How to Replace a Circuit Breaker

It is always a good idea to have each circuit breaker clearly labeled. This prevents confusion and frustration in the event that one needs to be reset or replaced. You can begin labeling the circuits by turning them off and on to see which appliance it is connected to. Circuit breakers consist of the main power supply to your home as well as individual circuits for appliances within your home.

Learning how to replace a circuit breaker or install a new circuit breaker is a little more complicated than merely resetting a tripped breaker. Firstly, you should purchase a new circuit breaker from a home improvement or hardware store. Before installing a circuit breaker you should turn the main power breaker off to shut down power to the entire house.

You can remove the gray circuit breaker panel by unscrewing the faceplate. You will see two wires on the side of the breaker; be careful to remember what position each wire is in as you remove the panel. You can use a wire nut to hold and bend back the wire that you will use later on. Repeat this process for both the white and colored wires. After removing the old breaker box simply reinstall the new circuit breaker box and replace the wires in the same manner in which they were previously installed.

Installing a circuit breaker box is a seemingly simple task. Even if you are not technically inclined, you should still be able to perform this task. If, however, you are uncomfortable in dealing with electrical issues, it might be wise to consult with an electrician. All electricians know how to replace a circuit breaker and it is not very time consuming for them, and so it should not be expensive for you, and might save you some unnecessary frustration.

Circuit Breakers Info provides detailed information about circuit breaker panels, circuit breaker manufacturers, plus advice on how to replace and install circuit breakers and where to buy used and surplus circuit breakers. Circuit Breakers Info is the sister site of Electricians Web.

Home Improvement Contractor Is He Qualified

I am a general contractor in the state of Michigan. In other words I fix, build, or remodel anything pertaining to residential homes. The purpose of this article is to inform home owners about a growing problem in the construction/remodeling industry. That problem is the increasing numbers of unqualified individuals that are entering the field.

Due to the struggling economy and recent lay offs, many conversations around the kitchen table go something like this: What are we going to do now Jane? Well John, you helped my brother roof his house that one time and you fixed the door on our shed and you like working around the house...why dont you put an ad in the paper as a roofer or a carpenter? Hey Jane, thats a great idea. I can get business by offering a really low price. Yea, that's what Ill do!

Now I feel for a guy that is out of work. I really do. But when an unqualified individual decides "hey I'll be a contractor", all to often this results in nothing but trouble for the customer. What happens if John falls off the roof or drops his hammer on the hood of your brand new car? Is he insured?

What about warranties? If he says I will guarantee this roof wont leak for 5 years, and then it does, will he still be in business? Statistics say no. As a matter of fact, most of the people entering into business today will not be in business 1 year from now, much less 5 years from now.

Of course there is the most important question: does he know what hes doing? Does the fact that John helped his brother roof a house make him a qualified roofer?

There are insurance considerations as well. For example, lets say a home owner hires an individual that is not licensed to install a new furnace in his home. If the furnace starts a fire and burns the house down, some insurance companies will deny the claim. The reason is since there is no record of a permit(which there would not be as an unlicensed individual can not obtain a permit) they assume that the furnace could have been installed incorrectly. Now a home owner is left with a huge loss and all because they wanted to save a few bucks on the installation.

Do yourself a favor and stick with a pro. If you conduct a proper contractor interview, then you know that you are going to get a quality job by a licensed and insured individual who offers a warranty..and honors it. If you are not sure how to conduct a proper contractor interview, you can find information on this and other subjects at my web site.

My name is R. Paul Phillips. I am a co owner of Tanner-Phillips Properties, which is a new construction/remodeling business in Lansing, Mi. I have a free home improvement information website located at http://www.greater-lansing-home-improvement.com While my site is tailored for the Lansing area, the majority of the information is useful to anyone interested in home improvement tips, product reviews, how to screen contractors......etc. I also have a contact page so you can ask questions specific to your project.

House Plan Renovation Ideas

There are hundreds of different and exciting home renovation ideas that are out there, it's definably worthwhile making sure that you know all about them. By knowing all of these renovation ideas you stand more of a chance of being able to do home renovation projects by yourself.

The Bathroom

We're going to start with one of the most important rooms in the house, the bathroom. Many people want to upgrade their bathroom, but it seems like such a complicated project nobody is sure where to start. The first thing that you need to do is look at your current bathroom. Work out the size and shape of it, and also work out how much you could afford to spend on doing it up.

You sho5B4uld also decide what you would like to achieve by doing this renovation project. If you think your bathroom is a bit on the small side then perhaps you could consider taking down walls to make it bigger. Of course this would require a bigger budget, and more skills.

You may be considering a much simpler project such as just changing the color or flooring in your bathroom. Even doing something this simple still requires a lot of thought; you need to make sure you will be happy with the complete outcome.

The Bedroom

You can have a lot more fun in the bedroom than the bathroom, and that's true for decorating too! Sorry I couldn't resist! Most people don't see your bedroom it's very personal for most people! This means you can do pretty much whatever you want in this room.

Saying this however, you do want some sort of theme throughout your bedroom. The best way to go about this is to decide on a color scheme. Chose a color that you really like, don't settle for one that you will get bored of after a while. If you already love your sheets then why not choose colors to complement this.

No matter what you are planning to do to renovate your home windows you should make sure that you do them right. For this to be the case you should really talk to a professional, ask them for some advice. This way you can be sure you're doing463 everything in the right order and you're doing it right. It's a good idea to make sure you know how to do everything before you start spending any money!

Guy Morris repeatedly edits news on news associated with locks. You can come across his contributions on locks and hurricane window over at http://www.replacement-windows-tips.com

Renovating The Exterior of Your Home the Easy Way

While many people do minor repairs and interior remodeling jobs, they often hesitate about doing exterior remodeling or renovating. There's not really a big difference between the interior and exterior 5B4of your home except for the size of the DIY jobs.

Most of the time when homeowners choose to remodel their home, there is something on the outside that needs to be done. If you allow yourself enough time, you can look for great deals on many of the supplies you're going to need. Some of the exterior jobs that may need to be done are gutters, siding, windows and window trims or perhaps adding a patio or deck to your home.

If you plan ahead, you can not only save money but also get yourself organized, whether this means getting the time off from work or arranging for the rental of some of the tools you'll need for the job. You'll be spending enough on the supplies, so you won't want to have to buy tools as well, especially when you can rent them for a fraction of the cost.

If purchasing new siding is not quite in your budget this year, repainting your home is a great DIY job that will brighten and spruce up your home. Again, planning is very important. You may have to prepare the siding for painting such as sanding old paint off or washing the home. Some people don't understand the logic of washing if it's going to be repainted. It's the best way to give it a professional look. If your home is tall and needs ladders and scaffolding, doing one section at a time will save you a lot of time and energy. Many make the mistake of trying to get the whole house done at one time. You'll find working in sections at a time not only5AA is easier but also makes you feel you accomplished more at the end of each day.

If you are going with new siding and windows, you may want to hire a professional if you have no experience in this type of work. However, many books and online sites have step-by-step guides for the DIY jobs. The stores where you buy your supplies (siding, windows, roofing, etc.) may also be able to give you many much-needed tips. If you're lucky, you have a friend or family member knowledgeable in home renovations that are willing to help you. You will save a fortune on labor costs!

Rob Carlton regularly edits newsletters on things associated with compressor designs. His articles on air compressor cooling systems can be discovered on http://www.insidewoodworking.com

Create a Zen Bathroom with Natural Pebble Tiles

Your bathroom is one place in your house where serenity needs to be paramount, and one way you can do that is with the use of the pebble tiles. People in Asia have bee5B4n reaping the benefits of pebble bathroom tiles for years, but they have only recently been introduced in the West. Interlocking bathroom tiles made of pebbles will have a wonderfully soothing affect on your mind and your body as you go about preparing to begin or end your day.

To most people, bathroom tiles are merely a background decoration, something that can easily be relegated to an unimportant fixture, but with a proper amount of attention paid to the issue, you can see that there are many different things that you can do with them. Visually, pebble tiles provide an interesting look that is still soothing to the mind. By just looking at these tiles, you can set your mind at rest. Think about the texture of the pebbles; at first you can touch them with your fingers, but then try to summon up the feeling independently. Too often we spend our time running from pillar to post, and these tiles can remind you to stop doing exactly that.

Your bathroom is the room in your house that utilizes the most water. Combine the running water with the uniquely smooth feel of the bathroom tiles made of polished pebbles and you can see why these tiles are so wonderful for your spirit. When you spend time in your bathroom, you should emerge refreshed, whether you are taking a long shower or just brushing your teeth. Instead of having these moments just be moments of necessity, you can transform them into brief breaks in your day, 560where you allow yourself to de-stress and re-energize.

There are plenty of other ways to use pebbles in your bathroom for beautification as well. Use a vase that has been lined with polished pebbles to hold flowers in your bathroom, or simply leave a few on your bathtub ledge. In our day to day lives, there is very little room for tactile pleasure and when you bathe, you can use these pebbles to remind you of smooth and luxurious sensations.

Remember that your bathroom is more than just a place for cleansing. It is a part of your house, and as such, remember that the bathroom tiles can be changed to better the look and feel of your home.

Discover the elegant universe of decorative stones and naturally polished pebble tiles at http://www.stonedecorative.com

Installing Vinyl Fences

Vinyl fences are relatively novel products that are rapidly gaining in popularity. It purports hassle-free maintenance since it is made up of polyvinyl chloride (PVC). It is aesthetically appealing with designs such as post and rail fencing, traditional wood fencing, or decorative iron fencing. There are two ways by which the vinyl fences are manufactured: mono-extrusion and co-extrusion2223. In both the categories, the primary component is titanium oxide.

As a first step towards the installation of the vinyl fences, the ground is loosened by digging. The complete fence line is marked, taking into consideration corners and gates on the line. Subsequently, a string is tied between the identified points to define the length at which the posts are to be placed. The panels are then measured, and this measurement is extended along the line laid out from the corner post. It is mandatory that the stakes touch the string laid out, as this will enable them to be in order. At this stage, it is important to take the gates into account. Finally, the concrete is mixed to firmly fix the posts on the ground. This is probably the most difficult part of the whole process.

There are many advantages to vinyl fencing. It is cost-effective, easy to handle, quick and simple to install. It is made from non-toxic material and is completely recyclable. Of the nearly fifty available fence styles, the three most popular ones are privacy, picket, and ranch or Shadowbox fences. Privacy serves as a firm barricade and is mostly used around swimming pools and property lines. Distinct and visually pleasing picket fencing is used to keep children or pets in the yard. Shadow box uses alternating panels across the back and front of the fence to confer an identical look on both the sides; it also affords more air circulation.

Vinyl fencing has resulted in significant changes in the fencing market since its introduction, and it is likely to be the most popular choice in the near future.

Vinyl Fences provides detailed information on Vinyl Fences, Vinyl Picket Fences, Installing Vinyl Fences, Vinyl Lattice Fences and more. Vinyl Fences is affiliated with Ornamental Aluminum Fences.

Bathroom Tile Ideas

Bathroom tile ideas for bathroom floor tile can help you know what options to consider for your bathroom. Bathroom tile comes in a variety of shapes, sizes, patterns and textures and they are the basis for any bathroom design. Bathroom tile ideas can help you have the very best bathroom possible.

Ceramic bathroom floor tile is often used because of its durability, resistance to dampness, its safety to walk on when wet and its ease of cleaning. If you select ceramic tiles for your bathroom, consider using a tile that has a slip-resistant surface for bathroom safety, which is one of the best bathroom tile ideas. If you buy and install unglazed tiles, they will need to be washed frequently because they absorb stains quite easily. Bathroom floor tile shapes can be squares, rectangles, hexagons and octagons while accent pieces can be narrow and small diamond-shaped.

Here are bathroom tile ideas for bathroom floor tile:

1 - If you use solid color ceramic bathroom floor tile in your bathroom, you can add tile borders of a different color to the tile floor, or you can create a border by alternating different colors. This kind of visual treatment can create a more interesting bathroom floor.

2 - When using the same color ceramic tile for the floors and walls, choose a different tile size for the walls or lay the wall tiles diagonally to create a more interesting visual effect.

3 - Another of the bathroom tile ideas is to choose a grout color that contrasts with the ceramic tile color. For example, if you are using white tiles, you could use blue, red or yellow grout for contrast. Be sure and apply sealers to grout lines in areas of heavy wear since sealers will protect and preserve grout colors.

4 - If your favorite color for a bathroom is pink, for example, add a few pink decorative tiles for the walls or use shapes, textures and borders to give it some visual interest. Select some rows of the walls where you can also use some of the pink tiles placed diagonally.

5 - To give your bathroom a contemporB3Eary style and look, consider using bright and bold colors with shapes or graphics against plain backgrounds. Contemporary style accessories and fixtures will further provide a modern-looking bathroom.

6 - If you are trying to have a romantic or Victorian look in your bathroom, use floral tiles in soft colors like pink, light green or light blue plus handpainted ceramic sinks and perhaps a wooden floor.

7 - For a Mediterranean bathroom look, mix terra-cotta tiles with Mexican or other hand-painted tiles for the floors. For the countertop perhaps mix the hand-painted tiles with another plain color tile.

Bathroom tile ideas and tile color are important since color can greatly affect your mood -- making you feel calm or energizing you. Warm colors like peach and yellow are fun, they make the bathroom feel cozier and they go well with a more country looking bathroom decor. If you use neutral colors like beiges or whites, they will make the room look larger, they will reflect light and they are always in style. Colors like blue, green and violet are viewed as serene or cool colors. Brighter colors like black or red add drama to the decor, absorb light and will make the room appear smaller. In rooms with plenty of windows and natural lighting, consider using darker tiles to offset the ambient lighting. You can also work in colors you want through the use of accent tiles and accessories.

Have fun as you select the styles, colors, patterns and sizes of bathroom floor tile and related details for your bathroom. You'll want your bathroom to be a fun, cozy room to spend time in and the bathroom floor tile used can help create that kind of atmosphere. Use bathroom tile ideas to help you have that special bathroom that you can enjoy every day.

Copyright 2006 InfoSearch Publishing

Learn bathroom decor ideas and bathroom layout, lighting, storage, bathroom vanities, small bathrooms, childrens bathrooms and more. David Buster is VP of InfoSearch Publishing and webmaster of http://www.yourdreamloghome.com - a popular website for homeowners.

Tips For Remodeling Your Home

Remodeling part of your home can be a great idea for homeowners in a down market. Perhaps its just what your house needs to get that second look from the perspective home buyer, or you just want to make your home better. The most common remodeling projects are for the kitchen, bathroom, basement, and garage with bathroom remodeling having the highest cost recoup ratio of them all at 91% (according to a study at houstonproperties). Before you get started on a major remodeling project, there are few things to keep in mind.

Don't remodel your house to try and increase the value, it does not work that way. Remodeling work will increase the value of your home, but not beyond the cost of the work. If your house has been sitting on the market for a long time and you think there is a part of the house that has been turning away buyers for aesthetic reasons, that might be a room to consider remodeling. The main reason one should consider remodeling a room in their house is for themselves and nothing more.

Once you decide to begin a remodeling project, there are a few things to keep in mind. If you are remodeling to try and move your home on the market, spend your money "where the water is" (kitchens and bathrooms). These areas tend to have the highest cost recoup ratio. If its going to be a kitchen remodeling job, make sure to move your refrigerator and microwave to places where they can still be used. If any remodeling will be going on around furniture, make sure to use lots of tarps to protect from dust and paint. Also, if your having some painting done, make sure your contractor leaves a couple of cans for touch ups and scratches later on.

Once you have chosen a contractor, review the design plans and brainstorm ideas that might conserve cost. Make sure to agree upon specific materials that are important to you in the remodeling process. For example, if you are set on a certain brand name cabinet, or certain type of marble counter tops, make sure to put those details in writing with your contractor. Before you begin, make sure you remove any valuables from the house to avoid any problems. Lastly, its common knowledge to only higher contractors who are licensed, bonded and insured, but it is best to ask for paperwork that verifies everything is accurate and up to date.

For information on remodeling in Atlanta. Please go to http://www.remodeling-in-atlanta. More information is available on Kitchen Remodeling in Atlanta.

Home Renovation - A Profound Display of Your Skills

Home improvement increases property value, provides a more secure and comfortable home, displays your vibrant personality perfectly, and offers a big appreciation in the long run. It is important to evaluate the condition of your home and ensure that you make the necessary home improvements in a timely fashion in order to prevent any damage. Hence, home improvement plans should be implemented every year.

The renovation may be small scaled or large scaled depending upon your capacity to afford the expenses. Finances are the main reason why people postpone home improvement projects. There are some easy ways available in the UK financial market through which you can obtain the desired money for your home improvement plan.

Loans available in the UK financial market for renovation purposes can be used for a variety of projects, whether it is redecorating the house or adding another room and so on. The lenders know that renovation is purely personal and taste specific, and hence, they do not interfere in the manner of expending the loan amount.

You can get the required amount for renovation with and without pledging your residential property as security. The terms and conditions of loan plans vary accordingly. When getting renovation loan of secured category, the house, as well as the planned improvements are used as security against the loan amount. The value of your home is determined according to market prices and the loan amount depends upon the equity in the pledged security.

Homeowner loans also suit renovation purposes as these loans are secured and can offer you the required amount when you are going for a large scale renovation. The first step in applying for such loan plans is to figure out what improvements you want to make and how much that renovation will cost. You can get a rough idea regarding the expenditure by visiting different home supply stores and talking to separate contractors. Once you are aware about the expenditure, you can fill the online loan application form and go for that loan plan which suits the purpose cost-effectively.

When your requirements are small like whitewashing, painting or purchasing furniture, you can opt for home improvement loans of unsecured type. These loans are free from residential property security requirement and can offer you upto 25,000 pounds at a competitive rate of interest. Both the loan plans come with easy repayment options and you are advised to opt for a loan plan according to your requirements and repayment capacity.

About The Author: For more information about home improvement lo2E6ans and Homeowner loans Please visit our website: http://www.longdogfinance.co.uk/

Start with a Shower Pan

Building a Custom Ceramic Tile Shower

The most important feature in a ceramic tile shower stall is the shower pan. The shower pan channels water to the drain and prevents the shower from leaking. Consequently it is critical that the shower pan be installed correctly and that it is waterproof and durable.

The shower pan is actually a mortar bed consisting of a flexible shower pan liner sandwiched between two layers of mortar. The shower stall walls are framed with 2x4 studding and faced with some type of backerboard underlayment designed for receiving ceramic tile.

The installation of a shower pan starts with the spreading of a layer of mortar. The mortar needs to be sloped properly to enable water to run off towards the drain. The flexible plastic shower pan membrane liner is then installed on top of the sloped mortar bed.

The shower pan membrane liner should be cut to size and hand molded into the shower base.

Note: The shower pan should be cut to size such that several extra inches of shower pan material can be run up the shower stall side walls to enable the shower pan to be secured with nails to the studs. Also, the shower pan should be installed prior to the installation of backerboard on the shower walls.

After the shower pan membrane is secured, the second layer of mortar should be installed in the base of the shower, again maintaining the slope of the mortar towards the drain.

Once the shower pan mortar bed has set up, you can install the backerboard to the walls and begin to install the ceramic tiles.

Start the installation of tiles in the center of the shower pan area and work your way outwards.

Next, install ceramic tiles on the walls. Use a plumb line to run straight lines down the length of the walls. Position the plumb line at the ceiling and centered on a wall. Snap the line, so that you have a vertical line running the length of the wall.

Next, Install your tiles outwards from the line toward the edges of the wall. Repeat this process for all the walls.

For tile cutting, a wet saw works best, as you can obtain very accurate cuts and minimize ceramic tile waste.

After the ceramic tile has had 24-48 hours to set up, grout can then be applied to the tile.

Finally a sealer should be used on the grout to minimize moisture seeping through the grout lines.

For more information on installing a shower pan membrane liner, see the Shower Pan Membrane Liner Installation EBook from http://www.HomeAdditionPlus.com The Shower Pan Membrane Liner EBook will quickly teach you the step-by-step process for installing the shower pan membrane liner correctly. It includes instructions on framing the shower stall, pouring the pre-slope and shower base mortar, and installing the shower pan membrane liner.

Over the past 20+ years Mark Donovan has been involved with building homes and additions to homes. His projects have included: building a vacation home, building additions and garages on to existing homes, and finishing unfinished homes. For more home improvement information visit http://www.homeadditionplus.com and http://www.homeaddition.blogspot.com

Mouthwash Dispensers - A Guide to Buying Mouthwash Dispensers

Bad breath is a condition that virtually affects anyone regardless of age and gender. To help get rid or prevent bad breath, make sure to gargle with a good mouthwash at least twice a day to eliminate bacteria that causes bad breath. The next step in finding a good brand of mouthwash is to fight mouth bacteria effectively. Store your good mouthwash in high quality mouthwash dispensers.

What it is

A mouthwash dispenser is used to store mouthwash more effectively than regular bottles can. It comes with a pump and tube opening where you can dispense mouthwash easily and more sanitarily. You can mount the dispenser on your bathroom wall or countertop for easy dispensing of mouthwash. This product usually comes in many types of materials, the most popular of which are porcelain and glass.

A porcelain dispenser is made from high quality porcelain and is more affordable. It also comes with a pump and nozzle for easy dispensing. You can place this in your kitchen or bathroom counter top. The other type of dispenser is the glass type, which is made from glass and more expensive than porcelain. The glass type is usually heavier, has less space for holding mouthwash

When looking for the best mouthwash dispensers, make sure to consider the storage capacity. If a lot of people will be using it (as in the case of a big family), then the bigger it is, the better. Also make sure that the dispenser has a stable base so that it does not slip and break on your countertop. You don't need to spend a lot on mouthwash dispensers of you know where to shop.

More information on Mouthwash Dispensers is available in Picky Guide, one of the fastest growing online magazines giving free consumer reviews and information.

Confusion Surrounding Sealing

There would seem based my own experience that there is a lot of confusion amongst the general public and some builders as to what sealing natural stone actually means.

When we talk about sealing a surface we normally mean that an impenetrable barrier is painted on or applied in some way. For example tiled floors are often sealed to give them added protection and make them shine. To do this a series of coats of emulsion polish are applied to the surface and allowed to dry. This seals the floor and gives it protection. Other surfaces such as wood are often sealed with a coating of a polyurethane product. This adds strength to the surface and protects it. Many other normally porous surfaces can be sealed with a layer that sits on the surface acting as a barrier to penetrative agents and gives protection also.

The sealing of natural stone su16B3ch as marble, granite, limestone and slate is very different. Natural stone is made up of crystals that interlock together. The actual minerals that are present as crystals in the stone give it its colour and striations. However there are spaces between the crystal and the smaller these spaces are and the more the crystals have been compacted together the less porous the stone is. So these spaces will determine the porosity of the stone. A combination of pore size and mineral content of the stone will also determine its hardness and thus its durability. These spaces in the stone are air filled when the stone is dry and water filled when the stone is wet. Bacteria inhabit these spaces and these are often vital for the maintenance of the stone. Very little research has been carried out into these bacteria but what has been done would suggest that they are essential in maintaining the integrity of the stone.

Consequently we have the picture of stone as quite a complex mix of minerals, bacteria and spaces. You must imagine the stone to be something akin to a very hard sponge! If you drop a liquid onto the stone it will be absorbed and spread through the spaces. This is why what initially looked like a small spillage can end up as quite a large stain in the stone. To remove the stain it has to be flushed out of these spaces. All a stone sealer does it fill up these spaces. Many of the stone sealants in use are based on fatty acids rather than synthetic sealants. These natural sealants are better because they do not destroy the bacteria but often enhance them. Synthetic sealants will destroy these bacteria that has longer-term consequences on the stones makeup. Sealants based on fat however have a shorter lifespan and must be renewed periodically.

Whatever sealant is used it simply fills up the spaces between the crystals it does not cover the surface of the stone. Its purpose is simply to delay the penetration of liquids into the stone. So if corrosive materials get onto the stone then it will be damaged. Stone sealants do not form a protective seal on the surface of the stone. Consequently stone is only protected from absorbing liquids. It is not protected from surface damage.

David Andrew Smith is the owner of http://www.wesparkle.co.uk a cleaning services company which also specialises in the cleaning, care and maintenance of natural stone surfaces.

Environmentally Friendly Plans

The eB5Anvironment has become a concern in all areas of life including our choice of home design. Taking this into account with your next home is fairly simple and can actually save you money.

The Green Movement is the term given to a greater awareness of the environmental impact of many different areas in daily life. Our choice of dwelling is one of the important things that can have a great impact on the environment. This has often been overlooked in the past as we have looked for environmental culprits further from home. Eco Friendly Home Plans are design concepts for homes that recognize how much the individual home can help or harm the environment.

Energy consumption is one of the major issues of the Green movement. The ever increasing demand for energy has created environmental problems associated with the burning of coal and oil and the transport and storage of these fossil fuels. The eco friendly home will be designed as energy efficient as possible. The use of alternative cooling and heating methods such as solar panels will most certainly be a part of the design. Energy efficient windows and doors and insulation will be used.

The emphasis on energy efficiency in the eco friendly home plan is a win/win kind of a deal for the homeowner. The home that is energy efficient is contributing to the environmental well being of the planet, but it is also keeping money in your pocket through savings in energy costs.

Energy considerations are not the only ones in an eco friendly home plan. The choices of building materials and the landscaping of the area around the home are other considerations that can be done more or less environmentally sound. True eco friendly home plans would pay close attention to the source and content of all building materials from the actual building materials to the paint used to cover them.

In many areas, some of the ideas that have began as eco friendly plans have been moving closer to actual codes and laws. There have also been substantial tax credits offered for following Green guidelines in design and building. It makes a lot of sense, for a number of reasons, to make sure that your new home plan is an eco friendly home plan. It is one of those decisions that helps us now and does a little bit for the future as well.

Aazdak Alisimo writes home articles for http://www.HomePlansPlanet.com

How Home Remodeling Costs are an Investment

If you take the time to do a long, close look around your home, you will probably see at least couple improvements you would not mind making. In most cases, just a few simple changes can have a big impact on the overall look of your place. But, if you cannot stand what you see, maybe it is time for a complete overhaul. Of course, it would be lovely to live in the palace of your dreams, but frequently the steep costs of major projects stop those dreams from being a reality.

Once in a while, if you are looking to remodel an older home that necessitates many projects like plumbing, electric and structural alterations, the total bill could add up to as much as the initial property value. You could reduce that cost by choosing to update and texture your current drywall. However, instead of deciding against a big remodeling project because it is too expensive, you might want to think about how remodeling now can have a positive impact on your portfolio down the road. Even if the project is costly, it is money that you are investing into your house, which increases its value. You may get that money back, and more.

Just small, superficial changes can make a big difference to potential buyers if you decide to put your house on the market. Updating your lighting and counters could make your home more appealing. If your house is improved and up-to-date, the more likely it is to come off the market quickly rather than remaining on the realtor's lists for a long period of time. If potential buyers look at the dcor and see a place they can feel comfortable in right away, they will be more likely to make an offer.

If you think about the total expense of a remodel, particularly if you are not skilled with tools, you should con5B4sider the value of hiring a company to do the project right. No matter what kind of company you decide to hire, you will be saving yourself the wasted time, sweat and materials if you leave the work to the experts. Just make sure you get references, which are an informative way to find out about a contractor's past work.

Even though quite a few contractors will not like the idea of you helping out with the work, many appreciate an extra hand. Doing grunt work yourself, especially when it comes to removing old floors and unwanted walls, might be easy and save you money. And even though it is good and possible to make deals, be aware that there are some things you should be willing to spend money on.

As you look around for new hardware, such as cabinetry and plumbing for instance, invest in quality products. Even if you cannot afford to use the best, most expensive materials available, you should aim to install products that are going to last a long time, look great and fit your overall dcor. After all, if you do not get it right the first time, you will have to remodel all over again and spend even more money that you may not get back in the future.

Leroy Calstard's informative papers can be found on different web pages with reference to drywall texturing and how to texture drywall. You might discover his writin2FFgs on types of drywall texture and drywall texturing at http://www.insidewoodworking.com

Creating the Perfect Fantasy Kids Rooms

The first step to creating a fantasy kids room for your kid is to identify his or her fantasy. Does your child want to be a race car driver or an astronaut, a deep sea diver or a forest ranger, a Princess or a Pirate? To begin creating your kids fantasy bedroom, then, find out what your child's idea of a perfect fantasy kids room is.

The best fantasy kids rooms are those designed around a theme. Why? Because when all the individual elements of a bedroom contribute to the same overall vision, it creates a unity of elements and gives the room a comforting sense of wholeness that a slapdash jumble of every cool accessory and idea that catches their fancy can never give.

Help your child choose a theme for their fantasy kids room and you'll be able to create an entire world of their own that they can immerse themselves in with pleasure and delight.

Some fantasy theme room ideas for boys include: tropical jungle safari, ocean voyage, space voyage, vehicles (planes, trains, automobiles), construction zone, medieval kingdom, rock star, the Wild West - and so on.

Some fantasy theme room ideas for girls include: tea party, floral meadow or garden, Princess, movie star's dressing room, prima ballerina, carnival, animals, undersea world - and so on.

Once you and your child have settled on a theme, a easy way to begin designing a fantasy kids room around that theme is with a custom theme bed as its centerpiece. A little boy wanting a jungle fantasy theme room, for example, will go ape for a custom treehouse bed. A little girl wanting a Princess fantasy theme room, on the other hand, will treasure a custom castle bed. The possibilities are endless!

The added benefit of starting with a custom theme bed is that you can them create the rest of the fantasy kids room around that one prominent item.

A great next step is to select a color scheme based on the theme and custom bed. Pick pillows, bedding, curtains, borders, rugs, carpet, paint, wallpaper, furniture, accessories, all to compliment that color scheme. Oceanic scenes (whether above or below the sea), for example, will have a lot of blues. Garden parties and jungle safaris will have a lot of greens. You can see how easy it is to come up with colors once you've first chosen a theme.

The final step in the process, then, becomes simply to accessorize. Animal-themed fantasy kids rooms, for example, might call for some stuffed animals placed about, castle fantasy kids rooms (whether for a Princess or a Prince) might benefit from a coat of arms on the wall. Again, the ideas are endless.

So sit down with your kids as soon as you can, and start designing the fantasy kids rooms that will make their fantasies come true.

Joann Means has been helping families design fantasy kids rooms that kids and parents alike treasure for years. At the centerpiece of Joann's designs are custom theme beds built by Johnny Means, her husband and business partner in Sweet Dream Children's Interiors (http://www.sweetdreambed.com).

Visit Sweet Dream Children's Interiors (http://www.sweetdreambed.com) now and browse their galleries of photos of actual fantasy kids beds they've built and fantasy kids rooms they helped actualize. See Joann and Johnny's princess castle beds, cottage beds, treehouse beds, and more. And best of all, learn how a custom theme bed can turn any fantasy kids room into a combination bedroom, play room, study room, and storage space.

How to Build a Chicken Coop - 6 Crucial Elements on Building a Chicken House

When building a chicken coop, it is suggested that you follow the guidelines below for a successful endeavor.

Element #1. - Appearance and Design:

Sketch out your design on a sheet of paper before you do anything else. Think of the colors you will paint the roof and chicken coop walls. Always keep in mind that if your chicken coop is clearly visible to your neighbors, (unless you live in a farm it will most likely be visible to your entire neighborhood,) it shouldn't ever serve as a distraction or defacement of its utmost surroundings. So make sure to design an aesthetically looking chicken coop so that your neighbors do not complain of its detracting appearance. Once finished, always remember to remove and dispose of any types of garbage or weeds from around your chicken coop. Try to maintain an appealing landscape around it to enhance its overall appearance.

Element #2. - Using Sound Judgment:

When designing your chicken coop structure, you must use sound judgment in almost every aspect of the way.

For instance, you want to use building materials in which the cleaning and disinfecting procedures will be quick and easy. The doors you install should open inwards, not outwards. You don't want your chickens roosting on your windows, so it is best to install sliding windows.

A question many people ask is how to build a chicken coop who's floors are easy to hose and spray down without much puddling? Well the secret to that is to slightly slope the flooring toward the door. This way, when you spray out the chicken coop, the water will flow out, hence solving your puddling problem.

Element # 3. - Protection from Hazardous Elements:

So you want to learn how to build a chicken coop with maximum protection? Then listen up.

As you may know, a well built chicken coop will protect your chickens from hazardous elements such as bad weather (heavy rain, wind, hale, snow, cold climates, etc,) but they will also protect them from hungry predators, theft and injury.

So how do we accomplish that?

Easy. You want to build a draft free chicken house with windows and doors that can be opened and closed as needed. Make sure the windows and doors both have proper screening systems installed in them such as a heavy gage mesh wire. Building the chicken coop on a high yet well drained area with ensure the least amount of dampness of the coop. Be sure to build your chicken coop in an area that faces the sun which will help warm and dry the soil and coop itself after it rains.

To protect your chickens from predators, the best thing to do is to bury your outside runs with chicken wire all around the coop about 1 foot deep. This will prevent some very hungry predators such as raccoons, cats and even dogs from digging underneath it.

Strategy # 4. - Coop Ventilation:

You may be wondering how to build a chicken coop that will not only keep your chickens locked up and protected from bad weather and predators yet receive the proper ventilation it requires. If so, then you already understand the importance of draft free air movement from within the coop. Chickens, much like humans, need fresh air and oxygen. The same goes for the removal of unwanted excessive moisture and carbon dioxide. A chicken coop with ample air movement and proper ventilation will help remove the ammonia build up and dampness that may grow inside its walls.

Speaking of walls, the chicken coop walls should have proper insulation installed which will help keep the chickens dry. As long as chickens are dry, they can handle cold climates very well, but humidity plus cold weather will cause health issues for your poultry. Therefore, insulated walls are a must!

Strategy # 5. - Light Source:

If you want a good source of light and warmth for your chickens during the cold months of the year and a solid source of ventilation during the hot months, then be sure to install the chicken coop windows facing the southside where they will receive direct sunlight throughout the day.

On another note, if your goal is to raise chickens that will produce great eggs all year round, then you should look into an electrical source of light. You should be able to easily install an electrical light at the height of the chicken coop's ceiling which will help keep your chickens warm and help them lay better chicken eggs throughout the year. One ceiling light should be enough for a small scale chicken coop, for larger chicken coops though, try to install one electrical ceiling light per every 30 - 40 feet.

Strategy # 6. - Conveniently placed Wateres and Chicken Feeders:

Chicken feeders and waterers should be placed where your flock will have easy access to them. However, you have to becareful where you place them because chickens like to make a mess of everything they eat due to their chicken scratching instincts. I'm sure you don't want to see your chicken feed mix all over the coop floors so, to avoid this, place the chicken feeders at the height of the chicken's back. This way they will have to stretch their necks up to eat but won't reach the feeders with their feet. Same goes for the waterers. Just make sure to keep the waterers full of fresh clean water throughout the day.

There you have it folks. 6 quick and easy strategies that will show you how to build a chicken coop fast and efficiently. Whether you're building a large scale chicken coop or a small one, these tips should get you moving in the right direction.

Folks, did you know that the average american spends about $300 to build a chicken coop? Some even invest over 2 months of work trying to assemble the darn structure and in the end aren't even fully contempt with their product. Not very enticing is it? A great chicken coop plan can cut your time and efforts in half while saving you a vast amount money on building materials. To learn how to build a chicken coop with maximum benefits for your flock without investing a magnitude of your time and money , click here: how to build a chicken coop.

Dale Higgins has been raising chickens and poultry for over 20 years and is an expert in building chicken coops. You can visit his website here: http://www.mybackyardchickenfarm.com

A Driveway Alarm - Saving Children's Lives

Unpleasant incidents can happen to anyone, anytime! But, the true wisdom lies in knowing how to tackle them so as to minimize the loss of life as well as property. A driveway alarm is an ideal product for those, who put the security of kids and house above anything else in their life. A driveway alarms has a sensor that monitors the areas around your house, especially the entrances and exits. The driveway alarm would alert you in case someone intrudes from the backyard of the house. It alerts you if someone approaches your property or your driveway, and thus saves your family from facing an untoward incident.

There is a huge variety of driveway alarms available in the market to suit your specific requirements. The recent models of driveway alarms are completely wireless, and are equipped with an advanced range of sensors to enable you detect any suspicious motion. In fact, it is an ideal product to manage a big house. For example, the wireless version of driveway alarm can monitor upto 2 miles of area around your house. In addition, you get a Walkie Talkie that can be used for effective supervision of the house or business property.

Driveway alarm is an enhanced security measure that you must take to ensure you and your family complete peace of mind. Moreover, it's very simple to install a driveway alarm and avail its wide range of benefits. Other than ensuring your safety, a driveway alarm can be used to notify when your guests reach your driveway. It can effectively dissuade unwanted people by activating its siren, alarms or lights. You can even install it outside your house and be informed when someone reaches your premises. You also have an option to go for wired magnetic probes, which disrupt the movement of vehicles by creating a magnetic field on your driveway.

You should get a right type of driveway alarm installed by an expert. This would help you ensure complete safety and peace of mind. Therefore, it is important to first take a closer look of your specific needs, and decide which driveway alarm to go for. While a hose type of driveway alarm alerts you about the movement of cars and heavy vehicles, a magnetic probe will only be identifying metallic vehicles. Then, you can choose a wireless beam as well, which can identify people as well as metallic vehicles. So, first of all you should decide the type of driv8FBeway alarm and match it with your requirements.

Next, you should pay attention to identify the construction of your home. Remember, the choice of a driveway alarm would be greatly influenced if you have a mobile home, or the one with steel or aluminum siding. So, observe and discuss it with the driveway alarm expert and take the decision accordingly. If your house has any transformers close by, their presence may interfere with the transmission of the signal. For example, if there is an electric fence around your house, you can use the DWA 5 model in this case.

Therefore, you should first know which type of driveway alarm is suitable for you. There are certain features that you can keep in mind while choosing a driveway alarm model:

• Signal Detection range up to 2 miles
• Wired or wireless installation
• Voice message
• Doorbell chimes
• Separate tones for separate areas of detection
• Cameras to monitor risk-prone areas
• With or Without a Fence

A driveway alarm provides you with complete security at very nominal price. Sometimes, the decision to install a driveway could be the decision to choose happy or tragic life.

Steve Strong's is an employee with Sun Security which is an innovative and growth oriented company who uses a fresh and new approach to meet the security needs of millions of consumers throughout North America. Sun Security supplies Home Security Systems Visit us at: http://www.sunsecurity.com

You Can Remodel Your Closet In One Day - Part 2

Now that you have got a plan you are ready for action. Solicit some help from a few choice friends you can work well and have a good time. If you know anyone who is project oriented that can be a huge plus. These people know how to get things done. They are used to taking large projects and breaking them into smaller tasks that can be tackled efficiently.

Meet at the hardware or home store as soon as it opens. Usually this is a quieter time for stores. If you wait till mid morning, especially on a Saturday, it can be hectic and you won't be back with your materials till after lunch and may run out of time in the day to finish your project. Take your categorized shopping list and delegate part of it to each person. Stick to your list and don't get side tracked looking at other interesting things. You are there to pick up your closet materials, not to plan a future project. Designate a meeting time at the checkout. Double check the materials to for size and quantity. When organizing your materials at the worksite they should be out of the way, but each item should be easily accessible. Putting everything in one pile can be frustrating when trying to find a specific item. You should now be ready to for the first phase, demolition.

Demolition: Put on your gloves and safety glasses. Be judicious with your use of force. The idea is to deconstruct your closet so that the surrounding walls are left in the best condition possible. Swinging wildly with a sledgehammer is likely to put a hole in a door or send debris flying through the window. Have one person do the demolition and the others form a bucket brigade to pass the wreckage out of the house. Remove all nails and screws that might be sticking out of the wall and thoroughly clean the area before starting to build.

Layout: Referring to your plans detail the closet layout on the closet walls. Measure off the floor where each shelf will go and use your level to scribe a line across the wall. Do this for the entire plan before starting any rebuilding. Draw vertical lines at the edges of each cabinet. At this time you may be able to make limited adjustments with shelving heights if you are unhappy with the layout. Next use the stud finder to locate and mark the center of each stud wherever you have layout lines. Studs will typically be found every 16".

Construct: Start by installing any cabinets you have decided on. Transfer the stud layout to the cabinets and drill one hole towards the top of the box for each stud. While someone holds the cabinet on the layout lines screw it to the wall. Fasten adjacent cabinets together first with clamps then with shorter 1 " screws to avoid blowing through the other side. Shelving may be held up by angle brackets, wood cleats, or plastic hanger clips. Since there will be a lot of weight on shelves and closet poles make sure all fasteners are driven into studs. With brackets in place you can measure up and cut your shelving. Follow the carpenter's mantra, "measure twice, and cut once." Measure up the front and the back of shelves since walls may be out of square.

Spackle up any damaged walls or holes you may have created during construction and pickup some classy matching wooden hangers to finish the project off.

About the Author: Ron Maier is the President of Everything Hangers, a leading online provider of clothes hangers and wooden hangers. For more information, please visit http://www.everythinghangers.com.

Kitchen Renovation Tips That You Will Want To Recommended

Kitchen renovations can actually be pretty dangerous for beginners, I'm sure you've all heard the one about the woman that wanted to retile her kitchen. She did get the new tiles, however she also had to replace the entire kitchen and caused a gas leek. This resulted in a $30,000 bill, it would have been cheaper to hire professionals from the start! You may think that this will never happen to you, but how can you be sure? You may just be out shopping for window valance ideas, and the next thing you know you've hired a contractor!

Kitchen renovations are much more difficult than any other home renovation project. It's not as simple as putting up new wallpaper, it's something much more challenging. If you are only comfortable with home redesigning rather than home renovation then you should defiantly consider hiring a professional. As my dad always used to say, if a job's worth doing then it's worth doing well.

If you just want to change the tiles or cabinets in your kitchen then you should understand that the project is not going to expand. People get into trouble when they keep on adding to the project. If you want to do anything more serious than these projects then I would recommend you hire a professional. Kitchens age with time, it is normal for every kitchen to have to be replaced at one time or another.

When to Start a Kitchen Renovation

If you've brought a new home then you can probablBD8y use the exiting kitchen for around one and a half years before it will need renovating. If you're moving into an old house then you may want to rip it all out and start from scratch as soon as you move in. With old homes it's much easier to spot any potential problems that could turn you kitchen renovation project into a nightmare.

A kitchen renovation will require quite a lot of labor and is fairly expensive. To make sure your money and time is not wasted you must plan down to the last detail. You should look at your kitchen in small parts rather than as a whole. This makes it possible for you to do certain parts of the project if you are unable to afford the whole thing. You can prioritize what needs doing so that the most important jobs get done first.

Many people renovate their kitchen when it's no longer big enough or they have noticed serious problems. These types of renovation project can be much more difficult as it will involve changing the layout. You would defiantly require some expert assistance with this type of project. Don't feel frustrated that you have to hire professionals, after all doing it right first time is much better than having to pay to correct something that you've done wrong.

Another common reason for people renovating their kitchen is to add storage space, or to update their appliances and fixtures. If you want to do everything then you could do it yourself, however you could also get advice about design from professionals. You could pick everything from one retailer so that they can help you decide what will go well in your kitchen.

The next most common reason is so that the kitchen can be made safer. It could well be that the plumbing, electrics or wiring are not up to scratch. You might also want to improve the heating in your kitchen.

You should try to remember all of these points when planning any kitchen renovation project, these will stop you being one of the embarrassing statistics that gets it wrong!

The essayist Kurt Schefken is really passionate about problems relating to types of window valances. You can see his publications on window valance problems and types of window valances at http://www.curtains-drapes-coverings.com .

Byzantine Architecture

Byzantine Empire

When he Roman Empire fell in 476 AD the Middle Age started. However, before its fall, the empire was divided into the Eastern and Western Roman Empires. In 476, the "Western Roman Empire" fell, while the Eastern Roman Empire, whose capital became Constantinople, preserved Roman culture (and architecture) and became the Byzantine Empire.

The religious buildings and their designs are the first achievements of the Byzantine Empire. Another important advancement was the development of bacilicas. Bacilicas were early Christian or medieval churches. This style was common in Roman Catholic and Eastern Orthodox churches.

Byzantine and Islamic architecture share aB53 common trend: that is, the use of the dome. One example is the Dome of the Rock in Jerusalem, which was Islamic architecture, but illustrates the influence Byzantine bestowed as the dome style passed on to the Muslims. They often used "Persian' dome. We modernly refer to this as the Onion Dome. The most celebrated example is the Taj Mahal (A.D. 1630) at Agra, India. Byzantine's advancement in developing the dome created a new style in global architecture, for no other civilization had designed buildings, especially religious buildings, as did the Byzantines.

Structural evolution

As early as the building of Constantine's churches in Palestine there were two chief types of plan in use: the basilican, or axial, type, represented by the basilica at the Holy Sepulchre, and the circular, or central, type, represented by the great octagonal church once at Antioch. Those of the latter type we must suppose were nearly always vaulted, for a central dome would seem to furnish their very raison d'etre. The central space was sometimes surrounded by a very thick wall, in which deep recesses, to the interior, were formed, as at the noble church of St George, Salonica (5th century), or by a vaulted aisle, as at Sta Costanza, Rome (4th century); or annexes were thrown out from the central space in such a way as to form a cross, in which these additions helped to counterpoise the central vault, as at the Mausoleum of Galla Placidia, Ravenna (5th century). The most famous church of this type was that of the Holy Apostles, Constantinople. Vaults appear to have been early applied to the basilican type of plan; for instance, at Hagia Irene, Constantinople (6th century), the long body of the church is covered by two domes.

Hagia Sophia

The Golden Age of Byzantine Architecture was under the rule of Justian in 527-565. It was during this period that the most famous examples of all Byzantine Architecture was built, including the Hagia Sophia. The Hagia Sophia was rebuilt from 532 to 537 after the previous church was destroyed by riots and fires. This church has some unique features which became the patterns for Byzantine Architecture for years after.

The style of the Hagia Sophia or Church of Divine Wisdom, was to have a large dome in the middle of the structure. The dome has a unique form in that it rest on 4 massive pillars which are arranged in a square.

Bathroom Bonanza - Creative Remodeling Ideas for Your Bathroom

Your bathroom is one of the most important elements in your home. It is a known fact that when a property owner wants to increase its value the bathroom renovation becomes a top priority. Today, more and more Americans are looking for luxury and comfort when it comes to their bathroom.

Here are some of the best new bathroom ideas out there!

Retreat to a Spa

A long, luxurious bubble bath, aromatic oils, lit candles, soft music. Is this a two hour spa treatment? Or is it perhaps your very own bathroom, in your very own house? Do you like the luxurious spa atmosphere? Why not apply it to your bathroom so you can enjoy it without having to go out? Soothing colors, niches for candles, a large bath, and an overall atmosphere of pampering and self indulgence is the key. This bathroom, with its towel racks, separate Jacuzzi bath and glass shower, the double sink and soothing lighting, is a masterpiece of "spa" feeling. Just lie back, and enjoy!

Turn Up the Warm

Give cold, uncomfortable bathrooms a break, and warm them up! Avoid chilly colors like snow white and blues, and go for C57the creams, browns, and golds to give your bathroom the warmth it deserves! Color can make a huge difference and turn your bathroom into a completely different experience. A bathroom can be instantly transformed to a more inviting place, just by changing the color palate. And since it's your bathroom, shouldn't you feel cozy and warm in it?

Tile it Up

Tiles are back, but not in the way you think... usually, when people think tile, the first thing that comes to mind is that weird floor from the 70's with all the different colored stones. Yet tiles can provide beautiful design elements for your bathroom. Since tile was originally designed by the Romans specifically for their baths, it makes sense to use this element in creating our own modern bathing rooms. Bathroom tiles are back! Whether you decorate the entire walls with decorative patterns or just use a subtle row design - it is definitely back in fashion. A certain ancient world feeling comes to mind, and you may just imagine yourself reclining in a Roman bath with slaves feeding you grapes...

Modern Sharp

For those who like stark looks, clean comfort, and straight lines, this is THE look to have. The black counters and stainless steel sinks, the stainless steel cabinets, the glass and high sheen of the black counter, all give this bathroom a kind of bachelor pad look (only a lot more comfortable!). Clean lines often create a sense of spaciousness and luxury.

The Asian Invasion

Still clean lines, but with an Asian touch, as the Buddha statue serenely emphasizes. The bowl-like sinks have a distinct feel of rice bowls, the large jars, and the open space give it a Zen feel. This is not the opulent East, rather the calm, insightful, Zen feeling underlying so much of modern Asian design. Truly, all that's missing is a rock garden outside the French doors...

Romantic

Sometimes, a romantic, softly lit, fantasy inducing bathroom is all a girl really wants in life.

A haven of light, warm and inviting, and an overall feel of warm fuzzy butterflies, give this bathroom a lilt in its song. A room designed for sensuality and softness, the romantic bathroom can be a place to share, and just as importantly, dream of love.

MyHome is a full service New York general contractor offering kitchen remodeling and bathroom renovation in New York.

Practical And Convenient

When you are designing a new bathroom or redecorating an old one, one item you mig2209ht like to consider is a shower organizer. It is practical, convenient, and, if you put a bit of thought into selecting just the right one, can also be a nice addition to your bathroom's decor.

A Neater Bathroom

If you are wondering how any one item could possibly have all of those bonuses all combined in one product, we can start by thinking about the facts. First, the word "organizer" goes a long way in explaining the main benefit of this product -- what bathroom would not be in neater condition if all of the shower and bath products which are used on a regular basis are kept in one place?

Not only will a shower organizer eliminate the frustrating, annoying mess and clutter of everything from shampoo bottles to liquid and bar soaps to cans of shaving cream being on your shower floor, being able to store them neatly will also reduce the messy spills and residue from these products. When all of your bath and shower items are gathered together in the one place, it will help both your shower and your entire bathroom to stay in much neater condition.

More Convenient

Convenience is another great factor in shower organizers. If you or another member of your family have ever needed a product while you were using your shower or tub, noticed that it was nowhere to be found, and had to stop your bathing in order to search all around your bathroom for the soap, hair conditioner, or other product, you will be glad to know that simply adding a shower organizer will get rid of that problem once and for all. Everything you need can be kept in one easy-to-find, easy-to-reach place, right there in your shower or tub.

As with any other product that you are thinking about purchasing, selecting something that looks nice is probably high on your priority list. The all-important factor of how convenient a shower organizer can be for you does not mean that you will have to tolerate a large or bulky or unpleasant-looking product, for you can find an organizer that is as nice-looking as it is functional!

Different Styles

There are plenty of styles available, so it will not be difficult for you to find the one that you like the most, and will best suit the dcor of your bathroom. One of the most popular styles is the type which hangs over the shower head; or, if you prefer, you can also have one that will mount to your shower wall with suction-cups.

Shower organizers are available in wicker, solid plastic, and in an assortment of colors to coordinate with your bathroom. Whichever style you like the best, you can find one that will be the perfect match to the theme of your bathroom. You do not have to choose between a lovely dcor and handy convenience-- an organizer is one product that will provide both at the same time.

Ernest Jarquio is a successful Webmaster and publisher of Bathrooms-And-Showers.com. He provides more resources on topics such as Dead Sea salt bath, Bath and Body gift sets and shower water filters that you can research on his website even while lounging in your living room.

Bathroom Design in Perth

Choosing a bathroom design in Perth should be an easy thing to do. However when faced with the plethora of available products it can be daunting.

Begin by looking through magazines. Tear out or mark all the bathrooms that appeal to you. Look at the home- themed TV shows and make note of the bathroom features that you like. Over time you should be able to see a common theme/pattern running through your choices. At this point you may choose to go it alone or get the help of a qualified designer, indeed some people find the choices so overwhelming that it is best to get the designer in at the beginning!

Decide which process is easier for you, remember that the cost of using a professional can often be offset by the fact that they can save you on some products, save time finding tradesmen and most importantly save costly mistakes by making wrong choices. You will, in all probability, have to live with the mistake or the dream for a long time. You have to decide which would be easier to live with.

Next work out your budget - a vital step! You cannot have a "champagne" bathroom on a "beer" budget so it is important to be realistic. Remember to leave money in the budget for demolition of an old bathroom, if applicable. After the budget has been considered it's time to measure up the space you will have to work with, you cannot have a giant spa or bath in a tiny bathroom . It is also wise to consider your storage space in the bathroom design particularly for future users such as teenage kids.

When you have worked out where everything will go, remembering it is always expensive to move plumbing, then you need to choose your fixtures and fittings. Tile shops can be ideal for this as they invariably have the laminate samples available so you can put that part together there. If you do not want laminate tops be sure to take samples of your chosen items to the tile shops or tile samples to the other shops you need to visit. Remember your lighting and mirrors as well as paint colours, you are planning the whole room.

Bathroom design in Perth offers so many choices - have fun and enjoy your end results.

Jacqueline Hars is an interior designer in Perth, Western Australia. She is known for creating the "wow" factor for her clients.

She also has an intimate knowledge of where to source the best product and good tradesmen. With this knowledge she can save her clients around 10% on a typical project, and yet Jacqueline's fees are only about 5% of the project cost.

By engaging Jacqueline, her clients get a stunning result cheaper than if they did it themselves. Click the link for Jacqueline's free report on Perth Interior Design.

Pergo Laminate Flooring - Learn How To Do A DIY Pergo Flooring Installation

Pergo Laminate Flooring is one of the giants in the laminate hardwood flooring industry. The floors are designed for home remodeling DIY enthusiasts, so questions related to installing laminate flooring abound. Pergo Laminate Flooring, Harmonics Laminate Flooring, Armstrong Laminate Flooring and similar products are pounced upon by gleeful, hand-rubbing first-time home remodelers. An average-sized floor can be ready to use and admire within a day - just imagine all the compliments from somewhat green-around-the-gills neighbors...

The days of battling to fit messy, sticky, glued laminate flooring are long gone thanks to ranges such as Pergo glueless laminate flooring planks. The unique tongue and groove designs of Pergo floors simply click together for a perfect finish. This is one of the most gratifying do it yourself jobs to tackle, as progress is measurable and the end result quite spectacular.

Is Installing Pergo Flooring Over Existing Floors Advisable?

The beauty of Pergo Laminate Flooring is that it can be laid directly over ceramic, vinyl, tiles or real wood floors, saving you the trouble of ripping out an old floor first. Make sure that the floor is clean, smooth and carefully sand down any bumps or peaked joints. Carpeting needs to be taken out however. It is always recommended to do fittings of cabinets or cupboards first, before tackling your flooring project. Real hardwood installed over a concrete sub-floor also needs to be removed before a Pergo Laminate Flooring installation.

Do I Need Expansion Room Around The Perimeter Of My Pergo Flooring Installation?

Pergo Laminate Flooring is a floating floor product, meaning that it isn't permanently fixed to the sub-floor area. These ranges expand and contract due to changes in humidity and temperature. It is therefore vital to leave a 1/4" expansion space between the flooring planks and the adjacent walls or cupboards. If you don't do this, you will have unsightly buckling floors. The Pergo floor moldings are used to hide these spaces after installation and to ensure a professional finish. Use spacers to keep your distances even. If you are tackling a very large floor area, the expansion space needs to be increased.

Does Pergo Laminate Flooring Also Have A Hollow Sound When Used?

The sound depends largely on the sub-floor layer and the thickness of the laminate flooring installation. One way to get around this is to install a sound underlayment and resin polyethylene film underneath your Pergo Laminate Flooring planks. This is a highly effective technique to use if you want to dampen the sound. This protective layer also acts as a moisture barrier, lengthening the life of the flooring. Take a look at Pergo SilentStep foam or Soundbloc foam and Moisturbloc vapor barrier. By adding these a cushioning layer, you also ensure a more comfortable, soft floor underfoot. If the sub-floor is wood, a vapor barrier isn't introduced before installing Pergo Laminate Flooring.

Can I Install Pergo Laminate Flooring Immediately After My Purchase?

To be on the safe side, acclimate your Pergo floor planks by leaving the cartons in the room where they will be installed, for a period of 49 to 96 hours. This precaution will give you a floor that remains clicked into place, rather than becoming an ugly buckling disaster area.

Can I Use Pergo Laminate Flooring In A Bathroom Or Kitchen?

Pergo Laminate Flooring's surface is highly water resistant, so the planks can be used in high humidity areas such as bathrooms and kitchens. In these areas however, the expansion spaces need to be sealed with Pergo Sealant or a similar mildew-resistant silicone product before installing the trim or molding. The same should be done where the planks were cut to make room for cupboards or a dishwasher. Some experts also recommend sealing the joints by using glue. Check with your supplier about the most satisfactory installation process. In spite of its water resistance, Pergo Laminate Flooring are not made to handle standing water.

Can I Use Pergo Laminate Flooring On Stairs?

Pergo flooring is perfect for stairs. Steps are finished with Pergo Stair Nosing. The nosing is adhered with a quality construction adhesive and finishing screws. A stair application is the only time that the floating floor concept of Pergo is replaced with a glued end product.

How Do I Ensure A Professional Finish When Installing Pergo Laminate Flooring?

A5B4 large range of color-coordinated transition moldings are available to give an elegant and stylish finish to your flooring project. T-Moldings are used in doorways, while end moldings are used along sliding doors and around tubs and basins. If you need to go from a raised Pergo flooring area to a lower hard surface such as vinyl, you would choose a hard surface reducer.

Oops! I Have A Nick In My Pergo Laminate Flooring! What Now?

No problem. The folks at Pergo realized that this is an inevitable mishap in a bustling household. They therefore made sure that you have access to Pergo Finishing Putty. Simply neaten the edges of the chipped area with a small knife, make sure the area is clean, and fill the hole with putty. A spatula gives a neat finish and the excess is simply wiped away with a clean cloth. Plank replacements are also possible if a more major repair is needed.

With a gleaming Pergo Presto or Pergo American Cottage floor installation, your home will be transformed into a wrinkle-less, stylish lady. Pergo Laminate Flooring has been performing plastic surgery on properties for years. It's about time to let that tattered carpet go...

Click here to download your free copy of The Ultimate Laminate4BE Flooring Buyer's Guide. Get more free Laminate Flooring ebooks at Home-Improvement-Time.com, where you can also read the TrafficMaster Allure Flooring and other articles. Copyright of this article: 2007 Rika Susan. This article may be reprinted if the resource box and hyperlinks are left intact.

Snagging Reports - Ensuring A New Building Is In Perfect Condition

So a new home or office building has just been constructed. Its brand new, so it should be in pristine condition and without a scratch, right?

Not always. The very process of constructing a new building can cause small amounts of damage all around the interior and exterior of the structure. There is a lot of potential for builders to cause damage to walls, floors, and other parts of the building, often without realising. And it can be frustrating to move into a new home or business premises only to discover that there are already repairs that need to be made.

Which is why many construction companies in the UK now commission snagging reports. A snagging report is an inventory of every item of damage to a new building. Everything from chipped tiles to stained flooring, scratches and dents in walls to cracked window frames, is itemised and entered into the report. Contractors are then brought in to repair each item of damage, ensuring there are no nasty surprises left when the new occupants move in. If the snagging report caught every problem, and the contractors did a good job, the whole process should have gone unnoticed by the new residents.

But working from a snagging report can be expensive and time-consuming. Each different type of surface or material requires a different type of contractor carpenters to repair wood, tilers to repair or replace damaged tiles, plasterers, roofers, and many more. Paying for each of these different experts and finding the time for them each to do their part in the repairs can cause a lot of unwanted expense and delay.

What if there was one type of contractor who could make all these repairs in one visit?

There is.

Magic Man are specialists in repairing, resurfacing and restoring all kinds of damage to the inside or outside of buildings. They work with the construction and insurance industries, as well as private clients, to fix everything from burnt worktops to antique baths and radiators. Magic Mans technicians are trained in the repair and restoration of all types of surface within the home, including tiles, brickwork, flooring, window frames, and enamel sinks and baths.

This all-round expertise makes Magic Man the perfect contractor for dealing with snagging reports. In just one visit, they can tick off every item on the list, going from kitchen to bathroom to bedroom, making all the repairs necessary and saving a great deal of time and money in the process.

If youre in the construction industry and need a reliable and cost-efficient contractor to deal with your snagging reports, get in touch with Magic Man today. They could make a big difference.

Magic Man are a specialist repair, resurfacing & snagging contractor to construction, insurance, government & residential markets across the UK. Their technicians are trained to deal with almost every type of interior and exterior building damage. As well as working from snagging reports, they also repair damage to the outside or inside of residential, commercial, and industrial buildings. Contact Magic Man today on 0845 458 1010 to see what they can fix for you.

Stair Building

The Types and Features of Sunrooms

A specially built room enclosed mostly with glass to afford maximum exposure to sun is what is called a sunroom. If properly planned, the sunroom can be as comfortable as any other room in your house.17B2 The best part about building sunrooms is that it is quick and easy to build, unlike the traditional mortar and brick houses. It provides you the twin benefits of enjoying both outdoor and indoor surroundings. This benefit serves as a perfect retreat for nature lovers as they can sit comfortably in a homely atmosphere and watch and experience the beauty and thrill of nature.

Why Adding A Sunroom?

If you have the traditional rooms, then what is the use of adding a sunroom? The answer to this is simple since the sunrooms provide you with ample benefits. The traditional rooms are incapable of allowing light into the room other than from the doors and windows. With sunrooms, you can fill you room with natural light. They can be installed at any place you want to and add space to your house. If you love to stay outdoors and couldnt do so because of unfriendly climatic conditions, insects and other invasions, the sunrooms provide you the best year-round solution.

You need to select sunrooms properly so that it keeps you comfortable even during the chilly winter nights and the scorching summer months. It provides the perfect place for the family members to get together for cups of early morning and late evening coffee. They lend a sophisticated touch to your house and your lifestyle. They can be built easily and quickly within just a few weeks and does not disrupt your home and life.

Beautifying Sunrooms with Sunroom Furniture

The sunroom is not complete if it is not properly filled with appropriate furniture. The type of sunroom furniture will depend on the reason why you have built it. If it is built in the attic, you can fill it with recreational furniture with comfortable sofas, music system, television sets and exercise equipments. If built in the bathroom for a spa experience, it needs to be properly decorated with bath and shower fixtures, perfumed candles, potted plants and soft carpets. If it is your bedroom, fill it up with a master bed with rugs, cushions and plants.

Similarly, a sunroom built as a den or a study can have wooden shelves to accommodate the books with cushions, lamps and rocking chairs. For dining purpose, you can have a center table with similar chairs surrounding it with a chandelier hanging in between. You can use it as an enclosed patio filled with sofas, chairs, floral vases and shelves to accommodate drinks and food. For kitchen purpose, you can fill it with a side table facing the glass with ovens, fridge, cutlery, flower baskets and chairs. Likewise, depending on the reason it is to be used, whether as an office room, private spa or recreational room, you fill in the furniture accordingly.

The Common Sunroom Plans

There are a number of factors that you need to consider while preparing your sunroom plans. You need to check out for planning permission. Cooperate with the constructors. According to your budget, buy the best sunroom you can afford. Prior to building it, collect information on the construction material and glazing options. Place the furniture before designing the sunroom to have an idea of the size that you require. Make sure that you calculate the size of internal floor and consider the quotations before making the purchase.

Try to use colors that match the color of your house. Make sure that there has effective insulation, glazing and roofing system. Make the height of the floor same as that of your house. Do not build the dwarf walls high as it can restrict your garden view. Build it in a room that is well used. Always select a style and shape for your sunroom that will not only go well with your room, but also enhance the overall appearance of the house.

As far as sunroom style is concerned, there are four basic styles Straight, Curved, Cathedral, and Conservatory. The patio sunroom enclosure brands can have aluminum finishes with wooden beams, with a straight, solid, insulated roof. The elegantly curved solarium designs are provided with balanced graceful lines adding a sophisticated look to your house. The Cathedral sunrooms are provided with vaulted ceilings and both side slanting roofs, offering both modern comfort and traditional style. The Conservatory style makes use of a number of glass pieces merging into a single beam on the roof. They can be styled in Victorian and Georgian models to lend a classic touch to your room.

The solariums are energy efficient. They offer low reflectivity and high visibility. The sunrooms offer you peace of mind as you sit amidst nature and indulge in you favorite pastime. It is not only healthy for the mind, but also for the body as the sunlight streaming in boosts the production of Vitamin D. The sunrooms provide you with 365 days of comfortable and healthy living, allowing you to enjoy both outdoor and indoor environment, all year round, which are better called Four Season Sunrooms

Andrew Caxton is the webmaster of http://www.allsunrooms.com, Your online resource for achieving the sunroom of your dreams. With ideas, tips and designs for different house styles. If you want to read more about patio furniture, insulated glass, kits or even how to find a sunroom contractor you should visit his website.

Maintenance Fasteners

Building and Remodeling Your Getaway

The cabin in the country was perfect for me and my hunting forays but was not large enough for my wife. My old cabin was comfortable but was not what my wife had envisioned as her dream house in the woods.

Retirement was still several years away and spending a lot of money on housing that would be vacant 95% of the time was not what I had envisioned. A trip to Shreveport in search of housing brought forth good results. We found a 14 x 28 foot metal building that had nothing but bare walls. The building had one large door in the front plus two front windows. There was a large garage door at one end. Obviously this building was meant to be used for a vehicle storage unit.

We made calls to the builder and asked for changes to be made to the building that was being built for us. An exact duplicate of the one we had seen on the lot but with our changes implemented was ordered. We called for the elimination of the garage door and an added window space for an air conditioner. We asked the builder to install five electrical outlets with light switches for a ceiling light.

Our wait of two months ended on the day that the builder said that the movers were ready to bring the building out to our acreage. The bull dozier and operator that I had hired to clear the trees for the installation did an inadequate job. On the third trip to our acreage the movers were finally able to gain access to the installation area.

I installed fiber glass insulation in the walls and in the ceiling area. The ceiling was very tall and required huge amounts of insulation which I installed with a staple gun. I used chicken wire to hold the insulation up in the ceiling. I added canvas cloth over the wire instead of another type of ceiling covering. I installed wood paneling in the walls. The floor was covered with padding and carpet, A partition was selected to wall off a bathroom area. A shower enclosure was installed along with the proper plumbing. A toilet was added next to this small area. The light fixture in the ceiling was exchanged for a ceiling fan with attached lighting. We installed a loft at one end of the building that could be used for storage or as extra sleeping quarters.

A weighty concrete step was added for stability at the entrance. An air conditioner was installed into the extra opening in the wall that was cut by the builder. Under the loft we have added a refrigerator and freezer. Cabinetry has been cut to accommodate the spacing available in the building. Bedding is located at one end which is surrounded by a couch with a suitable structure built for the television. The dining area is set off to one side. It includes a table with matching chairs. The walls have been decorated to suit the tastes of my wife.

Exiting the building we encounter an electrical pole with external outlets located on it. Wiring from an electrical device built to control bug populations is plugged directly into one of the outlets.

The remodeled building is located hundreds of yards away from any habitation. It is situated about fifty yards back off of the main road. This seems to be a perfect solution for a desire and dream to have a cabin located in an area of total privacy. The plans are now in the works to add a deck in front with space for a hot tub. My wife has picked a spot for our new stock tank. A pier will have to be built to accommodate the fishermen that will use it.

Our ideas are endless.

Stephen Graham-Writes articles from his own life experiences.

http://buckskinnews.blogspot.com

http://goodstuffintexas.blogspot.com

Adjustable Stair Handrail Fitting

Building a Future - Bachelor of Science in Construction Management

As the single-largest industry in the U.S., theres no doubt that construction plays a pivotal role in the nation's economy. After all, without heavy equipment, construction equipment operators, and building inspectors, we wouldn't have any skyscrapers, freeways, apartment buildings, or bridges. So, when it comes to getting in on some of the hottest careers around, this industry will always provide more than its share of employment opportunities. In fact, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) forecasts that employment opportunities for construction managers will exceed the number of qualified candidates from now through 2014.

That said a construction management degree may be the best way to break into this lucrative field.

Construction Management Degrees: Paving the Way to Success
Many colleges, universities and technical schools are now offering a Bachelor of Science in Construction Management. This type of construction management degree is designed to provide a Foundation in construction management, techniques, and legal issues relating to the field. Areas of study can include building codes, site construction and measurement, project management, construction safety management, and more. Instruction on mechanical systems and materials are also typically included in these programs.

Here is a closer look at some of the jobs you can land with a Bachelor of Science in Construction Management:

Building Inspectors. In this position, your priority will be keeping buildings safe and up to code. Youll double-check repairs, alterations, and construction of buildings and other structures to make sure they are in compliance with local, state, and federal ordinances and zoning laws.

Construction Manager. If you enjoy planning and coordinating, this is the job for you. From construction superintendent to project engineer to general construction manager youll be the glue that holds an entire project together. You may plan and direct a single project, or manage pieces of a larger project. Basically, youll oversee construction supervisors and workers.

Heavy Equipment Operators. Construction equipment operators use machinery to move heavy materials such as earth and construction equipment. Typical responsibilities include operating equipment such as bulldozers, as well as using road graders and tamping equipment to build roads and other large structures. With relatively high hourly pay and a good job outlook, this could be a great career option if youre interested in earning a Bachelor of Science in Construction Management.

Show Me the Money
So you may be wondering, How much do these jobs actually pay? Well, that depends on a lot of factors. Pay for these positions will vary based on the size and nature of the construction project, its geographic location, and economic conditions. But according to the BLS, median annual earnings of construction managers as of May 2004 were $69,870. The middle 50 percent earned between $53,430 and $92,350. The lowest-paid 10 percent earned less than $42,120. And according to a July 2005 salary survey by the National Association of Colleges and Employers, candidates with a Bachelor of Science in Construction Management received job offers averaging $42,923 a year right out of school.

Some of the courses you can expect to take while getting your construction management degree include:
Project Management
Statics and Strength of Materials
Building Codes
Project Scheduling
Cost Estimating and Analysis
Legal Issues in Construction

If this sounds good to you, its time to start finding a place to get your degree. If youd like to get a Bachelor of Science in Construction Management but just dont have the time or freedom for traditional classes, keep in mind that many schools now let you get your entire construction management degree online. If this is the way you want to go, be sure and check out the programs at each of the colleges youre interested in.

Sandra Callahan is an educational consultant specializing in technology-based education. In addition, Callahan counsels students pursuing various technology-related degrees and writes online articles devoted to the topics she knows best. Callahan still indulges her lifelong love of learning by taking online classes as well as yoga and cooking classes which she takes in person near her home.

Do It Yourself Home Help

Contemporary Bathrooms - Where Do I Get Design Ideas From?

What was once a purely functional space, the bathroom has now become an environment in which to relax, unwind and gather your thoughts; and to some, the ultimate sanctuary. With the correct combination of design, planning and negotiating with space; calculating and managing a budget; as well as a good sprinkling of creativity, you will be able to create the oasis of peace and relaxation that you have longed for. But where do you start and how do you source new ideas?

When planning a new contemporary bathroom, design ideas can be found in a wide range of areas. You can start by browsing the latest homes and interior magazines. Supermarket shelves are full of home improvement titles which provide up to date information, news and reviews. You can visit your local book shop or library.

Once you start to formulate some initial ideas and concepts, visit your local bathroom and home improvement stores on the high street. Pick up literature and make notes while in store. You can even speak to the staff to gain knowledge on what the current trends are in contemporary bathroom design. If you're feeling adventurous, you can visit trade shows and fairs, which will provide the opportunity to meet manufactures and distributors face to face and discuss their products further.

If you do not want to venture out of your home, use the internet. There are thousands of websites that cater for home improvements with the emphasis on bathroom design. They will also provide an idea of costs and what level of investment will be required to create your perfect bathing environment.

You may want to keep a scrap book or file of cuttings, leaflets and brochures which you have sourced in magazines and books or book mark various websites and store in your web browser under 'Favourites'.

If you are feeling creative why not prepare a mood/ideas board. Include photographs and visual images, fabrics and paint swatches, tiles and any notes or artefacts which will provide a working 'picture' of the look and feel you want to achieve. You may want to share these ideas with others before embarking on any budget planning and purchasing.

Once you have the basics clearly mapped out then you can begin to formulate your ideas into a scaled plan for your dream contemporary bathroom.

For further inspiration and ideas for contemporary bathroom design please visit http://www.bathingblissbathrooms.co.uk/

Structural Crack In Concrete Stair