Wednesday, September 30, 2009

Take Pictures of Your Growing Foundation Damage Or Cracks

I champion people and try to get them to look at their house, at least once a year. One of the easiest ways to inspect your home is to use a home inspection checklist and if you really want a good home inspection checklist, there's a good chance that you are going to need to purchase one. You get what you pay for and don't ever forget that.

Foundation repairs usually start with a small crack and that's no joke. If you notice a crack, take a picture of it and save it somewhere. If you think, that the crack is actually getting a little bigger or starting to separate, you can simply take another picture and compare the two photos.

I would like to give you an example of what I'm talking about. Sometimes we look at something and we think that it's getting larger, but we don't have anything to compare it to. As time goes on, we think that the crack is still getting larger, but our mind is creating an optical illusion. This happens to a lot of people.

If you had a picture, from a few years ago, you could refresh your memory and this could be very helpful in reducing your anxiety or jumping to conclusions about foundation damage. Trust me, sometimes, I'm like a medical emergency crew, going to visit a homeowner to relieve their foundations stress. People panic over foundation cracks and I'm the doctor they call for any one of their home emergencies.

I would also advise you to take pictures of the rest of your home. How hard would it be to take about 300 pictures of your home each year and store them on your computer or on a disk, for easy access later? A picture is worth a thousand words and don't ever forget that.

Click Here for Some More Great Foundation Repair Solutions.

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

Tuesday, September 29, 2009

Do I Need a Home Inspection? - Real Estate Advice

Most home inspections today run between $300 to over $1000 and sometimes you don't really get your moneys worth. There are home inspection companies that guarantee, any problems that they miss will be repaired at their expense over a desired period of time, usually a year. It seems like, most home inspection companies are just inspecting the property and have no guarantees or liability from their inspection.

It's not a good idea to buy or sell a home without getting a home inspection from a licensed home inspector. This is like having a second opinion from someone who is usually skilled in the process. I would like to point something out to unsuspecting, potential home buyers and sellers. Sometimes a home inspection company will get a little behind in their work and need to hire other home inspectors if these home inspectors don't have any experience in the construction business or have never inspected a home before. In other words there fresh out of home inspector school. You might not get a good home inspection.

You can always ask the question, how long have you been in business?... How long have you been a home inspector?... have you ever worked in the construction business or have any skills in home building and remodeling. If the answers to these questions are satisfactory, it doesn't mean, that they're telling the truth and being sincere and could lead to problems later if they are lying to you.

Let me rephrase the question now, "Do I Need a Home Inspection" from an unqualified home inspector? Absolutely not. But how can you really tell the difference and is the report going to be worth the money that you paid for it.

What would you say, if I had the solution to your problem. How about a pre-home inspection, using a home buyers checklist? What if I could give you a check list with questions, that you could ask your home inspector? Some of these questions are not going to be part a regular inspection but should always be asked and make sure you get the answers to them, before purchasing the property.

Would you be interested now? What if I told you, for under $20, you could purchase a home buyers checklist, now for the tough question, this checklist could save you thousands of dollars and prevent you from purchasing a home with major construction problems or defects, and can be used on every house you look at.

Don't buy a home without purchasing a professional home inspection checklist. These lists of questions can save you some serious headaches and stress in the future.

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 or home building ideas.

Plywood Roof Sheeting - Roof Framing Trade Secrets

Most framing contractor's look at the building plans and order all of the material, according to those that are specified on the plans. This works out fine, and can often save you money, but rarely produces the best home that you could possibly frame.

As a professional framing contractor, I would like to share one of my house framing tips with you. Most plans require half-inch plywood or oriented strand board as their roof sheeting. This product is fine and if you're building a lot of homes, you're not going to have the choice. Ordering larger sized plywood could cost you thousands of dollars, especially if you're building a lot of homes.

However, if your framing or building a home for someone or even yourself, you might want to take my advice and think twice about it, before ordering the roof sheeting. Half-inch plywood, works okay for 16 inch on center roof rafters or engineered truss roofing systems. It doesn't work well on 24 inch on center roof rafters spacing.

It is usually flimsy and weak at the center point, directly in between the 24 inch roof rafter bays. If you're going to use the half-inch plywood, I would recommend using plywood clips that are relatively inexpensive and can be placed in the direct center of each roof rafter bay on each sheet of plywood. These can be purchased at most home improvement centers or lumber yards.

The other alternative, and this is what I recommend, would be to use 5/8 inch plywood. This plywood works great for 24 inch on center roof rafters and you will have a nice sturdy roof to walk on, while roofing your home.

I have actually seen people step through the flimsy plywood, while lifting heavy roof tiles and bundles of composition roof shingles. Experienced roofers try to walk directly on top of the roof rafters, when loading their roof shingles or even carrying them on the roof.

If you're a home builder and your concern is about making a profit, you will need to use the half-inch plywood. If you want to build a superior roof, use the 5/8 of an inch plywood.

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

You are free to copy this article to your site as long as you include the following resource information with an active link to my site:

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 excellent home inspection checklist to take some of the frustration out of home shopping.

Thanks For Reading My Articles

Subfloor Damage From Poor Bathtub Installation - Read Bath Tub Fixture Manuals

You should never under estimate the amount of damage that water can do to your wood subfloor. Especially if this wood is underneath your bathtub. If the bathtub is not installed properly, you could find yourself replacing the wood underneath, within a short period of time. This repair is not uncommon and as more homeowners and handyman seemed to be doing projects like these, without the proper experience, it's becoming even more common.

I wish I had a solution to the problem, however, I don't. The best advice I could give anyone who is going to be involved in any home remodeling project, would be to get some books on what ever task you are about to undertake and read all of the information that you possibly can about the products you are going to be installing. This is extremely helpful for anyone who has never installed a bathtub or any bathtub fixtures.

If the product fails and was installed properly, the manufacturer should be responsible for the water damage. I have been reading the manufacturer's installation manuals for quite some time now and every once in a while, I find something that is of great value to me and I get to pass it on to my readers. That's what I'm doing right now.

Whether you want to remodel your bathroom to save money or you want to accomplish a task that you haven't done yet. I would recommend, taking the time to understand, exactly how the water flows off of and on to another section of the bath tub or shower on its way to the drain. Understanding the basics of bathroom remodeling can save you big money in the future.

Save yourself some money and make sure that you install your bathtubs properly. Taking a little time before you start to read the bath tub fixture manuals, can save you some money and grief in the future.

Find More Facts On Home Water Damage.

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.

Check out These Amazing Home Damage Videos.

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.

If you're really interested in basement remodeling and repairs, you should click on this link Easy Home Repair Tips . 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 San Diego Remodeling 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.

Thanks For Reading My Articles

Monday, September 28, 2009

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

You are free to copy this article to your site as long as you include the following resource information with an active link to my site:

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.

Friday, September 18, 2009

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.

Thanks for reading our articles

Plywood Roof Sheeting - Roof Framing Trade Secrets

Most framing contractor's look at the building plans and order all of the material, according to those that are specified on the plans. This works out fine, and can often save you money, but rarely produces the best home that you could possibly frame.

As a professional framing contractor, I would like to share one of my house framing tips with you. Most plans require half-inch plywood or oriented strand board as their roof sheeting. This product is fine and if you're building a lot of homes, you're not going to have the choice. Ordering larger sized plywood could cost you thousands of dollars, especially if you're building a lot of homes.

However, if your framing or building a home for someone or even yourself, you might want to take my advice and think twice about it, before ordering the roof sheeting. Half-inch plywood, works okay for 16 inch on center roof rafters or engineered truss roofing systems. It doesn't work well on 24 inch on center roof rafters spacing.

It is usually flimsy and weak at the center point, directly in between the 24 inch roof rafter bays. If you're going to use the half-inch plywood, I would recommend using plywood clips that are relatively inexpensive and can be placed in the direct center of each roof rafter bay on each sheet of plywood. These can be purchased at most home improvement centers or lumber yards.

The other alternative, and this is what I recommend, would be to use 5/8 inch plywood. This plywood works great for 24 inch on center roof rafters and you will have a nice sturdy roof to walk on, while roofing your home.

I have actually seen people step through the flimsy plywood, while lifting heavy roof tiles and bundles of composition roof shingles. Experienced roofers try to walk directly on top of the roof rafters, when loading their roof shingles or even carrying them on the roof.

If you're a home builder and your concern is about making a profit, you will need to use the half-inch plywood. If you want to build a superior roof, use the 5/8 of an inch plywood.

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

You are free to copy this article to your site as long as you include the following resource information with an active link to my site:

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 excellent home inspection checklist to take some of the frustration out of home shopping.

Thanks For Reading My Articles

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

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.

Thanks For Reading My Articles

Wednesday, September 16, 2009

Build Awesome Self Confidence

Are you lacking the self confidence that it takes to build a successful business? Do you feel frustrated, limited and like you are being left behind? Do you know that you were likely pre-programmed to fail in life even before you were old enough to read? All of this "programming" is buried deep in your subconscious mind. If you would like to know how you can "deprogram" yourself for failure and set yourself on the track of success kindly read on.

Most people who lack confidence or self confidence find themselves engaging many avoidant behaviors such as procrastination, self distraction, addictions of various sorts, over planning, and plain self sabotage. They often also feel inadequate, indecisive, anxious, tend to obsess over little things when having to make a decision, unmotivated, small, weak, vulnerable, and also lack self esteem and self worth to name a few. These feelings and behaviors are driven by deep seated negative beliefs they have about themselves and that are rooted in early negative memories.

Beliefs such as:

1. I am not deserving of success.
2. I am not good enough.
3. I don't have what it takes.
4. If I succeed I will be taking away someone else's success.
5. I am bad.
6. I am useless.

And so on.

As I said such beliefs are rooted in early negative memories. What is not so well known is that in spite of many professional coaches promoting the idea of changing one's belief systems in order to succeed such an approach takes work and is inherently self limited in what it can achieve.

The reason for this is that although you may be consciously trying to "install" an new belief the old negative one will always be there acting more powerfully at the subconscious level. What's more the meaning of "subconscious" implies that you are not aware of its presence or when it is going to strike and undermine you.

So how empowered does that make you feel? Hardly at all, I'm sure.

In my experience helping individuals become truly empowered and thus create true and solid self confidence I have learned that one must release the root of the problem. That root lies at the subconscious level. The process that effects this out of necessity must permanently extract or erase the negative beliefs and the memories that generate them.

If you would like to learn about erasing negative beliefs and memories kindly visit the web link below where you can also request a free introductory telephone consultation.

Nick Arrizza MD is the developer of the Mind Resonance Process (MRP) that powerfully and permanently erases negative memories.

To learn more about MRP, experience a free 1 hour telephone consultation or to listen to a pre-recorded internet radio program on it visit the web links below.

He is a former Psychiatrist and Medical Doctor is an International Life, Executive, Organizational Tele-Coach, Author, Keynote Speaker, Trainer and Facilitator who lives in Toronto, Canada. He is also on Faculty at Akamai University in Hawaii. He is the CEO and Founder of Arrizza Performance Coaching Inc.

Web Site: http://www.telecoaching4u.com or contact me at: drnick@telecoaching4u.com

What Does A Gfi Do

Don't Hurt Yourself When Seeking Bathroom Window Curtain Ideas

Think bathroom window curtain ideas, and your mind traipses past a series of resplendent images. Images, all decidedly delightful and dazzling that have the amazing alacrity to ignite a thousand dreams. So why would anybody turn a blind eye to their sizzle? When you are trying hard to infuse a dose of freshness and verve into that quiescent space, these sparkling ideas come to your rescue instantly.

Can you think of a more economical yet efficient way to give a refreshing new twist to that tired, old bathroom? These spectacular ideas are sure to just blow you away.

Sure To Be Hung Up On Them

The massive assortment of ideas for bathroom window curtains will surely make you completely delirious with joy. You can find fabulous fabrics that have passion interwoven with skill, captivating colors that send your senses galloping and intricate designs and patterns that would leave even a high-profile designer completely breathless.

However, it's more than just the selection of lightweight weaves or heavy-duty drapes. But don't let this ostensibly mind-boggling task dim your ardor. Here's what you need to bear in mind while making the perfect choice for your dream bathroom:

  • Since we love the way in which the sun bathes the space in a warm, surreal glow, we rather not have something that's a party popper. Ensure the drapes are lightweight.
  • If its silk, and not cotton that appeals to you, make sure you line it with cotton fabric to prevent its eye-candy appeal from fading.
  • Attention to detail is key when the fabric is being sewed. Let your sense of style guide you while creating awe-inspiring patterns. Consider the length of the drapes earnestly.
  • The color and designs must be completely in sync with the theme of your space. So while a sensational dark colored, heavily embellished curtain will burnish the aura of a contemporary space; a beige colored drape with an ornate diamond design and beautiful borders will be a sight to behold in a traditional bathroom.

Your bathroom is all set to take that gigantic, unimaginable leap to the frontline. Just hope you can catch up.

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

Oh God The Contractor From Hell

Tuesday, September 15, 2009

How Today's House Plans Can Lower Building Costs

A home plan is a set of construction documents that serve as the "assembly" manual for a new home.There are no standards or laws that require specific information on these drawings so there is a wide variety in the quality of the plans available on the market today.Some plans show only a floor layout and a simple front elevation.Other plans show more details and include accurate dimension lines, construction details and wall cutaways.But regardless of how detailed the plan may be, the plan is typically designed for one specific lot, one specific region and one set of building codes.An intelligent home plan has the ability to meet any lot, region or code.In fact, an intelligent home plan can make a new home less costly, more efficient and easier to build.

Intelligent home plans are comprised of a sophisticated set of drawings that detail every aspect of home construction.These drawings are created in a way that makes updates, changes and modifications quick and easy.According to Bill Elliott, COO of a national home design studio, the biggest downfall of most online home plans is the difficulty of making changes and modifications.Most home plans will require some type of modification to meet the needs of the home owner, builder or local building code authorities.It is this hidden cost that most people don't see.Builders may purchase a home plan for a few hundred dollars and then spend thousands more to update and change them.Even worse, if the plan is poorly done, the costs needed to modify the plans may be more than creating a brand new plan.

An intelligent home plan is designed to be flexible.They are drawn in a way that supports efficient and rapid changes.Similar elements used in the drawings are grouped together and saved in layers for quick access by any designer.Line weights and dimensions are uniform throughout the plan set and the information is detailed and accurate.These root fundamentals form the foundation of every Intelligent Home Plan - a collection of informative documents that sets the tone for the entire building process.Each intelligent home plan links the designer, builder, contractor, supplier and home owner together into a single organized team.

More than just a nice drawing, intelligent home plans translate the home design into functional packets of data used throughout the building process.Exact dimensions are used for accurate quotes and product specifications.Structural data is dissected to ensure code compliance and building integrity.Design details are interfaced with automated saws and joiners to speed the assembly of walls and floors while realistic virtual models ensure the final product meets every need of the most demanding buyer.Intelligent Home Plans can interface with a variety of software and hardware currently servicing the building industry.Dependable and consistent data from these designs feeds these independent support services and links them together into coordinated and managed processes.

The reliable, accurate and flexible nature of intelligent home plans creates a seamless translation of data across all phases of home construction producing a higher quality home at less cost.In the past, home plans were merely lines on paper used to build a home.But today's challenging housing market places demands on the home building process that cannot be met by a few sheets of paper.Only intelligent home plans can deliver the data needed to build the homes of tomorrow at an affordable price.

Contact:
Craig Sherrett, Director of Sales & Marketing
AVID Home Studios, LLC
888.280.2843
http://www.avidhomestudios.com

What Causes Attic Odors And Stra

Bathtub Refinishing Fumes - How To Protect Yourself

Bathtub refinishing is being used more by hotels, apartment complexes and homeowners because of a housing downturn, a mortgage-meltdown, and overall depressed and depressing economy as a way to save money in their bathroom renovation. Another interest in re-glazing is being fueled by informed masses who have shown a continued interest in "greening" their homes, particularly in making them more energy efficient. Consumers are looking for ways to save money, and the environment and that is what bathtub refinishing does- provide savings of up to 80% over replacement while sparing the landfills.

But unlike other services like carpet cleaning, plumbing, pest control etc, where consumers know what to expect from their service contractor, tub re-glazing business is unknown to many. And because of this lack of knowledge, many don't know what the process involves, what to expect and what the the final outcome will be. Here is the bathtub refinishing process in a nutshell: A tub is cleaned, fully etched, cleaned, prime coated andtop coated.

The equipments used are a turbine, a sprayer and a big exhaust fan. The protective equipment is similar to what you'll see used in mold remediation or asbestos removal. If the fumes coming out of the bathroom are not healthy for the one doing the refinishing in the bathroom, do you think it is safe for you, your pets and especially younger and older ones in the home?

Many bathtub refinishing companies will tell you that they use a proprietary coating formulated by them and for them. Ask for their sacred MSDS. It contained enough toxic materials to make their technicians suit up as if cleaning a room full of asbestos. Water based coatings are getting better but water condenses in the bathroom and on the tub. Go figure. Every etching product contain some level of acid. The concentration of VOC's is high. Unfortunately, from the biggest bathtub refinishing companies to the small town bathtub refinishing company using exhaust fans to get rid of the fumes and their smell. They leave a lot of toxic fumes and smell that linger for days.

There are air scrubbers that can suck up those fumes and odors and still keep the environment?
These portable systems operate in a completely sealed off bathroom. They are quiet, so that guests and tenants that sleep on while bathtub re-glazing is done next room. In fact, some companies are using hospital grade air scrubbers while re-glazing a tub because of the importance these companies put on the health of their customers and the environmental impact of their work. These portable units are in the bathrooms where the re-glazing is done.

All the fumes and odors are captured and there is no hoses or cords coming out of the bathroom as a safety hazard. The technology is here. Next time you call your friendly bathtub refinishing company, ask them how they are going to mitigate the odor and fumes. If they are still using old technology with its environmental impact in this century, they are not your company. Ask questions, protect your health, and those of your hotel guests and apartment tenants.

The sluggish economy is forcing hotels and hotel chains, to find creative ways to save money and the environment as they remodel their bathrooms. Many are concerned about the effects of over-spray fumes on their guests and their health, the noise created by antiquated bathtub refinishing systems, the impact of old technology on the environment. Ask questions and lots of them before you hire your next friendly bathtub refinishing company.

Wilson Uche Ukah, is the President of Refinishing Stars, a bathtub refinishing company serving the bathtub reglazing needs of homeowners in Atlanta, Chattanooga, Nashville and Knoxville. Refinishing Stars, refinishes bathtubs, sinks, and countertops for hotels and motels nationwide. Wilson writes regularly on green remodeling and is a consultant to other bathtub refinishing companies. He can be reached at http://www.refinishingstars.com or sales@refinishingstars.com

Painting A French Door

Monday, September 14, 2009

Symptoms of Toxic Mold Exposure

Unfortunately, the symptoms of toxic mold exposure can be quite similar to those of other illnesses. Sneezing, coughing, dryness of the throat, shortness of breath, and headaches are just some of the initial symptoms a person exposed to black mold would experience.

Others are memory lapses, mood swings or depression, nausea and vomiting, and a tightness in the chest.

One can usually eliminate other illnesses if the condition is accompanied by an irritation of the eyes and skin. However, this still does not eliminate the possibility of a usual allergy.

To find out with a significant degree of certainty that there has been toxic mold exposure, you need to perform a combination of tests.

First, if the symptoms appear when you enter a particular room or area of the house and are relieved when you are away from that particular area, there is a high possibility that that room has toxic mold growth somewhere.

Second, if the symptoms aren't consistent with, say, the common cold, where a running nose is often accompanied by cough with phlegm, you can also start considering mold as a possible culprit.

Preventing toxic mold exposure

Here are the most basic steps to take in preventing exposure to harmful toxic mold:

First step: Track the mold down. Keep a journal in order to monitor those areas of the house where you most often experience the symptoms.

First search in places which have a high humidity level, and those that may have been subjected to water leaks or flooding. The basement, the attic, and the bathroom are the places where you should first make an inspection.

In every room, check the wallpaper, under the carpet, window sills and joints, ceiling boards, and crawlspaces. Toxic mold thrives in dark, damp spots in poorly ventilated rooms.

Second step: Get rid of it! Once you have tracked down the growth, it's time to scrub them away. Use a mild detergent and some water plus a good scrubber to get to the bottom of the contamination. Remember not to overlook any spot, as even a small amount of surviving spores can cause another growth cycle.

When getting rid of an entire wall panel, plastic sheeting must be used to prevent the growth from spreading to adjoining panels of the wall or the floor. Don't forget to protect your eyes, nose, and mouth when you start cleaning off the mold, as it may be toxic.

Don't fret if all this seems like a job too much for you to handle. You can always consult the yellow pages to look for professionals who can do the cleaning for you. They have the equipment and the expertise in dealing with toxic mold and they can do it in a much shorter time than you can, reducing the risk of further spreading mold growth.

You can also find more info on black mold exposure. Blackmoldbliss.com is a comprehensive resource which provide information about Blackmold.

Painting Metal Siding

Sunday, September 13, 2009

House Inspection - Windows Problem

House inspection windows problem is an issue that affects most home owners especially those who do not have some experience with windows. I have seen how low grade contractors offer the cheapest prices just to get a job and instead of making a house look better they mess it up and make it look terrible.

Before I provide you with a solution on where to find the help that you need for your house inspection windows problem let me provide some few tips to avoid encountering any problems with your windows in the future.

How To Avoid windows problem

Do not try to install the windows yourself - hire and expert.

Hire a replacement window company that has installs windows that have a good NFRC rating. That is National Fenestration Rating Council.

It is also a good idea to make sure that the windows are Energy Star approved.

Do not just go for the cheapest windows buy consider other factors such as weather conditions in your area, make of your house, durability etc.

Read some consumer reports online before you make any purchase.

Have an expert come over to your home for an obligation free consultation before engaging on the project.

Help with house inspection for windows

There are a number of ways to get a contractor to come over for a house inspection for your windows problem. One thing I must tell you is that there is usually no need to even pay them. Here is what you do:

Simply find a company that is located within your area and contact them. Tell them you are thinking about replacing your windows because of the problems they are giving you. Ask them if they can send someone over for an inspection in order for them to give you a quote. This is usually an obligation free consultation. If they try to make you pay, then you are probably being scammed.

Find a list of pre-screened window companies that are located within your area at:

http://www.findreplacementwindowcompanies.com

These are usually 10, 20 or 50 miles. I know for a fact that these can offer an obligation free in-home consultation.

Click here > obligation free replacement windows inspection for instant access!

Simple Light Switch Replacement

Saturday, September 12, 2009

Home Redecorating of The Family Room

The family room or big room is where we spend most of our leisure time when we are at home. It should at once accommodate plenty of seating so our friends and family will be comfortable hanging out with us there, and it should reflect our habits and hobbies. When considering the family room for home redecorating we should take into account how we want the room to reflect our lifestyle and help us create harmony in our lives and the lives of our family members.

Family Room Functionality
Before you decorate the family room, think about what you want to do in your family room and the best arrangement for you furniture. Is it your home theater? Do you prefer to position the large screen T.V. in the middle of the room as a central focus, with all seats facing towards it? Or do you prefer to move the T.V. off in a corner to allow plenty of room for the kids to spread out their toys and run around during the day. Perhaps you wish to create a quiet corner for the T.V. that represents a retreat for you after you pick up the toys and put the kids to bed.

If you keep a computer in the family room, you might want to create a computer nook, or a video game nook. This allows someone to be at the computer, or playing a video game while someone else in the family chooses to watch television. You could make use of a set of headphones too so that the noise in each corner is contained under a headset.

Family Room Lighting
Lighting is important for the interior decorating of a room and the atmosphere it creates. If your family room serves as a home theater or video game room most of the time, you might like more muted lighting and heavy drapes that can close out the glaring sun. Your home redecorating choices can include darker colors and heavier textures. If your family room is more of a playroom, or a social room for friends to gather, then you might like to adjust your family room dcor to accommodate plenty of light and use sheer, airy curtains that let in the sun, with Venetian or wooden blinds that can be let down at night to create privacy.

Family Room Atmosphere
Decorate your family room in a style that works for your lifestyle. The atmosphere you create will be a product of the home redecorating theme you use in your family room. You can scatter it with toy building blocks or scented candles, and you have one big, sectional sofa that dominates the room or several conversational areas made up of individual recliners, and small chairs. Create a formal look with wall-to-wall carpeting, or a polished wooden floor with a luxurious, wool area rug. Create a more casual family room decor with tiled or vinyl floor strewn with braided throw rugs. Of course the age of your family members will play a large part in the flooring decision. Let your lifestyle influence ideas for interior decorating your family room. Let the decor reflect the ages of your family members, and your combined hobbies and interests. When every member of the family can find their own space in the room, it will truly live up to its name, and bring the family together.

See our blog at 2 LEFT THUMBS for hints and tips on home improvement, remodeling, decorating and maintenance. We also have articles on home decorating, home remodeling, home maintenance and home improvement at 2 LEFT THUMBS DECORATING.

Architects And Home Design

Home Improvement Consumer Laws Can Help You in Many Ways

There are several home improvement consumer laws that have been created to help the consumer who are working with contractors for their home projects. These consumer laws are different in different regions but one must be aware of all of them to take maximum advantage as well as to avoid any kind of troubles. Here are some of the most important home improvement consumer laws that can help you in your daily life.

You Have a Right to Cancel Your Contract

The federal government gives you the rights to cancel any kind of contract you signed within three days. This law has been created to support a consumer who happens to change his mind after signing a contract. So, in case you change your mind after signing a contract, you have three days to cancel the deal without any troubles. You have the right to do so.

Don't Forget the Cancellation Form

When you cancel a contract, make sure you get two cancellation form of the contract from your contractor. One of these forms is for your record while the other one is for the contractor. You have to clearly mention all the details of the contractor, and the reason for canceling the contract. Make sure you ask for it from your contractor after canceling a deal. Majority of people are not aware of such home improvement consumer laws and they do not ask for any kind of documentation when they cancel a deal.

It is Your Right to Ask for a Contractor's License

Many states do not allow any contractors to work without a contractor's license. If you do not know about home improvement consumer laws of your region, you should make sure that your contractor is registered and has a valid license to work in a particular region. Otherwise, you might have to face several problems if your contractor does not have a contractor's license.

Avoid a Bad Contractor

Make sure that the contractor you hired for your project has a good working reputation. Otherwise, if there is any kind of complaints signed against your contractor, you will not be able to proceed with your home improvement project according to home improvement consumer laws.

These laws are different in different regions but you can always research on the internet and get yourself updated to use these home improvement consumer laws for your best.

For detailed articles on home improvements projects and contractors, visit http://www.theyarelocal.com/articles/index.php.

Toilet Paper Under The Bathroom

Friday, September 11, 2009

Exterior Doors - San Deigo Home Tips

There are many choices when it comes to exterior doors for your home. The three most popular door types are wood, fiberglass and steel. Factors such as where you live, the exact style or design you want and your budget will all affect your decision. If you are thinking about replacing your exterior front entry door then you should think about all the great benefits to a new front door such as adding curb appeal and value to your home. A new door will also give the exterior of your home a quick update for a relatively low price. In fact, you can purchase a really great quality steel door (which is one of the best door types on the market) for about $250.

Wood Doors
Wood doors have been around the longest of all doors and provide the most decorative and personalized options. These traditional doors have other beneficial characteristics such the ability to be painted or stained, a project you could probably handle on your own. Wood doors are made better and stronger today then they used to be. While wood doors do provide a sense of security (being that they are thick and heavy) they are not as secure as fiberglass or steel doors in that they have the potential to be kicked in. You can also choose from a variety of finishes for a wooden door and easily customize decorative glass for the door. If you live in a hot climate such as Las Vegas or Palm Springs then a wood door may not be best for your home because the wood can swell and end up costing you time and money from having to maintain and fix the door. If you want a warm and traditional feel to your home and top security isn't a priority for you, then wood doors are an excellent option.

Fiberglass Doors
If you are looking for a strong, very secure and very energy efficient door then a fiberglass door is a great option for you. Fiberglass doors look and feel like wood but won't crack, warp, scratch, peel, swell or expand like wood and are three times stronger than wood doors and in some cases can be easily painted or stained. These doors have a wood grain texture molded into them which gives the appearance of a real wood door when painted or stained. Fiberglass doors resemble wood doors so closely that it is hard to differentiate between which one is real wood and which one is fiberglass. These doors provide added security protection and greater insulating quality- while keeping to a traditional theme with less maintenance than wood doors.

Steel Doors
Steel doors are the most energy efficient of the doors discussed here but do not have as much decorative options as wood. Steel doors are the best option for those who live in areas that are subject to harsh weather such as hurricanes or tornados since they are so tough and strong and also hold up to all the elements (such as heavy rain and snow) well. Another great benefit to steel doors is that they don't chip or crack or even warp. Another perk is that many steel doors come with a fireproof option. Keep in mind that steel doors can get dents but can also be easily repaired if needed. Being that steel doors are so strong and secure and the most cost efficient, they will probably continue to be one of the most popular door choices.

Whatever door you choose for your home, make sure that you weigh out the advantages and disadvantages of each door type to find the one that suits you best. You will also want to make sure that you find a professional contractor to install your new door properly.

Miriam Tatelbaum is a content writer for Networx.com

At Networx.com, we connect you with local contractors who are trustworthy, quality professionals that are screened by us and reviewed by you. Make sure you click this link Doors Networx to find a reliable, local door contractor in your area and to receive free quotes.

Painting Metal Siding

Thursday, September 10, 2009

Kitchen Redesign Mistakes to Avoid

A new kitchen is one of the most rewarding projects you can begin on your home. After all, your kitchen acts as the heart of your home. It is where family meeting occur; homework sessions are held; and holiday celebrations happen. More memories are made in your kitchen than any other room.

Unfortunately far too many people begin this project without seriously thinking of everything involved. First of all, redesigning your kitchen is an expensive venture. Any changes or mistakes can end up costing you a lot of money. It isn't a simple and cheap fix to switch from a run-of-the-mill stove to a soapstone stove. You better have a plan of action.

Here are some of the more common mistakes people make when remodeling their kitchen:

Mistake: Over-customizing and No Flexibility

Difficult and over specialized items can be a nightmare for both you and the contractor. Not only are some items expensive, but they are also difficult and time consuming to replace. Replacing a granite counterop to soapstone slabs or soapstone blocks costs money. Unless money isn't an issue, it is wise to remain flexible regarding materials and the design for your new kitchen.

Mistake: Changing Plans

Changing the kitchen design plans once the work has started is never a good thing. Most of the materials have already been ordered and the measurements calculated. If you are unsure of going with a soapstone stove, don't order it until you are certain you love the look of soapstone stoves. It will make things much easier for you and your contractor.

Mistake: Allowing A Designer to build Your Kitchen with No Input

It isn't uncommon for a designer's taste to vary from your own ideas on what you want your kitchen to look like. By not expressing what you want, you probably won't be very happy with the finished results. If you love the look of soapstone or want a soapstone counter, tell the designer so in the beginning. Work with your designer and stay involved throughout the entire process.

Mistake: Spending Too Much Money on a Project

The average kitchen makeover adds only 8% to the market value of your home. Never invest more than 20% of its current market value. While you may love the idea of adding soapstone slabs or soapstone blocks, if you don't have the extra money for it, I would try another idea or make cuts in the projects somewhere else.

Mistake: Spending It All In One Place

One of the most common mistakes is not planning the budget well enough to cover unforeseen expenses. Circumstances pop up during your project from time to time. While you love soapstone and have your heart set on a soapstone counter, the manufacturer may be out. You now need to come up with a Plan B. The general rule for a remodeling project is to plan for 80% of budget should go to the remodeling itself and rest for unforeseen circumstances.

Anne has worked on many home improvement projects with a soapstone counter. Her specialties are redesigning ordinary kitchens into the extraordinary using soapstone slabs and soapstone blocks.

Advantages Framing With Steel

Tuesday, September 8, 2009

Sauna Or Steam Bath Which Is Healthier?

A Sauna is a Finnish hot air bath. The word sauna is derived from the Finnish word for dry heat bath. The terms steam bath, steam shower and steam sauna often get confused with one another, yet they do not mean the same thing. The first difference begins with how they are heated.

The traditional sauna uses electric, wood or gas-fired heaters. The second type of sauna is the infrared sauna. The infrared sauna uses radiant heat which heats the occupants rather than the air. In the traditional sauna the air is heated but it is a dry heat. This is why the sauna is also called a dry hot-air bath.

In a steam bath it is moist heat. The steam bath uses a steam generator. The sauna has very low humidity, whereas the steam bath has high humidity. In a steam bath the steam builds up to create a humidity level of around 100%. Because of the humidity factor the heat in the sauna is far higher than that of the steam bath. The difference in temperature can be anywhere from 40C to 60C.

The health benefits of either depend upon what you want. Both steam baths and sauna are good to unwind and relax. They both help to cleanse by sweating. They are both good for blood circulation.

The dry heat of the sauna can make it uncomfortable for some people to breathe. Those with respiratory problems may prefer the moist heat of the steam bath. The inhalation of steam is often used for treating bronchitis and allergies. Therefore those who wish to treat respiratory problems will benefit more from steam baths.

A sauna detoxifies but it also refreshes and revitalizes your body. In general saunas are easier to build and require less material and labor than a steam bath. Both can be affordable and may add monetary value to your home.

Paul Hegarty is the owner of All-About-Saunas.com your guide to Saunas.

Learn more about the difference between Steam Bath or Sauna. Read more about the infrared sauna.

Monday, September 7, 2009

Propane Fittings

It is a known fact that greenhouse emissions and global warming are on top of list amongst the major issues of today. With deterioration of 'Arctic ice caps' and 'frenzy' for obtaining more quantity of crude oil, alternative fuels need to be thought of. One amongst the high-class alternative fuels has been 'propane', i.e. a by-product of refining of crude oil and processing of natural gas.

The Propane Education and Research Council says 'propane' goes on to provide great value as it tends to burn hotter as well as in a more efficient manner in comparison with the other sources of energy. If gone by statistics, you would get to know that a 'propane furnace' is capable of heating air up to around 25 degrees hotter. Propane emits of greenhouse gases in comparison with electricity. Propane appliances tend to have a short time-span; as far as energy savings payback is concerned.

Several household appliances have already stated making use of propane, inclusive of generators, grills, space heaters, pool heaters, clothes dryers, and many more. The life of a propane furnace is around 20 years. On the other hand, electric pumps last for around 12 years. Moreover, repairing propane gas furnaces is easier as compared to electric heaters. Space heaters fueled by propane are efficient up to 99.9%. In addition to that, they have 'oxygen depletion sensors' which shut off the unit if levels of oxygen become extremely low. This creates a much safer environment within the household.

In your life span, making use of propane gas water heaters ought to save you around $2000 more in comparison with electric water heaters. This money can be used for overcoming the other hardships on the economic front. Fireplaces fueled by propane emit around forty times lesser emissions as compared to wood-burning fireplaces. The cost of operation is also less.

Now, with all these advantages, using propane would definitely prove to be a wise decision. Right now, around 1.8 million households utilize propane, thereby creating more cost-effective uses for day-to-day appliances. Just give a thought to advantages of having turned to propane: All you would get is a finer environment for children from the futuristic point of view. Besides, more money can be saved. It is the time to have started taking up responsibility of future of the environment.

Vehicle emissions have been amongst the leading sources of carbon dioxide in to the atmosphere. It's also one of the prime factors with regards to global warming. Individuals have been pushing for solutions. Electric cars are also being created for people to switch over. Now, the problem lies in the fact that solutions designed for helping with emissions are, in virtual sense, not affordable by majority of people. Gas-to-propane conversions are quite affordable as compared to having bought a 'hybrid car'. Such an alternative is the best solution as propane burns completely clean. There are little or, you can say, no emissions (in to the atmosphere) with propane.

I am John James from home-fixing.com and I am an expert on fittings. I hope this article gives you a good start to choose the right fuel, I have written a lot more advice on fittings and tips on home improvements.

Volatile Organic Compounds - Home Advice

What are VOC's?
VOC's are harmful to everyone, not just children - and they can be extremely damaging to the environment. So, what are these VOC's? Volatile Organic Compounds are generated from cleaning fluids, paints, building materials, furnishings, carpets and tobacco smoke. It may be hard to believe, but there are up to 300 VOC's just within our indoor atmosphere. In actual fact, the air we breathe is riddled with air bourne contaminants. Most of us spend a large percentage of time indoors, and any doctor will tell you that good air quality is vital for our health.

VOC's And Paint
Paint, unfortunately, is one of the top contributors of this kind of indoor air pollution, and it's prudent to note that some paints can actually give off fumes for up to five years after their application!

In a study in the USA, the EPA found concentrations of VOC's in indoor air to be 2-5 times greater than in outdoor air. Incredibly, during certain activities, indoor levels of VOC's may reach 1,000 times that of outdoor air! The EPA also identified VOC's as carcinogenic, and highlighted the associated health risks which include lung diseases such as asthma, bronchitis and emphysema. Similarly, an Australian study into the effects on asthmatics of exposure to a conventional water-based paint and a VOC free paint, concluded that Zero VOC paint appeared to be less likely to cause a worsening of respiratory symptoms than conventional acrylic paint, and that some asthmatics would derive a useful symptomatic benefit from using Zero VOC paint. Higher exposure to VOC's from paint (for example, among artists and professional painters) has been known to lead to permanent respiratory, nervous system, liver or kidney damage.

Of real concern are the short-lived bursts of very high exposure, such as those experienced while painting or using solvents.

Ingredients and Additives in Paint
Many paint companies now designate certain paints as being "low VOC" or "low odour" (which should NOT be confused with non-toxicity!). Although low VOC paints are certainly a lot safer than conventional paints, they still contain harmful chemicals that can irritate the eyes, nose, throat, skin and lungs. And it's important to note thar "Low Odour" is not the same as "Low VOC" because fumes from VOC can be masked by other chemicals! Even ZERO VOC might not necessarily be non-toxic due to other toxic ingredients being present such as Ammonia, Phthalates, Heavy Metals, Toluene and Glcol Esters! Ammonia can cause respiratory problems and eye irritation. Toluene is a common solvent in paints and it can damage the heart, kidneys & nervous system when inhaled. It's also known as Methyl Benzene. Phthalates are toxic to the eyes and skin, heavy metals like Cobalt and Cadmium can damage the kidneys an liver, as can Glycol Esters.

When you consider that many paints contain binders, pigments, fillers, extenders, thickeners and additives, it becomes clear just how many potentially damaging elements can be in your paint.

Product Recall
There have been many recent product recalls as a result of high levels of lead and chemical compounds.

VOC Labelling System
Although the impact of interior paints on atmospheric pollution is relatively small, most manufacturers are now of the mind that the amount of VOC's should be reduced and consumers given the choice of using lower VOC containing products. B&Q notably introduced a labelling system in 1996, which shows the VOC content of each paint product. Minimal -(Zero - 0.29%). Low (0.30 - 7.99%), Medium (8-24.99%), High (25-50%) and Very High (More than 50%). Between 1996 and 2005 the average VOC of paint sold in B&Q has reduced from 191g/l to 97g/l.

Zero VOC, Non-Toxic, Non-Solvent paints are often more expensive than conventional paint, but using products in your home that are safe for your children and kind to the environment is worth the additional cost.

A Breakthrough In Glow In The Dark Technology
Until recently, there was no such thing as a Zero VOC Glow In The Dark Paints. However, July 2008 saw the successful release of a ground-breaking new Glow in the Dark paint. The paint is a world-first in terms of safety and following rigorous testing has been deemed 100% safe for use by both adults and children alike. Taking more than a year to develop the new generation of glow in the dark paints are seen as a major step forward in paint technology.

The launch came just days after the department store Harrods were forced to recall hundreds of souvenir teddy bears after tests found potentially harmful levels of formaldehyde, just one of an increasing number of chemicals and lead compounds being found in products causing them to be removed from the market.

The new generation glow paints are zero VOC's and has been developed by a leading scientist whose life's work has focused on Glow in the Dark technology. Now for the first time ever a glow in the dark paint is available that is totally safe and free of any formaldehyde. Important to note is that the new paint is fully compliant to EU toy safety regulations EN71 part 3. The paint is also beneficial to asthmatics and sufferers of allergies.

Superstarz Glow In The Dark paint comes in four colours: blue, violet, green and aqua. The paint is primarily used to transform a children's bedroom ceiling to a truly amazing out-of-this-world cosmic night sky scene. The paint is charged by daylight, UV and artificial light and appears invisible with a milky white appearance in the daytime. At night time however the paints glows for up to 12 hours. Ceilings painted with Superstarz paint have been proven to help children sleep. A 60ml pot of Superstarz costs just 15.99 (including postage and packing). The company have also produced a complete DIY kit, Starz 'Cosmos in a Can'. The kit enables anyone to create their own cosmic ceiling at a fraction of the cost of having a professionally created cosmic ceiling, and includes step-by-step instructions as well as all the materials you need to create incredible effects such as 'The Black Hole', 'The Milky Way', 'Shooting Stars' and 'Constellations' in a galaxy of glittering colour. Perfect for children or a romantic gift for a loved one the kit is available at just 49.99 (including postage and packing).

For further information on this exciting breakthrough in paint technology visit the Starz Ceilings website at http://www.starzceilings.co.uk

Easy Remodeling Primer for Flipping Real Estate

If you've ever considered flipping real estate to make some extra income, only to be dissuaded at the prospect of having to self-manage a sizable remodel on a particular piece of property, you're not alone. In fact, many people, though excited at the thought of buying, renovating, and selling an old fixer-upper, think they either don't have the time, and/or the necessary knowledge to even consider such an undertaking.

The reality, however, is that anyone, even a first-timer, can manage a small-to-medium-sized renovation with some thoughtful pre-planning, and a hands-on approach to monitoring your project. I'm not suggesting that you can just step right into a general contractor's shoes and do something that he/she does on a daily basis. What I am saying, however, is that you can manage a successful remodel by simply giving some forethought as to what exactly you want to accomplish, how much it will cost (assuming you have solid estimates from reliable sub-contractors), and if you are able to make a profit once the house is sold. A solid relationship with your chosen subs is always a good thing too.

Again, if you're new to house flipping, and are considering a flip with extensive, whole-house renovation, then yes, you should probably keep looking for an easier project to do (in terms of potential remodeling) instead of taking on a larger project right out of the gate. If, however, you do decide to move forward, consider some of the more important aspects of a major rehab with the following remodeling primer to help you form a working budget, and to provide a doable timetable to execute your remodeling project.

You will be talking with people in the industry such as:

  • Architects and/or Draftsman
    To do any necessary drawings or renderings for your particular remodeling project
  • Building Inspector
    If you are removing and/or erecting interior walls, you will most likely have to obtain a building permit from your local community building permit/code enforcement division
  • Sub-Contractors/Tradesman
    Trades such as demolition, mechanical contractors (HVAC, electricians, plumbing), insulation installation, drywall installers, painters, trim carpenters, cabinet/counter top installers, tile installers (if needed), flooring professionals, roofers, exterior siding, concrete specialists, and landscapers.

  • Determine what exactly it is you want to do with the house in terms of remodeling. See where improvements/updates can be made for the least amount of time and money. You certainly want to present a professional-looking remodeling job to prospective homeowners so that they feel they are getting their money's worth.

    But first things first. If you have a simple remodel where you are freshening up the carpet and paint, along with a few odd and end type things, you're more than likely able to handle that without too many problems. But, if you're looking at a complete kitchen and bath upgrade, for example, you will need to be aware of the need to deal with an entirely new set of sub contractors and professionals that suddenly makes the project a little bigger. Certainly doable, but just broader in scope.

    The time to develop a working budget, is after you have received all of the pricing back from any of the subs you want to work with. Get at least two prices per trade, if you can. You can get leads on various sub- contractor trades from the phone directory, internet, or the many local hardware, paint, or home-improvement stores around your town. Many good, honest tradesman advertise with these businesses, so you should have more than enough to choose from.

    There will be some personal time involved just getting prices together, meeting subs at the job site, etc., but you want to be as efficient with your time and money as you can be. Once you have a firm budget in place, get with the sub-contractors you've chosen, and set a doable project timetable. Don't be shy about asking a lot of questions. After all, it is you're money on the line, and you want the project to be done in the best way possible.

    Tell your subs that you want to keep an open line of communication going so there won't be any surprises and confusion. And lastly, always account for some sort of cost add-ons that typically occur in any remodel. Usually about 3 - 5% of total remodel cost will do for any overages.

    If you're relatively new or considering entering the house flipping business for the first time, please visit http://www.House-Flipping-Helper.com for more information regarding all things house flipping and remodeling.

    Austin's Las Casas Verdes Development Brings Solar Eco Responsible Living to Austin

    Austin's first, solar eco responsible neighborhood, the Las Casas Verdes Development, will feature the latest in solar, wind and water energy technologies, and will be the first of its kind in Texas.

    Located on approximately three acres in Southwest Austin, near the corner of Longview Road and Cameron Loop off Brodie Lane, the Las Casas Verdes Development will enjoy a convenient, central location, with nearby shopping centers and mass transit routes located less than one mile away. The current demographic of the area includes middle-income, single-family homes with nearby parks and hiking and biking trails. This area also has a nice view of the nearby greenbelt.

    Twenty, single-family, architecturally designed homes will be included in the Las Casas Verdes Development, and all of the homes will meet the strict standards of the Austin Green Building Program, Energy Star and LEEDS certifications.

    Each home will be custom designed in a Texas farm cottage style and will encompass 1,800 square feet of living space. Although each home will have an overall design concept and architectural detailing, styling and character will differentiate the homes from one another.

    The Las Casas Verdes Development developers have included just twenty homes in an effort to concentrate on the quality of the homes. The homes will focus on the comfort and features of today's lifestyles, yet will all boast energy and money-saving benefits.

    For example, some of the comfort features of each home will include a media room, an office alcove and large, exterior decks, while some of the environmentally sensitive features of each home will include a 3KW Solar Photovoltaic System for electrical generation and Solar Thermal Panels for hot water.

    Just some of the other energy-saving features of the Las Casas Verdes Development include:

    A complete solar power system with an inverter and a reversing meter for selling excess power back to the public grid
    Optional batteries for on-site energy storage
    Passive solar design systems to best manage sunlight
    Design features, such as overhangs, porches and shade tree, will reduce heat load by providing shade.
    Heat chimneys, operable awning windows and landscape features, combined with natural breezes, will allow for adequate air circulation throughout the home with little or no mechanical assistance.
    Rainwater collection systems will gather water for use in landscaping and toilets.
    Structural insulated panels, which are prefabricated wall and roof panels, will frame the exteriors of the homes for superior insulation, faster construction times and less construction waste.
    Heating and cooling systems with sealed air ducts per Energy Star specifications
    A properly sized 14+ SEER rating
    Heat recirculation HVAC ducts which will reuse pre-heated air during the winter months.
    An in-duct dehumidification system
    Low VOC paints, reflected metal roofs and recycled building materials
    Recirculation hot water systems will provide immediate hot water.
    Multi-speed fans motors and duct controllers will heat and cool only the occupied portions of the home at any given time.

    Our expertise in Austin Real Estate is demonstrated through our in-depth market analysis and competitive industry knowledge that finds the best property for you. Review our Austin real estate blog for the latest news and market strategies.

    Stair Handrailing Or Guard Rail

    Before the 1980s most stairways had a handrail and to this day, most stair handrails are not considered guard rails. Well things have changed and now most stairways require a guard rail and it gripable handrail.

    What's the difference between a stair handrailing and a stair guard rail, quite frankly about 6 inches. Your stair guard rails have a minimum requirement of 42 inches where stair handrails built before the 1980s had a handrailing for protection with a minimum requirement of 36 inches.

    This does not mean that older stair handrails that are 36 inches tall will need to be removed and replaced, because the new building codes have changed. If you were to rebuild the stair handrail or do any work on the stairway that required a building permit, they could have you change your stair handrailing to meet current building codes.

    I was helping another guy frame a new house in 2005 and while I was on the job I would mention to the owner, certain concerns of mine with other parts of the job. After a while he realized, that I knew what I'll was talking about and started to pay attention when ever I mentioned anything related to home building.

    He asked me if I would be interested in building the stair handrailing system and at the time I was too busy. I reminded him of the minimum requirements for the stair guard rail, it was no longer referred to as a stair handrail and would need to be at least 42 inches in height and include a gripable handrail.

    Well as you guessed it, the next time I walked into the home, I noticed a 36 inch high stair handrail. I reminded him and he wasn't too concerned, because he hired someone that knew all about building stair handrails.

    The building inspector made him remove and replace the stair handrail, before he would approve the home for final inspection. Don't make the same mistakes, learn a little more about stair handrail safety and don't become another statistic in the home building industry.

    Always check with your local building department, whether you're reading articles like this or asking questions to experienced contractors. Everybody makes mistakes and sometimes their information is out of date, according to new home building practices or building codes.

    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

    If you're interested in building stairs, whether you're a professional or a do it yourself homeowner, you should make your stair building and other construction projects as simple as possible. Check out the latest stair building tools, some of these tools can make even the average homeowner look like a building professional

    Higher SEER Replacement Air Conditioning and Heat Pump Systems

    It is not unusual to find package and split system air conditioning units in the Phoenix market that have been in use since the 1970's or 1980's. Because the average life expectancy of this type of HVAC equipment is around twelve to fifteen years, it is high time to retire some of these tired old workhorses.

    An added bonus when you replace older air conditioning systems can be a significant increase in energy efficiency with an accompanying decrease in energy costs. With the amount of discussion we have been hearing in the news lately urging all of us to be green and save energy that is probably not going to be an unwelcome consequence.

    Along with the good news of energy savings there are also some considerations that the competent air conditioning contractor will make you aware of when it is time to replace older equipment. I would like to share a few of them with you. First let's discuss split system heat pumps and then briefly cover things that are common to both package units and split systems.

    As SEER (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio) ratings for new air conditioning equipment have increased, HVAC industry practices that have been marginal in the past will no longer be acceptable. One of those unacceptable practices occurred whenever split system heat pump condensing units were replaced. The common practice in the past was to replace the heat pump condensing unit without first verifying that the new condensing unit was compatible with the old air handler. Several problems may arise whenever there is a mismatch between the condenser and the indoor air handler.

    The first problem is the reduced efficiency that will result from replacing an older condensing unit without replacing the air handler at the same time. The reason for this is that air conditioning manufacturers do not rate current model heat pump condensing units with "antique" air handlers that are twenty years old. To achieve the published SEER, a heat pump condensing unit must be matched with an indoor air handler or fan coil unit that it has been rated with. In other words, if you install a new 13 SEER condensing unit with an old 8 or 9 SEER air handler, the actual efficiency achieved will be less than 13 SEER.

    A second concern is there can be a mismatch of the internal coil volumes between an older air handler and a newer condensing unit. As minimum SEER mandates have required increased efficiencies over the years, manufacturers have made enhancements to both the indoor and outdoor coils in order to increase heat transfer efficiencies. Newer condensing units may have a different internal coil volume than some of their antique counterparts. If a new heat pump condensing unit is installed on an old air handler it may result in improper operation in either the heating or the cooling mode that will require seasonal refrigerant charge adjustments and unnecessarily increase service costs. It can also contribute to system reliability issues.

    A third issue we are all facing is the difference in the characteristics of the refrigerants and compressor lubricants that are being used in the new systems. Since new air conditioning equipment using R22 refrigerant cannot be manufactured after 2010, the leading manufacturers have already started making newer high efficiency models utilizing R410a refrigerant and polyolester (POE) oils. The new refrigerant has properties that are very different than the R22 that has been the primary refrigerant for split system and package air conditioning systems for decades. In short, R410a is not compatible with the refrigerant flow control devices in the older air handlers that were designed for R22. Even if the flow control device could be changed, there may also be issues that could develop over time if the original mineral oils are not adequately cleaned from the system.

    A fourth consideration is the refrigerant line size. The new high efficiency R22 condensing units often require larger diameter vapor lines than those that were originally installed with the old system. It may not be economically feasible to replace the vapor lines, so there will be losses in efficiency as a result of the increased refrigerant pressure drop in the smaller than recommended vapor line. One possible solution to resolve this issue would be to install a new R410a split system condensing unit and a new R410a air handler. Since R410a generally requires smaller vapor lines than R22, it would allow the use of the existing smaller vapor lines. Recommended procedures for removing residual mineral oil from the existing lines would have to be observed if the conversion to R410a was implemented.

    When all of the above factors are taken into consideration, it becomes clearer that the very best course of action is to replace the indoor unit along with the heat pump condensing unit. While this is more expensive up front, it can help avoid significant downstream issues later.

    Now that we have discussed issues unique to split system replacements, let's consider some factors that are common to both package units and split systems.

    One issue that is common to both package units and split systems in higher SEER products is reduced cooling capacity at higher outdoor temperatures. This can be verified by checking manufacturer's ratings for the old air conditioning system and the new air conditioning system at outdoor temperatures above 100 degrees. The newer high efficiency systems generally tend to lose sensible cooling capacity more quickly than the lower efficiency units that were manufactured in the past. This is an important factor when evaluating an existing system that is doing only a marginal job of cooling the space it serves. A new system may have to be larger in capacity to produce the desired cooling effect at the higher outdoor temperatures we see in Arizona. There is a caveat with this also. You don't want the replacement system to be grossly oversized either or it will not perform as intended.

    Another thing you will notice is that many of the newer systems have larger cabinets than the older style units. The larger cabinet size can become an issue in confined areas. Since minimum clearances must be maintained, a new system may not fit where the old system was installed. This consideration will be unique to each specific application, but you should be aware of it so you don't get an unpleasant surprise.

    One last item to be aware of regarding both package or split system replacements is the significant difference in equipment costs. Higher efficiency comes with a higher price tag. Based on one leading manufacturer's pricing for a 5 ton package heat pump, the jump from 10 SEER to 13 SEER comes with more than a 30% differential in price. If it has been a while since you have replaced an air conditioning system, you may have "sticker shock". Material price increases along with the use of advanced technologies like variable speed compressors, dual compressors or unloading scroll compressors along with variable speed fan motors and enhanced control systems all contribute to higher equipment costs. Keeping this in mind when you are projecting future costs for HVAC equipment replacement can help you develop more accurate replacement budgets.

    Mark Strahan is a 35 year veteran of the HVAC industry and is currently an account manager with Burt-Burnett, Inc., an HVAC mechanical service and EMS controls contractor. Mark can be reached with comments or questions at (480) 557-8593 or strahan@burt-burnett.com

    Sunday, September 6, 2009

    Detecting Moisture Intrusion With Thermal Imaging

    What is the difference between Moisture Intrusion and Water Damage?

    Many homes and buildings have moisture intrusion problems for a long time without knowing it. Once a moisture problem is noticeable to the naked eye it has become water damage and can be expensive to repair.

    Unseen leaks can hide behind ceilings, walls or flooring for some time before becoming visible on the interior surface. These moisture Intrusions are developing mold, rotting framing members and generally degrading the building materials long before they are visible on the outer surface.

    A drywall ceiling or wall can hide moisture for a very long time before showing through to the finished surface as a stain or eventually collapsing. In the meantime the insulation is losing its R value and potentially growing fungus in the paper backing. The drywall is degrading, losing strength and also growing fungus. Framing members will degrade much more slowly but can also fail and will grow fungus. The electric wiring and fixtures can develop even more serious problems and cause immediate danger by shorting out or starting a fire. In some flooring materials moisture intrusions will usually show up sooner as we will notice a musty smell from carpeting or see warping of hardwood floors. Vinyl and tile floors can hide moisture problems longer, like the wall and ceiling surfaces.

    Infrared thermal imaging can locate Moisture Intrusion problems behind the surface without destructive testing. A Infrared camera can "see" the thermal signature of water and damaged insulation areas through the walls and ceilings. A Trained Certified Thermographer can determine problem areas in most building materials and locate the source of the problem so that it can be prevented from recurring and properly repaired.

    Thermal scanning can also be invaluable in determining the success of repair and dry out procedures. We can make sure all moisture was eliminated and insulation was replaced even after the repairs are completed.

    Don't let hidden moisture become a mold or major water damage repair!

    Copyright 2008 - American Infrared Consultants, LLC - All Rights Reserved

    Visit our web site for more information on Infrared Thermography. We have sample photos, videos and general information on many aspects of Thermography.

    http://americaninfraredconsultants.com

    Discount Bathroom Vanities to Upgrade Your Older Home

    With housing prices being as low as they are, it's a great time to buy a home, but not to sell one. If you are living in an older home, there are ways to make it feel like new again, so that you can keep on enjoying your home without moving to an upgraded house. Here are a few ideas for you that will make your home nicer but not cost you a small fortune.

    The two most popular rooms for remodeling are the kitchen and bathroom, and rightfully so because we all spend a lot of time in these rooms. If you would like to upgrade your kitchen, there are a few things you can do that don't cost a lot but will make a big impact. Why not try adding a kitchen island or butcher block to your culinary area? You will love the extra counter space and food preparation area, which can also double as a handy snack table if you add a couple counter stools to it. Kitchen islands are a great way to upgrade your kitchen without spending a lot of money, and you can get a tile or stone countertop that matches what you currently have on your other fixtures, or you can go for a natural butcher block top that matches any dcor. Another way to spruce up your kitchen without spending a lot is to replace your old kitchen faucet with a newer one, perhaps one that does more than your old faucet head.

    Now to tackle that old bathroom! You may have the bathroom that time forgot, or maybe you just don't like what was installed, but the quickest way to change the whole appearance of your bathroom is to get a new bathroom vanity. The vanity is the centerpiece of your bathroom, and if you don't like the current one or it's a looking a little run down, then it can bring the whole bathroom down. If you shop for discount bathroom vanities then you can save money and give yourself a whole new space. You can shop the sales at local home improvement stores, or you can shop online, which is where the best deals are really found. Make sure to measure your space accurately, so that you can find just the right size vanity for your needs, and not find yourself with a vanity that's too big or too small for your bathroom.

    No matter what you decide works when upgrading your older home, we hope that you will find these tips helpful and love your old home like it's new again.

    If you would like more information on the variety of discount bathroom vanities available or where to find a great price on a bathroom vanity, please visit the Premiere Vanities website.

    Renewable Energies - What Are They All About?

    In the current day global environment, where the climatic conditions have become erratic, people all over the world should consciously adapt to methods that are environmentally friendly and also make an effort to save the planet. Renewable energies are an ideal source of producing electricity for our daily consumption needs and they are also very environment friendly.

    So what exactly are they? The renewable energy is a form of power that is derived from energy sources like sunlight, wind, rain and waves or tides. These sources are created by nature and we are using it to convert the energy they create into mechanical energy. The traditional way of generating power is by using oil, which does pollute the environment to a large extent.

    Today there are several alternatives to produce energy like geothermal energy, bio mass energy, hydroelectricity, solar power, ocean energy and all these are categorized as renewable energies. These forms of energies are much cheaper, than the traditional energy, and they only involve little set up costs and once they are set up the power helps us to save a lot of money on power bills on a yearly basis. It is also helping to save the environment.

    Such energies can be used by different people under different circumstances. Like people who live in the coastal areas can use ocean waves to create energy and also windmills to generate power. Hydroelectricity can be used anywhere where is a water area, like a river or ocean. Solar power is ideally suited to tropical places and in places, where there is sun through out the year. In some countries it can be used in summer for basic power consumption. With so many available renewable energies it is very easy to adapt to one of these for our daily needs.

    One of the most popular renewable energy sources is wind power. It is widely used all over the world to get free electricity from wind. All you need to start using it is just make a windmill. You can get instructions and more info about how to do it, if you click here.

    Fireplace Design Ideas

    Are you trying to find some inspiring information about fireplace design ideas? There are some basic elements to any fireplace that are generally addressed in turn, in order to come up with a complete fireplace design. There are three main components to any fireplace design.

    The three primary components to fireplace design include the hearth, the firebox and the type of opening that is employed between the firebox and the room in which the fireplace is located. The hearth is the area outside of the firebox, in general. The firebox is the area in which the fire itself will be burned.

    Hearths

    Let's first talk about hearths. A hearth may be flush with the floor, raised above the floor, or sunk down lower than the floor. Additionally, there may be no hearth to speak of at all. In these cases the firebox should be at least two inches above the floor, as the hearth is what helps protect the floor from the heat of the fire.

    Another type of hearth may include hearth seats of various kinds. The most traditional and popular type of fireplace with hearth seats are the kinds that feature simply two blocks on either side of the firebox opening.

    Fireboxes

    As with the hearth types, the different kinds of fireboxes generally have mainly to do with the height relative to the floor and / or hearth. There are raised fireboxes, flush fireboxes that are the same height as the floor, and there are dropped fireboxes that are somewhat lower than the hearth and / or floor in front of the fireplace.

    Fireplace Openings

    Of course the most widely utilized type of fireplace opening is the rectangular opening. Generally, a rectangular opening will be just that: rectangular in shape. However, even with rectangular openings, the sides typically flare outward from the firebox toward the face of the fireplace.

    There are flat arch top openings where the sides are straight, yet the tope of the opening has a slight arch to the shape. As with the traditional rectangular opening, the sides typically flare outward from the firebox toward the face of the fireplace.

    There are full arch fireplace openings where the opening contains no straight lines. These types of fireplace openings have one continuous curve all around the fireplace opening. This is the type of opening you are probably used to seeing in American Southwestern style fireplaces.

    There are also corner fireplace openings that allow for there to be two open sides to the fireplace. As the name suggests, a corner opening fireplace is situated in such a way that an entire corner section of the firebox is exposed.

    There are U-shaped fireplace openings where the firebox is exposed on three sides, the front, as well as the two side areas. These last two types of fireplace openings will generally produce better heat radiation. If you will be using your fireplace to heat your home, and not merely as decoration these are certainly worth looking into. For images of these various fireplace styles, take a look at http://www.fireplacesnow.com/FireplaceStyles.htm .

    Jon worked in construction for 10 years before starting his own local fireplace installation service 8 years ago. At his website, Jon will show you how his years of experience in the industry can help change your fireplace into the focal point of your home. To learn more about fireplace design ideas visit http://www.fireplacegate.com