product and quickly scaned the area to make sure that the person who had assisted him wasn't around as he scampered off in a hurry.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Here's a quick tip on how to avoid mistakes as a do-it-yourselfer. Don't assume that liquid drain cleaning products will solve your problem. Try not to get caught up in your home improvement advisers solution to your problem. I have watched them sell products to unsuspecting customers and even had them try to sell me something that didn't work.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;I personally, have never had any luck unclogging any drain pipes with any liquid drain cleaner. I don't know if my message is loud and clear here and hope that anyone who has gotten this far, reading the article will not believe everything that they read, because the book or product says professional plumbing expert or listen to someone because they're wearing a shirt that says ask me, I'm a home improvement expert.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;If you choose to ignore my advice, know this, you will be forever doomed to repeat the mistakes that others have made before you.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;You are free to copy this article to your site as long as you include the following resource information with an active link to my site:&lt;br&gt; Greg Vandenberge 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 &lt;a target="_new" href="http://houseinspectionhelp.com/homebuyersguide/index.htm"&gt;home buyers guide&lt;/a&gt; to take some of the frustration out of home shopping.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;If your looking for some more information on plumbing check out our &lt;a target="_new" href="http://books.gregvan.com/home_plumbing_books.htm"&gt;house plumbing books&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;div class="blogger-post-footer"&gt;&lt;img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/3740640956046816501-6051679574633731625?l=contractorguide.blogspot.com' alt='' /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;</content><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://contractorguide.blogspot.com/feeds/6051679574633731625/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=3740640956046816501&amp;postID=6051679574633731625' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/3740640956046816501/posts/default/6051679574633731625'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/3740640956046816501/posts/default/6051679574633731625'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://contractorguide.blogspot.com/2009/10/avoiding-mistakes-for-do-it-yourselfers.html' title='Avoiding Mistakes For Do-It-Yourselfers - Drain Clearing'/><author><name>Chuck Tiber</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/04774526438395501691</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='31' height='21' src='http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_KoR1x1SmsCw/SeVHGgLvt3I/AAAAAAAAAIA/e4_3kdGOOVs/S220/Suzanne_and_Andrew_047.jpg'/></author><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3740640956046816501.post-3938929828866369844</id><published>2009-10-04T19:59:00.001-07:00</published><updated>2009-10-04T19:59:23.423-07:00</updated><title type='text'>The Truth About Premier Bathtubs</title><content type='html'>&lt;p&gt;Think bathtubs, and just one name comes to mind. No prizes for guessing; it just has to be Premier bathtubs. After all, it's the company that is credited with upgrading the glam quotient in every bathroom. Established with the sole purpose of providing a captivating experience through countless path breaking innovations, Premier is today synonymous with both functional excellence and fine designs.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;b&gt;A Class Apart &lt;/b&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;A bathtub is a permanent fixture in every bathroom. But despite their ubiquity, a great deal of passion and thought goes into the creation of every model. The tremendous attention to detail inspires a lot of appreciation and admiration. This result is products that are highly advanced and exceptionally luxurious.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;The in-depth understanding of bathtub design ensures that this personal fixture in the bathroom is designed without relegating individual needs and preferences to the background. So whether it is an aesthetically crafted, soaked-in-style walk in bathtub design or a bathroom solution for the disabled guided solely by safety concerns, all your apprehensions are drowned by the hallowed monopoly of this remarkable company.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;b&gt;A Truly Comprehensive Range&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;At Premier, there are bathtubs that meet every customer's whims and fancies. Depending on your requirements, you can choose from their simply spectacular array of progressive and distinctive bathtubs.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Here's what you are likely to find when you invite yourself into the plush interiors of a Premier showroom:&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;ul&gt; &lt;li&gt; Walk-in bathtubs: Pamper yourself with air and hydro massages after that arduous day at work. This truly exclusive, avant-garde line is ideal for those that value the finer things in life. &lt;li&gt; Models for the elderly or disabled: Bathing in tubs is fraught with risks for both the elderly and the disabled. Well, with Premier's very safe and secure line of bathtubs, all your fears are sure to fade into oblivion. The installation of a seat in the tub, different kinds of skid-proof bars and handles makes bathing less challenging. &lt;li&gt; Plymouth: One of the most sought after models, this one redefines bathing luxury. &lt;li&gt; Warwick: With this model, even homeowners constantly kvetching about small spaces have plenty to cheer.&lt;/ul&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;No matter what size or style, these bathtubs become the cynosure of all eyes, making every moment truly delightful.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Learn exactly how to generate 100's or even 1000's of positively *BRILLIANT* &lt;a target="_new" href="http://www.trulylovelyhome.com/includes-trulylovelyhome/bathroom_remodeling_ideas.htm"&gt;Bathroom Remodeling Ideas&lt;/a&gt; ... FAST ! And here are 25 &lt;a target="_new" href="http://www.trulylovelyhome.com/includes-trulylovelyhome/dirtcheaphomeimprovement_includes.htm"&gt;Dirt Cheap Home Improvement Ideas&lt;/a&gt; that could increase the value of your home by several $1000's ...&lt;/p&gt;&lt;div class="blogger-post-footer"&gt;&lt;img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/3740640956046816501-3938929828866369844?l=contractorguide.blogspot.com' alt='' /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;</content><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://contractorguide.blogspot.com/feeds/3938929828866369844/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=3740640956046816501&amp;postID=3938929828866369844' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/3740640956046816501/posts/default/3938929828866369844'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/3740640956046816501/posts/default/3938929828866369844'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://contractorguide.blogspot.com/2009/10/truth-about-premier-bathtubs.html' title='The Truth About Premier Bathtubs'/><author><name>Chuck Tiber</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/04774526438395501691</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='31' height='21' src='http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_KoR1x1SmsCw/SeVHGgLvt3I/AAAAAAAAAIA/e4_3kdGOOVs/S220/Suzanne_and_Andrew_047.jpg'/></author><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3740640956046816501.post-2087789809324046964</id><published>2009-10-04T11:44:00.001-07:00</published><updated>2009-10-04T11:44:30.898-07:00</updated><title type='text'>Important Home Repair Advice - Do it Yourself</title><content type='html'>&lt;p&gt;There are plenty of homeowners that would like to do their own home repairs, but lack the skills necessary to accomplish the task. I would like to give them a couple of tips that can drastically improve their home repair abilities.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Let's start with the basics, you need to acquire the basic information necessary to accomplish the task. Where are you going to find this information, who's going to teach you how to do your home repairs. Most building professionals don't have the time to explain the process to you, because it takes time away from them, for making money to support their families.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Here's the best advice I can give you, buy books, buying as many books as you need to gather the information to help you accomplish your home repair or home remodeling project. These books can provide you with lots of useful illustrations and the step-by-step instructions that will be necessary to understand the construction process.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;I have been using great books with lots of illustrations, my entire life and have learned many things about the home repair and construction process. If you're planning on repairing your bathtub, try to find fix-it books that have some information on what you are trying to do.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;There are plenty of great books out there and I would recommend any of them that apply to your needs. If you need a lot of pictures, find a book with a lot of pictures, if you have an easier time understanding step-by-step instructions, find a book that has plenty of step-by-step instructions.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;I hope this has helped you, because it has helped a lot of people in the past.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;If you're really interested in learning more about remodeling, new home construction, home maintenance, home repairs and really want to get the nuts and bolts of home improvement. Visit our web site and select from the best-selling &lt;a target="_new" href="http://books.gregvan.com/"&gt;home building books&lt;/a&gt; on the Internet.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Greg Vandenberge 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.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;If Your Serious About Home Improvement You Should Visit Our Newest Site On &lt;a target="_new" href="http://homerepair.gregvan.com/index.htm"&gt;Home Repairs&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;div class="blogger-post-footer"&gt;&lt;img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/3740640956046816501-2087789809324046964?l=contractorguide.blogspot.com' alt='' /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;</content><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://contractorguide.blogspot.com/feeds/2087789809324046964/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=3740640956046816501&amp;postID=2087789809324046964' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/3740640956046816501/posts/default/2087789809324046964'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/3740640956046816501/posts/default/2087789809324046964'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://contractorguide.blogspot.com/2009/10/important-home-repair-advice-do-it.html' title='Important Home Repair Advice - Do it Yourself'/><author><name>Chuck Tiber</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/04774526438395501691</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='31' height='21' src='http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_KoR1x1SmsCw/SeVHGgLvt3I/AAAAAAAAAIA/e4_3kdGOOVs/S220/Suzanne_and_Andrew_047.jpg'/></author><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3740640956046816501.post-335103491667135787</id><published>2009-10-04T04:39:00.001-07:00</published><updated>2009-10-04T04:39:31.253-07:00</updated><title type='text'>An Overview of the Luxury Whirlpool Steam Shower</title><content type='html'>&lt;p&gt;When you look at the line of Whirlpool steam showers that are available, you will like the luxurious features of the computerized steam shower unit that measures 4 feet in width and length and 89 inches in height, which means it is a suitable size for a typical size bathroom. It is made of acrylic and reinforced with fiberglass and has glass doors. Some of the standard features on this model include:&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt; an mP3 player&lt;br&gt; a waterfall faucet &lt;br&gt; bath functions&lt;br&gt; intensity adjustor&lt;br&gt; built-in seats&lt;br&gt; steam generator&lt;br&gt; rainfall showerhead&lt;br&gt; FM radio and CD connection&lt;br&gt; ventilation fan&lt;br&gt; chroma blue lighting&lt;br&gt; waterproof remote control&lt;br&gt; body jets for use as a standup shower&lt;br&gt; handheld moveable showerhead&lt;br&gt; speakers and microphone&lt;br&gt; spray massage for your back and body&lt;br&gt; fogless mirror&lt;br&gt; storage shelves&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Before you go out and purchase this model of Whirlpool steam shower unit or any other steam sauna, you should also check out the other models that are available. There are larger walk in units available designed for a larger space, some of which come with a foot massager and a foot scrubber. You will need to purchase the inline heater separately if you wish to maintain the whirlpool temperature.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;You can choose a sleek modern design in your purchase of a Whirlpool steam shower. There are models available with two seats. Those with the rainforest showerheads will leave you feeling completely clean and rejuvenated. Although these steam shower units look very small from the outside, once inside they are cozy and intimate with plenty of space. There are various lighting schemes that you can experiment with to find one that suits your mood at the time.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Whether you are building a new home or remodeling your bathroom, adding a Whirlpool steam shower will increase the value of the home dramatically. You will realize a profit far more than the cost of the steam shower unit itself and benefit from the steam therapy while you are living in the home.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;The Whirlpool steam shower combo with a shower and tub is the obvious choice when you start shopping for a steam shower enclosure with &lt;a target="_new" rel="nofollow" href="http://www.mybath.biz/servlet/the-245/Space-Saving-Corner-Glass/Detail"&gt;shower doors&lt;/a&gt; The walk-in designs actually give you the three separate facilities in one unit - steam shower, regular shower and regular bath.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Whirlpool steam showers require the installation of a 13-amp fused spur if you have the electrical socket for the unit located in the bathroom or a 13-amp house socket if you run the flex line from the bathroom to another room in your home. The flex comes with the steam shower unit and has an integrated inline trip defense system. There is an extractor fan with this unit as well because of the large amount of moisture that comes from the steam that is generated. The fan helps to take out the moisture and the steam from the unit once you turn it off.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;An Ozoniser also comes with a Whirlpool steam shower to remove the impurities from the water. the manufacturer recommends that you run this feature of the steam shower unit once a week for about 10 to 20 minutes making sure that the doors of the unit are completely closed. While it is running, you will not be able to operate the ancillary features of the unit such as the radio.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Allison Ryan is a freelance marketing writer from San Diego, CA. She specializes in do-it-yourself home improvement, including installing steam shower enclosures with glass shower doors and Whirlpool hot tubs. For a great selection of these water features for your home or bathroom, please visit &lt;a target="_new" href="http://www.mybath.biz/"&gt;http://www.mybath.biz/&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;div class="blogger-post-footer"&gt;&lt;img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/3740640956046816501-335103491667135787?l=contractorguide.blogspot.com' alt='' /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;</content><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://contractorguide.blogspot.com/feeds/335103491667135787/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=3740640956046816501&amp;postID=335103491667135787' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/3740640956046816501/posts/default/335103491667135787'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/3740640956046816501/posts/default/335103491667135787'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://contractorguide.blogspot.com/2009/10/overview-of-luxury-whirlpool-steam.html' title='An Overview of the Luxury Whirlpool Steam Shower'/><author><name>Chuck Tiber</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/04774526438395501691</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='31' height='21' src='http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_KoR1x1SmsCw/SeVHGgLvt3I/AAAAAAAAAIA/e4_3kdGOOVs/S220/Suzanne_and_Andrew_047.jpg'/></author><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3740640956046816501.post-1965257923397647399</id><published>2009-10-03T20:49:00.001-07:00</published><updated>2009-10-03T20:49:15.947-07:00</updated><title type='text'>Five Things That a Termite Inspection Company Might Not Ever Say</title><content type='html'>&lt;p&gt;I don't think that I've ever heard of a termite inspector, ever go to a home and not find any termites. Even if the home doesn't have any damage that is visible from the termites, it seems like it's always a good idea, to tent the home, just in case, for protection. Anyway, here's five things that you might not ever hear a termite inspector ever say.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;1. Your house is free of termites. This means that there isn't, one termite on your property and the termite inspector isn't going to make any money. Let's face it, termite damage, whether it's visible or invisible, keeps these guys working.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;2. Your house isn't going to fall down, if I don't do anything to stop the termites. I have seen homes, where termites have been working on them for quite some time and they still seem to stand up and function properly.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;3. Termites don't eat much and I wouldn't worry about the damage. Most termite inspectors will tell you how much a termite in Hawaii or Africa will eat in a day, but doesn't seem to have an honest idea, how much damage they are doing to your home, if they can't actually see it.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;4. Every one that works for our company, has at least 30 years experience, repairing any termite damage. Don't even get me started with this one.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;5. We will replace all of the termite damage wood, back to its original condition. What they might say, is that they will replace the wood that is damaged by termites, that you can actually see.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;There are plenty of great termite companies out there and this article was meant just to have fun with most of them. Termite damage can be a serious problem with some homes and I would suggest that you contact at least three termite inspectors, before proceeding ahead with any home repairs or use of chemicals.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Try not to forget, the only way that a termite inspection company will make any money, looking at your house, will be to find something wrong with it.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;If you're really interested in basement remodeling and repairs, you should click on this link &lt;a target="_new" href="http://homerepair.gregvan.com/"&gt;Easy Home Repair Tips&lt;/a&gt; . Get some great home repair advice that can make a big difference on any of your home remodeling projects.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;If You Live in Northern San Diego County or South Orange County, and You're Looking for a Great Contractor, Click on This Link &lt;a target="_new" href="http://gregvan.com/"&gt;San Diego Remodeling Contractors&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Greg Vandenberge 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.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Thanks For Reading My Articles&lt;/p&gt;&lt;div class="blogger-post-footer"&gt;&lt;img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/3740640956046816501-1965257923397647399?l=contractorguide.blogspot.com' alt='' /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;</content><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://contractorguide.blogspot.com/feeds/1965257923397647399/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=3740640956046816501&amp;postID=1965257923397647399' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/3740640956046816501/posts/default/1965257923397647399'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/3740640956046816501/posts/default/1965257923397647399'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://contractorguide.blogspot.com/2009/10/five-things-that-termite-inspection.html' title='Five Things That a Termite Inspection Company Might Not Ever Say'/><author><name>Chuck Tiber</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/04774526438395501691</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='31' height='21' src='http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_KoR1x1SmsCw/SeVHGgLvt3I/AAAAAAAAAIA/e4_3kdGOOVs/S220/Suzanne_and_Andrew_047.jpg'/></author><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3740640956046816501.post-9156804571059390043</id><published>2009-10-03T13:40:00.001-07:00</published><updated>2009-10-03T13:40:36.527-07:00</updated><title type='text'>How to Change a Shower Faucet in 5 Easy Steps</title><content type='html'>&lt;p&gt;Cannot sleep with the constant drip in the bathroom? Tired of hearing the drip-drip noise from the shower faucet every night? Then here is how to change a shower faucet in just 5 steps ...&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;It is not a very titanic task to change a shower faucet. But neither is it as simple as unscrewing the old and putting in new. It does require some effort and thinking on your part. Plus you also require some correct tools like wrenches, screwdriver, handle hammer, torch and goggles.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;There are basically two basic types of shower faucets. One is the washer type and the other washer-less shower faucet. If the washer is worn out or hardened then that may be the reason for shower leaking. Or it may also be the rubber gasket or the ring which needs to be replaced. Sometimes washer seats may also be the cause of the problem.&lt;br&gt;&lt;ul&gt;&lt;li&gt;The first thing to do if a shower faucet is leaking is to close the main supply of water. Then allow the water in the faucet to drain completely. &lt;li&gt;Next take off the faucet handle. For this you may have to turn the screw clockwise using screwdriver or knife. Next remove the handle. If it is stuck to the stem then you probably have to use a handle hammer.&lt;li&gt;Next separate the stem and check the condition of the stem. If the threads are worn out then take them to a retailer and get a new stem. If the brass screws are damaged then they too require replacement. If the stems are dirty, clean them.&lt;li&gt;Now examine the washer. If the washer has white vinegar or lime deposits then it requires cleaning and replacement. Take them to a dealer who will give you an exact match in size as well as style. Now check the washer seat. If they are worn out then they too have to be replaced. If they have square or hexagonal holes they can be changed. But if the seat has a round hole then you need to use a seat dressing tool.&lt;li&gt;Now insert the new parts. You can use Vaseline to ensure that it is sealed correctly. Spread a bit of petroleum jelly on the threads of the stem for lubrication. Now put all parts in the reverse order. Switch on the water supply and take a shower test to see if you have replaced everything correctly.&lt;/ul&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Sometimes the problem may be with the stem too. In such a case you need to install a new packing. If it is noisy shower faucet problem then the problem may be due to loose seat washers. Then tighten the washer following the same steps as outlined above. Poor design and construction may also be the reason for noisiness. In such a case you will have to replace it.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Thus with a little help you can fix the faucet yourself within an hour and sleep peacefully without bothering about the drip.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Learn exactly how to generate 100's or even 1000's of positively *BRILLIANT* &lt;a target="_new" href="http://www.trulylovelyhome.com/includes-trulylovelyhome/bathroom_remodeling_ideas.htm"&gt;Bathroom Remodeling Ideas&lt;/a&gt; ... F-A-S-T ! And here are 25 &lt;a target="_new" href="http://www.trulylovelyhome.com/includes-trulylovelyhome/dirtcheaphomeimprovement_includes.htm"&gt;Dirt Cheap Home Improvement Ideas&lt;/a&gt; that could increase the value of your home by several $1000's ...&lt;/p&gt;&lt;div class="blogger-post-footer"&gt;&lt;img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/3740640956046816501-9156804571059390043?l=contractorguide.blogspot.com' alt='' /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;</content><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://contractorguide.blogspot.com/feeds/9156804571059390043/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=3740640956046816501&amp;postID=9156804571059390043' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/3740640956046816501/posts/default/9156804571059390043'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/3740640956046816501/posts/default/9156804571059390043'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://contractorguide.blogspot.com/2009/10/how-to-change-shower-faucet-in-5-easy.html' title='How to Change a Shower Faucet in 5 Easy Steps'/><author><name>Chuck Tiber</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/04774526438395501691</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='31' height='21' src='http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_KoR1x1SmsCw/SeVHGgLvt3I/AAAAAAAAAIA/e4_3kdGOOVs/S220/Suzanne_and_Andrew_047.jpg'/></author><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3740640956046816501.post-3557130700582896181</id><published>2009-10-03T06:04:00.001-07:00</published><updated>2009-10-03T06:04:17.729-07:00</updated><title type='text'>Don't Let This Happen to You - Home Computer Electrical Damage</title><content type='html'>&lt;p&gt;If you've read any of my other articles, you know that I am always coming up with great ideas, tips and even a couple of stories that can save homeowners lots of money. Here's another one of those stories, that involves a friend of mine who asked me if I could fix his outdoor electrical outlet.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;I was over at his house one day, and told him that I could probably fix the electrical outlet and if we needed any parts, we could run down to the lumber yard and pick them up and his problem would be solved within a few hours. This two hour repair was about to cost him the hard drive on his computer, but neither one of us had any idea what was about to happen.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;We each agreed to give it a shot, I told him to go over to the electrical panel and turn off the breaker that went to his outdoor shed. He proceeded to turn off the breaker and yelled out," It's off, try it." I plugged in an electric drill and it was still working, as he was walking around the corner, towards me, I showed him that the drill was still on and he hadn't turned off the right electrical breaker.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;He went back and turned off a couple of more electrical breakers and the drill was still running. Now he frantically started to turn off one electrical breaker at a time, until I yelled out," It's off, the electrical power is, off you can stop."&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;I repaired the electrical outlet and he went back to turn every electrical breaker back on that he had turned off. We were proud of ourselves and he now had electrical power, back to his shed and he was happy.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Now for the bad news, his computer was running and when he turned the electricity off and on, it must've done something to his computer hard drive and it now needed to be replaced.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;The moral to the story, isn't that you shouldn't help your friends. It's that you should, make sure that your computers are safely off, before you attempt to do any electrical work to your home.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;It wouldn't be a bad idea, to have a battery backup, for your computer, if you use it often, just in case there is an electrical failure or something happens like the story above.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;If your really interested in saving money on your home electrical bills - &lt;a target="_new" href="http://books.gregvan.com/energy_saving_books.htm"&gt;Energy Saving Books&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Greg Vandenberge 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.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;If you're really interested in basement remodeling and repairs, you should click on this link &lt;a target="_new" href="http://homerepair.gregvan.com/"&gt;Home Repair Advice&lt;/a&gt;. Get some great home repair advice that can make a big difference on any of your home remodeling projects.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;div class="blogger-post-footer"&gt;&lt;img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/3740640956046816501-3557130700582896181?l=contractorguide.blogspot.com' alt='' /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;</content><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://contractorguide.blogspot.com/feeds/3557130700582896181/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=3740640956046816501&amp;postID=3557130700582896181' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/3740640956046816501/posts/default/3557130700582896181'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/3740640956046816501/posts/default/3557130700582896181'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://contractorguide.blogspot.com/2009/10/dont-let-this-happen-to-you-home.html' title='Don&apos;t Let This Happen to You - Home Computer Electrical Damage'/><author><name>Chuck Tiber</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/04774526438395501691</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='31' height='21' src='http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_KoR1x1SmsCw/SeVHGgLvt3I/AAAAAAAAAIA/e4_3kdGOOVs/S220/Suzanne_and_Andrew_047.jpg'/></author><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3740640956046816501.post-1751148066382352956</id><published>2009-10-02T22:14:00.001-07:00</published><updated>2009-10-02T22:14:10.940-07:00</updated><title type='text'>Design Your Own Dream House</title><content type='html'>&lt;p&gt;In the past, designing your own dream house meant grabbing a pen and pad of paper and spending hours meticulously drawing plans only to scrap them once you made a mistake. It was frustrating work. But, times have changed. Today, there are several house design software programs that can do the same work. Even better, it takes less time and allows for easy adjustments for mistakes along the way. Once a frustrating task, planning your dream house can be exciting again.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Using Software To Visualize Your Dream House&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;One of the most common problems people have when planning their dream home is trying to visualize how everything looks. House design software resolves this issue. It can provide a 3D interface through which you to view floor plans, walking areas, structural placements and more. But, some software programs are better than others.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Use a house design program that comes with preset floor plans and templates to get you started. Often, even if you have an idea of how your dream house should ultimately look, preset floor plans can get the creative juices flowing. The software you use should also be robust enough to allow you to modify the templates in any way you wish as you're designing the home.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Also, the software should allow you to plan the plumbing within your home as well as the electrical system. Some programs will even let you plan custom trims for your windows throughout your home. The more robust your software, the more flexibility you'll enjoy in designing your dream home to your preferences.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Designing Your Dream Home&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;If you're planning to design your dream house, using house design software can save time and make the process fun. Software shouldn't replace the skills and advice of a trained architect, but will allow you to create your home without the limitations of pen and paper. If you make a measurement error, adjusting your plans is easy and fast. When you're using software to design your home, the scope of your plans are limited only be your creativity (and physics).&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Source: &lt;a target="_new" href="http://www.homedesignsoftwareinc.com"&gt;http://www.homedesignsoftwareinc.com&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Get our &lt;a target="_new" href="http://www.homedesignsoftwareinc.com"&gt;free house design software&lt;/a&gt; guide for information about kitchen &amp; bathroom remodeling, deck and garden design, floor plan drawing software.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;div class="blogger-post-footer"&gt;&lt;img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/3740640956046816501-1751148066382352956?l=contractorguide.blogspot.com' alt='' /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;</content><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://contractorguide.blogspot.com/feeds/1751148066382352956/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=3740640956046816501&amp;postID=1751148066382352956' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/3740640956046816501/posts/default/1751148066382352956'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/3740640956046816501/posts/default/1751148066382352956'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://contractorguide.blogspot.com/2009/10/design-your-own-dream-house.html' title='Design Your Own Dream House'/><author><name>Chuck Tiber</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/04774526438395501691</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='31' height='21' src='http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_KoR1x1SmsCw/SeVHGgLvt3I/AAAAAAAAAIA/e4_3kdGOOVs/S220/Suzanne_and_Andrew_047.jpg'/></author><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3740640956046816501.post-5477462032939566021</id><published>2009-10-02T15:11:00.001-07:00</published><updated>2009-10-02T15:11:08.430-07:00</updated><title type='text'>10 Things a Homeowner Won't Tell a Contractor - Common Courtesy</title><content type='html'>&lt;p&gt;I've been a contractor in the state of California for over 20 years and there are some things that a homeowner won't tell a contractor. These are a few things that a contractor might want to hear, but a reluctant homeowner, might have second thoughts telling their contractors how they really feel.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;1. We are happy with all of the work that you did in a timely manner and we appreciate your services.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;2. We are happy with the way you performed your construction tasks, efficiently and we appreciate your services.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;3. The work was done by a true professional and we would recommend you to any one of our friends.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;4. The payment plan that you created in the contract worked out perfectly and never made us feel uncomfortable. It never seemed like you had too much of our money or we were putting you in a bad spot financially.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;5. Thanks for keeping the job clean, it meant a lot to us, because we have seen other construction jobs that look like a tornado ran through them.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;6. Thanks for helping us with our design. Working with your contractor on a daily, weekly or monthly basis can be frustrating or joyful. Let the contractor know either way how you are really feeling.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;7. You and your crew are extremely hard-working and we appreciate the simple fact that you didn't come to work late or leave early.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;8. Thanks for the reasonable priced estimate on our project. You helped us say a lot of money and we appreciate that sincerely.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;9. Thanks for doing the extra work at a reasonable price. You could have gouged us at certain times, but you chose to be fair and work things out, in a way that would benefit both of us.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;10. This one is the most important and often overlooked by homeowners and it's simple and easy to do. Thanks for doing what you said you were going to do and actually doing it.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Just a simple thank you and paying them on time, for a service well done is enough for most contractors. However, a little common courtesy can go a long way, even in the construction industry.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;If You Live in Northern San Diego County or South Orange County, and You're Looking for a Great Contractor, Click on This Link &lt;a target="_new" href="http://gregvan.com/"&gt;Home Remodeling Contractor&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Greg Vandenberge 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.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Click here if you're looking for additional &lt;a target="_new" href="http://books.gregvan.com/hiring_contractors_books.htm"&gt;Homeowner Contractor Advice&lt;/a&gt;. If you're interested in gathering more information on how to hire a good contractor, make sure that you visit our website.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;div class="blogger-post-footer"&gt;&lt;img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/3740640956046816501-5477462032939566021?l=contractorguide.blogspot.com' alt='' /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;</content><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://contractorguide.blogspot.com/feeds/5477462032939566021/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=3740640956046816501&amp;postID=5477462032939566021' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/3740640956046816501/posts/default/5477462032939566021'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/3740640956046816501/posts/default/5477462032939566021'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://contractorguide.blogspot.com/2009/10/10-things-homeowner-wont-tell.html' title='10 Things a Homeowner Won&apos;t Tell a Contractor - Common Courtesy'/><author><name>Chuck Tiber</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/04774526438395501691</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='31' height='21' src='http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_KoR1x1SmsCw/SeVHGgLvt3I/AAAAAAAAAIA/e4_3kdGOOVs/S220/Suzanne_and_Andrew_047.jpg'/></author><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3740640956046816501.post-8987628621422840523</id><published>2009-10-02T06:30:00.001-07:00</published><updated>2009-10-02T06:30:52.160-07:00</updated><title type='text'>Bathroom Decorating For A Zen Like Spa Look</title><content type='html'>&lt;p&gt;Bathroom decorating can be fun and challenging but when it ends up giving you the relaxing feeling of a Zen like spa it is well worth the effort. Here are some tips on how you can get this relaxing feel in your bathroom&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;You should use soft colors and neutral tones colors for your Zen bathroom. Matching colors with your wall paint, towels and shower curtains is key so get paint cards that have your paint colors on them and bring them shopping with you when you buy your bathroom accessories - that way you will get a perfect match.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;In the bathroom, consider accessorizing with artwork on the walls, as well as toiletry and toothbrush holders, towel racks, towels and decorative soaps. You want to end up with a minimalist look so don't put too much in. Consider sleek designs for the hamper and wastebasket.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;If your bathroom is big enough it could include shoji screens, plants and furniture with simple lines as well as a table water fountain and some bamboo. Window treatments for the Zen bathroom decorating theme should be simple and plain. Try updating your windows with bamboo blinds. After you get the ideal look on your windows, you might realize the walls are drab by comparison. To overcome this, try hanging watercolors or oriental silks in frames around the room.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;While you may not think about it much, flooring plays a vital role in your interior design style so putting in bath mats to compliment your Zen decorating theme can really improve it's style. The best type of flooring for the peaceful and serene style is organic woven mats which you will want to purchase in neutral tones.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;For some decorative touches which will help tie together your Zen decor think about a lotus bowl with 1 flower, rice paper lamps, and Asian pottery to accent your room design. You could also add towels that match your wall colors rolled up and stacked in a bamboo basket just like you might find at the spa.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Your Zen bathroom decorating theme can be a snap if you take the time to plan it out adequately. Simply buy the pieces on your plan and put them in place - your room with have the feeling of a peaceful spa before you know it.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Visit &lt;a target="_new" href="http://bathroomdecoratingguide.com"&gt;http://bathroomdecoratingguide.com&lt;/a&gt; for more great tips on decorating your bathroom in a variety of &lt;a target="_new" href="http://bathroomdecoratingguide.com/category/bathroom-styles"&gt;popular bathroom decorating styles&lt;/a&gt;.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;div class="blogger-post-footer"&gt;&lt;img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/3740640956046816501-8987628621422840523?l=contractorguide.blogspot.com' alt='' /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;</content><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://contractorguide.blogspot.com/feeds/8987628621422840523/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=3740640956046816501&amp;postID=8987628621422840523' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/3740640956046816501/posts/default/8987628621422840523'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/3740640956046816501/posts/default/8987628621422840523'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://contractorguide.blogspot.com/2009/10/bathroom-decorating-for-zen-like-spa.html' title='Bathroom Decorating For A Zen Like Spa Look'/><author><name>Chuck Tiber</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/04774526438395501691</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='31' height='21' src='http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_KoR1x1SmsCw/SeVHGgLvt3I/AAAAAAAAAIA/e4_3kdGOOVs/S220/Suzanne_and_Andrew_047.jpg'/></author><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3740640956046816501.post-2541961613935127908</id><published>2009-10-01T15:56:00.001-07:00</published><updated>2009-10-01T15:56:05.029-07:00</updated><title type='text'>Are There Really Home Water Filters That Work?</title><content type='html'>&lt;p&gt;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.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;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?&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;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.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;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.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;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.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;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.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;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,&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;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.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Learn about other water filtration systems at my website that I personally use that can dramatically improve the quality of your water.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Dana Lakes is a passionate researcher of water purity issues that affect our health and well-being. She articulates her opinion at &lt;a target="_new" href="http://clean-filtered-safe-water.com"&gt;http://www.clean-filtered-safe-water.com&lt;/a&gt;. To learn about water purification systems that Dana recommends for your home or office visit &lt;a target="_new" href="http://www.clean-filtered-safe-water.com"&gt;http://www.clean-filtered-safe-water.com&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;div class="blogger-post-footer"&gt;&lt;img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/3740640956046816501-2541961613935127908?l=contractorguide.blogspot.com' alt='' /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;</content><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://contractorguide.blogspot.com/feeds/2541961613935127908/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=3740640956046816501&amp;postID=2541961613935127908' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/3740640956046816501/posts/default/2541961613935127908'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/3740640956046816501/posts/default/2541961613935127908'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://contractorguide.blogspot.com/2009/10/are-there-really-home-water-filters.html' title='Are There Really Home Water Filters That Work?'/><author><name>Chuck Tiber</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/04774526438395501691</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='31' height='21' src='http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_KoR1x1SmsCw/SeVHGgLvt3I/AAAAAAAAAIA/e4_3kdGOOVs/S220/Suzanne_and_Andrew_047.jpg'/></author><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3740640956046816501.post-2843800786410458580</id><published>2009-09-30T03:30:00.001-07:00</published><updated>2009-09-30T03:30:42.703-07:00</updated><title type='text'>10 Things a Homeowner Won't Tell a Contractor - Common Courtesy</title><content type='html'>&lt;p&gt;I've been a contractor in the state of California for over 20 years and there are some things that a homeowner won't tell a contractor. These are a few things that a contractor might want to hear, but a reluctant homeowner, might have second thoughts telling their contractors how they really feel.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;1. We are happy with all of the work that you did in a timely manner and we appreciate your services.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;2. We are happy with the way you performed your construction tasks, efficiently and we appreciate your services.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;3. The work was done by a true professional and we would recommend you to any one of our friends.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;4. The payment plan that you created in the contract worked out perfectly and never made us feel uncomfortable. It never seemed like you had too much of our money or we were putting you in a bad spot financially.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;5. Thanks for keeping the job clean, it meant a lot to us, because we have seen other construction jobs that look like a tornado ran through them.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;6. Thanks for helping us with our design. Working with your contractor on a daily, weekly or monthly basis can be frustrating or joyful. Let the contractor know either way how you are really feeling.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;7. You and your crew are extremely hard-working and we appreciate the simple fact that you didn't come to work late or leave early.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;8. Thanks for the reasonable priced estimate on our project. You helped us say a lot of money and we appreciate that sincerely.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;9. Thanks for doing the extra work at a reasonable price. You could have gouged us at certain times, but you chose to be fair and work things out, in a way that would benefit both of us.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;10. This one is the most important and often overlooked by homeowners and it's simple and easy to do. Thanks for doing what you said you were going to do and actually doing it.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Just a simple thank you and paying them on time, for a service well done is enough for most contractors. However, a little common courtesy can go a long way, even in the construction industry.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;If You Live in Northern San Diego County or South Orange County, and You're Looking for a Great Contractor, Click on This Link &lt;a target="_new" href="http://gregvan.com/"&gt;Home Remodeling Contractor&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Greg Vandenberge 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.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Click here if you're looking for additional &lt;a target="_new" href="http://books.gregvan.com/hiring_contractors_books.htm"&gt;Homeowner Contractor Advice&lt;/a&gt;. If you're interested in gathering more information on how to hire a good contractor, make sure that you visit our website.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;div class="blogger-post-footer"&gt;&lt;img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/3740640956046816501-2843800786410458580?l=contractorguide.blogspot.com' alt='' /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;</content><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://contractorguide.blogspot.com/feeds/2843800786410458580/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=3740640956046816501&amp;postID=2843800786410458580' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/3740640956046816501/posts/default/2843800786410458580'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/3740640956046816501/posts/default/2843800786410458580'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://contractorguide.blogspot.com/2009/09/10-things-homeowner-wont-tell.html' title='10 Things a Homeowner Won&apos;t Tell a Contractor - Common Courtesy'/><author><name>Chuck Tiber</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/04774526438395501691</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='31' height='21' src='http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_KoR1x1SmsCw/SeVHGgLvt3I/AAAAAAAAAIA/e4_3kdGOOVs/S220/Suzanne_and_Andrew_047.jpg'/></author><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3740640956046816501.post-5834597723210461481</id><published>2009-09-29T21:09:00.001-07:00</published><updated>2009-09-29T21:09:55.028-07:00</updated><title type='text'>Take Pictures of Your Growing Foundation Damage Or Cracks</title><content type='html'>&lt;p&gt;I champion people and try to get them to look at their house, at least once a year. One of the easiest ways to inspect your home is to use a home inspection checklist and if you really want a good home inspection checklist, there's a good chance that you are going to need to purchase one. You get what you pay for and don't ever forget that.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Foundation repairs usually start with a small crack and that's no joke. If you notice a crack, take a picture of it and save it somewhere. If you think, that the crack is actually getting a little bigger or starting to separate, you can simply take another picture and compare the two photos.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;I would like to give you an example of what I'm talking about. Sometimes we look at something and we think that it's getting larger, but we don't have anything to compare it to. As time goes on, we think that the crack is still getting larger, but our mind is creating an optical illusion. This happens to a lot of people.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;If you had a picture, from a few years ago, you could refresh your memory and this could be very helpful in reducing your anxiety or jumping to conclusions about foundation damage. Trust me, sometimes, I'm like a medical emergency crew, going to visit a homeowner to relieve their foundations stress. People panic over foundation cracks and I'm the doctor they call for any one of their home emergencies.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;I would also advise you to take pictures of the rest of your home. How hard would it be to take about 300 pictures of your home each year and store them on your computer or on a disk, for easy access later? A picture is worth a thousand words and don't ever forget that.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Click Here for Some More Great &lt;a target="_new" href="http://books.gregvan.com/house_foundation_books.htm"&gt;Foundation Repair Solutions&lt;/a&gt;.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Greg Vandenberge 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.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;If you're really interested in basement remodeling and repairs, you should click on this link &lt;a target="_new" href="http://homerepair.gregvan.com/"&gt;Home Repair Problems&lt;/a&gt;. Get some great home repair advice that can make a big difference on any of your home remodeling projects.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;div class="blogger-post-footer"&gt;&lt;img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/3740640956046816501-5834597723210461481?l=contractorguide.blogspot.com' alt='' /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;</content><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://contractorguide.blogspot.com/feeds/5834597723210461481/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=3740640956046816501&amp;postID=5834597723210461481' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/3740640956046816501/posts/default/5834597723210461481'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/3740640956046816501/posts/default/5834597723210461481'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://contractorguide.blogspot.com/2009/09/take-pictures-of-your-growing.html' title='Take Pictures of Your Growing Foundation Damage Or Cracks'/><author><name>Chuck Tiber</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/04774526438395501691</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='31' height='21' src='http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_KoR1x1SmsCw/SeVHGgLvt3I/AAAAAAAAAIA/e4_3kdGOOVs/S220/Suzanne_and_Andrew_047.jpg'/></author><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3740640956046816501.post-2997250259287696881</id><published>2009-09-29T14:45:00.001-07:00</published><updated>2009-09-29T14:45:27.096-07:00</updated><title type='text'>Do I Need a Home Inspection? - Real Estate Advice</title><content type='html'>&lt;p&gt;Most home inspections today run between $300 to over $1000 and sometimes you don't really get your moneys worth. There are home inspection companies that guarantee, any problems that they miss will be repaired at their expense over a desired period of time, usually a year. It seems like, most home inspection companies are just inspecting the property and have no guarantees or liability from their inspection.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;It's not a good idea to buy or sell a home without getting a home inspection from a licensed home inspector. This is like having a second opinion from someone who is usually skilled in the process. I would like to point something out to unsuspecting, potential home buyers and sellers. Sometimes a home inspection company will get a little behind in their work and need to hire other home inspectors if these home inspectors don't have any experience in the construction business or have never inspected a home before. In other words there fresh out of home inspector school. You might not get a good home inspection.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;You can always ask the question, how long have you been in business?... How long have you been a home inspector?... have you ever worked in the construction business or have any skills in home building and remodeling. If the answers to these questions are satisfactory, it doesn't mean, that they're telling the truth and being sincere and could lead to problems later if they are lying to you.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Let me rephrase the question now, "Do I Need a Home Inspection" from an unqualified home inspector? Absolutely not. But how can you really tell the difference and is the report going to be worth the money that you paid for it.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;What would you say, if I had the solution to your problem. How about a pre-home inspection, using a home buyers checklist? What if I could give you a check list with questions, that you could ask your home inspector? Some of these questions are not going to be part a regular inspection but should always be asked and make sure you get the answers to them, before purchasing the property.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Would you be interested now? What if I told you, for under $20, you could purchase a home buyers checklist, now for the tough question, this checklist could save you thousands of dollars and prevent you from purchasing a home with major construction problems or defects, and can be used on every house you look at.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Don't buy a home without purchasing a professional home inspection checklist. These lists of questions can save you some serious headaches and stress in the future.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Greg Vandenberge 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 &lt;a target="_new" href="http://houseinspectionhelp.com/homebuyersguide/index.htm"&gt;home buyers guide&lt;/a&gt; to take some of the frustration out of home shopping.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;If your looking for some more &lt;a target="_new" href="http://houseinspectionhelp.com/"&gt;home inspection&lt;/a&gt; or home building ideas.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;div class="blogger-post-footer"&gt;&lt;img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/3740640956046816501-2997250259287696881?l=contractorguide.blogspot.com' alt='' /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;</content><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://contractorguide.blogspot.com/feeds/2997250259287696881/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=3740640956046816501&amp;postID=2997250259287696881' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/3740640956046816501/posts/default/2997250259287696881'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/3740640956046816501/posts/default/2997250259287696881'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://contractorguide.blogspot.com/2009/09/do-i-need-home-inspection-real-estate.html' title='Do I Need a Home Inspection? - Real Estate Advice'/><author><name>Chuck Tiber</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/04774526438395501691</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='31' height='21' src='http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_KoR1x1SmsCw/SeVHGgLvt3I/AAAAAAAAAIA/e4_3kdGOOVs/S220/Suzanne_and_Andrew_047.jpg'/></author><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3740640956046816501.post-4841921296800771708</id><published>2009-09-29T08:14:00.001-07:00</published><updated>2009-09-29T08:14:41.032-07:00</updated><title type='text'>Plywood Roof Sheeting - Roof Framing Trade Secrets</title><content type='html'>&lt;p&gt;Most framing contractor's look at the building plans and order all of the material, according to those that are specified on the plans. This works out fine, and can often save you money, but rarely produces the best home that you could possibly frame.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;As a professional framing contractor, I would like to share one of my house framing tips with you. Most plans require half-inch plywood or oriented strand board as their roof sheeting. This product is fine and if you're building a lot of homes, you're not going to have the choice. Ordering larger sized plywood could cost you thousands of dollars, especially if you're building a lot of homes.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;However, if your framing or building a home for someone or even yourself, you might want to take my advice and think twice about it, before ordering the roof sheeting. Half-inch plywood, works okay for 16 inch on center roof rafters or engineered truss roofing systems. It doesn't work well on 24 inch on center roof rafters spacing.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;It is usually flimsy and weak at the center point, directly in between the 24 inch roof rafter bays. If you're going to use the half-inch plywood, I would recommend using plywood clips that are relatively inexpensive and can be placed in the direct center of each roof rafter bay on each sheet of plywood. These can be purchased at most home improvement centers or lumber yards.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;The other alternative, and this is what I recommend, would be to use 5/8 inch plywood. This plywood works great for 24 inch on center roof rafters and you will have a nice sturdy roof to walk on, while roofing your home.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;I have actually seen people step through the flimsy plywood, while lifting heavy roof tiles and bundles of composition roof shingles. Experienced roofers try to walk directly on top of the roof rafters, when loading their roof shingles or even carrying them on the roof.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;If you're a home builder and your concern is about making a profit, you will need to use the half-inch plywood. If you want to build a superior roof, use the 5/8 of an inch plywood.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;If You Live in Northern San Diego County or South Orange County, and You're Looking for a Great Contractor, Click on This Link &lt;a target="_new" href="http://gregvan.com/"&gt;House Framing Contractors&lt;/a&gt;.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;You are free to copy this article to your site as long as you include the following resource information with an active link to my site:&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Greg Vandenberge 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 &lt;a target="_new" href="http://houseinspectionhelp.com/homebuyersguide/index.htm"&gt;excellent home inspection checklist&lt;/a&gt; to take some of the frustration out of home shopping.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Thanks For Reading My Articles&lt;/p&gt;&lt;div class="blogger-post-footer"&gt;&lt;img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/3740640956046816501-4841921296800771708?l=contractorguide.blogspot.com' alt='' /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;</content><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://contractorguide.blogspot.com/feeds/4841921296800771708/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=3740640956046816501&amp;postID=4841921296800771708' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/3740640956046816501/posts/default/4841921296800771708'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/3740640956046816501/posts/default/4841921296800771708'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://contractorguide.blogspot.com/2009/09/plywood-roof-sheeting-roof-framing.html' title='Plywood Roof Sheeting - Roof Framing Trade Secrets'/><author><name>Chuck Tiber</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/04774526438395501691</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='31' height='21' src='http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_KoR1x1SmsCw/SeVHGgLvt3I/AAAAAAAAAIA/e4_3kdGOOVs/S220/Suzanne_and_Andrew_047.jpg'/></author><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3740640956046816501.post-3247993548815387985</id><published>2009-09-29T01:41:00.001-07:00</published><updated>2009-09-29T01:41:20.658-07:00</updated><title type='text'>Subfloor Damage From Poor Bathtub Installation - Read Bath Tub Fixture Manuals</title><content type='html'>&lt;p&gt;You should never under estimate the amount of damage that water can do to your wood subfloor. Especially if this wood is underneath your bathtub. If the bathtub is not installed properly, you could find yourself replacing the wood underneath, within a short period of time. This repair is not uncommon and as more homeowners and handyman seemed to be doing projects like these, without the proper experience, it's becoming even more common.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;I wish I had a solution to the problem, however, I don't. The best advice I could give anyone who is going to be involved in any home remodeling project, would be to get some books on what ever task you are about to undertake and read all of the information that you possibly can about the products you are going to be installing. This is extremely helpful for anyone who has never installed a bathtub or any bathtub fixtures.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;If the product fails and was installed properly, the manufacturer should be responsible for the water damage. I have been reading the manufacturer's installation manuals for quite some time now and every once in a while, I find something that is of great value to me and I get to pass it on to my readers. That's what I'm doing right now.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Whether you want to remodel your bathroom to save money or you want to accomplish a task that you haven't done yet. I would recommend, taking the time to understand, exactly how the water flows off of and on to another section of the bath tub or shower on its way to the drain. Understanding the basics of bathroom remodeling can save you big money in the future.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Save yourself some money and make sure that you install your bathtubs properly. Taking a little time before you start to read the bath tub fixture manuals, can save you some money and grief in the future.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Find More Facts On &lt;a target="_new" href="http://gregvan.com/structural/wood_damage_from_bathtub.htm"&gt;Home Water Damage&lt;/a&gt;.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Greg Vandenberge 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.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Check out These Amazing &lt;a target="_new" href="http://homerepair.gregvan.com/"&gt;Home Damage Videos&lt;/a&gt;.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;div class="blogger-post-footer"&gt;&lt;img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/3740640956046816501-3247993548815387985?l=contractorguide.blogspot.com' alt='' /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;</content><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://contractorguide.blogspot.com/feeds/3247993548815387985/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=3740640956046816501&amp;postID=3247993548815387985' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/3740640956046816501/posts/default/3247993548815387985'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/3740640956046816501/posts/default/3247993548815387985'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://contractorguide.blogspot.com/2009/09/subfloor-damage-from-poor-bathtub.html' title='Subfloor Damage From Poor Bathtub Installation - Read Bath Tub Fixture Manuals'/><author><name>Chuck Tiber</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/04774526438395501691</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='31' height='21' src='http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_KoR1x1SmsCw/SeVHGgLvt3I/AAAAAAAAAIA/e4_3kdGOOVs/S220/Suzanne_and_Andrew_047.jpg'/></author><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3740640956046816501.post-7480728665826752997</id><published>2009-09-28T19:26:00.001-07:00</published><updated>2009-09-28T19:26:54.010-07:00</updated><title type='text'>Five Things That a Termite Inspection Company Might Not Ever Say</title><content type='html'>&lt;p&gt;I don't think that I've ever heard of a termite inspector, ever go to a home and not find any termites. Even if the home doesn't have any damage that is visible from the termites, it seems like it's always a good idea, to tent the home, just in case, for protection. Anyway, here's five things that you might not ever hear a termite inspector ever say.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;1. Your house is free of termites. This means that there isn't, one termite on your property and the termite inspector isn't going to make any money. Let's face it, termite damage, whether it's visible or invisible, keeps these guys working.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;2. Your house isn't going to fall down, if I don't do anything to stop the termites. I have seen homes, where termites have been working on them for quite some time and they still seem to stand up and function properly.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;3. Termites don't eat much and I wouldn't worry about the damage. Most termite inspectors will tell you how much a termite in Hawaii or Africa will eat in a day, but doesn't seem to have an honest idea, how much damage they are doing to your home, if they can't actually see it.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;4. Every one that works for our company, has at least 30 years experience, repairing any termite damage. Don't even get me started with this one.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;5. We will replace all of the termite damage wood, back to its original condition. What they might say, is that they will replace the wood that is damaged by termites, that you can actually see.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;There are plenty of great termite companies out there and this article was meant just to have fun with most of them. Termite damage can be a serious problem with some homes and I would suggest that you contact at least three termite inspectors, before proceeding ahead with any home repairs or use of chemicals.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Try not to forget, the only way that a termite inspection company will make any money, looking at your house, will be to find something wrong with it.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;If you're really interested in basement remodeling and repairs, you should click on this link &lt;a target="_new" href="http://homerepair.gregvan.com/"&gt;Easy Home Repair Tips&lt;/a&gt; . Get some great home repair advice that can make a big difference on any of your home remodeling projects.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;If You Live in Northern San Diego County or South Orange County, and You're Looking for a Great Contractor, Click on This Link &lt;a target="_new" href="http://gregvan.com/"&gt;San Diego Remodeling Contractors&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Greg Vandenberge 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.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Thanks For Reading My Articles&lt;/p&gt;&lt;div class="blogger-post-footer"&gt;&lt;img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/3740640956046816501-7480728665826752997?l=contractorguide.blogspot.com' alt='' /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;</content><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://contractorguide.blogspot.com/feeds/7480728665826752997/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=3740640956046816501&amp;postID=7480728665826752997' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/3740640956046816501/posts/default/7480728665826752997'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/3740640956046816501/posts/default/7480728665826752997'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://contractorguide.blogspot.com/2009/09/five-things-that-termite-inspection_28.html' title='Five Things That a Termite Inspection Company Might Not Ever Say'/><author><name>Chuck Tiber</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/04774526438395501691</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='31' height='21' src='http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_KoR1x1SmsCw/SeVHGgLvt3I/AAAAAAAAAIA/e4_3kdGOOVs/S220/Suzanne_and_Andrew_047.jpg'/></author><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3740640956046816501.post-4930392419237172550</id><published>2009-09-28T12:43:00.001-07:00</published><updated>2009-09-28T12:43:02.763-07:00</updated><title type='text'>What If My Contractor Does Not Return My Call</title><content type='html'>&lt;p&gt;This is one of the biggest problems in business today. You have some work done on your home in good faith that the contractor knows what he is doing. When all is said and done you have a problem that needs to be resolved as soon as possible. I really don't care how long it has been since the work was done. If you have a problem the least that your contractor can do is answer the telephone.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Some companies go out of business and others get to busy to respond to your problem. You will hear the old excuse "That's not my problem" or the ever popular " I didn't do that". I have been in business for over twenty years and had very few problems. Of course I built things to last as long as possible.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Keep in mind that some contractors are a one man operation and they might be on vacation. Some contractors do not answer their phones over the week ends or after business hours. So don't sink the ship to fast.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Do not call the Contractors Licensing Board or the Better Business Bureau unless it has been at least a few working days. I would give it at least a week or so. Oh yeah don't assume that the contractor got your message. Call a few times at the least.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;It has always made me mad when I have to fix someone else's problems. I get the call when the other contractors won't respond. I listen to the home owner with regret for being in a business where I am considered a crook. This is one of the reasons why contractors in my business get out of it.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;If you have the contractors address and they aren't responding by phone you can always send them a letter by certified mail. Request a return receipt. That's your proof that the company received your letter. Keep a copy for your files.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;The good news for a home owner when a contractor will not respond to your calling them is the Department of Consumer Affairs. Most states have a complaint department of some sort that will listen to your complaints. Does this mean it will get resolved? NO there are no guarantees here.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;If your state has a licensing board for contractors, this will be your next step.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;This will get your contractors attention and there is a great chance they will respond now. If there are enough complaints against the contractor and they do nothing about them the contractors board will take their license away.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;If your contractor does not respond after all of this. There is very little you can do about it. Hire someone to fix the problem and look at it as a very important lesson learned.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;If your state doesn't have a contractors licensing board contact the Better Business Bureau or your local government for their recommendation. Ask some of your friends if they have had any problems like this and how they handled them.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;For some more tips about hiring contractors go to &lt;br&gt; &lt;a target="_new" href="http://gregvan.com/library/homeowner_checklists.htm"&gt;http://gregvan.com/library/homeowner_checklists.htm&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a target="_new" href="http://gregvandenberge.com/"&gt;Greg Vandenberge&lt;/a&gt; has been in the home building and remodeling business for over 30 years. With this knowledge he has created a few websites that provide useful information for home owners as well as contractors. His main goal is to educate professionals in the home related businesses, dealing with problems that can easily be avoided with just a little bit of information.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;His website &lt;a target="_new" href="http://gregvan.com"&gt;http://gregvan.com&lt;/a&gt; provides all kinds of answers to remodeling and new house building issues that could create major damage as well as possible damage to your pocket book.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;div class="blogger-post-footer"&gt;&lt;img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/3740640956046816501-4930392419237172550?l=contractorguide.blogspot.com' alt='' /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;</content><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://contractorguide.blogspot.com/feeds/4930392419237172550/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=3740640956046816501&amp;postID=4930392419237172550' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/3740640956046816501/posts/default/4930392419237172550'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/3740640956046816501/posts/default/4930392419237172550'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://contractorguide.blogspot.com/2009/09/what-if-my-contractor-does-not-return.html' title='What If My Contractor Does Not Return My Call'/><author><name>Chuck Tiber</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/04774526438395501691</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='31' height='21' src='http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_KoR1x1SmsCw/SeVHGgLvt3I/AAAAAAAAAIA/e4_3kdGOOVs/S220/Suzanne_and_Andrew_047.jpg'/></author><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3740640956046816501.post-2819031513798301874</id><published>2009-09-18T20:35:00.001-07:00</published><updated>2009-09-18T20:35:04.738-07:00</updated><title type='text'>Tile Grouting Tips For Your Bathrooms, Kitchens and Floors</title><content type='html'>&lt;p&gt;Isn't tile grouting supposed to be simple, if you read the directions and watch a couple of videos? What could make tile grouting so difficult? Grouting your tile isn't that difficult, by the time you're done reading this article, you should have a pretty good idea how to grout your floors, bathrooms, kitchens and anything else that requires tile.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;I used to have problems grouting tile, but after I read the directions, I became a grouting wizard. This sounds hard to believe, but after reading the directions on the tile grout bag, I became a grout master. I know, you the type of person who never read the directions, you simply add water, mix and start grouting.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;It's time to change your thinking about, whether or not the directions will be helpful. Whether it's about grouting your bathroom floor or putting together your home barbecued. I read one thing on the grout bag and it changed my entire grouting career.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;The grout should slake. After you're done mixing the grout, you should wait between five and 10 minutes to let the moisture soak into the grout mix. Do this once, and you will never go back to mixing your grout and applying it, as quickly as possible after it has been mixed.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;For more information on grouting, remodeling or home repairs, I would recommend reading books on home improvement and home repairs. Some of these books can make a big difference in your home improvement abilities as a handyman. I would also recommend reading more articles, there's plenty of information about tile and grouting, all over the Internet.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Click here if you are looking for some more &lt;a target="_new" href="http://books.gregvan.com/bathroom_books.htm"&gt;Bathroom Remodeling Ideas&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;If you're really interested in basement remodeling and repairs, you should click on this link &lt;a target="_new" href="http://homerepair.gregvan.com/"&gt;Home Repair Tips&lt;/a&gt;. Get some great home repair advice that can make a big difference on any of your home remodeling projects.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Greg Vandenberge 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.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Thanks for reading the article&lt;/p&gt;&lt;div class="blogger-post-footer"&gt;&lt;img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/3740640956046816501-2819031513798301874?l=contractorguide.blogspot.com' alt='' /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;</content><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://contractorguide.blogspot.com/feeds/2819031513798301874/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=3740640956046816501&amp;postID=2819031513798301874' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/3740640956046816501/posts/default/2819031513798301874'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/3740640956046816501/posts/default/2819031513798301874'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://contractorguide.blogspot.com/2009/09/tile-grouting-tips-for-your-bathrooms.html' title='Tile Grouting Tips For Your Bathrooms, Kitchens and Floors'/><author><name>Chuck Tiber</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/04774526438395501691</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='31' height='21' src='http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_KoR1x1SmsCw/SeVHGgLvt3I/AAAAAAAAAIA/e4_3kdGOOVs/S220/Suzanne_and_Andrew_047.jpg'/></author><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3740640956046816501.post-6284181828496454366</id><published>2009-09-18T19:34:00.001-07:00</published><updated>2009-09-18T19:34:34.123-07:00</updated><title type='text'>Important Do-It-Yourself Home Remodeling Advice</title><content type='html'>&lt;p&gt;Often I'm asked by homeowners, if they think that they can build something on their own. Often I end up explaining the process to them and it's pretty confusing. I would like to give some homeowners and construction handyman some do-it-yourself home remodeling advice, about projects that I think they should avoid and the reason why.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;1. Working on Electrical Service Boxes&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;I really don't recommend, anyone who lacks experience working with electrical, to be working on it at all. When it comes to the electrical service box repairs, if you don't have any experience working in this specific area, I am suggesting this to all homeowners and do-it-yourselfers, stay away from electrical service power boxes. Electricity can be extremely hazardous to your health, so take my advice, this is coming from an expert on the subject.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;2. Plumbing Water Supply Lines&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;I don't recommend, anyone who doesn't have any experience working with plumbing water supply lines, because if they break, or if your repair, doesn't hold properly, you could destroy a large portion of your home. Picture this, you just got through putting a new faucet in, everything looks great, but it's time for you to go to your baseball game. You come home about four hours later and the entire house is flooded with water.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;This kind of stuff does happen and you need to take the advice of an expert here. It has even happened to me and I understand the process, pretty good. If you plan on fixing any plumbing water supply lines, make sure that you can spend the time, keeping an eye on your new home repair. If you're going to have any problems with them, they will usually happen within the first few hours of use.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;I hope this helps, sometimes it's better to pay a professional, but I can understand, every intelligent person, is interested in saving a few dollars and learning new skills.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;If you're really interested in basement remodeling and repairs, you should click on this link &lt;a target="_new" href="http://homerepair.gregvan.com/"&gt;Home Repair Pictures and Advice&lt;/a&gt;. Get some great home repair advice that can make a big difference on any of your home remodeling projects.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;If You Live in Northern San Diego County or South Orange County, and You're Looking for a Great Contractor, Click on This Link &lt;a target="_new" href="http://gregvan.com/vista_remodeling.htm"&gt;Vista Home Repair Contractors&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Greg Vandenberge 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.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Thanks For Reading My Articles&lt;/p&gt;&lt;div class="blogger-post-footer"&gt;&lt;img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/3740640956046816501-6284181828496454366?l=contractorguide.blogspot.com' alt='' /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;</content><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://contractorguide.blogspot.com/feeds/6284181828496454366/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=3740640956046816501&amp;postID=6284181828496454366' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/3740640956046816501/posts/default/6284181828496454366'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/3740640956046816501/posts/default/6284181828496454366'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://contractorguide.blogspot.com/2009/09/important-do-it-yourself-home.html' title='Important Do-It-Yourself Home Remodeling Advice'/><author><name>Chuck Tiber</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/04774526438395501691</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='31' height='21' src='http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_KoR1x1SmsCw/SeVHGgLvt3I/AAAAAAAAAIA/e4_3kdGOOVs/S220/Suzanne_and_Andrew_047.jpg'/></author><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3740640956046816501.post-6791107092175777042</id><published>2009-09-18T18:31:00.001-07:00</published><updated>2009-09-18T18:31:07.301-07:00</updated><title type='text'>Five Things That a Termite Inspection Company Might Not Ever Say</title><content type='html'>&lt;p&gt;I don't think that I've ever heard of a termite inspector, ever go to a home and not find any termites. Even if the home doesn't have any damage that is visible from the termites, it seems like it's always a good idea, to tent the home, just in case, for protection. Anyway, here's five things that you might not ever hear a termite inspector ever say.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;1. Your house is free of termites. This means that there isn't, one termite on your property and the termite inspector isn't going to make any money. Let's face it, termite damage, whether it's visible or invisible, keeps these guys working.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;2. Your house isn't going to fall down, if I don't do anything to stop the termites. I have seen homes, where termites have been working on them for quite some time and they still seem to stand up and function properly.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;3. Termites don't eat much and I wouldn't worry about the damage. Most termite inspectors will tell you how much a termite in Hawaii or Africa will eat in a day, but doesn't seem to have an honest idea, how much damage they are doing to your home, if they can't actually see it.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;4. Every one that works for our company, has at least 30 years experience, repairing any termite damage. Don't even get me started with this one.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;5. We will replace all of the termite damage wood, back to its original condition. What they might say, is that they will replace the wood that is damaged by termites, that you can actually see.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;There are plenty of great termite companies out there and this article was meant just to have fun with most of them. Termite damage can be a serious problem with some homes and I would suggest that you contact at least three termite inspectors, before proceeding ahead with any home repairs or use of chemicals.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Try not to forget, the only way that a termite inspection company will make any money, looking at your house, will be to find something wrong with it.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;If you're really interested in basement remodeling and repairs, you should click on this link &lt;a target="_new" href="http://homerepair.gregvan.com/"&gt;Easy Home Repair Tips&lt;/a&gt; . Get some great home repair advice that can make a big difference on any of your home remodeling projects.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;If You Live in Northern San Diego County or South Orange County, and You're Looking for a Great Contractor, Click on This Link &lt;a target="_new" href="http://gregvan.com/"&gt;San Diego Remodeling Contractors&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Greg Vandenberge 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.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Thanks For Reading My Articles&lt;/p&gt;&lt;div class="blogger-post-footer"&gt;&lt;img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/3740640956046816501-6791107092175777042?l=contractorguide.blogspot.com' alt='' /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;</content><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://contractorguide.blogspot.com/feeds/6791107092175777042/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=3740640956046816501&amp;postID=6791107092175777042' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/3740640956046816501/posts/default/6791107092175777042'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/3740640956046816501/posts/default/6791107092175777042'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://contractorguide.blogspot.com/2009/09/five-things-that-termite-inspection.html' title='Five Things That a Termite Inspection Company Might Not Ever Say'/><author><name>Chuck Tiber</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/04774526438395501691</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='31' height='21' src='http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_KoR1x1SmsCw/SeVHGgLvt3I/AAAAAAAAAIA/e4_3kdGOOVs/S220/Suzanne_and_Andrew_047.jpg'/></author><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3740640956046816501.post-3580724679616082495</id><published>2009-09-18T17:33:00.001-07:00</published><updated>2009-09-18T17:33:22.370-07:00</updated><title type='text'>How to Protect Foundation Plumbing Pipes?</title><content type='html'>&lt;p&gt;If you install any underground plumbing pipes, in your concrete building foundation, you will need to protect them, from the concrete. You can use a variety of products and the most common of them will be a Styrofoam wrapping that can be purchased at most plumbing supply stores.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Let's start with the waste pipes, that are made out of plastic. The concrete could actually start to put pressure on the plastic pipes as the concrete starts to expand and this pressure could actually damage your new waste pipes.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;You don't need to wrap all of the plastic waste pipes, only the parts of the waste pipes that will be exposed or in direct contact any concrete, but you do need to protect every copper water supply line that will be buried under the ground or exposed to the concrete, with a plastic sleeve. These products can be purchased again at most building supply or plumbing supply stores.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;If these pipes aren't protected properly, you could find yourself within a short time, repairing the pipes that are either inside of your concrete foundation or buried underneath your concrete foundation. Either way, this isn't going to be a good thing.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;You definitely need to wrap a plastic sleeve around the water supply pipes that are going to be buried or in direct contact with the concrete. This is a must and most building departments will require your plumbing pipes to be wrapped, before it they will sign off on your rough foundation plumbing inspection.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;However, for the waste pipes, you can actually use cardboard to protect them. If you're short on funds, why not grab some cardboard boxes, dismantle them and start using cardboard to wrap the pipes, with a little duct tape.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;There are plenty of ways to save money in the construction business, buy a few books, read a couple of articles, with a lot of pictures in this can provide you with lots of construction information, from experience building contractors.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Check out some of the best selling &lt;a target="_new" href="http://books.gregvan.com/"&gt;Home Building Plumbing Books&lt;/a&gt; all on one website&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;If you're really interested in basement remodeling and repairs, you should click on this link &lt;a target="_new" href="http://homerepair.gregvan.com/"&gt;Home Repairs&lt;/a&gt;. Get some great home repair advice that can make a big difference on any of your home remodeling projects.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Greg Vandenberge 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.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Thanks for reading our articles&lt;/p&gt;&lt;div class="blogger-post-footer"&gt;&lt;img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/3740640956046816501-3580724679616082495?l=contractorguide.blogspot.com' alt='' /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;</content><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://contractorguide.blogspot.com/feeds/3580724679616082495/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=3740640956046816501&amp;postID=3580724679616082495' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/3740640956046816501/posts/default/3580724679616082495'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/3740640956046816501/posts/default/3580724679616082495'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://contractorguide.blogspot.com/2009/09/how-to-protect-foundation-plumbing.html' title='How to Protect Foundation Plumbing Pipes?'/><author><name>Chuck Tiber</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/04774526438395501691</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='31' height='21' src='http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_KoR1x1SmsCw/SeVHGgLvt3I/AAAAAAAAAIA/e4_3kdGOOVs/S220/Suzanne_and_Andrew_047.jpg'/></author><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3740640956046816501.post-1935521074659103473</id><published>2009-09-16T21:41:00.000-07:00</published><updated>2009-09-16T21:42:00.342-07:00</updated><title type='text'>Four Tips to Help You Finance Your Bathroom Remodel</title><content type='html'>&lt;p&gt;Financing any large remodeling project can be a pain, but when it comes to your bathroom, it can be an outright nightmare. But that doesn't have to be the case for you. When you learn about these four ways to help finance your bathroom remodeling project, you'll not only get to keep the bathroom vanity cabinets and vessel sinks that you've had your eye on, but you will also be able to add other stylish features that you never dreamed you could afford. While not all of these options will work for everyone, there's a perfect fit for you.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;#1 Save your pennies&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;While many people might consider this to be the hardest way to finance your bathroom vanity cabinets, it's also a good way to prioritize the things that you want to add to your bathroom. By taking the time to put away money each month for six months, you will be able to buy your bathroom remodeling pieces outright instead of paying them off for years to come. Try putting as much as you can away into a savings or money market account that will give you a high interest rate. This will accumulate as you're saving, giving you even more money at the end of your planned savings time. Start by looking at how much money you have at the current time, deciding how much you will need, and then start saving!&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;#2 Finance your project&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;For those with good credit, you may be able to say 'yes' to vessel bathroom sinks immediately by opening up a store line of credit at your local bathroom supply store. Look for deals that include no interest for a specific period of time and then be sure to pay off the full amount within that time period. This will help you get everything you need at the same time, but allow you some grace time to pay it back off. The trick with getting credit is that you only want to get as much as you need so that you're not paying off this debt for the rest of your natural life.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;#3 Make a trade&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;If you know someone in the bathroom remodeling business, you might be able to trade skills for a bathroom remodel. For example, if you're a carpenter, you might be able to help a bathroom contractor out with another project, free of charge in exchange for work on your own project. You might also have friends that can help you out and then you can pay them pack later or make other arrangements so that you can install your vessel bathroom sinks or vanity cabinets. You might also find the supplies you need at a swap meet or flea market.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;#4 Shop around&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;You'd be surprised how many vessel sinks and bathroom vanity cabinets you can find for a steal on the internet. By shopping around, you may be able to find the right fixtures and accessories for your bathroom and then hire on a friend to help you install them - saving you labor costs. You might also try to install your own fixtures and other bathroom projects to save yourself even more money and give you a sense of accomplishment.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Financing your bathroom remodeling project isn't about taking out a large loan and hoping that you don't need more. Budgeting and financing should be something that takes creativity and some discipline. You need to make money available or use your money more wisely to finance your project - plain and simple. Where you cut those corners is up to you.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;For all the things you need to make your bathroom shine, go to &lt;a target="_new" href="http://www.discountbathroomvanities.com"&gt;http://www.discountbathroomvanities.com&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;i&gt;Dave Robert&lt;/i&gt; 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: &lt;a target="_new" href="http://www.DiscountBathroomVanities.com"&gt;http://www.DiscountBathroomVanities.com&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;a href=http://hometips.gregvan.com/building_safe_stairs.htm&gt;Building Safe Stairs&lt;/a&gt;&lt;br&gt;&lt;div class="blogger-post-footer"&gt;&lt;img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/3740640956046816501-1935521074659103473?l=contractorguide.blogspot.com' alt='' /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;</content><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://contractorguide.blogspot.com/feeds/1935521074659103473/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=3740640956046816501&amp;postID=1935521074659103473' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/3740640956046816501/posts/default/1935521074659103473'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/3740640956046816501/posts/default/1935521074659103473'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://contractorguide.blogspot.com/2009/09/four-tips-to-help-you-finance-your.html' title='Four Tips to Help You Finance Your Bathroom Remodel'/><author><name>Chuck Tiber</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/04774526438395501691</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='31' height='21' src='http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_KoR1x1SmsCw/SeVHGgLvt3I/AAAAAAAAAIA/e4_3kdGOOVs/S220/Suzanne_and_Andrew_047.jpg'/></author><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3740640956046816501.post-4652013311505871063</id><published>2009-09-16T09:09:00.001-07:00</published><updated>2009-09-16T09:09:41.454-07:00</updated><title type='text'>Contractor Manners For Customers to Give to Their Builder</title><content type='html'>&lt;p&gt;Often custom home builders will have something written up or a prepared speech to give their clients at the start of the process that is designed to get everyone on the same page. It is an orientation intended to set up guidelines of etiquette such as when it is o.k. to call or it might include tips like not talking on and on with the workers. It probably includes a rough time line and perhaps a list of small problems that may occur but need not be made into big ones. This kind of reality meeting can go a long ways in eliminating future frustrations and bringing expectations down to earth. Simply put, it is a pound of prevention.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;For the builder, it helps insure the freedom to run their business as they see fit. This is fair, since the builder is running a business. It is also beneficial to the customer, giving them a guide about how the builder expects them to interact.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;While the customer is usually not experienced with the custom building process, they also have the right to present the builder with their own set of guidelines designed to orientate the builder with what they expect from them during the building process. My list is the product of 40 years involvement in the home building field starting out as a young laborer for my contractor parents, then as a sub contractor and finally as a home builder for nearly 20 years. I've never seen a customer present such a guideline but I have always thought both parties would do well starting out with one.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;1) Do not talk derogatorily about us to people in your office, your subs, the lenders or anyone else. The truth is that many people are difficult to work with and so it follows that people having their home built are often such types. Additionally, the home building process involves a lot of money, emotions and expectations on the part of the customers which can make even polite and reasonable people not so polite and reasonable.The thing I have seen over and over is builders putting a difficult client into their mental "These Guys Are Idiots" file and commence an ongoing dialogue with the office staff, their subs and anyone who will listen about how hard these customers are to work with. The builder is really being unprofessional and seeking sympathy rather than doing the work to figure out how to make the customer happy. If they only want to work for really nice people they need to move to Mayberry.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Talking behind anyone's back at any time is unwise, but in the custom home process it is especially foolish because it creates negativity around a very important undertaking. The worst part is that builders, like every one, think they can get away with it when there is no way a customer will not pick up the negative attitude the builder has spread around concerning them during the long and socially intense &lt;br&gt;building process.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;2) We need constant updating, reassurance and edification. This really is not too much to ask from the builder. While the customer has to be reasonable and not call five times a day, they need to have questions answered. Often it is in the best interest of all concerned, like when the home owner spots a mistake that might be easy to fix the next day but very difficult after a week's progress. Good builders understand the customer has a huge stake in the project and should not be left in the dark. One suggestion is to use emails. They lend themselves to none intrusive and thought out communication, and they leave a record as to what was actually said.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;3) Answer your cell when we call or get back within 30 minutes. Everyone has caller I.D. and they know how to use it. Too often busy and somewhat rude people abuse it by using it to screen calls when they are not in the mood to talk to a particular person. It is fair to take a few minutes to listen to a message and then prepare for a conversation. The main thing is to be available and not evasive because this builds distrust and frustration.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;It is a good idea to set up times when calls are welcome, and only go outside of those parameters for emergencies. It also fair to have the office staff sometimes return calls when only a simple answer is required.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;4) View us like they do at Sears or anywhere else I spend my money. The building process is very involved and drawn out, but basically it is the same as patronizing your favorite convenience store or grocery store. You do business there because you chose to and you get what you want and are treated with respect.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;If a builder is not professional, they often lose sight of the fact that they are in business to provide a service and that the customer chose them to provide it. This comes from the fact that building a home takes months and involves thousands of dollars and a million decisions. It is easy to lose sight of the simplicity of the relationship in such a complex undertaking.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;5) Please don't roll your eyes when we ask dumb questions or want to make changes. The builder knows in advance the home owner is going hit him with lots of both. What you are asking for in advance is patience and forgiveness. In the first place, there really is no such thing as a dumb question and you certainly have as much right to ask whatever you want as anyone. In the second place, concerning changes, everyone has the right to change their mind about prior decisions. The key here is to understand they cost time and money, and are some times a pain in the rear. But as long as you are willing to pay for them, the builder should be politely accommodating.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;6) I'll try to see your side if you try to see mine. This is really the key to working through the myriad of decisions and complications of the custom home building process. If you want to enjoy the experience and wind up with the home of your dreams then you have got to be mature and fair and pick a builder that will treat you the same.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;As you probably have surmised, the above list is really just common sense and common courtesy. Most builders are professional enough and experienced enough to not need any such reminders. However, I am continually amazed at the number of custom home builders that either load their plates to full and forget their manners or never learned any in the first place. Edit this list or add to it , but present some version of it at the beginning. If they react with an open mind, then stick with them. If they react defensively, then you know you have a problem.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Craig Swanson is a second generation home builder in Spokane, Washington. to learn more about him or his company, Craig's Building Services, go to &lt;a target="_new" href="http://spokanevalleyscoop.com"&gt;http://spokanevalleyscoop.com&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;a href=http://hometips.gregvan.com/what_does_a_gfi_do.htm&gt;What Does A Gfi Do&lt;/a&gt;&lt;br&gt;&lt;div class="blogger-post-footer"&gt;&lt;img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/3740640956046816501-4652013311505871063?l=contractorguide.blogspot.com' alt='' /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;</content><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://contractorguide.blogspot.com/feeds/4652013311505871063/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=3740640956046816501&amp;postID=4652013311505871063' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/3740640956046816501/posts/default/4652013311505871063'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/3740640956046816501/posts/default/4652013311505871063'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://contractorguide.blogspot.com/2009/09/contractor-manners-for-customers-to.html' title='Contractor Manners For Customers to Give to Their Builder'/><author><name>Chuck Tiber</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/04774526438395501691</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='31' height='21' src='http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_KoR1x1SmsCw/SeVHGgLvt3I/AAAAAAAAAIA/e4_3kdGOOVs/S220/Suzanne_and_Andrew_047.jpg'/></author><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3740640956046816501.post-4369752420464941520</id><published>2009-09-15T20:49:00.001-07:00</published><updated>2009-09-15T20:49:48.230-07:00</updated><title type='text'>You Don't Have to Be a Craftsman to Work With Wood</title><content type='html'>&lt;p&gt;Commonly we think that working with wood is a fruitless task because only adult and experienced carpenter can make things with wood. This is false since it has to commence somewhere and even the maestros had to start with simple woodworking undertakings. While none of us a reborn with woodworking skills and you learn the art only through studying, you ought to remember several things which are needed when starting with easy woodworking projects.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;It's amazing what you can do with just basic woodworking tools so before you throw yourself into this new spare-time activity, try to gather as much facts as you can. Discover about the tools and the practices, starting from the medieval times to the most modern and get familiar with every aspect of this art. Your biggest assistance in doing elementary woodworking undertakings is the knowledge about the several types of woods and their uses, and you are lucky, since a host of facts about these things is readily available. You can use books and journals to find hints and ideas and you can use the Internet where there are many websites that help beginners with carpentry.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;If you want to get going on some elementary woodworking tasks, sign up for some instructional classes with many local community colleges running beginner classes for mature apprentices which are not expensive or overly time consuming. The studying from these courses could acquaint you with several woodwork approaches and methods starting from the fundamentals to the expert level. These classes also tutor you involving the safety aspects of woodworking, so that your easy woodworking tasks do not result in any untoward incident whereby you discard the pursuit fearing another accident in the future.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;When you feel ready to commence working on your own undertaking, try to keep it simple at first, like a undertaking that only requires hand tools. There are also kits available with pre-cut and appropriately sized wood pieces that just require you to put the object together. This coaches you to get to know the pieces better and how various pieces are assembled without having to use any intricate machinery. When starting to handle tools and machinery, the best option is to start easy and small. It is a good idea to start tinkering with a few hand tools and once you are completely confident of using them, increase your tool kit with new items but ensure that all of these tools are the best quality. After you have gathered enough confidence, you could aim to move up and handle more advanced tasks, but whichever level you are working on, keep safety in mind.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Several things have to be borne in mind when starting a easy woodworking project. You will be surprised to see what kind of creative things that can be made with elementary woodwork tools as you step by step develop your skill and expertise. If you're serious about your new pursuit, get as much facts before you start out and if you are interested, you can even research about the medieval carpentry tools and modern tools to familiarize yourself with them.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Steve Millerman is a specialist in &lt;a target="_new" href="http://guide-to-woodworking.com"&gt;woodworking&lt;/a&gt;. If you want more information about &lt;a target="_new" href="http://guide-to-woodworking.com"&gt;woodworking&lt;/a&gt;, visit guide-to-woodworking.com&lt;/p&gt;&lt;a href=http://hometips.gregvan.com/window_header_framing_problems.htm&gt;Window Header Framing Problems&lt;/a&gt;&lt;br&gt;&lt;div class="blogger-post-footer"&gt;&lt;img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/3740640956046816501-4369752420464941520?l=contractorguide.blogspot.com' alt='' /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;</content><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://contractorguide.blogspot.com/feeds/4369752420464941520/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=3740640956046816501&amp;postID=4369752420464941520' title='1 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/3740640956046816501/posts/default/4369752420464941520'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/3740640956046816501/posts/default/4369752420464941520'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://contractorguide.blogspot.com/2009/09/you-dont-have-to-be-craftsman-to-work.html' title='You Don&apos;t Have to Be a Craftsman to Work With Wood'/><author><name>Chuck Tiber</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/04774526438395501691</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='31' height='21' src='http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_KoR1x1SmsCw/SeVHGgLvt3I/AAAAAAAAAIA/e4_3kdGOOVs/S220/Suzanne_and_Andrew_047.jpg'/></author><thr:total>1</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3740640956046816501.post-2621644680765080757</id><published>2009-09-15T02:27:00.001-07:00</published><updated>2009-09-15T02:27:09.398-07:00</updated><title type='text'>Smoke Damage - Home Repair Advice</title><content type='html'>&lt;p&gt;Smoke, a harmful mixture of chemicals and toxins, is dangerous to your health and your property, and adds to the damage done to your property as the result of a fire.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Inhaling smoke is very damaging to your health, which is why fire departments help vent smoke from buildings.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Once the fire department has put out the fire and vented the building, their job is complete, and there is often a large mess left behind, including discoloration and corrosion of materials as well as pungent odors that may be difficult to eliminate from your home and belongings.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;At this point, smoke restoration companies should be called for professional help. This clean-up job requires special tools and knowledge to prevent further damage and to restore the property.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;The extent of smoke damage and the ease with which it is cleaned away is often based on the type of smoke in your home: wet, dry, protein and fuel-oil.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Wet smoke comes from low heat and is difficult to clean. Dry smoke results after a fast burning fire at high temperatures. Protein smoke is invisible, but discolors varnishes and has an extremely foul odor. Fuel-oil soot smoke is a result of a furnace malfunction.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Before the restoration professionals arrive, there are several things you can do to start the smoke removal process. Immediate action is important since many items in your home can be damaged by smoke, including electronics, clothing, upholstery and draperies.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;First, open windows and turn on fans, if possible, to air out the home and begin to eliminate the remaining odor. This can also help dry out your carpets and other upholstered items that may have been water damaged by extinguishing the fire.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;These tips will speed up the restoration process, too:&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Do&lt;br&gt;&lt;ul&gt;&lt;li&gt;Brush off or vacuum loose soot particles from upholstery, drapes and carpets.&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;Discard open food packages.&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;Take clothing to a laundry specializing in smoke damage restoration.&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;Wipe residue from kitchen and bathroom fixtures.&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;Relocate pets to a clean environment.&lt;/li&gt;&lt;/ul&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Don't&lt;br&gt;&lt;ul&gt;&lt;li&gt;Attempt to wash walls or paintings because improper techniques could do more damage.&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;Use electrical appliances until cleared to do so by the restoration professionals.&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;Use ceiling fans because they could short circuit if the ceiling is wet.&lt;/li&gt;&lt;/ul&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;ACCORD Restoration specializes in clean-up, repair, restoration and rebuilding after fires, floods, storms or natural disasters. We offer reliable, 24/7/365 emergency services carried out with expert craftsmanship.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;To learn more visit &lt;a target="_new" href="http://www.accordrestoration.com/"&gt;http://www.accordrestoration.com/&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;a href=http://hometips.gregvan.com/building_safe_stairs.htm&gt;Building Safe Stairs&lt;/a&gt;&lt;br&gt;&lt;div class="blogger-post-footer"&gt;&lt;img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/3740640956046816501-2621644680765080757?l=contractorguide.blogspot.com' alt='' /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;</content><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://contractorguide.blogspot.com/feeds/2621644680765080757/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=3740640956046816501&amp;postID=2621644680765080757' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/3740640956046816501/posts/default/2621644680765080757'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/3740640956046816501/posts/default/2621644680765080757'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://contractorguide.blogspot.com/2009/09/smoke-damage-home-repair-advice.html' title='Smoke Damage - Home Repair Advice'/><author><name>Chuck Tiber</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/04774526438395501691</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='31' height='21' src='http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_KoR1x1SmsCw/SeVHGgLvt3I/AAAAAAAAAIA/e4_3kdGOOVs/S220/Suzanne_and_Andrew_047.jpg'/></author><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3740640956046816501.post-1773689224458158028</id><published>2009-09-14T08:47:00.001-07:00</published><updated>2009-09-14T08:47:05.366-07:00</updated><title type='text'>Why a Successful Bathroom Remodeling Plan is Necessary?</title><content type='html'>&lt;p&gt;If anyone of you is interested in bathroom remodeling, he must also be interested in saving his money, which gets spent without letting you know if you are unaware of depths and heights of bathroom remodeling strategies. The most essential thing you would need for remodeling is a proper plan. If your plan has been perfectly made, taking in notice all the problems that might occur, there is rarely a chance that you would come across any kind of troubles. Besides, your project would be adored.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;If you follow the step-to-step guide for bathroom remodeling, the very first thing to reckon is the purpose of doing such a project? The whole remodeling plan would be made upon your choice that whether the purpose of remodeling is to enhance the resale value of your property or your own convenience and taste. If you have a clear-cut idea about this, your bathroom remodeling plan is going to be very successful. This is what majority of people don't pay attention to. They just start planning a bathroom remodeling plan without going through several minor but important points.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;However, just knowing and realizing the purpose of your bathroom remodeling plan is not going to help you in all the cases. Sometimes, your desired plan exceeds your budget; and making a budget is a whole different story. It includes costs of materials, contractors, plumbers, electricians and several other things that become the basic constituents of a bathroom remodel. You need to align your plan with your budget. Asking a local home improvement store's owner would be helpful for you if you are not market savvy. However, compromising on bad quality with a low cost is the most rejected idea. It will keep your pockets heavy for a while but later, you would always be in trouble until you plan a new remodel.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Besides, you need to keep extra money available for your budget. There are cases when something unexpected happens. Costs may increase and your project may get delayed. In such cases, you need money the most. You can also come up with new ideas in between the project. Making them possible won't just be a theory; it would only work with money.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;You need to keep these basic things in your mind when making a bathroom remodeling plan. You can do some of the remodeling projects yourself but not all of them. In case you don't know anything about carrying out any such operation, don't make false assumptions that you would be able to do it because it won't be a time of experiments. Saving money and brilliantly completing a bathroom remodeling project must be your basic motto.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;For knowing more about bathroom remodeling, you can visit &lt;a target="_new" href="http://www.theyarelocal.com/articles/remodeling/index.php"&gt;http://www.theyarelocal.com/articles/remodeling/index.php&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;a href=http://hometips.gregvan.com/I_have_a_squeaky_floor.htm&gt;I Have A Squeaky Floor&lt;/a&gt;&lt;br&gt;&lt;div class="blogger-post-footer"&gt;&lt;img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/3740640956046816501-1773689224458158028?l=contractorguide.blogspot.com' alt='' /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;</content><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://contractorguide.blogspot.com/feeds/1773689224458158028/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=3740640956046816501&amp;postID=1773689224458158028' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/3740640956046816501/posts/default/1773689224458158028'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/3740640956046816501/posts/default/1773689224458158028'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://contractorguide.blogspot.com/2009/09/why-successful-bathroom-remodeling-plan.html' title='Why a Successful Bathroom Remodeling Plan is Necessary?'/><author><name>Chuck Tiber</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/04774526438395501691</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='31' height='21' src='http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_KoR1x1SmsCw/SeVHGgLvt3I/AAAAAAAAAIA/e4_3kdGOOVs/S220/Suzanne_and_Andrew_047.jpg'/></author><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3740640956046816501.post-5702222301921070784</id><published>2009-09-13T14:23:00.001-07:00</published><updated>2009-09-13T14:23:02.448-07:00</updated><title type='text'>Tumultuous Twenties</title><content type='html'>&lt;p&gt;You have always heard and assumed this would be the time of your life. From entering into college, college life, from graduating to living a new "adult life style" with new found freedom, responsibilities and relationships, what more could you want? Actually, it could be more than you bargained for.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Why are my friends doing so well? How come I feel stuck? Why did I choose this major? Should we break up or get married? Am I the only one married with kids? How am I going to pay off my debt? Wil I be able to buy a house? The questions keep coming and young adults today are feeling more out of touch than they expected to be at this stage of life. How can anyone expect you to make major life decisions when you are not sure of what you want or who you are?&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Pondering decisions you need to make about school, careers, relationships and money might be enough to send you into a tailspin or at least many sleepless nights. It has for many other young adults in their twenties and into their thirties. These can be a time to start figuring out who you are and want to be, what you might want now and where you might be headed in the future. There is a great deal of pressure to feel completely grown-up overnight. You could still be enjoying college life, living with your parents and before you know it you are faced with pressures and expectations you were not prepared for.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Many young people in this generation have felt helpless, hopeless and have struggled with the post college blues. Symptoms can include feeling guilty or worthless, anxiety, depression, a sense of being overwhelmed, sadness, and varying degrees of other emotions. Today these twenty-somethings and thirty-somethings are hearing from previous generations, they are lucky to have all of these opportunities. Withall the options a state of confusion and many roadblocks can present during this journey.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Early adulthood can often be a tumultuous stage of life. This is a time in life where self awareness and honesty can become invaluable. Too much pressure and distorted thoughts can really make a tough time tougher. This is a time to discover what works and what doesn't at this time in life. Developing a plan of action for life that is reflective in ones beliefs and working towards them can help you feel more productive, as well as empowering. This is a great time for self exploration and a chance to answer provoking questions that present.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Ways to help you be Proactive in your life:&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;-Recognize others share these struggles and obstacles, YOU ARE NOT ALONE!&lt;br&gt;-Make decisions based on good judgment, not because you were pressured&lt;br&gt;-Start to identify strengths and weaknesses&lt;br&gt;-Set realistic goals&lt;br&gt;-Seek support when needed&lt;br&gt;-Treat self with respect and care (Set a good routine:eat, sleep and exercise regularly)&lt;br&gt;-Be proud of your accomplishments, both big and small.&lt;br&gt;-Remember one day at a time.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;As a therapist working with young adults and families who are experiencing transition in their life, I have found many struggle with the same questions that develop when life offers numerous roads to take and it often looks like the picture is too big. Watching people learn to trust in themselves and develop a healthier sense of self enables these individuals to feel more capable of making more confident decisions in their life. As well as helping them feel more present and active in their life.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;a href=http://hometips.gregvan.com/resolving_home_remodeling_anxiet.htm&gt;Resolving Home Remodeling Anxiet&lt;/a&gt;&lt;br&gt;&lt;div class="blogger-post-footer"&gt;&lt;img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/3740640956046816501-5702222301921070784?l=contractorguide.blogspot.com' alt='' /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;</content><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://contractorguide.blogspot.com/feeds/5702222301921070784/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=3740640956046816501&amp;postID=5702222301921070784' title='1 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/3740640956046816501/posts/default/5702222301921070784'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/3740640956046816501/posts/default/5702222301921070784'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://contractorguide.blogspot.com/2009/09/tumultuous-twenties.html' title='Tumultuous Twenties'/><author><name>Chuck Tiber</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/04774526438395501691</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='31' height='21' src='http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_KoR1x1SmsCw/SeVHGgLvt3I/AAAAAAAAAIA/e4_3kdGOOVs/S220/Suzanne_and_Andrew_047.jpg'/></author><thr:total>1</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3740640956046816501.post-6809196486942627636</id><published>2009-09-12T21:13:00.001-07:00</published><updated>2009-09-12T21:13:26.548-07:00</updated><title type='text'>Introduction to Solar Power</title><content type='html'>&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Solar power&lt;/strong&gt; is the main source of energy for the humane beings. Life on earth cannot exist without solar energy. This energy is completely free for the human beings to consume and is also environmental friendly. Solar energy is now considered to be the biggest alternative of the current source of producing electricity. The main reason is that sources like burning fuel, coal, gas or nuclear energy to produce electricity is becoming expensive and also is very harmful to the environment. But solar energy on the other hand is completely free and very effective. We have only been able to harvest 1-3 percent of the solar energy that comes to the earth. If we look at the figures we find that.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;ol&gt;&lt;li&gt;The total amount of earth reserves responsible for producing energy are equivalent to only 20 days of sunlight.&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;40 minutes of sunlight if harvested completely can produce energy for the entire planet for a time period of 1 year.&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;We are only harvesting 2-3 % of this energy which isnt very good.&lt;/li&gt;&lt;/ol&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Solar cells or photovoltaic cells are used to convert solar energy into electricity. These cells are basically made up of silicon alloys and are on panels which capture energy form the sun. sunlight contains photons which when hit the surface of the cells gets reflected pr absorbed, these absorbed particles are the one responsible for providing you with the energy. When more photons hit the surface they allow the materials surface atoms to release electrons. When these electrons leave there position they form a hole. When many electrons leave the surface, this creates a negative and positive voltage potential similar to that of the terminals of the battery. When this surface is connected with external devices they produce electricity.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Solar cells dont produce too much power out. These cells are connected to modules which form arrays. These arrays can be made up of ten or hundreds of modules each one producing a considerable amount of energy. There is no restriction on the amount of modules; you can connect as many as you want to according to your need. The performance of these modules depends upon the amount of sunlight, weather condition and location of the panels. The energy provided by these modules is in DC form and can only run small appliances but if you need more power than an inverter is connected to the modules which converts this DC power into AC power. Initially these cells were made to provide electricity in remote areas but now they are even used for providing electricity to residential and commercial areas.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Solar cells are also long life lasting, having a low cost and are environmental friendly as they dont produce a by products. Use of &lt;strong&gt;solar power&lt;/strong&gt; is also very effective way for generating electricity. You are using natural source of energy to fulfill you own needs. As time will pass solar power will become the main source of energy for the human beings.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a target="_new" href="http://powersolarsystem.com"&gt;Solar Power&lt;/a&gt; is a solution for your budget and the growing danger of global warming, learn more about Solar Energy at &lt;a target="_new" href="http://powersolarsystem.com"&gt;http://powersolarsystem.com&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;a href=http://hometips.gregvan.com/bathroom_remodeling_problems.htm&gt;Bathroom Remodeling Problems&lt;/a&gt;&lt;br&gt;&lt;div class="blogger-post-footer"&gt;&lt;img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/3740640956046816501-6809196486942627636?l=contractorguide.blogspot.com' alt='' /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;</content><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://contractorguide.blogspot.com/feeds/6809196486942627636/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=3740640956046816501&amp;postID=6809196486942627636' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/3740640956046816501/posts/default/6809196486942627636'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/3740640956046816501/posts/default/6809196486942627636'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://contractorguide.blogspot.com/2009/09/introduction-to-solar-power.html' title='Introduction to Solar Power'/><author><name>Chuck Tiber</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/04774526438395501691</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='31' height='21' src='http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_KoR1x1SmsCw/SeVHGgLvt3I/AAAAAAAAAIA/e4_3kdGOOVs/S220/Suzanne_and_Andrew_047.jpg'/></author><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3740640956046816501.post-5545664986690814673</id><published>2009-09-12T03:27:00.001-07:00</published><updated>2009-09-12T03:27:38.028-07:00</updated><title type='text'>Turning Your Home Green</title><content type='html'>&lt;p&gt;In recent years we can see more and more people switching to buying green homes. This is either because they are getting concern about the environment or that the standards and techniques for building green houses have improved tremendously over the past years. In addition, sellers can also get a higher price for these green homes as they tend to save more on maintenance costs and utility bills. As such, if you are keen in purchasing a green home in Texas, how do you know that it is worth the price that you are paying for the house? This article will give you some tips on how you can get yourself a good deal. Check to see if the following things are found in the house:&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;1. A passive solar design&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;This is useful for natural heating and cooling of the house. Make sure there are not any skylights or greenhouse rooms in the house because that would mean too much heat gain in the building and will be very hot.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;2. Attic spaces ventilation&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Attic spaces can also accumulate heat, especially in hot climates, thereby causing the house to become very hot. On the other hand, moisture will remain in these attic spaces which are not ventilated, causing the wood to rot and smell.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;3. Use of recycled or renewable materials&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Since you are getting a green home, you should ensure that the materials used to build the house are not damaging to the environment. Some examples are using waste wood to build decks, use materials that are locally produced and can be renewed easily or recycled wood for the flooring of the house.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;4. Use of safe materials&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Products that are water based, non-toxic and biodegradable are more environmentally friendly so these should be used to build the house. Ensure that there are no materials that contain ozone depleting chemicals which are detrimental to the environment.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;5. Site protection&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;The surroundings of the house is equally important, thus, ensure that the natural vegetation and animal habitats are protected from any unnecessary harm, especially if you need to do any additional constructions to the estate.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Search &lt;a target="_new" href="http://www.newhomessection.com/texas-real-estate/texas-home-builders.php"&gt;Texas Home Builders&lt;/a&gt; and &lt;a target="_new" href="http://www.newhomessection.com/green-homes-for-sale.php"&gt;Green Home Builders&lt;/a&gt; today.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;a href=http://hometips.gregvan.com/nailing_or_screwing_drywall.htm&gt;Nailing Or Screwing Drywall&lt;/a&gt;&lt;br&gt;&lt;div class="blogger-post-footer"&gt;&lt;img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/3740640956046816501-5545664986690814673?l=contractorguide.blogspot.com' alt='' /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;</content><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://contractorguide.blogspot.com/feeds/5545664986690814673/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=3740640956046816501&amp;postID=5545664986690814673' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/3740640956046816501/posts/default/5545664986690814673'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/3740640956046816501/posts/default/5545664986690814673'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://contractorguide.blogspot.com/2009/09/turning-your-home-green.html' title='Turning Your Home Green'/><author><name>Chuck Tiber</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/04774526438395501691</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='31' height='21' src='http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_KoR1x1SmsCw/SeVHGgLvt3I/AAAAAAAAAIA/e4_3kdGOOVs/S220/Suzanne_and_Andrew_047.jpg'/></author><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3740640956046816501.post-6776609044305187724</id><published>2009-09-11T09:34:00.001-07:00</published><updated>2009-09-11T09:34:06.673-07:00</updated><title type='text'>Take the Job Then Do it Right</title><content type='html'>&lt;p&gt;If you have an older home there's a good chance you have one by six diagonal floor sheeting and some of the knots have fallen out by now. Some of these large knots can create safety hazards for your home. Performing major remodels or whole house renovations on older homes you can run into quite a few problems with these kinds of wood floors.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;One of the first things I do is remove the carpeting and padding. This exposes the floor sheeting for further examination. By the time I am done with all the plumbing and electrical repairs underneath the subfloor it seems that some of the 1 x 6 has been damaged. Your first thought of course is just to replace the 1 x 6 that is damaged and be done with it.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;This is one way to approach the problem, another is to repair the 1 x 6 that was damaged and install half inch plywood over the existing floor sheeting. Please make sure the floor is level and has no humps or dips in it before you start installing the new plywood over the existing floor sheeting.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;I ran into a problem like this on one job where the contractor was in a hurry to finish the flooring and chose to go right over the existing floor that was out of level. The bad part about this is when the homeowner chose to go with expensive wood flooring throughout his home. When you walked in to the front of his house you felt like you were going out to a small wheelchair ramp for about 10 feet and then of course it felt like you were going down for another 6 feet.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;In order to repair this properly it would've taken the other contractor about 24 hours to repair the floor. In this case the homeowner would have been glad to pay for the repair after the fact. Sometimes when contractors mention a potential problem down the road and how much it will cost to repair that problem, most homeowners cannot see the value in the contractor's opinion at that time.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;I felt sorry for the homeowner because this was not what he wanted and he was upset with the contractor but the job was done. This is my warning to any contractor, handyman or home repair specialists. When installing a new plywood floor over an existing floor to strengthen it up, use some common sense and repair the floor correctly or don't do the job at all.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;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 &lt;a target="_new" href="http://gregvan.com/library.htm"&gt;Building and Remodeling Library&lt;/a&gt; and adding useful content to help solve problems created by the lack of construction knowledge in the building industry.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Visit us and get more information on building and remodeling your homes in &lt;a target="_new" href="http://gregvan.com/san_marcos_remodeling.htm"&gt;Home Remodeling&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;a href=http://hometips.gregvan.com/bathroom_remodeling_problems.htm&gt;Bathroom Remodeling Problems&lt;/a&gt;&lt;br&gt;&lt;div class="blogger-post-footer"&gt;&lt;img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/3740640956046816501-6776609044305187724?l=contractorguide.blogspot.com' alt='' /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;</content><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://contractorguide.blogspot.com/feeds/6776609044305187724/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=3740640956046816501&amp;postID=6776609044305187724' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/3740640956046816501/posts/default/6776609044305187724'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/3740640956046816501/posts/default/6776609044305187724'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://contractorguide.blogspot.com/2009/09/take-job-then-do-it-right.html' title='Take the Job Then Do it Right'/><author><name>Chuck Tiber</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/04774526438395501691</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='31' height='21' src='http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_KoR1x1SmsCw/SeVHGgLvt3I/AAAAAAAAAIA/e4_3kdGOOVs/S220/Suzanne_and_Andrew_047.jpg'/></author><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3740640956046816501.post-3271342161663537339</id><published>2009-09-10T15:24:00.001-07:00</published><updated>2009-09-10T15:24:05.198-07:00</updated><title type='text'>Parts to Repair Your Electric Kilns</title><content type='html'>&lt;p&gt;Many people do not have a great deal of skill when it comes to repair work. The United States has become a "throw away" society. The meaning is simple; it is cheaper to throw a DVD player away then to have a broken one repaired. There are some special people out there, though. Some of them work in their own art and pottery studios. They know how to repair the tools necessary for their trade. These special people realize they can live an artist's lifestyle of little money because they have the ability to repair the many items in their shop or studio.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;A necessary tool in a pottery studio is a kiln. There are a few unique individuals who have kilns that are heated by burning wood. Most artist depend on electric kilns. Either way a wood burning kiln or electric kiln will need to have brick. The kiln brick holds and radiates the heat of a kiln around the ceramic pieces inside. Artists who are able to identify damaged bricks should be able to replace them with little difficulty.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Replacing a controller on a kiln is a little more difficult. The kiln controllers manufactured today are high tech pieces of equipment. They are made to fit and work on a kiln so the kiln is able to reach and hold exact temperatures. These controllers are computerized devices; thus, replacing a controller needs to be done with care. The artist who replaces his or her kiln's controller should have some electronic and computer skill.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;The electronic skill that is useful when replacing a controlling unit of a kiln can also be helpful when elements are replaced. The kiln elements directly power the kiln. Because these are electric pieces of the kiln, and artist who works on his or her own kiln should have some someone who has experience with electric heating elements looking over his or her work after the work is completed.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;The American Art Clay Company has many experienced employees. They have been working with artists and schools for over eighty-seven years. For the artist looking to do repairs and replacing parts on his or her &lt;a target="_new" href="http://www.amaco.com/shop/groups-10-kilns.html"&gt;electric kilns&lt;/a&gt; AMACO is the place to contact. The kiln controllers they sell are the controllers a good artist needs. AMACO knows to offer their customers controllers that will accurately fire a kiln each time. &lt;a target="_new" href="http://www.amaco.com/shop/groups-10-kilns.html"&gt;Kiln elements&lt;/a&gt; must be fit into a kiln with precision. AMACO is an Indiana based corporation that is the right place to look for the do-it-yourself person who is also an artist.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;a href=http://hometips.gregvan.com/problems_with_black_mold.htm&gt;Problems With Black Mold&lt;/a&gt;&lt;br&gt;&lt;div class="blogger-post-footer"&gt;&lt;img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/3740640956046816501-3271342161663537339?l=contractorguide.blogspot.com' alt='' /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;</content><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://contractorguide.blogspot.com/feeds/3271342161663537339/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=3740640956046816501&amp;postID=3271342161663537339' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/3740640956046816501/posts/default/3271342161663537339'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/3740640956046816501/posts/default/3271342161663537339'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://contractorguide.blogspot.com/2009/09/parts-to-repair-your-electric-kilns.html' title='Parts to Repair Your Electric Kilns'/><author><name>Chuck Tiber</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/04774526438395501691</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='31' height='21' src='http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_KoR1x1SmsCw/SeVHGgLvt3I/AAAAAAAAAIA/e4_3kdGOOVs/S220/Suzanne_and_Andrew_047.jpg'/></author><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3740640956046816501.post-6767655769315499240</id><published>2009-09-08T03:17:00.001-07:00</published><updated>2009-09-08T03:17:48.400-07:00</updated><title type='text'>Home Remodeling Contractors - Helpful Solutions</title><content type='html'>&lt;p&gt;Well this is about the third time for me, going through some tough times and the bad economy, in the construction business. If you're a remodeling contractor or are currently working in the remodeling business, you're in a better position than those who are used to working in new construction, track framing or commercial tilt ups.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;I got out of and will probably never go back to, track house framing. There were some pretty tough times and plenty of ups and downs, during the first recession I went through, which started in 1980. I was working one day a week and just barely making enough money to pay my bills. I would actually buy a box of doughnuts and make it last me for three days. Not the most healthy thing you could eat but financially, it did the trick.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;I never wanted to go through that, ever again and decided to try my luck in the remodeling field. I've never had to go through the tough times like that ever again. I hope I never have to either, even though things are pretty bad right now, for those reading this article in the future, the date is March 3, 2009 and the economy is on the verge of going into tougher times. It seems like everyone is holding their breath, for the government to bail us out, with a stimulus package.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;I don't know about the stimulus package, but I do realize, that once the interest rates drop, I would imagine, and that most remodeling contractors are going to have a free-for-all and plenty of work. People right now are waiting to buy homes, and when the interest rate drops, I would imagine the prices of some of these homes will actually increase as they start to get snatched up, remodeled and repaired to either rent down or sell at a profit.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Home owners that are waiting to remodel their bathrooms, kitchens or other home improvements, are waiting for signs that the economy is going to get a little stronger. This will provide them with a sense of job security, I know a few people who are waiting until we come out of the recession, to do any home improvements, because they're afraid of losing their jobs and not having the money in the bank to make their payments.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;I live in Southern California and when I go to my local home improvement center or lumberyard, the parking lot is full. This tells me, that people are still working, buying and selling things and the economy isn't really that bad. For those remodeling contractors who aren't doing much work right now, there is hope and light at the end of this economically miserable tunnel. Things will get better and if you look back at history, things always do get better.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;You are free to copy this article to your site as long as you include the following resource information with an active link to my site:&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;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 &lt;a target="_new" href="http://houseinspectionhelp.com/homebuyersguide/index.htm"&gt;home buyers advice&lt;/a&gt; to take some of the frustration out of home shopping.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;If your looking for some more &lt;a target="_new" href="http://1.gregvan.com/sitemap.htm"&gt;Remodeling Pictures&lt;/a&gt; or home building ideas.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;div class="blogger-post-footer"&gt;&lt;img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/3740640956046816501-6767655769315499240?l=contractorguide.blogspot.com' alt='' /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;</content><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://contractorguide.blogspot.com/feeds/6767655769315499240/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=3740640956046816501&amp;postID=6767655769315499240' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/3740640956046816501/posts/default/6767655769315499240'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/3740640956046816501/posts/default/6767655769315499240'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://contractorguide.blogspot.com/2009/09/home-remodeling-contractors-helpful.html' title='Home Remodeling Contractors - Helpful Solutions'/><author><name>Chuck Tiber</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/04774526438395501691</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='31' height='21' src='http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_KoR1x1SmsCw/SeVHGgLvt3I/AAAAAAAAAIA/e4_3kdGOOVs/S220/Suzanne_and_Andrew_047.jpg'/></author><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3740640956046816501.post-6662211820347704569</id><published>2009-09-07T22:10:00.001-07:00</published><updated>2009-09-07T22:10:25.822-07:00</updated><title type='text'>Save Money &amp; Be Energy Conscious - Use a Hybrid Heating System For Your Home</title><content type='html'>&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Hybrid Heating Systems are a Growing Trend&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;The use of "Hybrid" Heating Systems is becoming a very common practice. With fuel prices acting like a ride at the county fair, (out of control and unpredictable) the installations of Hybrid, or Duel-Fuel Home Comfort Systems has increased dramatically. The Duel Fuel application allow you, the homeowner to have more control over your heating expenses by only using the most economical fuel choice when needed.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Home Comfort for the Energy-Conscious&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;For colder climates, a hybrid heating system, including a gas furnace, heat pump and coil, offers the flexibility of multiple fuel sources to establish and maintain a comfortable indoor environment with optimal energy efficiency.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;What is Hybrid Heating?&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Hybrid heating systems consist of an electric heat pump and a gas furnace that alternately work to maintain desired indoor temperature and humidity levels year-round. When moderate heating is required, the system selects the heat pump as the most energy-efficient source of heat. On colder days, the system automatically switches to the gas furnace for more economical heating efficiency. Normal heat pump systems utilize electric resistance back-up heat strips that are very expensive to operate. By having the gas furnace in place of this electric heat, efficiency rises dramatically. During warm weather, the heat pump reverses its cycle and functions as a central air conditioner.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Reduce Energy Use and Save Money&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;A hybrid heating system provides:&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt; Enhanced year-round comfort due to more uniform indoor temperatures and humidity levels&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt; A choice of two fuel sources, which means greater operational efficiency&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt; The flexibility to respond to fluctuating energy prices by using the most economical fuel source (this can translate into lower utility bills when thermostats are set correctly)&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Compared to a traditional furnace alone, a hybrid heating system may cost more initially. The reason for this is that heat pumps are normally slightly higher in initial cost then straight air conditioning, and the use of a high efficiency gas furnace in place of a standard air handler will also increase the price as well. And, because its greater operational efficiency translates into reduced energy use, the money saved each year on fuel costs can quickly make up for the extra initial investment.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Be Eco-Conscious&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;By installing a hybrid heating system, be sure to ask what type of refrigerant the heat pump uses. Opting for a heat pump with environmentally friendly R410A refrigerant is a great way to "Go Green" This chlorine-free refrigerant is better for the environment and transfers heat more efficiently. You ultimately will be saving money on your utility bill, while being environmentally conscience. What a great "two for one."&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Jay Boyd owns his own &lt;a target="_new" href="http://homeairdirect.com"&gt;heating and air conditioning&lt;/a&gt; store Home Air Direct where he helps the do-it-yourselfer save money. His blog site Ask Boyd contains numerous tips and stories involving the &lt;a target="_new" href="http://askboyd.com"&gt;HVAC industry&lt;/a&gt;.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;div class="blogger-post-footer"&gt;&lt;img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/3740640956046816501-6662211820347704569?l=contractorguide.blogspot.com' alt='' /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;</content><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://contractorguide.blogspot.com/feeds/6662211820347704569/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=3740640956046816501&amp;postID=6662211820347704569' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/3740640956046816501/posts/default/6662211820347704569'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/3740640956046816501/posts/default/6662211820347704569'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://contractorguide.blogspot.com/2009/09/save-money-be-energy-conscious-use.html' title='Save Money &amp; Be Energy Conscious - Use a Hybrid Heating System For Your Home'/><author><name>Chuck Tiber</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/04774526438395501691</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='31' height='21' src='http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_KoR1x1SmsCw/SeVHGgLvt3I/AAAAAAAAAIA/e4_3kdGOOVs/S220/Suzanne_and_Andrew_047.jpg'/></author><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3740640956046816501.post-5360419345609607277</id><published>2009-09-07T20:34:00.001-07:00</published><updated>2009-09-07T20:34:39.754-07:00</updated><title type='text'>Screening Contractors</title><content type='html'>&lt;p&gt;When you have a project on a time line, you need to protect yourself and do everything you can to make sure things go as they should and within your budget. When investors run into problems it is usually because they don't understand what a project entails and they are not as prepared as they should be.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;b&gt;Here are some steps you can follow to avoid these issues right from the beginning.&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt; &lt;b&gt;Network for References &lt;/b&gt;- Aside from getting references from contractors (which you should always do) network with others on your power team for personal references.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Not only are you better off getting more reliable contractors, there are a lot times you can get a discount as a "referral". When you get references, check to see that the quality of work matches what you want done. Someone's idea of a "good job" may be very different from yours.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt; &lt;b&gt;Interview Several Contractors &lt;/b&gt;- Bids for a project can differ dramatically from one contractor to another. Though higher bids help for negotiating purchase price, we all know paying more for work does not necessarily mean higher quality workmanship.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Some contractors will provide steeper bids based on their workload, your lack knowledge or even your pocket book. Along with checking references, make sure they are specific with how they came up with their numbers and what they will do to complete the project. If the numbers, whether too high or too low, don't add up and they can't seem to explain it, it should be a red flag to you.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt; &lt;b&gt;Obtain License Information &lt;/b&gt;- Make sure they are registered, licensed and bonded with the state and provide you with copies of such. You can also check with the state Bureau of Consumer Protection or Consumer Affairs to see if any complaints, lawsuits, or judgments have been filed against them.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt; &lt;b&gt;Communicate Clearly &lt;/b&gt;- Make sure you communicate what you want done and make sure they have the same understanding. If you have a difficult time communicating with a prospective contractor in the beginning; that should be a red flag to look elsewhere for help.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Additionally, while the work is being completed, it is important to meet regularly to follow up on progress, payments, and to tackle any issues before they arise.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt; &lt;b&gt;Get Everything in Writing &lt;/b&gt;- I'm sure you have heard this before, and there is a good reason for it! Even if you hit it off with someone and they seem like a person you can trust, don't depend on a verbal agreement (This includes the little things).&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Though I feel most people have good intentions, what one person sees as "moral and ethical" may be very different to someone else. Unfortunately, contracts with a "handshake" don't mean what they used to. There are a lot of people now who will rationalize an obligation later if they are not legally bound by a written contract. For more extensive projects it is also good to have an attorney look over anything you plan to sign to make sure your rights and assets are protected.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt; &lt;b&gt;Utilize Payment Phases&lt;/b&gt; - Never pay a large down payment on any project. Some may require you put down 10% or 20% depending on the scope of work involved, however, any more than this should be a big red flag. This is one of the biggest mistakes I see people make when hiring out work. You can avoid this by arranging payment phases and including them in the terms of the agreement. Also, before making the final payment on large projects, get a completed lien release from the contractor or crew.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Overall, if you follow these steps your experience with contractors for &lt;a target="_new" rel="nofollow" href="http://www.creativerealestatehelp.com"&gt;real estate investing&lt;/a&gt; will be much more smooth, positive, and productive. In turn you will avoid a lot of the nightmares you hear and read about. Hopefully these guidelines will give you some added protection to help this aspect of your business, as needed, to run more smoothly!&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Copyright  2007-9 Creativerealestatehelp.com&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Matthew Sorensen has trained thousands of people around the country for many large organizations. He is a leading authority in risk free, creative real estate investing techniques.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;You can visit his website at: &lt;a target="_new" href="http://www.creativerealestatehelp.com"&gt;http://www.creativerealestatehelp.com&lt;/a&gt; to receive more information on how to maximize profits safely for changing market trends.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;div class="blogger-post-footer"&gt;&lt;img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/3740640956046816501-5360419345609607277?l=contractorguide.blogspot.com' alt='' /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;</content><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://contractorguide.blogspot.com/feeds/5360419345609607277/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=3740640956046816501&amp;postID=5360419345609607277' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/3740640956046816501/posts/default/5360419345609607277'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/3740640956046816501/posts/default/5360419345609607277'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://contractorguide.blogspot.com/2009/09/screening-contractors.html' title='Screening Contractors'/><author><name>Chuck Tiber</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/04774526438395501691</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='31' height='21' src='http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_KoR1x1SmsCw/SeVHGgLvt3I/AAAAAAAAAIA/e4_3kdGOOVs/S220/Suzanne_and_Andrew_047.jpg'/></author><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3740640956046816501.post-6568476455379846671</id><published>2009-09-07T13:29:00.001-07:00</published><updated>2009-09-07T13:29:51.384-07:00</updated><title type='text'>Do You Really Need to Get Building Permits?</title><content type='html'>&lt;p&gt;When you are planning a home renovation project probably no other words form in your mind with a BIG dollar sign next to them as much as those two simple little words: Building Codes.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Depending upon your project you might find yourself dealing with inspections for foundation, framing, electrical, plumbing, roofing, heating and air conditioning. Each of these could include inspections during the planning, rough in work, different stages during the actual work and of course the final inspections.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;The minutia of items that an inspection can be failed for are seemingly never ending. And failing an inspection can easily result in unexpected extra costs or missed deadlines. If something gets done ahead of the inspection an Inspector can even require that the work be torn out.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Yet you can't blame a homeowner for being a little susceptible to the contractor who says, We'll just save you some money and do it on the sly without any inspections. (Wink, Wink)&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;In actuality, if any contractor suggests by-passing the required inspections, he should be politely shown off your property and never invited back.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Painful as they are, inspections are required for a reason. It may not always be apparent, but inspections are designed to protect your property and family. DO NOT ever try to skip by inspections.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Even if you aren't reported by a neighbor, or the work isn't seen by an Inspector driving by, not doing projects up to the local building codes can bite you in the *** when you try to sell your home down the road.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;A lot of the mortgage companies require an inspection of a house before they will write the loan. Any decent inspector is going to notice work that was not completed up to code as a way to save money. You could end up spending thousands of dollars to have work redone to pass an inspection.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;In truth, the only person who really benefits from avoiding the building codes is the contractor. That way he can cut corners that you can't see or don't know about. He also won't have to be as skilled or knowledgeable as the contractor who can make sure that everything passes building code inspectors.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;So, it may cost you a little more initially, but it will pay of big time in the long run and potentially keep a disastrous accident from happening.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Bob Current writes on a number of his interests including home renovation. Check out his website at &lt;a target="_new" href="http://www.homeimprovementtips.info"&gt;http://www.homeimprovementtips.info&lt;/a&gt; for ideas and resources.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;div class="blogger-post-footer"&gt;&lt;img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/3740640956046816501-6568476455379846671?l=contractorguide.blogspot.com' alt='' /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;</content><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://contractorguide.blogspot.com/feeds/6568476455379846671/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=3740640956046816501&amp;postID=6568476455379846671' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/3740640956046816501/posts/default/6568476455379846671'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/3740640956046816501/posts/default/6568476455379846671'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://contractorguide.blogspot.com/2009/09/do-you-really-need-to-get-building.html' title='Do You Really Need to Get Building Permits?'/><author><name>Chuck Tiber</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/04774526438395501691</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='31' height='21' src='http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_KoR1x1SmsCw/SeVHGgLvt3I/AAAAAAAAAIA/e4_3kdGOOVs/S220/Suzanne_and_Andrew_047.jpg'/></author><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3740640956046816501.post-6099221056527558149</id><published>2009-09-07T11:44:00.001-07:00</published><updated>2009-09-07T11:44:33.279-07:00</updated><title type='text'>How Does Solar Energy Work? - In Simple Words</title><content type='html'>&lt;p&gt;Basically solar panels are used to convert solar energy into usable electricity. This technology uses two forms of solar energy collection: solar cells and solar collectors. Another name for solar cells is photovoltaic cells. The meaning of the word 'photovoltaic' is 'converting the solar light into electricity'. Photovoltaic cells constitute photovoltaic panels which are also known as solar panels. It is consists of silicon semi conductor which is used in the micro processors and is known for transmitting electricity.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;When sunlight falls on these photovoltaic cells they absorb the energy and usable current is generated by these cells. All these photovoltaic cells are joined with each other into a solar panel and contacts of these cells are kept outside of the panel so that the power generated can be used as electric power. Once the solar panels are installed and wired properly, it should be mounted at the right place such that it should receive maximum sunlight. If you are installing this system for your domestic purposes your roof is the best place to mount solar panels.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;While mounting the panels the best angle and location should be selected. If any of the photovoltaic cells of solar panel does not receive proper sunlight the overall current generated by the panel is seriously affected. With different passing seasons sun keeps changing its angles, so accordingly solar panels must be adjusted after every few days to extract the maximum performance. But there are some personal designs that do not require this labor and it gets maximum exposure to the sunlight all through the year.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;The electric current that is stored by photovoltaic cells is in the form of direct current. To use this current for domestic purposes it has to be first converted into alternate current. An electrical device called inverter is used to convert direct current into alternate current. In some regions of the world where full sun is not available all through the year, electricity generated by photovoltaic panels should be stored in deep cycling batteries so that it can be used when sun is not available.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Before installing &lt;a target="_new" href="http://www.solarenergyadvantages.net"&gt;solar energy systems&lt;/a&gt; at your home or office, make sure you visit this website: &lt;a target="_new" href="http://www.solarenergyadvantages.net"&gt;http://www.solarenergyadvantages.net&lt;/a&gt; and check for valuable resources.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;div class="blogger-post-footer"&gt;&lt;img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/3740640956046816501-6099221056527558149?l=contractorguide.blogspot.com' alt='' /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;</content><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://contractorguide.blogspot.com/feeds/6099221056527558149/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=3740640956046816501&amp;postID=6099221056527558149' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/3740640956046816501/posts/default/6099221056527558149'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/3740640956046816501/posts/default/6099221056527558149'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://contractorguide.blogspot.com/2009/09/how-does-solar-energy-work-in-simple.html' title='How Does Solar Energy Work? - In Simple Words'/><author><name>Chuck Tiber</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/04774526438395501691</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='31' height='21' src='http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_KoR1x1SmsCw/SeVHGgLvt3I/AAAAAAAAAIA/e4_3kdGOOVs/S220/Suzanne_and_Andrew_047.jpg'/></author><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3740640956046816501.post-4609727553695796383</id><published>2009-09-07T06:20:00.001-07:00</published><updated>2009-09-07T06:20:49.696-07:00</updated><title type='text'>Spray Foam Insulation Lets You Go Green</title><content type='html'>&lt;p&gt;The unique challenge of our times is conservation. Everything, from public busses to private homes, is feeling the pressure to go green. In some cases, it's easily accomplished. In others, it's not as easy. And in all aspects of life, the focus has shifted to renewable, eco-friendly resources.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;They say every little bit helps. Why not do your part to make your home or business more environmentally helpful? By using eco-safe, agriculturally based spray foam insulation, you can.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;There are a variety of insulation options but some are much greener than others. If you're concerned with your home using renewable, energy efficient materials, then using a foam insulation spray could be your solution.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;In addition to other benefits you get from using a foam insulator in your home or business, the product is also environmentally friendly. It's made up mainly of renewable resources and the means of application is Earth friendly. It is free of ozone depleting components, and the application solution is water based.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Unlike similar petroleum based products, the greener spray foam has the highest oxygen index, and zero fuel contribution. There are few products that can boast such qualities. The properties of the insulation also help to make your home energy efficient.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;You can apply this insulation anywhere you need it, around joints, joists, frames and other building support structures and still get a tight seal. You won't get any air pockets or little crevices where air can leak in or out. This sort of air tight sealing ability helps to keep your heating and cooling units working efficiently. Also, it allows you to get a smaller unit because it doesn't have to work so hard. It's been shown to reduce heating and cooling costs by 40%. That's effectiveness you can see.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Not only is spray foam insulation green, it's versatile. It functions well as a barrier to airborne sound and comes with one of the highest fire resistances available in similar products. Pest and rodents won't do any damage because the insulator has no nutritional value to them. It's water resistant, and flexible enough to allow some movement of the building structure. Finally, it produces no toxic vapors after it's applied. You can even rent or buy the equipment and install it yourself.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;With concerns about the environment on everyone's minds, it helps that you can find products to help in your conservation efforts. You can get greener cars, recycle your trash and electronics, and buy energy efficient appliances. Why not make your home or business part of the solution? Renewable resources benefit all of us.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;The best thing about spray foam insulation is that you can put it anywhere. It doesn't matter if you're starting fresh on your building, or replacing worn out or useless materials. The spray foam can be applied to existing structures with the same effectiveness it has on new structures.&lt;br&gt;If going green is a priority for your house or office, applying spray foam insulation is another way to help your environment.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;With concerns for the environment growing daily, it's good to know there are more ways that we can be eco-responsible. For your home or business, you can apply &lt;a target="_new" href="http://www.apexfoam.com"&gt;spray foam insulation&lt;/a&gt;, renewable and energy efficient product. Visit Apex Foam today to see their foam selection. &lt;a target="_new" href="http://www.apexfoam.com"&gt;http://www.apexfoam.com&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;div class="blogger-post-footer"&gt;&lt;img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/3740640956046816501-4609727553695796383?l=contractorguide.blogspot.com' alt='' /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;</content><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://contractorguide.blogspot.com/feeds/4609727553695796383/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=3740640956046816501&amp;postID=4609727553695796383' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/3740640956046816501/posts/default/4609727553695796383'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/3740640956046816501/posts/default/4609727553695796383'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://contractorguide.blogspot.com/2009/09/spray-foam-insulation-lets-you-go-green.html' title='Spray Foam Insulation Lets You Go Green'/><author><name>Chuck Tiber</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/04774526438395501691</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='31' height='21' src='http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_KoR1x1SmsCw/SeVHGgLvt3I/AAAAAAAAAIA/e4_3kdGOOVs/S220/Suzanne_and_Andrew_047.jpg'/></author><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3740640956046816501.post-2056957466019767799</id><published>2009-09-07T01:31:00.001-07:00</published><updated>2009-09-07T01:31:39.757-07:00</updated><title type='text'>Reduce Your Electricity Bill With These 3 Tips</title><content type='html'>&lt;p&gt;If you use electricity, chances are that you could reduce your electricity bill by making a few simple changes. And who doesn't use electricity? So, here are three things that you can do to slash your electricity bill.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;1. Think about the way that you use electricity at home. Do you leave on lights or appliances in rooms that you are not even in? Do you make turning off lights when you leave a room a habit? Do you sometimes leave on the TV when you are not even watching it? Do you ever leave your computer on when you're not using it without putting it into power-save mode?&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Think about everything in your house that uses electricity, such as lights, TVs, and stereos, and make sure you only use them when you need to, in order to eliminate wasted energy (that you pay for). Turn off lights in rooms that you are not in, TVs that you are not watching, and computers and stereos that you're not using. If you don't turn off your computer when you're not using it, at least put it into power-save mode or turn off the monitor. Making these changes will do a lot to lower those electricity bills.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;2. Consider investing in energy-saving power utilities, such as light bulbs. Replacing your incandescent light bulbs with energy-saving options, such as fluorescent bulbs, will reduce your electricity bill by using less energy. I would recommend energy-saving, full-spectrum light bulbs as a replacement for incandescent bulbs, and a better option than compact fluorescent light (CFL) bulbs.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;3. Use your appliances more efficiently:&lt;br&gt;&lt;ul&gt;&lt;li&gt;Only use the washing machine when you have a full load of clothes to wash. &lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;Minimize the use of the geyser.&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;Use your air conditioner as little as possible. When it's hot outside, keep the temperature at the highest possible temperature that still keeps you cool. When it's cold, keep the air conditioner at the lowest temperature that still keeps you warm.&lt;/li&gt;&lt;/ul&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;That's our three tips for saving money on your electricity bill! If you start making these energy-saving tips into habits, you should definitely start seeing reduced electricity bills.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Did you know that it's easy to make your own &lt;a target="_new" href="http://earth-4energy.co.cc"&gt;renewable energy&lt;/a&gt;at home? It can help you eliminate your electricity bill completely. Try this &lt;a target="_new" href="http://earth-4energy.co.cc"&gt;guide to making your own power&lt;/a&gt; and stop paying for electricity.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;div class="blogger-post-footer"&gt;&lt;img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/3740640956046816501-2056957466019767799?l=contractorguide.blogspot.com' alt='' /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;</content><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://contractorguide.blogspot.com/feeds/2056957466019767799/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=3740640956046816501&amp;postID=2056957466019767799' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/3740640956046816501/posts/default/2056957466019767799'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/3740640956046816501/posts/default/2056957466019767799'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://contractorguide.blogspot.com/2009/09/reduce-your-electricity-bill-with-these.html' title='Reduce Your Electricity Bill With These 3 Tips'/><author><name>Chuck Tiber</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/04774526438395501691</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='31' height='21' src='http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_KoR1x1SmsCw/SeVHGgLvt3I/AAAAAAAAAIA/e4_3kdGOOVs/S220/Suzanne_and_Andrew_047.jpg'/></author><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3740640956046816501.post-3123924438804469416</id><published>2009-09-06T23:10:00.001-07:00</published><updated>2009-09-06T23:10:02.818-07:00</updated><title type='text'>Bathroom Remodeling Ideas For Remodeling</title><content type='html'>&lt;p&gt;When you're planning any bathroom remodel, consider the costs of the bathroom remodeling versus the return on the actual investment. According to one of the popular remodeling magazines, the average bathroom remodel throughout the country cost around $16,000.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;If you were to sell your house within a few years, you could recoup around $12,000 of your original investment. This would translate into a $4000 loss to your pocketbook eventually.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Using these numbers for your bathroom remodel investment, you would recoup around 75% of your original investment. If you know anything about investing money, this will not be a good rate of return and if you keep investing your money like this, you won't have any to invest, eventually.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Keep this in mind, if you're going to be selling the home within a few years. If the bathroom isn't in good shape and you're not planning on selling soon, you could remodel the bathroom and enjoy it for quite a few years. You wouldn't be looking at this as an investment but as maintenance costs.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;If you need to remodel the bathroom, because it's getting a little run down and will create a problem when selling a home, I would suggest minor remodeling, if the toilet, fixtures and bathtub is in good condition, I would suggest changing the sink, cabinet, bathtub surround, flooring and some new paint.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;If you're remodeling cost is now at $8,000, you would recoup at least $6,000 and would only lose $2000 on your original investment. Now this still doesn't make any sense, if you're still losing money, why would you even want to remodel the bathroom. Why not sell the home as it is and not lose any money? This is a tough decision to make and keep in mind, these are average costs.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;You could recoup less or more than 75% of your bathroom investment costs.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Most real estate professionals will advise you to &lt;a target="_new" rel="nofollow" href="http://gregvan.com/ideas/bathroom_ideas.htm"&gt;remodel the bathroom&lt;/a&gt; for two reasons, for one the house will sell for a few more dollars, and this will increase their sales commission. The second one is probably the most important for any one selling a home, the home could sell faster.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;If you have the time and are in no hurry to sell the home, I would suggest trying to sell the home as is first and then sprucing it up, if you can't sell it within three months.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;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.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;If your looking for some more &lt;a target="_new" href="http://1.gregvan.com/sitemap.htm"&gt;Remodeling Pictures&lt;/a&gt; or home building ideas.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;div class="blogger-post-footer"&gt;&lt;img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/3740640956046816501-3123924438804469416?l=contractorguide.blogspot.com' alt='' /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;</content><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://contractorguide.blogspot.com/feeds/3123924438804469416/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=3740640956046816501&amp;postID=3123924438804469416' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/3740640956046816501/posts/default/3123924438804469416'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/3740640956046816501/posts/default/3123924438804469416'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://contractorguide.blogspot.com/2009/09/bathroom-remodeling-ideas-for.html' title='Bathroom Remodeling Ideas For Remodeling'/><author><name>Chuck Tiber</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/04774526438395501691</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='31' height='21' src='http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_KoR1x1SmsCw/SeVHGgLvt3I/AAAAAAAAAIA/e4_3kdGOOVs/S220/Suzanne_and_Andrew_047.jpg'/></author><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3740640956046816501.post-5811241043233734310</id><published>2009-09-06T15:57:00.001-07:00</published><updated>2009-09-06T15:57:10.119-07:00</updated><title type='text'>8 Tips to Compare Replacement Window Contractors</title><content type='html'>&lt;p&gt;This is a quick-guide so you should not expect something lengthy and winding.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Age Of Business&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Consider the age of the business; the longer the age of the business the better. Why? Because it reflects back to the kind of quality of service they deliver. Consider it a plus if the business still operates or has a branch in the same area since inception.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Experience Of Team&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Sometimes a replacement window contractor might be new but has experienced management and employees. This means you do need to take experience into consideration as well.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Ask For Quotations&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Do not take the first replacement window contractor that comes your way. I always advocate for at least 3 quotations before settling with one. One time I had a contractor finish a job without telling me a price - let's just say I live to regret the day I let them in to my home without prescreening them.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Know their suppliers&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Sometimes it is wise to know whom they deal with. Most of them have exclusive relationships with well-known reputable manufacturers and some buy from second hand shops. You obviously want to make sure they buy their stock from reputable companies.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Must be within the same area&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;This will eliminate transport costs and will make it easier for you to visit their offices at anytime you feel like it and yes! the need does come up at times.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Turn around time&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Ask them about their turn around time. Some may offer an affordable service at the expense of finishing the job on time.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Referrals by neighbors&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;You are obviously not the only one who's had his or her windows replaced. Do ask your friends and neighbors. The more a contractor comes up when you ask different people the more it means you should really consider them.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Response time&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Once you have a shortlist, try sending them some few questions and see how fast they respond and how they respond. You will be able to take it from there.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Use a reliable prescreening service - reliable being the keyword&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;There are a number of these online but you can &lt;a target="_new" href="http://www.bestreviewsonline.net/guide-to-windows"&gt;click here&lt;/a&gt; to check this one out right away. This is not the only prescreening service online but I have used them and was happy with their service.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;They will help you find a pre-screened, well-known replacement window company in your area in seconds. They compare companies in their nationwide network and help you find the one with the exact combination of service, products and value you're looking for.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Don't hire a contractor before you check out&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a target="_new" href="http://bestreviewsonline.net/guide-to-windows/"&gt;http://bestreviewsonline.net/guide-to-windows&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;div class="blogger-post-footer"&gt;&lt;img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/3740640956046816501-5811241043233734310?l=contractorguide.blogspot.com' alt='' /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;</content><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://contractorguide.blogspot.com/feeds/5811241043233734310/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=3740640956046816501&amp;postID=5811241043233734310' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/3740640956046816501/posts/default/5811241043233734310'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/3740640956046816501/posts/default/5811241043233734310'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://contractorguide.blogspot.com/2009/09/8-tips-to-compare-replacement-window.html' title='8 Tips to Compare Replacement Window Contractors'/><author><name>Chuck Tiber</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/04774526438395501691</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='31' height='21' src='http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_KoR1x1SmsCw/SeVHGgLvt3I/AAAAAAAAAIA/e4_3kdGOOVs/S220/Suzanne_and_Andrew_047.jpg'/></author><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3740640956046816501.post-3052399557701935918</id><published>2009-09-06T14:55:00.001-07:00</published><updated>2009-09-06T14:55:58.743-07:00</updated><title type='text'>Using Solar Energy to Generate Electricity</title><content type='html'>&lt;p&gt;Using energy from solar is very good alternative to the current energy resource for electricity. The solar power system can really generate a good amount of electricity that would help you to reduce your power bill by 80% to 90% and save your money as never before.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;The benefits of using the solar energy resource for electricity are many and you can learn them as following. The first benefit that you will save thousands if you use this resource of electrcity. The solar energy is free and can be enough for all your home's power.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;The second benefit will be the clean of that resources, the solar energy resource is one of the most cleanest energy resource in our planet. So, you will save your money as well as save your environment and children when you use these types of energy.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;But what about building a small solar pane for my home? Is that a smart idea?. Of course it is a very good and smart idea to own a small solar system for your home electricity. You can even build those systems by your hand in your free time. You can build more than one kit for that issue.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Don't waste your money, you can reduce your electricity pill by %85 when you use these solar kits. And you can build those systems by your hand. It is not difficult to be built and you will be surprised when the electricity company had to pay you instead of getting money from you.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Build your own solar panel today:&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a target="_new" href="http://www.BuildSolarPanel.info"&gt;http://www.BuildSolarPanel.info&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Or build a small home windmill&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a target="_new" href="http://onlinegamesbusiness.blogspot.com/2008/08/small-windmill-for-home-use.html"&gt;http://onlinegamesbusiness.blogspot.com/2008/08/small-windmill-for-home-use.html&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;div class="blogger-post-footer"&gt;&lt;img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/3740640956046816501-3052399557701935918?l=contractorguide.blogspot.com' alt='' /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;</content><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://contractorguide.blogspot.com/feeds/3052399557701935918/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=3740640956046816501&amp;postID=3052399557701935918' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/3740640956046816501/posts/default/3052399557701935918'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/3740640956046816501/posts/default/3052399557701935918'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://contractorguide.blogspot.com/2009/09/using-solar-energy-to-generate.html' title='Using Solar Energy to Generate Electricity'/><author><name>Chuck Tiber</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/04774526438395501691</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='31' height='21' src='http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_KoR1x1SmsCw/SeVHGgLvt3I/AAAAAAAAAIA/e4_3kdGOOVs/S220/Suzanne_and_Andrew_047.jpg'/></author><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3740640956046816501.post-6538257368304967595</id><published>2009-09-06T09:05:00.001-07:00</published><updated>2009-09-06T09:05:21.803-07:00</updated><title type='text'>Download Free Shed Plans and Blueprints to Build Your Outdoor Storage Or Garden Shed</title><content type='html'>&lt;p&gt;If you are planning on building a garden or storage shed you will need some type of plan. It doesn't matter if you are a novice or a pro, you need guidelines. There are many sources to obtain free shed blueprints and plans.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;If you are a novice and the word blueprint scares you, relax. These are simple detailed drawings that show everything that you are going to need to know to build your shed. They are no different than a travel map. It simply tells you that you need to travel from one step to the next, and what you need to get there.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;So why bother with free shed plans? How often have you purchased an item, and then when you got it home, you wished you had bought the deluxe version, or vice versa? It's the same with plans. You go to all the trouble of picking one, purchasing it, then get it home, and for one of several reasons it just isn't want you want. If its free, then you have lost nothing, you can just go and find another one. You can do this several times if you need to until you find the perfect one for you.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Ok it's a great idea. Now where do we go to find these free shed blueprints and plans? To start with you could check out your local home improvement stores. Some of these have some great options. They often will have a series of standard plans in stock. They will give some of these to you free of charge, in the hopes that you will buy your materials from them. These plans usually consist of the majority of items they carry in their store. Some of them have even written their own series.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Another option is take in a rough sketch of the details of what you are looking for. Many building suppliers will draft up blueprints and plans for you. They may offer to do this for you with some type of commitment that you will purchase supplies from them. Sometimes they will offer this as free deal as a promotion.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Then there is always the internet. Lots of sites are willing to give away the prints and plans for free. Not because they are generous, but because they hope it will entice you to purchase some of the other items they carry.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;These items are usually applicable to what they are giving you at no charge. For example if they give you all the drawings and plans you need., then you are going to have to know how to do the things that the plan says. This is where the extras come in. Perhaps the company that gave you the free shed plans sells some self help, or do it yourself books.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;They would be pleased to sell these to you. This is not being sneaky. In fact its an excellent business proposal. They help you identify what you need and then offer support where you need it. With the combination of your plans, and the self help books you need, you're ready to build one good looking shed!&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Ryan Henderson is the founder of MyShedPlans.com - &lt;a target="_new" href="http://www.myshedplans.com"&gt;http://www.MyShedPlans.com&lt;/A&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;As featured In Woodcraft, Log Homes Illustrated &amp; Popular Mechanics Magazines, MyShedPlans provides the ultimate resource for woodworking enthusiasts and craftsmen.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Discover the easiest step-by-step way to build beautiful wooden sheds &amp; woodworking projects in the next 5 minutes!&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Jam packed with over 12,000 shed plans, blueprints, illustrations and woodworking patterns from everything ranging from small clock houses to large storage and garden sheds.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;P.S: Offer: Visit MyShedPlans official site now and download free &lt;a target="_new" href="http://www.myshedplans.com"&gt;shed plans&lt;/A&gt; now!&lt;/p&gt;&lt;div class="blogger-post-footer"&gt;&lt;img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/3740640956046816501-6538257368304967595?l=contractorguide.blogspot.com' alt='' /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;</content><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://contractorguide.blogspot.com/feeds/6538257368304967595/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=3740640956046816501&amp;postID=6538257368304967595' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/3740640956046816501/posts/default/6538257368304967595'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/3740640956046816501/posts/default/6538257368304967595'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://contractorguide.blogspot.com/2009/09/download-free-shed-plans-and-blueprints.html' title='Download Free Shed Plans and Blueprints to Build Your Outdoor Storage Or Garden Shed'/><author><name>Chuck Tiber</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/04774526438395501691</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='31' height='21' src='http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_KoR1x1SmsCw/SeVHGgLvt3I/AAAAAAAAAIA/e4_3kdGOOVs/S220/Suzanne_and_Andrew_047.jpg'/></author><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3740640956046816501.post-4088954270208350011</id><published>2009-09-06T04:45:00.001-07:00</published><updated>2009-09-06T04:45:10.016-07:00</updated><title type='text'>Solar Power For Homes - Build Your Own Solar Panels Stop Paying Hefty Electricity Bills Now</title><content type='html'>&lt;p&gt;While Global economies are undergoing their usual cycle of boom and bust, many households are left in the cold, literally, for not being able to pay their electricity bills. Many would really welcome the monthly savings from not having to pay utility bills and yet enjoy the warm comforts of basic facilities such as heating, power for home appliances etc. Building your own solar panels for home use is the answer to the solution. And many individuals are catching on to this, simply because sunlight is a totally free, renewable, clean source of energy. Collect it in its raw form, convert it into electricity and you are on your way to save up to 80% of your household monthly utility bills.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Key Tips For Building Your Own Solar Panels For Home&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Get a good guide from those who have successfully created their own homemade solar energy system. The good ones come with thorough clear instructions on how to make, assemble and install your system. They include specific design diagrams, as well as directions on where and how to get the required parts, most of which are available at your friendly neighborhood hardware store. Pick those with member forums so that you could discuss your project with other like-minded members. There are only a handful which comes with step by step videos to walk through the entire process. Choose one of those and it will speed up your learning process by five folds.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Remember that you need to tap on sunlight, so locate your panels directly facing the sun and the best place is your rooftop. Alternatively, you could locate at open unblocked space at your garden or backyard. Even if you only have one or two windows which are directly sun facing, if it is large enough to mount the panels, you are good to go.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;How Much Do You Save With A Homemade Solar Power System?&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;By building your own solar panels you are able to save a good amount of money. Take for instance if you were to buy ready made solar panels, the cost of which would set you back at least 3000 dollars per panel. With a do it yourself solar panel, you spend less than 200 dollars, I have tried and built my own so I know the costs involved. All you need is a weekend and your solar panels can be up and running.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;And this is not the end of the story, the best is yet to come. When you start using your solar panels, you will find you monthly electricity bills reduced by at least 80 percent. This savings is good throughout the lifespan of your solar panels.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;On top of all the above, you will receive green tax credits, rid yourself of rising energy prices, and do your bit of against global warming.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;There is no better alternative energy source than Free sunlight and there is no better time to start building homemade solar panels and start saving.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Join the thousands of families tapping on Free Renewable Energy. Visit &lt;a target="_new" href="http://www.solarwindenergydiy.com"&gt;SolarWindEnergyDIY.com&lt;/a&gt; for Your Complete Solar Power Guide Review. Also Find more information here to &lt;a target="_new" href="http://www.squidoo.com/How-to-Build-Solar-Panels-for-Home-Use"&gt;Build Your Own Solar Panels&lt;/a&gt; and Save 80 percent on Your Electricity Bills.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;div class="blogger-post-footer"&gt;&lt;img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/3740640956046816501-4088954270208350011?l=contractorguide.blogspot.com' alt='' /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;</content><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://contractorguide.blogspot.com/feeds/4088954270208350011/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=3740640956046816501&amp;postID=4088954270208350011' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/3740640956046816501/posts/default/4088954270208350011'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/3740640956046816501/posts/default/4088954270208350011'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://contractorguide.blogspot.com/2009/09/solar-power-for-homes-build-your-own.html' title='Solar Power For Homes - Build Your Own Solar Panels Stop Paying Hefty Electricity Bills Now'/><author><name>Chuck Tiber</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/04774526438395501691</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='31' height='21' src='http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_KoR1x1SmsCw/SeVHGgLvt3I/AAAAAAAAAIA/e4_3kdGOOVs/S220/Suzanne_and_Andrew_047.jpg'/></author><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3740640956046816501.post-5526009340567027689</id><published>2009-09-06T02:08:00.001-07:00</published><updated>2009-09-06T02:08:23.098-07:00</updated><title type='text'>Vinyl Replacement Windows - Compare Quality</title><content type='html'>&lt;p&gt;I have written a number of articles about this subject matter but today I simply want to write about vinyl replacement windows to compare quality.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;The last time I went shopping for a window replacement I dealt with more than 10 companies and believe me when I say every sales person said their was the best. Buying vinyl replacement windows is almost like buying a used car. Some of the ones I looked at include Anlin, Simonton, Milgard, Polybau, Amerimax and Atrium. Truth is they were all great especially in terms of quality.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;One thing to note is that quality is a subjective word. The best quality depends on what suites you best. For example while some may say durable windows means quality others can say an expensive price means quality even if nothing is said about durability.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;When it comes to vinyl replacement windows compare quality using different key features not just one. Here is my list of determinants of vinyl replacement window quality to compare - I include brand examples as I go along.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;1. Must have good ratings industry wide especially NFRC ratings. Tri-state is a good example here.&lt;br&gt;2. Noise reduction: If you can get a window that keeps the noise out especially for those who live along a busy road or highway. Again Tri-state&lt;br&gt;3. The windows must be sturdy and reliable. Alpha windows are known for this feature as well as Tri-state. &lt;br&gt;4. The replacement windows must be low-e and offer UV protection from the sunlight. &lt;br&gt;5. If you are particular about energy sufficiency then getting some with warm edge spacers. You shouldn't overlook those that use aluminum spacers as well. &lt;br&gt;6. Must be a thicker double pane window like Alpha windows.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;For more brands and recommendations on vinyl replacement windows - compare quality reviews visit:&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a target="_new" href="http://www.findreplacementwindowcompanies.com"&gt;http://www.findreplacementwindowcompanies.com&lt;/a&gt; Alternatively&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Click here &gt; &lt;a target="_new" href="http://www.findreplacementwindowcompanies.com"&gt;compare replacement window&lt;/a&gt; for instant access to hundreds of pre-screened window suppliers and contractors located within your area. If you are looking for expert advice do what I did - get one or two of these to come over to your home for an obligation free consultation.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;div class="blogger-post-footer"&gt;&lt;img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/3740640956046816501-5526009340567027689?l=contractorguide.blogspot.com' alt='' /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;</content><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://contractorguide.blogspot.com/feeds/5526009340567027689/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=3740640956046816501&amp;postID=5526009340567027689' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/3740640956046816501/posts/default/5526009340567027689'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/3740640956046816501/posts/default/5526009340567027689'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://contractorguide.blogspot.com/2009/09/vinyl-replacement-windows-compare.html' title='Vinyl Replacement Windows - Compare Quality'/><author><name>Chuck Tiber</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/04774526438395501691</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='31' height='21' src='http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_KoR1x1SmsCw/SeVHGgLvt3I/AAAAAAAAAIA/e4_3kdGOOVs/S220/Suzanne_and_Andrew_047.jpg'/></author><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3740640956046816501.post-8641708382218015480</id><published>2009-09-05T18:58:00.001-07:00</published><updated>2009-09-05T18:58:30.145-07:00</updated><title type='text'>Exterior Remodeling - Fiber-Cement Siding Compared to Vinyl Siding</title><content type='html'>&lt;p&gt;In the world of remodeling the exterior of your home, there are several things to consider when comparing fiber-cement siding to vinyl siding.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Disguising the Problem&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Vinyl siding is sometimes used as a cover-up to be placed over the old damaged cladding. The current problems may still exist. Sometimes it may be improperly installed. This invites insects and moisture to build up behind the panels, and may even go through the structure of the home.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Flammable&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Vinyl facing may melt or burn if it too close to a heat source such as your grill or a close by fire. The flammability of the cladding is such a concern that some counties/districts are starting to educate homeowners about its natural flammability.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Fiber-cement facing is non-combustible when exposed to significant amount of heat or flame. It has been appreciated for this safety feature. It is also approved for fire-rated structure. &lt;br&gt;Fading&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;All colors fade from the sun and there are several options that you can do to replace vinyl cladding. You can install a replacement piece and try to find the matching color of your original siding. You can also replace all the cladding again if you can't find the matching color. You may also paint the facing, but keep in mind this type of facing is made to expand and contract which will cause the paint to chip and peel over time.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Fiber-cement facing can be painted any color that you desire. It will also remain longer than with wood. It won't crack and peel as quickly as vinyl.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Warranty&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Always look at the warranty before your purchase. Look closely at the "Life-Time" to see how many years the warranty really covers and also what is covered. Check the "Normal Weathering" section to see what their definition is of normal weathering.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Fiber-cement facing may be found to have a 50 year transferable limited product warranty, and a 15 year finish warranty. This warranty is good for even the most sever climates.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Poor Quality and Aesthetics&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Vinyl siding may not look as natural as wood. It has overlapping seams and fake wood grains that try to copy the appearance of wood.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Fiber-cement siding has the beauty of real wood with the ability to be painted any color and not have the chipping and peeling of vinyl or wood. There are no overlapping seams to take away from the natural appearance it will lend to the home.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Weather Resistant&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Fiber-cement cladding is a very durable product that can even withstand the most severe climates. It will not go brittle in the cold or be damaged by flying debris like the other type of cladding is known to do. &lt;br&gt;Thickness&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;The great amount of thickness that accompanies fiber-cement cladding adds to the products strength that provides impact resistance from wind or hail.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;The finest vinyl siding is only 5/100th inch thick.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;These are several things you need to consider when investing in the exterior of your home. In the long run, having fiber-cement siding is aesthetically and financially more sound than having vinyl siding which is an inferior product.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Mr. Oliver is a marketing agent of Blue Ridge Exteriors. The siding contractor provides James Hardie Siding throughout the Richmond Virginia area. For more information on their &lt;a target="_new" href="http://www.blueridgeexteriors.com/"&gt;James Hardie Siding&lt;/a&gt; please visit their website.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;div class="blogger-post-footer"&gt;&lt;img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/3740640956046816501-8641708382218015480?l=contractorguide.blogspot.com' alt='' /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;</content><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://contractorguide.blogspot.com/feeds/8641708382218015480/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=3740640956046816501&amp;postID=8641708382218015480' title='1 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/3740640956046816501/posts/default/8641708382218015480'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/3740640956046816501/posts/default/8641708382218015480'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://contractorguide.blogspot.com/2009/09/exterior-remodeling-fiber-cement-siding.html' title='Exterior Remodeling - Fiber-Cement Siding Compared to Vinyl Siding'/><author><name>Chuck Tiber</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/04774526438395501691</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='31' height='21' src='http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_KoR1x1SmsCw/SeVHGgLvt3I/AAAAAAAAAIA/e4_3kdGOOVs/S220/Suzanne_and_Andrew_047.jpg'/></author><thr:total>1</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3740640956046816501.post-4447924096874863972</id><published>2009-09-05T18:25:00.001-07:00</published><updated>2009-09-05T18:25:38.874-07:00</updated><title type='text'>Going Green Means So Much More Than Just Changing Light Bulbs</title><content type='html'>&lt;p&gt;Okay, so you've bought into the idea of "going green." You've decided to replace a few light bulbs with more energy efficient CFLs and committed to turn off the lights and appliances when not in use. Give yourself a pat on the back. You've taken a good first step.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;But you've only just begun. Whether you're into "saving the planet" through reducing greenhouse gases or just want to save on your bills, the two goals have about the same path. In other words, by doing one of those, you are in effect doing the other at the same time. If you choose to actively look for ways to reduce your energy bills, you are also conserving energy and thus "going green."&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;By the way, as a side note, I don't particularly care for the term "going green" as you may have noticed since I've decided to place the term in quotes. Whenever I think about "green" I think clean or fresh, like a field of grass wavering in the wind. It just doesn't translate well (for me at least). Plus, the term conjures images of far leaning conservationists who don't have a foot in reality anymore.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;So, now that we can say "going green" will also save on energy, let's talk about the relationship between the two. In other words, how do both accomplish the same thing?&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Okay, well first, if you lessen your energy usage around your home or workplace through conservation and through energy efficient appliances, your bill will be lower. Bonus for you. By lowering the demand for energy on your end, the energy company delivers less energy to you. If more than a few homes do this, the energy supplier generates less power to supply to you. Rather than deal with an excess, in theory, production is cut. By reducing the amount of energy that is sent out, energy companies pollute less. That's the basic idea.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;You can see from this 1000 foot view that it takes more than just turning off a few lights in your home to curb the energy supply from the utility company. It takes hundreds, thousands, tens of thousands of households to do the same thing. It requires everyone to be energy conscious. You can do your part around the home, too, by doing more than just turning off lights and replacing bulbs. If nothing else, you will see a reduction in your energy bill.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;First, lower your thermostat in the winter and raise it in the summer. Remember, the closer the temperature of your home is to the outside temperature, less energy will potentially be lost since it won't be readily transferred. This isn't practical - especially in the winter. But it bears mentioning.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Next, only keep appliances plugged in that you use. Almost all appliances now have some sort of timer or clock or "standby" mode. This uses energy, even when not plugged in. Unplug it if you don't need it.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Avoid over using appliances that are energy hogs. Big offenders are microwaves, electric stoves and ovens, inefficient air conditioners, washers and dryers. All that is required here really is habit change. If you microwave something remove it and use it promptly. Letting it sit may require you to reheat it. Same thing with washers and dryers. When you use them, remove the loads promptly. Letting them sit may require you to reuse the appliance for no good reason.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Finally, consider putting outdoor lights on timers, motion detectors, or converting them to solar power. This way, you are either removing the lights from the public power grid entirely (as the case with solar cells) or activating them only when absolutely necessary.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;David Anderson continues to be so completely obsessed with home energy and finding ways to reduce energy bills that he's now losing sleep over it. He is a regular contributor to the Utility Bill Busters Blog, a site updated (almost) daily with a ton of free tips and resourced for helping homeowners save money on their energy bills. It can be found at &lt;a target="_new" href="http://www.utilitybillbusters.com"&gt;http://www.utilitybillbusters.com&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;div class="blogger-post-footer"&gt;&lt;img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/3740640956046816501-4447924096874863972?l=contractorguide.blogspot.com' alt='' /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;</content><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://contractorguide.blogspot.com/feeds/4447924096874863972/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=3740640956046816501&amp;postID=4447924096874863972' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/3740640956046816501/posts/default/4447924096874863972'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/3740640956046816501/posts/default/4447924096874863972'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://contractorguide.blogspot.com/2009/09/going-green-means-so-much-more-than.html' title='Going Green Means So Much More Than Just Changing Light Bulbs'/><author><name>Chuck Tiber</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/04774526438395501691</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='31' height='21' src='http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_KoR1x1SmsCw/SeVHGgLvt3I/AAAAAAAAAIA/e4_3kdGOOVs/S220/Suzanne_and_Andrew_047.jpg'/></author><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3740640956046816501.post-7212169003003027448</id><published>2009-09-05T11:38:00.001-07:00</published><updated>2009-09-05T11:38:52.077-07:00</updated><title type='text'>The Benefits of Hiring an Electronic Systems Contractor</title><content type='html'>&lt;p&gt;The demand for the latest and greatest technology continues to grow at lightning speed and as a result the task of sorting through the mass array of high-tech wizardry as it pertains to home technology systems such as home theatres, home automation, whole house audio and video, security and CCTV systems, wireless networking, smart wiring, and lighting control solutions can be a daunting task to say the least. So who do you turn to for advice on sorting through it all?&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Enter the Electronic Systems Contractor (ESC). So what exactly is an ESC you ask? An Electronic Systems Contractor is a company that provides sales, installation, and service on life safety systems, sound communication, entertainment, and environmental control systems. These professionals are highly skilled, trained and certified in this specialized field.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;After youve determined exactly what kind of home technology system you want to install and what you want to get out of your system, the second step is to hire a qualified ESC or more commonly called an Electronic Systems Integrator, who will help you establish a workable budget, listen to your primary objectives as it pertains to your project and your lifestyle, and then design a system that will surpass your greatest expectations&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;If you are building a new home, an ESC can be just as an important resource as your interior designer, architect, and/or builder. In fact, an ESC should be brought in early during the initial design phase of your new home to ensure optimum savings on your overall budget as it is much easier to pre-wire rooms prior to the drywall phase of construction than it is to go back and try to retrofit a room. Keep in mind that long-term dependability, reliability and quality in a home technology system are the most cost-effective attributes you can build into your new home.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Technology changes so fast and often times the electronic components some of the box stores purchase in large quantities quickly becomes out of date as it sits on warehouse shelves waiting to be sold. Whereas an ESC will always have the latest and greatest products to offer as everything is custom-to-order. So you can be sure you are getting the latest technology for your money.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Adding a home technology system to your home is a huge investment and by hiring a qualified Electronic Systems Contractor to design, install and maintain your system, you can take comfort in knowing that youll be in good hands from start to finish and well beyond the installation process.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Curt Rothenberg is Founder of Accent Electronic Systems Integrators, a low voltage electronic systems contractor located in southwest Florida that offers home automation systems, custom theatres, audio, video, security, CCTV, wireless networks and lighting control solutions for both residential and commercial applications. For more information please visit &lt;a target="_new" href="http://www.accentesi.com"&gt;http://www.accentesi.com&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;This article may be copied or reprinted provided no changes are made to it's content and the complete author box is included.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;div class="blogger-post-footer"&gt;&lt;img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/3740640956046816501-7212169003003027448?l=contractorguide.blogspot.com' alt='' /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;</content><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://contractorguide.blogspot.com/feeds/7212169003003027448/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=3740640956046816501&amp;postID=7212169003003027448' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/3740640956046816501/posts/default/7212169003003027448'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/3740640956046816501/posts/default/7212169003003027448'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://contractorguide.blogspot.com/2009/09/benefits-of-hiring-electronic-systems.html' title='The Benefits of Hiring an Electronic Systems Contractor'/><author><name>Chuck Tiber</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/04774526438395501691</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='31' height='21' src='http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_KoR1x1SmsCw/SeVHGgLvt3I/AAAAAAAAAIA/e4_3kdGOOVs/S220/Suzanne_and_Andrew_047.jpg'/></author><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3740640956046816501.post-8357107712095383280</id><published>2009-09-05T08:15:00.001-07:00</published><updated>2009-09-05T08:15:18.096-07:00</updated><title type='text'>The Seven Building Blocks of Building Green</title><content type='html'>&lt;p&gt;You picked the perfect site for your new home but now you're mired in indecision. Building "green" sounds noble (who doesn't want to help our planet and create a healthy environment for our kids?) but it also sounds expensive, difficult and confusing. If you're like most people, you probably assumed that a green home is a simple assemblage of eco-friendly products like recycled timbers, bamboo flooring, and oderless paint - but in fact, choosing products like these is only a small part, and perhaps the least important, of sustainable building. To demystify what it means to build green, we have to start with a primer of basic principles as outlined by Andy Engel in &lt;em&gt;Tools of the Trade &lt;/em&gt;- what I like to think of as the Seven Green Building Blocks. &lt;br&gt;But first, a definition: What is a&lt;strong&gt; Green Home&lt;/strong&gt;? A green or sustainable home is one that is built and functions with a reduced impact on the environment by using resources efficiently, and that provides a healthy, non-toxic environment.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Green Building Block #1- &lt;strong&gt;House Design&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;br&gt;Here's a surprise - the &lt;strong&gt;size, siting&lt;/strong&gt; (orientation to the sun) &lt;strong&gt;and shape&lt;/strong&gt; of your house have the greatest impact on how energy-efficient it will ultimately be. &lt;br&gt;&lt;ul&gt; &lt;li&gt;The larger your house, the more materials it will take to build and the more energy to maintain. This is your most critical decision. Resist the urge to super-size.&lt;/li&gt; &lt;li&gt;Solar orientation is the second most important factor in determining your home's energy needs. This is called passive solar design. Try to place the longest walls of the house on an east-west axis. This will give your south facing windows sun in winter and shade in summer. You can also place your garage on the west side of the house or use a porch, roof overhang or trees to shade your west walls.&lt;/li&gt; &lt;li&gt;The simpler the shape of your house (think New England Salt-Box) the more energy-efficient. Protruding wings and bays increase the exterior skin of the house and let heat escape from the core, much like our own fingers and toes.&lt;/li&gt;&lt;/ul&gt;&lt;br&gt;Green Building Block #2 - &lt;strong&gt;Durability&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;br&gt;Like our bodies, houses age, sag and eventually collapse. Water and moisture are the two culprits responsible for the premature aging and final demise of our home, beginning with mold and ending in rot.&lt;br&gt;&lt;ul&gt; &lt;li&gt;Water can be kept away from the structure through proper drainage, gutter and downspout design, as well as use of special rain-screen walls. &lt;/li&gt; &lt;li&gt;Moisture can be controlled through carefully installed window and door flashings and with thorough sealing. By minimizing air loss, you keep moisture out and heat in, reducing energy costs by as much as 20%. When moisture is no longer allowed to travel through the exterior walls, it eliminates the danger of condensation in the framing, thus extending the life of your home. &lt;/li&gt; &lt;li&gt;Use paperless sheetrock to allow any moisture to wick out of damp drywall. &lt;/li&gt;&lt;/ul&gt;&lt;br&gt;Green Building Block #3 - &lt;strong&gt;Energy Efficiency&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;br&gt;Your home uses energy such as electricity and gas for light, heat or cooling. You can reduce your need for heat and cooling through passive solar design, which provides a kind of built-in thermal protection. But you also need to reduce thermal loss or leakage with insulation and air sealing. If possible, install your own energy supply.&lt;br&gt;&lt;ul&gt; &lt;li&gt;Use insulation and builder's felt in the walls, floor and ceiling to reduce heat loss. Close cavities such as areas behind showers and tubs, soffits and recessed lights with a moisture barrier to prevent heat loss. &lt;/li&gt; &lt;li&gt;Seal all openings and cracks where air can pass in or out of the house.&lt;/li&gt; &lt;li&gt;Don't run HVAC ducts in unconditioned crawl spaces or attics - 20% of the energy can be lost. Fully insulate areas around your ducts and thoroughly seal them.&lt;/li&gt; &lt;li&gt;Lighting accounts for about 15% of a home's energy use, but you can reduce that percentage in several ways. Replace inefficient incandescent bulbs with cooler, longer lasting CFLs (compact florescent lights) or the new LEDs (light emitting diodes). LEDs use 1/3 the electricity of CFLs and are more directional for task lighting. &lt;/li&gt; &lt;li&gt;Decrease energy waste by installing a home automation system with motion sensors to turn lights on and off as you enter or exit a room. A home automation system can also reduce your heating and cooling needs by automatically opening or closing your window shades depending on the outside temperature, and by turning down your thermostat at night and when you are away from home. &lt;/li&gt; &lt;li&gt;Use energy efficient appliances.&lt;/li&gt; &lt;li&gt;If possible, invest in solar panels to generate much of the energy your house consumes. Your power company will even buy back any excess electricity from you during times of low use (like when you are on vacation). &lt;/li&gt;&lt;/ul&gt;&lt;br&gt;Green Building Block #4 - &lt;strong&gt;Reducing Waste&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;br&gt;You can reduce excessive waste in 2 ways: by using materials more efficiently (and thus, needing fewer of them) and by reusing old materials. In either case you help the planet and your pocketbook at the same time. &lt;br&gt;&lt;ul&gt; &lt;li&gt;Size your house sensibly. Design your house in four foot multiples to conform to standard wallboard and plywood sheets. You will also dramatically reduce piles of scrap lumber. &lt;/li&gt; &lt;li&gt;Recycle and reuse building materials such as old concrete and stone as a base for a parking lot. &lt;/li&gt; &lt;li&gt;Be an avid recycler of glass, plastic and metals in your household. Set up a compost bin to turn your food scraps into rich mulch. &lt;/li&gt;&lt;/ul&gt;&lt;br&gt;Green Building Block #5 - &lt;strong&gt;Water Conservation&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;br&gt;The aim here is twofold: you need to both reduce the amount of water your family consumes, but also channel the rainwater that falls on your lot back into the soil. &lt;br&gt;&lt;ul&gt; &lt;li&gt;Use low-flow shower heads and toilets to reduce water usage.&lt;/li&gt; &lt;li&gt;Use automatic sprinklers with moisture sensors to regulate water use and prevent over-watering.&lt;/li&gt; &lt;li&gt;Use native and drought-tolerant plants.&lt;/li&gt; &lt;li&gt;Use porous concrete pavers on driveways to allow rainwater to percolate down into the earth and recharge aquifers. &lt;/li&gt;&lt;/ul&gt;&lt;br&gt;Green Building Block #6 - &lt;strong&gt;Indoor Air Quality&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;br&gt;We've already mentioned how proper sealing and insulation can prevent moisture and mold in the home, but an air-tight home has its own problem - it traps all gases and fumes inside the home, thus polluting the air you breathe. Particle board and OSB off-gas formaldehyde; paints, finishes and car products contribute VOCs (volatile organic compounds); gas stoves and poorly vented gas appliances contribute carbon monoxide to the stew. There are two ways to clear the air and breathe easier: use products that are less toxic, and change your ventilation system.&lt;br&gt;&lt;ul&gt; &lt;li&gt;Use building materials like plywood in place of OSB to reduce formaldehyde buildup. Some carpets are not only made from recycled nylon, but also boast no VOCs. Natural floor adhesives, paints and finishes also offer zero emissions.&lt;/li&gt; &lt;li&gt;Use a dedicated air supply for furnaces and water heaters to prevent gases from back-drafting into the house.&lt;/li&gt; &lt;li&gt;Install a heat recovery ventilator (HRV) system to bring fresh outside air into living spaces while exhausting air from bathrooms, kitchens and laundry rooms.&lt;/li&gt;&lt;/ul&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Green Building Block #7 - &lt;strong&gt;Green Products&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;br&gt;We've already shown how using green products can make a difference to the environment and your health. With more and more eco-friendly products to choose from, let's sort out the various types and shades of green on display. &lt;br&gt;&lt;ul&gt; &lt;li&gt;Products made from recycled materials: concrete made from fly ash (a waste product of coal power plants), carpet made from recycled nylon (and recyclable after its life), synthetic stone counter tops made from recycled paper, glass and cement.&lt;/li&gt; &lt;li&gt;Reused building materials: salvaged timbers, lumber, brick and stone.&lt;/li&gt; &lt;li&gt;Products from sustainable resources: cork flooring from the cork oak tree (also durable, sound and heat insulating and hypoallergenic); bamboo flooring from fast growing bamboo. &lt;/li&gt; &lt;li&gt;Energy-efficient products: solar panels, Energy Star appliances, home automation systems, CFL and LED lights.&lt;/li&gt; &lt;li&gt;Non-toxic products (both in their manufacture and use in the home): low odor paints and finishes, carpets and plywood. &lt;/li&gt;&lt;/ul&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;With this primer in hand, you now know the difference between a CFL and a VOC. As you can see, the most critical choices for a green home are made when you first sit down at the drafting table. Your dream home will be energy efficient, durable and safe if you design it using all seven green building blocks. Your friends might turn green with envy.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;p&gt;For more information on &lt;a target="_new" href="http://www.milehighautomation.com"&gt;Home Automation&lt;/a&gt; and &lt;a target="_new" href="http://www.milehighautomation.com"&gt;Green Homes&lt;/a&gt; visit Mile High Automation.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;div class="blogger-post-footer"&gt;&lt;img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/3740640956046816501-8357107712095383280?l=contractorguide.blogspot.com' alt='' /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;</content><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://contractorguide.blogspot.com/feeds/8357107712095383280/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=3740640956046816501&amp;postID=8357107712095383280' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/3740640956046816501/posts/default/8357107712095383280'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/3740640956046816501/posts/default/8357107712095383280'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://contractorguide.blogspot.com/2009/09/seven-building-blocks-of-building-green.html' title='The Seven Building Blocks of Building Green'/><author><name>Chuck Tiber</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/04774526438395501691</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='31' height='21' src='http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_KoR1x1SmsCw/SeVHGgLvt3I/AAAAAAAAAIA/e4_3kdGOOVs/S220/Suzanne_and_Andrew_047.jpg'/></author><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3740640956046816501.post-1091036329027949817</id><published>2009-09-05T04:39:00.001-07:00</published><updated>2009-09-05T04:39:53.587-07:00</updated><title type='text'>Six Steps to a Dry Basement</title><content type='html'>&lt;p&gt;A dry basement might be its own reward. If your basement is free of leaks, condensation and cracks, it'll be more amenable to a major basement remodeling effort (and you know you've always wanted a foosball table down there). It's a safer place to store old records and clothes (your kids need something to make fun of during your old age, right?). And a dry basement is inhospitable to toxic black mold, which can eat away at porous surfaces like wood and concrete, and cause serious health problems for you and your family.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;While most of us might think of the underground sections of our homes as dark, dank places suitable for the third-act climax of a bad horror movie, avoiding a wet basement is probably easier than you think. Here are a few relatively simple steps to keeping your basement dry.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;b&gt;Make sure your rain gutters are completely free of debris.&lt;/b&gt; Rain gutters that can't carry rain away from the house tend to spill rain right out near the foundation, creating puddles that can eat away at the porous concrete over time. And if gutters empty themselves from a great distance in one spot, the falling water can create a depression in the ground that speeds wear and tear on the foundation. A good basement waterproofing contractor can install a French drain - a type of drainage system that draws water away from the house. A good French drain can't guarantee a dry basement, but it'll help eliminate one of the primary causes of leaks.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;b&gt;Keep the ground around your foundation sloped away from it.&lt;/b&gt; Obviously, this isn't the simplest thing to do; if you live on a hill, you're going to have to deal with water rolling downhill toward your home. But it's easy to find depressions near the foundation and fill them, so they don't fill with water when it rains.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;b&gt;Keep an eye on window and door seals.&lt;/b&gt; If these are caulked, go around at least once every six months with a caulk gun to reinforce them. Ideally, however, they should have a more secure sealant.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;b&gt;Keep a dehumidifier handy.&lt;/b&gt; If you hang clothes to dry in the basement, humidity might be a problem - and humidity in such an enclosed space can cause condensation. Keeping a dehumidifier isn't a magic bullet, but it can help if your basement moisture is coming from condensation and not seepage. But how can you tell the difference? It's fairly easy: If you have wet basement walls, find a spot that's particularly wet. Tape a section of aluminum foil to the wall, with tape around all the edges so it's airtight. Check in on it after a day or two: If the side on the inside is dry, you've got seepage. If the outside is dry, condensation is the more likely culprit.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;b&gt;If your house has an outdoor spigot, make sure it doesn't leak.&lt;/b&gt; A dripping spigot can create a concrete-eroding puddle with hardly any effort at all. If necessary, call a plumber to fix the leak - it'll be less expensive than repairing your foundation if the problem goes on too long.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;b&gt;Fix leaks the minute you discover them.&lt;/b&gt; You'll never have a dry basement if there's a constant leak. Basement moisture can come from a variety of sources; a leak has the benefit of being relatively easy to spot. A good basement waterproofing company can examine your basement to determine the type of leak you have, and recommend the best way to fix it. Look for a basement waterproofing contractor who gives a free estimate, and don't fall for any hard-sell tactics; a quality contractor will be completely honest, and give you time to make the best decision.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Kevin Ott writes on a variety of home improvement topics, including (but not limited to) mold removal and remediation. One of his clients is Right Way Waterproofing, one of the finest basement waterproofing contractors around.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Visit Right Way here:&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a target="_new" href="http://www.rightwaywaterproofing.com"&gt;http://www.rightwaywaterproofing.com&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;div class="blogger-post-footer"&gt;&lt;img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/3740640956046816501-1091036329027949817?l=contractorguide.blogspot.com' alt='' /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;</content><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://contractorguide.blogspot.com/feeds/1091036329027949817/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=3740640956046816501&amp;postID=1091036329027949817' title='1 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/3740640956046816501/posts/default/1091036329027949817'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/3740640956046816501/posts/default/1091036329027949817'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://contractorguide.blogspot.com/2009/09/six-steps-to-dry-basement.html' title='Six Steps to a Dry Basement'/><author><name>Chuck Tiber</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/04774526438395501691</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='31' height='21' src='http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_KoR1x1SmsCw/SeVHGgLvt3I/AAAAAAAAAIA/e4_3kdGOOVs/S220/Suzanne_and_Andrew_047.jpg'/></author><thr:total>1</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3740640956046816501.post-2740930377144192755</id><published>2009-09-04T21:53:00.001-07:00</published><updated>2009-09-04T21:53:58.566-07:00</updated><title type='text'>Effective Goal Setting For Busy Moms</title><content type='html'>&lt;p&gt;Have you ever been frustrated with goal setting? As busy moms, some days we barely get through our daily to-do list. Who has time for long term goals?&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Yet amidst all the family activities, I have found a way to set goals that works.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Every August for many years, I have attended a fantastic personal growth seminar called Mastermind Summit. Although top notch speakers like Zig Ziglar and Jim Rohn have been highlights, it's the goal setting session that has impacted me the most. Now that I'm a busy mom with two young children, goal setting is very centering. It helps me see what's really important to accomplish and what can be abandoned if necessary.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Here's how you can create effective goals for the year ahead, no matter how busy you are:&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;b&gt;1. Plan a goal setting time every year. &lt;/b&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Maybe you want to set goals in December for the New Year. Or you can set them in August to correlate with the school year and get your kids to set goals with you. The important thing is to establish a regular ritual of goal setting that you won't forget. Maybe you want to plan a weekend getaway on your anniversary and make sure that one hour of that weekend is committed to goal setting. Create a fun ritual that you and your family will look forward to. Be sure to celebrate past accomplishments every year with your family.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;b&gt;2. Set goals in five areas of life. &lt;/b&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;The five areas are: personal, spiritual, business, financial and family. Following are a few examples to help you brainstorm:&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Personal - to lose 10 pounds, to exercise at the gym twice a week, to learn how to play the guitar &lt;br&lt;br&gt;Spiritual - to read through the Bible in a year, to attend a spiritual retreat &lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;Business - to increase sales by 10%, to find a freelance job for 5 hours a week&lt;br&gt; &lt;br&gt;Financial - to save $2000, to make a budget for Christmas gifts &lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;Family - to take a vacation to Hawaii, to help my child learn the 50 states&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;b&gt;3. Make sure your goals are specific. &lt;/b&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;For instance, don't make a goal to "exercise more." Instead say "I am going to exercise twice a week." Now you have a measurable goal. You will know whether or not you accomplished it.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Even as busy moms, we can set goals that move our dreams forward. Effective goal setting starts with keeping it simple and specific. Keep growing alongside your children by setting personal goals for yourself and reaching them!&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Moms, want to lose your baby weight once and for all? Get results in one breakthrough month called "Losing Weight After Baby: 31 Days to a New You" Listen for just 5 minutes a day at your convenience and enjoy positive changes like smaller dress sizes and more energy. Try it risk free at &lt;a target="_new" href="http://www.LosingWeightAfterBaby.com"&gt;http://www.LosingWeightAfterBaby.com&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;div class="blogger-post-footer"&gt;&lt;img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/3740640956046816501-2740930377144192755?l=contractorguide.blogspot.com' alt='' /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;</content><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://contractorguide.blogspot.com/feeds/2740930377144192755/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=3740640956046816501&amp;postID=2740930377144192755' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/3740640956046816501/posts/default/2740930377144192755'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/3740640956046816501/posts/default/2740930377144192755'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://contractorguide.blogspot.com/2009/09/effective-goal-setting-for-busy-moms.html' title='Effective Goal Setting For Busy Moms'/><author><name>Chuck Tiber</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/04774526438395501691</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='31' height='21' src='http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_KoR1x1SmsCw/SeVHGgLvt3I/AAAAAAAAAIA/e4_3kdGOOVs/S220/Suzanne_and_Andrew_047.jpg'/></author><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3740640956046816501.post-3031774558525221704</id><published>2009-09-04T21:52:00.001-07:00</published><updated>2009-09-04T21:52:04.646-07:00</updated><title type='text'>40 Percent of the Air You Breathe Comes From the Basement</title><content type='html'>&lt;p&gt;Homeowners often wonder about what they should be focusing on for low cost projects. Saving money and keeping a sharp focus on "the bare necessities" is important. Another thing most homeowners don't know is that 40% or more of the air you breath originates in your basement. Air filters through the foundation, windows, bulkheads, and other openings to eventually join the rest of the air mass in the home that rises to meet the other floors.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Air purifiers, dehumidifiers, air conditioners and humidifiers can all run less if the basement humidity and moisture levels are under control. This means saving money on electricity and getting better air quality at the same time&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Less moisture in the air makes the air easier to move and to handle. Before an AC unit can cool the air, it has to remove the water from it. By removing the water and moisture from the air in the first place, the AC unit will run less and cool more air with ease.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Air purifiers are great, but they too can be working harder than they need too. By filtering the air at the beginning of the Stack Effect (the technical term for the air rising to circulate throughout the home) you can not only remove mold and mildew spores from the air, you can have cleaner air joining the rest of the home. Your air purifier can now help you maintain air freshness in the kitchen or where ever you need it the most with less effort and less energy.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;If you're running a dehumidifier on the 1st or 2nd floor, then you really need to focus on the basement. Focusing the use of a dehumidifier in the basement will help the series of units I've already mentioned. By removing the moisture from the air, making it easier to filter, the 1st and 2nd floor units will run less and be more effective, if they're still needed at all.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;By upgrading to a higher end model of dehumidifier you can gain the filtration of a HEPA filter (and even different grades of filtration). Depending on the style and company you buy from you can also get the ease of no longer having to empty countless buckets filled with water. These collection bins are not only a pain but are more often than not located next to heating coils in the dehumidifiers, essentially turning that area of the dehumidifier into a humidifier (talk about working harder and walking backwards!).&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;When talking about necessities focus on the health of your home. Start with the air quality originating in your basement by upgrading your dehumidifier and addressing any excessive moisture and water issues you might find there. By doing this you run fewer powered units less upstairs with better effectiveness for the air in your home.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Contact your local basement waterproofing or air quality company to get started in finding out what you can do with very little money to start improving the air quality in your home!&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Jacob Lee- pioneer basement&lt;br&gt; &lt;a target="_new" href="http://www.pioneerbasement.com"&gt;http://www.pioneerbasement.com&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;div class="blogger-post-footer"&gt;&lt;img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/3740640956046816501-3031774558525221704?l=contractorguide.blogspot.com' alt='' /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;</content><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://contractorguide.blogspot.com/feeds/3031774558525221704/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=3740640956046816501&amp;postID=3031774558525221704' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/3740640956046816501/posts/default/3031774558525221704'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/3740640956046816501/posts/default/3031774558525221704'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://contractorguide.blogspot.com/2009/09/40-percent-of-air-you-breathe-comes.html' title='40 Percent of the Air You Breathe Comes From the Basement'/><author><name>Chuck Tiber</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/04774526438395501691</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='31' height='21' src='http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_KoR1x1SmsCw/SeVHGgLvt3I/AAAAAAAAAIA/e4_3kdGOOVs/S220/Suzanne_and_Andrew_047.jpg'/></author><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3740640956046816501.post-6328579887103891406</id><published>2009-09-04T14:49:00.001-07:00</published><updated>2009-09-04T14:49:13.959-07:00</updated><title type='text'>How to Boost Your Insurance Payout on Property Damage Claims</title><content type='html'>&lt;p&gt;Filing property damage claims is a complex process that often results in the property owner being shortchanged. First and foremost, insurance companies are for-profit businesses. They aren't in the business for fun; they're in the business to make money. Insurance companies have two ways to make money: collecting premiums and minimizing payouts.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;It doesn't matter if you have a homeowners insurance claim or a commercial property insurance claim, the process is the same. You pay premiums to the insurance company for coverage. If you suffer a covered loss, you file a claim and the insurance company pays you a settlement, less any applicable deductible. However, this settlement may not be enough to fully reimburse you for your losses.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;In order to boost your insurance payout, you must not sit back and let the insurance adjuster tell you what they will pay. Instead, you need to take an active role or hire someone to act on your behalf. Remember that the insurance adjuster, no matter how nice he is, serves the insurance company whose goal is to make a profit by minimizing losses - including YOUR losses.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;On the other hand, a public insurance adjuster is one that you can hire to represent you. These adjusters document everything and negotiate higher payouts directly with your insurance company. They are licensed and are often former insurance industry employees who know how the insurance claim game is played. They can counter any tactics the insurance company throws your way and aggressively pursue maximum settlement offers. These professionals earn a percentage of the payout, so it's in their best interest to maximize it.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;If you want to boost your property damage payout on your own, find a reputable contractor who will be doing the repairs and ask the contractor to be present during the insurance adjuster's visit. The contractor will have the expertise to point out all structural and cosmetic damage - damage that the insurance adjuster may have overlooked on his own. In addition, the contractor will ensure that estimates reflect actual rebuilding and material costs. The insurance adjuster relies on books and software for making estimates while a real contractor has working knowledge of real world costs.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;One of the most important tasks when boosting an insurance payout takes a bit of work on your part. You must thoroughly document EVERYTHING. Invest in a digital camera with a huge storage card and take hundreds of pictures. For example, if you have water damage, take pictures showing the standing water and water level as well as pictures of every single damaged item, especially those that you must throw out due to safety concerns.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Next, use a notebook or your computer to write down a complete inventory of damaged items along with their original cost and estimated replacement cost. Include everything, even small items. You'd be surprised at how your small losses soon add up to significant amounts. For example, if the contents of your refrigerator must be replaced due to the power being out for several days during a flood, make a thorough inventory of all items, even condiments. At $2 to $4 a bottle for salad dressing, mayonnaise, ketchup, and olives, it doesn't take long before you have a huge grocery bill just to restock the basics.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Don't forget to keep receipts for any emergency repairs, temporary lodging, and other related expenses and include them on your claim. When filing the claim, be as thorough as possible and make sure that the claim form is complete and legible. Insurance companies love to delay payouts due to "missing or incomplete" information.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;By taking a proactive approach to filing a property damage claim, you will definitely boost your payout.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Dryout Inc.&lt;br&gt; 1415 Colonial Blvd.&lt;br&gt; Fort Myers, Fl. 33907&lt;br&gt; Mr. Mark Decherd&lt;br&gt; &lt;a target="_new" href="http://www.dryout.net"&gt;http://www.dryout.net&lt;/a&gt;&lt;BR&gt; 239-437-7100&lt;BR&gt; &lt;a target="_new" href="http://www.dryout.net"&gt;Water Damage&lt;/A&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Dryout Inc Emergency water damage restoration, drying, deodorization, decontamination, disinfection, mold removal, water and fire damage repair services by a network of trained specialists, technicians and restoration professionals across the USA.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;div class="blogger-post-footer"&gt;&lt;img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/3740640956046816501-6328579887103891406?l=contractorguide.blogspot.com' alt='' /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;</content><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://contractorguide.blogspot.com/feeds/6328579887103891406/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=3740640956046816501&amp;postID=6328579887103891406' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/3740640956046816501/posts/default/6328579887103891406'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/3740640956046816501/posts/default/6328579887103891406'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://contractorguide.blogspot.com/2009/09/how-to-boost-your-insurance-payout-on.html' title='How to Boost Your Insurance Payout on Property Damage Claims'/><author><name>Chuck Tiber</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/04774526438395501691</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='31' height='21' src='http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_KoR1x1SmsCw/SeVHGgLvt3I/AAAAAAAAAIA/e4_3kdGOOVs/S220/Suzanne_and_Andrew_047.jpg'/></author><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3740640956046816501.post-3514295443602783510</id><published>2009-09-04T11:34:00.001-07:00</published><updated>2009-09-04T11:34:40.814-07:00</updated><title type='text'>Act on C02</title><content type='html'>&lt;p&gt;I calculated my carbon footprint and I was surprised. Am I really above average for my CO2 emissions? After reading careful advice and switching my habits my footprint shrunk and over time I have become increasingly green. We are being told more frequently that we should reduce our carbon emissions and our carbon footprints but in real terms what does this mean? There are a number of simple everyday things which you can do to combat your emissions and start living a greener life. Switching off your electrical goods from standby, switching off lights when you are not in the room and buying energy efficient appliances are just some of the contributing factors we can easily change.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;When buying new appliances it should be at the forefront of your mind to buy one with a better energy rating. Manufacturers have caught up with consumers green demands and now nearly every appliance out there has been designed to help you act on CO2. Let's explore refrigerators. Being logical, these appliances are by far one of the hardest working in your home, being used 24/7 to chill your foods, so of course you need to consider the environment when making this type of purchase. It is not just the planet which benefits, your bills will see the difference also! If everyone in the UK were to switch to more energy efficient appliances then the saving would be in the region of 800 million, so just imagine if we all played our part in achieving that! Also, entertainment equipment switched from standby to off will save 37* a year, energy is frequently wasted though people leaving equipment on stand by. Remember to unplug chargers, this can be a real waste of energy and is a simple task which we all can remember to do.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;The government is well aware that carbon emissions are an increasing concern, which is why we are all being encouraged to act on CO2. An energy rating is awarded to appliances on the scale A-G. A being the most efficient, G being the least, G rated appliances are rarely seen now. Refrigerators can be awarded up to an A+ energy rating, most shoppers now as well as having dimensions, colour and style in mind when choosing a new refrigerator, head straight for A and A+ rated models. We are all so aware of the impact we are having on the environment that it makes perfect sense to start with the items we use everyday and like I mentioned before, fridges don't take a break! An A+ or A rated washing machine will save around 35kg of CO2 a year compared to a less efficient model, also remember to wash full loads on an energy efficient setting as this will all help to reduce bills as well as CO2 emissions.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Apart from choosing a more energy efficient model there are other elements to consider when looking to act on CO2. You should only open your fridge when necessary and remember that keeping it open for a longer period of time will waste energy. A fuller fridge is a happy fridge, the more you have stored inside the appliance the less energy will be required to keep the fridge cool. It is not only washing machines and fridges which benefit from being fuller, if you fill your dishwasher as much as you can before you start a cycle this will help reduce CO2, in addition to this - always run a cycle on a more energy efficient setting. Make sure you defrost your fridge regularly, this prevents build up of any ice and will mean your &lt;a target="_new" rel="nofollow" href="http://www.appliancesonline.co.uk/Refrigerators/Refrigerators.aspx?action=clean&amp;mNode=29"&gt;refrigerator&lt;/a&gt; is running more efficiently - look out for refrigerators which have an auto defrost feature saving you time and energy.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Here is another energy saving tip. When your television first arrives at your house the settings for brightness and contrast are always really bright, this is for showroom purposes - not living room. Therefore, turn the brightness down and you can save up to 15%** energy. Quite a lot for just adjusting a simple setting! Believe it or not this will improve picture quality and make viewing your television more enjoyable. Alternatively, you could switch off the TV altogether and read a book, play a game or try something different - have fun while reducing that footprint!&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Another fact which should be thought about. Nearly 25%** of car journeys are less then 2 miles in distance and cars consume most fuel at the start of their journey. How many times do we drive to the local shops or to our friends for a coffee? Too many times! Not only would walking reduce CO2 emissions but walking a short distance daily can start to improve fitness levels - a win win situation.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;We all want to do our bit, perhaps it is best to start off small and then really get into the swing of living a greener life. So tonight when you go to bed have a look around and make sure all the red standby lights are not staring back at you. And think of your poor old fridge, it isn't contributing to reducing your emissions if the energy rating is low so make sure that you consider an investment for your future and find an efficient refrigerator which will help you to act on CO2.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;References:&lt;br&gt;* energysavingtrust.co.uk&lt;br&gt;** &lt;a target="_new" rel="nofollow" href="http://actonCO2.direct.gov.uk/index.html"&gt;Act on CO2&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;div class="blogger-post-footer"&gt;&lt;img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/3740640956046816501-3514295443602783510?l=contractorguide.blogspot.com' alt='' /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;</content><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://contractorguide.blogspot.com/feeds/3514295443602783510/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=3740640956046816501&amp;postID=3514295443602783510' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/3740640956046816501/posts/default/3514295443602783510'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/3740640956046816501/posts/default/3514295443602783510'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://contractorguide.blogspot.com/2009/09/act-on-c02.html' title='Act on C02'/><author><name>Chuck Tiber</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/04774526438395501691</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='31' height='21' src='http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_KoR1x1SmsCw/SeVHGgLvt3I/AAAAAAAAAIA/e4_3kdGOOVs/S220/Suzanne_and_Andrew_047.jpg'/></author><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3740640956046816501.post-1487096151850962098</id><published>2009-09-04T07:52:00.001-07:00</published><updated>2009-09-04T07:52:34.133-07:00</updated><title type='text'>Choosing a Home Renovation Contractor</title><content type='html'>&lt;p&gt;So you've decided that you want to renovate your house. Great, there is no better way to create a home that reflects your tastes and style than renovating your own home.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Home improvements can raise the value of your home and create a better lifestyle for you and your family.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Planning home improvements generally fall into two categories. There are the Do It Yourself home improvement projects where you supply all the work. Then there are the home renovations where you hire a contractor(s) to complete the work for you. We will focus on the second type of home renovation.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;The best place to find skilled contractors are referrals from family or friends that have had similar work done to their own homes. You can also use one of the on-line services that will refer pre-screened contractors for your project. Make sure to check with the Better Business Bureau under the company and personal name of the business owner for anyone that you are considering.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Before you even get to the bidding process you need to call and verify that each contractor has workman's comp, property damage and personal liability insurances. They should also be licensed as needed for the work they are doing. Make sure that they understand that if they are requested to bid they will need to present proof of this information and that all work must be to local building codes.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Next step is for you to whittle down your list to the best three or four possibilities. You do this by requesting at least three referral names and phone numbers for completed work that is similar to your project from each potential contractor.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Don't be shy about asking each referral for a chance to see their finished renovation work. Ask questions about the timeliness of the project and whether it was completed on budget. Most people will be happy to share with you and may even have a couple of good ideas to pass along.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;After this you should be able to choose the best three or four contractors who you then ask for a bid based upon the same exact work and materials. Don't automatically pick the lowest price.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;At this point, you should start expecting to feel a certain chemistry with the individual contractors. Remember that the home renovation contractor that you choose will be in and around your home for the duration of your project. You need to feel comfortable with them.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Make sure that you understand whether or not each contractor is doing multiple jobs and whether you can expect them or a foreman to be on site during the work.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Once you choose the contractor that you want to use, make sure that you get your agreement in writing. This is the time to ask for a copy of their contractors license and insurance binder that state you are covered for your project.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Make sure that the entire scope of your project is outlined including items like who pays for everything from trash hauling to the porta-pot. The agreement needs to outline who is going to be responsible for demolition, materials and clean-up.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Try to think off everything that will be used or needed. It is only fair that a contractor charge extra for extra work so if you forget something it can easily cause your project to go over budget.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;When specifying materials avoid the use of the terms comparable or equal. Make sure that you check on-line or at a hardware store so you understand the costs of materials, electrical fixtures and plumbing fixtures and materials. Any changes in the specific materials or brands should require you to sign off on and agreeing to the change.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Make payments as the work progresses. Try to keep the initial deposits as low as possible. You should be aware that subcontractors can place a lien on your property if they are not paid. Make sure that as you pay for each portion of the completed work you get a release of lien signed or at least proof that your contractor is paying the subs in a timely manner.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Do not sign any type of completion document or pay the final balances until all work has passed the final code inspections.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Finally, you should also be aware that during renovations of older homes surprises can appear. Things that couldn't be expected until actual demolition started. Make sure that you keep an extra reserve funds for those situations. It will allow you to take them in stride and make sure that your whole renovation project gets completed just the way you envisioned it.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;You can make your next home renovation project go smoothly following the tips and suggestions of author Bob Current. For more information and ideas check out &lt;a target="_new" href="http://www.homeimprovementtips.info"&gt;http://www.homeimprovementtips.info&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;div class="blogger-post-footer"&gt;&lt;img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/3740640956046816501-1487096151850962098?l=contractorguide.blogspot.com' alt='' /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;</content><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://contractorguide.blogspot.com/feeds/1487096151850962098/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=3740640956046816501&amp;postID=1487096151850962098' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/3740640956046816501/posts/default/1487096151850962098'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/3740640956046816501/posts/default/1487096151850962098'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://contractorguide.blogspot.com/2009/09/choosing-home-renovation-contractor.html' title='Choosing a Home Renovation Contractor'/><author><name>Chuck Tiber</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/04774526438395501691</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='31' height='21' src='http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_KoR1x1SmsCw/SeVHGgLvt3I/AAAAAAAAAIA/e4_3kdGOOVs/S220/Suzanne_and_Andrew_047.jpg'/></author><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3740640956046816501.post-191013573928538388</id><published>2009-09-04T01:08:00.001-07:00</published><updated>2009-09-04T01:08:07.105-07:00</updated><title type='text'>Saving Mortgage Money in the Credit Crunch</title><content type='html'>&lt;p&gt;Tips that will save you money&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;You should first take a close look at your living expenses... debts, loans, phone bills, mortgages... Then shop around to find the best deals in the marketplace for each of these cost centres.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Mortgage Review&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;You are unlikely to make a more expensive purchase than your home, so you need to find the best deal for your repayments. If your mortgage is being repaid at the full standard variable rate you will almost certainly be able to find a more competitive rate. The base rate is falling nearly every month so you should be able to pick up an excellent deal. Do not feel that you are tied to your own building society or bank, but check that you will not incur financial penalties if you swap mortgage providers.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Take a Look at your Bank Account&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Is your current bank account right for you? A survey has revealed that 52% of current account holders are missing out on an extra 3 per cent interest on their savings and are paying 12% too much on their overdraft&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Having an overdraft does not prevent you from changing banks In fact on transferring your account some banks will offer a lower, perhaps even zero, interest rate on your overdraft for a specific length of time. There is no better place to look for good deals than on the internet...especially on comparison sites.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Save on Fuel Costs&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;You can save money and help to protect our planet's environment by choosing the right energy services for your home and using them wisely. Electricity is generated using gas, coal or oil, which releases carbon dioxide into the air, thus increasing the adverse effects of global warming. If everyone insulated their homes, thereby reducing the energy we use, we would help the environment and save money.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Grants to Save Energy&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Local authorities offer a wide range of grants to assist you with draught proofing, hot water tank insulation, loft insulation, cavity wall insulation.....Every authority has different criteria, which have to be met before they will award a grant, but it is well worthwhile enquiring to see if you are eligible.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Electricity and Gas Providers&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Few markets are more competitive than domestic energy supply, so you should be able to pick up a good deal by shopping around. Make sure your new supplier offers a good service before signing up. In a continually changing marketplace, on line comparison sites are a good way of finding the best offer at that particular time. Many people can save 150 a year by changing suppliers and you can often get additional discounts by paying through a direct debit agreement.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Installing Double Glazing&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;There is no better way of saving energy than through double glazing your home. To have double glazing installed by a professional company is expensive, but there are a range of inexpensive DIY kits available. These kits will not be as efficient as purpose made double glazed windows, but they will reduce draughts and save you money for just a few hours work.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Installing Insulation&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Insulating your home can save you up to a third on your heating bills. Research has shown that 20 per cent of heat loss is through your walls, roof and ceilings. Roof insulation must be at least 150mm thick to be effective. Heat loss can be reduced by two thirds by installing wall insulation. Your hot water heating bill will fall substantially by fitting an insulating jacket.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Kings College Brokers offer great deals on &lt;a target="_new" href="http://www.kings-college-brokers.co.uk"&gt;Mortgages&lt;/a&gt;, Loans and other financial products. Visit our site for more info. Our sister site Brokers Online offers cutting edge articles and information about &lt;a target="_new" href="http://www.life-assurance-bureau.co.uk/mortgages/"&gt;Life Insurance&lt;/a&gt; and other great financial products.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;div class="blogger-post-footer"&gt;&lt;img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/3740640956046816501-191013573928538388?l=contractorguide.blogspot.com' alt='' /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;</content><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://contractorguide.blogspot.com/feeds/191013573928538388/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=3740640956046816501&amp;postID=191013573928538388' title='1 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/3740640956046816501/posts/default/191013573928538388'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/3740640956046816501/posts/default/191013573928538388'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://contractorguide.blogspot.com/2009/09/saving-mortgage-money-in-credit-crunch.html' title='Saving Mortgage Money in the Credit Crunch'/><author><name>Chuck Tiber</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/04774526438395501691</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='31' height='21' src='http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_KoR1x1SmsCw/SeVHGgLvt3I/AAAAAAAAAIA/e4_3kdGOOVs/S220/Suzanne_and_Andrew_047.jpg'/></author><thr:total>1</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3740640956046816501.post-3074784793776969130</id><published>2009-09-04T00:39:00.001-07:00</published><updated>2009-09-04T00:39:58.613-07:00</updated><title type='text'>Problems With New Houses - Home Building</title><content type='html'>&lt;p&gt;The house you live in was probably a mass produced home built as part of a housing track. The track home is a rapidly built house in phases. These phases if possible will over lap the other home building trades. If possible you will have the plumbers working on the same house as the electricians and the framers. This is called fast tracking.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Fast tracking a house is building a home as fast as humanly possible. So you can imagine the pressures put on all of the people involved in building a track home.&lt;br&gt;The pace is so fast sometimes that I have seen job superintendents and foremen look like they were actually going to blow up. I mean explode from the pressure they where under.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Framing the stairs on the job was the same experience for me most of the time. Sometimes I had three jobs going at once. Think about it. At the most, I could only go to each of the jobs twice each week. That involved working on Saturday of course. This made a lot of framing foremen extremely upset. They had full time crews on their jobs always working five days a week. If I missed one day of work. I was behind for the rest of the job.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Now it rarely happened but if I did miss a day of work I had to make it up some how. The only way to make it up was by working late or on Sunday. Well most of the time I worked six days a week from 7:00 in the mourning until 5:00 at night. So working late meant sunrise to sunset. Oh did I mention that I did have a family. This wasn't easy for them either.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;One time I got so far behind on a job that I was putting stairs in while they were roofing the houses. Talk about one unhappy foreman. I think you get the idea about the pressure I was under to install these stairs on time. My experience building stairs on track built homes taught me to build homes extremely fast while being proficient.&lt;br&gt;I'm not interested in working like that anymore. My life is simple now and I want to keep it that way. The next time you see a construction worker working late on a Saturday show some compassion. Maybe by reading this article you will understand some of the pressure he is under.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Building tract homes is hard on you mentally and physically.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Happy Home building.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;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 &lt;a target="_new" href="http://stairs4u.com/eimage/howtobuildstraightstairs.htm"&gt;building stairs books&lt;/a&gt; and adding useful content to help solve problems created by the lack of construction knowledge in the building industry. &lt;a target="_new" href="http://stairs4u.com/stairwaysafety.htm"&gt;Stairway Safety&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;div class="blogger-post-footer"&gt;&lt;img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/3740640956046816501-3074784793776969130?l=contractorguide.blogspot.com' alt='' /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;</content><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://contractorguide.blogspot.com/feeds/3074784793776969130/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=3740640956046816501&amp;postID=3074784793776969130' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/3740640956046816501/posts/default/3074784793776969130'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/3740640956046816501/posts/default/3074784793776969130'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://contractorguide.blogspot.com/2009/09/problems-with-new-houses-home-building.html' title='Problems With New Houses - Home Building'/><author><name>Chuck Tiber</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/04774526438395501691</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='31' height='21' src='http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_KoR1x1SmsCw/SeVHGgLvt3I/AAAAAAAAAIA/e4_3kdGOOVs/S220/Suzanne_and_Andrew_047.jpg'/></author><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3740640956046816501.post-6403348489899211070</id><published>2009-09-03T17:42:00.001-07:00</published><updated>2009-09-03T17:42:04.727-07:00</updated><title type='text'>Fiber-Cement Siding Compared to Vinyl Siding</title><content type='html'>&lt;p&gt;In the world of remodeling the exterior of your home, there are several things to consider when comparing fiber-cement siding to vinyl siding.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Disguising the Problem&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Vinyl siding is sometimes used as a cover-up to be placed over the old damaged cladding. The current problems may still exist. Sometimes it may be improperly installed. This invites insects and moisture to build up behind the panels, and may even go through the structure of the home.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Flammable&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Vinyl facing may melt or burn if it too close to a heat source such as your grill or a close by fire. The flammability of the cladding is such a concern that some counties/districts are starting to educate homeowners about its natural flammability.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Fiber-cement facing is non-combustible when exposed to significant amount of heat or flame. It has been appreciated for this safety feature. It is also approved for fire-rated structure. &lt;br&gt;Fading&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;All colors fade from the sun and there are several options that you can do to replace vinyl cladding. You can install a replacement piece and try to find the matching color of your original siding. You can also replace all the cladding again if you can't find the matching color. You may also paint the facing, but keep in mind this type of facing is made to expand and contract which will cause the paint to chip and peel over time.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Fiber-cement facing can be painted any color that you desire. It will also remain longer than with wood. It won't crack and peel as quickly as vinyl.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Warranty&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Always look at the warranty before your purchase. Look closely at the "Life-Time" to see how many years the warranty really covers and also what is covered. Check the "Normal Weathering" section to see what their definition is of normal weathering.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Fiber-cement facing may be found to have a 50 year transferable limited product warranty, and a 15 year finish warranty. This warranty is good for even the most sever climates.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Poor Quality and Aesthetics&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Vinyl siding may not look as natural as wood. It has overlapping seams and fake wood grains that try to copy the appearance of wood.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Fiber-cement siding has the beauty of real wood with the ability to be painted any color and not have the chipping and peeling of vinyl or wood. There are no overlapping seams to take away from the natural appearance it will lend to the home.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Weather Resistant&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Fiber-cement cladding is a very durable product that can even withstand the most severe climates. It will not go brittle in the cold or be damaged by flying debris like the other type of cladding is known to do. &lt;br&gt;Thickness&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;The great amount of thickness that accompanies fiber-cement cladding adds to the products strength that provides impact resistance from wind or hail.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;The finest vinyl siding is only 5/100th inch thick.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;These are several things you need to consider when investing in the exterior of your home. In the long run, having fiber-cement siding is aesthetically and financially more sound than having vinyl siding which is an inferior product.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Mr. Oliver is a marketing agent of Blue Ridge Exteriors. The siding contractor provides James Hardie Siding throughout the Richmond Virginia area. For more information on their &lt;a target="_new" href="http://www.blueridgeexteriors.com/"&gt;James Hardie Siding&lt;/a&gt; please visit their website.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;div class="blogger-post-footer"&gt;&lt;img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/3740640956046816501-6403348489899211070?l=contractorguide.blogspot.com' alt='' /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;</content><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://contractorguide.blogspot.com/feeds/6403348489899211070/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=3740640956046816501&amp;postID=6403348489899211070' title='1 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/3740640956046816501/posts/default/6403348489899211070'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/3740640956046816501/posts/default/6403348489899211070'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://contractorguide.blogspot.com/2009/09/fiber-cement-siding-compared-to-vinyl.html' title='Fiber-Cement Siding Compared to Vinyl Siding'/><author><name>Chuck Tiber</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/04774526438395501691</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='31' height='21' src='http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_KoR1x1SmsCw/SeVHGgLvt3I/AAAAAAAAAIA/e4_3kdGOOVs/S220/Suzanne_and_Andrew_047.jpg'/></author><thr:total>1</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3740640956046816501.post-7607231128260107351</id><published>2009-09-03T14:21:00.001-07:00</published><updated>2009-09-03T14:21:54.768-07:00</updated><title type='text'>Home Built Wind Generator Power - Save Money With DIY Wind Power</title><content type='html'>&lt;p&gt;A lot of people today are saving a ton of money on their electric bill by creating their own electricity. There is volumes of information available online to help you create your own home wind power. You can do a Google search for diy wind power, or a similar term that describes creating your own electricity from wind power.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;You will find dozens of websites that offer you a downloadable instruction kit, with resources for parts and supplies included. Make sure which ever one you choose offers at least a full 60 day money back guarantee. Also know that you should not have to spend more than fifty or sixty bucks to get a good instruction kit, with online video tutorials as well as pdf instructions.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Two things that are very important to know before you get to far into a home built wind generator power system for your residence.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Very important: You may need a permit from your city or county. In some areas, this may require submitting plans, including drawings and details about the wind turbine system you are planning to install. Check with Department of Building Inspection and the Department of Planning for your city or county.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;This is an important step, especially if you are planning on connecting to the grid. You absolutely cannot connect any type of power generating system directly into the wiring of your home without the proper permits. It is a matter of safety for you and for the utility company employees that service your area.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Connecting to the public power grid. Connecting your wind power to the public power grid allows you to qualify for net metering in many areas. Net metering measures the excess power you create, directs it into the local power grid and...the power company pays &lt;em&gt;&lt;strong&gt;you!&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;You really can save hundreds of dollars annually by creating your own &lt;a target="_new" href="http://windsolarhouse.com/wind"&gt;home built wind generator power&lt;/a&gt; For help in determining where to find good sound advice, for an easy to follow, do-it-yourself instruction kit, go to &lt;a target="_new" href="http://windsolarhouse.com/wind"&gt;http://www.windsolarhouse.com/blog&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;div class="blogger-post-footer"&gt;&lt;img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/3740640956046816501-7607231128260107351?l=contractorguide.blogspot.com' alt='' /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;</content><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://contractorguide.blogspot.com/feeds/7607231128260107351/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=3740640956046816501&amp;postID=7607231128260107351' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/3740640956046816501/posts/default/7607231128260107351'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/3740640956046816501/posts/default/7607231128260107351'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://contractorguide.blogspot.com/2009/09/home-built-wind-generator-power-save.html' title='Home Built Wind Generator Power - Save Money With DIY Wind Power'/><author><name>Chuck Tiber</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/04774526438395501691</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='31' height='21' src='http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_KoR1x1SmsCw/SeVHGgLvt3I/AAAAAAAAAIA/e4_3kdGOOVs/S220/Suzanne_and_Andrew_047.jpg'/></author><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3740640956046816501.post-821478108545835918</id><published>2009-09-03T10:28:00.001-07:00</published><updated>2009-09-03T10:28:45.750-07:00</updated><title type='text'>How To Spruce Up Your Patio - Creative Home Ideas</title><content type='html'>&lt;p&gt;Tired of the same boring patio? Why not give it a makeover? Here are some tips that you can use in sprucing up your patio:&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;b&gt;Fill it up with chairs&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;One way of upgrading the appearance of your patio is through the addition of chairs. Choose high-quality chairs like Adirondack rocking chairs or Amish-made rocking chairs made from the finest hard wood. These chairs will provide you with the comfort and relaxation you need while staying in your patio. Also, when choosing a rocking chair, keep in mind the type of material used. Make sure that the wood used in the construction of the rocking chair is weather-resistant and sturdy. If you're not a fan of chairs, maybe you should buy a hammock instead. It is still comfortable to chill in, pleasant to look at, and inexpensive to purchase. Also, like the rocking chair, the hammock sways.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;b&gt;Put a cute tiny table&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Where there are chairs, there are at least one table. Add a cute tiny table that is made preferably from the same type of wood material as the chairs. Matching chairs and tables will certainly add up to the flair of your patio. Choose a table that is simple yet stylish. Like the chairs, your table must be weather-resistant since it will be staying outdoors for a long time. The table is a good spot to place your cold drinks or afternoon snacks while you're enjoying a little sun outside the house. The table is certainly a good addition to your patio!&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;b&gt;Buy an outdoor whirlpool bathtub.&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Why not purchase your very own whirlpool bathtub? You will have the chance to experience the soothing sensation provided by the whirlpool effects of the water. It is recommended for people who are stressed by work or school because it relaxes the muscles and cleanses the skin. Since the tub is quite spacious, you can also enjoy it with your friends. You can catch up on the latest Hollywood gossips and the recent prime-time soap episodes while eliminating those unwanted dirt and dead cells off your bodies. Now that is relaxation!&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;b&gt;Add some useful gadgets and pretty accessories.&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Decorate your patio with some useful gadgets. Add outdoor heaters or fireplaces to add warmth in your patio during cold weathers. If you want, you can also add a mosquito-inhibitor or an insect-control unit that keeps insects and other pests away from your place. For an added personal touch, you can also put in some accessories like decorative planters, wall fountains, garden bells, and outdoor umbrellas.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Jerry Brecken is a freelance writer who is currently writing for My Rocking Chairs, a guide to selecting and buying &lt;a target="_new" href="http://www.myrockingchairs.com/types/nursery-rocking-chairs.html"&gt;nursery rocking chairs&lt;/a&gt;, and &lt;a target="_new" href="http://www.myrockingchairs.com/types/massage-rocking-chairs.html"&gt;massage rocking chairs&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;div class="blogger-post-footer"&gt;&lt;img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/3740640956046816501-821478108545835918?l=contractorguide.blogspot.com' alt='' /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;</content><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://contractorguide.blogspot.com/feeds/821478108545835918/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=3740640956046816501&amp;postID=821478108545835918' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/3740640956046816501/posts/default/821478108545835918'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/3740640956046816501/posts/default/821478108545835918'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://contractorguide.blogspot.com/2009/09/how-to-spruce-up-your-patio-creative.html' title='How To Spruce Up Your Patio - Creative Home Ideas'/><author><name>Chuck Tiber</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/04774526438395501691</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='31' height='21' src='http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_KoR1x1SmsCw/SeVHGgLvt3I/AAAAAAAAAIA/e4_3kdGOOVs/S220/Suzanne_and_Andrew_047.jpg'/></author><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3740640956046816501.post-3081605851572887161</id><published>2009-09-03T03:58:00.001-07:00</published><updated>2009-09-03T03:58:39.299-07:00</updated><title type='text'>The Eco-Friendly Kitchen Remodel</title><content type='html'>&lt;p&gt;The environment may be suffering from the endless barrage of technological advances, but your kitchen remodeling project doesn't have to contribute to the eco-unfriendly trend. Fortunately for the modern-day homeowner, there are many ways to remodel a kitchen without leaving behind a jarring impact on the world in which we live.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Late last year, Low Impact Living, a Web portal devoted to helping individuals lower the environmental impact of their home and their daily life, published an article titled "Low Impact Living: Green Your Kitchen." Therein, advice was given on how to reduce the "biggest resource hog" room in the house: the kitchen.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;More specifically, the site offered the following seven suggestions to homeowners who are planning a kitchen remodel on how "to lower their environmental impact and also to live in a healthier home":&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Tip #1: "Use energy-saving appliances." - In particular, the article recommends choosing appliances with an Energy Star label. Such appliances, the author points out, "can save as much as 50% of your energy and water use, and can cut your carbon footprint by 1000+ pounds, compared to standard appliances."&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Tip #2: "Use compact fluorescent lighting." - These types of bulbs "use 1/4 the energy and last up to 10 times as long as standard bulbs," the author enthuses.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Tip #3: "Recycle and Re-Use." - Never throw away anything that can be used again. The world's landfills will thank you.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Tip #4: "Eat Organic, Eat Local." - Organic eating "keeps chemicals from running off into our oceans and rivers from non-organic farms" while local eating "means tons of carbon dioxide are not released into the atmosphere in the process of transporting food to you."&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Tip #5: "Get green cleaners." - No more breathing "in a fine mist of harmful (to you and the environment) chemicals" every time you spray.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Tip #6: "Compost." - "Save landfill space and make your own rich potting soil using a composter," the author suggests&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Tip #7: "Only run your dishwasher when you have a full load." - You'll save energy and water at the same time.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Tips # 4 through #7 are up to you once your kitchen has been remodeled, but tips #1 through #3 can be taken into consideration prior to your kitchen remodeling's commencement. To work maximum green friendliness into your remodeled kitchen, you'll want to consult an online provider of kitchen remodeling ideas and links to a wide array of recognized leaders in the world of cabinet, countertop, faucets, sinks, flooring, lighting, ventilation, window and appliance manufacturers. That way, you can pick and choose the kitchen remodeling options that are most environmentally friendly.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;An environmentally friendly remodeled kitchen with Energy Star appliances, compact fluorescent lighting bulbs and recycle-encouraging furnishings is just a few mouse clicks away.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;While you're at it, work these additional HGTV green kitchen ideas into your kitchen remodel:&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Water-Saving Features - "Choose faucets with aerators, which inject air bubbles into the water stream to achieve the same pressure with less volume."&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Flooring - "Linoleum is enjoying a comeback, largely due to its green properties."&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Finishes - Look for "eco-friendly paints, stains and finishes that reduce exposure to harmful compounds."&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Carmen Fontana is a Web Services Manger for &lt;a target="_new" href="http://www.wris.com"&gt;Western Reserve Internet Services&lt;/a&gt;. She recommends visiting the &lt;a target="_new" href="http://www.superkitchens.com"&gt;SuperKitchens website&lt;/a&gt; for more information on remodeling your kitchen with green principles.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;div class="blogger-post-footer"&gt;&lt;img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/3740640956046816501-3081605851572887161?l=contractorguide.blogspot.com' alt='' /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;</content><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://contractorguide.blogspot.com/feeds/3081605851572887161/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=3740640956046816501&amp;postID=3081605851572887161' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/3740640956046816501/posts/default/3081605851572887161'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/3740640956046816501/posts/default/3081605851572887161'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://contractorguide.blogspot.com/2009/09/eco-friendly-kitchen-remodel.html' title='The Eco-Friendly Kitchen Remodel'/><author><name>Chuck Tiber</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/04774526438395501691</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='31' height='21' src='http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_KoR1x1SmsCw/SeVHGgLvt3I/AAAAAAAAAIA/e4_3kdGOOVs/S220/Suzanne_and_Andrew_047.jpg'/></author><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3740640956046816501.post-4969167070340765742</id><published>2009-09-03T03:25:00.001-07:00</published><updated>2009-09-03T03:25:20.855-07:00</updated><title type='text'>Are Resistance Piers Right For Your Home?</title><content type='html'>&lt;p&gt;The resistance pier belongs to a family of foundation repair products that are sometimes referred to as micro piles, push piers, or steel piers. These foundation repair products are driven hydraulically into the soil using the structural weight of the building as a reaction force.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;A friction reduction collar is attached to the lead section of pier pipe. The purpose of the collar is to create an opening in the soil that has a larger diameter than the pier pipe. This dramatically reduces the skin friction on the pier pipe as it is driven into the soil and allows the installer to load test and verify that the pier encountered firm bearing stratum or rock that is suitable to support the design load.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Resistance piers like other steel piers are an end-bearing pier that does not rely upon nor requires skin friction to produce support. Each pier is field load tested after it is installed. The piers are able to develop a factor of safety because the piers are installed and load tested individually using the maximum weight of the structure as the reaction force. The ability of the system to develop significant factors of safety comes from the different methods used between pier installation and load transfer during restoration.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;The piers are driven individually and the entire structure works as the reaction; but during load transfer hydraulic cylinders are placed at multiple locations thus reducing the load on each pier to only the design working load. A building with substantial construction and rigidity can develop greater pier factors of safety than a weaker structure. A &lt;a target="_new" rel="nofollow" href="http://www.earthcontactproducts.com/ECPSteelPiers.asp"&gt;quality resistance pier system&lt;/a&gt;, incorporating a synchronized lifting system, is the first step towards fixing your structures failing foundation.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;About the Author:&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Jeff Tully invites you to view his website &lt;a target="_new" href="http://www.myfoundationrepairs.com"&gt;http://www.myfoundationrepairs.com&lt;/a&gt; if you are having any foundation issues including bowing walls, cracks in your foundation or any type of settlement issue. On this website you will find the truth about foundation repair methods and what you should expect. There are many misconceptions about foundation piers or tie backs, get the straight answers here&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;This site was designed and built with the homeowner in mind is the only true source for foundation repair and waterproofing information. From determining if you really have a structural issue to hiring an engineer or foundation expert, you will find the answers on my site&lt;/p&gt;&lt;div class="blogger-post-footer"&gt;&lt;img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/3740640956046816501-4969167070340765742?l=contractorguide.blogspot.com' alt='' /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;</content><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://contractorguide.blogspot.com/feeds/4969167070340765742/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=3740640956046816501&amp;postID=4969167070340765742' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/3740640956046816501/posts/default/4969167070340765742'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/3740640956046816501/posts/default/4969167070340765742'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://contractorguide.blogspot.com/2009/09/are-resistance-piers-right-for-your.html' title='Are Resistance Piers Right For Your Home?'/><author><name>Chuck Tiber</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/04774526438395501691</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='31' height='21' src='http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_KoR1x1SmsCw/SeVHGgLvt3I/AAAAAAAAAIA/e4_3kdGOOVs/S220/Suzanne_and_Andrew_047.jpg'/></author><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3740640956046816501.post-5865763420574520673</id><published>2009-09-02T20:33:00.001-07:00</published><updated>2009-09-02T20:33:21.460-07:00</updated><title type='text'>The Secrets of Ranch Home Expansions</title><content type='html'>&lt;p&gt;Many people see a ranch house as an unassuming, single-floor house. As such, ranch owners and will frequently implement extensive landscaping of their yards to make their home look special in a neighborhood full of copycats. Somewhere along the line, however, a homeowner might decide to renovate the interior and begin renovations to make the home more attractive and more functional. If you are a ranch owner looking to update your post-war era home, here are some renovation secrets to help you get started with planning.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;In general, a ranch home consists of a kitchen, living area, two to three bedrooms, and one and a half bathrooms. Most are built over a full basement, and it is not uncommon to see a garage built on with a door leading into the kitchen. Implementing ranch renovation project can be as simple as building deck that extends from the back of the home, enclosing a patio area in the front yard, or finishing the basement to create comfortable space where the family can unwind.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;As you consider a ranch house project, it is essential that you establish what changes are most important in your opinion and the opinions of others living in the home. Think about your experience in the house, and recall any time you found yourself wishing that something was different or more convenient. Perhaps a cozy enclosed space in the back of the house would make it more "homey," along with a back door that opens to a new patio. If you are thinking about building a space outside to be closer to the outdoors, you have many options. You could install a spacious wooden deck, a covered space with a concrete floor, or even a whole sunroom &lt;a target="_new" rel="nofollow" href="http://www.replacement-windows-tips.com/bay-windows.html"&gt;with a bay window&lt;/a&gt; where you could relax and entertain guests.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Perhaps you enjoy the overall look of your ranch house, but in your opinion it is important to expand to get some much-needed space. At some point, you might need more bedrooms, or maybe you need to put in a study or den to add to the common area. If you are considering a plan that will not fit into the home's floor plan, you can always partition off the basement to make new rooms.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;The basement is where your essential utilities function, like the furnace, laundry facilities and your hot water tank. If you take the step of building walls around these appliances, the remainder of your basement is free to become a space recreational activities, or family room. In addition, additional dividers could be added to partition the space, creating additional areas that could become bedrooms and study areas for your growing family.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Being especially interested in bay window treatments and decorate bay window, Vince Paxton edited plenty of papers in this specific field. You might come across his abstracts &lt;a target="_new" href="http://www.replacement-windows-tips.com/bay-windows.html"&gt;on curtains for bay window&lt;/a&gt; at different sources for curtains for bay window knowledge.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;div class="blogger-post-footer"&gt;&lt;img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/3740640956046816501-5865763420574520673?l=contractorguide.blogspot.com' alt='' /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;</content><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://contractorguide.blogspot.com/feeds/5865763420574520673/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=3740640956046816501&amp;postID=5865763420574520673' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/3740640956046816501/posts/default/5865763420574520673'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/3740640956046816501/posts/default/5865763420574520673'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://contractorguide.blogspot.com/2009/09/secrets-of-ranch-home-expansions.html' title='The Secrets of Ranch Home Expansions'/><author><name>Chuck Tiber</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/04774526438395501691</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='31' height='21' src='http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_KoR1x1SmsCw/SeVHGgLvt3I/AAAAAAAAAIA/e4_3kdGOOVs/S220/Suzanne_and_Andrew_047.jpg'/></author><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3740640956046816501.post-6941227152855675883</id><published>2009-09-02T17:28:00.001-07:00</published><updated>2009-09-02T17:28:57.938-07:00</updated><title type='text'>Build a Small Windmill</title><content type='html'>&lt;p&gt;Stop buying electricity - you can really stop losing your money and reduce the electricity power by 80% or even 100% if you build a small windmill power system for your home electricity. You can build more than one unit to generate electricity that is more than your needs and you will be surprised when you see your electricity company in your country pays money.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;The green energy resources are becoming more important for many reasons. One of most vital issues these days is the depletion of oil, the prices of oil are increasing every hour and are going to be very hard to obtain especially for third world countries.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;The second reason is the pollution of using oil as an energy resource. For these reasons and other many reasons the whole world is going to depend on green energy resources like solar and wind energy resources. And for your home, it it a very great idea to use these green resources.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;When you build small a windmill for your home electricity you will save your money by 80%, and in the same time you will save your environment and children. Actually, there are many great benefits with using solar and wind energy resources for your home electricity.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;The home windmills can generate a good amount of electricity that can easily power all your electronic devices in your home. You can build those windmills by hand with the help of some unique guides available in the internet. Save you money and your environment, start building your very own windmill today.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Learn how to build a windmill in 1 hour, step by step guide: &lt;a target="_new" href="http://www.buildsolarpanel.info/windmill/"&gt;http://www.BuildSolarPanel.info/Windmill&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Read at my blog, &lt;a target="_new" href="http://onlinegamesbusiness.blogspot.com/2008/08/small-windmill-for-home-use.html"&gt;small windmill for home&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;div class="blogger-post-footer"&gt;&lt;img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/3740640956046816501-6941227152855675883?l=contractorguide.blogspot.com' alt='' /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;</content><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://contractorguide.blogspot.com/feeds/6941227152855675883/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=3740640956046816501&amp;postID=6941227152855675883' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/3740640956046816501/posts/default/6941227152855675883'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/3740640956046816501/posts/default/6941227152855675883'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://contractorguide.blogspot.com/2009/09/build-small-windmill.html' title='Build a Small Windmill'/><author><name>Chuck Tiber</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/04774526438395501691</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='31' height='21' src='http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_KoR1x1SmsCw/SeVHGgLvt3I/AAAAAAAAAIA/e4_3kdGOOVs/S220/Suzanne_and_Andrew_047.jpg'/></author><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3740640956046816501.post-5869161113936452864</id><published>2009-09-02T13:26:00.001-07:00</published><updated>2009-09-02T13:26:55.219-07:00</updated><title type='text'>Home Renovation - Make Your New Renovation Match Your Old House</title><content type='html'>&lt;p&gt;A large percentage of people who renovate their homes do so to update, add value or prepare their home for sale. All too often though, home owners plan a renovation with no thought of making the new work blend with their older home.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;This can result in the new work looking like an ugly wart stuck onto the original home. This often even effects the resale value of the home.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;This is because when people shop for an older home they are looking because they like the style and look of the older homes and bad renovations will turn them away.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;This means that you should consider the era your home was built in to make sure that renovations and upgrades flow naturally together in your older home. This is most noticeable on new exterior walls of additions, windows, doors and door hardware, light fixtures and things like heating vents, trim and flooring.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;That doesn't mean that you need to forgo any new conveniences or not make improvements to increase energy efficiency or convenience. It just means that you need to carefully consider the style of your home before you act.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Look around neighborhoods that are the same age as your home to get ideas about how other people have successfully blended upgrades in their homes.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;When you choose a contractor make sure that he has done renovation work with your age of home and understands your goals. Fortunately there are several companies that offer period style hardware designs in new materials.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;A good project should make it hard to recognize where the older house ends and the new work begins.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Bob Current writes about a variety of subjects including tips on home renovation. Get his free report about tips for Choosing The Best Contractor for your renovation at &lt;a target="_new" href="http://www.homeimprovementtips.info"&gt;http://www.homeimprovementtips.info&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;div class="blogger-post-footer"&gt;&lt;img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/3740640956046816501-5869161113936452864?l=contractorguide.blogspot.com' alt='' /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;</content><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://contractorguide.blogspot.com/feeds/5869161113936452864/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=3740640956046816501&amp;postID=5869161113936452864' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/3740640956046816501/posts/default/5869161113936452864'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/3740640956046816501/posts/default/5869161113936452864'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://contractorguide.blogspot.com/2009/09/home-renovation-make-your-new.html' title='Home Renovation - Make Your New Renovation Match Your Old House'/><author><name>Chuck Tiber</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/04774526438395501691</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='31' height='21' src='http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_KoR1x1SmsCw/SeVHGgLvt3I/AAAAAAAAAIA/e4_3kdGOOVs/S220/Suzanne_and_Andrew_047.jpg'/></author><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3740640956046816501.post-4546370141620186877</id><published>2009-09-02T06:51:00.001-07:00</published><updated>2009-09-02T06:51:29.244-07:00</updated><title type='text'>Energy Saving Tips For Your Heating and Cooling System</title><content type='html'>&lt;p&gt;Your HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning) system works hard to keep you warm in the winter and cool in the summer. As a result you probably experience some pretty high utility bills. There are so many ways that you can make your home more energy efficient and thus lower your utility bills. At the same time you will help to conserve energy which helps our environment.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;b&gt;Programmable Thermostats&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Installing a programmable thermostat or knowing how to effectively use the one you already have is one of the best ways to save energy and money. Programmable thermostats are made to have setting by which you can program when you want your heat or air to increase or decrease its temperature. For example, overnight is a common time when homeowners turn their heat down by a degree or two, such as to 68 degrees. If you have warn pajamas and a warm blanket then 68 degrees is a very comfortable temperature. I would suggest lowering it even more and programming your thermostat to increase the temperature just before you wake up in the morning. You can follow the same plan for hours that you are not at home and program the thermostat to increase its temperature just before you come home from work. It's truly amazing how much you can save. In fact, it is estimated that you can save about $180 a year by properly setting your programmable thermostats and maintaining those settings.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;b&gt;Humidifier Settings&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Every HVAC system should have a humidifier. It isn't enough to have a humidifier though, it must be set to the proper settings so that it can be energy efficient and work to save you money. For example, if your humidifier is set too high during the summer then your home will feel hotter then it should and thus make your air conditioner work harder, costing you more money and using more energy then really needed. The recommended average setting is 35% and you will have to make slight adjustments according to the changes in the weather. Your humidifier should have recommended settings according to the outside temperature.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Following these tips for decreasing your utility bills and energy outputs will really save you money. Take the time to figure out the proper settings for your home and it will really pay off!&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Visit &lt;a target="_new" href="http://www.Hvac.networx.com"&gt;HVAC Networx&lt;/a&gt; for more energy saving information, HVAC articles, to find HVAC contractors and to receive free HVAC quotes.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Miriam Tatelbaum is a content writer for Networx.com&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;At Networx.com, we connect you with local contractors who are trustworthy, quality professionals that are screened by us and reviewed by you. Make sure you click this link &lt;a target="_new" href="http://www.hvac.networx.com"&gt;HVAC Networx&lt;/a&gt; to find a reliable, local HVAC contractor in your area.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;div class="blogger-post-footer"&gt;&lt;img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/3740640956046816501-4546370141620186877?l=contractorguide.blogspot.com' alt='' /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;</content><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://contractorguide.blogspot.com/feeds/4546370141620186877/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=3740640956046816501&amp;postID=4546370141620186877' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/3740640956046816501/posts/default/4546370141620186877'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/3740640956046816501/posts/default/4546370141620186877'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://contractorguide.blogspot.com/2009/09/energy-saving-tips-for-your-heating-and.html' title='Energy Saving Tips For Your Heating and Cooling System'/><author><name>Chuck Tiber</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/04774526438395501691</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='31' height='21' src='http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_KoR1x1SmsCw/SeVHGgLvt3I/AAAAAAAAAIA/e4_3kdGOOVs/S220/Suzanne_and_Andrew_047.jpg'/></author><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3740640956046816501.post-401624828968288691</id><published>2009-09-02T06:16:00.001-07:00</published><updated>2009-09-02T06:16:20.697-07:00</updated><title type='text'>How to Adapt a House and Bathroom For an Elderly or Disabled Person</title><content type='html'>&lt;p&gt;You may find that as someone gets into their most senior years and/or has a disability that you are now in a position where you need to make some alternations around the home to accommodate them. There are some common alterations that will need to be done around the home in general which we will address first. Then we will look at how to adapt a bathroom for a disabled person or a less-able person; and lastly we will look at who might be able to give you some help and support in the way of planning and financial support.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;General &amp; Common Alternations&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;In order to make the home more suitable and manageable for someone with a disability or someone who is less able, such as an older person, then there are a few general alterations you can make to their home as addressed below:&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;1. The first thing you need to consider if the person is in a wheelchair is that the corridors and doorways are wide enough to let a wheelchair pass through with ease.&lt;br&gt;2. All facilities should be at a reachable height. This will include door handles, telephones and most importantly light switches.&lt;br&gt;3. If the disabled or elderly person can walk a little to reach certain amenities, then a support or grab rail will need to be put in place.&lt;br&gt;4. If you are living in a two-story building, then there is the stair issue. You may need to consider installing a stair lift. If you can, put the bedroom and bathroom downstairs for easy access, but this is not always feasible.&lt;br&gt;5. Ramps and general access to and from the home. This could be in the form of ramps and side handles into doorways.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Adapting Bathroom Facilities&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;1. As mentioned above, if you can, have a bathroom on the ground floor&lt;br&gt;2. You definitely need grab rails in the bathroom especially beside the toilet and bath-tub / shower area.&lt;br&gt;3. Basin at a reachable level with taps that are easy to turn on and off.&lt;br&gt;4. Would a walk-in bath tub or shower unit be the best solution for you? This is the important factor in a bathroom suited to a disabled or less-able person.&lt;br&gt;5. Think about having a higher than normal toilet&lt;br&gt;6. A back-rest against the toilet cistern&lt;br&gt;7. Light switches and all facilities at a reachable level so no distress is necessary&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;As you can see from the above that adapting a home for a disabled or less-able elderly person is no minor conquest.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;It might be better suited if you could find a home that already has all these modifications in place. If not, then this will give you an idea of what might have to be done.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;I know what you are thinking now - you are thinking how much will all of this cost?&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Yes, it will cost a few thousand $/ but don't despair as there is help at hand.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Help And Assistance &lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;You can get advice and financial help from:&lt;br&gt;&lt;ul&gt;&lt;li&gt;Occupational Therapist&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;Community Care&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;Local GP&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;Public Health&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;Local Government for Planning Permission and Grants&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;Care For The Elderly&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;Mobility Aids and Grants&lt;/li&gt;&lt;/ul&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;I sincerely hope you found the above of some use to you. I had a close Aunt who became wheelchair bound through to illness, and these are most the of the alternations that my family had to accommodate for her illness.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;If you want further advice on adapting bathrooms and specialty bath-tubs, then visit &lt;a target="_new" href="http://www.guideitcom.com/bathtubs"&gt;Walk-In Bath Tubs&lt;/a&gt; and Showers at &lt;a target="_new" href="http://www.guideitcom.com/bathtubs"&gt;http://www.guideitcom.com/bathtubs&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;div class="blogger-post-footer"&gt;&lt;img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/3740640956046816501-401624828968288691?l=contractorguide.blogspot.com' alt='' /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;</content><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://contractorguide.blogspot.com/feeds/401624828968288691/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=3740640956046816501&amp;postID=401624828968288691' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/3740640956046816501/posts/default/401624828968288691'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/3740640956046816501/posts/default/401624828968288691'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://contractorguide.blogspot.com/2009/09/how-to-adapt-house-and-bathroom-for.html' title='How to Adapt a House and Bathroom For an Elderly or Disabled Person'/><author><name>Chuck Tiber</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/04774526438395501691</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='31' height='21' src='http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_KoR1x1SmsCw/SeVHGgLvt3I/AAAAAAAAAIA/e4_3kdGOOVs/S220/Suzanne_and_Andrew_047.jpg'/></author><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3740640956046816501.post-5863978919828310333</id><published>2009-09-01T23:05:00.001-07:00</published><updated>2009-09-01T23:05:28.823-07:00</updated><title type='text'>Six Tips For Decks Built to Last</title><content type='html'>&lt;p&gt;You too can build a deck.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;All you need is a few dozen screws, nails, bolts, posts, gravel, stain, thinner, drill, hammer, measuring tape. This article offers some tips about how to build a deck that is strong, economical and comes up to the owners expectations.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Tip #1&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Doing things the old-fashioned way may not always be the best idea. Many good software packages offer help in designing your deck. Their services may include alternative designs, list of materials, tools that are needed, measurements and sometimes even building rules.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Tip #2&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Once you have carefully planned it out, you need to get materials. There are several newer options available besides pine, cedar and rosewood trees. Manufacturers offer other materials that look and feel very much like wood. These materials are cost effective as they require less maintenance worries and are stronger and less subject to damage.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Tip #3&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;It is important that the deck be strongly founded. You may want to get professional help if you don't have the tools and skills to level prepare ground, create good concrete pier holes and pour concrete. You must then apply vertical anchors at the appropriate time.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Tip #4&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Building codes in most localities determine the required distance between support piers. Since most lumber comes in 8 foot or 12 foot lengths, making support distances equal to or less than that leads to fewer cuts.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Tip #5&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;In most cases, ledger boards lay up against the house to support the joists (support beams under the walking surface). If it is moved away from the wall, it can prevent corrosion by moisture.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Tip #6&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Prefer screws and bolts over nails. This is because screws last longer and work better. Nails on the other hand rust pretty soon. This obviously will lead to the weakening of connections of the deck.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Adam Peters loves writing for websites on many consumer subjects. Learn more about patio sun rooms and six tips for decks built to last at &lt;a target="_new" href="http://www.allsunrooms.com/enclosures.html"&gt;http://www.allsunrooms.com/enclosures.html&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;div class="blogger-post-footer"&gt;&lt;img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/3740640956046816501-5863978919828310333?l=contractorguide.blogspot.com' alt='' /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;</content><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://contractorguide.blogspot.com/feeds/5863978919828310333/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=3740640956046816501&amp;postID=5863978919828310333' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/3740640956046816501/posts/default/5863978919828310333'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/3740640956046816501/posts/default/5863978919828310333'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://contractorguide.blogspot.com/2009/09/six-tips-for-decks-built-to-last.html' title='Six Tips For Decks Built to Last'/><author><name>Chuck Tiber</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/04774526438395501691</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='31' height='21' src='http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_KoR1x1SmsCw/SeVHGgLvt3I/AAAAAAAAAIA/e4_3kdGOOVs/S220/Suzanne_and_Andrew_047.jpg'/></author><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3740640956046816501.post-2679118120888362870</id><published>2009-09-01T20:14:00.001-07:00</published><updated>2009-09-01T20:14:59.643-07:00</updated><title type='text'>Solar Power Systems - 5 Benefits of Using Solar Power in the Home</title><content type='html'>&lt;p&gt;Solar power is the heat and light we receive from the sun. Our planet is bathed in this energy every day. However, it is only fairly recently that it has become economically viable to use this freely available renewable energy source at home.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;There are many benefits to be had from using a solar power system in our home.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;1. Renewable sustainable energy. Solar energy is renewable. The power derived from solar energy produces both heat and light. The heat energy can be simply used to directly heat water using solarpanels. The hot water can then be used in heating systems or to provide the hot water we use in day to day life. The light energy can be converted into electricity by the use of photovoltaic cells. The use of sunlight to produce electricity has been known of for many years. We have all seen pictures of satellites and space stations with extendable arms covered with solar cells. In more recent years this technology has been used to build commercially viable power stations.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;2. Reliability. Solar energy is a reliable source of power. It cannot be switched off or withheld. Solar power systems require little maintenance and therefore the running costs are low.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;3. Environmentally Friendly. The power produced from solar energy has no harmful pollutants or side effects such as carbon dioxide.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;4. Reduced need for fossil fuels. In the long term electricity produced from solar energy will help cut the use of fossil fuels such as oil, gas and coal. Fossil fuels used in power generation produce harmful emissions such as carbon dioxide which are polluting the atmosphere. Fossil fuels will run out. They cannot be replaced.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;5. Tax incentives. More states and Governments are providing tax incentives to their citizens to encourage their use of renewable solar energy.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Find out how you could easily and cheaply install your own solar power system at home by &lt;a target="_new" href="http://www.homesolarwindpowersite.com/"&gt;Click Here&lt;/a&gt;.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;div class="blogger-post-footer"&gt;&lt;img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/3740640956046816501-2679118120888362870?l=contractorguide.blogspot.com' alt='' /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;</content><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://contractorguide.blogspot.com/feeds/2679118120888362870/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=3740640956046816501&amp;postID=2679118120888362870' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/3740640956046816501/posts/default/2679118120888362870'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/3740640956046816501/posts/default/2679118120888362870'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://contractorguide.blogspot.com/2009/09/solar-power-systems-5-benefits-of-using.html' title='Solar Power Systems - 5 Benefits of Using Solar Power in the Home'/><author><name>Chuck Tiber</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/04774526438395501691</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='31' height='21' src='http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_KoR1x1SmsCw/SeVHGgLvt3I/AAAAAAAAAIA/e4_3kdGOOVs/S220/Suzanne_and_Andrew_047.jpg'/></author><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3740640956046816501.post-2320559314428510340</id><published>2009-09-01T15:50:00.001-07:00</published><updated>2009-09-01T15:50:26.151-07:00</updated><title type='text'>Common Types Of A Basement Bar Design</title><content type='html'>&lt;p&gt;When given much attention, your basement can become one of the favorite rooms in your house. Basements make great recreational and entertainment spaces. If this is what you have been planning for your basement, this article is for you.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;You might want to start with a basement bar design that is most appropriate for your basement. There are so many you could find. Below is a list of bar descriptions that are commonly used in households:&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;1. Staight-Bar Design. As its name implies, this basement bar design is the simplest of all. It looks similar to a front desk in hotel lobbies. The difference is its features and functionality. Like a typical bar, it has a little space for the sink on top, a foot rest on the stool side, a gutter area where you mix the drinks, an arm rail, and a space for the cooler or ref. The width for this type of bar can vary from 6 feet (or less) and up to 10 or maybe more. Make sure that when designing, you have investigated the measurements properly.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;2. L-Shaped Bar. This is a basement bar design that is shaped like the letter L. There is no difference in the materials used and its features are the same as the standard straight bar. Simply put, the big notable difference is its design. Your friends can also enjoy a better conversation while sitting in this bar because the distance from other seats is closer. Again the measurements vary depending on the size of your basement but usually the lengths are symmetrical.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;3. A Keggar Bar Design. This bar is very popularly used. Its design is shaped like two L-shaped bars joint with the straight type in the middle. Viewing from the top, it usually looks like a one-third of a square is cut and used. This basement bar design accommodates a perfect space for the refrigerator and a beer keg. Hence its name.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;4. The Monster Bar. This is a very huge bar that can accommodate plenty of seats, a big space for the drinking area, equipped with a keg and beer gutter and all other basic bar features. Think of this basement bar design as a combination of the L-shaped and the Kegger but a lot bigger. A monster bar can also be designed in the shape of a letter U.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;5. A Portable Bar Design. If you plan to bring your basement bar elsewhere in you home, this type could be what you want. Basement bars are usually huge and sturdy so weight can be a major concern. And considering that basements have low head room clearance, you may have some difficulty in moving a bar. The portable bar can be disassembled. This is what makes it unique. Probably the latest innovation in the basement bar design industry.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Of course, there are more designs for you to choose from. There are no limits to a basement bar design. You could even design a unique one yourself. You just have to know the common features in a bar, its functionality and usability, compartments, etc. What makes a basement bar enjoyable aside from the drinks is the good conversation with your friends. Align your designing in the light. Whether you are buying or building one, having this as a guide will surely give your home basement a pleasing and friendly atmosphere.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Complete your &lt;a target="_new" href="http://www.basementremodelingideas.info/"&gt;basement bar idea&lt;/a&gt; with the top &lt;a target="_new" href="http://www.basementremodelingideas.info/basement-finishing.html"&gt;basement bar design&lt;/a&gt; that suits your lifestyle. Learn more about basement remodeling online.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;div class="blogger-post-footer"&gt;&lt;img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/3740640956046816501-2320559314428510340?l=contractorguide.blogspot.com' alt='' /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;</content><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://contractorguide.blogspot.com/feeds/2320559314428510340/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=3740640956046816501&amp;postID=2320559314428510340' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/3740640956046816501/posts/default/2320559314428510340'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/3740640956046816501/posts/default/2320559314428510340'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://contractorguide.blogspot.com/2009/09/common-types-of-basement-bar-design.html' title='Common Types Of A Basement Bar Design'/><author><name>Chuck Tiber</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/04774526438395501691</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='31' height='21' src='http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_KoR1x1SmsCw/SeVHGgLvt3I/AAAAAAAAAIA/e4_3kdGOOVs/S220/Suzanne_and_Andrew_047.jpg'/></author><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3740640956046816501.post-6223301192443906416</id><published>2009-09-01T09:43:00.001-07:00</published><updated>2009-09-01T09:43:49.892-07:00</updated><title type='text'>Roof Shingles, Panels, and Tiles Powered by Solar Energy - Solar Shingles Will Power Tomorrow's Home</title><content type='html'>&lt;p&gt;With the increasing rates of electric bills, it is only wise that we use the abundant energy available for free-the solar energy. The use of solar tiles, shingles and panes for your roofing is a wonderful approach to capture the endless power of the sun. And aside for being attractive and powerful, it is environment friendly, while producing free electricity. They are an incredible breakthrough in the solar power market.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Solar-celled roofing may seen to look like a regular asphalt roof but they contain a special thin film of photovoltaic cell substance on the top, which can harness and transform solar light directly into electricity that we can use at home or anywhere else. Like any other regular roofing tiles, they blend with the roof in a nice way and they do not ruin the value of the house.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;The size of the regular roof surface is large enough and also depends on the electricity needs of the house. And these solar-celled roofs are capable of producing renewable power for years to come since they are devices that are designed for long term use.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;b&gt;There are a lot of benefits when you use solar tiles, shingles and panels for your roofing :&lt;/b&gt;&lt;br&gt;- Saves energy- Since it uses free energy from the sun.&lt;br&gt;- Lower or cut your electric bills- Solar cell roofing is only a single investment, meaning, you have to deal with the installation cost once and you are going to profit free electricity for the whole span of the roof which will usually last for a long time.&lt;br&gt;- Own electricity freedom- with the modern technologies today, it is always an advantage to use your TV set, computer, ipod, mobile phones, lighting,refrigerator, and other home appliances without worrying for any electric charges.&lt;br&gt;- Environment friendly- Lots of people are getting more concerned about the environment, and solar roofs help control environmental pollution.&lt;br&gt;- Increases the resale rate of your house- Ten percent price premium is added to your solar powered house because having a house that already has a solar power system installed will have a substantial price premium to the value of the property.&lt;br&gt;- Solar energy is obviously abundant and reliable- Sun is everywhere, and our planet receives enough solar power for the sun in heat-radiation form.&lt;br&gt;- Stronger roofs- In installing a solar cell roof, one always thinks of its durability, considering the fact that it can supply electricity for long years, so they should make sure it will last long.&lt;br&gt;- It keeps moisture and molds away. Since it is made to last, it is composed of selected materials that prevents it from rust, moist and molds.&lt;br&gt;- Odor free- No smelly by-products are produced.&lt;br&gt;- Blackout protection- It will still function during a blackout, of course, if with a battery bank.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;The use of solar tiles, shingles and panels for your roofing has benefited a lot of people. It is the wave of the future, but anyone can catch it now and start enjoying tons of advantages without worries. And since our greatest worries now a days are global warming and climate changes, renewable energy sources are the only answer.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;b&gt;Do you know&lt;/b&gt; that you can build everything about solar easily with little cost? Be eco-friendly while saving money.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Go to &lt;a target="_new" href="http://www.FullEarth4EnergyReview.com"&gt;http://www.FullEarth4EnergyReview.com&lt;/a&gt; for everything about making solar energy.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;div class="blogger-post-footer"&gt;&lt;img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/3740640956046816501-6223301192443906416?l=contractorguide.blogspot.com' alt='' /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;</content><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://contractorguide.blogspot.com/feeds/6223301192443906416/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=3740640956046816501&amp;postID=6223301192443906416' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/3740640956046816501/posts/default/6223301192443906416'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/3740640956046816501/posts/default/6223301192443906416'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://contractorguide.blogspot.com/2009/09/roof-shingles-panels-and-tiles-powered.html' title='Roof Shingles, Panels, and Tiles Powered by Solar Energy - Solar Shingles Will Power Tomorrow&apos;s Home'/><author><name>Chuck Tiber</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/04774526438395501691</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='31' height='21' src='http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_KoR1x1SmsCw/SeVHGgLvt3I/AAAAAAAAAIA/e4_3kdGOOVs/S220/Suzanne_and_Andrew_047.jpg'/></author><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3740640956046816501.post-1999538168731005133</id><published>2009-09-01T08:28:00.001-07:00</published><updated>2009-09-01T08:28:51.615-07:00</updated><title type='text'>Help the Elderly Stay in Their Homes</title><content type='html'>&lt;p&gt;We all know we need to provide protection and safety for the youngest members of the home. However, have you considered modifications for the older generation that may need more protection now that they are frail or unwell?&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Often times the first thought when a loved one becomes frailer is to place them in a nursing home. However, with things like home health care it is possible for your loved one to stay in their home or yours more simply. This is perfect in many cases as it lowers the cost of care and keeps them close, as they get older.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Bathrooms&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;In order to keep them safe there are a few areas of the home that may need tweaking a bit. Take for instance the bathroom, traditional showers and tubs can be hard and downright dangerous for someone is not in the best of health. One slip in the tub can equal a broken hip or worse. This is easily modified by a seat in the tub or in more extreme cases by adding a walk in tub.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;It is also important to make sure the flooring is non-slip and that all necessary items are reachable. You do not want an aging loved one stretching high or bending low to reach essential items.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Bedrooms&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Some homes may have staircases that are difficult for the elderly to transverse. This can be fixed in one of two ways, a stair lift or eliminating the need for them to go up or down the stairs. A stair lift is quite easily installed however; of you are renting or not ready to make that big of a change there is the other alternative.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Create a bedroom that is on the bottom floor of your home. Most homes have at least on room on the lower level that functions as a bedroom. If not it is an easy matter to convert a den or other similar sized room into a functional bedroom.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Steps&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Outside steps can be especially treacherous particularly in bad weather. Eliminate the potential danger by having a ramp for wheel chairs installed or a basic handrail if a wheelchair is not used. A &lt;a target="_new" rel="nofollow" href="http://www.yeomanshield.com/handrails"&gt;handrail&lt;/a&gt; will give them the added stability they need to get in and out of the house.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Failing Sight&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;When a person ages one of the effects can be failing eyesight. This makes any home a dangerous place. To alleviate some of the danger you can install high contrast signs that clearly label cabinets with food, from those with chemicals ECT... It is also a good idea to keep things in a constant position, in other words keep the bread and coffee in the same place all the time, same goes for medications.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Medications&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;The elderly are also prone to forgetfulness, they may take their medication then a little while later forget and take it again. This is a potentially fatal mistake so to prevent this from happening if your loved one is forgetful either install a simple hasp and lock on the medicine cabinet or purchase a special box that you can keep out of harm's way, it is probably a good idea to lock this as well.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Conclusion&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;The longer the elderly can stay at home the better, many become depressed in nursing homes and they do not always receive the best care. With a few modifications, they can stay home longer and be much happier.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Sylvia Kittens lives in Harrogate, England&lt;/p&gt;&lt;div class="blogger-post-footer"&gt;&lt;img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/3740640956046816501-1999538168731005133?l=contractorguide.blogspot.com' alt='' /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;</content><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://contractorguide.blogspot.com/feeds/1999538168731005133/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=3740640956046816501&amp;postID=1999538168731005133' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/3740640956046816501/posts/default/1999538168731005133'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/3740640956046816501/posts/default/1999538168731005133'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://contractorguide.blogspot.com/2009/09/help-elderly-stay-in-their-homes.html' title='Help the Elderly Stay in Their Homes'/><author><name>Chuck Tiber</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/04774526438395501691</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='31' height='21' src='http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_KoR1x1SmsCw/SeVHGgLvt3I/AAAAAAAAAIA/e4_3kdGOOVs/S220/Suzanne_and_Andrew_047.jpg'/></author><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3740640956046816501.post-6887103730983394786</id><published>2009-09-01T01:24:00.001-07:00</published><updated>2009-09-01T01:24:49.028-07:00</updated><title type='text'>Shed Blueprints - 5 Tips For a Successful Building - Using Shed Blueprints!</title><content type='html'>&lt;p&gt;Using Shed Blueprints for building a shed...Do you need a place to store your lawn mower, rakes, tools etc...As well as providing shelter for your outdoor items, it adds to the value of your home and can be pleasing to look at creating a rustic setting in your back yard. With the many Shed Blueprints available on line, you can choose the one that best suits your needs!&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;If you want your investment to last for years to come, you'll need to follow these 5 tips for successfully building an outdoor structure. I'm a Journeyman Carpenter and have built many structures using Shed Blueprints and helped many friends build there's. As you know there are 1000's of different sizes and designs to choose from, which ever one you select these 5 Tips will keep you on the right track.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;b&gt;The 5 tips for a successful building are:&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;b&gt;1) Solid Foundation:&lt;/b&gt;&lt;br&gt;Any outdoor structure no matter how good it's constructed will not last if the foundation sinks or rots. Ideally a concrete slab on grade will last the longest and provide a flat surface that won't rot and insects can't harm. You can use pressure treated lumber for you base and is the second best choice.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;b&gt;2) Solid floor:&lt;/b&gt;&lt;br&gt;If you've chosen to use the concrete foundation you can skip this. If you're using wood use pressure treated 4X4's or 6X6's depending on the size of your building. It's important that all lumber that comes into contact with the ground be treated! Using treated floor joists and box joists are recommended.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;b&gt;3) Have proper air circulation:&lt;/b&gt;&lt;br&gt;Moisture will destroy wood so will mildew caused by no air circulation. Make sure that you leave an air space's to allow for good ventilation, if you're concerned about birds and other larger insects getting in, use screen to keep them out... but will allow air flow.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;b&gt;4) Select and locate door and windows:&lt;/b&gt;&lt;br&gt;You'll want to be sure that the door size you use will be big enough for your lawnmower, lawn tractor and other larger tools to fit through it. A little bigger is better, ever whacked your knuckles when carrying in something through a doorway? Locate the windows on walls were your not storing big and long items usually away from the door.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;b&gt;5) Build with low-Maintenance Materials:&lt;/b&gt;&lt;br&gt;In today's fast paced world any spare time you have you want to do things you enjoy and not having to scrape and repaint every 2 to 3 years. Use Metal trims and vinyl siding which may cost a little more but will not need any maintenance other than hosing down.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Using these tips and having good Shed Blueprints to follow will ensure you many years of trouble free enjoyment from any outdoor structure you decide to build.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;If you've found this information useful and want to find out the easiest way to build sheds and save yourself 100's even 1000's of dollars on your shed construction, Do it yourself! Take a quick look at &lt;a target="_new" href="http://hubpages.com/hub/ShedBlueprints"&gt;http://hubpages.com/hub/ShedBlueprints&lt;/a&gt; See the sample sheds you can build as well as some of the other fun things you can build!&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Of all the resources I've seen on line I've found one that is the most comprehensive and complete home project resource on the Internet. The Detailed diagrams...Complete material lists...and very explicit step-by-step instructions! And it's your lucky day you can get a FREE complete shed to download at &lt;a target="_new" href="http://www.squidoo.com/shedblueprints"&gt;Shed Blueprints&lt;/a&gt; Grab your copy before there all gone!&lt;/p&gt;&lt;div class="blogger-post-footer"&gt;&lt;img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/3740640956046816501-6887103730983394786?l=contractorguide.blogspot.com' alt='' /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;</content><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://contractorguide.blogspot.com/feeds/6887103730983394786/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=3740640956046816501&amp;postID=6887103730983394786' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/3740640956046816501/posts/default/6887103730983394786'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/3740640956046816501/posts/default/6887103730983394786'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://contractorguide.blogspot.com/2009/09/shed-blueprints-5-tips-for-successful.html' title='Shed Blueprints - 5 Tips For a Successful Building - Using Shed Blueprints!'/><author><name>Chuck Tiber</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/04774526438395501691</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='31' height='21' src='http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_KoR1x1SmsCw/SeVHGgLvt3I/AAAAAAAAAIA/e4_3kdGOOVs/S220/Suzanne_and_Andrew_047.jpg'/></author><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3740640956046816501.post-5920820192174576805</id><published>2009-08-31T23:06:00.001-07:00</published><updated>2009-08-31T23:06:01.891-07:00</updated><title type='text'>Sauna Bathing Or Steam Bathing?</title><content type='html'>&lt;p&gt;Sauna is the Finnish word for "bath". Finns who immigrated to the United States centuries ago brought with them a unique bathing custom, which is now only beginning to become popular here. Often confused with a steam bath, a true sauna bath is very different, even though both types of baths offer the same therapeutic benefits.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;The temperatures in a traditional sauna can actually approach 200 degrees Fahrenheit! The extremely low humidity present in the sauna makes these temperatures tolerable. Properly designed, the sauna's relative humidity rarely exceeds 2% or 3% when operated in the "dry" mode. This permits the copious amount of perspiration produced by the body to dry quickly thus having a cooling effect.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;All Scandinavian style saunas have a radiant air heater, which has a container of stones. These stones retain and radiate heat more consistently, which is why the Tylo electric sauna heaters have such a deep stone compartment. The stones can also be sprinkled with water to produce the wet sauna. This creates bursts of steam (called loyly by the Finns), which disappear quickly into the porous soft wood of the sauna. Humidity then climbs from a few percent to 10-15%. This instantly intensifies the sauna's heat as if the temperature had increased drastically (although it may even have dropped slightly).&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;In contrast, a steam bath makes use of a steam generator. This device heats water directly, not air. The steam room enclosure fills completely with condensed vapor. Clouds of steam envelope the bather. The humidity exceeds 100% and the temperatures are much lower than those of the sauna. Because of their very different modes of operation, the choice of construction materials is critical. A totally non-porous material such as tile, glass, or plastic is the choice for a steam room.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Previously, a homeowner desiring a steam room needed to frame and tile an enclosure and then fit it with a steam door. While this resulted in a beautiful installation, both the labor and materials made this method quite costly. Now, modern plastic technology has made the easy to install enclosure available. It has drastically reduced the cost of installing a steam room in your bathroom or exercise room. The Tylo Steam room enclosures are easier to install and more efficient than their framed counterparts by virtue of their design.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Although the steam room enclosure must be non-porous, the opposite is true of a sauna room. A sauna must be constructed of porous materials (meaning some type of wood), and it often actually employs air circulation through intake and outlet vents. Many varieties of wood are acceptable for sauna construction, but care must be taken when selecting the type and grade.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Whether it's dry heat or clouds of steam, the choice is yours and it is only a matter of taste and lifestyle.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Art Glick - &lt;a href="mailto:art@almostheaven.net"&gt;art@almostheaven.net&lt;/a&gt; &lt;BR&gt; Almost Heaven Group LLC - &lt;a target="_new" href="http://www.almostheaven.net"&gt;http://www.almostheaven.net&lt;/a&gt;&lt;BR&gt; 304-645-2310&lt;/p&gt;&lt;div class="blogger-post-footer"&gt;&lt;img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/3740640956046816501-5920820192174576805?l=contractorguide.blogspot.com' alt='' /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;</content><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://contractorguide.blogspot.com/feeds/5920820192174576805/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=3740640956046816501&amp;postID=5920820192174576805' title='1 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/3740640956046816501/posts/default/5920820192174576805'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/3740640956046816501/posts/default/5920820192174576805'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://contractorguide.blogspot.com/2009/08/sauna-bathing-or-steam-bathing.html' title='Sauna Bathing Or Steam Bathing?'/><author><name>Chuck Tiber</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/04774526438395501691</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='31' height='21' src='http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_KoR1x1SmsCw/SeVHGgLvt3I/AAAAAAAAAIA/e4_3kdGOOVs/S220/Suzanne_and_Andrew_047.jpg'/></author><thr:total>1</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3740640956046816501.post-563651115576739797</id><published>2009-08-31T18:02:00.001-07:00</published><updated>2009-08-31T18:02:59.122-07:00</updated><title type='text'>Organize Your Way Out of the House</title><content type='html'>&lt;p&gt;You see all sorts of wonderful organizing ideas for kid's play rooms or nifty gadgets to help you organize the kitchen, but what about wonderful solutions to get you out of the house with your sanity, your hair, and all of the things you need? Have you ever thought about the mental checklist you do before you actual leave the house in the morning?&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Keys - Check&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Phone - Check&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Purse - Got it&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Kids - Yep&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Backpacks - Sure enough&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;With a final holler at the kids, "Do you have your homework and lunches?" you are running out the door to start your day. Most of the time it works like magic, except when it comes to going grocery shopping and you forget your list, stopping by the dry cleaners totally vacates your brain, and you still have not remembered to grab the blender from last Christmas to take it back to the store.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Sure, having nifty organizing systems for your linen closet is loads of fun, but how about the organizing system for your errands? Not only is this just as important, this solution can actually save or give you money back! Now THAT is a great organizational system.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Let's go ahead and start by finding the perfect staging area. When I say staging area, I mean we need to find a location in your house that you pass by every time you go to get into the car. Do you leave your house through the garage, laundry room, front door, or side door? Whatever door you leave from should be the designated staging area or the base of operations.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;What sort of things do you currently leave the house with?&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;ol&gt; &lt;li&gt;Keys&lt;/li&gt; &lt;li&gt;Phone&lt;/li&gt; &lt;li&gt;Purse&lt;/li&gt; &lt;li&gt;Dry cleaning&lt;/li&gt; &lt;li&gt;Grocery list&lt;/li&gt; &lt;li&gt;Returns&lt;/li&gt; &lt;li&gt;Mail&lt;/li&gt;&lt;/ol&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;How much room do you currently have at your disposal to use for our base of operations? This includes wall space, floor area, shelving, etc. we can utilize.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Keeping those three items in mind, let's figure out some simple solutions to help you get out of the house quickly with everything you need.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;My family and I leave the house from the front door, but we do not have anything close to resembling an entry way. Instead we have a little hall way that either opens into the living room or the dining room. Not the most inviting entry into a home, but my husband did have this skinny tall table that he made in Shop class in high school. We re-stained the table and placed in up against the wall in front of the door. I have a cute little pail we use to put our keys in, another matching pail to place our incoming mail and yet another one for the outgoing mail. Underneath the table, I leave my purse along with any returns I need to take back. This includes things I need to drop off to my family and friends. I do keep my dry cleaning bag in my bedroom, but when it's time to take it to the cleaners I drop it on the floor, under the table and next to my purse. I can't forget the bag even if I wanted to, since it is right next to my purse! The best part about this system is you can use it anywhere in your home as long as you have room to put a thin table up against the wall.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;However, sometimes you don't even have that much space to spare, especially if you come in from the garage through the laundry room. One of my clients had such a problem in her laundry room. She barely had room to open the door so putting a long skinny table was definitely out of the question. Instead, we found a very tall bathroom shelving unit. The shelving unit is about 6 feet tall with little shelves and a very pretty white decorative wood. On the lower shelves, she placed her returns. On the hand height shelves, she used two baskets on two shelves; one for incoming mail and the other for outgoing mail. She loved the idea of having a charging station for everyone's phones, so we created one of our own. We drilled some holes in the back of the shelf, brought up an extension strip and created a cute little charging station for 3 cell phones, 2 iPods, and 2 Bluetooth ear pieces. Since we essentially ran out of shelf space, we drilled a few more holes into the side of the unit and placed some cute little hooks for keys and a heavy duty hook for her purse and umbrellas.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;In both cases, we put everything we needed in one place so we didn't have to worry about forgetting to grab the dry cleaning, yet again! There was no need to hunt around the house for our lost purse and if there was something in the bucket that said Out Going Mail whoever was leaving the house would see it! Whether would actually TAKE it to the mailbox was another thing, but still!&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;So think about what you need, where the logical place to set up shop is, and how much space you require and create a little space of organizational perfection in your house!&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Happy Organizing!&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Suzanne McLoone&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a target="_new" rel="nofollow" href="http://www.letstalkorganizing.com"&gt;Let's Talk Organizing&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;For over 20 years, Suzanne has been helping corporations and small businesses organize their time so they can spend more time and energy doing the things that are most important to them. With a philosophy of "life is too short", she thrives on making the most of her time and trying to encourage those around her to do the same. &lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt; As an organizational consultant, public speaker, and former radio talk show host; Suzanne has been offering her Organizational Quick Tips to anyone and everyone who will stand still and listen for "30-seconds". &lt;a target="_new" href="http://www.letstalkorganizing.blogspot.com"&gt;http://www.letstalkorganizing.blogspot.com&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;div class="blogger-post-footer"&gt;&lt;img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/3740640956046816501-563651115576739797?l=contractorguide.blogspot.com' alt='' /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;</content><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://contractorguide.blogspot.com/feeds/563651115576739797/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=3740640956046816501&amp;postID=563651115576739797' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/3740640956046816501/posts/default/563651115576739797'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/3740640956046816501/posts/default/563651115576739797'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://contractorguide.blogspot.com/2009/08/organize-your-way-out-of-house.html' title='Organize Your Way Out of the House'/><author><name>Chuck Tiber</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/04774526438395501691</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='31' height='21' src='http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_KoR1x1SmsCw/SeVHGgLvt3I/AAAAAAAAAIA/e4_3kdGOOVs/S220/Suzanne_and_Andrew_047.jpg'/></author><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3740640956046816501.post-1145962732165985477</id><published>2009-08-31T12:28:00.001-07:00</published><updated>2009-08-31T12:28:58.792-07:00</updated><title type='text'>Special Needs Bathrooms</title><content type='html'>&lt;p&gt;For most of United Kingdom's history, bathrooms were designed and built to simply be functional and they were built the same way. This was not an issue for the majority of the United Kingdom's population, but for people with special needs, the "standard" in bathroom designs and fixtures proved difficult and frustrating. The truth is that people who have special needs often have a difficult time in bathrooms that have been built for people who do not have special needs.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Bathroom designers and builders understand that people with special needs have different requirements than those who do not. They design bathrooms specifically for people with special needs. These designers understand that people with special needs require bathroom fixtures that can hold a person's body weight. They understand that things need to be higher or lower and more accommodating than bathrooms that are built form before function.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Usually a bathroom that is constructed for a client with special needs will feature a stand alone sink, a toilet that has a wider seat and is either higher than usual or lower than usual (depending on the client's needs) to accommodate people who are shorter or people who have trouble bending or people who need to transfer from a wheel chair to the toilet (or another fixture).&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;A bathroom built for a special needs person will usually feature a shower stall with a seat that is separately contained. If there is a bath tub, the bath tub is usually equipped with jets and is raised up off of the floor to accommodate the transfer from a standing position to a sitting position or from a chair into the bath tub itself.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Lastly, the bathroom that has been constructed for a person with special needs will be built with additional support beams and bars located around and throughout the bathroom. These bars are usually bolted to the walls around the individual bathroom features. These bars are built to aid in the transfer of the person with special needs from one location to another. The bars are usually installed next to the toilet, the sinks and the bathtub and shower areas. These bars are sturdy and are meant to hold a person's entire body weight.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;It is important to remember, when putting together a bathroom for someone with special needs that function is more important than form. The bathroom needs to have proper support for a person who has trouble getting from one place to another and for people who might not be very good at holding him or herself up. Softer corners are always a good idea for special needs people as are bathroom elements have been designed to hold a person's body weight.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;When designing a bathroom for a person with special needs a good rule of thumb for the designer is to follow is "function before form."&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Tal Potishman, editor of Heating Central, writes articles about &lt;a target="_new" href="http://www.heatingcentral.com"&gt;efficient heating&lt;/a&gt;, plumbers, &lt;a target="_new" href="http://www.heatingcentral.com/boilers/plumbers/uk/kent/dartford"&gt;Dartford boiler&lt;/a&gt;, underfloor heating and solar thermal. He specializes in helping save money by advising on efficient heating.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;div class="blogger-post-footer"&gt;&lt;img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/3740640956046816501-1145962732165985477?l=contractorguide.blogspot.com' alt='' /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;</content><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://contractorguide.blogspot.com/feeds/1145962732165985477/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=3740640956046816501&amp;postID=1145962732165985477' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/3740640956046816501/posts/default/1145962732165985477'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/3740640956046816501/posts/default/1145962732165985477'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://contractorguide.blogspot.com/2009/08/special-needs-bathrooms.html' title='Special Needs Bathrooms'/><author><name>Chuck Tiber</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/04774526438395501691</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='31' height='21' src='http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_KoR1x1SmsCw/SeVHGgLvt3I/AAAAAAAAAIA/e4_3kdGOOVs/S220/Suzanne_and_Andrew_047.jpg'/></author><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3740640956046816501.post-1420998661746015676</id><published>2009-08-31T10:52:00.001-07:00</published><updated>2009-08-31T10:52:02.494-07:00</updated><title type='text'>Ceramic Tile Over Linoleum</title><content type='html'>&lt;p&gt;Ceramic tile installation over many materials will work just fine. But will ceramic tile over linoleum work? That's a good question and the answer is ... it depends!&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Probably the most important step in a successful tile installation project is preparing the backing - the surface over which the tile will be installed. Save time and money by properly preparing the backing so that's it's solid and of the right material. Backings must be flat, solid, smooth and clean. Install tile over a springy surface and you'll have a failure. Any movement will produce cracking of the grout and maybe even cracked tiles.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;You can install tile over many surfaces including linoleum or vinyl. Tile is also installed often over old tile, plywood, brick, wall board and cement board. As long as the surface is flat, solid, smooth and clean you can use it as a backer. Now the surface may require proper preparation and the proper adhesive. Your tile supplier can help with these decisions.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Ceramic tile over vinyl works if the backing is smooth, clean and tightly in place. Any movement of the flooring will likely crack the grout. Certain types of vinyl flooring are cushioned so that they will flex. These floors will not work because of the movement. A cushioned floor should be covered with plywood or cement board. You could also remove the flooring and eliminate that layer.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Be careful when removing old resilient flooring. Until 1986, many floors contained asbestos, which is a health hazard if fibers are released into the air. The only way to know whether this flooring contains asbestos is to have it tested. The best way is to just assume older floors contain asbestos. Don't sand the floor. Usually the best approach is to tile over the floor. If the floor is loose, just cover it with exterior plywood.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Installing ceramic tile over linoleum will work great with the proper preparation and adhesives. Once you have the right base, installation is just like any other base. It's often the best way to cover older resilient floors.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Puzzled about how to install tile? Visit our site for more tips on &lt;a target="_new" href="http://www.installingceramictile.net/ceramictileinstallation.html"&gt;ceramic tile installation&lt;/A&gt;.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Al Bullington invites you to visit &lt;a target="_new" href="http://www.installingceramictile.net"&gt;http://www.InstallingCeramicTile.net&lt;/A&gt; for answers to your questions.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;div class="blogger-post-footer"&gt;&lt;img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/3740640956046816501-1420998661746015676?l=contractorguide.blogspot.com' alt='' /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;</content><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://contractorguide.blogspot.com/feeds/1420998661746015676/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=3740640956046816501&amp;postID=1420998661746015676' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/3740640956046816501/posts/default/1420998661746015676'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/3740640956046816501/posts/default/1420998661746015676'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://contractorguide.blogspot.com/2009/08/ceramic-tile-over-linoleum.html' title='Ceramic Tile Over Linoleum'/><author><name>Chuck Tiber</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/04774526438395501691</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='31' height='21' src='http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_KoR1x1SmsCw/SeVHGgLvt3I/AAAAAAAAAIA/e4_3kdGOOVs/S220/Suzanne_and_Andrew_047.jpg'/></author><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3740640956046816501.post-4783867590086699602</id><published>2009-08-31T03:25:00.001-07:00</published><updated>2009-08-31T03:25:51.651-07:00</updated><title type='text'>Granite, Quartz, and Stone Countertops</title><content type='html'>&lt;p&gt;Have you been cooking on the same boring Formica countertops for 20 years? Are you considering putting your house on the market? Is your kitchen drab and tired-looking? If you're ready to give your kitchen a new lease on life, consider installing stone countertops. The renovations are relatively minor-quick and hassle-free-and the results are fabulous. You'll be amazed at how different your kitchen looks by simply switching to granite or quartz countertops!&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;The truth is that laminate countertops are a thing of the past. In the last decade or so, stone countertops have shifted from a luxury item available to the elite few to the industry standard. Laminate simply looks dowdy and old-fashioned when compared with the sleek, satiny look of stone. Having stone countertops installed in your kitchen is a great way to bring your home up to date and into the 21st century.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;You may be surprised to learn that stone countertops are available in a wide variety of price ranges. You'll pay a premium for specialty natural stone like exotic marbles, but more common natural countertop materials such as granite and soapstone are less expensive. Also, consider that materials like quartz counters can easily last the lifetime of your house; even though such stone countertops are more expensive than laminate would be, they're a better value since they never need to be replaced!&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;And, speaking of value, investing in quality solid-surface countertops is a fantastic way to add value to your home. Regardless of whether you're planning to sell your house in the short term, stone countertops are an enduring investment in your home. Especially if you're planning to enjoy your home for years to come, now is the best time to install &lt;a target="_new" rel="nofollow" href="http://stoneone-countertops.boston-biz.com/site/services/service/Granite-Countertops-Boston-MA"&gt;granite countertops&lt;/a&gt;; you'll have plenty of time to benefit from your attractive, functional stone counters before you eventually sell the house. And when you do sell, the purchase price will invariably be higher than if your kitchen had worn Formica counters. In fact, because the appearance of your kitchen is usually the single room that makes or breaks a sale, stone countertops may be the difference between selling your home or not.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;With all of the great reasons to install stone counters in your kitchen, there's no point in waiting! Visit your local stone counter showroom to see samples and talk to knowledgeable sales staff about the various benefits provided by different types of stone. Regardless of what type of stone counter you select, you will be adding beauty, durability, and class to your home.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Matt Gallo is a home improvement hobbyist and the Internet marketing manager for Prospect Genius, a leading online provider of &lt;a target="_new" href="http://www.prospectgenius.com/site/services"&gt;local advertising&lt;/a&gt; solutions.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;div class="blogger-post-footer"&gt;&lt;img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/3740640956046816501-4783867590086699602?l=contractorguide.blogspot.com' alt='' /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;</content><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://contractorguide.blogspot.com/feeds/4783867590086699602/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=3740640956046816501&amp;postID=4783867590086699602' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/3740640956046816501/posts/default/4783867590086699602'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/3740640956046816501/posts/default/4783867590086699602'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://contractorguide.blogspot.com/2009/08/granite-quartz-and-stone-countertops.html' title='Granite, Quartz, and Stone Countertops'/><author><name>Chuck Tiber</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/04774526438395501691</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='31' height='21' src='http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_KoR1x1SmsCw/SeVHGgLvt3I/AAAAAAAAAIA/e4_3kdGOOVs/S220/Suzanne_and_Andrew_047.jpg'/></author><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3740640956046816501.post-3651262486999807289</id><published>2009-08-31T02:07:00.001-07:00</published><updated>2009-08-31T02:07:17.515-07:00</updated><title type='text'>Illuminated Bathroom Mirrors - Choosing the Best For Your Home</title><content type='html'>&lt;p&gt;If the wide range of illuminated bathroom mirrors in the market is confusing the hell out of you, then we can help you. Given below are some reasons why people all over the world love light up mirrors. You can also read some tips on choosing the right kind of restroom mirrors for your homes in this article.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Benefits Of Illuminated Mirrors&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt; The first reason why most people buy these mirrors is because these mirrors are extremely easy to use.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt; The mirror light can be lit when you are in a hurry and need to put on some makeup or even when you need to shave. This light acts as an activity light just like a reading lamp does for your study table.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt; The bathroom mirror light lets you enjoy some soft lighting while you take a relaxing shower. This way you needn't use harsh overhead lights.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt; It provides dedicated light to the restroom mirror besides providing some ambient lighting for the entire bathroom.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt; Lastly, these mirrors add style to the entire room.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Now that you are aware why these mirrors are such a hit, let us go on a understand how to choose the right kind of mirror.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;How To Choose The Mirror?&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt; Be very sure of the shape and the size of the mirror. It should blend with the style and the color scheme of your restroom&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt; Ensure that your lavatory wall is spacious enough to carry the kind of bathroom wall mirrors you select. For example: if you go for a wall mirror that comes with a cabinet, it shouldn't look too large on the wall.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt; The wiring too has to be taken care of. So if you are choosing illuminated lavatory mirrors with integrated lighting then have them installed properly.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;You can order your restroom mirror online, as well. Manufacturers guarantee safe delivery and you are able to select from a much wider range of illuminated bathroom mirrors, this way.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Visit CORE online to get free access to more information on buying &lt;a target="_new" href="http://www.corebathroommirrors.com/bathroom-mirrors/"&gt;illuminated bathroom mirrors&lt;/a&gt;.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;div class="blogger-post-footer"&gt;&lt;img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/3740640956046816501-3651262486999807289?l=contractorguide.blogspot.com' alt='' /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;</content><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://contractorguide.blogspot.com/feeds/3651262486999807289/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=3740640956046816501&amp;postID=3651262486999807289' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/3740640956046816501/posts/default/3651262486999807289'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/3740640956046816501/posts/default/3651262486999807289'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://contractorguide.blogspot.com/2009/08/illuminated-bathroom-mirrors-choosing.html' title='Illuminated Bathroom Mirrors - Choosing the Best For Your Home'/><author><name>Chuck Tiber</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/04774526438395501691</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='31' height='21' src='http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_KoR1x1SmsCw/SeVHGgLvt3I/AAAAAAAAAIA/e4_3kdGOOVs/S220/Suzanne_and_Andrew_047.jpg'/></author><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3740640956046816501.post-5378538540188543319</id><published>2009-08-30T20:14:00.001-07:00</published><updated>2009-08-30T20:14:28.663-07:00</updated><title type='text'>Home Improvement Contractor - Is He Qualified</title><content type='html'>&lt;p&gt;I am a general contractor in the state of Michigan. In other words I fix, build, or remodel anything pertaining to residential homes. The purpose of this article is to inform home owners about a growing problem in the construction/remodeling industry. That problem is the increasing numbers of unqualified individuals that are entering the field.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Due to the struggling economy and recent lay offs, many conversations around the kitchen table go something like this: What are we going to do now Jane? Well John, you helped my brother roof his house that one time and you fixed the door on our shed and you like working around the house...why dont you put an ad in the paper as a roofer or a carpenter? Hey Jane, thats a great idea. I can get business by offering a really low price. Yea, that's what Ill do!&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Now I feel for a guy that is out of work. I really do. But when an unqualified individual decides "hey I'll be a contractor", all to often this results in nothing but trouble for the customer. What happens if John falls off the roof or drops his hammer on the hood of your brand new car? Is he insured?&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;What about warranties? If he says I will guarantee this roof wont leak for 5 years, and then it does, will he still be in business? Statistics say no. As a matter of fact, most of the people entering into business today will not be in business 1 year from now, much less 5 years from now.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Of course there is the most important question: does he know what hes doing? Does the fact that John helped his brother roof a house make him a qualified roofer?&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;There are insurance considerations as well. For example, lets say a home owner hires an individual that is not licensed to install a new furnace in his home. If the furnace starts a fire and burns the house down, some insurance companies will deny the claim. The reason is since there is no record of a permit(which there would not be as an unlicensed individual can not obtain a permit) they assume that the furnace could have been installed incorrectly. Now a home owner is left with a huge loss and all because they wanted to save a few bucks on the installation.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Do yourself a favor and stick with a pro. If you conduct a proper contractor interview, then you know that you are going to get a quality job by a licensed and insured individual who offers a warranty..and honors it. If you are not sure how to conduct a proper contractor interview, you can find information on this and other subjects at my web site.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;My name is R. Paul Phillips. I am a co owner of Tanner-Phillips Properties, which is a new construction/remodeling business in Lansing, Mi. I have a free home improvement information website located at &lt;a target="_new" href="http://www.greater-lansing-home-improvement.com"&gt;http://www.greater-lansing-home-improvement.com&lt;/a&gt; While my site is tailored for the Lansing area, the majority of the information is useful to anyone interested in home improvement tips, product reviews, how to screen contractors......etc. I also have a contact page so you can ask questions specific to your project.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;div class="blogger-post-footer"&gt;&lt;img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/3740640956046816501-5378538540188543319?l=contractorguide.blogspot.com' alt='' /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;</content><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://contractorguide.blogspot.com/feeds/5378538540188543319/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=3740640956046816501&amp;postID=5378538540188543319' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/3740640956046816501/posts/default/5378538540188543319'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/3740640956046816501/posts/default/5378538540188543319'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://contractorguide.blogspot.com/2009/08/home-improvement-contractor-is-he.html' title='Home Improvement Contractor - Is He Qualified'/><author><name>Chuck Tiber</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/04774526438395501691</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='31' height='21' src='http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_KoR1x1SmsCw/SeVHGgLvt3I/AAAAAAAAAIA/e4_3kdGOOVs/S220/Suzanne_and_Andrew_047.jpg'/></author><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3740640956046816501.post-7274545792949800544</id><published>2009-08-30T15:36:00.001-07:00</published><updated>2009-08-30T15:36:45.541-07:00</updated><title type='text'>The Perfect Shower Curtain is Finally Here</title><content type='html'>&lt;p&gt;Bath time is often the one time when we can relax and get some quality 'me' time. Running a bath, lighting some candles and indulging in our favourite beauty products can be blissful as long as the setting is just right.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;While you are in the bath you have time to survey the scene, check out the upholstery and your damp radar goes into overdrive. This is why the shower curtain, and the towels and all of the fixtures and fittings need to be just right.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;For many of us our home is our castle. Finding the perfect thing for every area of your home can become a lifelong battle as we all want home to look just right. When it comes to bathrooms there is very little choice online and this was part of the reason that Balineum Bathroom specialists launched an array of fabric shower curtains, liners and rings as well as luxury towels, launched her own range on an online bathroom boutique.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;When Australian born founder of the company Sarah Watson could not find all of the bathroom items she required in the UK she decided to turn her hand to a spot of designing herself and created an original line of shower curtains which include fabric shower curtains and liners as well as a range of luxury towels.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Luxury towels are a feel good must for those wanting to achieve the ultimate bath experience. For the best towels you want tasteful colours, high absorbency as well as the ultimate feel good factor of super softness.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Another factor for a luxury towel is the size. A small towel never feels as indulgent as a large one which will wrap you up in its luxury softness and make you feel superbly indulged.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Generally, a shower curtain will last you for a long time and making the right choice about your chosen design can really set your bathroom at a superior standard. Many highstreet stores where you can buy shower curtains tend to stock fun themed shower curtains which can often be tasteless.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Coco W has written numerous books on the subject of luxury goods in the modern age &amp; her reviews of &lt;a target="_new" href="http://www.balineum.co.uk"&gt;luxury bathroom products&lt;/a&gt; are famous in the industry. With an interest in this field Coco writes numerous articles about bathrooms from the best &lt;a target="_new" href="http://www.balineum.co.uk"&gt;luxury bath towel&lt;/a&gt; to the perfect shower rail.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;div class="blogger-post-footer"&gt;&lt;img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/3740640956046816501-7274545792949800544?l=contractorguide.blogspot.com' alt='' /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;</content><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://contractorguide.blogspot.com/feeds/7274545792949800544/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=3740640956046816501&amp;postID=7274545792949800544' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/3740640956046816501/posts/default/7274545792949800544'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/3740640956046816501/posts/default/7274545792949800544'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://contractorguide.blogspot.com/2009/08/perfect-shower-curtain-is-finally-here.html' title='The Perfect Shower Curtain is Finally Here'/><author><name>Chuck Tiber</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/04774526438395501691</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='31' height='21' src='http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_KoR1x1SmsCw/SeVHGgLvt3I/AAAAAAAAAIA/e4_3kdGOOVs/S220/Suzanne_and_Andrew_047.jpg'/></author><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3740640956046816501.post-2698219211504193768</id><published>2009-08-30T12:54:00.001-07:00</published><updated>2009-08-30T12:54:13.170-07:00</updated><title type='text'>Remodeling Costs: How Do I Pay For It?</title><content type='html'>&lt;p&gt;To keep remodeling costs under control, there are four key remodeling cost drivers: The design of the remodel, the materials you use, who manages the project, and how you pay for it.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Lets review common ways to pay for your remodel and the pros and cons of each.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;1. Loan against retirement account (e.g. 401k) &lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;Pros: You pay yourself the interest on a loan against your 401k.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Cons: You lose the interest you could be making if it was invested. If you lose your job, most loans require you to pay the loan back immediately, and there can be significant income tax consequences.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;2. Home Equity Loan &lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;Pros: Usually tax deductible. Lump sum is paid to you at the start so you have flexibility of what you do with the money.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Cons: A second loan to manage. Shorter term than a standard mortgage. Requires that you have sufficient equity in your home. You have to pay interest on the entire loan amount even though you may not need the money to pay for remodeling right away.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;3. Home Equity Line of Credit &lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;Pros: You only borrow the money you need at the time, so finance charges are lower at the beginning.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Cons: A second loan to manage. Shorter term than a standard mortgage. Requires that you have sufficient equity in your home.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;4. Construction Loan &lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;Pros: Good for larger remodel projects and if you don't have enough home equity to qualify for a loan to cover construction costs.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Cons: Higher interest rate than home equity loans. Not tax deductible. Usually short term until construction is complete and then is replaced with a new first mortgage, which may have processing fees or closing costs.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;5. Loan from the contractor &lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;Pros: Available to most homeowners.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Cons: High interest rates. Not the best terms. Can lock you into working with a specific contractor. Not recommended.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;6. Refinance and cash out &lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;Pros: You only have a single loan for your home. Usually tax deductible interest. A single larger loan will usually have the lowest interest rate.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Cons: Requires that you have sufficient equity in your home. You have to pay interest on the entire loan amount even though you may not need the money to pay for remodeling right away. May have significant closing costs.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;7. Credit Cards &lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;Pros: Most homeowners have this as an alternative.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Cons: High interest rate, not tax deductible.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;8. Your savings &lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;Pros: The least expensive way to pay for your remodel.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Cons: Make sure you don't use all of your savings. Always have some available for emergencies.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;For free expert advice on the best way to pay for a remodel based on your specific situation simply complete the form at &lt;a target="_new" rel="nofollow" href="http://www.remodelormove.com/forms/goapply.cfm"&gt;http://www.remodelormove.com/forms/goapply.cfm&lt;/a&gt;. Or you can visit &lt;a target="_new" rel="nofollow" href="http://www.remodelestimates.com"&gt;http://www.remodelestimates.com&lt;/a&gt; to find out how much a remodel project may cost.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;About the Author&lt;br&gt;Dan Fritschen, founder of www.remodelormove.com, a homeowner advocacy organization, speaker at Home and Garden shows Nationwide, author of the award winning, best selling book Remodel or Move? and The Complete Remodeling Workbook and Organizer (available at www.remodelingorganizer.com) has recently been interviewed on CNN, in Better Homes and Garden Magazine and in Newsweek.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Do you have remodeling or moving questions? Email Dan directly at dan@remodelormove.com.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Copyright 2005 ABCD Publishing LLC&lt;/p&gt;&lt;div class="blogger-post-footer"&gt;&lt;img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/3740640956046816501-2698219211504193768?l=contractorguide.blogspot.com' alt='' /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;</content><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://contractorguide.blogspot.com/feeds/2698219211504193768/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=3740640956046816501&amp;postID=2698219211504193768' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/3740640956046816501/posts/default/2698219211504193768'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/3740640956046816501/posts/default/2698219211504193768'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://contractorguide.blogspot.com/2009/08/remodeling-costs-how-do-i-pay-for-it.html' title='Remodeling Costs: How Do I Pay For It?'/><author><name>Chuck Tiber</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/04774526438395501691</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='31' height='21' src='http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_KoR1x1SmsCw/SeVHGgLvt3I/AAAAAAAAAIA/e4_3kdGOOVs/S220/Suzanne_and_Andrew_047.jpg'/></author><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3740640956046816501.post-3573172776320112690</id><published>2009-08-30T05:32:00.001-07:00</published><updated>2009-08-30T05:32:48.901-07:00</updated><title type='text'>How to Replace your Broken Oven Element</title><content type='html'>&lt;p&gt;The oven element in your electric range can burn out at any time. Unfortunately it always seems to happen at the most inopportune times, such as the week before Christmas or Thanksgiving.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Most elements do give warnings before burning out. They will often have a bright spot that will be noticed by the homeowner, just prior to burning out. If your element has a bright spot replace it as soon as possible. Waiting for the element to burn out is inadvisable because the oven thermostat or other electric components can be affected.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;In all aspects of this job safety must come first. Use only the manufacturers original parts, not a cheaper substitute. Only attempt this repair when you have enough time, and patience, to do it properly. Remember, you will be dealing with 240 volts - thats twice as much power as flows through your regular household circuits. Only attempt this repair with another adult present.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;If you feel confident in your ability to safely replace an oven element then try the following method:&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;1 Disconnect range from electrical power, either by unplugging or turning off breakers. Pull range away from wall so all sides can be accessed.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;2 Remove rear panel of range to expose the element wiring. Identify which element you suspect being burnt out.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;3 Carefully remove the element wiring. They are usually screwed on connections. Avoid breaking the connections or stripping the screw head with your screwdriver.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;4 Go to the front of the range. Locate the screws securing the element within the oven cavity. This may require a flashlight because they are usually covered in debris. Again use caution not to harm the screw heads. The screws may be very tight and will require patience to remove without harming. If the screws will not turn they will have to be drilled out using a high-speed drill. If this becomes necessary use caution not to chip the oven interior.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;5 Remove the oven element. If its broken avoid touching the pieces with your bare hands. The pieces can be very sharp. Plus, the white powdered insulation contains harmful chemicals.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;6 Proceed to a parts store to obtain a replacement. Make certain you have your make, model, and serial number. Manufacturers use a vast variety of elements. Each model, type, configuration, and wattage requirements will determine which element was installed in your range.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;7 Install the new element and secure it with the screws. If the holes in the mounting plate dont align you will have to drill holes in the cabinet interior. Carefully drill holes in the cabinet using a high-speed drill. Use caution not to let drill slip to avoid damaging or chipping the interior liner.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;8 From the rear of the range reconnect the element wiring. Dont bent the electrical connections or allow the screws to strip the threads. If the wiring is burnt the insulation must be cut back to expose undamaged wire. Cut the insulation back using a knife or wire-stripping tool.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;9 With the new element installed plug the range back into the electricity. Start the oven and allow to run for five minutes. Disconnect the electricity and quickly feel the wiring insulation at the element connections. They should feel slightly warm, but not hot. A hot connection indicates a poor connection, or the possible failure of other components associated with the oven. If hot, it will be necessary to remove it and redo. Once satisfied with connections replace the rear panel and reinstall into counter.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;10 Test the oven operation. All elements should go off and on as per normal.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;11 Final step is to do a test run of the oven temperature. If you have an oven thermometer allow the oven to cycle off three or four times at a regular baking temperature. The thermometer should indicate same temperature at which the oven dial is set. As a confirmation bake something such as muffins or cookies as your test substance.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;As the preceding has shown, replacing a burnt element is not a difficult repair. But, it is certainly one that should only be attempted by someone who is confident around electricity. If you are uncertain about your ability around high voltage, telephone an appliance repairperson for help.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;An appliance repairperson can have your element replaced, tested, and operating in less than an hour. Less time than it will take you to find the part. Also, they will have all the tools and testers required to do the job quickly and safely.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Copyright 2006 Donald Grummett. All rights reserved. Need answers about repairs and maintenance of Household Appliances? With 35 years experience Donald Grummett can help. Visit &lt;a target="_new" href="http://www.mgservices.ca"&gt;http://www.mgservices.ca&lt;/a&gt; to learn much more invaluable information.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;div class="blogger-post-footer"&gt;&lt;img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/3740640956046816501-3573172776320112690?l=contractorguide.blogspot.com' alt='' /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;</content><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://contractorguide.blogspot.com/feeds/3573172776320112690/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=3740640956046816501&amp;postID=3573172776320112690' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/3740640956046816501/posts/default/3573172776320112690'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/3740640956046816501/posts/default/3573172776320112690'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://contractorguide.blogspot.com/2009/08/how-to-replace-your-broken-oven-element.html' title='How to Replace your Broken Oven Element'/><author><name>Chuck Tiber</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/04774526438395501691</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='31' height='21' src='http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_KoR1x1SmsCw/SeVHGgLvt3I/AAAAAAAAAIA/e4_3kdGOOVs/S220/Suzanne_and_Andrew_047.jpg'/></author><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3740640956046816501.post-1737071152003012286</id><published>2009-08-30T05:05:00.001-07:00</published><updated>2009-08-30T05:05:15.501-07:00</updated><title type='text'>Tips on Housebreaking Your Puppy</title><content type='html'>&lt;p&gt;You have just brought the newest member of your family home, which is a cute adorable puppy, and now the fun begins. Now you are the loving caretaker of this tiny puppy and part of your responsibilities is to make sure your puppy becomes housebroken. You may think that this will be a long-drawn out process but actually itmay notbe hard as you think.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;You should always have your new puppy seen by a veterinarian before you set up your housebreaking schedule. They can guide you on when your type of breed of dog needs to be fed and how many times a day. They will also be able to tell you if your pup is healthy and ready to be housebroken.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;The most important thing is to establish is a routine. A routine will reduce the amount of accidents and will also let you and your pup knows when it's time to go outside.There is a general rule that says: for every month a puppy is old, it can wait one hour to go outside. This means that if your puppy is three months old, he should be able to wait three hours before having to go outside.  That is only a generalguideline thoughand all puppies are different. For the first couple of days you should try to take him or her out every two hours. If you set up a regular schedule and follow some of the tips described below; your new puppy will be housebroken in no time.  Watch for the signs that your pup needs to go outside and relieve themselves. Observe the puppy's behavior and actions and soon you will be able to tell when they need to go to the bathroom. Some of the signs to watch for are: the pup is sniffing at the door, turning in circles while sniffing, and scratching, standing or barking at the door. These are all signs that they are looking for a place to do their business.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt; You should always take your new puppy outside the first thing in the morning before anything else and it should also be the last thing you do before you retire to bed. Most young puppies are not able to go all night without having to go to the bathroom. While they are in the toilet training process you should have a small room or area which they can sleep and be contained when you are not there or at night when you are asleep.  Make sure that it is a place that you can clean up easily, such as a tiled bathroom floor. You can lay down newspaper or purchase special puppy pads which are absorbent. Never scold or hit your puppy when they have an accident. When they go outside and relieve themselves make sure you praise them and tell them what a good puppy they are.  You should also try to remember never to leave your pup unattended in the house or outside. If the pup can't be under your watchful eyes they should be contained in their designated room or penned up in an outside area.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Any place in your home that your pup has messed in needs to be thoroughly cleaned. You should use something that will take away the odour. Dogs and puppies will usually mess again in an area if they can smell the lingering odour of their last accident.  Try to set up a regular feeding schedule and take away any food or water about two hours before putting themto bedfor the night. This will decrease accidents and make it easier for the pup to last through the night. Always take the pup outside after they have finished eating.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Another way that people have found to train their puppy to be housebroken is to use a method called "crate training". To use this method you would put your pup in a dog crate or dog kennel which is especially made for animals. You would put the pup in their crate at night and when you were going to be away for a short period of time.  Most dogs won't mess in the area where they sleep and the crate gives them the feeling of being in a small cave or home. Using a crate is a good way to help your new pup to become housebroken. Dogs and puppies usually like crates because it gives them a special place to be alone and feel secure.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt; Remember to have some patience and understanding. The newest member of your family is just learning all the rules and wants to please you more than anything. If you set up a routine and a regular feeding time everything will run smoother and the pup will understand and quickly become housebroken. Soon all the extra time and effort used to help your pup become housebroken will pay off and you will have many years ahead of you to enjoy their company.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;It is always a good thing to look into buying dog insurance for your new puppy. This will help you be prepared in case your pet does develop a disease or has an unexpected accident. &lt;a target="_new" rel="nofollow" href="http://www.animalfriends.org.uk/"&gt;Pet insurance&lt;/a&gt; can give you peace of mind and also help pay for unexpected veterinarian bills.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;So please visit us to see how we can help protect your pet - you can buy online easily too at &lt;a target="_new" href="http://www.animalfriends.org.uk"&gt;Pet Insurance by Animal Friends&lt;/a&gt; or simply call our friendly staff if you prefer on 0844 55 70 300; the policies won't cost you more and you won't be disappointed!&lt;/p&gt;&lt;div class="blogger-post-footer"&gt;&lt;img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/3740640956046816501-1737071152003012286?l=contractorguide.blogspot.com' alt='' /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;</content><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://contractorguide.blogspot.com/feeds/1737071152003012286/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=3740640956046816501&amp;postID=1737071152003012286' title='1 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/3740640956046816501/posts/default/1737071152003012286'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/3740640956046816501/posts/default/1737071152003012286'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://contractorguide.blogspot.com/2009/08/tips-on-housebreaking-your-puppy.html' title='Tips on Housebreaking Your Puppy'/><author><name>Chuck Tiber</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/04774526438395501691</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='31' height='21' src='http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_KoR1x1SmsCw/SeVHGgLvt3I/AAAAAAAAAIA/e4_3kdGOOVs/S220/Suzanne_and_Andrew_047.jpg'/></author><thr:total>1</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3740640956046816501.post-7411081828230256441</id><published>2009-08-29T22:31:00.001-07:00</published><updated>2009-08-29T22:31:55.428-07:00</updated><title type='text'>Cloudy Pool Water - Causes &amp; Cures</title><content type='html'>&lt;p&gt;Cloudy pool water is caused by many factors. These factors may be chemical (water balance, pH, improper methods), mechanical (pool filter system) or environmental (source water, excessive rain, heavy use). Often times, pool owners attempt to treat the symptoms but not the cause of the cloudy water, so we have to look at all of the things that may contribute to the problem. Let's look at the causes of cloudy swimming pool water, then we can look at treatments and cures.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Before we dive in let's first put cloudy water to the test. Cloudy pool water is in the eyes of the beholder. Cloudy can mean: Dull - the pool water just doesn't sparkle. Hazy - it just isn't as clear as it normally is. Cloudy - you can make out the bottom of the pool if you look hard. Opaque - the term says it all!&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Chemical Reasons&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Many pool owners quickly blame "bad chemicals" so let's start there. Here are some of the factors and their contribution to the cloudy water problem. Water chemistry can contribute to cloudy or hazy water - if the pH is HIGH (over 7.8) and or the Total Alkalinity (TA) is HIGH (over 200 ppm) and or the Calcium Hardness (CH) is HIGH (over 400 ppm). With pH &amp; TA being high the water will become dull or flat and the chlorine reacts more slowly loses its ability to kill and control bacteria and algae. Now you have early algae growth - another cause of cloudy pool water. High CH doesn't become a problem until the water warms up to over 85 degrees F; then you have a "cloudy" condition that won't go away. Maintain good pool water balance with these parameters: pH - 7.2 - 7.6 (all pools); Total Alkalinity - 80 - 120 ppm (concrete) or 120 - 150 ppm (vinyl liner); Calcium Hardness 200 - 300 ppm (concrete) or 175 - 250 ppm (vinyl).&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Other chemical or chemistry based reasons for cloudy pool water would be lack of regular shocking, periodic chemical cleaning of the filter, poorly maintained sanitizer levels, lack of a chemical maintenance routine. Regular weekly or biweekly shocking of the pool aids in oxidizing un-filterable swimmer waste such as body oils, lotions, urine, hair gel, perspiration, etc. We find that the single biggest mistake customers make in their normal care is not shocking the pool often enough or insufficiently (not using the proper amount of pool shock). Proper shocking also helps to "rejuvenate" the chlorine level and knock out early algae growth. Whenever you have a pool party with lots of expected bathers, consider shocking the pool the &lt;em&gt;day before&lt;/em&gt; (helps build up the chlorine level providing a buffer for an eventual chlorine demand) as well as immediately following the party (shocks &amp; oxidizes everything that was brought into the pool during the party -- if your guests weren't using the bathroom, the beer &amp; soda had to go somewhere). Using a calcium hypochlorite shock such as BioGuard Burn Out Extreme is preferred since the product will get in, do its work, then get out. Potassium monopersulfate shocks like Oxysheen work well to help break up chloramines (combined chlorines), but shouldn't be used exclusively.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Mechanical Reasons&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;If the chemistry is good and the pool is being properly shocked and algaecide added every 1 to 2 weeks, then it is necessary to look at the mechanical reasons. The mechanical components contributing to cloudy pool water would be improper filter size (too small), improper pump and motor size (too small or too large a horsepower pump), insufficient filtering time, poor circulation, improper maintenance (vacuuming &amp; brushing). I can recount story after story when I've walked into a customer's backyard to help them troubleshoot a problem pool only to find the filter shut off or improperly connected. When simple corrections are made, the pool water is clear in as little as 24 hours. Let's examine some basics.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Your swimming pool's filtering system should be operating a minimum of 8 to 10 hours per day, every day from opening to closing. If the pool water becomes cloudy or other problems become evident, then constant running of the filter until the problem is solved is required. If the filter was properly sized (even slightly bigger is better) then 8 to 10 hours daily is good. On the other hand, too large of a pump may be "harmful" to the filtration. If the horsepower is too great, you may be blowing dirt and everything else you want filtered right through the filter (especially sand filters). When it comes to 2 speed pumps, make sure the "high" speed run time is set for a minimum of 6 hours daily PLUS and additional 12 to 18 hours at "low" speed).&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Consider using an automatic pool cleaner. You'll end up with better circulation, cleaner pool surfaces and less work.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;The other mechanical reasons are also important. Regular vacuuming and brushing help with the overall circulation by moving water around. Keep directional "eyeballs" pointed DOWN to force filtered water down to the bottom of the pool and therefore aid in water movement by breaking up dead spots. Too frequent backwashing of the filter doesn't give the filter media enough time to do its best cleaning -- a dirty filter filters a finer particle. One final mechanical reason for cloudy pool water, lack of use. Actively used pools are always better circulated and filtered. So even if the water is cloudy (as long as the water is in good chemical balance), use the pool!&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Environmental Reasons&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Remember that whatever is out in the world, will eventually get in the pool and detract from water clarity. Pollen, dust, dirt, leaves, make-up water, bird droppings (forgot about those, right?), rain, local construction sites, etc. can all affect your swimming pool. Each of these culprits needs to treated differently. Pollen, dust and other fine particulate can be treated using a water clarifier like BioGuard Polysheen Blue. Flocculants work well in severe situations by settling the particles to pool bottom and vacuuming it all out on Waste. Use a skimmer sock inside of the skimmer to remove fine pollen or dust that may be too fine for your sand filter.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Leaves, swimmers, makeup water, droppings will create a chlorine demand. Shocking the pool is necessary. Make-up water can change the water chemistry affecting the pH, TA and CH not to mention the possible addition of heavy metals, all of which can cause or add to water cloudiness.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Final Notes&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;As you can see there's no 1 or 2 reasons for cloudy pool water. It's usually a combination of factors. Some of them not even coming from the pool itself. The best solution to cloudy pool water is prevention utilizing a good, regular chemical and cleaning maintenance program. About 30 to 60 minutes per week is all that it takes. If or when your pool water turns cloudy, don't start adding clarifiers or flocs. Get down to the real cause. Look at all of the contributing factors.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a target="_new" href="http://www.parpools.com"&gt;http://www.parpools.com&lt;/a&gt;&lt;br&gt; &lt;a target="_new" href="http://www.parpools.com/Page/PoolCare/BioGuard_Solutions.html"&gt;http://www.parpools.com/Page/PoolCare/BioGuard_Solutions.html&lt;/a&gt;&lt;br&gt; &lt;a target="_new" href="http://www.parpools.com/Page/PoolCare/BioGuard_water_balance.html"&gt;http://www.parpools.com/Page/PoolCare/BioGuard_water_balance.html&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;div class="blogger-post-footer"&gt;&lt;img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/3740640956046816501-7411081828230256441?l=contractorguide.blogspot.com' alt='' /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;</content><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://contractorguide.blogspot.com/feeds/7411081828230256441/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=3740640956046816501&amp;postID=7411081828230256441' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/3740640956046816501/posts/default/7411081828230256441'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/3740640956046816501/posts/default/7411081828230256441'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://contractorguide.blogspot.com/2009/08/cloudy-pool-water-causes-cures.html' title='Cloudy Pool Water - Causes &amp; Cures'/><author><name>Chuck Tiber</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/04774526438395501691</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='31' height='21' src='http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_KoR1x1SmsCw/SeVHGgLvt3I/AAAAAAAAAIA/e4_3kdGOOVs/S220/Suzanne_and_Andrew_047.jpg'/></author><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3740640956046816501.post-6782891122596522952</id><published>2009-08-29T18:35:00.001-07:00</published><updated>2009-08-29T18:35:45.251-07:00</updated><title type='text'>Let's Start With the Bathroom</title><content type='html'>&lt;p&gt;There are several house redecoration thoughts out there that you may use. It suggests that you be conscious of these renovation ideas if possible, prior to going forward with any house renewal yourself. This will assist you to be better informed and up-to-date and not end up owning a mess that will cost you several thousand dollars more than you budgeted for when you call in the professionals to clean up after you. You will have a healthier idea in terms of where to start.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Bathroom&lt;br&gt;Let's start with the bathroom. The preponderance of homeowners want to do home renewals in their washroom. They should recognize how to get off the ground. The first step is to examine the existing state of affairs in your washroom and decide how badly off it is. In addition, you should also decide how much cash you think you will have to spend on the project to make a difference.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;You will also want to be more specific when determining the kind of outcome you are looking for from doing these particular home restorations. For example if you think that, your washroom is too little maybe you might wish to take out an adjacent wall so that you can enlarge the space.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Maybe it is only the shade of the washroom that you are concerned in altering or the kind of &lt;a target="_new" rel="nofollow" href="http://www.kitchen-cabinets-tips.com/faucets.html"&gt;faucet&lt;/a&gt;. Make sure that you in fact put some consideration in here, and that you do not come to any conclusion until after you have thought it through.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Bedroom&lt;br&gt;When it comes to home renewal ideas for the bedroom, you can actually have a lot more enjoyment. This is not a room most people get to see, when they come to visit. You may actually go all out and do what ever you like.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;You do however want to have at least some sort of a theme, and the greatest thought is to settle on a color, and make a decision on a shade. Make a decision on one that you will take pleasure in and that will not bore you or will not disappoint you in a couple months. If you previously have an irresistible theme that matches up, your work will be less demanding.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;In spite of whatever type of home renewal you are undertaking, you really want to make certain that you are going to get it completed correctly. To do this you ought to speak to a professional. Discuss with them what you are preparation is, what you plan to do and ask them to give you some advice. This way you can be certain that you are on the right path and that you are moving ahead concerning things, in fact before you spend any money.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;The collaborator Linden Walhard is really passionate about themes related to wall mount faucet. From his publications on &lt;a target="_new" href="http://www.kitchen-cabinets-tips.com/faucets.html"&gt;best kitchen faucet&lt;/a&gt; and wall mount kitchen faucets the columnist demonstrated his depth of understanding on the topic.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;div class="blogger-post-footer"&gt;&lt;img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/3740640956046816501-6782891122596522952?l=contractorguide.blogspot.com' alt='' /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;</content><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://contractorguide.blogspot.com/feeds/6782891122596522952/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=3740640956046816501&amp;postID=6782891122596522952' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/3740640956046816501/posts/default/6782891122596522952'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/3740640956046816501/posts/default/6782891122596522952'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://contractorguide.blogspot.com/2009/08/lets-start-with-bathroom.html' title='Let&apos;s Start With the Bathroom'/><author><name>Chuck Tiber</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/04774526438395501691</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='31' height='21' src='http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_KoR1x1SmsCw/SeVHGgLvt3I/AAAAAAAAAIA/e4_3kdGOOVs/S220/Suzanne_and_Andrew_047.jpg'/></author><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3740640956046816501.post-1495349093164173910</id><published>2009-08-29T15:31:00.001-07:00</published><updated>2009-08-29T15:31:32.829-07:00</updated><title type='text'>Dealing With Condensation</title><content type='html'>&lt;p&gt;Last winter I had a major problem with condensation which was especially prominent under the bay window in the living room and the built in wardrobes in the front bedroom. I spent some time researching the causes of condensation and found that ventilation is key. The built in wardrobes were especially bad because they were located on a North facing external wall. They were also full of clothes and the when the doors were closed there was no ventilation.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Last winter I stripped the wallpaper in the built in wardrobes because it was covered in black mould and smelt musty. I bleached the walls and painted them with an anti-condensation paint. This did get rid of the smell but the walls were so cold that the anti-condensation paint didn't make any difference. When the warm air in the bedroom hit the cold wall within the wardrobe there was no stopping the water vapour from appearing.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Last week I thought to myself - "I need to do something about this condensation before winter arrives". Not knowing what the solution was I took a trip to B&amp;Q and had a look around for anything that might have helped and there it was - 'Warmaline wall lining', basically a roll of polystyrene that you use just like wallpaper which provides an amazing insulation from the coldness of the wall. I added three layers in all just to ensure that it worked and to my amazement the walls have been consistantly warm. Not only does Warmaline insulate the wardrobe it also stops your clothes getting cold which in turn stops and damp and mould growth on the clothes.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a target="_new" href="http://victorianproperty.blogspot.com"&gt;http://victorianproperty.blogspot.com&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;div class="blogger-post-footer"&gt;&lt;img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/3740640956046816501-1495349093164173910?l=contractorguide.blogspot.com' alt='' /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;</content><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://contractorguide.blogspot.com/feeds/1495349093164173910/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=3740640956046816501&amp;postID=1495349093164173910' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/3740640956046816501/posts/default/1495349093164173910'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/3740640956046816501/posts/default/1495349093164173910'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://contractorguide.blogspot.com/2009/08/dealing-with-condensation.html' title='Dealing With Condensation'/><author><name>Chuck Tiber</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/04774526438395501691</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='31' height='21' src='http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_KoR1x1SmsCw/SeVHGgLvt3I/AAAAAAAAAIA/e4_3kdGOOVs/S220/Suzanne_and_Andrew_047.jpg'/></author><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3740640956046816501.post-8982106815492499848</id><published>2009-08-29T08:18:00.001-07:00</published><updated>2009-08-29T08:18:35.682-07:00</updated><title type='text'>Optimize DIY Projects - Tips That Elevate DIY to an Art</title><content type='html'>&lt;p&gt;While some people go into DIY blindly, without any concern for the right kinds of preparation and the right kinds of tools, many choose to listen to the experts.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Experts such as Tommy Walsh (Collins DIY) and Kelly Hoppen (Posh and Becks) all encourage DIY enthusiasts to research, prepare well and find the best ways to do things first.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Surviving DIY&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Sometimes it is all a matter of survival. DIY projects, such as replacing floorboards and installing sash windows are not easy. Therefore, some recommendations are in place to make your life easier as a DIY weekend warrior.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Sanding&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Sanding should be done with the right kind of sandpaper or sander, and the sanding should be done along the grain. This means you have to find the direction of the cambium and sand that way.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;If you sand across the grain, you will end up with a coarse texture that you will have redo to smoothen. DIY enthusiasts know that if you have to repeat something, you did it wrong the first time. Time is gold. Remember, you do not want to be stressed out even before you finish the DIY project.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Another use for butter is...&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;It is not true that nothing beats WD40 or monkey grease when it comes to reducing friction. Nevertheless, creaking doors, creaking windows and creaking gates can all be remedied with butter.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Use butter that had already melted, and apply liberally around the creaking joints. The butter should have as little water content, and should have high fat content. Avoid overly salted butter as these could react with metal or with wood.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;On the use of wood&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;If you want to install a new gate, new fences and build new shelves for your home, get the woods cut at the merchant. Some people like to saw their planks of wood themselves.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;While it is fine if you have an electric saw, it's a waste of time if you are doing it manually. Cutting is almost always free at merchants, so make your measurements before you buy and have your wood pieces cut before you bring them home.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Want a bigger room?&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;If you want a room to look bigger than it really is, but you do not need extra space, do not knock down the walls yet. You heard us right; do not get that sledgehammer yet.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;One very simple way to make a room look bigger than it really is, is hanging a mirror. Try it for yourself and you will instantly see what we mean.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Scrape the scraper&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Replacing old wallpapers can be tricky business. Not only have the adhesives dried completely into the wood or concrete, but often, the wallpaper just won't give up.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Some people resort to violence- with a scraper. Unfortunately, scrapers have the tendency to damage the surface below the wallpaper. Paint, wood and concrete come along with the old wallpaper.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;In cold countries such as the United Kingdom, depleted walls are never good things. What is the solution? Hire a steamer machine and use it to tear the wallpaper naturally from the wall.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;This article was brought to you by Springfields &lt;a target="_new" href="http://www.springfields.co.uk/army-surplus.asp"&gt;Army Stores&lt;/a&gt;, a leading supplier of &lt;a target="_new" href="http://www.springfields.co.uk/camping/"&gt;camping equipment&lt;/a&gt; in the UK&lt;/p&gt;&lt;div class="blogger-post-footer"&gt;&lt;img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/3740640956046816501-8982106815492499848?l=contractorguide.blogspot.com' alt='' /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;</content><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://contractorguide.blogspot.com/feeds/8982106815492499848/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=3740640956046816501&amp;postID=8982106815492499848' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/3740640956046816501/posts/default/8982106815492499848'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/3740640956046816501/posts/default/8982106815492499848'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://contractorguide.blogspot.com/2009/08/optimize-diy-projects-tips-that-elevate.html' title='Optimize DIY Projects - Tips That Elevate DIY to an Art'/><author><name>Chuck Tiber</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/04774526438395501691</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='31' height='21' src='http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_KoR1x1SmsCw/SeVHGgLvt3I/AAAAAAAAAIA/e4_3kdGOOVs/S220/Suzanne_and_Andrew_047.jpg'/></author><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3740640956046816501.post-5888147302708407776</id><published>2009-08-29T08:10:00.001-07:00</published><updated>2009-08-29T08:10:37.406-07:00</updated><title type='text'>Bathroom Remodel Investment When Selling - Bathroom Remodeling</title><content type='html'>&lt;p&gt;When you're planning any bathroom remodel, consider the costs of the bathroom remodeling versus the return on the actual investment. According to one of the popular remodeling magazines, the average bathroom remodel throughout the country cost around $16,000.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;If you were to sell your house within a few years, you could recoup around $12,000 of your original investment. This would translate into a $4000 loss to your pocketbook eventually.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Using these numbers for your bathroom remodel investment, you would recoup around 75% of your original investment. If you know anything about investing money, this will not be a good rate of return and if you keep investing your money like this, you won't have any to invest, eventually.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Keep this in mind, if you're going to be selling the home within a few years. If the bathroom isn't in good shape and you're not planning on selling soon, you could remodel the bathroom and enjoy it for quite a few years. You wouldn't be looking at this as an investment but as maintenance costs.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;If you need to remodel the bathroom, because it's getting a little run down and will create a problem when selling a home, I would suggest minor remodeling, if the toilet, fixtures and bathtub is in good condition, I would suggest changing the sink, cabinet, bathtub surround, flooring and some new paint.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;If you're remodeling cost is now at $8,000, you would recoup at least $6,000 and would only lose $2000 on your original investment. Now this still doesn't make any sense, if you're still losing money, why would you even want to remodel the bathroom. Why not sell the home as it is and not lose any money? This is a tough decision to make and keep in mind, these are average costs.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;You could recoup less or more than 75% of your bathroom investment costs.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Most real estate professionals will advise you to &lt;a target="_new" rel="nofollow" href="http://gregvan.com/ideas/bathroom_ideas.htm"&gt;remodel the bathroom&lt;/a&gt; for two reasons, for one the house will sell for a few more dollars, and this will increase their sales commission. The second one is probably the most important for any one selling a home, the home could sell faster.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;If you have the time and are in no hurry to sell the home, I would suggest trying to sell the home as is first and then sprucing it up, if you can't sell it within three months.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;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.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;If your looking for some more &lt;a target="_new" href="http://1.gregvan.com/sitemap.htm"&gt;House Remodeling Pictures&lt;/a&gt; or home building ideas.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;div class="blogger-post-footer"&gt;&lt;img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/3740640956046816501-5888147302708407776?l=contractorguide.blogspot.com' alt='' /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;</content><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://contractorguide.blogspot.com/feeds/5888147302708407776/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=3740640956046816501&amp;postID=5888147302708407776' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/3740640956046816501/posts/default/5888147302708407776'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/3740640956046816501/posts/default/5888147302708407776'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://contractorguide.blogspot.com/2009/08/bathroom-remodel-investment-when.html' title='Bathroom Remodel Investment When Selling - Bathroom Remodeling'/><author><name>Chuck Tiber</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/04774526438395501691</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='31' height='21' src='http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_KoR1x1SmsCw/SeVHGgLvt3I/AAAAAAAAAIA/e4_3kdGOOVs/S220/Suzanne_and_Andrew_047.jpg'/></author><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3740640956046816501.post-4835458370823884459</id><published>2009-08-29T01:02:00.001-07:00</published><updated>2009-08-29T01:02:06.099-07:00</updated><title type='text'>Uncover The Truth About A Hunter Air Purifier</title><content type='html'>&lt;p&gt;The homes we live in now days are so air tight, that they can actually be harmful to our health. Since they are such an enclosed area, we end up breathing the same air over and over again. A hunter air purifier can help bring fresh air into the home. They can help filter the air of unwanted particles that are floating in the air. Most people don't even think about what they are breathing, especially in their own home, because after all, that's your own safe place. Why would we be thinking of it as an unsafe place to breathe in. This article will uncover the truth about a hunter air purifier and the benefits of using an air purifier in your home.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Most women like to think that they keep a pretty clean home. They may spend hours vacuuming, dusting, mopping, and scouring only to find a few hours later that the end tables are dusty again. What's up with that. A hunter air purifier can help get rid of the dust that already has begun being stirred up. An air purifier is designed to draw the dust into it's filtering system. It then releases the filtered air back into the room so you will have cleaner, fresher air to breathe. Most vacuums release a certain amount of dust as you are vacuuming because, even though you are cleaning up debris on the floor, dust is also being stirred up, and you can even see it floating in the air at times. A hunter air purifier will help trap the dust that is found floating about.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;If you suffer from allergies, then you know that dust, dust mites, pollen, mold spores, pet dander and tobacco smoke can very easily stir up an allergy attack. A hunter air purifier will help trap any of these things and leave them in the filtering system. The air purifier will then blow back into the room the new clean air. I'm sure you can see the benefits of using an air purifier in your home. There are many sizes and styles to choose from and a &lt;a target="_new" href="http://air-cleaners-and-purifiers.com/hunter-air-purifier.php"&gt;hunter air purifier&lt;/a&gt; can be placed in any room of the home. An air purifier for the home is usually a portable unit that just plugs in to any outlet. A little research can help you decide what you are looking for on a hunter air purifier. Don't hold your breath on this, because if you are one of the many asthma sufferers, every day of breathing bad air can be devastating to your health.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;For more information on Air Cleaners and Purifiers for your home or business try visiting &lt;b&gt;air-cleaners-and-purifiers&lt;/b&gt;, a website that specializes in providing helpful tips, advice and Air Cleaners and Purifiers resources to include &lt;a target="_new" href="http://air-cleaners-and-purifiers.com/hunter-air-purifier.php"&gt;Hunter Air Purifier&lt;/a&gt; and more.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;div class="blogger-post-footer"&gt;&lt;img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/3740640956046816501-4835458370823884459?l=contractorguide.blogspot.com' alt='' /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;</content><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://contractorguide.blogspot.com/feeds/4835458370823884459/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=3740640956046816501&amp;postID=4835458370823884459' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/3740640956046816501/posts/default/4835458370823884459'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/3740640956046816501/posts/default/4835458370823884459'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://contractorguide.blogspot.com/2009/08/uncover-truth-about-hunter-air-purifier.html' title='Uncover The Truth About A Hunter Air Purifier'/><author><name>Chuck Tiber</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/04774526438395501691</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='31' height='21' src='http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_KoR1x1SmsCw/SeVHGgLvt3I/AAAAAAAAAIA/e4_3kdGOOVs/S220/Suzanne_and_Andrew_047.jpg'/></author><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3740640956046816501.post-7699601557275533572</id><published>2009-08-28T21:39:00.001-07:00</published><updated>2009-08-28T21:39:40.489-07:00</updated><title type='text'>Bathroom Remodeling - Tips For Hiring a Professional Decorator</title><content type='html'>&lt;p&gt;One of the challenging things to do when you're redecorating your bathroom is to find and hire a competent professional who is capable of not only giving you a beautiful bathroom, but also making the space function properly; and all at a reasonable cost to you. Sometimes all you need is a few quick tips or basic guidelines to follow when you're hiring a remodeling professional or decorator.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Even if your remodeling job is as simple as replacing old fixtures with new ones, you still want to work with a contractor who is familiar with important building codes otherwise you could wind up having to tear down all the work you paid for and start all over again. The contractors should also know the plumbing, wiring and structural aspects of the project to make sure you wind up with a professional finish.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;There's a number of options for you to choose from to help you in selecting the best professional for your bathroom remodelling project. You may need to hire an architect, interior designer and a building/remodeling contractor - depending on the size and how complex the actual job is. Put some thought into this process before you start borrowing money.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;With homeowners scaling back on remodeling projects because of the weak global economy, be careful not to sign with a contractor who is more hungry for your cash than he is interested in doing a great job that will bring repeat business. Word of mouth and thoroughly checking their references should help you find the right decorator or builder for the job you have in mind.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Keeping an eye on your cash is one thing but an even more important aspect of your project is health and safety. If you have guys onsite who aren't sure what they're doing with wiring, plumbing or gas supplies it could have lethal consequences for somebody in your home or for one of the contractors themselves. Don't cut corners on this stuff - the safety of your family could be at stake.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;It's so, so important that you hire licensed and insured professionals to complete your remodelling project. Qualified and quality contractors are far more likely to finish the job in a timely and tidy manner than some cowboys you hired for one third of the normal rates. The contractors should apply for the proper permits and follow code from A-Z with no bending of the rules. If your home is inspected by building code officials who determine the work was not completed properly, this will only lead to stress, frustration and additional costs for you. In serious cases you might have to tear all the work back down.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;The contractor should apply for the permit in his or her name, not yours. Make sure that you get this in writing before any work begins. This holds the contractor, and not you, responsible for all work that is to be completed. Further, you and the contractor should cooperate with each inspection at each stage of the remodeling project to make sure nothing is missed and everyone knows what's being done.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;If you decide to act as your own contractor for your bathroom remodelling project, make sure you research and know everything that is involved; put in a lot of study time for your own sake. Familiarize yourself with the building codes and legal language to ensure that your subcontractors are following the rules and you're not getting duped.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;You will have to rely on the expertise of your subcontractors to complete the work, but ultimately, you will be responsible for ensuring that they act with integrity and within your budget. So, make sure you are working with people you can trust; there's nothing worse than having to look over peoples shoulders to make sure they're doing the job properly.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;You will also want to become familiar with applying for building permits and how to plan for inspections. This is important for you to know whether or not a job is going in the right direction or not.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Redecorating a bathroom can be daunting. Where do you start? What materials and accessories? If you're looking for more &lt;a target="_new" href="http://www.bathroomcentral.com"&gt;bathroom redecorating ideas&lt;/A&gt; then click over to &lt;a target="_new" href="http://www.bathroomcentral.com"&gt;http://www.bathroomcentral.com&lt;/A&gt;.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;div class="blogger-post-footer"&gt;&lt;img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/3740640956046816501-7699601557275533572?l=contractorguide.blogspot.com' alt='' /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;</content><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://contractorguide.blogspot.com/feeds/7699601557275533572/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=3740640956046816501&amp;postID=7699601557275533572' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/3740640956046816501/posts/default/7699601557275533572'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/3740640956046816501/posts/default/7699601557275533572'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://contractorguide.blogspot.com/2009/08/bathroom-remodeling-tips-for-hiring.html' title='Bathroom Remodeling - Tips For Hiring a Professional Decorator'/><author><name>Chuck Tiber</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/04774526438395501691</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='31' height='21' src='http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_KoR1x1SmsCw/SeVHGgLvt3I/AAAAAAAAAIA/e4_3kdGOOVs/S220/Suzanne_and_Andrew_047.jpg'/></author><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3740640956046816501.post-8533704698966475827</id><published>2009-08-28T17:43:00.001-07:00</published><updated>2009-08-28T17:43:08.137-07:00</updated><title type='text'>Electricity And Water Do Not Mix On Los Angeles Job Sites</title><content type='html'>&lt;p&gt;There are many different types of construction jobs and there are many of them that have power tools using electricity and there are jobs where the employer expects their crews to work during rain and wet conditions. Electricity and water do not mix on the job, contrary to what the construction company thinks to bring in the job on time this is placing each and every employee on this job site in danger. Any Los Angeles Construction accident attorney will tell you that electricity and water do not mix on Los Angeles job sites.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Power tools that use electricity have plug connections that are drug along the ground this can easily let water travel this connection leading right to the employee using the tool or any employee that walks across this connection. Electrocution often ends in death, and when it does not it has severe injuries the person will suffer from burns to coma and when this happens their loved ones suffer loss, loss from death or the injuries that are so damaging to the human body that the person may never be the same for the rest of their lives.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;It is common sense that electricity and water do not mix on the job, but the construction companies concern is the bottom line, get the contract completed on time and often make it impossible for employees to take rain days off for fear of losing their job.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;When an employee is injured or killed on the job site because of unsafe conditions in Newport Beach, Burbank, Playa del Rey or any other job site in Orange County there are attorneys who will fight for this person, who killed or injured, whose family is suffering and will feel the pain of this needless accident for a long time to come.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;These skilled attorneys will fight to build a case with the use of their experts and skilled staff that will take each step with the utmost care to ensure the outcome will benefit their client. Orange County attorneys who are experienced in electrocution cases and construction cases have knowledge and experts that other attorneys would not have access to and could not represent a client this well in an electrocution case.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;This is a devastating time and the construction company and their &lt;a target="_new" href="http://www.ehlinelaw.com/pages/3584/Practice-Areas/Construction-Accidents.htm"&gt;construction accident defense attorneys&lt;/a&gt; are not going to sit still, they are going to protect themselves and this can even include offers to the family to settle instead of going to court. This of course is never a fair settlement, they present this knowing that without the protection of experienced &lt;a target="_new" href="http://www.ehlinelaw.com/"&gt;Los Angeles injury lawyers&lt;/a&gt;, they do not have to be fair because there is no one to hold them accountable. Not just any generic &lt;a target="_new" href="http://www.ehlinelaw.com/pages/3140/Auto-Accident-Lawyer-LA.htm"&gt;car accident attorneys in LA&lt;/a&gt; handle these types of injuries, so it is important to learn from someone with experience and skill in dealing with contractors and engineers.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;div class="blogger-post-footer"&gt;&lt;img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/3740640956046816501-8533704698966475827?l=contractorguide.blogspot.com' alt='' /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;</content><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://contractorguide.blogspot.com/feeds/8533704698966475827/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=3740640956046816501&amp;postID=8533704698966475827' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/3740640956046816501/posts/default/8533704698966475827'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/3740640956046816501/posts/default/8533704698966475827'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://contractorguide.blogspot.com/2009/08/electricity-and-water-do-not-mix-on-los.html' title='Electricity And Water Do Not Mix On Los Angeles Job Sites'/><author><name>Chuck Tiber</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/04774526438395501691</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='31' height='21' src='http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_KoR1x1SmsCw/SeVHGgLvt3I/AAAAAAAAAIA/e4_3kdGOOVs/S220/Suzanne_and_Andrew_047.jpg'/></author><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3740640956046816501.post-5393796822620715863</id><published>2009-08-28T10:57:00.001-07:00</published><updated>2009-08-28T10:57:22.817-07:00</updated><title type='text'>Bathroom Backsplash Tile</title><content type='html'>&lt;p&gt;Backsplash tiles help you to give a unique and exclusive look to your bathroom. It is the tile that helps you to decorate your bathroom. These tiles can also be used to decorate your bathrooms. You will find various types of backsplash tile. You will find many colors and sizes in backsplash tile. You can use stone as the back ground color for your bathroom. These stones would help you to give a new and unique look to your bathroom. You will get various types of designs in backsplash tiles You can also use these tiles as the border of your bathroom.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;There is geological connection between the stone and glass. As glass is the factor which is made from sand and sand made of stone. So, there is a connection between stone and glass. Manufactures try to combine these natural beauty and they try to make glass from these natural products.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;You will also find these backsplash tiles in the form of the marble. You will find these marbles in various designs and shapes. You will also find different colors in these tiles These materials are available at a reasonable rate. These tiles can help you to save your money.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Stone and glass can help you to make beautiful tiles for your decoration. There a tile called fused tile which is made in the high temperature. Day by day these fuse tiles are becoming popular. You can find various kinds of colors in these tiles These tiles can be fired at different temperatures. You can use different methods to make these unique tiles These tiles would give a different look to your bathroom. These tiles can be used in the bathroom as well as in bathroom. These tiles are easily available in the market. The cost of this material is cheap as compare to other types of materials. These tiles can absorb high temperature. You can use different and unique methods to make these tiles.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;You would find different varieties in backsplash tile. You would not find same designs in these types of tiles Each tile has a unique feature. These tiles can be considered to be the best tile for renovating your bathroom and bathroom. You would not have any difficulty in finding the best tile for your bathroom and kitchen. You can use tiles to make wonderful designs for your bathroom and kitchen. But if you want to make beautiful designs from these tiles then you have to use your imaginative power. Your imagination would help you to make best designs for your house. These are the only tiles which would help you to fulfill your dreams. It would help you to design the best bathroom. The design of the bathroom should be unique because this is the smallest area of the house. Bathroom is considered to be the reflection of your personality. Thus you should use unique features to design your bathroom. You should design your bathroom with the tiles that have unique features.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Mike X Smith is a leading writer and businessman in the field of &lt;a target="_new" href="http://www.mosaicglasstileent.com/bathroom-backsplash-tile.html"&gt;bathroom backsplash tile&lt;/a&gt;. Check out the new line of &lt;a target="_new" href="http://www.mosaicglasstileent.com"&gt;backsplash tiles bathroom&lt;/a&gt;! Many colors to choose from!&lt;/p&gt;&lt;div class="blogger-post-footer"&gt;&lt;img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/3740640956046816501-5393796822620715863?l=contractorguide.blogspot.com' alt='' /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;</content><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://contractorguide.blogspot.com/feeds/5393796822620715863/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=3740640956046816501&amp;postID=5393796822620715863' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/3740640956046816501/posts/default/5393796822620715863'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/3740640956046816501/posts/default/5393796822620715863'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://contractorguide.blogspot.com/2009/08/bathroom-backsplash-tile.html' title='Bathroom Backsplash Tile'/><author><name>Chuck Tiber</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/04774526438395501691</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='31' height='21' src='http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_KoR1x1SmsCw/SeVHGgLvt3I/AAAAAAAAAIA/e4_3kdGOOVs/S220/Suzanne_and_Andrew_047.jpg'/></author><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3740640956046816501.post-7858131675503727837</id><published>2009-08-28T10:43:00.001-07:00</published><updated>2009-08-28T10:43:02.829-07:00</updated><title type='text'>6 Steps to Get Rid of Ants in Your House</title><content type='html'>&lt;p&gt;For most homeowners, ants can represent a serious problem. While there are many commercial products out there that promise to help you get rid of them, there are more naturals ways that are cheaper and healthier. Follows these steps and ants will vanish.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;ol&gt;&lt;li&gt;Locate the place where the ants are entering the house. You can do this if you follow their trails.&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;Buy Diatomaceous earth at your local hardware store and apply it to the holes or cracks where the ants enter. If you have trouble finding it, get baby powder as some contain this material. Check back regularly and if they're still there, apply some more. Ants will not get close to this place, because they almost immediately die if they touch it.&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;You can get rid of the remaining ants by spraying baby powder mixed with water on them. Make sure you sweep the floor after you do this.&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;For a more animal friendly way of getting rid of ants, try to spray them with a peppermint essential oil / water mix. You can also soak a long piece of string in peppers or cinnamon and put it around your home.&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;Consider planting mint plants along your house. Not only it's useful for other things and gives a nice smell, but it t will keep the ants out forever.&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;Keep your house clean. If you do your dishes regularly, mop the floor and wipe the kitchen tables every day, there won't be any reason for ants to enter, as they're looking for leftover foods and sugar.&lt;/li&gt;&lt;/ol&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Jay Banks has been an accomplished &lt;a target="_new" href="http://www.jaybanks.ca"&gt;realtor in Vancouver BC&lt;/a&gt; for several years. For more information and other great tips, visit his website &lt;a target="_new" href="http://www.jaybanks.ca"&gt;http://www.jaybanks.ca&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;div class="blogger-post-footer"&gt;&lt;img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/3740640956046816501-7858131675503727837?l=contractorguide.blogspot.com' alt='' /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;</content><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://contractorguide.blogspot.com/feeds/7858131675503727837/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=3740640956046816501&amp;postID=7858131675503727837' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/3740640956046816501/posts/default/7858131675503727837'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/3740640956046816501/posts/default/7858131675503727837'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://contractorguide.blogspot.com/2009/08/6-steps-to-get-rid-of-ants-in-your.html' title='6 Steps to Get Rid of Ants in Your House'/><author><name>Chuck Tiber</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/04774526438395501691</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='31' height='21' src='http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_KoR1x1SmsCw/SeVHGgLvt3I/AAAAAAAAAIA/e4_3kdGOOVs/S220/Suzanne_and_Andrew_047.jpg'/></author><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3740640956046816501.post-7274763682135125897</id><published>2009-08-28T03:12:00.001-07:00</published><updated>2009-08-28T03:12:53.363-07:00</updated><title type='text'>Your Royal Stairway - How to Achieve One</title><content type='html'>&lt;p&gt;More often than not, most items found in your home serve primarily the purpose of decoration. Take your vases, paintings, and carvings, among others, as examples. However, some items serve for particular functions but may also serve as a decoration. Take your crystal chandelier (it is primarily to give light to your home but also serves as dcor to your ceilings) and your antique mirror for instance.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;One thing that is not actually furniture which can be both useful and decorative in function is the stairway. Oftentimes, they serve as pathways from one level of our house to the next. Obviously, this is really a great help in houses with two or more floors. There are also houses which opt to put a stairway's platform in direct vision of a person entering the house from a front door. It gives out this appealing impression. Given this, it is therefore necessary that a stairway is not only sturdy and secure (for purposes of safety) but also must demonstrate "grandiosity" in its own right. Usually, this is attributed to the entire design of the stairway, but can also be tracked down to the specific stair parts, too. You have to remember that even the smallest detail, in this case part, can affect the totality of a whole structure to function and serve its purpose. This goes the same for the stairway and its stair parts.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;A stairway may be built in different fashions. It can be helical, straight, or sectioned with a balcony. These final structures usually depend more or less on the materials used for the stair parts. Colossal mansions and castles usually have marble staircases of regal grace and elegance. Suburban homes have staircases of wood. For high buildings and skyscrapers, they have cemented or stone-made staircases. There are also some which have more than two or more materials mixed.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Some stair parts may be made of wood, while the others with cement or steel or other materials. For example, the steps are made of cement, the balusters from steel and the handrail from wood. However, when a staircase is made of marble, it is almost always the only material used for its stair parts, too. Oftentimes, the color of these stairways is usually the same with the rest of the house. This is because a stairway is a part of the entirety of the structure of the house.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;There are various designs and materials of stair parts which when combined properly may produce a great look for the stairways. The general consideration is on the structure of your home. Also, consideration is also given to your budget to achieve the one which you like and is fit for your home. Most construction stores and depots offer various stair parts with affordable and reasonable prices.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Stairways, just like any general structures, rely greatly on their stair parts to achieve the final look to be visually stimulating to your guests and visitors and also for its solidity. Be certain that you only get what is best for your stairway to produce the effect of a royal pathway, to the next floor that is.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;For more information about Stair Parts feel free to visit &lt;a target="_new" href="http://www.elegantstairsandwoodfloors.com/"&gt;http://www.elegantstairsandwoodfloors.com&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Eliza Maledevic Ayson writes for Jump2top.com - &lt;a target="_new" href="http://www.jump2top.com"&gt;SEO Company&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;div class="blogger-post-footer"&gt;&lt;img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/3740640956046816501-7274763682135125897?l=contractorguide.blogspot.com' alt='' /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;</content><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://contractorguide.blogspot.com/feeds/7274763682135125897/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=3740640956046816501&amp;postID=7274763682135125897' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/3740640956046816501/posts/default/7274763682135125897'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/3740640956046816501/posts/default/7274763682135125897'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://contractorguide.blogspot.com/2009/08/your-royal-stairway-how-to-achieve-one.html' title='Your Royal Stairway - How to Achieve One'/><author><name>Chuck Tiber</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/04774526438395501691</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='31' height='21' src='http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_KoR1x1SmsCw/SeVHGgLvt3I/AAAAAAAAAIA/e4_3kdGOOVs/S220/Suzanne_and_Andrew_047.jpg'/></author><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3740640956046816501.post-7388157415236873220</id><published>2009-08-27T17:10:00.001-07:00</published><updated>2009-08-27T17:10:04.981-07:00</updated><title type='text'>The Grand Hotel Des Bains</title><content type='html'>&lt;p&gt;Venice is a city with many great hotels and it is difficult for the tourist to select the best or the nicest one. With Hotel Des Bains, you can't go wrong. Located along the beach of Venice Lido, this five star hotel can best be described as beautiful. To get to the hotel, it takes a delightful 15 minutes boat ride from the Marco polo airport. Another 15 minutes and you are right in the heart of the city of Venice - St Mark's square.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;The hotel has 191 full suites, each fully furnished with both modern and traditional Italian dcor. Each room has all the usual daily living amenities and is tastefully decorated. From the rooms, the view of the lagoon at night is simply spectacular. The surroundings of the Hotel des Bains offer a peaceful setting where one can relax in pure Italian style and elegance. For those who want to remain active, there is tennis, sailing, wind surfing and swimming.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;The hotel is not far from the Lido Shopping center, the Grand Canal, Rialto Bridge and Piazza San Marco. All round this area, one can view the ancient Italian architecture. For those who love cappuccinos and like to see people, just sit outside one of the many cafes in the area. After a long day in town, come back to the hotel and go for a swim in the large garden size pool where you can have a snack or drink some wine.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Those individuals who are on business or those who want to plan something more exciting like a wedding need not fear, Hotel Des Bains has a fully staffed conference hall with all the necessary furniture and equipment.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Everyone who goes to Italy dines on Italian food but almost every type of international cuisine is available here. At the Pagoda, one can sit outdoors, relax, watch the sunset and eat some of the best home made Italian pizzas around. The hotel does have a bar service and also a lounge where one can have cocktails and snacks throughout the day.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;For the tourist who wants to keep away from the hustle and bustle of downtown Venice and also want grand opulence, there is nothing better than Hotel De Bains. Not only is the food great, but the service is unbeatable.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Veraz is a blogger and freelance writer who writes travel articles for various travel sites and blogs. After travelling extensively in Italy, she began her own site on &lt;a target="_new" href="http://luxuryhotelsveniceitaly.com/"&gt;Venice luxury hotels&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Find out more about &lt;a target="_new" href="http://luxuryhotelsveniceitaly.com/"&gt;luxury hotels Venice Italy&lt;/a&gt; at her own site. A great reference tool for those who love to travel in luxury.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;div class="blogger-post-footer"&gt;&lt;img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/3740640956046816501-7388157415236873220?l=contractorguide.blogspot.com' alt='' /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;</content><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://contractorguide.blogspot.com/feeds/7388157415236873220/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=3740640956046816501&amp;postID=7388157415236873220' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/3740640956046816501/posts/default/7388157415236873220'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/3740640956046816501/posts/default/7388157415236873220'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://contractorguide.blogspot.com/2009/08/grand-hotel-des-bains.html' title='The Grand Hotel Des Bains'/><author><name>Chuck Tiber</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/04774526438395501691</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='31' height='21' src='http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_KoR1x1SmsCw/SeVHGgLvt3I/AAAAAAAAAIA/e4_3kdGOOVs/S220/Suzanne_and_Andrew_047.jpg'/></author><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3740640956046816501.post-719559817720382747</id><published>2009-08-27T02:31:00.001-07:00</published><updated>2009-08-27T02:31:49.878-07:00</updated><title type='text'>Making a Cost Plan For a Sunroom</title><content type='html'>&lt;p&gt;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.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;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.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;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.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;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.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;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.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Andrew Caxton is a freelance writer. Learn more about sunroom addition and patio enclosures at &lt;a target="_new" href="http://www.allsunrooms.com/enclosures.html"&gt;http://www.allsunrooms.com/enclosures.html&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;div class="blogger-post-footer"&gt;&lt;img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/3740640956046816501-719559817720382747?l=contractorguide.blogspot.com' alt='' /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;</content><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://contractorguide.blogspot.com/feeds/719559817720382747/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=3740640956046816501&amp;postID=719559817720382747' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/3740640956046816501/posts/default/719559817720382747'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/3740640956046816501/posts/default/719559817720382747'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://contractorguide.blogspot.com/2009/08/making-cost-plan-for-sunroom.html' title='Making a Cost Plan For a Sunroom'/><author><name>Chuck Tiber</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/04774526438395501691</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='31' height='21' src='http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_KoR1x1SmsCw/SeVHGgLvt3I/AAAAAAAAAIA/e4_3kdGOOVs/S220/Suzanne_and_Andrew_047.jpg'/></author><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3740640956046816501.post-8217559524192215103</id><published>2009-08-26T11:16:00.001-07:00</published><updated>2009-08-26T11:16:55.255-07:00</updated><title type='text'>Bathroom Renovation Luxury Cabinets Rediscover Luxury in Your Bathroom</title><content type='html'>&lt;p&gt;An article in BusinessWeek.com confirmed a drastic shift occurring in the home renovation market. The trend in renovation is shifting towards bathroom remodels. More and more people want style, beauty and luxury in their bathrooms. Control your environment. Get tips on how to better organize your home.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Is there a need for a cabinet?&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Most people do need a cabinet as they find it comfortable to store towels, personal products and other bathroom essentials. It is also easy to access and makes life easier. However, few families do not prefer to store items in cabinets. Depending on the budget and the need a bathroom renovation luxury cabinets can be considered.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Express your style &lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;If you are installing high end fixtures along with a luxury tub and shower wall during bathroom renovation, luxury cabinets should also be included in the plan. This would increase the ambience of your bathroom and match the levels of other fixtures in your bathroom. There are several types and styles of luxury cabinets that are available in the market. You will be amazed at the styles and colors of luxury cabinet that are available in the market these days. Take your pick and see how it fits your bathroom.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Budget Planning&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Create a budget and design the bathroom renovation plans based on your budget. Have an eye for product costs and spend wisely on what you really want.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Plan your space&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;A luxury cabinet as a part of bathroom renovation needs lots of planning. You have to follow these simple steps to select the cabinet based on your bathroom specifications.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;1.Measurement: Measure the dimensions of your bathroom perfectly.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;2.Layout: Sketch your bathroom layout, including where your cabinets, tub, sinks and other fixtures will be and chart out the dimensions in terms of length, width and depth.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;3.Design and revise your bathroom renovation plan until you are satisfied.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Selection&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Based on the dimension of your bathroom, select the luxury cabinet as well countertops and sinks to make an impressive difference in the appearance of the bathroom. The cabinets should fit into the overall statement the homeowner is trying to make in the room. Check out for colors and patterns and try to match the color scheme of your bathroom. Choose from a wide range of products and designs to make your bathroom a heaven at home.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;If you're looking for more information about bathroom renovation or are looking for bathroom remodeling ideas come visit me at my &lt;a target="_new" href="http://www.bathroomtiledesigns.org"&gt;bathroom remodeling&lt;/a&gt; blog.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;You will find lots of information about bathroom tile design, shower and tub installation, bathroom remodeling tools, bathroom renovation ideas, bathroom remodeling pictures and even specific information about the topic of this article: &lt;a target="_new" href="http://www.bathroomtiledesigns.org/bathroom-remodeling/bathroom-renovation-luxury-cabinets-rediscover-luxury-in-your-bathroom"&gt;Bathroom Renovation Luxury Cabinets&lt;/a&gt;.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;div class="blogger-post-footer"&gt;&lt;img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/3740640956046816501-8217559524192215103?l=contractorguide.blogspot.com' alt='' /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;</content><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://contractorguide.blogspot.com/feeds/8217559524192215103/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=3740640956046816501&amp;postID=8217559524192215103' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/3740640956046816501/posts/default/8217559524192215103'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/3740640956046816501/posts/default/8217559524192215103'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://contractorguide.blogspot.com/2009/08/bathroom-renovation-luxury-cabinets.html' title='Bathroom Renovation Luxury Cabinets Rediscover Luxury in Your Bathroom'/><author><name>Chuck Tiber</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/04774526438395501691</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='31' height='21' src='http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_KoR1x1SmsCw/SeVHGgLvt3I/AAAAAAAAAIA/e4_3kdGOOVs/S220/Suzanne_and_Andrew_047.jpg'/></author><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3740640956046816501.post-7495714193543807011</id><published>2009-08-25T18:43:00.001-07:00</published><updated>2009-08-25T18:43:52.312-07:00</updated><title type='text'>How To Install A Bath Tub Yourself</title><content type='html'>&lt;p&gt;Installing a bath tub can be a difficult endeavor, but with the appropriate tools and knowledge of what to do it can be successfully completed. It's a good idea to consider other options before deciding to install a new tub. An existing bath tub can be updated and improved by having it re-glazed, or by having a fitted liner created and installed. These options can decrease the cost and length of time involved in replacing a bath tub.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;If you've decided that installing a brand new bathtub is the only option, you must carefully research the best method of installation for the tub you choose and your bathroom. If you have the appropriate plumbing and construction knowledge, or know someone who does, the first step is to assemble the necessary tools for the job.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;A bath tub installation will require some basic tools that you will most likely already own, such as a hacksaw, drill, hammer, level, nails, screws and tape measure. Other parts and tools may have to be purchased for the job, such as a tube cutter, propane torch, PVC pipes, plastic shims and, of course, your new bath tub. Safety equipment, such as goggles, should always be worn whenever necessary during the project.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;When installing a tub to replace an existing unit, the old bath tub needs to be disconnected and removed. It's best to choose a similar size and style of tub, so no additional framing or alteration of original water supply lines needs to be performed.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Using as much assistance as is necessary, place the new bath tub into place and use shims to level it. Support boards should be present under the rim of the tub to help support its weight. After the tub is leveled and is adequately supported, the next focus is to connect the necessary plumbing.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;The steps needed to connect the plumbing will depend on what is already present from the previous tub. The drainpipe may have to be cut to fit, so that it connects to the trap, which should be centered below it. Reconnect all of the plumbing fixtures in the same manner as the previous tub was disconnected.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;After turning on the water and testing the entire system, it may need to be inspected, depending on building code regulations. After completing any necessary inspections, the final faucets and handles can be connected and the surrounding walls can be refinished and caulked.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Although the process of bathtub installation can be complicated, once you learn how to install a bath tub, you can save a great deal of money by completing the task yourself. If you have the right tools and supplies available, along with some assistance to move the tub, the entire process can be completed in as little as a day.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Visit us for more information on &lt;a target="_new" href="http://www.bathroomaccessoryguide.com"&gt;bathroom accessory guide&lt;/a&gt;, &lt;a target="_new" href="http://www.bathroomaccessoryguide.com"&gt;bathroom accessories&lt;/a&gt; and &lt;a target="_new" href="http://www.bathroomaccessoryguide.com/how_to_install_a_bath_tub/"&gt;how to install a bath tub&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;div class="blogger-post-footer"&gt;&lt;img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/3740640956046816501-7495714193543807011?l=contractorguide.blogspot.com' alt='' /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;</content><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://contractorguide.blogspot.com/feeds/7495714193543807011/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=3740640956046816501&amp;postID=7495714193543807011' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/3740640956046816501/posts/default/7495714193543807011'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/3740640956046816501/posts/default/7495714193543807011'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://contractorguide.blogspot.com/2009/08/how-to-install-bath-tub-yourself.html' title='How To Install A Bath Tub Yourself'/><author><name>Chuck Tiber</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/04774526438395501691</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='31' height='21' src='http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_KoR1x1SmsCw/SeVHGgLvt3I/AAAAAAAAAIA/e4_3kdGOOVs/S220/Suzanne_and_Andrew_047.jpg'/></author><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry></feed>
