Drywall Repairs Made Simple - Remodeling Tips

By the time you finish reading this article, you will be able to perform basic repairs to damaged drywall. There are some basic tools that you should keep around the house, if you have an active family and are prone to get dings in the walls. This article will not provide enough information to do major repairs to drywall. Major repairs are simple, but you must learn the basics first.

Here is a list of some tools you will need. Your local big box can supply you with some basic tools. They run in price range from cheap to professional quality. They have plastic putty knives for less than a dollar all the way up to stainless steel that with care, will last a lifetime. If you expect a very small number of repairs, the plastic will suffice. Also, get a carriage bolt, a small hammer, a can of drywall joint compound, 150 to 220 grit sandpaper and a paint brush. These basic tools will repair most small dings and dents in drywall.

An example of a ding would be where the locking button on a door knob has left an impression in the wall behind it. This is typical of a quick and easy repair. Look at the damage. Is there anything protruding above the wall surface? If so, use the carriage bolt to push the protrusion below the wall surface. Use the hammer to help persuade the protrusion to go below the surface of the wall and round the edges. Next, take the putty knife and some joint compound or as it is commonly called, drywall mud, and fill the hole. Wait until the mud dries, sand lightly and fill the hole again to bring the material to the same level as the wall. Sand the surface again until the wall is smooth and level. Do not over sand. This will rough up the drywall allowing the paper to fray and requiring more mud to seal the rough surface. There should not be any differences in the surface. Several small applications will last much longer than one large application and give you better results.

Is everything smooth? If not, apply some more drywall mud to even the wall surfaces. Sand again. When the wall is smooth, apply the paint primer. When the paint primer is dry, apply your regular wall paint. The paint primer is to seal the wall so the new paint does not dry too quickly allowing the patch to be visible.

That is the basic method of repairing damaged drywall.

For more in depth instructions on basic drywall repair visit http://www.single-family-home-remodeling.com/drywall-repair.html

Home Water Heater Damage 1

Choosing Window Blinds - 12 Tips to Avoid Expensive Errors

Nowadays there are numerous designs of blinds suitable for almost every type of window. Here are some tips to help you select the most appropriate model for different domestic situations.

Windows with a beautiful view:

When you have a window with the view of a scenic landscape, seascape, pool, mountains, etc., you should consider a blind that pulls up as tightly as possible to minimise obstruction of the view. However, we often suggest that windows with a view are left unobstructed, perhaps only with a set of dress curtains to coordinate with the rest of the decor. Avoid bulky wooden venetian blinds.

Arched windows:

Arches can be a problem and are often treated as a rectangular aperture. To retain the arch you could consider pleated or honeycomb blinds which fan into a semi-circle.

French Windows (Doors):

French doors can be tricky because the blind or the controls can get blown around when the doors are open, or caught in the hinges as the doors are closed.
The key is to think of the door as a window, which happens to be in a door. It is usually best to use the same products as those already on windows in that room, for consistency of style. Wood Venetians work quite well because their weight flaps around less in a breeze. Roller blinds with a friction lock mechanism are good because they eliminate cords & chains.

Bay Window:

Most products will work in a bay, but care is needed in measuring and design. A bay will need between 3 and 5 individual blinds. Roman blinds need to allow space between each one to avoid contact and entanglement as they move up & down.
Skylights:

Consider using a highly efficient insulating honeycomb blind or a roller blind. These are available in different materials that can control the influx of heat and light. The honeycomb helps provide an extra degree of thermal insulation. Roller blinds fitting inside a skylight recess usually need to be compatible with the skylight; especially if it is an opening window. Blinds fitted outside the recess on a sloping ceiling need side rails or tension cords for support to prevent sagging.

All skylight blinds need a control mechanism such as a wand to activate them when you are standing below them.

Sliding Patio Doors:

Verticals are very popular for sliding doors, despite their diminishing popularity in general. They can be installed within the frame or over the glass, but don't necessarily choose a vertical if the other room products are something other than verticals. Consistency is important, too.

Very large windows:

Whenever a window covering is extremely large, its weight makes it difficult to raise and puts unnecessary tension on the strings (which may cause the strings to break). You may need to consider a special control option, or alternatively consider dividing them up into multiple blinds on a single headrail, or order multiple blinds and install them side-by-side.

Hard to reach windows:

Consider specifying extra long cords so you can open or close a product. Many blinds can be made with remote controlled motorised operation, though this is not cheap and you need to consider where to fit the mechanism.

Front of house windows:

It is common to want the front windows of your home to be as uniform as possible-just how consistent is up to you. What ever style of blinds you like, it should be possible to achieve this.

Windows with humidity:

All quality products should be water resistant. But high humidity or widely changing humidity can be a problem for wooden Venetian blinds, fabric Roman or laminated fabric roller blinds.

Harsh sun or bright outside light:

To eliminate glare on a TV or computer monitor, or to prevent a bright security light from beaming in to your bedroom, use blinds with no stitch holes. Blackout lining is also recommended. Honeycomb blinds provide superior insulation under harsh sunlight.

High activity areas:

If you have kids in your home, you should get the highest quality, sturdiest products. Also you should consider the safety aspect of pull cords and chains to avoid the risk of tripping or stangulation accidents.

Finally

There is a wide choice of blinds available, so much so that you might feel you are spoilt for choice. In that situation it is always prudent to seek advice from an interior designer. If you speak to a designer they will have the design freedom to suggest window dressings other than blinds, whereas if you speak to a specialist blind company be aware that they are out to sell blinds - indeed as many as possible!

Bronia Suszczenia is co-founder and Creative Director of Art from the Start Ltd a firm of interior designers in Yorkshire England. She has also recently established Fabric Gallery and Interiors a retailer of quality curtain fabric and designer wallpaper in York England

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!

Modular Homes - Total Cost of Construction

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

What is Injection Waterproofing?

Injection waterproofing is often used to fill and seal cracks and crevices. The material is most often made from a polyurethane compound. The compound is lightweight and expands up to twice its original size when applied to a surface. Many non-toxic and environmentally safe products are available at home improvement stores nationwide. Injection waterproofing is used mainly in foundation crack repairs.

In most foundation cracks, a polyurethane injection can seal the opening. In some smaller cracks it may be apparent that a sealant was used because it may be difficult to evenly inject the compound. Single caulking style cartridges and the dual side-by-side cartridge systems are the types of injection waterproofing compounds available for retail purchase. Both of these are manually injected and easy to pump.

When using an injection waterproofing method, it is important to keep the area dry. Temporarily block any flowing water to the area, and clean and dry the area as needed. Experts say that in the case of water flowing through a hole, you can temporarily caulk the hole with candle wax, modeling clay or plumbers putty. If the cracks are in narrow or hard-to-reach places, you can use a flexible hose attached to the injector nozzle.

Whatever waterproofing system your leakage problem requires, be sure to do your research. If you choose to make this a do-it-yourself project, make sure you know where your leaks are coming from and the proper method to repair them. When purchasing waterproofing materials you should make sure you are buying the appropriate product for your needs. The National Association of Waterproofing and Structural Repair Contractors (NAWSRC) has tons of information on waterproofing. Whether or not you decide to hire a contractor, this organization can help you from beginning to end.

Waterproofing Info provides detailed information on waterproofing systems, including injection waterproofing, foundation waterproofing, concrete waterproofing, deck waterproofing, basement waterproofing, and waterproofing basement walls, as well as waterproofing contractors and consultants. Waterproofing Info is affiliated with Business Plans by Growthink.

Ingredients of Winning Kitchen Design

Designing a new kitchen is both exiting and daunting. Where do you start and what are the must-haves? Mark Nash real estate author of 1001 Tips for Buying and Selling a Home and columnist for RealtyTimes.com shares the top things that go into today's kitchens.

-Good lighting. In addition to decorative lighting which can match any style, remember to but abundant task lighting over food preparation areas. Mood lighting can accent glass front cabinets and cove ceilings.

-A functional layout. The basic mantra in kitchen design is to keep the work triangle composed of the stove, sink and refrigerator grouped near one another. It will save you countless steps through the years.

-Over-sized, deep sink. I never thought it would be important, but we put one in our home. It keeps the water in the sink, especially when washing large pots and pans. Don't forget the best faucet you can afford, with sprayer. We did a black porcelain sink to match dark granite counters.

-Lots of countertops. Clear work surfaces make cooking alone or with family and friends a snap. Make sure that you have at least one surface four feet long for baking. Don't skimp on materials either, countertops take a beating from knives, food acids and people, buy the best within your budget.

-Proper ventilation. Smelly kitchens are a turn-off. Specify adequate ventilation to the outside, near cook tops. Recirculating fans just stir up smells, not rid your kitchen and home of them.

-Storage. Plan for plenty of functional and easily organized spaces to store every day and seasonal stuff. More is more.

-Forget standing room-only. People want to stay in the kitchen. Make seating a design priority in your new kitchen. Seating around an island and a cozy table for breakfast all say, stay!

-Cabinet hardware. The finishing touch to a new kitchen.

Mark Nash's fourth real estate book, "1001 Tips for Buying and Selling a Home" (2005), and working as a real estate broker in Chicago are the foundation for his consumer-centric real estate perspective which has been featured on ABC-TV, CBS The Early Show, Bloomberg TV, CNN-TV, Chicago Sun Times & Tribune, Fidelity Investors Weekly, Dow Jones Market Watch, HGTVpro.com, MSNBC.com, The New York Times, Realty Times, Universal Press Syndicate and USA Today.

High Pressure Water Drain Jetting For Clogs

For many people, the science behind new technologies that have been developed to clean sewer drains couldn't be more mundane. Not many homeowners care much about methods to unblock a badly clogged drain until it becomes necessary for them to use the technology for themselves. High pressure water drain jetting is a relatively recent development that allows drain cleaners to literally blast obstructions out of your drains, but it doesn't just consist of a hose that sprays a stream of water. Instead, high pressure water drain jet systems are sophisticated pieces of equipment that often cost tens of thousands of dollars.

That's not to say that hiring someone to use this equipment on your clogged drains will cost an arm and a leg, however. You'll likely spend less than two hundred dollars to have your sewer drains professionally cleaned with a high pressure jet system, but there is no better way to eliminate blockages. While a simple drain snake can take care of smaller clogs from simple obstructions and tree roots, the high-pressure water jet is able to blast away layers of grease, scaling, debris, dirt and even rocks that may have built up in the pipe over time.

High pressure water jetting is not meant to be utilized by anyone but trained professionals who have experience using the equipment. Because the water is forced from the jet at such a high pressure, it is easily capable of seriously injuring anyone who uses the equipment incorrectly. If you have your drains serviced with a high pressure jet, make sure that you and your family stay well away from the equipment while it is being used.

In spite of its potential danger to inexperienced users, though, high pressure water jetting is safe and quiet enough to be used inside of your home if necessary. The jetting system itself is usually a large unit towed by a hitch, but the line is often hundreds of feet long and can be taken into any building safely. As long as the specially designed tip of the jet hose is well inside of the drain pipe before the system is turned on, it is very safe to use.

High pressure water jetting isn't the right choice for every kind of clog. Simpler clogs can often be fixed by a less expensive sewer snake or other means. If your drain has significant problems from layers of heavy built up debris and grease, however, the drain jet is the best option. Although it is slightly more costly, a professionally applied high pressure drain jetting can make your blocked pipes look and operate like new again.

Lorain County Sewer and Drain makes High Pressure Drain Jetting simple and affordable. Visit our site today to learn more about Apartment Drain Cleaning.

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.

Ice Damage From Broken Pipes

How to Use Stones in Building Your Home and Getting Acquainted to Its Various Effects

You can use various materials in building your home, at the same time making sure that they look beautiful at all times. The outside of your home is just as important as the interiors. Building a home, is not about making sure that only one part is a beauty. If it is your home, you will definitely ensure that every room, every side or every angle can be functional at the same time appeals to your eye.

The way you mix and match materials in your home is one of the main factors in making your home look great at all times. From traditional home designs to modern architecture, it has always been a practice that the proper calculations of the sizes and the effect of the materials are considered. One of the famous materials used in homes are stones.

Stone creates a natural look in your homes. It is usually used as part of the walls. It can have a smooth finish or it can be slightly textured to emphasize its nature. Nowadays, its color also varies to add a modern touch on its final effect. Buildings, hotels and other establishments, use them to give a professional look. Therefore, this means, using this kind of material is not longer primitive. In fact, it is already innovative.

One of the greatest uses of stones is a pool finish. Yes, it has an important role in creating effects on the waves of the water or even its colors. Definitely, they are always even and smooth. You do not want to have a rough surface to step on right. Definitely, this finish has an effect in bringing the all elements together to make your backyard look lovely. Whether day or night, with a combination of lighting, these materials create a lovely effect that can surely give a WOW effect to your homes. For whatever kind of occasion you are planning to celebrate in your homes, your pool can be the centerpiece of your party themes.

Stones are also famous for creating great walkways. They create a good contrast to your plants and flowers. It is gives you this country effect and just being surrounded with anything-natural gives a breathtaking scene for your homes. Cobblestones are one of the common designs that we see everywhere. On top of that, do you know that walking on cobblestones can be healthy? If you have read an article published by USA Today last July 2005, a survey was conducted and it showed that people who walked on these paths have lowered their blood pressure. This additional thought can help you push on going for this material in making those walkways. The added functionality can be a great health benefit for your family.

You see those things that you just see with the dirt, have great effects for walls, pool finishes and even walkways. Stones can be tweaked according to what is popular nowadays. It can bring nature inside your homes or even enhance what is outside. Smooth finish, textured, all natural, you name it; it is possible.

Chris Turley is a consultant for Wet Edge Technologies, supplying a wide variety of pool finishes with industry leading technology to support them.

Buying A Functional House

Creating the Perfect Home Remodeling Priority List

Home remodeling is one of those projects that can be fun or a pain in the -- you know what. It is best to start your home remodeling plan with one room at a time and decide on the value of each room to prioritize where to save and where to spend. This article will look at the value of each room to help you deiced the type of home remodeling project you may consider.

The big debate on what room is the most used room in the house could go on forever. Some say it is the kitchen others say it is the living room while others say the master bedroom. Everyone is entitled to their opinion, and you can use some basic rules to see what the highest priority is for you.

If you have kids then you probably spend more time than you like in the kitchen cooking. If you have a smaller family maybe the kitchen is just a place where you are in and out. If you cook allot then the kitchen should get some very high consideration for your home remodeling project.

Do you like to play games and watch TV? If you find yourself or your family watching television often and you perhaps enjoy family night games then you should place the family room at the top of your list. Maybe it is time to add family room to your home remodeling ideas. Perhaps you could remodel a spare bedroom or add a new room to the house.

Do you have guest spend the night often? You may want to think about making a nice guest bathroom with all the luxuries of a five star hotel for your guest. Do not do this unless you love to have people stay awhile and come often. They are likely to really enjoy visiting you.

When planning your home remodeling ideas you will find that they become much easier with a good priority system. Once you know which rooms are the most important to you and your lifestyle then that is where the money should be spent on nicer upgrades. On rooms that are not high on the list, but still need some fixing you could use less expensive things to fix them up.

Find more helpful remodeling tips by visiting http://best-home-improvement-projects.com where you will find helpful remodeling tips, advice and resources to include Home Remodeling.

Insulation Damage

Ways to Stop Losing Your Car Keys

You obviously don't need to read this article if you rarely lose your car keys. However if you misplace your car keys often and have a pretty good relationship with your locksmith, it's time to change these bad habits into good ones.

One of my friends, recently lost their car keys. I would like you to listen to what I'm about to say and see if it makes sense to you. Most people get two keys when they buy a car. This means, if they lose one key, they now have a spare key. When they lose their first key, this should give them a pretty good clue that the second key is now the only key, if they wish to drive their car.

Does that make sense? If you lose your first key, you don't have a second or spare key anymore. Now is a good time to purchase a spare key or have one made. Don't wait until you lose the second one, unless you are planning to change your bad habit into a good one.

Now let me get back to my friends who recently lost their car's key. The car they were driving was a new Honda and you can't go to the locksmith to get another key made. You have to order one from the Honda dealer and this key cost them over $200. That's a lot of money for one key.

Now my friends lost both of their original keys and now have one key to operate the vehicle and this key cost them over $200. Now if I had to pay this amount of money, I would make sure that I never lost this key ever again. I would do whatever it to to change my old habits and create some new ones.

How hard is it to get in the habit of placing your keys inside of your purse. Placing your keys in your pockets and then only removing them when you are going to place them inside of a drawer, container, cup, bowl or on a shelf in your bedroom. If you place your keys in a drawer, this will keep them out of other people's temptation.

If you choose to lay your keys in a bowl, in the kitchen, there's a good chance someone will take them or another member of your family could lose them. Place your keys in a protected area, do not leave them out in the open ever.

If you want some tips to prevent you from losing your keys, simply talk to someone who rarely if ever loses their keys. Most of these people have simple and easy to follow tips. You can consciously create a habit that can save you money and frustration in the future.

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

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

Hole In Shingle Siding

A Bathroom When Space is an Issue

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

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

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

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

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

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

Written by James Chapman, a director of Bella Bathrooms who supply Small Baths for the UK market.

Bella Bathrooms is an online retailer formed by 2 plumbers from the North East of England. Having hands on experience of custom bathroom installation and products has enabled Bella Bathrooms Ltd to only select quality bathroom products for their online shop. They sell bathroom furniture, bathroom suites, showers and bath related products for consumers through the United Kingdom.

Osb Nailed On Side Of Stair

Home Improvement Tip - Fixing a Squeaky Floor

Question: I have a floor that every single time I step on it I get the most annoying sound. I don't know what it does to me or why it bothers me so much. My kitchen floor squeaks and actually moves up and down if you are standing on it. The whole floor moves. How do I stop it from moving and squeaking. Help Me Greg!

Answer: It sounds like you have a broken floor joist. You are going to have to go under your house. If you have a basement this will be a little easier to fix. It is my guess that you don't have a basement or you would have seen the broken floor joist by now.

Have someone stand on the floor in the spot that squeaks and have them move up and down while you are under the house. Don't have them jump up and down while you are under the house. This could cause more damage to the structural framing of the floor. Once you are in the right position under the floor you can have them start moving slowly. What you are looking for is one of the floor joist that are moving.

If you see one of them moving. Look to see where the damage is. Is it a split, crack, wood rot or a big knot in the wood that has loosened up and fell out. Once you find the damaged floor joist you can now think about repairing it.

If you don't see any floor joist moving. Have the person on top start moving a little bit more and you can even have them jump on it a few times until you see something out of place. If you still don't see any broken floor joist. Start looking at the sub-floor, this will be plywood of some form, 1 x 6 or 2 x 6 materials.

What you are looking for is movement of any kind. Is there a separation or movement between the sub-floor and the floor joist. If you still can't find the problem maybe it is time to call in a professional.

The main thing you are going to be looking for is movement of any kind.

Most squeaky floors are caused from the sub-floor rubbing up and down on a nail. If you have carpeting and you have a squeaky floor you can do your best to locate a floor joist and screw right through your carpeting into the floor joist.

For more help on fixing squeaky floors visit http://gregvan.com/wood_repair.htm

Thanks for the great question. I hope it helps.

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

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

Visit us now for Home Improvement Tips

What The Bleep Do You Know

Termites: Unwelcome Guests, Part I Wood-boring Insects & Fungi

Mold and mildew can occur in your home at almost any time of the year, if the moisture content of building materials is twenty percent or greater. (You should start to notice mouldy odors.) A good plan of attack begins with decreasing dampness and increasing ventilation. Maintain a negative slope away from your house; and ensure that evestroughing, down-spouts and drains are free of debris, and properly directing water away from your foundation wall.

Wood-decaying fungi attack wet wood, or wood in extremely humid, unventilated areas. They can cause serious damage to wooden structures. To inhibit rot, remove the source of moisture and improve ventilation, the same as for mould and mildew. Wet rot is characterized by dark, spongy wood, and members infested with dry-rot become brittle and cracked.

Subterranean termites are found in Southern Ontario and British Columbia, where they feed on wood and can damage houses. Termite colonies nest underground, foraging for wood to satisfy their appetite for cellulose. Termites can travel above ground, and often into houses, via shelter tubes constructed of sawdust and saliva. Termites are similar to ants, but with straight bodies and antenna.

Carpenter ants and powder-post beetles are also common in Southern Ontario. They don't ingest wood as termites do, however colonies nesting in wood can cause considerable damage. Look for sawdust and frass (excrement) near exit holes in wood. Carpenter bees are similar in appearance to bumblebees, and nest in exterior spaces such as behind fascia, soffits or other trim.

Make your house less accessible, by avoiding wood-earth contact around the house and keeping exterior trim in good repair. Keep shrubbery trimmed back, remove tree stumps and inspect regularly for shelter-tubes or any signs of damage, especially in dark, unventilated areas. Pay particular attention to wooden decks and stairs, and areas where the structure rests on the foundation wall, and especially in crawl spaces or any area with an earthen floor. Probe wooden structures with a sharp tool, as termites often leave no surface indications.

Look for shelter tubes, seal cracks in foundation walls and check where pipes enter exterior walls. Termites swarm to create new colonies closer to sources of cellulose; so be on the lookout, especially in the spring, for large numbers of flying insects or discarded wings.

If you suspect a colony, especially of termites, contact your local environmental agency, or call a licensed, professional exterminator.

Copyright Gil Strachan - All rights reserved.

Gil Strachan is a professional home inspector, representing Electrospec Home Inspection Services in east-central Ontario, Canada since 1994. Visit http://www.allaroundthehouse.com to learn more about home inspections.

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Finding the Best Energy Drink

The best energy drink for you is out there somewhere...hiding among the others on some shelf. How do you know which one is the best for you and your fitness needs? Here's some tips that you can use to help you make that decision.

How does the product create an energy boost?

Energy drinks use a variety of ways to generate energy boosts for the user. Understanding how each product generates the energy for the user is extremely important in making the right choice. Lets take a closer look at some tips to help you evaluate the best energy drink for you.

To B or not to B...Does the product use B vitamins?

B vitamins have been shown to increase metabolism and support the immune and nervous system functions. They are common ingredients in energy drinks and must be replenished on a daily basis.

All B vitamins are water soluble and excess amounts will be excreted through the user's kidneys. One consideration with B vitamins is the serving size of the drink and how often one can use the product. In other words if you are only supposed to ingest one drink in the morning, then the product is not something that can be used all day as needed to rehydrate yourself. Drinks that rely on B vitamins are best if used on a daily basis as they will not normally tend to produce energy on the spur of the moment.

Caffeine -- The hidden monster in energy drinks.

Caffeine is a central nervous system stimulant. This acts to help ward off drowsiness and fatigue temporarily. Caffeine is a common ingredient in energy drinks as some studies have shown slight increases in athletic performance.

Caffeine has the tendency to last approximately three to four hours in the human body before it is metabolized away.

One should be aware that energy drinks that use caffeine have the tendency to be ingested above and beyond the recommended serving amounts.

Caffeine can give a relatively quick boost to the user but this is mainly from the stimulant effect. This boost will not last long and the user must re-ingest the product to obtain a further boost.

This is one of the problems to consider with caffeine based drinks as once again the user will tend to ingest the products in excess. (based on the recommended serving)

Excess Caffeine can lead to restlessness and and a jittery feeling which defeats the purpose of drinking the product. One should pay close attention to the recommended serving allowance and avoid overuse of these products.

Sugar...A short lived boost with a crash effect.

Energy drinks that rely on sugar to give the user a boost are not the best when the user is seeking a steady energy level.

The body tends to grab the sugar and convert it to quick energy, however the boost is short lived as the sugar runs out and the body is forced to look for other energy sources.

Sugar based energy drinks are also a problem for diabetics as they can not handle the excess sugar.

Excessively sweet drinks can be difficult for some users to drink while exerting themselves.

These types of drinks are not exactly favored for those that are watching their caloric intake as well. The products are usually ingested at a level above and beyond the suggested serving size.

One tends to drink the entire can of product and in most cases may actually be consuming twice the serving size and unknowingly getting twice the calories.

Finding the best energy drink for you is indeed a quest. Consider the way the product generates the energy boost. How long will that boost last? How much and when can you ingest the product to meet your energy needs?

Remember to look at the suggested serving size and take that into account when using energy drink products. Lastly...spend some time researching the key ingredients to make sure that you are getting the best energy drink for your needs.

Kerry Thomas is an article marketer and writer.

Please visit the link to find out more about the best energy drink

Home Appliances and Healthy Living

Kitchen appliances have become the true friend of the housekeeper in today's fast paced life. There is a gadget for every requirement, and any kitchen operation can be undertaken by the pressing of a switch. Appliances are definitely blessings in our age. The nuclear family of our times does not have the ability or the inclination to put all its time in household chores.

Home appliances like air-conditioners aid in comfortable living. Laundry machines and dishwashers eliminate physical strain and cooking appliances help easy and hassle-free cooking. Gone are the days when cooking used to take up most part of the day leaving the housekeeper physically drained and unable to enjoy life.

The advent of home appliances and kitchen appliances has bettered the life of most of us that we may like to admit. They have become part and parcel of our lives. A day without electricity can actually put you into untold misery as you would not be able to operate these user friendly gadgets.

Refrigerators are the most required appliance for any home or restaurant. It saves unnecessary trips to the supermarket and also helps cut down the frequency of cooking activities. They are available in different sizes to suit any budget and requirement.

Buying different appliances can be a big hassle to you. But there are large scale showrooms which stock the entire imaginable appliance range under one roof to help you out. Here you need not run around to different shops, but can buy kitchen and home appliances like refrigerators, dishwashers, cooking appliances, food disposal products, laundry machines, air conditioners, sinks, faucets and appliances suited for outdoor living.

If you are looking for more information about kitchen appliances then feel free to visit home appliances

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Computer Virus Repair Help

Viruses happen. They've been around for years and unfortunately that doesn't look like changing. What happens when you need to do a computer virus repair?

Of course, you should be running up to date anti virus software at all times.

But occasionally a virus will still slip through - an update fails, the anti virus software company launch a new version that causes your current one to stop getting updates or you've just plain ignored the "you need to update" messages.

So what do you need to do when you need to perform a virus repair on your computer?

If you're not already running an up to date virus removal program, install one now. Most of the programs around can cure most viruses for you when they detect that you've got a problem. If you've got a boot sector virus you may not be so lucky, but otherwise there's a good chance that they can help.

Unplug your network and internet cables. Disconnect from your home wireless network before you cause any damage there.

Then run the anti virus program, following any virus disinfection prompts as they appear.

Once that's been done, reconnect your internet connection and if necessary update your anti virus software with the latest virus signatures and then re-run the software.

With luck, you've now repaired any virus infection you may have had.

Next, make sure you keep it that way.

Get Windows Security Center to advise you when there problems with your virus repair software. If you're running XP or Vista, you'll find the Security Center in your Control Panel (or just search Help and it will point you in the right direction).

Check your virus repair software settings. Make sure that the virus signatures are regularly updated so that you keep any potential future infection safely out of harms way.

Get a free virus diagnosis tool to check whether your computer is at risk from viruses.

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New Solar Technology Trends Around the World

In the business of solar energy, the U.S. has not been the biggest buyer of solar power. While the U.S. does quite well exporting solar panels and solar technology, there are many Americans who still find the cost of panels very prohibitive. Plus, many states still don't offer the same sizeable solar power perks (tax credits, low interest loan programs) as many other nations in the world.

As the price of solar energy decreases, Europe has had a much higher demand for solar power than anywhere else in the world. Germany alone orders double the amount of solar panels sold in the U.S. ever year. Better yet, there's a bigger market for commercial solar power in Europe than in the U.S. Many European universities and campuses have rebuilt their dorms to run off solar energy. Most water heaters in Europe are solar-powered, even if the home doesn't have a full solar panel system.

A recent report released by Emerging-Energy.com states that between 2008 and 2020, Germany will become one the largest producers of solar panels in the world. In Europe, it's not just small residential power systems that are leading the way in solar energy dependence. It's mostly large scale (over 1 MW) projects that have spurred new markets that have shaped a new landscape of energy usage in Europe. Such large projects have literally changed the way how utility companies and residential contract companies view solar energy. It's become increasingly easier for European business owners to purchase and install their panels with lowered tariffs and taxes.

Specifically, Italy, Greece and the Czech Republic are the newest customers of solar power systems. These countries have begun to purchase so much solar energy that their borders have seen changes in tariffs for solar panels. They've also seen major changes in permitting regulations that makes it easier for such private residences to have solar energy systems. In Italy, Greece and the Czech Republic, the demand for solar energy is the same in the private (residential) industry and the commercial industry. Conversely, most other European nations have seen a drastic rise in commercial industry demand, with residential demand remaining relatively stable.

Japan, who's also been at the forefront of solar panel imports, has picked up solar panel buying as the cost of gas and electricity rises. Japan has begun using solar panels in almost every new commercial and industrial building being built- including schools, hospitals and government facilities. There are entire neighborhoods in Japan outfitted with residential solar power panels. For example, the neighborhood of Iwaki New Town has about 46 homes outfitted with full private solar power panels. The neighborhood produces over 310,000 kWh in a single year, enough to power over 90 residences!

Japan also uses solar energy in surprising places. Japan is the only country to power most of its vending machines with solar energy. Sharp, one of the largest solar panel producing companies in Japan estimates that by 2010, Japan will produce 4.8 million kWh of solar energy. As a result, buying solar energy panels in Japan is inexpensive and has created one of the most profitable net-metering countries in the world.

Using the power of the sun definitely isn't going away anytime soon. In fact, solar energy may be the next step in energetic materials. If we equipped half the homes in America with solar panel systems, we could produce enough electricity to run the entire country. All it takes is one house at a time!

Philip Richards is an expert writer about solar power. Check out how he made solar power at home with this easy to follow guide at http://123HomeSolarPower.com Or check out his blog on solar power at http://homesolarblog.com

Bed Bug Bites - Infestation Treatment

The first step for treating bed bug infestations is knowing what you are dealing with. You need to be aware of the signs and symptoms of bed bug bites. These pests are common and it can be hard to get rid of them. One reason for this is that they are oftentimes not detected until they have reach large numbers.

Bed bugs abhor sunlight and will shun it whenever they can. They are most active mornings just before sunrise, when most folks are still in bed. For these insects, this is a most opportune time to feed, especially as their bite is not immediately felt. In fact, the victim may not feel the irritation for hours after the bite. The first symptom is usually an itching sensation, caused by an allergic reaction, and not easy to overlook.

The diagnosis of bed bug bites isn't easily made either. In general, they are manifested as elevated reddish areas or as flatter, welt-type spots that closely resemble mosquito bites. When you have many bites that are reoccurring, it is an accurate indicator of "bed bug bites". Since the bed bug's saliva includes an anticoagulant that facilitates feeding off your blood, you might observe distinctive drops of blood on your bed sheets.

Now that you know that bedbugs are the problem, you will know how to best deal with them. Don't think that they are like cockroaches who live in dirty environments. Bedbugs are attracted to carbon dioxide. Since we exhale carbon dioxide, they are attracted to us. It is best to take multiple measures to address the problem comprehensively.

Since the bugs we have been talking about can't be killed by pesticides. In order to get rid of these pesky bugs, you first need to vacuum the mattress and box spring. This will suck up any bugs or eggs that are still on the surface. After vacuuming the surface, make sure to wipe your bed frame with rubbing alcohol to kill the bugs. Next, use a steam cleaner to clean the mattress and the box. This will hopefully solve your bug problem.

Once you've done this, eliminate any stray adult bugs you might see. If possible, buy neem oil. This is very effective in eliminating the bugs. Finally, as an added precaution, buy impermeable covers for both the bed and box spring. This should eventually take care of any others that may have been left behind.

However, the most effective treatment is prevention. Most people pick them up while staying at hotels or motels, or at friend's homes. If you're moving into a new place, inspect carefully for signs of dead or living bugs. Remember, once you have them, they can be difficult to get rid of.

You need to be aware of the signs and symptoms of bed bug bites. These pests are common and can be hard to eradicate. One reason for this is that they are oftentimes not detected until they reach large numbers. Bed bugs prefer the dark and will generally avoid sunlight. Their main feeding is in the early hours of the morning just before sunrise while most people are still asleep. Their bites will show up after several hours. Initial signs include aggravating itch triggered by the body's allergic response to the bite. Now that you know the problem, you need to know how to treat bed bug infestation.

Lawn Mower Repair

Lawn mowers need repairs from time to time depending on the extent of damage suffered. Maintaining a lawn mower needs meticulous planning.

Repairing lawn mowers can be time-consuming, and trying to repair one that frequently suffers damage can take up much time, which in a majority of circumstances can eat into the total mowing season.

Most frequently, when a mower fails to function properly, one would likely trace the problem by its symptoms. For example, if a spark plug needs to be replaced, one might speculate that the engine is failing to receive gas, or there could be snags in the carburetor. One of the key aspects related to lawn mowers is that maintenance is of greater importance than repair, and this holds the key to the smooth functioning of a mower.

The basic thing that needs to be remembered is that after mowing is complete, the engine and the blades should be painstakingly tidied. The mower as a rule should not be cleaned with water, but scraping the underside of the deck and making use of an air compressor to flush the air-filter, carburetor and the engine block and pulleys is quite an effective way of preserving the appearance and operation of the mower.

If a problem is serious, one should contemplate whether investing money to fix the mower is a viable option. In case the trouble is related to the engine, one should check whether the engine is receiving the required fuel or verify whether it is operating correctly with the ignition.

Lawn Mowers provides detailed information on Lawn Mowers, Lawn Mower Parts, Riding Lawn Mowers, Lawn Mower Repair and more. Lawn Mowers is affiliated with Blower Fans.

Stair Building Video For Great Advice

Stair building tips for installing lights and decking, handrail tips and some deck advice.

For more helpful home improvement information visit: http://www.gregvan.com

Stair Building Tips

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Thinking About Bathroom Tiles? Read!

So you have been thinking about decorating your bathroom for a while now or you have just started thinking about it well let me tell you now one of the best ways forward in your quest to make your bathroom look as good as possible is to user bathroom tiles to get the effect you want and the great look and feel you may have in mind.

Bathroom tiles are a great way to keep your bathroom looking good and keeping clean at the same time, there is such a big range of tiles out there that you should not be stuck for options to choose from other than if you are stuck trying to decide which one looks better than the rest. No matter what size or shape your bathroom is you are still going to be able to find the perfect design for you.

There are so many different styles, shapes and sizes that bathroom tiles are available in so that you can make a whole host of different design so you are able to be as unique as you like. You are going to be able to find bathroom tiles that are available for your floors or your walls as well as finding tiles that will look great on either or even both.

Remember if you do decide to use bathroom tiles in your bathroom you are not restricted to just using them, many people decorate only certain parts of their bathrooms with tiles for example behind and around a shower or a bath, these usually give off really good looking walls. One thing I must point out at this stage though is if your bathroom is not very big then you are more than likely better off tiling the whole bathroom as small patches of tiles may not look that great. But by all means you can try it just make sure that you are able to rectify the look if it is not the one you want in the end.

Also when you are thinking about installing bathroom tiles you are going to need to consider the tile material, if you are looking for a easy to fit and easily maintainable tile then I would definitely recommend going for the ceramic type. This is because they are easy to install and they can put up with the most abuse without giving up on you. Natural stone tiles are a good way forward but they are by no means going to be the best bathroom tiles for the job.

Natural stone tiles do require a lot more attention than ceramic tiles do, this is because they need to be sealed before any use comes to them as they can potentially get stained which will result in a ruined tile.

One other thing about installing bathroom tiles is that you must have them grouted which brings in another possible issue which is the fact that they can go mouldy, there are techniques that you can use to stop this happening but that will not be covered in this article.

You will want to make sure that your bathroom walls are as smooth and flat as possible so that once you have finished installing them you will not be able to see any issues with the wall which you do not want with bathroom tiles as it can ruin your whole project.

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House Drywall Application - Home Building Tips

Let's start with the basic eight-foot sheet of drywall. Most drywall contractors apply drywall horizontally however I have seen some contractors working with metal stud framing install 10 foot sheets of drywall vertically.

The reasons for installing the 10 foot sheets of drywall up and down or vertically in this situation are quite simple. There is no structural strength required in these walls because they are simply partitions dividing rooms and usually the drywall only needs to be finished up to 9 feet. This is the only time I have seen drywall ran vertically.

In a wood framed house the drywall actually adds a little sheer value to the home itself.

The manufacturer suggests installing eight-foot sheets of drywall horizontally. The horizontal application of drywall means installing the 4 foot side of the drywall up and down and the eight-foot side of the drywall side to side.

What is the reason for installing the 4 x 8 sheets horizontally?

When it comes to finishing the drywall the 4 foot seams that run up and down or vertical will not be as noticeable as a seam running up and down the entire wall. If you haven't read one of my last articles on eye level window setting then let me give you a brief eye level education.

A person 5'8" in height will be more apt to notice things between 4'6" off the ground and 6'6" off the ground. If we ran the drywall vertical there is a good chance the eyes would be able to pick up any finishing flaws in the drywall. Running the drywall horizontally will just put us a little out of range from the lower eye level of 4 foot six with our finish.

Another reason for installing the drywall horizontally is there is a good chance your eyes would be able to pick up four foot lines in the wall going from floor to ceiling quite easily. On older homes you will see lines in the ceilings about every 24 inches. This is because the plaster or drywall ceilings is starting to sag in between the ceiling joist.

These lines are difficult to do anything about once the drywall is finished. The only alternative you would have is to remove the ceiling and re-drywall and finish it.

Drywall ran vertically will tend to crack easier than staggered drywall ran horizontally. The four foot section of drywall is stronger than the 8 foot section. If you stagger your drywall breaks every four feet this will increase the strength of your wall as well.

Try not to break the drywall at any door openings. The door openings seem to crack easily from the corners working their way towards the ceiling. Let the drywall run over the doorway and then cut the doorway out leaving the rough door opening during wallboard installation.

If you have ever seen a house that was drywalled by a professional crew the waste is unbelievable. The reason for this is simply that the drywall contractor does not want to come back and patch cracks in the walls three or four years after he is done. It can be quite labor intensive installing scrap pieces of drywall versus using larger sheets to cover the same area.

Don't forget and always remember that. Horizontal installation of drywall is recommended by the manufacturer.

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

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