Five Important Tips To Optimize Your Basement Design Idea

A beautiful and functional basement lies on a good basement design idea. Having a plan or design will tell exactly if renovation is going according to how you want it. The challenge is on what to do next. Another strong consideration is figuring out how to do5B4 it. In the process, you will have to do a little research. Perhaps this article will help you.

To get your basement design idea running, it is always easier if you know some basic tips to optimize your plan. Here are some important pointers that you should know:

- Glass fixtures can be used both on windows as well as on doors. This will allow more light to come in during the day and saves you electricity costs. Instead of using solid wooden doors for your entrance door leading to your basement, design it that you will have a glass fixed in it. It doesn't only give more light but also prevents someone from being slammed while going up in the basement stairs. This basement design idea is used in so many households today.

- The basement plan should be applicable to a multi-functional room. It gives you more freedom to explore on other concepts in optimizing your basement's usability. Especially if your den has a lot of space, you might want to check on each corner. For example, you might want to use the dark sections as a mini-theatre since light is not likely to set in. It's a very practical basement design idea everybody can agree on.

- Use colors that are light and easy to the eyes. Light colored walls tend to project an illusion of a bigger space. You might want to consider pastel colors. Mirrors are good options too but be cautious of its impact to the entire interior design. Make sure to put th5B4em in areas where light is most abundant. The basement design idea of using mirrors is not popular in though.

- Ducts and plumbing pipes should be engineered with aesthetics. Your basement is usually where the pipes and ducts are accessible and therefore visible. Considering this should help you in planning your basement design idea. Tell your architect to place those pipes in sections where it can be easily concealed. Allow more ceiling clearance at the center. Putting this in perspective will also give you more options when you hope to remodel your basement in the future.

- Select materials that are waterproof. This basement design idea must be taken seriously at all times. The basement is the lowest point in your home. This is why the plumbing and ducting fixes are done because your drainage settles and converges here. When fixes are made, spills are most probable. Make sure your basement is made of ether tiles or vinyl so it's easy to mop off the spill.

It's helpful to keep these general tips in mind regardless of the purpose your basement. Include these in your basement design idea. Ask friends or a family member what they can add to it. Your basement is also a room in your house. Think of it that way and you'll be getting better results from your concepts.

See the latest updates on the 305basement design idea that's right for your home. Get more free basement remodeling idea online!

Home Remodeling Books

Protect Your Homes with the Right Hurricane Shutter

In places where storms are frequent, hurricane shutters are essential. These devices work to protect your homes. Hurricane shutters are usually10F6 placed on windows, especially in a house that is not built with hurricane proof glass.

To help you decide which hurricane shutter is best for your house, let's discuss the different hurricane shutters available on the market. These are:

1. Storm Panel Hurricane Shutter. These are shutters usually made of aluminum or steel. The storm panel shutter type is attached to the walls and doors. It is placed around it and is bolted in. Usually, they come in corrugated style, with each piece overlapping the other for optimum strength.

Usually storm panel shutters come with the houses that are up for sale. And if they do, check every piece properly so you can do the proper adjustment to it. If you find out too late that the panels are too heavy to mount by yourself or there are several pieces missing, the results will not be pleasant.

This is also the cheapest type of hurricane shutters for sale. It is strong enough to provide the proper protection for windows and doors. But since it is removable, it needs a storage area. It may also have sharp edges making it hard to install.

2. Roll Down Hurricane Shutter. This type of shutter is attached just above the window. When in use, you roll it down. Else, you can put it up. It acts just like a metal horizontal blind, only better. It can be installed either with automatic or manual operation.

Roll down shutters will not only protect your house from hurricanes, but from burglary and theft as well. But unfortunately, these are the most expensive type of hurricane shutter, especially if you wanted the automatic one. This type needs backup batteries so they can function even if the power is out.

3. Accordion-Type Hurricane Shutter. This type of shutter can come either in a two-piece or a one-piece deal. It folds and unfolds just like an accordion. Like the roll down, it is fixed in the window. Some models provide the ability to be locked with a key.

Although these shutters are highly functional, it may look hulking outside and does not go well with some of the houses. And because its function relies greatly on the glide wheels, without proper maintenance, it can be stuck and break easily than the other types.

4. Bahama-style Hurricane Shutter. This is a single-piece shutter attached above the windows. It is lowered during the storm and is raised after. Aside from protection, it adds privacy and shade to your homes.

But because of their slanting position, it can block some light from entering the house. Low-end Bahama hurricane shutters are light and weak. If left opened during a storm, it will surely be broken by the strong wind.

5. Colonial Hurricane Shutter. Unlike the other types, this one always comes in pairs. It is attached vertically on the sides of the window and is folded together to protect it. These types can be highly decorative. It can add accent to your windows, especially if you have a colonial type of house.

Although it looks good on a window, it cannot be used on a door. Finding a match for it for your door maybe a hard task. It may also require a storm bar or a center rod so that it can be locked in place.

These are the most common types of hurricane shutters. Choose one style today and protect your homes and your families from uncontrollable natural disasters like storms, hurricanes, and typhoons.

Matthew runs a site dedicated to the latest news and developments in Hurricane Shutters and wood shutters

Cordless Metal Cutting Tools

That's cute.....

The first time I saw a Panasonic cordless metal cuttin saw, I thought, "that's cute, but I can't see that thing being of any real use on the job". I was wrong. If you visit any job you will see cordless metal cutting saws in use in almost all of the trades.

What are they?

Cordless metal cutting saws are simply a cordless circular saw turning a carbide tipped metal blade at the appropriate rpm. These saws typically have an extra guard to help with the metal shavings. These saws cut mild steel very clean and cool. One of my favorite stories is that of a sales rep walking into a customers office and cutting off a piece of threaded rod with the tool and threading a nut on, before the customer could through him out. He sold many, many tools that way.

What can they cut?

Cordless metal cutting saws can cut most mild steel including threaded rod, unit-strut, metal siding, EMT pipe, duct work, really any mild steel. Blades are available for aluminum also. I have heard them being used on copper, not sure that it is recommended though. By for the most common use is for cutting threaded rod, strut and EMT. If you are cutting mostly thin metal, blades are available with more teeth that will give you a better cut.

Who makes them?

Metal cutting cordless saws are availble from Panasonic, DeWalt, Milwuakee, Ma5AEkita and others. If you already have a cordless circular saw, you can buy carbide tipped blades for most saws, Tenyru is among the biggest supplier of this type of blade. I still think the tools specifically designed as metal cutters do the best job as they are set up just for that, but many of my Bosch customers have had good success with a carbide tipped metal blade on their saw.

Give them a try.

Many cordless power tool manufactures have a 30 day no questions asked return policy. I have offered this to many customers, but once they see what these tools can do, I don't get a single tool back.

You can find more on specific metal cutting tools at
http://www.protoolguide.com/Panasonic_Metal_Cutting_Saws.html
Check out http://constructionfastening.com/ for specialty tools and hangers for the low voltage industry.

White 2 X 6 And 2 X 2 Handrailing
White Handrail With A Green Deck

Timberline Roofing Product Line

- A Review

It's often an overlooked part of the house and its importance is only acknowledged when it starts leaking. That's how many homeowners treat their roofing, not realizing that it is actually more costly in the long run if roofing does not receive the attention it deserves right from the get-go.

To make sure they don't make a mistake when constructing their homes, many homeowners, on the other hand, opt to choose wisely and ensure that their roofing will withstand the weather and the test of time. One of the available choices is Timberline roofing.

Timberline roofing is one of the more popular roofing products in use today. It is a series of dimensional shingles made to be tough, durable and beautiful, meeting common consumer expectations that roofing should be protective and decorative at the same time.

Which Timberline?

These days, there are so many brands of Timberline from too many manufacturers that it's almost difficult to tell which is the real Timberline series. The name Timberline has become a general term referring to shingles but it is actually a brand name of one of GAF Materials' roofing products. Founded in 1886, GAF became one of the forerunners of quality roofing and has become the largest residential and commercial manufacturers of roofing in North America. Timberline is just one of their many brands.

Because of its popularity, Timberline has had its share of copycats and clones and has actually become a generic term used to refer to dimensional singles. However, the product name itself is trademarked to GAF. If you want to be sure about the manufacturer of your Timberline roofing, simply take a look at the back of a piece of shingle. Most manufacturers print their names on their products and that should give you a good reference in order to determine from which manufacturer your shingle came from.

What Makes Timberline Special?

Timberline has become a favorite among many consumers because of its strength and durability. It has the patented Micro Weave Core which makes the material tougher and the Dura Grip adhesive seal to ensure better hold. The weight of the material is also a factor in keeping it stable. Once it's installed properly, Timberline roofing are specified to stand bad weather, even when winds are pummeling your home at 80-110 miles per hour.

Types of Timberline Roofing

Timberline is just one of the brands in the GAF Materials product list but there are several choices under this series, so you have several options for your roofing needs. They include:

Timberline 30. Made with tough fiberglass asphalt, these shingles are affordable and stylish. This series features the Shadow Accent and Dura Grip adhesive seal. Shadow Accent produces a gradation in the shingles' color, so you can see the gradual shift from dark to light.

This creates a beautiful effect when seen from afar. Depending on your area, algae protection may even be offered. Thanks to Dura Grip, Timberline 30 comes with the 70 miles per hour wind warranty. The product's limited warranty itself is 30 years.

Timberline Select 40. Also made from fiberglass asphalt, this series features the classic wood shake look. The shingles are also thicker and heavier and boast some of the best features in the Timberline series, including Dura Grip, Shadow Accent and a Micro Weave core. They are also rated Class A in fire and wind protection. Limited warranty is set at 40 years.

Grand Timberline Roof Shingles. The shingles in this series are about 50% larger than other products and also at least 30% thicker. If you prefer a stronger contrast in color blends, this is the roofing choice for you. This series has a Class A rating for fire and wind and also features the tough Micro Weave core.

Timberline Ultra. This is the premier set of shingles in this series and shingles are at least 25% thicker than other products. Because these are heavier, these are also the roofing of choice for areas where storms are common - Timberline Ultra has a limited warranty for winds up to 110 miles per hour. This series is also the most durable and longest lasting.

Where to Find Information

Probably the best source of Timberline roofing is GAF Materials, which has product and installation information on its website. However, you also have other choices, although not all of them carry the Timberline series from GAF itself.

When purchasing your Timberline roofing, make sure to ask for the warranty because this will serve as your protection. They may be tough and durable but like most roofing, Timberline will not last forever. A day will come that they will need to be replaced although that's likely to take a really long time.

Ernest Jarquio is a dedicated family man hopelessly addicted to do-it-yourself projects. For more information, visit his website, where he discusses various subjects such as Timberline Roofing, GAF Roofing and ABC Roofing.

A Review Of Alcoa Home Siding

Every home owner takes pride in how their home looks when they are new and after some time has passed. To help protect our homes from the elements there are different types of siding that can be used. These sidings can include wood, fiber cement, steel, masonite, aluminum and vinyl siding. One of the newer siding materials that has been introduced is that of Alcoa siding.

Alcoa siding was first made by the Alcoa Home Exteriors company. This siding is durable due to its construction to resist heat, high winds, various weather condition changes and it is also maintenance and worry free. Unlike the other sidings Alcoa siding is made from a special compound that is combined with Styrofoam insulation.

This factor alone can make a day and night difference in homes today. So, when looking for home siding there are many factors that you want to take into consideration before you purchase.

As a result of this bonding process the Alcoa siding can provide the entire home with a solid insulation. You can even place this siding over wood panels. This is very useful as the wood has the propensity to lose heat. Since this siding has been combined with Styrofoam insulation the product will increase the resistance to heat release a house by about Twenty-five percent.

While the Alcoa siding is a good product to use for home insulation protection it has other great features that home owners will appreciate. These advantages can be seen as the Alcoa siding has the ability to cut down external noise and wind sounds by 50%.

Now, depending on where you live in the country, this factor alone is one that is appealing to many. This noise reduction is also due to the sidings construction.

This allows you to relax in your home without having to try and hear what is happening in your home because the diverse outside sounds are proving to be bothersome. The other reward that you can see with Alcoa siding is that you will have a home that seems to have a wooden exterior look.

This wood siding look can easily be achieved by the different types of Alcoa siding. One of the best types of wood siding that Alcoa siding can copy is that of Cedarwood siding. Since this type of siding is less expensive than real wood this siding is an attractive option for homeowners who want a Cedarwood wood look to their home without the high maintenance costs.

Alcoa siding is also a good material to be used in places where there is a strong wind factor. As this type of siding is designed to hold out wind speeds that are 160mph. Now, just image if you live in an area with high winds, say like Oregon, being able to not hear as much of the wind noise. In addition to these facts there are dissimilar varieties of Alcoa siding that you can buy.

These varieties include Quest 3 Alcoa siding, Carvedwood Series 2 and you will also find Silhouette Classic. Inside these different forms of Alcoa siding you are sure to find the type of siding that will make your home look attractive and protect it from nature's elements. Let's face it, we all want siding that not only looks attractive, but can provide noise reduction and heat loss reduction.

Bowe Packer provides free online information to over 40 different websites. Visit just one of his sites and learn all about home siding for free.

Preliminary Notices

and Mechanics Liens - A Contractors' Right Can Be A Homeowners' Plight

Every homeowner who embarks on a home remodeling or building project looks forward to their dream home beginning to take shape. They anticipate a flurry of activity at the beginning, first with demolition followed by the arrival of materials and subcontractors ready to work.

Shortly thereafter, certified letters requiring their signature arrive in the mail from suppliers and subcontractors. When they anxiously open the letters to read the words "Preliminary Notice" stating that someone is asserting lien rights against their property - they panic! But they shouldn't - at least not at this point. The homeowner is simply being alerted to a commonly used legal instrument in construction that ensures payment for services, labor and materials provided for a home remodeling or building project.

The purpose of a Preliminary Notice, also know as "Right To Lien", "Pre-Lien" or "20 days Notice", is to notify the owner of the property that if the party providing the Preliminary Notice is not paid, then that party will have the right to record a Mechanics Lien against the owners' property. The time frame within which the notices must be sent to the property owner varies from state to state. Some must be sent to the homeowner within 20 days the sub contractor begins work on the project or when a supplier delivers materials. Other States have less than 20 days and still others have up to 90 or 120 days.

As a general rule, every subcontractor and materials supplier furnishing labor, services, equipment or materials to a construction project without a direct contract with the owner of the project, must give a written Preliminary Notice to the property owner if they want to retain their lien rights. Accuracy is essential for a valid preliminary notice. Notices should be served by certified or registered mail or if delivered in person, proper documentation and signatures must accompany the preliminary notice. Finally, receiving a preliminary notice does not mean someone is going to file a Mechanics Lien against you. It simply ensures their right to lien you if the contractor doesn't pay them.

It is the responsibility of any homeowner who remodels or builds a home to educate him or her self about the construction laws in their state. Understanding lien laws and pre-lien rights and learning how to protect yourself from having a Mechanics Lien filed against your property are key to having greater control over the project and your money. Obtaining Lien Releases and Waivers after each payment to the contractor is something homeowners need to educate themselves about. Once you understand this, you'll avoid the surprise and justified anger that the money given to the contractor to pay the subs and suppliers never transpired, despite the fact that it is his/her responsibility to do so. A homeowner typically finds this out when they get slapped with a Mechanics Lien against their property for non-payment from a supplier or sub contractor.

So just what is a Mechanics Lien and what should a homeowner to do at this point?

A Mechanics Lien is a legal claim to real property until a debt has been paid. If you employ a trades person or contractor to work on your home and a dispute arises wherein you refuse to pay, the worker has a right to file a lien thus making the property responsible for payment. Mechanics' Liens must be recorded with the County recorder where the property is located. Liens must be enforced by a lawsuit to foreclose on the property within a specific time frame (varies from state to state -usually 90 up to 180 days) of the date of recording or they automatically become null, void and unenforceable. If this time has elapsed and the contractor has not filed a lawsuit within the time period allowed, then demand that he execute a release of lien in writing. If he refuses to cooperate then t57Ehe homeowner can petition the courts for a decree to release the lien. This usually requires hiring an attorney, as the process can be somewhat complicated.

It's important to note that unethical contractors file the majority of liens and usually the liens become null and void based on the fact that the burden of proof lies with them. It's costly, requires legal representation, proper documentation but more importantly they have to be 100% correct to win their case. Moreover, these contractors never intend to perfect the lien but instead use it as a tactic to either scare the homeowner into paying them more money, or to get back at the homeowner who has filed a legitimate complaint against the contractor. Ethical contractors use it only as a last resort and know they have a legitimate case.

Good contractors strive to maintain excellent customer relationships by working with their clients to resolve problems, perform quality work, always pay their subs, and conduct themselves professionally with the goal of building a successful business. Finding an ethical contractor takes some work on the part of the homeowner but by doing so ensures having less problems and a more positive outcome for both parties.

Jody Costello is a Consumer Advocate and web publisher of 5D7ContractorsFromHell.com As a result of a home remodeling nightmare and shock at how little oversight state regulatory agencies have over contractors, she created ContractorsFromHell.com to help others avoid the problems her family encountered. Over the last eight years she has helped homeowners deal with problems they have had with their own contractors as well as providing tips, guidelines and resources on avoiding a home remodeling nightmare. Ms. Costello has worked with the Contractors State License Board over the years to help create greater protection and a voice for consumers harmed by unethical contractors. She has testified before the State Senate supporting legislation that would benefit homeowners on construction related issues. You can learn more about hiring building/remodeling contractors, red flags to look for, read other homeowners horror stories and become better informed before you begin your project. Go to http://www.contractorsfromhell.com

Get The Most For Your Money

Home Remodels -

Every homeowner has a laundry list of improvements they'd like to make on their home. The problem most homeowners run into is that they aren't thinking ahead to the improvements that will provide the best return on their investment. Whether you plan to stay in your home a few short years or you're in it for the long haul, it's still a good idea to recognize the issues - positive or negative - that affect your home's resale value. A recent "Cost vs. Value Report" completed by Remodeling Online divides homes into two major categories (mid-range and upscale) to help homeowners determine where best to spend their money. This article focuses on those mid-range improvements that will bring you the best return on investment (ROI) in the Rolla/St. James, Missouri area.

Replace your Siding

With an 80.9% average rate of return, a phenomenal return for the Midwest, siding replacement was the overall winner for this re10FEgion. This should be your first indication that buyers really do focus on curb appeal. As with any business, first impressions in real estate are important. You'd be surprised how many people rule out a home just by driving by. I have been on my way to show countless homes, only to find that once the buyer sees the outside of the home, they don't even bother looking inside. They may never see the remodeled bathrooms or new carpet you just invested all your time and energy in, so be sure that your first impression is positive and sticks with them.

Add a Deck

Wooden deck additions came in a close second with a 78.4% ROI. The great rate of return on decks stems in part from the fact that a wooden deck addition is extremely cost-effective. If your home is lacking a deck or similar outdoor space, consider adding a simple wooden deck to spice up the entertaining aspect of your back yard.

Replace Outdate or Inefficient Windows

Exhibiting a 73.7% ROI, vinyl window replacement came in strong as well, with wooden windows not far behind at 70.2%ROI. Window replacement continues to support the importance of curb appeal, and it also shows that buyers are interested in lower energy bills. So, not only do windows increase a home's external appearance, they also help cut down on rising energy costs.

Spruce up the Kitchen & Bath

Any Realtor will tell you that new updates in the kitchen and bath sell a home extremely quickly. Kitchen remodels were categorized as major or minor, with minor remodels edging out major remodels 71.5% to 70.9%. Close behind were bathroom remodels with 68.8%, and bathroom additions came in at 61.8% ROI. Overall, these numbers are fairly strong, which proves that there is truth to the idea that buyers will walk away from a potential home that is lacking a quality kitchen and/or baths.

The Bottom of the Barrel

Roof replacement and office remodels finished at the bottom of the pack. Roof replacements are something that people address when they need to, but not usually because they want to, which brought this remodel in with 59.3% ROI. Few buyers are likely to replace a functional roof for aesthetic reasons, which factors in to its low ROI. However, the office remodel finished even lower, with 53% ROI, probably because most people don't view a home office space as necessary. Buyers are more likely to value rooms important in their everyday living, like kitchens, bathrooms, and family rooms, and see an office space as more of a bonus than a necessity.

This list is by no means a cut-and-dry order of areas you should remodel, but it does give you a general guideline of the remodels that might have greater benefit when it comes time to sell your home. Remember, though, that the location of your home, construction costs, and time frame are constantly changing and uncontrollable variables that can greatly affect these percentages.

Special thanks to: © 2007 Hanley Wood, LLC for most of the statistics. Reproduced by permission. Complete city data from Remodeling Online 2007. Cost vs. Value Report can be downloaded for free at www.costvsvalue.com.

Justin Renaud is a REALTOR working in the Rolla Missouri Real Estate market. He has been working with buyers and sellers full-time for the last three years. His website http://www.justinrenaud.com/ is a resource for buyers, sellers, and homeowners to find helpful advice as well as resources discussing the areas of Rolla, MO and St. James, MO.

The information for this article uses statistics for the St. Louis, MO region according to http://www.costvsvalue.com/

Bathroom Medicine Cabinets

- How To Avoid Making A Big Remodeling Mistake

When you are considering remodeling your bathroom, you may not think that one of your bigger decisions might be the medicine cabinet. While bathroom medicine cabinets haven't changed all that much in their basic design, you might still be amazed at the dozens of different styles that are offered. Of course, there is always the traditional box medicine cabinet that is built in to the wall near the sink, but there are also other cabinets that can sit on the countertop or become part of a shelving unit that stands above the toilet tank. Some medicine cabinets are part of a beautiful freestanding piece of furniture that can also serve as a linen cabinet. These are just some of the different types of bathroom medicine cabinets.

Medicine cabinets also come in many different materials. There is the traditional glass and metal cabinet, but there are also many elaborate wooden cabinets and corner cabinets that can fit perfectly in that out of the way spot in the bathroom. This is especially useful in smaller bathrooms that need to consolidate every spare square inch that it can. There are medicine cabinets that come equipped with electricity and have the lighting fixture attached directly to it and cabinets with mirrors that are hardwired in order to create an area that will never fog up even in the steamiest of bathrooms.

If you want your bathroom to look more like a Victorian hideaway rather than a doctor's office, you can still find a medicine cabinet that will fit perfectly into your décor. There are cabinets that are built into the wall and yet look like a beautiful antique mirror with an ornate, gilded frame. Or you can choose a freestanding cabinet that is topped with crown molding and makes quite a dramatic statement especially in a large bathroom.

If you are going for a more modern look that and you would like something that is a little out of the ordinary, consider a mirrored cabinet that gives the illusion of hanging frameless and flush to the wall, but in actuality opens up to display many shelves. Another beautiful choice is a beveled mirror cabinet that is framed with a brushed nickel or brass frame.

Bathroom medicine cabinets can range in price anywhere from $50 to over $1000. You may never have realized all of the choices that are available in something as simple as a medicine cabinet. Don't overlook this wonderful opportunity to complete the total look and décor of your bathroom. Spend as much time choosing the perfect medicine cabinet as you do any of the other decorating decisions.

For more small bathroom remodeling ideas try visiting http://remodelingabathroomguide.com, a popular bathroom remodeling website that includes information on how to select a reputable contractor for your bathroom remodeling job.