Copper Chimney Caps Are an Aesthetically Pleasing Addition to Chimneys

Not only is a copper top a useful feature for homes and buildings in any climate, it is also a distinctive and beautiful adornment for any roofline. The beauty of copper is obvious regardless of how it is taken care of and care and look are actually based on the personal preference of the property owner or resident. Some homeowners and property owners love the look that a shiny copper chimney cap has to offer. On the other hand some people prefer the natural look of copper as an aesthetically pleasing addition to their roof and chimney.

Natural copper chimney caps do not require any maintenance to maintain their appearance. On the other hand, shiny copper, unlike natural, requires a great deal of maintenance. It needs frequently cleaning and shining to retain its glory, otherwise the copper patina into a green color that some people may not enjoy.

There are several benefits to copper chimney tops. Some of these benefits include keeping unwanted items and creatures out of a chimney, preventing water damage and lessening a chimney draft. In fact, a copper cap is often the least expensive way to fix and prevent problems in a chimney.

A copper cap has many uses because a chimney itself is a multi-functional item. One of the most popular reasons that chimneys are used in a home or building is as an accessory for a heating device, like a fireplace, a palette stove or a wood stove. The smoke from these heat sources escapes out of the chimney and keeps the house or commercial building clean and smoke free.

A copper chimney top works well when installed by a professional. While these caps are best when installed by a professional; they can be installed by a homeowner with the right precautions, especially if the homeowner is experienced or knowledgeable in the area of roofs and chimney care.

There are a few things that should happen prior to purchasing a copper chimney cap it is imperative that a chimney is measured properly and the flues are accurately counted. These measurements and counts are essential in obtaining the correct chimney cap for a specific chimney. The wrong measurements can result in the inappropriate size of a chimney cap. The wrong size will result in a poor functioning cap or top.

The measuring and description process require a trip up to the roof to examine the chimney closely. This trip requires the proper safety precautions for walking on the roof. Roofs can be steep and therefore are easy to fall off of. If a homeowner is unenthusiastic about traipsing around the roof and chimney, a chimney sweep or other chimney professional should be called out to take accurate measurements for copper chimney caps.

There are many sizes for copper chimney caps. Different sizes fit different types of chimneys and is important for them to fit properly. Proper fit ensures the right functions and uses for the chimney caps.

Anne Clarke writes numerous articles for Web sites on gardening, biking, fashion, and home decor. Her background also includes running, yoga, and tattoos. For more of her useful information on chimney tops visit Copper Chimney Caps.

Cleaning Bathroom Tiles - Some Simple and Easy Ways

Bathroom cleaning is not a very easy job if you stop cleaning it properly and the situation goes on for a long time. Most of us do not like to clean the bathroom again and again, because sometimes it's hard to get those stains removed in a short time. But its noticeable that if we keep cleaning our bathrooms regularly and properly, the chances of overload decreases simultaneously.
However, even if we are cleaning our bathroom on regular basis, some parts especially, the bathroom tiles are so hard to clean. do look clean but the lose their original glow and they always look dull and old, which leaves a bad impact at the look of our bathroom.

Here are some ideas that you can use for giving a new glow and newness to your bathroom tiles without meeting any troubles.

The first thing you should notice when cleaning the bathroom tiles is tile grout. Most of use do not know that its not water proof and it must be replaced after every couple of years. The tiles should be sealed properly to maintain their glow and bright. Otherwise, if bathroom tiles are damaged form the inside, acids and tile cleaners will not be able to help a lot.

Always clean your bathroom tiles with a soft sponge, which does not harm them by putting scratches on the surface. If you are cleaning these tiles with some rough material, they would be worn out very soon. If your bathroom tiles are not getting cleaned even after trying different experiments, what you need to do is mixing salt, baking soda one cup each and use this paste with a soft sponge on your bathroom tiles.

After using this paste, wait for a while and dip the same sponge in lemon juice and use it again on the entire surface of bathroom tiles.

Drop some of the lemon juice's drop where your sponge can't reach. Wait for a while and wash it over with clean water. You will see a bright change in the look of these tiles. Besides just putting a shine, it also wipes away the remains of soap and oils from the tiny spaces between the bathroom tiles.

Its just that simple! Plus, cost free. You do not have to buy any expensive floor cleaners nor any other detergents. All you have to do is follow these simple steps and brighten up your bathroom.

Know more about all kind of home improvements including bathroom and kitchen remodeling / improvement tips, designing, remodeling and everything that links together to result in a perfect home improvement visit http://www.theyarelocal.com/articles/index.php

Personal Improvement

Some people just always seem to win. No matter what they touch, it always seems to turn into gold. Are you that person? If not, you might be the one who is aspiring to be that person. Why do certain people seem to do great at everything while others struggle just to get by?

There are several key factors that go into becoming successful. Any person can become successful regardless of age, location, or their current financial condition. You can always get better than where you are if you focus on self-improvement. People who always seem to win always have great attitudes. Think back on your life and pick out the people who always win. I would be willing to bet that the vast majority of them had a great attitude. They are the people that you always like to be around. They are the ones that make everyone around them feel better.

The key ingredient to this winner's attitude is expectancy. These people actually expect to win and they live their lives accordingly. Losers tend to sit around and make fun of the winners. They complain about circumstances while winners believe that circumstances are made.

Besides having a winning attitude, those that are successful inevitably set goals. Goal setting is essential to achieving what you want in life. If you play football on an unmarked field, the battle will be a pointless one. Why would you run through life without an end zone to work towards? Everyone needs something to work for.

Once you decide exactly what you want, you need to break your goals down. Break them into long-term goals and short-term goals. This means that you need to break the bigger ones down into little achievable goals that you can do every day. If your goal is to make so much money per year, just figure out how much you need to make per day. Then work every day to earn that amount of money.

Once you have these long-term goals and short-term goals figured out, you also need to write them down. Putting these goals on paper is a big step in the process. There is something about getting them on paper that makes them concrete in your mind. Then you will know exactly what you're working towards at all times. If you don't have a concrete goal, you'll probably forget about it and move on. You'll get sidetracked with all that life can throw at you. Only about 3% of people actually claim to have written goals. This means that once you write your goals down, you are ahead of 97% of the population. This is before you even achieve a single goal.

With these two aspects improving in your life, self-improvement will be easy. Once you've mastered a winning attitude and set your goals, you're well on your way to success. Just put any notions of failure out of your mind completely and move ahead. You will start to win at every single thing that you do.

Barbie Figueora is an Expert Internet Network Marketer who has adapted the secret of the "Top Producers" Do you want to know what they are? Go to http://successstartsinthemind.info

Build Your Business Online in a Just a FEW Profitable Steps: http://www.mlmsuperfunnel.com

Five Reasons to Use an Architect For Your Home Design

When you are building a new home, you want to have it your way, and rightly so. Everything from the floor plan layout, the homes character and style, features, systems, materials, and dcor should reflect who you are and your philosophy on life. Hiring an architect for the design and project management of the home can make the whole process go smoothly. Here are some of the skills an architect brings to a project and some of the functions he or she performs:

1. Understands the Scope of the Project: A licensed architect understands the details and phases of the project and has the expertise to develop and refine the vision so you can understand the scope of the project.

2. Knows State and Local Codes: The licensed architect is knowledgeable in the building codes applicable to your project and designs the structure of the home to meet these codes. They usually prepare most of the documentation necessary for you to get your building permits, saving you both time and money.

3. Hires the Team: When you secure an architects project management services, he or she heads the team and makes sure everyone knows their job. They answer the myriad of questions from the builder and their subcontractors, and makes sure any changes do not affect the structural and architectural integrity of the design.

4. Oversees the Project: The licensed architect is involved in the day-to-day construction of the project, making him or herself available for consultations, meetings, and questions from the site. Some architects will also hire the subcontractors for you and then establish and manage the construction schedule. Throughout the project, your architect is your advocate, staying true to your design and your budget.

5. Can Green Up Your Project: Are you interested in building a green home? A green architect will give you numerous options for saving money and protecting your investment in the home design and material selection processes.

If youre planning on building a new home, hiring an architect is well worth your investment to ensure the end result is exactly what you wanted.

About the Author: Jeremy Bonin, a principal partner of Bonin Architects & Associates http://www.boninarchitects.com , is an award-winning green architect and the author of TIMBER FRAMES: Designing Your Custom Home. With a special interest in sustainable design and green homes, structural insulated panels (SIPs), as well as timber frame construction, Jeremy incorporates renewable energy practices where possible, including geo-thermal, solar, radiant heat, and energy-efficient foundation systems.

How to Sell Your Townhouse in a Bad Market

Despite what you may have heard, it's still very possible to sell your townhouse quickly without dropping the price. All you need to do is focus on how to boost your flat's perceived value to buyers. There are a number of ways to do this, but this article focuses on some of the lesser known tactics:

- Smarter use of limited space.
- Sexing up the bathroom for maximum appeal.
- Making windows and fittings more attractive.

Airy & Open

One point about townhouses that will generally detract from the value is the common "closed in" feeling. If your flat is full of furniture, consider moving a lot of it out to give a more open vibe. It's better to go for a minimal approach to interior design rather than trying to fit in as much as possible.

The Money Is In The Bathroom

Bathrooms sell. People in the 21st century are big on privacy and relaxation, so think about how you can perfect your bathroom. Installing mood lights will help boost the appeal of your property, as will adding bathroom items like soap collections and a waterproof music player. Of course, you can take all these things with you once your townhouse sells!

Windows Mean Wealth

Many old townhouses are still fitted with old-school fittings. Think about installing new ones, or even just giving them a fresh coat of paint to make them look more modern. Also look at what curtains you've got up, and if you might need to buy new ones. Again, you can take them with you when you sell.

If you're desperate to sell your townhouse as fast as possible, check out this Quickly Sell House website now for a proven sales method that will have your place sold in only 21 days!

How To Protect Your Kids at the Pool

A university statistics professor in the United States, Steven D. Levitt, was struck by how many children had drowned in swimming pools. They were the kind of deaths that don't make the newspaper-unlike, for instance, a child who dies while playing with a gun. He got curious, and went looking for numbers that would tell the story.

After conducting a detailed scientific study, he concluded the following; "If you both own a gun and have a swimming pool in the backyard, the swimming pool is about 100 times more likely to kill a child than the gun is."

Drowning is one of the major causes of accidents involving children worldwide, resulting in serious injury and death. Thousands of tragic accidents involving swimming pools highlight the sad fact that kids and pools can be a very dangerous combination. A number of child deaths have occurred while parents have been looking away, or were not in the vicinity. Other heart-rending events have involved children's long hair being caught in pool water pump inlets, which have also led to drowning.

In a number of cases, accidents happened even though the child knew how to swim. The result of this study serves to highlight the significant hazard that swimming pools present to children, compared to other dangers. Toddlers, in particular, often do something unexpected because their capabilities change daily.

Submersion incidents involving children usually happen in familiar surroundings. In another study, 65 percent of the incidents happened in a pool owned by the child's family and 33 percent of the incidents happened in a pool owned by friends or relatives.

Child drowning is often a silent death - there's no splashing to alert anyone that the child is in trouble. Pool submersions involving children happen quickly. A child can drown in the time it takes to answer a phone. 77 percent of the victims had been missing from sight for five minutes or less.

Here are some easy tips you can use to reduce the risk;

Supervise

Never allow your youngster to swim alone without any adult supervision. It is vital that persons be

around, ready to help if needed.

Does Your Pool have a Fence?

Enclose your pool with a fence at least 4 feet (1.2 Metres) high, and a gate which can be locked. Do not leave the pool open and accessible, as children can fall inside. In many communities having a fence around a pool, with a lockable gate, is a legal requirement.

Cordless Phone

Always have a phone nearby the pool. This should ensure that nobody has to leave a child alone in the pool to answer the phone when it rings. A cordless home phone can be a good solution.

Social Gatherings

During social gatherings at or near a pool, appoint a "designated watcher" to protect young children from pool accidents. Adults may take turns being the "watcher." When adults become preoccupied, children are at risk.

Slips & Falls

A number of children are injured when they slip and fall around the pool on wet tiles or concrete; consider having your child wear a pair of anti-slip pool shoes when around and even in, the pool.

Life Saver

You should ensure there is always a life saving flotation device handy, such as; a lifesaver ring or foam flotation device near the pool. This could be very handy if an adult happens to be around to help rescue a child from the edge of the pool - but who cannot actually get in the pool and swim. However, do not use flotation devices as a substitute for supervision. Remove toys from in and around the pool when it is not in use, as toys can attract young children closer to the pool.

CPR

Every parent and guardian should be conversant in basic Cardio-Pulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) techniques in case of any accident. Survival depends on rescuing the child quickly and restarting the breathing process, even while the child is still in the water. Seconds count in preventing death or brain damage.

Jump, Don't Dive!

Teach your children that diving should only be performed in special pools, or in designated areas. It's very easy to misjudge the depth of a pool, or mistake the shallow-end for the deep-end and suffer a serious neck or head injury.

Long Hair

If your child has longer hair, consider the use of a swim cap which will ensure their hair does not become tangled in pool equipment.

Small Water Bodies

Avoid leaving your kids alone even with small portable pools or other water bodies such as buckets or fountains. There is always a danger of drowning occurring even in small bodies of water.

Again, please watch what your kids are doing whenever they are near water. Supervise their activities and never leave them alone in or near any pool. If a child is missing, check the pool first. Seconds count in preventing death or disability. Go to the edge of the pool and scan the entire pool, bottom and surface, as well as the pool area.

Roger Hall of COEGA Sunwear develops tips and clothing that provide women and children with Style, Comfort and Protection. Find out how to protect yourself with more popular FREE Tips for active women of all ages, available at: =>store.coegawear.com/index.asp?PageAction=Custom&ID=20

What to Do With the Bathroom Mirrors?

Buying a mirror may already be a hard decision especially now that there are already many kinds of mirror available. The designs are varied so it is necessary that you are able to make sure that your choice is right. It would really be regretful to choose the wrong mirror when there are a lot of choices for you.

After purchasing bathroom mirrors, it is still important that you know how to properly install them. Our choice of mirror may still be worthless if you have not installed it properly in its place.

It is important that you have checked the quality of the mirror that you purchased. This also means that when you are installing your mirror, you should check if the corners are in its right location. This is important not only to make sure that it will look good but also for safety purposes. The bathroom mirrors should not slip so you will have to make sure that there will be no chance for any type of incident to happen.

You should not only check the bathroom mirrors but also the area in your room where the mirror will be placed. In finding for the proper location, it would be necessary to find the area that is of level to the people who will use the mirror. If there are many people who will use them, ten consider their height and mark the area that can actually suit the people who are going to use the bathroom mirrors. If you want to make the mirror useful, then this step is very important. If this is not possible due to the range of heights of the people, then you can still put an adjustable mirror in the bathroom so that it can fit any person's height.

After marking the place of the mirror, you should now locate where the screws will be placed. Make sure that you have the right places and keep the screws aligned. You have to make sure because this is the basis of the bathroom mirrors so you have to make it right if you want to make the mirrors look good when it is already installed. Accuracy would be your key to get the mirror have the look that you want.

To make sure that you have the proper mirror, you should already check them even while you are still in the search. This will help you find the right kind of mirror. You should be able to match your needs to the actual design of the mirror that you will buy.

As you can see, the whole process of selecting and installing the bathroom mirror can be more complicated than what it looks like. But these steps are necessary so that you will enjoy your mirror and so that it can be useful for you.

Eliza Maledevic Ayson writes for Jump2top.com - SEO Company

Are Indoor Humidity Levels Affecting Your Health?

The ideal indoor humidity level is either 35% to 45% or 40% to 50% depending on who you ask. Thankfully, the human body is quite flexible and you do not have too aim at an exact figure. The important thing is to avoid extremes. Living indoors is not entirely natural. The artificial environments that we create for ourselves can sometimes cause extremes of humidity to occur. For short periods of time this is nothing to worry about, but the long term effects can be quite unpleasant.

If the humidity level regularly exceeds 50% you are likely to experience a rapidly increasing dust mite population, which will affect allergy sufferers. Permanently damp rooms tend to have a musty smell. The damp air is a perfect breeding ground for mold, mildew and fungus, which can cause serious health problems. Where ever possible the cause of such conditions should be removed, but it is not always that simple and a dehumidifier may be required. A modern dehumidifier with built in humidistat can be programmed to maintain a humidity level below 50%. There are a wide variety available, so it is important to find the correct type for your situation. A useful guide to dehumidifiers can be found at DehumidifierTips.com

Consistently low humidity levels are also bad. This tends to occur when the weather is cold outside and we turn up the heat in our homes. The most noticeable effects are a sore throat and sinus pain, symptoms that are common in modern society at certain times of year. You can also get dry skin and itchy eyes. The solution is to buy a humidifier that will put moisture back into the air. Like dehumidifiers, these can be programmed to operate automatically, and there is a huge range available that make the most of a variety of different humidification techniques. These techniques are explored in detail at HumidifierInformation.com together with everything else you need to know on the subject.

If any of these symptoms sound familiar, maybe you should buy a hygrometer (humidity meter) and take some readings to find out if humidity is the cause. With modern technology at your disposal there is no need for your health to suffer.

You can find out more about optimum indoor humidity levels at http://www.humidifierinformation.com

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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Bathroom Decorating Ideas - Spruce Up Your Dull Bathroom

The bathroom is one of the places where you can relax with pleasure or where you can have a quiet time for yourself alone or just simply pamper yourself. Naturally, decorating your bathroom to make it more comfy is one way to create a quick fix for your home. Here are a few, quick bathroom decorating ideas to create bathroom pleasures:

1.Simple hygiene to make your bathroom brighter and sparkle like new is to clean and sanitize clogged places and remove grime and stain. A simple application of disinfectant will instantly clear your bathroom of unpleasant stains and dirt stuck in between crevices under your toilet, tubs and sinks. Put decorative fragrant bathroom sanitizers.

2.Instant bathroom decorating ideas is usually composed of solutions which require no minimal effort or none at all. So, decorating is accessorizing. A little accessory will do. Like sleek and simple towel hangers, colorful soap dishes, water proof figurines and even framed pictures or paintings will create good vibes in your bathroom.

3.Create a clutter-free zone in your bathroom. Installing glass or wooden shelves to organize bathroom stuff is one of the highlight of great bathroom decorating ideas. The idea is to keep things simple and minimal in a small to regular cramped space. Large cabinets will only take up more space, constricting the already limited space you have. One way to add style to your shelves is to have a carved hardwood with ornate design. Aside from being attractive, the wood is durable so it will not rot if splashed with a little water.

4.The illusion of space is not really a hard trick to pull-off. Space usage and minimalist-thinking are the secrets of successful bathroom decorating ideas. The use of mirrors to reflect light positioned in a strategic way like opposite a window to create an illusion of having another window or opposite each other to make a small room much larger is a surefire trick to revitalize your dull bathroom.

5.Of course, the rainbow connection should always be remembered. A splash of color in your bathroom will instantly jazz up the small space of an otherwise insignificant part of the house. Put up a bright shower curtain and match it with your window curtains. Or to even go bolder, repaint your all the walls or just one wall with a solid color to create contrast or focus on a single part of the bathroom like the tub area.

These are just simple bathroom decorating ideas in which one can easily accomplish for an instant perk up for the bathroom. Bathroom moments will surely be more comfortable and relaxing as well as pleasing to the eye as well.

For more information on bathroom decorating ideas and bathroom lighting fixtures visit http://www.lightingbathroomfixtures.com for helpful insight.

Understanding Wood Shrinkage in Finish Carpentry

These days trim wood shrinkage in finish carpentry does cause some problems and has tested the reputation of even the most seasoned finish carpenters. This can be controlled some what if it is properly addressed however the shear speed at which houses get built and the use of new growth lumber these days poses a lot of the problems that are unfortunately some times unavoidable.

Trim wood should be acclimated to the inside environment of the house where it will be installed. This does also apply to the wood of a new wood floor to be installed. What this means exactly is the wood needs time to adjust to the temperature and humidity levels of the house where it will be installed. This in turn reduces the shrinkage of the wood and that helps to keep miters tight and doors working properly. There is much discussion on how long this acclimation period should be and a few variables do come into play here especially with a newly built home. A very minimum of an acclimation period would be 48 hrs. if the environment change of the storage place of the trim wood or the store to the house environment is not a huge difference. Another factor is after the acclimation period it is best to get the wood finished and sealed whether you do it before or after installation.

Ultimately wood is going to shrink and swell according to the seasons. Some places more than others due to the climate differences. The best way to reduce this is to try and keep the environment in the house relatively even with just the temperature although I have seen a new house with new trim work sitting empty with no activity like cooking or showering for a long period of time have major shrinkage in the trim wood due to no humidity. I had trimmed this house and was just sick when I went back for the final; fortunately the builder that I had done the work for understood this problem and took full responsibility. I had been in the finish carpentry business for a long time and had a good reputation of doing good work but some times that reputation doesn't mean anything to the people that don't understand these problems.

For the do it yourselfers doing trim work, there are a few things to consider. If you are remodeling or doing renovations to an existing home just simply taking the precautionary measure of acclimating the wood will eliminate the major shrinkage problem in most cases. On new homes it is however nice to know the humidity levels in the house as well as the wood. One easy way to check the wood is with a moisture meter tester. This little meter is relatively cheap or can be borrowed from a contractor that does building or remodeling. The use of a dehumidifier is recommended in a new house or new construction and doing a little research for the moisture content that is recommended for the area that you live in is also advisable. This is due to the different climates in the country and various temperature changes for the different areas. As a finish carpenter it is important for people to understand some of these issues concerned with wood shrinkage whether you are doing the work yourself or hiring a professional to do the work for you ultimately to protect yourself.

Pat Fisher is a professional carpenter and woodworking craftsman. For more information on finish carpentry and household carpentry projects, visit http://www.finishcarpentryhelp.com and pick up your free eBook.

Designing a Bathroom Within a Budget

It's very possible to create a luxurious bathroom you've always wanted even if you're on a tight budget. Hiring yourself to do some of the easy jobs required instead of professionals is one of the best steps you can take to save you a lot of money when you start creating your luxurious bathroom. It's not always wise to spend what you have on your bathroom - so jot down a list of all the things that you would love to have in your luxurious bathroom and all the things you can proceed with out.

To remodel a room you'd think your bathroom would be the cheapest to do so normally being the smallest and most simplistic room in the house - it's actually the most expensive, all the labour costs you would normally need to take on such as plumbing, electrical, tiling and other professionals will soon mount up. Just imagine if you could do some of the jobs yourself - you would save yourself a bundle. Ask experts, family and friends who're sure to have gone through the same sort of process before hand.

The bathroom is the most important room in the house so adjusting it for yours and other visitors preferences will always pay off in the long run - especially if you're looking to sell it later on. The average dull bathroom consists of a toilet, shower and/or a bath including a sink - what unique features will you be able to implement into your own bathroom? - It's always a good idea to experiment and be creative in this sector. Every other feature you provide in your bathroom is just an added bonus to make the look and feeling of the room stand out.

Designing a bathroom is a costly job unless you're good at D.I.Y. Hiring professionals isn't a cost-effective way to go about designing your bathroom so following these simple steps will help you along the way. Set yourself a reasonable budget which includes a new bathroom set and the decorative products - then decide what storage options you have and how much it would cost to get a new storage unit implemented. This is a good option to reduce clutter and give you that extra space you never thought you had - it also compliments the bathroom itself.

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

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

Modular Homes - Total Cost of Construction

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The Essential Guide to Hallways

The essential guide to entrance halls

From the lighting to the flooring to the where to put your shoes, here's our comprehensive guide for achieving a smooth-working, stylish-looking hallway

As everyone knows, first impressions count, and one place where making an entrance is essential is your front hall. 'Your hallway is like your handshake - it sets people up for the rest of their visit,' says feng shui expert Gary Hawkes, who counts Donna Karan and Madonna as past clients. 'So if it's light, warm and welcoming, then visitors will instantly feel relaxed and at home.' And yet, despite the fact it sees more traffic than anywhere else in the house, the hallway is often left as an afterthought - a dumping ground for brollies, wellies and ancient anoraks.

During the festive period in particular, there's more than the average footfall over the threshold, so before you begin to think about decking your hall, it's essential to ensure it really is holly worthy. While some homes may be blessed with grand dimensions and an abundance of architectural features, others may need a more studied approach to maximising space, optimising storage and letting the light in. We've consulted the experts for all their tips and tricks, so you can stun the carol singers, amaze the in-laws and impress first footers with a bright, well-thought-out space that really wows as it welcomes.

Hallway storage

'Keep your hallway as clutter-free as possible,' advises Gary Hawkes. 'Avoid sharp edges, intrusive plants or anything that interferes with its flow.' Carefully planned storage is a must, particularly in period homes, where space is often at a premium.

HOW TO MAXIMISE YOUR SPACE

If you have an understairs cupboard, be ruthless. Chuck out those broken bits and bobs that you'll never get round to mending, and don't let it become a dumping ground for homeless items.
If yours is a footwear-free house, make sure there's plenty of storage next to the front door. A sturdy trunk is a great place to stash shoes and boots, and can provide a place to perch for easy boot removal. A bench with built-in storage is also a clever idea.
Create a wealth of storage without sacrificing too much floor space with a bank of floor-to-ceiling cupboards. A bespoke design means you can plan for everything from sports stuff to pet paraphernalia.
A piece of furniture, such as a bureau or console, will make a hall feel 'inhabited', and a room in its own right. It also means that there is a proper home for keys, phone chargers etc so they don't go astray.

Hallway decoration and display

'I strongly believe you only have one chance to make a good impression, so it pays to be bold,' says interior designer Tara Bernerd. 'It's essential, even in a hallway, to create some sort of focal point.'

HOW TO MAKE AN IMPACT

Even if space is an issue, you can add the wow factor with a bold piece of art. Alternatively, create your own gallery with several smaller pieces or photos.
'A dark hall won't be made brighter simply by painting it a light colour,' says interior designer and BIDA member Mary Leslie. 'Much better to have dark red, teal, pewter or bronze.' Choosing a darker shade will give the illusion that the rooms beyond are brighter and airier.
Painting woodwork the same colour as the rest of the walls will visually blur edges and give the impression of more space. And you can make a narrow space appear squarer by painting one of the shorter walls in a darker shade.
Think about how the hall connects to the next area. If space allows, double or sliding doors can create a dramatic flow through to the rest of the house.
Why not go wild with an opulent wallpaper? If you have a picture rail or dado, paper underneath only, as this will stop the design feeling oppressive.
Add a mirror. Not only will it enable you to check your hair before you leave the house, it can help a small space seem bigger and bounce light around.

Hallway flooring

Hall floors must stand up to a vast amount of wear and tear, but durable doesn't have to mean dull. 'The hall is often a smaller area to cover,' observes Tara Bernerd, 'so you can consider bolder or more dynamic flooring.'

HOW TO CHOOSE A SURFACE

Introduce colour with a stylish runner. For stairs, buy an extra metre, which can be tucked under and the runner moved up periodically to even out wear.
If sealed correctly, wood flooring, whether solid or engineered, is a hardwearing option. Go traditional with warm oaks, or choose paler or extra-wide boards for a more modern feel. Reclaimed boards or parquet add real character. Visit salvo.co.uk for a dealer.
Moroccan tiles will add a splash of colour and pattern. Try Dar Interiors for a good selection.
From slate to limestone to travertine, stone is an elegant choice. When laying new tiles, consult a structural engineer to check the floor is strong enough to take the weight, as it may need extra joists.
A decent-sized doormat is a must. 'If possible, sink your mat into a shallow well,' suggests Mark Dyson. 'This prevents it slipping and catches any extra dirt.

Hallway lighting

'The perfect lighting will create the illusion of a bright and voluminous area, even if it lacks natural daylight,' says Rebecca Weir, design director at Light IQ. It's a delicate balance, however, as too much illumination can make the space feel stark, whereas too little may make for a rather gloomy greeting.

HOW TO GET THE LIGHT RIGHT

Flexible lighting is key, so fit dimmers, as they allow for low-level lighting in the evenings, and brighter task lighting on busy mornings. Put lights on switches at both ends of the space so you're never in the dark.
Layers of light work well in a hallway. Downlighters can help widen a narrow space, uplighters are great for highlighting interesting architectural features and low-level lights will cast a warm glow across the floor.
'Fluorescent light sources are a good option as they can be hidden from view but provide a wonderful volume of light,' says Rebecca. 'They're energy efficient and come in lots of different "temperatures" of white, from warm to cool and bright.'
Decorative fittings, such as a statement chandelier, can create impact as well as adding sparkle. Team with table lamps for a welcoming glow.
Maximise natural light by adding glazing to the front door or a skylight to the stairwell. 'Many Victorian houses have a rear window at their half landing,' says architect Mark Dyson, 'and it's possible to enlarge this to full height without planning permission.'

You can find more information on interior design and interior design ideas at Livingetc

How to Install a Shower Faucet in 7 Easy Steps

Installing a shower faucet is not a herculean task. If you know the right tricks it is as easy as conjuring up a rabbit in mid-air. Here is how to install a shower faucet in 7 easy steps.

Before starting the installation here are few things you need to take care.

• Check the supply pipe for leaks.
• Replace wall with moisture resistance dry wall as base for wall covering.
• Always clean the pipe thread and apply a new pipe joint compound.
• Run hot and cold water lines to shower mixing valve attached.
• Plan for a trap door in wall.

These are just a few pointers you need to take care before installation. Now let us begin the installation.

• First you can connect the shower in two ways. You can either choose the conventional method with copper pipes or you can opt for PEX pipes. The plastic pipes are easy to install when compared to the copper pipes.
• The next thing you need to do is the shut off the water supply and drill a hole in the shower walls with a hole saw. It is better to plan before hand where to install the shower and the faucet and mark them with a pencil.
• Now position the valve so that UP indication points upward and then connect the hot and cold water pipes to each side of the valve. When welding them take care to see that overheating does not take place. You can also use welding adapters if required. Secure the valve inside the wall and connect the raise tube and spout pipe in welded adapters. If valve is without spout then use a brass cap to block the outlet that will not be used. Put the shower in place. This completes the installation of the valve.
• Next to install the faucet handle slide the decorative plate in the valve and position the handle screw adapter on cartridge using hexagonal key.
• Now to install the shower head connect the upper outlet to shower head supply pipe after applying Teflon tape. Wrap clockwise the shower head's pipe filets with Teflon tape. Manually screw shower head using adjustable wrench.
• Finally to install the spout turn the spout on copper pipe so that set screw faces up. Tighten the screw with hexagonal key and then turn spout to normal position.
• Last but not the least open the hot and cold water supply and check if there is no leak. Next open the faucet to lukewarm position to release all the air caught in the pipes.

That's it. You are done. Now you can show off your skills to your wife or your neighbor.

Learn exactly how to generate 100's or even 1000's of positively *BRILLIANT* Bathroom Remodeling Ideas ... F-A-S-T ! And here are 25 Dirt Cheap Home Improvement Ideas that could increase the value of your home by several $1000's ...

The Benefits of Hiring an Electronic Systems Contractor

The demand for the latest and greatest technology continues to grow at lightning speed and as a result the task of sorting through the mass array of high-tech wizardry as it pertains to home technology systems such as home theatres, home automation, whole house audio and video, security and CCTV systems, wireless networking, smart wiring, and lighting control solutions can be a daunting task to say the least. So who do you turn to for advice on sorting through it all?

Enter the Electronic Systems Contractor (ESC). So what exactly is an ESC you ask? An Electronic Systems Contractor is a company that provides sales, installation, and service on life safety systems, sound communication, entertainment, and environmental control systems. These professionals are highly skilled, trained and certified in this specialized field.

After youve determined exactly what kind of home technology system you want to install and what you want to get out of your system, the second step is to hire a qualified ESC or more commonly called an Electronic Systems Integrator, who will help you establish a workable budget, listen to your primary objectives as it pertains to your project and your lifestyle, and then design a system that will surpass your greatest expectations

If you are building a new home, an ESC can be just as an important resource as your interior designer, architect, and/or builder. In fact, an ESC should be brought in early during the initial design phase of your new home to ensure optimum savings on your overall budget as it is much easier to pre-wire rooms prior to the drywall phase of construction than it is to go back and try to retrofit a room. Keep in mind that long-term dependability, reliability and quality in a home technology system are the most cost-effective attributes you can build into your new home.

Technology changes so fast and often times the electronic components some of the box stores purchase in large quantities quickly becomes out of date as it sits on warehouse shelves waiting to be sold. Whereas an ESC will always have the latest and greatest products to offer as everything is custom-to-order. So you can be sure you are getting the latest technology for your money.

Adding a home technology system to your home is a huge investment and by hiring a qualified Electronic Systems Contractor to design, install and maintain your system, you can take comfort in knowing that youll be in good hands from start to finish and well beyond the installation process.

Curt Rothenberg is Founder of Accent Electronic Systems Integrators, a low voltage electronic systems contractor located in southwest Florida that offers home automation systems, custom theatres, audio, video, security, CCTV, wireless networks and lighting control solutions for both residential and commercial applications. For more information please visit http://www.accentesi.com

This article may be copied or reprinted provided no changes are made to it's content and the complete author box is included.

All You Need to Know About Modern Shower Enclosures

Do you need a modern shower enclosure for your home. If yes then keep on reading this article. This article can provide you some tips and techniques which can help you a lot in buying modern accessories for your new home. The popularity of shower enclosures is increasing everyday. There are many reasons behind the increasing popularity of enclosures. There are several benefits of these enclosures. We will have a look on some most important benefits.

Modern accessories are specially manufactured for small bathrooms. There are many homes which have small bathrooms. Enclosures do not need so much space and can be installed in any corner. They are available in different shapes, sizes and finishes. Have you taken the measurements of your bathroom? If not then you should do it today. You can not buy accessories without proper measurements of your bathroom.

It is a good idea to hire a professional interior designer. A professional designer can help you in choosing the right accessories and furniture for your bathroom. You should spend enough time on internet for finding latest information about modern accessories and furniture.

You can buy accessories through modern online stores. They give lots of discounts on bulk orders. It is a good idea to go through all the categories provided by the website. A person designing a new bathroom should spend some time with family. This will help him in knowing the need and expectations of the family members. Never forget to go through the guarantee and warranty of the product you are buying.

If you want to know more about Shower Enclosures then it is a good idea to visit Bella Bathrooms.

Church Building and Church Buildings

Church building is a term used to designate both the physical building of a church facility, and the spiritual building of a group of people into a unified body of believers. The physical church buildings are made of wood, stone, mortar, and brick, but the act of spiritual church building comes at the cost of evangelism, preaching, and teaching. Church building sometimes involves both acts together when a new building is being built and a new congregation is being pulled together. Those that build them with the eternal purposes of Jesus Christ in mind consider Church buildings a ministry in themselves.

A church building is the physical location where a group of Christian believers come together each week to worship God and fellowship with one another. Church buildings often require a great monetary sacrifice on the part of the church members, and often a church building project can last for years. Church buildings can be small or large and the capital necessary to build them varies as well. Sometimes a capital campaign is launched to generate giving on the part of committed church members. Other times church members that are craftsmen or artisans donate their time and services to help lighten expenditures.

Church building requires wise counsel and experienced help to pull it all together. Learning how to build a church to meet the needs of your particular ministry often requires experienced consultants that can offer peace of mind by helping you lay the groundwork both figuratively and literally. Knowing what you can afford to build and how you will pay for it are vital concerns for church building campaigns, and many times just making those decisions with wise counsel can reduce stress, uncertainty and effort. Church buildings are an integral part of a church's ministry to the community, and therefore much thought and planning should be undertaken. Church building is a blessed work and worthy of much prayer and forethought.

Church buildings are places where the Word of God is taught and people come to a saving knowledge of Jesus Christ. Acts 14:27 says, " And when they were come, and had gathered the church together, they rehearsed all that God had done with them, and how he had opened the door of faith unto the Gentiles."The work of the Lord that occurs in a church building is holy, blessed work, and everything involved in that church building, from initial construction to the day to day care and cleaning should be right. Church buildings are where God's church, his people, grow up together in love.

For more information about church building and church buildings, visit:
http://www.christianet.com/christianbusinesses/churchbuilding/
http://www.christianet.com/

Home Decorating - DIY Garden Style Bathroom

You should think about remodeling your bathroom so it resembles a garden theme if you want to create a more peaceful type of oasis. The neglected space in your bathroom can be filled with a theme. In this article, we will focus specifically on garden style themes.

Depending on the severity of your bathroom remodeling, the project could take only a few hours, or up to a few days. Some individuals choose to remodel the entire bathroom, appliances and all; while others prefer to only accessorize. Keep in mind that accessories go a long way and can really boost your room's atmosphere.

A bathroom with a garden theme requires several specific colors. Since the theme revolves around flowers, appropriate choices include green, red, yellow, and pink. The decorating process includes many simple options. You can either start by choosing your base color and then purchasing corresponding accessories or the exact opposite. Any way is perfectly fine. When choosing a color, keep in mind that you want the theme to resemble a relaxed environment. Simple borders are an inexpensive, yet great way to do this.

After the walls are painted the color you desire, you can then add some accessories. There are many design options since garden themes are very popular. You can get bath ensembles inexpensively which include a soap dish, tissue holder, and lotion holder. You can also purchase garden theme accessories in solid colors.

Some other choices include a shower curtain, waste basket, towel set, and wall decorations. Bath sets are very convenient and can skyrocket the results of the colors in the room. They also harmonize the bathroom. Also remember to place a plant either somewhere on the vanity or alongside the tub. Photographs and scented candles are also creative touches. If you don't like these ideas, at least fill the spaces with images of outdoor plants, butterflies, or even - you guessed it, a garden.

Public Designs: Home Decorating

Want to Know How to Makeover Your Home For Less? Canvas Wall Art Prints

They say a picture paints a thousand words? We agree, and if your talking modern wall pictures for your contemporary home you cant go far wrong than considering a canvas artwork for your living space or office. There are a plethora of canvas art online galleries small and large out there - all of them offering different services at different prices. This article is aimed at providing a balanced view of what's hot and what's not in the world of canvases. We hope these somewhat abstract words of wisdom will help you in your quest to choose a great canvas art print for yourself.

A canvas print, also known as a stretched canvas or canvas art, is the result of an image printed onto a canvas which is stretched, or gallery wrapped onto a frame and displayed. Many sellers offer canvas art either stretched or unstretched. Stretched canvas takes the hassle out of the process for the buyer. Generally the canvas will be 'wall ready' straight out of the shipping box. However often you can save a little bit of cash buy asking for your canvas print to be shipped unframed, your print will probably arrive in a tube and you will then need to hand build a frame before hanging. I would always recommend spending a little extra of your hard earned cash on getting your canvas print framed. This way your leaving it to the experts to do what they do best.

Historically reproductions of original artwork have been printed onto canvas for many decades using what's commonly known as offset printing in the trade. In recent years the industry has exploded with the ever growing popularity of inkjet printers and digital photographic devices. Modern large format printers can print up to huge sizes up to 60 inches in width. This size and scale of canvas printing has meant an almost endless scope for design and decoration of photographic images and artwork. Walk into any contemporary restaurant these days and you can almost guarantee that you will find a huge macro focused image of the chef's latest culinary delight.

The growth of the internet in the digital age has had huge ramifications for the services that canvas art retailers can offer to their customers. Web 2.0 has meant development of many user generated software packages that allow anyone to load up photos, do basic effects to those pictures and reproduce them as canvas art prints. Some online canvas art sellers do nothing else other than produce artwork generated by users of their websites. Others have huge artwork catalogues that can be reproduced 'on demand' for customers rather than having to be pre made. We always recommend when considering which company to buy your canvas art from to check their delivery schedules before purchase. Some offer services within 48 hours others 2 weeks! Go for the 48hour option as weeks can often run unto months as the work builds up over busy periods.

The process of framing a modern canvas print takes skill and experience to achieve a professional quality finish. Make sure the print is tightly stretched over around the sides of a box stretcher frame when you receive it. Good stretcher frames will be professionally, accurately cut with a sloping profile that minimises contact with the front face of the canvas, preventing the impression marks. Without this slope you may find that over years rather than months the impression marks become so bad as to ruin the actual canvas picture. They should also be adjustable, supplied with tensioning wedges in each inside corner that can be tapped in slightly to allow occasional re-tightening of the canvas. To take the perceived risk out of the 'buying canvas art' equation look for sellers that offer no quibble money back guarantees for a period of time after receipt. Not only can you check out the quality against what we recommend in this article but you can also 'live with' the canvas wall artwork for a few days to check it matches your wall dcor and contemporary furnishings.

So what type of canvas art seller is best I hear you cry? Unfortunately we don't have a finite answer for that question but we have a few thoughts on things to look out for. Most wall canvas sellers come from a printing background... great you might think, what could go wrong? Well have a think, and look at the actual artwork they have on offer and compare it to other canvas sellers. You will see some similarities as they will probably buy images from stock photography sellers. As a piece of 'art' these canvas prints will be worthless over the long term. They lack a little integrity as they wont be limited editions signed by the artist, as there is no artist! Look out for information on artists, limited edition numbers and so forth, this is usually a good sign for the longevity of value for your canvas wall artwork. Make sure your canvas art retailer has one foot in the printing industry and the other dipped into the art world galaxy!

Luke Hollingworth is an artist and business person from a rural area in the United Kingdom. He works for a canvas wall art company called Art By People - http://www.artbypeople.co.uk

Choose A Bath Over A Shower Any Day

Taking a shower will leave us feeling clean and fresh but it will not provide as many benefits as taking a bath. Let's take a look at the benefits of bathing, and you can decide for yourself, which is better for you.

Showers are quick, but baths encourage us to relax and take our time. Taking a bath is more soothing than taking a shower, will help to draw out toxins from the body and if bathing with bath salts you can actually replenish your body with essential minerals required to keep your skin soft and supple. Taking a bath also will help to relieve stress, and gives stressed people a chance to have a time to take a deep breath and stop for a while, and put things in perspective. You can combine aromatherapy with your bath to create an exceptionally therapeutic experience.

If you have a cold, there is nothing better than a bath to clear congested lungs and relieve sinus pressure. Even breathing in the steam while taking a bath is really healthy and a sore throat can feel a lot more comfortable.

Taking a bath, and especially with bath salts warms your body, eases muscles aches and pains, and is especially nice during the cold, dreary winter months. Bathing can also be very romantic. Between the warm water, sweet aromas and moisturizing bath bubbles, baths are just plain sexy when shared. Light some candles around the tub, play soft music, and step into the bath together - you will have a memorable, romantic evening.

So next time you think you are in a hurry to take a quick shower, slow down and think again - Maybe it's time to take a nice warm relaxing bath.

Bathroom Wall Paneling - A Fresh New Look

The room that is most often used in my house especially when company arrives is the basement. There is a large flat screen television, pool table and pin ball machines. It has one gigantically enormous flaw and that is the bathroom. Remember the bathroom is constantly visited by my guests. The privacy afforded there allows my guests to have close examination of the room. Keep in mind I have a beautiful vanity and wall mirror, but the problem is my walls. They are in disastrous condition. Parts are peeling and some of the tile is cracking. It gives the entire bathroom a drab and unappealing vision. I need a type of wall covering that will change the entire look and feel of the room.

I started searching for a fresh new look that would infuse my select tastes and personality while still remaining functional. I first started looking at all the different wall tiles available. I was unhappy with what I found since the tiles in my present room were cracking. I also wanted something that was easy to maintain. I had images of myself scrubbing the mould that had accumulated between the grout and the excising tiles.

There must be other options that I had not come across. To my delight there is an option which offers everything that I imagined. Through my search I had discovered waterproof bathroom wall paneling. It comes in a variety of designs, materials, styles and formats. It is quite easy to install there is no grouting needed and once installed you can use the room immediately. This paneling can be purchased as a complete kit. These panels come with all the necessary installation supplies. Some of the items included in these kits are side and back wall paneling, corner molding strips, corner soap dishes, adhesive caulk, pressure tape and accessories. Kits come cut to size so no trimming is necessary.

Bathroom wall paneling can be fitted over most walls. This includes brick, concrete, plaster board and ceramic tiles. It is a must that the walls are even and provide a suitable fixing for screws, plugs and adhesive. All are made by bonding a decorative high performance laminate to them. This makes the surface one hundred percent water proof. There are some panels that clip together tightly allowing no water through. This creates a seamless water tight joint.

The moist and humid conditions of the bathroom produce ideal atmosphere for mould and mildew to grow. The wall paneling solution has overcome this problem for all of us. We need never again to be bending over the walls scrubbing and almost passing out from the harsh odors of the detergents needed to get them clean. Wall paneling adds character to the room while protecting the walls from moisture.

These panels are made to withstand the rigorous demands of a busy household while maintaining its finish. It is very durable and is unlikely to suffer any damage. Also, after several years it will still look like new. You can use your typical cleaning products that you have around the house. You will not need to purchase anything special to keep its beauty.

You can find bathroom wall paneling in many different materials. I chose a PVC material with a mosaic tile effect. Another good choice would be bead boarding or wainscoting. This is excellent for the bathroom and runs vertically from the floor to one third or one half the height of the wall. This adds texture to the wall and makes it become the focal point of the room. This texture adds a rich vitality and vibrancy to the room.

In general when you add a new look or change the decor to a room it becomes a great mood enhancer. I know your bathroom may be small, but take a look around. It may be screaming for a design make over.

Author Bio: Barbara Tobiasz resides with her husband (Joe Tobiasz, Owner/Webmaster: http://www.wall-decor-concepts.com) in the Chicago area, studied at the Art Institute and taught for the Chicago Public Schools. She has volunteered her services for many organizations with her creative expressions in the interior design field. Her hobbies include reading, taking long walks with her dog and working her magic turning ordinary rooms into creative works of art.

Pictures of Bathroom Designs - What a Great Way To Get Inspired!

Pictures of other people's bathroom designs are a very good way to become inspired as to what you want in your own bathroom remodeling project. I know I was inspired to wanting a really high-tech shower/mini-steam room enclosure for my next "full-blown" bathroom remodeling project after seeing pictures of a friend's new bathroom designs.

He found a very nice unit for sale on eBay. See details of the shower unit and even bid on one yourself if you're interested on my website.

Pictures of bathroom designs are really worth the proverbial thousand words! You'll see fixtures that will excite you just as I did with my friend's shower enclosure. You will see color schemes that click with you in pictures of different bathroom designs. You will be amazed as to just how much inspiration can be obtained from pictures of bathroom designs that you come across either online or from magazines or through other means.

I have posted a number of pictures of bathroom designs on my website for you to view. These are different bathrooms that I've either had a hand in building or that I've found here & there. I really love good design in architecture and because of my eye for what works and what doesn't, I've put together quite a portfolio of different pictures of bathroom designs. Check them out for yourself at my website.

You can also do a search on Google images
for "bathroom pictures" or "pictures of bathroom designs".

The thing you need to do at this point is to start organizing your pictures of bathroom designs into a system where you will have all of the details about where you found the picture and what interested you about it.

Then you can file it in a manner that will allow you to find it again at a moment's notice. This way your initial research about pictures of bathroom designs will be as fruitful and efficient as possible.

This truly can be a very fun and inspirational time period - using pictures of bathroom designs.

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John Mann, "The Electric Mann", has been involved in the residential construction industry for over 25 years. He's worked as an Electrical Contractor and a General Contractor in Residential Remodeling and is an expert on Kitchen and Bathroom Design and Remodeling.

Signup for his "Bathroom Remodeler's Newsletter" and get a FR*EE 7-Part mini-course (Value $67.00 US) called
"How To Avoid the 7 Biggest Mistakes People Make When Remodeling a Bathroom!" by visiting http://www.TheRemodeledBathroom.com

Click Here to Learn More About Using Pictures of Bathroom Designs as Inspiration for Your Own Bathroom!

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Clawfoot Bathtubs - Many Styles

The claw foot bathtubs made an appearance on the markets in 1883. The Process of enameling cast iron was developed by Standard Manufacturing. This led to the design of the cast iron claw foot bathtub. This is the tub we all think of with the rolled over rims. The company has become know as American Standard Brands. Still a major producer of not only bathtubs, which they still produce, but the plumbing business as a whole has benefited from the technologies and developments of American Standard Manufacturing. It has been stated that three out of five of the houses built in the United States has some type of their products in the house.

With basically four different types of claw foot bathtubs, this gives a wide variety to choose from. The classic claw foot tub is probably what most people think of first. This design has one end rounded so when a bather is in the tub his or her back can be rested in the curved portion while taking a nice long relaxing soaking. The end where the feet would be is more squared with faucets and a drain. The next design will be the slipper tub. This is very close to the classic except for the curved back is extended higher and can also be used more as a headrest also.

Then the double ended and the double slipper tub add to the choices of design of the bathtubs. Each of these tubs have two rounded ends. The slipper tub will be more of a "U" or banana shape. Both of the ends are raised so either end can be used or the tub may be shared with another bather. The rounded ends will require the faucet holes to be drilled in the side of the tub.

And just to make things a little more interesting all four of these designs can be purchased without the faucet holes drilled anywhere. And all of the designs could have the faucet holes drilled on the rolled rim. This may seem a little confusing at first, but when the antique claw foot tubs was designed, not all houses had running water. Then as the water supply was introduced to the houses, some would be from the wall or the floors. All the tubs can still be fit with which ever type of claw foot bathtub faucet you may need. The tub wall mount will fit the tubs that have faucet holes drilled in the tubs. The deck mounted will fit the design of the holes drilled in the rim, and will make the faucet look as if it is sitting on the rolled over edge. The free standing will allow for the water supply to come out of the floor. There is the bathroom wall mount for the water supply to come out of the wall, but in some situations, this one can also be used for the tub wall mount.

For a modern update on the vintage look of the claw foot tub, check into the acrylic claw foot bathtub. This technology has allowed for a lighter weight design, and the touch of the tub is warmer then the cast iron. But a whirlpool or the jet air can be installed and it is not unusual for either of these to have a remote control. Another great upgrade for either the cast iron or the acrylic is to install the claw foot shower tub. This is the shower, and the curtain rod that is usually hung from the ceiling, so you can still have a stand up shower if you like. This rod will require two or three regular shower curtains, but more good news. There is also a claw foot shower curtain that is quite a bit larger then a regular shower curtain, so you can enjoy the shower without worry of making a mess on the floor where the water goes out between the seams and the cold air will come in.

With the decision the either remodel are to built a new house, consider the use of the vintage style clawfoot bathtub The cast iron clawfoot bathtub bring a feel of warmth and will certainly become the focal point of the bathroom. If you want a modern, up to date performance from the tub, the acrylic clawfoot bathtub can come equipped with a remote controlled whirlpool or jet air.

Shower Curtains in Your Bathroom

One of the quickest, easiest and least expensive ways to brighten up your bathroom is to get a new shower curtain. They also protect your floor, your tub and your privacy. There are many options available, and as many styles to choose from as you could imagine. There are two main types of shower curtains - vinyl or PVC, and fabric curtains, often used with a vinyl liner to protect the fabric.

Vinyl shower curtains come in any number of colors and styles. You may choose a clear curtain, or one that is opaque. There are many designs and patterns available, as well as curtains with popular cartoon and movie characters designed for small children. Think about the colors and theme in your bathroom dcor and you can find a curtain to match or coordinate.

Vinyl is often used in informal bathrooms, as well as those most often used by children. The curtains themselves are easy to find in a variety of styles, as well as relatively inexpensive to re-place if you you're not interested in cleaning them. While you can buy a mildew resistant vinyl curtain, it will need to either be cleaned or replaced eventually, to take care of any dirt, soap scum and mildew.

Fabric shower curtains are often used in more formal bathrooms, or for a more posh, spa-like feeling. A fabric shower curtain will need a vinyl liner to protect it from water. These liners are very inexpensive, so when it comes time to clean your shower curtain, you can throw away and replace the liner, and wash the fabric portion. Fabric shower curtains can be made from almost any kind of fabric. If you are using a sheer or partially sheer fabric, consider using an opaque shower curtain liner in a color that goes with your bathroom theme. Fabric curtains also come in a variety of textures. Texture can be a way to add interest to any room, even when you don't want to add too much color.

Remember the hardware! You'll need to make sure you have a curtain rod that won't rust, firmly attached. There are many kinds of shower curtain hooks to go with many kinds of dcor. For example, a Nautical themed bathroom might use sea shell, star, or anchor themed curtain rings. You can buy simple plastic or metal rings and hooks in many colors and finishes as well. This small addition could be the finishing touch to your bathroom dcor.

Written by James Chapman, a director of Bella Bathrooms who supply Shower Curtain products for the UK market.

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

Shower Heads - Tips For Buying the Right Shower Heads

Most of us do not bother to find out how much our morning shower is costing us. We feel that as long as the shower head is able to provide a pleasant shower, even an old one will do. What people do not realize is that with dwindling water resources and rising energy costs, they could face inflated energy and water bills. Depending on the type of shower head, you could either pay or save plenty of dollars every year on heating and water costs. Hence, you must first find out about the benefits of a shower head before proceeding to purchase one.

Choose The Right Type Of Shower Head

Shower heads are available in different sizes and styles depending upon make and model. They are made to suit requirements of a wide variety of customers. Most houses and apartments come with cheap pre-installed ones. Shower head costs actually depend on the make and type and vary from as low as $100 to even greater than $1000. Another factor to consider while choosing a shower head is the built-in technological features such as thermal energy features provided in the model. Of course, better features also mean increased costs!

Avoid Shower Heads Having Complex Installation

Before buying that attractive shower head, you need to make sure you are aware of its installation procedure. Different shower heads have different installation procedures. Shower heads with complex installation procedures may require you to make various modifications to the plumbing in your house. This can increase the burden on your pocket!

Choose The Model According To Your Requirements

While purchasing a shower head, one must look at the different water spraying ways that are offered by the shower head. Generally those with adjustable spray settings are more popular. Shower heads are available as hand-held and wall-mounted models in the market. You should choose one depending upon the space you have as well as the ease with which it can be used. To enjoy spa-like features you can also avail of vertical showers. Ultimately, the best shower heads are those that have some energy and water saving mechanism and also match the dcor of your home!

Visit CORE online to get free access to tips for buying shower heads.

Insulation Blocking Attic Vents
Mold On Oak Door Jamb

Use a New Bathroom Vanity to Make Your Home Sparkle

Chances are when you buy a new home it is not going to be perfect and have all the features you are looking for. The only way to get your perfect home is by building a house of your home and even then it may not be your ideal home due to budgeting issues. Because of this, chances are you will have to undergo some home remodeling to get the house to where you want it to be. Many people remodel their home because they just simply want to increase the value of their home so that they will have a good return on investment when they go to sell it. On the other hand, some people remodel simply because they want something new and exciting to make their home stand out.

One place to start when you are considering a remodel of your home is the bathroom. The size of the bathrooms and the amount of bathrooms in a home can be a big factor for potential homeowners as well as a factor on how much the home is worth. By adding a bathroom to a master suite or updating an existing bathroom, you can increase the value of your home as well as its appeal to potential homeowners. Besides the kitchen, the bathroom is one of the best rooms in the house to remodel. It gives a great return on investment if done properly and it also adds appeal to a house.

Bathroom remodeling can be as simple as painting the walls a new color and purchasing new decorators or it can be as complex as gutting the whole bathroom and starting from scratch. The first place to start when remodeling the bathroom is to take a look at the bathroom vanity. The bathroom vanity, which contains the sink, mirror, lighting and cabinets, is the main focal point when someone enters a bathroom. Because it is a main focal point, this is a great place to start remodeling project because it will give a completely different look to your bathroom.

To update the vanity you do not have to get a brand new sink and cabinets to make it look new. There are smaller updates you can do that will have your vanity looking new without the expensive cost of purchasing brand new materials. One way to make the vanity look new is by purchasing new hardware for the cabinets. The hardware on the cabinets are a large focal point on the vanity, therefore if they look old and rusted the rest of the bathroom will look old as well. Oil rubbed bronze cabinet hardware is a great way to get a new look as well as satin nickel cabinet pulls. It is important that you do not use these pieces together because it is important to make sure that all the hardware and fixtures match.

In addition to the cabinet hardware, another way to update the vanity is by installing new light fixtures. Lighting is an important element in any room and if done properly can add a whole new look and feel to any room. Bathroom lighting is particularly important on a vanity because you do not want to have to strain in order to see in the mirror. Recessed lighting as well as track lighting add a modern touch to the bathroom and are a great way to update any vanity.

Tori Spade works for Your Home Supply (YHS), the definitive website for Home and Garden products and information on a variety of home improvement products.

http://www.YourHomeSupply.com

Paint Mistake On Wall Register
Carpet Damaged At Threshold

Home Safety For Seniors

'Tis the season for slips and falls! Icy sidewalks, snowy paths..... and inside the house?

Here is a check list of safety precautions for the older members of the family. If your frail elderly mother is moving in with you, or Grandad is coming to stay it is a good idea to go through the house and check for hazards and add a few safety features before they come.

Front path and steps

• Make sure that the paths to the house are even, no major cracks, roots or rocks.
• Keep steps and paths clear of snow and ice.
• Check the stairs - no holes or uneven concrete.
• Hand rails, both sides if possible.
• Path and front entrance well lit. Movement-detector lights work well.

Entrance, Hallways and Stairs

• Declutter - make sure that shoes are put away and outdoor clothes hung up. If there are children, teach them to put their toys away.
• Lighting - halls and stairs should be well lit. A night light in the hall between bedroom and bathroom is vital.
• Take up any loose mats that could be a tripping hazard.
• Check that stair rails are secure.

Bedrooms

• No loose mats or rugs
• Make room around the bed, especially if your elderly Mom or Dad uses a walker.
• Have an easy to reach lamp by the bed. If it is awkward to reach the lamp, a sound activated ("clap-on - clap-off") lamp will help.
• A phone beside the bed.
• For folks stiff with arthritis or others who may feel light-headed when they first stand up, a bed assist handle is a great help in preventing falls.
• Again, keep the area around the bed as clutter-free as possible.

Bathroom

• Where possible install wall bars at the end (tap end) of the bathtub and one on the far wall. A wall bar beside the toilet may also help.
• Some all in one piece, preformed tub surrounds should not have wall bars added. Clamp-on tub grips, or a floor-to-ceiling pole next to the tub can be used.
• Use non-slip mats in the tub or shower.
• A tub or shower stool is useful for those with poor balance.
• Any medications should be clearly marked. A dosette or blister pack will make it easy to keep track that the medications are taken as prescribed.

Living Room

• Remove loose rugs and mats
• Make sure that there is room for a walker if one is used - coffee tables often have to be moved out of the way.
• Avoid rocking/swivelling chairs
• Loose electrical cords are a tripping hazard. Route them away from traffic areas where possible, or use duct tape to fix them to the floor.
• A portable telephone is safer than a fixed phone. Many falls occur when people are rushing to answer the phone. Keep the handset nearby at all times, putting it back in its charger beside the bed overnight.
• Have good lighting, easy to reach switches.

Kitchen

• Make sure that essential utensils are easy to reach
• Use a sturdy step stool to reach higher cupboards
• Have a smoke alarm and be sure to check the batteries regularly
• If your older person has fairly severe memory loss, it may be necessary to limit their cooking or even unplug the stove.
• See that any spills are quickly wiped up.

This may all seem quite overwhelming, but most homes need only a few adjustments. After all, some simple precautions could save a broken hip or worse.

Gillian is the proud grandmother of two 9 year olds and a new grandbaby boy. For more grandparenting ideas, you can visit her website: http://www.grandparentscafe.com

This site offers information on grandparent's rights, distance grandparenting, seniors health, as well as photos, stories, games, and more.

No Stair Nosing

Bath Lift Features and Benefits - A Consumers' Guide to Bath Lifts

Bath lifts are specially designed seats that fit into a standard bathtub with no remodeling or drilling necessary. The seat lowers the user into the bath, and then raises them when they are ready to get out. Of course, some bath lifts are better than others. For example, a reclining bath lift is more comfortable - who wants to sit up perfectly straight while taking a relaxing bath?

The dimensions of the seat itself should also be a consideration. The width of the seat is pretty standard within an inch or so (because it must fit into a standard bathtub), but the depth of the seat varies. Would the user prefer a "deeper" seat, or not? Also, different bath lifts have different weight capacities: if the user is 300 lbs. or more, they will probably need one of the more robust bath lifts. Should the bath seat be portable, to make it easier to transport or store? Most of the better bath lifts can be broken down into two or three pieces, making storage or transportation much easier.

The optional features that are offered with bath seats can make all the difference in the world. For example, some bath lifts offer an optional swivel seat which makes getting into and out of the seat much easier. Also, soft seat covers are usually considered optional and would be more comfortable than the hard plastic surface, but would require cleaning more regularly. For those with greater mobility needs, some bath lifts offer chest harnesses or lap harnesses, which can make it much easier for a caretaker to use.

Bath lifts can be large, expensive, fixed installations; but this guide primarily deals with the more affordable types that are mounted to the bathtub by suction cups and are battery-operated. All battery-operated bath lifts are designed to use the charge intelligently. That is, they will not lower the seat into the bath unless the remaining battery charge is sufficient to raise the chair back up. This means the user doesn't have to worry about being stuck in the bathtub because of a dead battery in the bath lift. These types of bath lifts are very dependable, safe, sturdy, and they don't require professional installation. These models are also much more affordable and have become much more popular than fixed installations.

If you are thinking of purchasing a bath lift for yourself or a loved one, you should take all of these factors into consideration. Bath lifts are now as inexpensive as $500, reclining models are as low as $600, and they offer all the same benefits as the heavy installations that cost several thousand dollars.

Sean Lutger is an experienced writer on products offered by the medical industry. Bath lifts are very convenient, safe, and comfortable. Recently, they have become much more affordable because they can now be installed without remodeling or drilling. Learn more by visiting AmeriGlide.

Plumbing Pipes Crammed Into Stud

Hyperinflation? Depression? What Will be the Outcome of the Fed's Banking Panic?

With what looks like a coming collapse of the banking system and the Federal Reserve taking steps to make the situation much worse, the Panic of 2008 seems to be just beginning. The price of gold and oil keep increasing as inflation and interest rate manipulation are creating a flight of capital out of the US dollar. And with high foreclosure rates, a slowing economy, and rising prices, the American way of life for many is turning increasingly depressing and desperate.

The run on Northern Rock bank in Great Britain, the short run on Countrywide, and now the collapse of Bear Stearns show how weak the banking system has really become. Of course, that is also a reflection of how much doubt there is about the mortgage crisis -- banks are not lending to each other because they are not able to gauge even their own exposure to the subprime mess.

Taking lessons from Enron in how to securitize and hide debt was apparently not a good idea for large banks, as they now have to deal with trillions of dollars of potentially bad debt. Even worse, no one can quite figure out who owns this bad debt, or how to get rid of it.

But the Federal Reserve has stepped in to take care of even that problem, by offering to trade bad mortgage debt for Treasury securities. This deal is only for the largest banks in the country, so average homeowners will not see any benefit from this self-defeating action by the central bank.

On the contrary, the average American should see a continuation of the decrease in his standard of living. The central bank of the country is inflating the currency and destroying the value of the dollar, which will make it difficult to afford even the most basic necessities, such as food and energy.

Thus, it should not be surprising that the prices of commodities are increasing in terms of devalued dollars. Oil and gold are just two of common measurements on the health of the currency. Producing nations will not want to continue trading oil, the most energy-dense fossil fuel, for worthless paper. And the price of gold has always been a reflection of the level of confidence in paper currency, which is why it has been suppressed for decades.

Now that the price of gold has been escaped the control of the world's central bank manipulators, though, the Federal Reserve is focusing on keeping up the appearance of economic health for as long as possible. A recession is probably the best they can hope for, as opposed to an inflationary depression.

But the Fed is walking the path of inflation by lowering rates weekly and injecting essentially free money into the banking system. For some reason, they do not seem to grasp the fact that it was artificially low interest rates that helped grow the housing bubble to such heights. Fixing the problem of inflation with more inflation is not even a short-term band-aid, let alone a long-term solution.

It should not surprise very many people that the bubble has now collapsed and the project of suburbanizing America has slowed down dramatically, even reversing in some areas. Building homes dozens of miles away from any reliable source of energy, food, water, or gainful occupations was never sustainable as an industry, but its tragic collapse has put many former homeowners who were unable to stop foreclosure out into the street.

But even with the slowing economy, loss of jobs, and high foreclosure rates, Americans are being stolen from to bail out the large banks that helped foster this environment. After all, it is America's place in the world to consume through debt the worthless products of the rest of the world, and without healthy banks to trap people into debt slavery, the entire system would have to find some sort of sustainable future not predicated on endless growth to finance interest payments to the banks.

Unfortunately, it is only a matter of time before the situation goes completely out of control. The Federal Reserve, in an effort to avoid the extreme lack of money during the Great Depression, seems to be going in the just-as-extreme direction of hyperinflation experienced in Germany in the early decades of the twentieth century. Except now, they are doing it on a global scale by devaluing the dollar, which will hurt America more than any other country.

The ForeclosureFish website has been created to provide homeowners in danger of losing their houses with relevant and important foreclosure help and resources. The site describes various methods that may be used to save a home, such as foreclosure refinance loans, mortgage modification, short sales, bankruptcy to stop foreclosure, and more. Visit the site to read more articles about how foreclosure works and how the process may be avoided before it is too late: http://www.foreclosurefish.com/

Basement Remodeling Plans - Turn That Boring Room Into a Game Room

More and more people are converting their basements from storage areas into very usable family rooms and game rooms. Basement remodeling plans are sometimes a little more difficult because the sizes of basements and usable space can be a bit tricky. With that said, the advantage of remodeling your basement is the fact that it is going to be used as an additional room and not main living space.

One of the first things you need to do when creating your basement remodeling plans is to decide on a theme that you might want try to and capture with the room. If it's going to be a game room you might want to think about your favorite college sports team or favorite sport for that matter.

Once you've determined the theme and the color scheme that you're going to be using for your new room you need to start thinking about the dcor. Perhaps speaking at a news pinball machine might add a nice touch to the room.

You want to make sure when drawing up your plans that you have an area that will allow you to place the machine, where won't be a distraction for other activities going on the room.

One trick you may try is to contact a few professionals and have them come out and sketch out some basic basement remodeling plans of what they would do with the basement. There's no obligation to choose any certain contractor, but by speaking with them and having them sketch out some plans for you in creating a bid. It gives you some great ideas to go on.

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

Door Fill In With Damage

Humans are Unique to Animals; Are We Sure?

The topic recently came up in an online think tank as to if Human are truly unique to all other animals. Are they? That indeed is hard to say, but at least one researcher wanted to prove it and will thru experimentation find some answers to this question.

Yet in doing so, another think tanker has asked yet another question and provided us with some insight. As he stated: So, why are we needing scientific data. Humans are animals and there is no real difference, which warrants a separate classification. The fact that we drive cars, fly planes and have jobs is somewhat of a new trend in human evolution and although we have leisure time to think, that it is not so uncommon amongst large top of their food chain mammals? Dolphins, Cats, Herd Animals, Dogs, etc do this as well and many higher order birds seem to and even reptiles seem to reason, strategize and such in building homes, hunting and self preservation.

Interesting comments indeed and we know that currently humans are of the animal kingdom and classified as large higher-order mammals. And thus the think tanker went on to ask some more hard hitting questions:

So, I do not see a need to re-categorize each or re-classify each. In fact the previous work in this field which tries to separate out humans as a separate classification is about as absurd as the Plantation Owners in the South trying to prove that their Negro Slaves were savages and non-humans or a separate category.

How do you feel about the thought that humans are only animals and that there is really not one single behavioral characteristic which makes them unique from all other animals. Consider all this in 2006.

"Lance Winslow" - Online Think Tank forum board. If you have innovative thoughts and unique perspectives, come think with Lance; http://www.WorldThinkTank.net/. Lance is a guest writer for Our Spokane Magazine in Spokane, Washington