How Do I Build a Sunroom?

If you love the idea of being out side and enjoy the sun but you don't want to deal with bugs, hot or cold temperatures, or allergies, building a sunroom definitely makes sense. It's a great place where you can enjoy the feeling of being outdoors without having to deal with all of these problems. You'll find that a sunroom is a great place to relax and enjoy yourself and it will also increase the value of your home too. If you want to build a sunroom on your own, here are some simple steps that will guide you as you work to build your own beautiful haven.

Step #1 - Find the Sunroom Site - The first thing that you need to do is to find the sunroom site. Take a look at your home, the area around your home, and where the sun is most of the time in relation to your home. Usually your sunroom should face as close to solar south as possible so that you get sun in the room all day long. Once you have decided where to build the sunroom, you're ready to go on to the next step.

Step #2 - Come Up with a Design - Now it is time for you to come up with a great design for your sunroom. If you're not sure where to begin, then consider looking online or in magazines at some pictures of sunrooms to get a good idea of what you may want your sunroom to be like. While you'll want to think about the appearance of the sunroom, remember that you'll have to build it, so you want to think about how difficult it will be to build as well.

Step #3 - Pick Materials - Once you have a design in mind, you'll need to consider the materials. Many times when you build your own sunroom, it won't be quite as energy efficient as sunrooms that are professionally built. So, you'll want to make sure that you go with materials that are energy efficient.

Step #4 - Decide on Windows Carefully - The windows that you choose to install in your sunroom should be carefully decided upon. Make sure that you know how energy efficient your windows are going to be and you you'll also want to check out the U-value of the windows as well. Consider going with windows that are especially treated to keep out harmful UV rays from the sun.

Step #5 - Get Some Professional Help - When you decide that you are going to build your own sunroom, there are many things that you can do on your own; however, in some cases you are probably going to need some professional help. You'll need to have a professional help you with the plumbing and electricity installation, since you probably are not a professional with these skills. So, don't be afraid to have some professional help with these important parts of sunroom installation.

For lots of sunroom ideas as well as information on sunroom windows and related topics visit TheDiyHomeGuide.com

How to Build a Log Cabin

It doesn't take a genius to build a log cabin home. The rustic appeal of a log cabin lies buried in the hearts of many people and this dream can be turned into a reality with a decent set of floor plans, a little hard work, perseverance and a good set of tools.

Step by Step Procedure

A step-by-step procedure makes it a relatively easy process to build a simple log cabin and ensures you won't miss any essential steps along the way.

1. Floor Plans - A decent set of floor plans can be purchased on the internet or you can have these drawn up for you by your local architect or builder. Be certain to include all the basics a log cabin home would have that make such a dwelling unique.

2. Location, Location, Location - As in real estate investing, this mantra is paramount for the enjoyment of your future home. Choose the view that suits you. Site your log cabin on land that drains well and ideally is level. Clear the land of trees, brush and rocks leaving those that you may wish to use in the construction of your new home.

3. Preparation - Construction begins with the purchase, placing and assembling of materials on-site. You will need all the necessities of home plus any amenities that will make your log cabin unique and express your personality so that you will derive complete fulfillment from your new home.

4. Construction - Generally, the construction process is the longest and most tedious stage of building a home. It can also be the most frustrating and most expensive as delays are encountered, obstacles are mastered and changes are incorporated into your design. Even Mother Nature may seem to be against you at times. But bearing through it all will be worth it as your home is finally ready for you to move in.

5. Move-In and Personalization - As you move in, personalize your log cabin with unique touches that exemplify your style, taste and personality and present you and your guests with a pleasant and comfortable home. Fireplaces, floor rugs, pictures, trophies, hunting memorabilia can all give your log cabin a special, comforting touch.

How Much Does It Cost to Build a Log Cabin?

Log cabin homes have traditionally cost less to build than homes of other types as construction materials and labor costs are often less - often by as much as 1/3. This reduced cost can be offset however by increased expenses in location, problems with access and siting requirements. Be sure to investigate local building codes and requirements before beginning any construction.

Alternative:

Log Cabin Homes for Sale: Is building a log cabin home too much? You can always buy one. The logistics of design, location and building can be overwhelming to many people so buying a cabin could be the best option for you.

Pre-Built Log Cabin Homes: These pre-fab log cabins come partially assembled with final assembly completed on-site. Combining some of the features of building your own along with the ease of buying a cabin, this could be your best alternative.

Perry Jones is a successful author and urban philosopher. His website PerryJones.us provides resources and programs for spirituality and self improvement. You can learn more about How to build a Log Cabin at BuildingLogCabins.info.

Need Help Remodeling Your Living Room?

If you are thinking of remodeling your living room, then you may be overwhelmed. What types of designs should you pick? What themes should you focus on? What color schemes should you choose? What design period should you emphasize?

The questions are endless. And the options are so plentiful they can make your head swim. But, there are ways to keep the process less challenging and more enjoyable. When you remember that your home is an extension of who you are, then you can relax and just let the ideas flow from your own creativity.

Think about the clothes that you wear. Consider your favorite designers for a moment. All of this will tell you your style. Do you like clean, tailored lines? Or do you prefer styles that flow and are made out of natural fabrics? Could it be that you are eclectic, and maybe even a little bit eccentric in your style choices opting for bright colors and bold patterns?

Either way you look at it, you should take cues from what's in your closet when deciding what direction to go when you are remodeling your living room. Keeping your choices in line with your tastes, as opposed to design trends, should ensure that you have an area that is comfortable and inviting to you.

Another great way to decide what you want from your new living room remodel is to watch some of the design shows on television. They are a great way to see what really inspires you. As you watch these shows, you should definitely take notes, jotting down the concepts and ideas that you find the most interesting. Once you have an idea of the room that you think you would like, you will have made major strides toward creating the room that you want.

Interior and architectural design magazines are great for finding ideas as well. Allowing these two media tools to help you really learn what brings you joy can be both educational and helpful to the overall success of your home remodeling makeover project.

Jacksonville Plumbing Contractor Rapid Dispatch Plumbing offers professional plumbing in Jacksonville for residences and businesses. For more information visit our website at http://www.RapidDispatchPlumbing.com.

Sauna Or Steam Bath Which Is Healthier?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Make Your Home Handicapped Accessible

Whether you have a family member or a close friend who is handicapped, you need to make sure your home is handicapped accessible. Stairs and small hallways are impossible for those who need wheelchairs to move around, but there are a few easy changes you can make or a few features you can look for in order to make sure it is wheelchair friendly.

Safety is the most important feature of any home, but additional measures need to be taken into consideration if one your family members uses a wheelchair. Their bedroom needs to be on the ground floor and needs to have an easy exit. In most cases, this means that there is a door to the outdoors in the room so if there is a fire, this individual can escape quickly. Along the same lines, every room needs to have a large enough space for a wheelchair to rotate 360 degrees, which is approximately 5 feet in diameter. Doorways need to be at least 36 inches wide and hallways need to be anywhere from four and a half to five feet wide. Ideally, your home will have a minimal number of hallways. These precautions make it much easier for handicapped individuals to move from room to room.

The bathroom is the room that needs the most attention. Elderly or handicapped individuals often need the most help in the bathroom but it is very embarrassing to need assistance in this room. Therefore, you should design the bathroom so that these individuals can be as independent as possible. One of the best investments is a walk in bathtub. These tubs are designed in order to make bathing a safer and easier experience for those who have limited mobility. The convenient door opens up so you do not have to swing your legs up and over and the seat inside means you do not need to lower yourself to the bottom of the tub. Grip bars are an extra safety feature and should be installed around the entire bathroom.

Lower tables and keeping important or handy items at a convenient height is also an important consideration. It is not difficult to find a home that is already handicapped friendly or could easily be remodeled to be so. Remember that safety is the most important consideration so this factor needs to be top priority! With accessible emergency exits and a walk in bathtub, you are making the right choices!

If you would like more information on walk in bathtubs or would like more information about handicapped bathtubs, please visit the Simply Bathtubs website.

Kitchen and Bathroom Remodel - How Do You Begin?

Kitchen and bathroom remodels are on the rise as many people are deciding to invest in their existing homes instead of trying to sell their home and buy a new one. While the return on investment can be great, the details involved with making it all happen are often overwhelming.

The key to successful remodeling projects is having a plan in place that identifies all the major functional and aesthetic items needed to complete the job even before one hammer stroke is made. Setting up a binder or a accordion style file folder to organize all of the information you need to collect is crucial. Your contractor is going to be asking you for decisions on the big things such as flooring and counter top materials, and the small things such as cabinet hardware and towel holders. You should ask your contractor for a project plan so you are aware of the flow of work and can anticipate what materials will need to be selected and paid for, and what level of disruption you will be experiencing at the various stages of the project. Often plumbing fixtures and decorative lighting need to be ordered and there can be a lead time of up to two months. If your flooring or counter top materials are coming from over seas, there can be a three month or longer lead time.

Although it may seem counter intuitive, hiring a professional interior designer to assist you can actually save you money in the overall scheme of things. A professional designer will be able to select finite options for you to chose among, and has knowledge about the pros and cons of building and design materials. He or she will be able to help you make educated choices about where you can save money, and where there is a firm link between price and quality.

About the author:

Suzanne Lasky, Allied ASID is the owner of S Interior Design. S Interior Design makes homes harmonious, functional and beautiful for families with 2-legged and 4-legged members. Suzanne has an M.B.A. and an A.A.S. degree in Interior Design. Suzanne offers years of real world experience, giving her clients the peace of mind to know that their projects will be professionally handled from start to finish. She is an experienced residential and small commercial interior designer and is the exclusive provider of Pawprint Design Services 'Stunning Interiors with Pets in Mind'.

For more helpful tips-visit http://www.sinteriordesign.com

Copyright 2007 Suzanne Lasky, All Rights Reserved, http://www.sinteriordesign.com

You have permission to re-publish this article as long as the Resource Box is included with the article. All rights reserved.

Start Budgeting For Your Very Own Sunroom

It only takes a few weeks before you can enjoy in your very own sunroom. However, if not properly managed, the money you need to spend on the sunroom would go sky-high. Because of this you need to properly monitor the different expenses when it comes to building your very own sunroom. You also need to determine the materials and the quality of sunroom you want so you can create your budget and prevent overspending. In most cases, the cost of sunroom construction would go as low as $10,000 and as high as $70,000. And the do-it-yourself sunroom kit is applicable to those who want to trim down their expenses on sunroom construction. The figure on the sunroom costs mentioned above may still alter and this is due to the material cost, style, design, flooring system and the labor cost you will choose. If you have a bigger budget, then you can go for the more elaborate designs. But if you think that your budget is only at the minimum, there are still excellent sunroom designs and materials that can give you full satisfaction without having to break your bank account.

Sunrooms are getting more and more popular among homeowners today because of the practicality it offers. As compared to the traditional rooms, the cost of building a sunroom is a lot more economical. Read on, so you can have a clear idea on the expenses you need to shell out when planning to build a sunroom. In the labor charge aspect on constructing the stairs, you need to have an approximate of $300. Other expenses which would cover the labor charge also include the roofing and the flooring systems. If all these combined, you need to have at least $12,000 for the labor charge alone. The sunroom materials are also the determining factors on how much money you need to spend. For those on a limited budget, you can opt for the vinyl as it is more inexpensive as compared to the costs of aluminum sunroom. But if you have all the money to spend, then you can settle for the wood. Though wood is the most expensive, it is the one that needs regular care and maintenance to prevent premature damage.

Of course, a sunroom would never be complete without the furniture. As we all know, sunroom is also synonymous to wicker furniture. These two are the considered as the perfect combination. Wicker furniture is also economical but it also endows the entire room with an earthy and natural appeal.

If all the budgetary constraints are settled, then you can now start building your very own sunroom. Once finished, this place would serve as your haven for relaxation and a nice place to spend your quality time with your friends and loved ones. All these can be enjoyed if you properly plan the important aspects in building a very cozy sunroom. Don't let money hinder you from having a sunroom of your own. Choices are so varied so this gives you no excuse to not have one on your home.

Andrew Caxton is the author of many articles published online.Learn more about sunroom kits and diy sunroom kits at http://www.allsunrooms.com/kits.html

ICF - Insulated Concrete Forms - Method of Building Walls

There are several different methods used to build walls. This article will discuss the ICF method. We will look at the materials used in this method and then list the conclusions reached based on these materials. If you are standing inside the house, we will talk about the materials from the inside of the house to the outside of the house.

Gypsum Wall Board - this material absorbs water. The moist Gypsum wallboard can contribute to mold and mildew.

EPS foam - very good insulation properties. It is 'continuous and touching' which provides excellent energy savings.

Concrete - this material is poured in what is known as a 'continuous pour'. Even if the concrete is poured in lifts, the adhesive properties of concrete to itself allow the pour to be considered continuous. This material that goes from free flowing to rock solid is what provides the best-sealed envelope of a home.

EPS foam - very good insulation properties. It is 'continuous and touching' which provides excellent energy savings.

Cementious Finish - typically a fiber mesh wrap is applied to the walls and synthetic stucco materials are installed in two applications to get the requested look by the homebuyer.

Windows and Door openings - typically the openings are formed with 2x12's cut down to the width of the foam blocks and braced to accept the concrete pour. The 2x's are fastened with J-bolts that are placed prior to the concrete pour. An issue with the openings is that they have wood in the exterior walls in the areas where water has the highest possibility to enter the house. This creates the possibility, and likelihood, of water entering at these locations (the same as a wood framed house.) Remember, when the air is flowing thru the return air it is pressurizing the air which means 'additional air' has to come in the house. The window and door areas are where this air will come from, which allows water to get further into the wall, into the wood 2x bucks and farther away from the edges. This makes it take longer for the moisture to get out. When this occurs this will lead to the formation of mold and mildew.

Ease of construction - the trained skill level to build the walls of a custom home are similar to the skill level needed to build a concrete block home, or for a skilled carpenter to build a wood framed home.

Issues during construction - typical issues are proper bracing to minimize/eliminate concrete spills (blowouts) and bracing to keep the walls plumb (vertically aligned) and straight along the top of the forms.

The ORNL (Oak Ridge National Laboratory, contracted by the United States Department of Energy) after testing all 16 methods of construction proves the method of construction that Insulated Concrete Forms (ICF) utilizes is the second best method of building a home (by approximately 9% less savings) in regards to energy savings. To confirm please view: http://www.ornl.gov/roofs+walls/research/detailed_papers/thermal/index.html

The ICF method exceeds all building codes for high wind resistance due to the use of poured-in-place concrete in the forms.

This article has discussed the ICF method of building walls. It has described the various materials that are used. This article has also shown the problems and benefits that each of these materials can cause when building a house. The use of the ICF method of building walls only fails in 2 areas of building a home to prevent mold and mildew issues, which is the use of wood around openings and the use of a gypsum product (drywall) on the interior of the exterior wall. The 2 inches of foam and the drywall board on the interior is what accounts for the 9% higher use of energy than a wall with concrete in direct contact with the interior, such as the most energy efficient wall that utilizes the method referenced by the ORNL as concrete- insulation - concrete (CIC).

Are you getting ready to build a new home? Are you trying to build an energy efficient home? To get more information about building your next energy efficient home, visit http://www.allwallsystem.com, a "CIC" method of building.

Why a Successful Bathroom Remodeling Plan is Necessary?

If anyone of you is interested in bathroom remodeling, he must also be interested in saving his money, which gets spent without letting you know if you are unaware of depths and heights of bathroom remodeling strategies. The most essential thing you would need for remodeling is a proper plan. If your plan has been perfectly made, taking in notice all the problems that might occur, there is rarely a chance that you would come across any kind of troubles. Besides, your project would be adored.

If you follow the step-to-step guide for bathroom remodeling, the very first thing to reckon is the purpose of doing such a project? The whole remodeling plan would be made upon your choice that whether the purpose of remodeling is to enhance the resale value of your property or your own convenience and taste. If you have a clear-cut idea about this, your bathroom remodeling plan is going to be very successful. This is what majority of people don't pay attention to. They just start planning a bathroom remodeling plan without going through several minor but important points.

However, just knowing and realizing the purpose of your bathroom remodeling plan is not going to help you in all the cases. Sometimes, your desired plan exceeds your budget; and making a budget is a whole different story. It includes costs of materials, contractors, plumbers, electricians and several other things that become the basic constituents of a bathroom remodel. You need to align your plan with your budget. Asking a local home improvement store's owner would be helpful for you if you are not market savvy. However, compromising on bad quality with a low cost is the most rejected idea. It will keep your pockets heavy for a while but later, you would always be in trouble until you plan a new remodel.

Besides, you need to keep extra money available for your budget. There are cases when something unexpected happens. Costs may increase and your project may get delayed. In such cases, you need money the most. You can also come up with new ideas in between the project. Making them possible won't just be a theory; it would only work with money.

You need to keep these basic things in your mind when making a bathroom remodeling plan. You can do some of the remodeling projects yourself but not all of them. In case you don't know anything about carrying out any such operation, don't make false assumptions that you would be able to do it because it won't be a time of experiments. Saving money and brilliantly completing a bathroom remodeling project must be your basic motto.

For knowing more about bathroom remodeling, you can visit http://www.theyarelocal.com/articles/remodeling/index.php

Home Remodeling and Repair

Do you have an idea to repair or remodel your home? In these days, home remodeling or repair is popular for it can increase the value of the home. If you decide to start your home remodeling, what concerns you most is the remodeling design.

Remodeling your home is a tough work, which requires effort, dedication and passion. Without passion for your remodel it is difficult to create the feel and appearance that you are looking for.

If you hire a contractor, you should clearly describe what you want to him. And then he can do home repair as you require. The better you can describe you needs, the better vision he will have. However, it is not easy. Many people know what they need, but they can not clearly describe it. As a result, they may feel disappointed about the outcome.

When you are describing your need, you should not leave out any detail. The more detail you can give your contractor the better they will be able to see the vision that you see. Talk directly to all parties involved, which can assure you that your vision is fully understood.

It is stressful to start your home remodeling. You will destroy a piece of property and then rebuild it. If you make a mistake carelessly, this piece of property will not be restored. So you would better not start your project until you are truly ready to dedicate yourself to it. Once you decide to start your remodeling project, you should make a clear plan for the finished product and be sure to share your plan with all of the parties involved in completing the remodel. You should continuously check with the workers on your project to ensure they are still seeing the same vision as you.

Although remodeling home is a tough work, you will be happy with the result if you are clear and decisive with your vision.

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The Keys to Successful Caulk and Chinking Joint Design For Log Homes and Cabins

Introduction

With its thick walls of solid wood, a log home is one of the best-insulated buildings in which you could choose to live. But the nature of a log home's construction also presents a unique challenge: the opportunity for air to pass through the gaps between the logs.

Fortunately, air infiltration is a challenge that's easily met, thanks to caulking, the general term for the seals that are introduced between logs. With the right caulking method, or "caulk joint" as it is generally termed, a log home can achieve thermal efficiencies to rival those of any building method.

Two key elements are essential to effective caulking. First, the caulk used must form a "wet" seal, one that adheres to the wood surfaces rather than just filling the gaps between them. And second, it needs to be elastic (a quality sometimes referred to as "memory"), either stretching or compressing as the shapes of the logs themselves subtly move through natural expansion or contraction.

Another way of thinking about a caulk's effectiveness is in terms of "adhesion" and "cohesion." Good adhesion means that the caulk sticks to the log well. Good adhesion means that it holds together well under stress. Obviously, a balance of both properties is necessary for a caulk to work properly.

With those elements met, four principles govern the most efficient caulk joint design: caulk depth, points of adhesion, a caulk "well," and the conditions under which the caulk is applied. Each principle is fairly simple to grasp, and understanding them all will help anyone buying, building, or restoring a log home make the right energy-efficient decisions.

Principle 1: Apply the Right Caulk Depth

In general, the depth of caulk in a joint is more important than the width of the caulk's application. Why? Put as simply as possible, the most critical factor is that the caulk have enough mass at any given point to absorb any movement in the logs. As a rule, whatever its width, the depth of a caulk joint does not need to be any more than 1/2 inch or any less than 1/4 inch. Also, a deeper joint is preferable to one that is too thin.

Principle 2: Provide Two Caulk Adhesion Points

Caulk works best when it adheres only to two elements, namely the two logs between which it is applied, so that the seal will hold if and when any movement occurs in the logs. Adhesion to three or more points, by contrast, would cause the caulk to be pulled in multiple directions, thus increasing the likelihood that the seal will break away from one or more of the points of adhesion. Placing a backing rod inside the well With this principle in mind, any backing materials included in a caulk joint should provide a surface to which the caulk does not adhere. Doing so allows the caulk to remain at its most elastic.

Principle 3: Create a Caulk Well

Superior caulks have enough elasticity to absorb 25 to 50 percent of the total movement in the joint they fill. To allow for that movement, caulk joints require "wells," spaces that allow the joint to absorb that movement. For a reliable seal, the caulk well should be two to four times larger than the movement that is anticipated for that joint, thus reflecting the 25 to 50 percent absorption properties of the caulk being used. Obviously, the greater the movement expected in a particular joint, the larger its caulk well should be. Log homeowners can also take comfort from the fact that high-quality caulks currently being sold are capable of absorbing far greater movement than that for which they are rated.

Principle 4: Apply Caulk Under Optimum Conditions

Because logs expand or contract in response to temperature and humidity, the climate conditions at the time caulk joints are applied will affect the seal formed. On a very hot, humid day, for example, a joint will be at its smallest, since wood expands under such conditions; so caulk applied at such a time will later be subject to the maximum stretching. By contrast, a joint will be at its largest on the coldest, driest of days; so caulk applied then will later be subject to the maximum compression. With this principle in mind, it is wise to select a caulk with properties that best suit the range of local climate conditions, and to apply it at the most stable, least extreme point in the climate cycle. But smart log home builders will also apply caulk at optimum times; for example, sealing caulk joints on the cooler side of a home will work most effectively on a warmer day, while those on the side of a home that gets more direct and prolonged exposure to sunlight would best be sealed on a cooler day.

Conclusion

By aiming to apply all four principles described above, you'll maximize the effectiveness of your caulk joint seal. That may require you and your builder or contractor to implement sealing techniques that go beyond the most obvious and simple solutions. Keep these guidelines in mind, and you'll thus enjoy the maximum benefits of log homes' superior insulation and energy-saving capabilities.

Clyde Cremer holds a Master degree in Forestry from the Yale University School of Forestry and Environmental Studies in New Haven, CT. He has over 35 years of experience in the forestry industry is currently the president of American Log Homes Inc. in Pueblo, Colorado.

For answers to all things related to wood and trees contact Clyde at http://www.Westernloghomesupply.com or give him a call at 719-547-2135.

The Ten Most Frequent House Problems That Home Inspectors Find

A recent survey of home inspectors resulted in a list of the most frequently found problems in the homes they have inspected. It is significant that within this list of ten categories, at least four are directly related to the damaging effects of water. Thus, keeping water out - is the homeowner's most important and continually challenging objective.

1. Improper Surface Grading/Drainage
This was by far the most frequently found problem, reported by 35.8% of the survey respondents. It is responsible for the most common of household maladies: water penetration of the basement or crawl space.

2. Improper Electrical Wiring
A significant number (19.9%) chose this item as the most common home defect, which includes such situations as insufficient electrical service to the house, inadequate overload protection, and amateur, often dangerous, wiring connections.

3. Roof Damage
Although reported by only 8.5% of the respondents as the most common problem, roof leakage, caused by old or damaged shingles or improper flashing, was considered by CAHPI members to be a frequent problem.

4. Heating Systems
Problems in this category include broken or malfunctioning operation controls, blocked chimneys, and unsafe exhaust disposal.

5. Poor Overall Maintenance
Even the novice home buyer is usually aware of this situation, demonstrated by such signs as cracked, peeling, or dirty painted surfaces, crumbling masonry, makeshift wiring or plumbing, and broken fixtures or appliances.

6. Structurally Related Problems
Many houses, as a result of problems in one or more of the other categories, sustain damage to such structural components as foundation walls, floor joists, rafters, and window and door headers.

7. Plumbing
Though never ranked by the respondents as a Number One problem, plumbing defects still rank high among the house problems encountered, and include the existence of old or incompatible piping materials, as well as faulty fixtures and waste lines.

8. Exteriors
Flaws in a home's exterior, including windows, doors, and wall surfaces, are responsible for the discomfort of water and air penetration, but rarely have structural significance. Inadequate caulking and/or weather-stripping are the most common culprits.

9. Poor Ventilation
Perhaps due to overly ambitious efforts to save energy, many home owners have "over-sealed" their homes, resulting in excessive interior moisture. This can cause rotting and premature failure of both structural and non-structural elements.

10. Miscellaneous
This category includes primarily interior components, often cosmetic in nature, which were not found frequently enough to rank individually in our survey.

Obviously the age of a home plays a significant role in these findings. In older, urban houses, problems such as heating system failure, inadequate electrical service, and worn plumbing can be found with much greater frequency than reflected in this survey.

The survey response percentages were given only for the first three categories because they were so high and statistically meaningful. Items 4 through 10 were ranked significantly lower than the top three, and vary regionally.

Peter Ottowitz
http://www.newworldenergyaudits.com
http://www.masshomeinspect.com

Country Kitchen Designs

Kitchens figure amongst the important rooms of the entire house. Recently, a lot of attention is being paid to their presentation and decoration. This is because the concept of a kitchen being just an interior-cooking place has undergone transformation. Today, kitchens attract architects to provide them with the challenge of designing and decorating each kitchen uniquely. The designs of a kitchen can be done in numerous ways depending upon the desired style, preferable location, available area, and specific budget. The basic elements of the kitchen are to attribute the right kind of items to their appropriate places.

A country kitchen differs from a regular kitchen on the grounds of its plumbing fixtures, ventilations, dishwashers, flooring, and refrigeration. The peculiarity of country kitchens is that all its cabinets and counters are made of wood to give an authentic atmosphere. Two types of wood are used to make the furniture, namely Cedar wood and Oak wood. Another specialty about these kitchens is their in-house plant life and window dressing styles. Flowers such as daises and posies provide freshness to the kitchen. The window-dressing, if done in bright colors such as in red, yellow, or blue, illuminates the entire surrounding.

The country kitchen tables are traditionally round or oval, having matching wooden chairs that can be cushioned with pillows to complement the window dressings. The color combination of the furniture, window dressing, and other modern appliances should be harmonious. To give the kitchen a touch of inimitable charm, accessories such as old model car candleholders, old aluminum serving trays, wooden clocks, and variety of mug collections can be used. To make the bona fide atmosphere complete, country kitchen floors can be made of hardwood floor paneling for the required rustic look.

Country Kitchens can be designed according to the needs of the family members and their tastes. Sometimes professionals are hired to provide expertise on the designing and setting of the entire kitchen.

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Bathroom Decorating Tips For Your Bathroom Makeover

Decorating your bathroom can be one of the easiest tasks in your decorating jobs. You do not need too much accessories to achieve an attractive bathroom. Just be creative and resourceful in choosing the right materials, which reflects your personality and interest. Bathroom decorating tips can be helpful if you want to decorate your bathroom better.

You can find bathroom decorating tips in books, magazines and in the internet. If you do not have any idea on hoe to design, select those bathroom decorating tips that are appropriate to your own bathroom and try the suggestions given.

Start with the shower curtain. Select the color and design you want, which you think will look good in your bathroom. The paint in your bathroom should match the color of your shower curtain. If you want to make your bathroom appear larger, choose light colors. Complement the shower curtain color the paint of the bathroom.

Towel racks are necessary and place them near the bathtub or toilet. The design of the towel racks must be the same to have a better appeal. Pick towels that have the same shade as the shower curtain. They do not have to be the same color, just the shade. Roll some additional towels in a small stylish basket and place them on the floor.

Rugs for your bathroom floor should also go with the colors of your towels. If your bathroom is spacious, it is a good idea to place rugs by the toilet and the sink.

Add more accessories in the bathroom such as tissue holders, toothbrush holders and soap dispenser. Scented candles can be a nice accent on the vanity and bathtub corners. You can also put some of your collections in the bathroom to personalize your design. Unique bottles, paintings, and small figurines can create a more interesting appeal. Just make sure that you do not overdo the design for it may become cluttered.

To find more tips on Asia Bathroom Design, Ada Bathroom Design, please visit bathroomdesigntip.com.