Five Things That a Termite Inspection Company Might Not Ever Say

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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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.

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What If My Contractor Does Not Return My Call

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Greg Vandenberge has been in the home building and remodeling business for over 30 years. With this knowledge he has created a few websites that provide useful information for home owners as well as contractors. His main goal is to educate professionals in the home related businesses, dealing with problems that can easily be avoided with just a little bit of information.

His website http://gregvan.com provides all kinds of answers to remodeling and new house building issues that could create major damage as well as possible damage to your pocket book.

Plumbing Problems and Solutions - Repair Manuals

If you've owned a home for over 20 years, there's a very good chance, that you've had a water pipe break, a drainpipe clogged, a toilet that wouldn't flush right, or a water leak that damaged part of the home. If you don't know, what you're looking for and you have no idea what damage can be done, over time, this could mean trouble for the homeowner.

Plumbing problems like these have been around and will be around for many years. Knowing what to do about them, how to repair them and what materials will be needed, can be found in plumbing repair manuals for books. How would you like to have a professional plumber to advise you on your plumbing repairs. What if I told you that you could have a plumbing professional on hand at all times. Is this something that you might be interested in.

Well I can't guarantee that, so let's forget about what I just said and go to the next best thing. Plumbing repair manuals are full of tips and advice that when needed can sometimes be priceless. If water is leaking from the ceiling in your home and you have no idea, where the water is coming from or how to stop it from leaking, any information could be priceless and I mean priceless.

Plumbers, usually charge over $100 an hour for emergency service. I've seen plumbers come to peoples homes, turn the water off to the house, stop the water from leaking and now it is no longer an emergency. The plumber quickly pulls out an invoice for the plumbing repairs and it could be over $1000, if you decide that this is ridiculous and choose not to pay it, the plumber can hand you a bill for stopping the water leak. Some of these bills are what I would consider quite ridiculous, for just shutting the water off.

You're not paying the plumber for the amount of time it took him, you're paying him for his knowledge. If you knew where to shut the water off, you wouldn't have an emergency situation and could contact a plumber during normal hours. This could save you hundreds if not thousands of dollars.

With a simple home repair manual or a home plumbing book, you could prepare yourself for a situation like this and other plumbing problems. Most home repair manuals have general solutions and advice and can solve most of the problems around your home. If they can't solve all of the problems, they can probably save you from major catastrophes like a water leak.

Most of the time it's not the water leak that will cost the most money, it's the damage the water will do to your furniture, carpeting, wood flooring, walls or ceilings. A little information and preparation can save you a lot of money in the long run.

Home Plumbing Books

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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.

Basic Home Electrical Wiring - For the Do it Yourself Home Electrician

The Green Bay Packers were one of the most successful football teams and Vince Lombardi said something to them that I will never forget," This is a football." All the football players laughed and he said that we're going to start with the basics and that's what I'm going to do, with this article.

Let's start with our electrical wire, the two most common electrical wire sizes, that will be used in most homes, will be 14 and 12 gauge electrical wire. Let's clear something up, right off the bat, the smaller the number, the larger the wire. In other words a 12 gauge electrical wire is a little bit larger and will carry more electricity, for longer distances than a 14 gauge wire.

What about electrical outlet plugs? These plugs are usually the same, except for the fact that they come in different colors. When I said that most electrical plugs are the same, I'm talking about your standard wall outlet plug. There are different electrical plugs that will be used for air conditioners and some kitchen appliances like 220 Volt electric stoves and ovens.

What about your home's light switches? Your standard two way light switch will usually turn a one light on or a group of lights on, from one location. A three way light switch will usually turn one light on or a group of lights on from two different locations. A four way light switch, will usually turn one light or a group of lights on from three different locations.

It doesn't get any more basic than that. I hope this gives you a better understanding about your home's electrical system.

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 home building books on the Internet.

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.

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

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Tile Grouting Tips For Your Bathrooms, Kitchens and Floors

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Click here if you are looking for some more Bathroom Remodeling Ideas

If you're really interested in basement remodeling and repairs, you should click on this link Home Repair Tips. Get some great home repair advice that can make a big difference on any of your home remodeling projects.

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.

Thanks for reading the article

How to Protect Foundation Plumbing Pipes?

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Check out some of the best selling Home Building Plumbing Books all on one website

If you're really interested in basement remodeling and repairs, you should click on this link Home Repairs. Get some great home repair advice that can make a big difference on any of your home remodeling projects.

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.

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10 Things a Homeowner Won't Tell a Contractor - Common Courtesy

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.

1. We are happy with all of the work that you did in a timely manner and we appreciate your services.

2. We are happy with the way you performed your construction tasks, efficiently and we appreciate your services.

3. The work was done by a true professional and we would recommend you to any one of our friends.

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.

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.

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.

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.

8. Thanks for the reasonable priced estimate on our project. You helped us say a lot of money and we appreciate that sincerely.

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.

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.

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.

If You Live in Northern San Diego County or South Orange County, and You're Looking for a Great Contractor, Click on This Link Home Remodeling Contractor

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.

Click here if you're looking for additional Homeowner Contractor Advice. If you're interested in gathering more information on how to hire a good contractor, make sure that you visit our website.

Important Do-It-Yourself Home Remodeling Advice

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.

1. Working on Electrical Service Boxes

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.

2. Plumbing Water Supply Lines

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.

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.

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.

If you're really interested in basement remodeling and repairs, you should click on this link Home Repair Pictures and Advice. Get some great home repair advice that can make a big difference on any of your home remodeling projects.

If You Live in Northern San Diego County or South Orange County, and You're Looking for a Great Contractor, Click on This Link Vista Home Repair Contractors

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.

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How To Protect Your Kids at the Pool

A university statistics professor in the United States, Steven D. Levitt, was struck by how many children had drowned in swimming pools. They were the kind of deaths that don't make the newspaper-unlike, for instance, a child who dies while playing with a gun. He got curious, and went looking for numbers that would tell the story.

After conducting a detailed scientific study, he concluded the following; "If you both own a gun and have a swimming pool in the backyard, the swimming pool is about 100 times more likely to kill a child than the gun is."

Drowning is one of the major causes of accidents involving children worldwide, resulting in serious injury and death. Thousands of tragic accidents involving swimming pools highlight the sad fact that kids and pools can be a very dangerous combination. A number of child deaths have occurred while parents have been looking away, or were not in the vicinity. Other heart-rending events have involved children's long hair being caught in pool water pump inlets, which have also led to drowning.

In a number of cases, accidents happened even though the child knew how to swim. The result of this study serves to highlight the significant hazard that swimming pools present to children, compared to other dangers. Toddlers, in particular, often do something unexpected because their capabilities change daily.

Submersion incidents involving children usually happen in familiar surroundings. In another study, 65 percent of the incidents happened in a pool owned by the child's family and 33 percent of the incidents happened in a pool owned by friends or relatives.

Child drowning is often a silent death - there's no splashing to alert anyone that the child is in trouble. Pool submersions involving children happen quickly. A child can drown in the time it takes to answer a phone. 77 percent of the victims had been missing from sight for five minutes or less.

Here are some easy tips you can use to reduce the risk;

Supervise

Never allow your youngster to swim alone without any adult supervision. It is vital that persons be

around, ready to help if needed.

Does Your Pool have a Fence?

Enclose your pool with a fence at least 4 feet (1.2 Metres) high, and a gate which can be locked. Do not leave the pool open and accessible, as children can fall inside. In many communities having a fence around a pool, with a lockable gate, is a legal requirement.

Cordless Phone

Always have a phone nearby the pool. This should ensure that nobody has to leave a child alone in the pool to answer the phone when it rings. A cordless home phone can be a good solution.

Social Gatherings

During social gatherings at or near a pool, appoint a "designated watcher" to protect young children from pool accidents. Adults may take turns being the "watcher." When adults become preoccupied, children are at risk.

Slips & Falls

A number of children are injured when they slip and fall around the pool on wet tiles or concrete; consider having your child wear a pair of anti-slip pool shoes when around and even in, the pool.

Life Saver

You should ensure there is always a life saving flotation device handy, such as; a lifesaver ring or foam flotation device near the pool. This could be very handy if an adult happens to be around to help rescue a child from the edge of the pool - but who cannot actually get in the pool and swim. However, do not use flotation devices as a substitute for supervision. Remove toys from in and around the pool when it is not in use, as toys can attract young children closer to the pool.

CPR

Every parent and guardian should be conversant in basic Cardio-Pulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) techniques in case of any accident. Survival depends on rescuing the child quickly and restarting the breathing process, even while the child is still in the water. Seconds count in preventing death or brain damage.

Jump, Don't Dive!

Teach your children that diving should only be performed in special pools, or in designated areas. It's very easy to misjudge the depth of a pool, or mistake the shallow-end for the deep-end and suffer a serious neck or head injury.

Long Hair

If your child has longer hair, consider the use of a swim cap which will ensure their hair does not become tangled in pool equipment.

Small Water Bodies

Avoid leaving your kids alone even with small portable pools or other water bodies such as buckets or fountains. There is always a danger of drowning occurring even in small bodies of water.

Again, please watch what your kids are doing whenever they are near water. Supervise their activities and never leave them alone in or near any pool. If a child is missing, check the pool first. Seconds count in preventing death or disability. Go to the edge of the pool and scan the entire pool, bottom and surface, as well as the pool area.

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Problems With Black Mold

All About Custom Entry Doors

Custom Entry Doors have recently become almost a fad in many towns. There are 100's of designs, styles , colors, wood species available. Most of these doors are being imported from China. Although there are still some manufacturers in the United Stated that are producing them locally. The "Import Doors" usually are made from chinese lumber. They have Chinese grown trees which resemble some of our North American trees but they are not the same. You will find the pricing of these import doors is quite competitive. You will also find that there is rarely any warranty available on these import doors.

Much of the wood in China is air dried and you will find very few Kilns in these parts. The result is that the wood has not been dried properly and there is a chance of failure in these doors. Namely, there may be too much humidity in the wood and it increases the chances for the door to warp. Most doors made in North America use kiln dried lumber. Many of the North American Door Manufacturers use an engineered wood substrate as an interior core. The engineered wood is suppose to reduce the amount of movement in the door. Many of these custom entry doors have only 1/8" or 1/4" solid wood veneers on the exterior and the interior core is an engineered wood. Although there are few companies still existing the the US that built the doors out of "Solid Wood". I believe the best quality door is still the Solid Wood Door. You don't have to worry about screws getting stripped or delaminating of the veneers.

If you would like to find a custom designed entry door made in America, I would suggest you search "Google" under "Custom Entry Door". Also, you can go to Macraesbluebook.com and search under "Doors Wood".

There are an endless number of design choices in custom entry doors. You will see Wrought Iron, Glass, Decorative Glass, Leaded Glass, Stained Glass, Clavos(Large Tacks), Speakeasy Doors and Grills, Sidelites,Transom Windows. I would suggest you search your favorite wood browse under "Custom Entry Door" and find a design you like. Next, find a local manufacturer to manufacturer the design you want. Also, you can go to custommade.com and look under Entry Doors for ideas and suppliers.

As mentioned earlier, there are several towns where "Custom Entry Doors" have almost become a fad. It seems like one homeowner is trying to out do the other. In the Chicagoland area, you can actually drive around certain towns and see your fair share of unique doors. I have found that the towns with the most character in their "custom entry doors" include: Hinsdale, Oakbook, Lake Forest, Highland Park in the state of Illinois.

The most popular wood species for entry doors include: Mahogany, Oak, Alder, Maple, and Walnut. I would recommend a hardwood door because it will be less likely to scratch or be damaged. Also, important is the finish. Be sure to use a clear coat with UV protectors. Many contractors use Spar Varnish but there are some better products out there. I prefer an Exterior Finish which made in italy called ICA. There is also another high end finish called "West System".

The custom entry doors can range from $2000-$10,000 for an import and from $5,000 to $50,000 for an intricate door system (Sidelites, transom windows, oversized door).

If you have any questions regarding custom entry doors please feel free to email me at danncd@yahoo.com. I have been custom designing and manufacturing entry doors at my manufacturing facility for many years. I have been in business for 29 years.

Dan Diewald

How Tough Are Concrete Epoxies

The Best Type of Replacement Windows

If you are looking for the best type of replacement windows then you have come to the right place. I will provide you with very useful information that you can use to make the right decision as you start your window replacement project.

There are many ways of approaching this question of the best type of replacement windows. I will try and cover all the important aspects of it. That is, the best brands, best type in terms of make and functionality. Read it before you get scammed by an unscrupulous sales rep.

Energy efficient windows

If you are looking for the windows that will save you thousands on bills then your best type should be one that does a good job at energy saving. There are many brands like Amerimax but the best way to find one that will work for you is to use ratings. The best rating methods that are available today are the NFCR and the Energy star rating.

Durability

If you are planning to stay in that house for a long time then you probably are thinking about finding the best type of replacement windows that are durable. Well there are many brands that feature here - a few that comes to mind include Pella, Andersons, milgard to name a few. In previous articles I have written about top brands in terms if durability.

Storm Windows

To find the best type of windows that resist wind you need to find AAMA air infiltration rating or NFRC, which I highlighted earlier on. So if you are looking for the best type of storm replacement windows then think along wooden windows because they can easily be repaired.

Vinyl storm windows tend to get messed up pretty quickly. They then start leaking and get an ugly look that cheapens the house. Of course there are other options to explore here. Brands to consider here include Hurd, Marvin or Amerimax to name just a few.

Part of the house

Different windows work are good for different parts of the house. For example when talking about the best type of kitchen replacement windows then you need to think along casement windows. This is because kitchen windows must be airy. For the lounge you may need to consider bay windows and you can get yourself Milgard Vinyl for the back areas of the house

You also need to consider the best type of replacement windows that work well when cleaning e.g. tilt-in, double hung and if you want to take out the sashes and frames then your best type may be a full frame replacement window.

My point here is that "best" is different from one person to the next. As an expert I would recommend that you get in touch with a consultant to help you find the one suitable for you. It is easy to find help online without being charged anything.

Click here - the best type of replacement windows for instant access

Or find a list of pre-screened replacement companies located within your area. These can send a consultant over to your home for an obligation free consultation. Visit:

http://www.findreplacementwindowcompanies.com

If this article has helped you in any way then I hope you can believe me when I say this site will help you as well. Just follow the links from there to access more localized assistance.

Architects And Home Design

Choosing Exterior Paint Colors

There are many reasons why you may be considering repainting the exterior of your home. Perhaps you are trying to sell your house, your original exterior paint is fading or damaged, or you may just be in the mood for a new look for your home.

New paint can add curb appeal to your house, and if selling, a new coat of paint on the exterior will have a tremendous effect on the value of your home. Remember that, in addition to increased house value, the value of your entire neighborhood will rise with a new exterior paint job.

Choosing the correct paint colors will be critical in determining the final outcome of your decision. In other words, taking the time to consider the effects of your color choices can be the difference between a stunning home and a tacky house.

Color Popularity and Rankings

According to a recent survey conducted by the Rohm & Hass Paint Quality Institute, the most popular color choice of homes across America is white or off-white. Second is beige, tan, or brown with 28% of people claiming those colors as their homes colors. Next is gray, followed by blue, then green and yellow. Coming in last on the list is red and pink.

A similar study conducted by Realty Time Magazine offers slightly different results, with white again having the majority of votes, but followed by gray, then blue, tan/brown, cream, beige, green, yellow, and red in last again. It may be obvious that white is the most common color, because white is actually the color with the most shades (even though white is not actually a color, but a neutral).

Choosing Your Homes Exterior Colors

Prominent Colors of Your Home
There are many factors to take into account when deciding on new colors for the exterior of your home. Firstly, consider the colors that will be remaining on your home, such as the roof color, decks, or any brick or stone walls or structures. Narrow your options first by finding out which colors will go well with these prominent, fixed features.

Surrounding Neighborhood

Next, be sure to take into consideration the rest of the neighborhood. It is typically a good idea to stay within the same relevant context of colors as your neighbors. Remember that your homes color scheme will have a direct effect on the value of your neighborhood.

In fact, some restricted communities, homeowners associations, and historical neighborhoods may have restrictions on what colors you may paint your home, so be sure to research any constraints your community may have.

Mr. Oliver is a marketing agent for N. Chasen and Son. The interior and exterior painting specialists concentrate on painting jobs throughout the Richmond Virginia area. For more information on a painting contractor in Richmond Virginia please visit their website.

Nailing Or Screwing Drywall

Achieving Exterior Home Renovations Yourself

If you are focusing upon DIY renovations around the home then one place which you might be reluctant to touch is your home's exterior. However, when it comes to DIY exterior projects, they really don't have to be as challenging as you would first imagine. As long as you have the right tools and a good level of knowledge on the job in hand then that is all that matters.

It all really depends upon how much you know about exterior home improvements as to what you can actually do yourself. So it could be that you can install new guttering, do a window trim or add new sliding to the home. Or perhaps you would love to add a patio or a pool to the garden? Whatever you want to achieve you can do it yourself just as long as you take the time to learn how.

How to Remodel the Exterior of Your Home

The first step to getting any DIY project right is planning. You need to understand the task in hand and you also need to look at every angle of the project. Break it down into steps and ensure that you understand exactly what it is that you will be doing. Remember to get all of the tools that you will need. If you are not sure what tools to purchase then it would be a good idea to pop into your local DIY store and ask a member of staff. They will be able to give you advice on the job you are planning to complete and point you in the right direction with what you need. If you find that the equipment needed is a little on the expensive side then you could always rent the equipment instead of purchasing it.

Generally painting the outside of your home is one of the easiest jobs you can do. However before you can paint it you will first need to prepare by cleaning it. As long as you take the time to prepare the wall before you apply any paint, you will end up with a nice, smooth, even finish.

One of the biggest mistakes which people tend to make with exterior home improvement projects is that they try and do far too much too soon. Ideally you will need to break everything down into small steps. That way the task will not seem impossible to finish and it will be a lot more enjoyable to complete. So set up everything well before you start and try and complete everything in baby steps. This will save you time in the long run and it will also be a lot less hassle.

Overall exterior home renovations really don't have to be overly difficult. Just as long as you do not try to attempt to do more than you can handle, you should easily be able to complete basic remodeling jobs by yourself.

Vince Paxton's long articles can be found on many online sites tied to information on vinyl garden windows. His comments on garden replacement windows can be encountered on his webpage and also different websites.

Materials For Stair Treads

Interior Paint Finishes - Poway Home Remodeling

When choosing a paint color for a room, the selection does not just stop at the precise color; the finish also plays an integral role in the project. What many may not realize is that there's 5-6 different paint finishes to choose from. Each finish has its own pros and cons which if not analyzed, could deter from the final outcome of the home painting project.

Here's a breakdown of each individual finish:

Matte Finish

Whether called flat finish or wall paint, this type of interior paint has a matte surface. This paint finish is usually used on interior walls. It's especially good if you have to camouflage small wall bumps, cracks, or other imperfections, as this finish does not reflect light. While some flat paints are advertised as washable today, you may need to touch up scratches or marks by covering with a bit more paint, so be sure you keep some on hand after you've finished painting.

Eggshell Finish

If you can picture the very low sheen of the shell of an egg, you have an idea of how an eggshell paint finish will appear. With only a slight hint of shine or gloss, it's good for walls and holds up better with cleaning than a flat finish paint.

Satin Finish

Satin finish paint has a smooth, velvety look with a bit more gloss. It is most often used for windows, doors, trim, or ceilings, but can also be used as wall paint. This is particularly suitable for kids' room walls, kitchens, or bathrooms, or in areas with a lot of traffic. Paint with a satin finish is formulated to hold up to cleaning and light scrubbing.

Flat Enamel

Flat enamel is paint with a durable flat, matte finish. It's a good choice for powder rooms and halls, as it holds up to occasional light cleaning.

Glossy

Glossy finishes tend to give off a shiny finish imitating the appearance of enamel or plastic. This finish is not recommended for use on interior walls. A glossy finish is often seen on furniture and has recently become somewhat of a trend as a finish on cabinets and trim. A glossy finish provides a dramatic finish but has its disadvantages. Something to keep in mind when choosing a glossy finish is the paint finish will not hide imperfections. If anything the finish will magnify surface imperfections, so thoroughly assess your project area for dings and deep imperfections. Another helpful tip is sanding before starting to paint is necessary.

Semi-Gloss

A semi-gloss paint finish is a wonderful choice for doors, cabinets, and trim in places like the kitchen and bathrooms. Semi-gloss can be easily cleaned and offers a delicate shine without too much gleam. Because of the slight sheen, imperfections are disguised better then say a glossy finish. To have to best outcome, it is recommended that the surface be thoroughly prepared before paint application. This process includes sanding out groves and puttying holes and indentations.

Hopefully the breakdown of each paint finish has helped you in selecting what kind of finish you want to give your interior home painting project. Never hesitate to ask your painting pro further questions and opinions about finishes in your home.

Emil Suiugan

Prime Painters, LLC

PrimePaintersLLC@yahoo.com

Emil Suiugan is the owner of Prime Painters, LLC, a metro Atlanta based painting company. He has 10+ years of experience as a paint contractor and has established his company as one of the most reputable and top paint contracting companies in Metro Atlanta and the North Georgia area. Feel free to contact for more information.

What Kind Of Wood Rot

Advantages Of Using A Sump Pump Cover

Eighty five percent of homes in the US experience a flooded basement sooner or later - these are the estimates from home builders and insurance providers.

The sump pump was invented to handle minor basement flooding problems, and this solution came with it's own set of new problems. Questions about safety soon arouse with this machinery open and exposed. Also, small animals could get stuck in the sump pit. Unable to escape it could clog the system, as well as cause an unpleasant mess when it came time to cleanup.

These issues, of course lead to the sump pump cover being made available.

Installing a sump pump cover gives the security and peace of mind that no one can bump, step on, or otherwise damage the unit - leaving your basement unprotected. And no foreign objects will be able to enter the sump pit causing malfunction or inefficiency.

Today, more and more systems are sold with a complete line of accessories, which includes a cover. Other sources of sump pump covers are specialty home stores that sometimes carry these items sold separately from a pump unit.

Now days, it is fairly standard for sump pumps sold in the United States to include covers. If you are outside the United States, or in need of a cover for an older installation, check the specialty home stores near you.

Safety issues

Do not be tempted to leave the cover off after any routine servicing or maintenance. The system can run just fine without it, so long as it doesn't get damaged, or objects get caught in the sump pit possibly causing failure. You will probably never even know about any such damage until you need your basement sump pump the most.

One final advantage is the dust and dirt that is kept away from the workings. Keeping this dirt away helps keep the system from overheating and ensures a long service life of your sump pump system. There's really no disadvantage to using a sump pump cover. Without one, you risk premature failure when you need your sump pump the most.

Pumps-and-Filters.com presents Sump pump covers - if you don't have a cover now, you'll want one - See Sump pump covers

Building Safe Stairs

Can You Green a Home on the Cheap For a Faster, Higher Sale?

Offering something unique and timely can always help sell a home more quickly and possibly closer to the listing price. Aside from the usual home staging techniques, implementing some easy, but key energy and water saving options too might just do the trick! Savvy buyers will ask what utility costs are or to see actual bills, especially in older homes, and be impressed at measures taken to reduce those costs.

Here are some easy, yet smaller projects that can increase a home's appeal in a time of high energy costs and an extraordinary focus on being green. Oh, make sure you of course market the home with these positive, new features.

• Replace regular light bulbs in permanent fixtures with compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFLs use about one-fifth as much energy as regular bulbs, and last about 12 times longer).
• Install low-flow showerheads, which will save on water heating and use.
• Install an ENERGY STAR qualified, programmable thermostat
• Close the damper on the fireplace. It sounds simple, but is often forgotten season to season and causes drafts and high energy loss.
• Add insulation to an attic.
• Seal basement rim joists. This is along the top of the basement wall where the cement or block comes in contact with the wood frame. This is a common area of air leakage.
• Insulate water heater tanks for energy savings.
• Repair water leaks in tubs, showers and sinks. Not only are they big water wasters, but a leak really shows the home is not cared for anymore.
• Perform duct sealing or hire a contractor. 20 percent of the air that moves through the duct system is lost due to leaks, holes, and poorly connected ducts.
• Other visible changes that may attract a buyer are using renewable sources in any flooring you might replace prior to listing such as recycled carpeting, bamboo, cork or other flooring from fast-growing wood sources.

You can also recommend a home energy audit to help your clients identify other easy, but important fixes and also demonstrate to potential buyers the sellers are serious about home maintenance and improvement. It will give buyers a fun jump start too on accomplishing more efficiency improvements in their new home.

Being willing to partner a bit with the buyers creates an air of security that the home is still cared about and all parties want them to have as great an experience in it with their family as the previous family did.

Remodeling Off a Cliff

Recently people have been spending big money for remodeling and using "resale" as an excuse to spend outrageous amounts of money. But if you have to sell your house in today's market it could be a loser's game.

Many people are actually refinancing their homes to do the remodels and going into serious debt to pay for the work. They are essentially financing the remodel for significantly longer than most trendy improvements, i.e. granite countertops and stainless steel appliances.

This leads us to our first rule.

1. If you have to refinance to pay for the work, you can't afford it.
2. Clean up. It's a lot of work, but worth the time. Clean, orderly homes always resale better.
3. Get rid of junk. When I have my houses for sale there is nothing sitting on the floor or impeding traffic flow even in the closets.
4. Remove wallpaper and put up soft neutral paint inside and out. Modern buyers do not like wallpaper.
5. Pay more attention to street appeal than interior decorating. Cute houses resell better and faster than other houses.

This last point...the one about street appeal...is the biggest one you need to have on your side if you need to resale fast. How your house looks from the street matters more than your interior. If buyers don't like the outside they won't even come in to see what you have done inside.

If you own a house that has no street appeal in a good neighborhood you might have a great chance to make money even in a slowing real estate market.

But how do you get street appeal?

It is tough. Just ask all the builders who are stuck with inventories of unsold homes. Street appeal is a moving target. Here are some strategies and recommendations.

1. Try to improve the landscaping pushing it out enough to frame the house rather than hiding it.
2. Make a nice wide path to the door.
3. Paint and use more than one color.
4. Make sure all colors work together including the roof.
5. Add some rock.
6. Frame out windows.
7. Stay true to the architecture of the house both inside and out.

You can no longer just throw a house up for sale and expect it to be easy. You have to work at it. Those first days the property is on the market can never be done over. Do your homework and don't put your house on the market until it is ready.

Clean it up, price it competitively and make it the cutest house on the block. Don't follow all the remodeling gurus along with the crowd right off a cliff.

Paula G Stone and George R (Ron) Stone have a note buying business. Their company buys mortgage notes as well as helps home sellers offer owner financing to sell their home fast and for top dollar while selling the private mortgage note at a simultaneous closing. Learn more about note buying and selling at Selling Mortgage

Energy Efficiency in Your Home to Help SAVE You Money - A Few Easy Tips to Get You Started!

Saving money is easiest when you don't spend it in the first place. There are many things you can do around the house that will help you conserve energy and lower your utility bills that cost little to nothing to implement. The long term potential savings are HUGE! Here are some easy ideas that will save you money.

• If your water pipes are accessible in your basement, insulate them. Most home improvement stores sell foam sleeves that easily slide over the pipes for less than $3 per eight foot sleeve. At the very least, insulate the exposed pipes that are attached to your hot water tank. This will make your hot water tank use less energy, saving you money over time.
• Do you have a toilet that runs water occasionally when no one is using it? You can pick up a toilet repair kit for less than $20 and fix the leak easily, reducing your water bill. It's not difficult and if you can use a screwdriver and pliers you can do it yourself. We saved approximately $6 - $7 a month off our water bill by repairing a running toilet in our basement.
• To water your garden and yard collect rainfall in rainbarrels from the downspouts of your house. A good 15 minute downpour can fill two 50 gallon rainbarrels and you have free water to use outside the house. You can use the water by filling a watering can for plants, attaching a regular garden hose, or soaker hose (which has small holes in it and you lay it in the garden beds.)
• If you think your water bill is too high, ask your local water company to perform a status check of your home. They can't tell you where your leak is but they can tell you if you have one.
• Maintain your appliances so they operate at peak efficiency. Pull your refrigerator out once a year and clean the coils on the back and under the front of it to keep it operating as good as new. Be sure to clean the lint trap of your dryer with a lint brush to keep it working efficiently every six months. When your appliances are well maintained they use less energy and cost less to run, saving you money. If your appliances are ten years old or older you should upgrade, if possible. Even a well maintained older appliance will use two to three times as much energy as brand new high energy efficient appliance.

These ideas are all easy to do and do not cost a lot of money to implement. If you take the time to learn about more cost efficient ideas you will save money with minimal effort. If you'd like to learn more ideas to save money and conserving energy around the house go to http://www.greentipsforyou.com and learn more!

Electric Vehicle Retrofitting From Home

An electric motor conversion project can be carried out by anyone who is interested to reduce their gasoline expense bill. Ever since the price of gasoline reached a historical high, refueling at the local station has become an expensive ordeal. Most American household has more than one car. Multiplied by the number of car trips we take a month, the money we spend on fuel can be very large. Are there any ways we can remove our dependency on fossil fuel? One idea is to remove the internal combustion engine and replace it with an electric motor.

Generally, an electric motor will be able to produce enough torque to propel a car forward. The concept of an electric vehicle (EV) retrofitting process is to take out the engine and its associated components such as gas tanks, radiators and fuel lines. The existing drive train such as the transmission and clutch system can still be used. The electric motor is to be attached to the transmission. To power the electric motor, a series of 20 lead acid flooded batteries will be used.

To control the speed of the motor, a variable resistor is connected between the batteries and the motor. The resistor will control the speed of the motor thus the speed of the vehicle. The whole system is connected to a centralized circuit board. The circuit board will monitor all the system and also acts as a cut off switch in case there is a power overload.

Generally, anyone who wants to convert a car to run purely on electricity can do so. What he needs is a donor car, some hand tools and a good step by step conversion guide. Most of the guides are available from the internet. All you have to do is do a query on the search engine.

Are high gasoline prices stressing you out? Why not use electricity as an alternative energy source to power your car. Cut your fuel expense bill by exploring Electric Motor Conversion guides. Read the reviews on top online resources to retrofit your car with electric propulsion system at http://www.cbElectricCar.com

Modular Homes - Total Cost of Construction

So you are looking at property and have decided to build a modular home. You may have even decided to act as your own general contractor. You are now putting together a budget. It is fairly easy to get the prices for the land and the modular home, but it is not as cut and dry to piece together everything else that will be needed at your job site.

I built a modular home about two years ago and went through the same process. I had a difficult time finding ballpark figures for many things when trying to budget my project. Below is a list of things to keep in mind when putting together your budget:

1. Utility hooks ups and your distance from existing utilities (electric, natural gas, propane, water)
2. Excavation for foundation/basement
3. Foundation and basement
4. Driveway costs
5. Electrician to wire up basement
6. Plumber to do rough plumbing under basement floor prior to setting house
7. Concrete flatwork (basement floor)
8. Plumber to do finish plumbing (hook home to rough plumbing)
9. Electrician to hook house to utilities
10. Plumber and electrician for a septic tank (if needed)
11. Carpenters for a deck
12. Contractor for a patio

It is important to get multiple bids when costing your project. Another thing to keep in mind is that you should not necessarily choose your contractors because they are the cheapest. You must check with references, view previous work they have done, verify that they are insured and licensed to work in your city. I met with my foundation contractor at a job site he was working on and was so impressed that I chose him even though he was the highest of my three bidders. I could have saved a couple of thousand dollars with someone else but I doubt it would have been worth it.

If you do not feel that you have the time or expertise to manage the contractors involved, many modular home builders will act as your general contractor for a fee. This may be the route to choose if you do not have time to meet with all of your contractors at the job site.

Tim Montey is a modular home enthusiast who built his first modular home two years ago and detailed that experience, lessons learned and costs at http://www.modularhomechoice.com

Find more detailed information on the total cost of a modular home at the above link on the Financing page.

Solar Powered House - Decrease Electricity Cost With a Solar Powered Home

Are you interested in saving money? Well there are certainly a lot of ways to do this, but why not take it out of your own electricity bill instead? Solar powered homes give you the ability to generate fresh, renewable electricity for any home. Electricity is one of the most expensive utilities that we all must face. While there are a lot of skeptics that say powering a home with solar energy is complex. The systems can be installed and maintained with ease.

A solar powered house uses a lot of the sun's energy which is obtained through a solar array. For those that do not know what a solar array is; a solar array is created through solar cells that are molded together in a series. Solar cells are created from the semiconductor resources that have the power to create an electric current when exposed to sun light. The most popular solar arrays are installed on roof tops. In order to change the suns energy into a use-able electric resource, the solar array is connected to battery extension, through a charge controller. The controller charges the batteries, while making sure the current doesn't flow back to the solar array.

With the way the economy is and the known benefits of using solar powered energy to power your home, many individuals, companies, and families are beginning the process of converting their homes into solar energy. Solar energy is the next step towards advancement in our economy, and lifestyles. If you have a discomfort when you open your electricity bill, then maybe solar energy is just what you are looking for.

Are you sick and tired of high electricity costs? Are you interested in converting your own home to use Solar Energy? The author has created a review site that provides you with the best DIY Solar Power Energy guides on the internet. Start saving money today!

http://www.SolarPowerProductsReview.info/

Asphalt Shingle Roofing - Poway Home Remodeling

Is it any wonder why almost 80% of homes in North America use asphalt shingles as the roofing material of choice. The prevalence of asphalt shingles has created a vast assortment of fittings and fixtures designed to work with them. Items such as a multitude of flashing configurations, edge products, and almost every skylight manufactured has an appropriate base configuration for a weatherproof connection with asphalt shingles. All of the material that you need for a proper installation, such as the shingles, tarpaper, nails, vent boots and chimney flashing are available at any home improvement retailer.

The primary attributes of asphalt tiles are:

• reasonably priced (economical),
• require very little maintenance,
• versatile,
• provide excellent protection on steep sloped roofs,
• are weather and sunlight resistant,
• easy to cut,
• can be nailed by hand or with powered nailers.

There are two different types of asphalt shingle base material construction - composition and fiberglass. Composition shingles use a base material termed organic felt, which is a blend of paper and wood fibers. Fiberglass, on the other hand, uses a base that is comprised of a fiberglass mat. In both cases, once the base material is produced it is soaked in an asphalt compound. In numbers sold, fiberglass leads the market. They are less expensive, weigh less because they are thinner, have a longer wear life and have a better fire rating than the composition base shingles.

Average cost of a shingle roof is $50 to $150 per square, installed. Removal of old shingles will cost between $30 and $50 per square.

Both types of asphalt shingles are manufactured with embedded mineral granules. Seeing the granules in your eaves trough (after the initial installation) is a sure sign that you need to repair or replace the shingles.

Where just a few years ago asphalt shingles were only available in simple tab configurations in blacks, grays and browns, the manufacturers have expanded their product lines to include a vast array of colors, profiles and with the use of laminate coatings have created as assortment of eye pleasing textures. Special chemicals are also being blended into the shingles to make them mold and algae resistant. Although these additional features do increase the price per square, asphalt shingles are still the most economical roofing material available.

Drawbacks:

The serviceable life of asphalt shingles is the lowest of all the roofing materials. Although they are available in numerous grades designated by the expected life, from 15 to 50 years they often need repair or replacement long before their supposed life has expired. The hotter the climate, the shorter the life of asphalt shingles. Many of the asphalt shingle problems that are encountered by homeowners are a direct result of two factors:

• poor initial installation
• damage due to sever weather

Poor installation usually occurs in the area of deck preparation, and not providing adequate flashing around items that are protruding through the roof such as vent pipes and chimneys. Other poor installation methods are not using the required amount of nails per shingle and nailing in the wrong area of the shingle. There are many fly-by-night roofing companies that will quote low prices, because they won't be around to stand behind the workmanship. Choose a roofing contractor carefully.

Roof Repairs:

You should inspect your shingled roof and all the flashing at least once a year and after any major storm such as a hurricane. Hurricane winds will remove entire shingles and lift others. Sun and rain can cause asphalt shingles to crack. You should also go into the attic and look up, any sign of daylight means that there is a hole. When inspecting the roof look for shingles that have lost the granule minerals - bald spots, cracked and/or curled.

If you have to make a roof repair, choose a warm day so that the shingles will be flexible and unlikely to crack when lifted. The roofing cements also spread easier in warmer temperatures.

You will know when you have a roofing problem when you see beige spots appearing on ceilings and walls close to the ceiling. Beige spots are a sign of water damage.

Maintenance:

Roofing cement is the equivalent of duct tape for roofs. It will repair most leaks, cracked or torn shingles, patch flashing around vent pipes and chimneys. You can also use the roofing cement to cover nail heads that have been exposed.

Shingles fade with age so any replacement shingles used will most likely be visually obvious. Shingle over damaged ridge shingles, by nailing down all the corners of the old shingle first - do not remove them.

If you have to replace an entire shingle, lift each of the tabs and pry the nails out of the shingle of the one that needs to be replaced. Remove the top corners of the replacement shingle and very carefully, without damaging the tarpaper, slip it under the existing shingles.

Use roofing nails (large head, galvanized) to fix the new shingle to the roof decking. Use roofing cement to cover the nail heads.

Planning and knowledge are the keys to any successful home improvement, remodel or landscaping project!

For additional information on roofing materials for your home or other renovation projects, including landscaping, visit Renovation Headquarters

Power Your Home With Free Wind Generator Plans

Wind power is an excellent source of clean renewable energy. Homeowners all over the world are discovering the benefits and savings of this much overlooked energy source. As more people look to alternative energy sources, windmills for home use are becoming increasingly popular methods of producing energy for home usage. These simple home generators are easy to build and can help reduce your dependence on the power company.

Wind power has long been used in many different civilizations, but only recently has residential wind power come into prominence. Harnessing the wind to produce electrical power has never been easier and more obtainable. Any homeowner now has the capability to build a wind powered generator.

Simple windmills for home usecan be built in most cases for under $100. Building a home made wind mill requires no special tools or equipment. Most all homeowners already own all the tools required. The materials needed for construction are readily available. Anyone with average mechanical skills can build an effective wind generator.

In the past windmills were looked upon as a tool for pumping water in rural areas. Modernwindmills for home use are in reality mini power plants used to produce electricity. Homeowners all over the world are discovering the benefits of producing clean, renewable energy.

Cheap renewable energy from the wind is now within the reach of every homeowner. No matter where you live, a home made wind mill can be beneficial in reducing your electrical costs. For less than $100 in most cases, who wouldn't benefit from an energy producing system that will drastically lower energy bills?

Building an efficient home wind generator is not difficult at all, but it is important to have a proven blueprint to follow. Efficiency and durability are critical to any windmill project. With the proper knowledge, your home wind generator will help reduce energy costs and may very well lead to living completely "off the grid".

Windmills aren't just for farmers anymore. FREE wind generator plans at http://www.homemadewindmillreview.com

Hiring a Contractor - Vista Handyman

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

If your looking for some more House Remodeling Pictures or home building ideas.

Advantages Of Using A Sump Pump Cover

Eighty five percent of homes in the US experience a flooded basement sooner or later - these are the estimates from home builders and insurance providers.

The sump pump was invented to handle minor basement flooding problems, and this solution came with it's own set of new problems. Questions about safety soon arouse with this machinery open and exposed. Also, small animals could get stuck in the sump pit. Unable to escape it could clog the system, as well as cause an unpleasant mess when it came time to cleanup.

These issues, of course lead to the sump pump cover being made available.

Installing a sump pump cover gives the security and peace of mind that no one can bump, step on, or otherwise damage the unit - leaving your basement unprotected. And no foreign objects will be able to enter the sump pit causing malfunction or inefficiency.

Today, more and more systems are sold with a complete line of accessories, which includes a cover. Other sources of sump pump covers are specialty home stores that sometimes carry these items sold separately from a pump unit.

Now days, it is fairly standard for sump pumps sold in the United States to include covers. If you are outside the United States, or in need of a cover for an older installation, check the specialty home stores near you.

Safety issues

Do not be tempted to leave the cover off after any routine servicing or maintenance. The system can run just fine without it, so long as it doesn't get damaged, or objects get caught in the sump pit possibly causing failure. You will probably never even know about any such damage until you need your basement sump pump the most.

One final advantage is the dust and dirt that is kept away from the workings. Keeping this dirt away helps keep the system from overheating and ensures a long service life of your sump pump system. There's really no disadvantage to using a sump pump cover. Without one, you risk premature failure when you need your sump pump the most.

Pumps-and-Filters.com presents Sump pump covers - if you don't have a cover now, you'll want one - See Sump pump covers

Green Homes - Ugly Ducklings Or Beautiful Swans

A "green" home is a home that is highly energy efficient, has excellent indoor environment, and is built to exceed local building codes. So are they ugly then?Look like the Jetson's space-age house? So obvious they would stick out like a sore thumb?No. No. and No.A green home looks just like conventional construction inside and out.

The beginning of a green home is a set of plans that starts with a conventional floor plan and elevations. Then an experienced green home building will modify the systems of the house to accommodate green home features and energy saving devises -A geothermal system rather than air conditioning; in-floor heating rather than a conventional natural gas forced air system; a grey water recapture system; energy efficient windows, doors, appliances, and water heater; and high quality, high 'R'rated insulation.

The best part is that these systems work very different from their conventional counterparts, but are invisible to the homeowner and their guests. The home will be quieter and cleaner without the dust and noise of conventional forced air heating. And the energy cost savings are substantial, depending on your particular situation.

Energy Star appliances sip electricity but are similar or identical to your current appliances. And cabinets and trim can be identical to conventional houses or use recycled material or earth-friendly woods for a more eco-friendly alternatives.

The cladding and shingles on the outside of the home are no different than a conventional home making the home blend in to its neighborhood seamlessly. However, the market value is probably higher than the surrounding homes due to its energy saving advantages and tax incentives.

So a green home is a beautiful swan, not an ugly duckling, at all!

Kim Ward is Marketing Director for Green Earth Energy Homes at http://greenearthenergyhomes.com

Marc Wachter, Kim and Dan Ward, and Dennis Batdorf have teamed up to offer affordable, practical, LEED and Energy Star certified homes. Save thousands on energy costs and qualify for thousands in government tax incentives and benefits.

Based in Yorkville, IL, we currently are building the only LEED certified GOLD home in Illinois. Call Marc at 630-730-8592 for more information about our green homes or to schedule a showing of our model home(s). Email Marc at mwachter@greenearthenergyhomes.com

Air Compressors - One Size Does NOT Fit All

Air compressors have been in use around our homes, on job sites, and in our factories and manufacturing businesses for many decades. Air compressors allow us to get jobs done in a safe, clean and efficient manner. They are reliable, convenient, and in many applications, indispensable.

There are many types of air compressors ranging in type and function from those used for simple tasks around the house, all the way up to those used in more industrial applications where the job just wouldn't get done without it. If you've ever tried to blow up one of those inflatable mattresses (you know, the kind you set up when your long lost uncle comes for a visit) without some sort of air compressor you know what a monumental task that can be. Even just a simple battery powered model saves tons of effort and lots of time. These simple little air compressors are ideal for filling toys, sporting goods, and other things that don't require a lot of pressure. Not only that, air compressors are also ideal for operating small air tools like staplers and nailers.

If you have a bigger job to do then you have to consider which one of the air compressor to use. Last summer I had the absolute pleasure of operating a power washer to clean twenty years of dirt off of a brick facade on a house. What a kick! I couldn't believe how powerful air compressors can be. The guy at the rental counter told me to be careful with it so that I didn't do any damage. Boy was he right. If I lingered to long on the brick it would literally blast it away. Without the power of the compressed air behind the water I would have just been spraying water from a nozzle and not made near as much progress as I did; or had near as much fun!

If you enjoy woodworking, auto-body work, or other hobbies or tasks where you have the option of using air-powered tools then you need something that can move the right amount of air. Since air compressors vary by how much air flow they produce, you need to choose one that will do the job. Let's face it, a sandblaster just isn't going to operate properly with a small battery powered model. Most power tools require 90 PSI to work right. The main thing to look for when considering air compressors is to get one that has plenty of air flow for the tool and job at hand. The air flow is measured in cubic feet per minute (cfm). If your application needs more power then you need more cfm. Pretty simple stuff. But you may wonder, "how do I know?"

An air tool will give you the required or suggested cfm it needs. Generally speaking, air compressors for small tools like nailers need to move 1-4 cubic feet per minute, while tools like spray guns or impact wrenches need 2-5 cfm. Sandblasters and sanders will usually require from 6-13 cfm. Obviously, professional grade tools may require a higher cfm.

So, whether it is just a simple toy that you don't want to huff and puff on for hours trying to fill, or a brick house that needs a face lift, or doing a job on site, you are sure to find just the right compressor from the vast selection of available air compressors on the market. Good luck!

MJ writes for ClickShops Inc., which offers a great selection of air compressors at http://www.aircompressors.us.com.

Down Comforters Are Green

Americans love their KFC chicken. But Asians like birds of flight. A lot of geese and duck are raised for the food industry. Down and feathers are the main left over, but not the main reason Asia is the #1 exporter of down bedding and down apparel in the world. The meat, not the down and feathers, drive the production. Down and feathers are a just a naturally occurring byproduct from the duck, the goose, and the appetite of the world's largest population.

Down Conserves Resources

Putting down and feathers to such a good use is a conservative effort. If they were not used in the textile industry, they would be added to surface landfills along with the other waste parts of the bird.

Down is Renewable

Down and feathers are renewable. A renewable resource is one that can be replaced at a greater rate than it is consumed. Because down is a byproduct of the food industry in Asia, there will always be an ample and ever flowing supply. Unlike synthetic (man made) bedding, made with non-renewable oil sources, down does not permanently subtract from the earth's supply of resources.

Down is Natural

Down bedding is natural. Down and feather are a naturally occurring material, a result of 300 million years of evolution. There are no environmentally unfriendly processes or chemicals used in making them, like other man made bedding materials.

Down Save Energy

Down is the best insulating material known to man. A good down comforter will keep you warm and allow you to turn the thermostat down, saving money and the environment.

You can easily save energy in the winter by setting the thermostat to 68F while you're awake and setting it lower while you're asleep or away from home. By turning your thermostat back 10-15 for 8 hours, you can save about 5%-15% a year on your heating bill - 1% savings per degree when the setback period is eight hours long.

A common misconception says that it is actually more expensive for a heater to reheat a space, than to keep it warm. This misconception has been dispelled by years of research and numerous studies. Savings are realized for several hours from the time your house stabilizes at the lower temperature until heat is needed again. So the longer you keep your thermostat down, the more you save.

Cost Savings Per Year

You can save a significant amount of money per year and help the environment, when you set your thermostat back at night. An average home saves about $90 / degree / 8 hour set back period. So the yearly savings would look like this:

1 F = $90

2 F = $180

3 F = $270

4 F = $360

5 F = $450

The energy and money savings are great. You can pay for your down comforter with only a few months of energy savings.

Will Robertson is owner of http://www.myluxurymattress.com, a specialty sleep shop featuring luxury bedding and memory foam mattresses. Here you will find energy saving down comforters, http://www.myluxurymattress.com/down-comforters.html, and a place to ask your luxury bedding questions, http://www.myluxurymattress.com/blog

A List Of Patio Window Coverings

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Build a Solar Water Heater

Are your energy bills through the roof, with no solution in sight? If aches of guilt begin every time you open that little letter from the power company, there is something you need to know.
Solar energy is no myth, although few people realize the potential within this commonly overlooked technology. Inside your own backyard you can begin to harness the power of the sun in an advantageous way. It is easier than you think to build a solar water heater and in the process help to save the environment as well as some of that hard earned cash.

Big corporations do not want you to realize the potential of such endeavors, and falsely equate the advances in this field as meaningless in comparison to their bottom line. Take back your control over these monthly costs, while playing your part in creating a more eco-friendly world. One third of your overall heating bills can be attributed to your water heating system. If you learn to build a solar water heater that money stays in your pocket.

Imagine what you could do with the savings month after month, with an initial setup cost of less than one hundred dollars? Whisk yourself away on that romantic trip you keep planning but never follow through with. Now snap back to reality, because this dream is actually something you can get started on right now.

Inside this guide you will be piloted through what most would consider an impossible task without ever breaking a sweat. Learn how to build a solar water heater with a step by step tutorial that even a child could follow.

Forget hiring a professional at a premium cost when all you need are your reading glasses and a will to save money. From installation to implementation, you will never be left wanting for a more in depth solution to your energy needs. Become the master of your destiny, at least when it comes to energy bills.

Take action now and start saving before that pain in your side rears its dreaded head once again.

Using the free power of the Sun to heat your water makes perfect sense. Find out how quickly and easily you can begin saving money on your energy costs with this simple project.
DIYHotwater will show you how to Build a Solar Water Heater for $100 or less. Start today and save hundreds off your energy bill each year.

All About Copper Gutters

The need for gutters and downspouts is just a fact of life for nearly any homeowner. Unless you want to get wet coming out your front door or worse yet, get a leaking basement or major home damage, then you'll need rain gutters. One form of gutters that are quite popular are the copper gutters. Here's a look at everything about this type of rain gutter.

Copper gutters are good to have for many reasons including the fact that they will never rust or rot away. They can stand up to whatever Mother Nature throws your way better than any other type of gutter system.

Copper gutters add a distinctive style and flare to your home that is unlike your standard run-of-the-mill gutters. Their style is immediately noticeable and recognizable. It adds a sense of visual appeal that can only be found with copper.

They also add value to your home and require less maintenance than aluminum or other materials.

The one area you will only need to keep an eye on is with oxidation. Copper gutters will oxidize and turn green over time unless you treat them. There are several sealants available that can be applied to keep your copper gutters looking golden and shiny.

On the other hand many people prefer the greenish look, especially in older homes made from stone or stucco. It gives them a stately appeal. You'll see them on homes that grow ivy as well.

Copper gutters are not cheap as you might imagine. Prices run about 75% - 100% more than standard aluminum gutters. The upside is that due to their longevity you will make the money back over time.

Leaving the gutter installation to professionals is advised with copper. It is trickier to handle and you should really know what you are doing in order to avoid costly mistakes.

If you are looking for a beautiful gutter system that will stand up to the elements and last a lifetime, copper gutters may be your best solution.

By the way, you can learn more about Copper Gutters as well as much more information on all types of gutters and downspouts at http://www.GuttersA-Z.com

Build Your Own Solar Power System

Making your own solar power panels helps you save money on your utility bills by ensuring your alternative energy source is renewable and sustainable over the lifespan of the panels. In addition, you are protecting the environment as solar power does not emit harmful gases into the air in the process.

Contrary to general believe, assembling your solar panel is not as hard as it is made out to be and you do not need special technical skills. In fact, the components are easily bought from the local hardware store and the basic materials you need are very easily found tool kit items. The basic materials are namely plywood, salt, copper wire, sandpaper, metal scissors etc are very common and affordable.

Simply ensure that you have a rooftop which directly faces the sun and with extensive sunlight. Ensure that the angle and location where you place your homemade solar panels are in the position of capturing the optimal amount of sunlight. If you do not have a large sun facing rooftop, use your backyard or garden.

It is important to note that the solar panels absorb and collect the UV wavelengths of the sunlight for conversion into electricity. Hence, the cells are capable of collecting and storing energy, i.e. the UV wavelengths even in cloudy weather. The only difference is that in a sunny day, the solar panels work better and less hard.

At less than 200 dollars to build and install, your homemade solar power systems simply costs about 6 percent of a 3000 dollar professionally ready made panel. Not to mention that this is an initial setup cost will very quickly pay for itself almost in the first month of usage when the electricity cost savings you immediately gained more than off set the setup cost.

You will need a good guidebook for your homemade solar panels system which provides specific instructions and design diagrams. Make sure you choose one with member forums for discussion as well as step by step videos that walk you through the critical steps and you are good to go.

So start reducing your carbon footprint, start building your very own solar panels and Start cutting your utility bills by at least half.

Join the thousands of families tapping on Free Renewable Energy. Visit SolarWindEnergyDIY.com for Your Complete Solar Power Guide Review.

Also Find more information here to Build Your Own Solar Panels and Save 80 percent on Your Electricity Bills.

Installing Molding For Interior Doors

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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