Counter Stools - Compare and Contrast the Options You Can Use to Make a Unique Kitchen Design

Kitchen remodeling is always a challenge. Breaking away from an established seating pattern can be exciting and1C84 frustrating at the same time but it affords you an opportunity to compare and contrast the options you can use to make a unique kitchen design. This is especially true if you're installing a counter or a pub style table.

A contractor or draftsman's yardstick will come in handy in measuring the height of the table or counter. How many times have you been in a restaurant or bar and the stool seemed to be wrong size for the table or the counter? The yardstick will allow you to accurately measure the distance from the floor to the upper edge or the counter of table thereby giving you an idea of what style and height would be most appropriate.

For instance if you have a kitchen counter that is 46", the most appropriate stool would be 34". A quick rule-of-thumb is to have a 9-13" gap between the seat and the counter. This will provide a very comfortable seating experience to the average person.

In lieu of a kitchen table, counter top dining space is an aesthetically pleasing alternative. Kitchen counter dining space is usually incorporated in a multi-use island. These islands can be an exaggerated square, oblong or kidney-shaped. The top may be made of wood coated with a polyurethane finish, marble or ceramic tile. They can usually comfortably accommodate two, four or even six people depending on the width of the counter stools.

When designing the counter seating area and counter stools due consideration should be given to the users. In order to feel a part of the overall family dining experience allowances for a lower counter and smaller stools will have to be incorporated to accommodate smaller children. Many manufacturers make these smaller stools in the same style as the normal size counter stools.

For a more European flavor metal stools are usually a good choice. The circular ringed footrest adds to the overall comfort of the stool. Multicolored art deco stools are more reminiscent of a retro look, while thick padded upholstered stools lend themselves to a more elegant look. For a more eclectic look chairs of similar but somewhat different styles can also serve as counter seating.

No matter what the style the stool should be sturdy in design and allow for a 6" to 10" comfort gap between the seated diner and the counter. The design should never overpower the overall dcor of the kitchen, but rather complement it. Counter stools add warmth and unique seating possibilities; much more so than the traditional table against the wall with chairs shoved underneath or a large table taking up a large amount of space in the middle of the floor. Keeping the height requirements in mind, the possibilities are endless when creating a uniquely designed eating area using counter stools.

Author Jennifer Akre is an owner of different niche online stores that offer customers not only products, but information relating to furnishing and decorating indoor and outdoor living spaces. Whether you want to redecorate your living room or create the ultimate outdoor environment perfect for entertaining, there is a lot of helpful advice to take advantage of to make it happen. Today, she shares her insight when investing in luxurious dining room furniture and sturdy dining tables. For your space, each would be a great fit.

Refurbishing Your Home With a Reputable Remodeler

Refurbishing your house is a large undertaking and you want to make sure you get a reliable remodeler to help you get the job done right and to the specification you agree upon in the cont2238ract before hand. Always insist on the contract to spell everything out as to what you expect the remodeler to do and in what time frame. A reliable remodeler should have no problem signing a contract because they want to satisfy you as their customer.

There are several places on the Internet that collect data for reliable remodelers and contractors so that you don't have to go blindly looking to the telephone book and come up short when it comes to refurbishing your home. You never know what you're going to get unless you have recommendations from previous customers that are willing to vouch for these remodelers. The places on the Internet collect information such as licensing and certification of the remodelers and sometimes testimonials from former customers so that you are satisfied your chosen the right person to refurbish your home.

Your house is your biggest investment in so anyone doing any work on it needs to be reliable which means showing up when they say they are going to and doing the work as outlined in an agreed-upon contract. You are the customer, you are the one who gets to be the boss and say what is what. If you don't like something speak up or you will have to live with it or have it fixed by another contractor who might not be as reliable as the first.

Cheryl Criswell: I am also a registered builder, and build 2 spec houses a year for the market. I also provide project management for those wanting to be their own builder. For more information got to http://www.renovatingreferral.com Find out how this website can find the best contractor, project manager, or remodeler for you and your project.

Metal Gazebo - The Best Gazebo For Your Yard

A gazebo is a great way to add functional space to your backyard with grace and charm. Envision entertaining your guests in your handsome gazebo on a warm summer evening as the stars twinkle above you. The uses for a gazebo are many including a dining or sitting area or an enclosure for your hot tub or spa. They are becoming ever more popular for large gatherings like w5B4eddings and corporate events. A metal gazebo will offer structural strength without the mass of other materials such as those made of wood.

A metal gazebo will offer a wide range of protection against the weather depending upon which design you choose. If your metal gazebo has roofing or a tarp, this will provide you with protection against the sun and rain. With a screened metal gazebo or a gazebo with netting, you will enjoy being protected against those pesky, biting insects that can ruin even the most casual evenings.

When you are in the planning stages of your gazebo, you can include metal structures when researching the type of gazebo you want without fear of the metal gazebo rusting. Most metal structures are made out a non-rusting material such as coated steel or aluminum. A metal gazebo can add elegance and appeal to any backyard setting and it will last for years to come without requiring too much up-keep.

When you opt for a metal gazebo, you will find many unique and unusual styles that are not available with other materials. You can be as elaborate or as understated as you like. You are sure to find the perfect gazebo to fit yours and your familys lifestyle when you see how much is available. They are easily assembled, and often provide legs for giving extra stability. You can purchase your metal gazebo in a kit and do the assembly yourself, or have someone from the store you purchased it from, 527come and install it for you.

You will never be sorry you chose a metal gazebo to construct in your backyard. It will make everyday family events seem like something special. You can decorate your metal gazebo to reflect the changing seasons and your unique personality. Start looking into getting a metal gazebo for your outdoor needs and begin enjoying the al-fresco lifestyle you deserve.

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Sanding Hardwood Floors

There are certain hardwoods that are vulnerable to weather and climate changes. Some woods contract or shorten when it is hot. Others expand when there is moisture. When this happens, the floor becomes uneven. If left unchecked, it could ruin the look of the room and even become hazardous enough to cause accidents.

You1C26 do not have to take out the planks and replace them. The more practical solution is to sand them. Sanding your floor is a project that needs your dedication and time, whether you do it yourself or hire a contractor for it.

Sanding It All Away

For the initial sanding, you will need to use the coarsest sandpaper- the 20 grit. There is a sanding machine that you can use to make the whole ordeal easier and faster.

For efficiency, you will need to sand the floor at a 45 degree angle to the grain. It may take several rounds before the surface evens. It really depends on the precision of the tongue-and-grove milling of the hardwood.

Another technique is pushing and pulling the sander as it moves. The pressure is strong as it moves forward. You will need to lift the sander at an angle and apply pressure as it moves back. Continue this method until the diagonal scratches are not visible anymore. You must be careful that the traces of the sandpaper are eliminated. The slightest pattern will show after you apply a coating.

The process may take a long time. Be prepared to change the sandpaper form time to time. Stock up on 20, 36, 60, 80, and 100 grit sandpaper. For wood that is coated with aluminum oxide, use a commercially available softening solution before sanding. It may be hard to sand if you do not do this. Sandpaper also contains aluminum oxide so scratching the two surfaces against each other will take more force.

Hardwood Floors provides detailed information on Hardwood Floors, Engineered Hardwood Floors, Solid Hardwood Floors, Long-strip Hardwood Floors and more. Hardwood Floors is affiliated with Install Hardwood Flooring.

Lego - A History Of These Building Blocks Of Imagination

Lego bricks. Creativity. Childhood. They go together like Mickey Mouse and Disney, wizards and Harry Potter. Lego has been a part of childhood for more than three generations. Nearly everyone under 50 has played with these building blocks of imagination. There is no telling how many engineers and scientists were spawned by these plastic building blocks.

Lego is synonymous with plastic toy bricks that can be easily transformed into buildings, space ships, cars, boats, trains and a myriad of other toys. The key is that the child gets to assemble the toy from the basic building blocks. Each toy can be assembled, disassembled and reassembled in enough new shapes and forms to tickle the imagination and stretch the youngsters creativity.

Today, Lego is much more that the simple blocks invented in 1949. It is toys, theme parks, movies, and CDs. Lego building blocks and other products are distributed around the world. These tiny plastic bricks and the company they have built, are a phenomenon with a success as remarkable as Mickey Mouse.

Lego Bricks Become The Building Blocks Of Fantasy

Where did Lego come from and how did it get to be such an important tool for childhood creativity?

Our story begins in Billund, Denmark. It is 1932. Master carpenter and joiner Ole Kirk Kristiansen opened a new business. His little company makes stepladders, ironing boards and wooden toys. He has just six employees. Nobody could have imagined, but Lego and the little building blocks of imagination had just been born.

Two years later, Kristiansen adopted the name Lego as a brand name for his toys. The name is derived from the Danish words "leg godt," which mean "play well." Ironically, he later discovered that Lego in Latin means "I put together. Lego has truly come to mean "put together" and "play well" in virtually every language. At this time, all of the companys toys were being made from wood.

In 1942, the Lego factory burned to the ground. Kristiansen rebuilt.

In 1947, the Lego Company became the first company in Denmark to buy an injection-Molding machine. It began making plastic toy dolls and other toys. The famous bricks were yet to be invented.

It was not until 1949 that the Lego company introduced the Automatic Binding Brick, a little plastic brick, some with four studs and some with eight. At this time, the company was producing about 200 different plastic toys. The Automatic Binding Brick was sold exclusively in Denmark.

By 1950, plastic toys became half of the companys business. Ole Kirks son, Godtfred Kirk, who had worked in the company since age 12, was appointed junior vice president at age 30.

In 1954, Godtfred Kirk made a trip to England to meet with a purchasing agent. The purchasing agent told Kristiansen that he thought the Automatic Binding Bricks lacked an idea and system. Godtfred returned to Denmark. The Lego System was developed. The following year, Godtfred introduced the Lego System at a toy fair in Germany. It was the first time it was introduced outside of Denmark. The results were disappointing. Kristiansen did not give up. Later that year, the Lego System Play was developed. It was an improved system for the Lego bricks. The Lego System Play was exported to Sweden, where it sold well.

In 1959, Lego bricks and the Lego System were introduced in Great Britain, France, and Belgium.

It wasnt until 1961 that Lego bricks were first marketed in the U.S. and Canada. They were an immediate hit and distribution around the world continued. By the end of that decade, 843 people in Billund worked for the Lego company. The first Legoland film was produced. In 1969, the DUPLO system for children under age five was introduced.

By 1970, there were almost 1,000 employees at the plant in Billund.

In 1980, the Educational Products Department was established. The DUPLO Rabbit logo was introduced and a survey showed that 70 percent of all Western European families with children under age 14 had Lego in their home.

As 1990 unfolded, the Lego Group had become one of the worlds 10 largest toy manufacturers and the only toy company of that size in Europe. The others were in Japan and the U.S. More than one million people visited the LEGOLAND theme park and Godtfred Kirk Kristiansen celebrated his 70th birthday. Lego Publishing was renamed Lego Licensing and the LEGOLAND Band issued an LP.

With the beginning of the new century, LEGO continues to grow. It has also continued to remain a family owned company. These days, Kjeld Kirk Kristiansen, the grandson of Ole Kirk, runs the company.

In 2003, a record 1.63 million people visited the LEGOLAND theme park in Billund. The Lego mini-figure celebrated its 25th birthday and the BIONICLE film Mask of Light was released to great success. Representations of the Lego mini-figures Biff Starling and Sandy Moondust are the first earthlings to reach the planet Mars onboard the NASA Mars rovers "Spirit" and "Opportunity." The Lego Education Center in Shanghai opened. The concept was aimed at children from age three to age twelve. There are more than 80 Lego Education Centers in Korea alone. www.lego.com receives around four million visitors per month.

Lego bricks are more than just building blocks. They are learning toys. They build on favorite themes and childrens stories and allow the child to exercise his or her own imagination and creativity. Offshoots of the basic brick include such toys as Lego Robotics, Star Wars Lego, Harry Potter Legos and many other building toys and kids' games. It is truly amazing what a few bricks and a full measure of imagination will produce.

About the author: Royce Armstrong is a successful freelance writer with a business and banking background who believes consumers should get the best value for their money when shopping for legos, building toys and building blocks.

Kitchen Renovation Contractor

Our whole homes should be a reflection of our personalities, our kitchens are no different. They are very personal rooms that are considered as the heart of the house. In order to i5B4mpress people with your kitchen you should make sure you get exactly what you want.

There are two ways to get what you want when you are having your kitchen renovated. The first is doing it yourself, now this is obviously very difficult, but you are guaranteed to get exactly what you want. The other easier way is to hire a contractor and guide him closely. You could even use kitchen design software to lay out your kitchen and help to make sure your contractor knows exactly what you want.

Discussing Your Choices With Your Contractor

Before you rush out to buy some software to remodel your kitchen you should decide what you want to gain from your kitchen remodelling project. Carry out some research to find out what would work well for your kitchen, investigate all of the current trends and see which you like. You can research these things in magazines and even on the internet. There are lots of websites where you can get this information for free which will save you the price of a magazine!

There are many different designs of kitchen available, you should start by making a list of everything you need in your kitchen. Do you need a dishwasher? Do you need a microwave? Continue in this fashion until you have listed all of these things. You will need to make sure you leave enough space for these appliances when you are fitting your new cabinets and remodelling your kitchen. Try to cater for everything that will be fou5ABnd in your kitchen, even including somewhere to store your utensils.

If you are renovating your kitchen using home renovations software I should warn you it can be contagious! Just watch you don't get carried away and do the whole house. You should try to make the house design flow, and this can be done by renovating the house in stages. Your contractor should be able to offer you valuable advice on your renovation projects so make sure you ask your contractor for their opinion.

Kurt Schefken's papers can be found on different web publications with reference to kitchen cabinets. His observations on wall mount faucets can be discovered on http://www.kitchen-cabinets-tips.com

Any Central Vacuum System Can Pick Up Water

Imagine your house flooded with water from broken plumbing pipes. For many of us it doesn't take much imagination, because we have lived through the experience. For me it was the day my five year old, unbeknownst to me, decided to draw a bath in the upstairs bathroom, got distracted, came downstairs, and left the water running. I walked into the garage to find water pouring down from the ceiling. We scrambled to rent anything we could find that would suck up water.

Recently, a friend of mine, in the last stages of a kitchen remodel, was watching the plumber as he connected the water to her kitchen sink. With beautiful new cabinets and new hardwood floors she was just a breath away from the kitchen she had dreamed of for the past 15 years. When the plumber finished and turned the water back on, it was as if a dam had burst. Water poured out from under the sink, flooding her dream kitchen. Just like me, she scrambled to rent anything she could find that would suck up water.

And then last Christmas another friend had family visiting from out of town. His bathroom, unable to handle the extra waste load, flooded, sending water onto his hardwood floors. Unlike my friend and myself, this family owned a central vacuum system and a wet-pickup accessory for the system. He said he got the accessory, hooked it up to his system, and proceeded to quickly get rid of all the water in his house, leaving the hardwood floors undamaged.

If you own a central vacuum system, this accessory is a must. Many companies make them including Aqua-Air, Dust Care and Lindsay Manufacturing. Aqua-Air also manufactures a central vacuum system that is self-flushing and is designed to pick-up water. However, if you already have a central vacuum and are not ready to replace it, a wet pick-up accessory is a must have for your home.

Renee Ambrose is co-owner of Central Vacuum Stores, an online retail company specializing in helping the do-it-yourselfer install built-in home products. https://www.centralvacuumstores.com

The Best Time to Inspect Your Home!

Home inspections conducted prior to a home being placed on the market is one of the wisest moves a seller can make. The initial response from sellers when approached with the idea of an inspection done as the home is about to be put up for sale is most always the same - "What?!"

Let's review a few of the most common concerns about Pre-Listing Home Inspections.

1. "The buyer will not accept an inspection done for the seller."

That is correct! The inspection done for the seller is not intended to replace the inspection done for the buyer. The purpose of the pre-listing inspection is to put the seller in control!

Given that no good surprise can come to the seller during the home inspection, regardless of when it is done or whom it is done for, it makes perfect sense to get every strand of information as soon as it can be gotten. Bad news doesn't get better with time.

If there is some b111Cad news, or more correctly, some items that needs attention or might have an impact on the home's value, who better to receive that information than the seller? And when is a better time to receive that information than before the home is placed on the market?

The simple fact is this - a home inspection at the time of listing will put the seller in the best possible position. With the complete and clear view of the home's strengths and weaknesses, the home can be marketed to the best benefit of the seller.

2. "I don't want to pay for the inspection."

This is certainly understandable. The seller generally perceives that the inspection is intended for the buyer, hence, should be a buyer's responsibility. But to have the benefit of the information it must be paid for. Never have we had a complaint from a seller about the value of the inspection! In every case at the conclusion of a pre-listing inspection, the seller felt they had made a good choice in spending the money to get the inspection done.

In most cases, the seller's feel good getting the peace of mind of knowing that no major event or expense will be uncovered by the buyer's inspector. And on the rare occasion when it is discovered by the pre-listing inspector that the roof is completely shot or there is some other big expense or danger, the sellers, while not happy to have the problem, are glad to have discovered it on their own terms. The small expense of the inspection is always less then the cost and aggravation of a hurried hunt to get something repaired or replaced after the home is under contract.

Save the pain, spend the money. Get every home inspected prior to putting it on the market!

3. "The home is selling 'as is'."

This may be the best reason of all to inspect at listing! If the home is being sold "as is", reduce your risk and liability as the seller by getting a pre-listing inspection. In order for the home to sell quickly and at the highest price, disclose every condition of the home. The inspection gives both the buyer and the seller the comfort of knowing that the home "is as it is". With a pre-listing inspection, there is a high likelihood that the home is as represented.

Even in an "as is" contract, the buyer may still have their own inspection performed. If these two inspections are similar in content, it is rare the buyer will walk or counter offer. That, in fact, is the goal of the "as is" sale.

Another concern of sellers is that they will have to repair every item that is discovered to be discrepant on the inspection report. This is simply not true. It would be true that every discrepant item needs to be disclosed, and those disclosures may impact value and hence asking price, but nothing need necessarily be corrected.

Amazing as it may seem, homes inspected prior to going on the market have two very significant attributes:

1. They sell faster than homes not inspected until the buyer has made an offer.

2. They sell closer to the asking price than homes not inspected until the buyer has made an offer.

Why the heck does that happen?

When the buyer makes an offer, there is an assumption made by the buyer, reasonable or not, that there is nothing wrong with the home! If there was something wrong with the home that the seller knew about, but did not disclose, shame on them, it is about to cost them money. Most often, though, the items that come up on the inspection by the buyer were unknown to the seller. Sur-prise, sur-prise, sur-prise! And we've already established that surprise is not good in real estate. So how is it that the inspection for the seller makes the buyer pay more for the home and do it in less time?

Let us create an example of a 20-year-old home that has a fair market value of $100,000, just to make the math easy. That value assumes that nothing is wrong with the home. When the buyer has the home inspected it is with the assumption that anything discovered to be wrong will be corrected by the seller or a price concession will be made.

Now, let's consider that the buyers inspection revealed the need for a new roof, several plumbing leaks, and the need for replacement of three exterior doors. When these discoveries are made by the buyer's inspection, the clock is running and running fast. These items need to be corre5A6cted before the sale can be completed. This time crunch puts the seller at a disadvantage when dealing with the contractors. When time is critical, you have fewer choices and the costs go up. Additionally, the buyer often wants to have input on who does what work.

This situation is always tense and expensive. It can be avoided!

Let us now assume that the inspection result occurs, but it is for the seller as the home goes onto the market. The seller is now in control. Armed with a clear picture of what is wrong, the seller can choose to shop calmly for the best value in repair contractors, offer a credit at closing or adjust the sales price to reflect the diminished value. They can even make the necessary repairs, then increase the price of the home to reflect the increased value!

No matter the choices made, the seller, on the seller's time frame, makes them. This actually makes for a neater, simpler buying decision for the buyer. The buyer knows better what condition the home is in and knows what issues to base the initial offer on. The buyer will still in most cases get the home inspected, but this is a breeze. It is rare that any additional items of significance arise.

The pre-listing inspection puts deal killing at the lowest risk. Most often, it makes for an awesome deal-closing tool!

Copyright Florida HomePro, Inc. and Wallace J. Conway. All rights in all media reserved.

Wally Conway is President of Florida HomePro Inspections, and is featured regularly on HGTV's "House Detective". As a speaker, instructor, author, and host of The Happy Home Inspector radio show every Saturday at 3 PM on WOKV 690, Wally blends the right amount of up-to-date information with just the right amount of humor, insight, motivation, and real-world application. Visit http://www.wallyconway.com and http://www.gohomepro.com for more information on his new book, "Secrets of the Happy Home Inspector"!

Home Remodeling - Some Useful Tips

Home remodeling includes remodeling of various parts of your house such as kitchen, bathroom, lobby, sitting room, basement and all. Home remodeling is a complete package that gives a new and complete look to your home. With home remodeling, you also get to modify the exteriors and interiors of your home in a way that you want. Home modeling is now a common phenomenon amongst many home owners in many parts of the world. Home remodeling also lets you restructure your home and incorporate the latest trends and fashion.

However, there are a few things you need to consider before opting for home remodeling. First of all you need to hire a contractor to remodel your home (of course after you have done enough research find the best one; internet research is a good option). A contractor is a n expert and can also show you various options and designs. An expert will do a better job than you can do any day. Second, you need to have a budget for home remodeling. You need to keep some money aside for home remodeling. Also, keep in mind that during the process of home remolding, sometimes there are unanticipated expenditures. So, always have some funds aside for that.

You can choose either specialized contractor or general contractor for your tasks, depending on your requirements. Also, consult your friends and relatives when choosing a contractor. If possible, see their past works to get an idea of the quality of their work. Home renovation does not happen everyday, and when you get it done, ensure that you get the best.

For more tips and details please visit www.allremodel.com.

Natasha

New Home Construction Loans

New House Construction loans are different from those loans that are used to purchase already existing homes or what is called a refinance. Mortgages used to purchase homes which are already constructed, use the home as collateral for payment of the loan. If in case you fail to make scheduled mortgage payments, then the bank takes ownership of the home and it will sell to get the amount of the loan.

With a new home construction loan, there will be no home to use as collateral because the home is still to be built. In that case, the bank will have your word as guarantee for payment of the loan. It would be good if banks could simply consider your word for it, but when hundreds of thousands of dollars and sometimes millions are at stake, John Smiths signature is not enough for the bank to simply hand over a check for you to begin construction.

Because of the nature of the home building process, the financing process concerning a new home construction loan is more stringent. Once the lender has accepted you to borrow a new home construction loan, a schedule will be outlined again. In this draw schedule, the lender tells how the loan will be disbursed.

Typically, new home construction loans are disbursed in 25% increments. 25% of the loan amount will be given to you by lender,when you complete 25% of your construction. The lender requires an appraisal of the progress to ensure himself that said work has been completed.

You need not make any payments on your new home construction loan until or unless the original disbursement has been made. At that moment, only interest payments will be due on the loan and a good news is that you need to pay only for the portion of the loan that has been disbursed.

The more you construct the more loan of your's is disbursed, your monthly payments will be increased and this will happen because each time you are paying interest on a huge amount of money when a disbursement is made. Your entire balance of the new home construction loan will be due,when you complete your construction completely.

Dont panic. You will have a way to pay this balance well in advance. How, you ask? Before you make a approval for a new home construction loan, the lender will ask you first to approve for a mortgage. To ensure mortgage approve, the new home construction lender will request a assurance letter from the lender of your mortgage.

Once construction is complete, the amount of the mortgage is used to pay you back the balance of the new home construction loan. You have a chance to choose between a one- or two-time to close new home construction loan. The primary difference between the two types of loans is the time at which the interest rate is locked in. When you choose one-time closing, both the construction loan and the mortgage closes at the same time,and locking the interest rate for both loans. On the other hand, when you choose two-time closing the construction loan closes first, and then the mortgage closes when you complete your construction.

http://www.sandiegohometoursonline.com/

Bathroom Design Plan - How To Make a Small Bath Look Bigger

What will you do if your perfect bathroom plan is bigger than the space you actually have? Instead of tearing down the wall to make up for that much needed space, why not use these simple yet effective ideas to make your design look bigger...

1. Multi-purpose cabinet and display shelf

One cabinet with display shelf that is both functional and decorative is enough for your plan. Use thin and long cabinet to create an illusion of open space. Maximize the wall by going long instead of going wide.

2. Better floor management

Open up your space even more by showing as much floor as your can. A floating vanity creates an illusion of additional floor space. Also, use lighter color flooring materials to make the room appear larger.

3. Use proper materials

One of the better ways to create a spacious bathroom is to install simple yet elegant wall tiles. It could be made of glass, marble, limestone, or ceramic. Use a minimalist wall treatment approach so that it can achieve a clear and spacious look. Another tip is to make your bathroom cohesive to the entire house. Install in your bathroom the same wall material you use on the room next to it. But do not limit yourself to these options alone. Be 16CEcreative. Employ some elements such as window, glass wall, or mirrors to generate a more open feel.

4. Work on the ceiling.

If you are stuck with a limited floor area, think above your head. Let the natural light to come in by constructing clear glass ceiling on one area of the bathroom, for example the bathtub. If the budget permits, set the ceiling higher than your original plan. A 10ft. by 10ft. bathroom constructed with an additional foot of ceiling is equivalent to 100cu.ft. of free space. A high ceiling will definitely give you the feel of open space.

5. Use appropriate equipment, fittings, and fixtures.

Sink, bathtub, toilet, basin, vanities, shower, faucets, knots, and bots should not overwhelm one another. The perfect plan is the one that give attention to both big and small details. If you can't find commercially available equipment, fittings, and fixtures that will fit to your plan, hiring a contractor or customizing them yourself is a viable option.

For bathroom design ideas, visit http://www.bathroomdesignideas101.com

Building Your Holiday Home in Australia

Build Your Holiday Home in Western Australia

Many people are now buying Holiday Homes or investment property abroad. Why not take a look at Western Australia; wherever you go in this country, you are never far away from miles and miles of golden sandy beaches, blue seas and beautiful weather.

In Australia, non resident can buy either newly built properties or building plots. The majority of the properties are usually in the suburbs of the cities, popular holiday resorts or large towns. If you wish to be a little more remote or individual you only have to buy a plot of land and build. This really is not a problem, plots are sold with all the services and there are plenty of builders, large or small just waiting to take you by the hand and build your dream holiday home for you.

Buying and building a property may sound daunting but it is not at all, the pain has been taken out of it; because a large proportion of Australian's who live in WA build their own homes. This is mainly because they dont want to live in the popular busy places on big housing estates or they prefer to have a house that is individual to their needs, also building land and builders are very available. WA is growing fast and there is getting to be a shortage of built properties so they buy a plot and build.

WA has grown over the last few years, as many people have moved from the high prices in the East; if you venture away from the cities you find that there are no newly built housing estates built by one builder but fields that have been sub-divided and sold off as individual plots with all the services and roads ready for you to connect too.

Finding either a single builder plus an architect to design your dream place and oversee the build or a large building company who will have a selection of plans for you to choose your holiday home from. Both will take you by the hand and build your property without problems, it is not the headache you may think it will be, as they have been building individual places for people for years and most of the problems have been ironed out.

It will take you about a year from buying the plot to completing your property and taking possession; this is certainly not as stressful as buying a shell and modernizing a property in a country were you dont even speak the language.

Cost of plots have gone up over the last few years but you can still pick up very cheap plots if you are willing to go away from the tourist areas and nowhere is far from the beach.

In many areas of Western Australia it is like walking back in time but with all the mod cons of today and everyone is so very friendly. Perth is the jewel in the crown, with the Swan River winding its way through the beautiful city. Take a bus ride up to Kings Park and see the amazing panoramic view over the city of the river and the sea beyond, it is a spectacular view not to be missed. This city has so much to offer both the young and old with its many beaches, beautiful shops and restaurants with the old Port of Freemantle to discover nearby.

Travel through WA to the far north you will come to the wild remoteness of Broom, then journey back you can visit the coral reefs of Exmouth and the Dolphins at Sharks Bay. This country is so diverse that an hours train journey from Perth inland, you will find scrub and desert, where the first prospectors found and mined gold at Kalgooli, here is one of the largest open cast mines in the world, a spectacular sight where incredibly large dumper trucks look like tiny Dinky toys. Journey South from here you come to the wheat belt and the vineyards in the South and the country town of Albany. But better still go and take the journey yourself and discover the freedom it offers.

Title. Build Your Holiday Home in Western Australia
Author. Anne Fenwick
Word Count.702
URLwww.parkfenbookshop.com
Were you will find my ebook on building properties in WA
Mail to anne@parkfenbookshop.com

Financing A Modular Home - You May Like What You Learn

Are you hesitant to look into purchasing a modular home because you dont know how the financing will work? If so, you can relax, because the skyrocketing demand for modular homes now has banks and mortgage companies viewing them as mortgage properties just like traditionally constructed homes.

Financing a modular home is not difficult and buying and building a modular home will probably cost less than building a stick home of the same square footage. So your mortgage costs could be surprisingly low.

The Modular Home Manufacturing Process
Because sections of modular homes are all produced at a single factory, the materials which go into those sections will all be shipped to that factory from wherever they are produced. Centralized modular home production means cost savings; the materials used in traditional homes are bought from various supply housed and then delivered to the building site. And often the delayed delivery of one item can hold up the entire construction schedule, even if all the other materials are on site.

Another of the reasons for the lower costs of modular homes is that because their sections are constructed in the protected environments of factories, their manufacturers can buy materials in bulk, when prices are low, and store it out of the elements until it is needed to fill orders. And because those materials are machine cut with precision, there is very little waste.

Modular Home Construction
There is an equally small amount of waste in the modular home construction process. Each section of the modular home is assembled according to the homes plan, and mounted on a prepared permanent foundation. Because so much of the wiring, insulation, and plumbing is already done, there is little delay caused from various contractors not having the time to spend at your building site.

Once all the sections of your modular home have been fixed together, which is normally a matter of weeks, and not months, you will be ready to move in. You wont have to find and pay for alternative lodging, and keep you belongings in storage, while you wait for your new home to be completed.

All these lower costs mean that the amount of money you will need for financing a modular home will also be lower, and so will your mortgage payments.

The entire modular home process, from start to finish, is designed to lower the cost on housing. And the system works; financing a modular home, if you have been paying a mortgage on a traditional one, may give you a very pleasant surprise!

You can also find more info on Modular Home Mortgage and Modular Home Prices. 1modularhomes.com is a comprehensive resource to get information about Modular Homes.

Home Improvement Contractor Is He Qualified

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Show Your Renovation Sketch And Take A Loan

Adding more space is one of the top ways to increase the value of your home. By building an extension, converting the loft into another bedroom or an office or adding a conservatory, you can give a boost to the price of your home. If you have several bedrooms, creating another bathroom could also give you a good return on the investment and an increased level of comfort also. A survey by a reputed financial company recently revealed that the most popular home improvements were redecorating carried out by 66% of respondents, gardening (41%), new furnishings (30%), new wooden or laminated flooring (25%) and adding a new bathroom (24%).

Many home improvement projects can cost more than you anticipate, forcing you to borrow from the loan market. If you opt for an instalment based loan then it's easy to get carried away as you are assured that the repayment money will be available to you. Some lenders also cap your borrowing. If your project is expensive then you might be left short of money.

If you take out an exclusive home improvement loan then you should ensure that the loan amount is paid within the pre-agreed time period. To do this, you have to manage your budget much more effectively and access your cash at the time of requirement only. In case you spend less than your budget, there wont arise any need to borrow more money and pay more interest. And, if you go over budget, then you'll still have ready access to the money you need. You can link your home improvement loan with an existing mortgage package. It will help you in lowering interest rate and may be able to release equity to help fund your project.

Homeowner loans for renovation purposes combine great rates with refreshing levels of customer service. Getting a quote for these loans is easy and hassle-free, embodying clear instructions. You can apply for these loans online and get an instant decision. At the time of loan application, you have to choose how much you want to borrow - between 5,000 and 250,000 - and how long you want to take to repay your loan - anytime between 5 and 25 years.

The interest rates on home improvement loans are generally fixed. So, your repayments remain the same throughout the loan period, irrespective of the fluctuations in the UK financial market. Some lenders offer the opportunity of deferred payments for the first three months to make the loan plan more affordable.

37FAbout The Author: For more information about home renovation loans and home owner loan. Please visit our website http://www.longdogfinance.co.uk/

Contractor For Home Improvements

Embarking on a home renovation project helps to add up to the value of your home or property. When in the process of hiring a contractor, homeowners are encouraged to check requirements such as the validity of insurance, Workman's Compensation or other, bonding, licenses and other credentials from a prospective renovation contractor.

You also need to check out the references provided, and ask about recently completed projects similar to your own. Verifying out a home improvement contractor's credentials and references before making a decision is important to helping to ensure the contractor you hire would truly be the right one for you. It also helps to protect your investment by making sure a contractor's credentials are updated,to ensure that the home renovation project would be successful.

Never Hire A Contractor Unless You First Read The Contract

Contract requirements with home renovation contractors may vary from state to state. One aspect that is uniform regardless of where you live, is that verbal agreements are worthless should a dispute break out. Therefore, although a contract might not be required by law, do not hire a contractor without first obtaining a contract that outlines the project in specific detail.

The home improvement project contract should be signed by both parties, that is, the project owner and the contractor, or all parties involved if some aspects of the work will be sub-contracted, or services of another service provider professional should be required. A project contract should protect the interests of both the homeowner and the service provider. It should include the following:

- A clear, concise, and complete description of the project, from starting and completion dates.

- The project owner and contractor's name, physical address, mailing address, and phone, as well as the physical address of the project site, the insurance service provider information and the license number of the contractor, if required.

- Terms of payment schedule for the contractor, subcontractor, and suppliers.

- The project quote or estimate.

A Contractor Should Have Adequate Insurance And Other Credentials

A major requirement that every home improvement contractor with employees should have, is the provision of Workers' Compensation, which is a type medical insurance also known as "workers' comp." A sub-contractor hired by the contractor also need to be covered. If the contractor is verified to be uninsured and/or has uninsured employees, then please don't even consider hiring them, or else you could be sued and held monetarily responsible for worker's injuries sustained while on your property.

Also, you need to ensure that the contractor has a sales tax ID number, as this would be a better way to verify a business' existence and see if it is legitimate Take note, however, that a one-man or part-time operations with annual sales below a specific amount may be exempt. Also, make sure the contractor has a valid license or permit if any are required for the type project planned, whether at state or local level, as some counties require that a contractor have a pre-paid contractor's license if they request money prior to completion of work.

Home renovation contractors with employees should also be registered with Workers Compensation. Avoid hiring companies with workers who are not registered with Workers Compensation, or those who are otherwise uninsured. You could be held liable for any accidents and injuries acquired by contractors and workers that happen on your property.

http://realestatepress.org - Real Estate Press

Vanessa A. Doctor from Jump2Top - SEO Company

Changing a Toilet Wax Ring

If there is water slowly leaking around the base of your toilet, or you constantly smell a foul odor in your bathroom chances are the toilet wax ring has begun to fail and it is time for it to be replaced.

A toilet wax ring is pretty much described by its name. It is a 1 to 2 inch thick ring of wax, frequently found surrounding a plastic funnel. The toilet wax ring works by forming a water/air tight seal between the base of the porcelain toilet base and the toilet flange (plastic or cast iron).

If a toilet rocks when it is sat upon, over time the toilet wax ring will breakdown and fail. This failure manifests itself in the formation of small water and odor leaks around the base of the toilet. If left unchecked, damage could occur to the bathroom floor and unsafe sewer gasses may build up in the home.

A new toilet wax ring should also be replaced any time a toilet is removed (e.g. during the installation of a new bathroom floor).

Replacing a toilet wax ring is easy to do and can be done by the do it yourself homeowner with a little knowledge and some preparation. Replacing a toilet wax ring can be done in about 1 hour assuming there are no extenuating circumstances.

The basic ste16D0ps required to change a toilet wax ring begin with turning off the water supply line and emptying the tank and bowl of water. The supply line also needs to be disconnected from the toilet.

Next the anchor nuts, secured to the Hold-Down bolts, need to be unscrewed.

The toilet is then lifted off the toilet flange and turned over.

The old toilet wax ring can then be scraped and removed off the base of the toilet, and the floor can be cleaned of any old wax ring residue.

The new toilet wax ring is then pressed onto the base of the toilet and the toilet is then reseated onto the toilet flange.

The anchor nuts are then re-screwed back onto the Hold-down bolts and the supply line reconnected.

The water supply line to the toilet can then be turned back on and the toilet is back in business.

For more help on changing a toilet wax ring see the Changing a Toilet Wax Ring EBook from HomeAdditionPlus.com. The Changing a Toilet Wax Ring EBook will quickly explain to you in detail the step-by-step process for changing the wax ring on a toilet and includes how-to pictures for every key step in the process.

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

Building A Log Home Don't Make These Mistakes

Research suggests that building a home can be one of life's most stressful events. Your dream of building that perfect log home, on that perfect lot can easily turn into a nightmare. I worked in the real estate industry for over 15 years. I've seen a lot of heartbroken homeowners who realized to late that their dream was crashing. Most often the disaster could have been prevented if only they had done their research before signing any papers. Here are a few mistakes that I've seen over the years that just might save you some money and a lot of time. Maybe even prevent a headache or two:

1. Only work with reputable companies: From your lender to your builder, researching the companies that you are bringing on board for your project can save you money and headaches.

The Lender:

Don't just assume that the bank you've always done business with is the one you want to borrow from to build your new home. Do check out their loan products but don't forget to apply at 2 or 3 other institutions. Fees can vary as much as several thousand dollars between lenders and there are literally hundreds of loan products out there that might meet your needs.

Always check the fees on the Good Faith Estimate that you receive at the time of application. An easy way to compare lenders is to check the APY (Annual Percentage Yield). Every bank is required to give that percentage to you. Basically, it's the real cost of your loan. The higher the APY, the higher the cost of borrowing from that institution. The APY rate.is not the same as your note rate. Your note rate is what your payments are based on, the APY is the cost to you of borrowing.

If you are thinking of being your own general contractor for the project, the smaller, hometown banks are usually easier to work with. You are going to be in contact with them regularly throughout the process so make sure you can get in touch with them easily ie: you will need to submit invoices to receive draws on your construction loan. Many banks have their own process for receiving your draw money so make sure you thoroughly understand their process and make sure you can work with it. Working with a lender across the country might not be the best thing for your money and your sanity if you're the general contractor.

Above all, read before you agree.

The Builder:

Work with a reputable builder that you can readily get in contact with. Here are a few good questions to ask before you agree: Do they have an after hour emergency number? Do they carry builder's risk insurance? Do their subcontractors clean up the trash daily? Do they have a good reputation? Does the price seem too good to be true? If it does, it probably is. Builders now days can build huge homes for less money. They advertise "more square feet for your money". Sounds great, right? Not necessarily. Can you put a waterbed on the second floor?

This is a true story. A friend of mine built one of those "more square feet for your money" homes. Sure, it was big and it looked nice but...the studs were 24" on center and not the standard 16", no waterbeds allowed, the walls were not finished smoothly, and EVERYTHING was an upgrade. She ended up paying more for a "huge" home than she should have because the builder "forced" her to work with their lender who, after qualifying her knew exactly how much they could charge her and ultimately that's what she ended up paying. They're staff was very well trained.

Make sure you know who you are dealing with before you sign and make sure you know exactly what you are getting for your money.

2. Make solid decisions in a timely manner:

As you can imagine, building a home from the ground up will require hundreds of decisions to be made. Many times, those decisions need to be made quickly. If the electricians are there and have a question, remember that they are waiting on you to make a decision and likely there are other contractors working on the house waiting for them to finish. Holding up one decision can hold up the entire process, sometimes for a good length of time.

Think of the building process as a well orchestrated play. Everyone has their part to do and many times they can't do it until someone else has done their part. Don't get me wrong, sometimes there are catastrophic circumstances and stopping the building process is necessary, but many times it's not. Making good, quick decisions can be the difference between your suppliers getting their money on time or not, and that in itself can be catastrophic.

3. Take frequent road trips:

It's your home, and ultimately your money. Take the time to go to your building site and make frequent inspections. It can save you a lot of heartache in the long run. Check the workmanship, make sure it's what you expected. Check the design, is it what you agreed on? Check the details, are they what you asked for? Did they put in a tub and shower instead of an octagon shaped garden tub? Maybe you changed your mind on the tub early in the process and told your realtor or builder. Maybe you even signed a "change order" form. There, you thought it was all taken care of, right? Not necessarily....It's so easy for miscommunication to happen when there are many people involved in a project, and building a home is n5B4o exception. Take it upon yourself to double check the realtor/builder. If they made a mistake it's a lot easier to fix things early in the process than to wait and then play the blame game. Don't wait, and don't assume anyone cares about your new home more than you do. Remember, it's their job, not their home.

4. Don't sign that stack of papers unless:

Don't sign unless you understand what you are signing, the house is completed the way you agreed on and there are no outstanding bills for work done on your new home. At the closing, there will be a mound of paperwork for you to sign. You have the right to read every document, either at closing or before. Ask the title company to get you a copy of all of your closing documents 24 hours before closing and then take the time to read them. Ask questions before you get to the table. Sometimes it's not a quick thing to fix an error so the more you know before closing, the easier it will be. This is your loan that you will be paying on for a long time, make sure you understand your responsibilities.

I'm a big advocate for not signing before the house is done. A new home will always have a "call back" list. Little things here or there that need touched up. However, if there is something major that's not done, or something major that's not done to your satisfaction, you should think about calling a lawyer. Once you sign those papers it can become a battle trying 7B5to get something corrected by the builder. Remember, they have their money and other homes to build. Until you sign and they have their money, it will be easier to get their attention.

5. When problems arise:

If you don't already have a lawyer, get one (some states require it). Sure, your realtor, builder and lender all want to make sure the process goes smoothly and will do what they can to make sure that happens. After all, they are all getting paid once you sign those papers. However, if things are not going well, the best way to make sure your interests are being looked after is to get a lawyer. Find a lawyer that specializes in real estate transactions. They will get things worked out in a way that protects your interest. It may cost you a few hundred dollars but it will be well worth it. Sometimes you can't put a price on peace of mind.

To decorate your new home, visit our website at Your Cabin Connection and see our quality Log Furniture and Rustic Dcor.

Rita has over 15 years of management experience in the mortgage industry. She now has a website dedicated to offering quality Log Furniture and Rustic Decor and Country Wall Decor. Visit us at Your Cabin Connection

Green Building in Austin

Austin has long been a home for friendly folk- friendly to each other, friendly to animals, and friendly to the environment. What used to be considered as only the concerns of hippies and the bohemian sect, environmentalism is now at the forefront of commercial and residential design, and "green" businesses are popping up nationwide. Austin, however, was the first city in the United States to establish a local green-building program, laying out environmentally frieB68ndly and sustainable guidelines for home builders and its interested citizens back in 1991.

Since the Austin real estate market is known nationwide as the leader of these green building methods, the National Association of Home Builders chose the city as its hub to launch an industry-wide effort to establish green-building guidelines in 2004. These guidelines now provide a practical nationally recognized framework for builders to follow to reduce a home's environmental impact by making them more energy efficient, improving indoor environmental quality, and so on. Though Austin has already been using similar guidelines for over a decade, now the rest of the country is following suit.

The City of Austin and Austin Energy provide a great resource to owners of Austin homes, and new home builders, who are looking for ways to conserve energy, and build an environmentally friendly home. The city's website offers a list of companies willing to do an energy analysis of a home that will determine possible options to help the house conserve more energy, with suggestions ranging from air conditioning repair to weather stripping doors. The city then will offer a 20 to 75% of that cost.

For those Austinites building a new house or commercial building, the city created the Austin Energy Green Building organization to promote the construction of high quality, more sustainable buildings, and has even zoned sections of the city's real estate to require an Austin Energy Green Building rating. Four times a year, the organization also holds a one day "Green By Design" workshop open to the public. The workshop provides an overview of the green building process, and brings in design, building, engineering, landscaping, and Austin real estate professionals with many years of experience in homebuilding and remodeling, to help make sense of it all.

In March of this year, Austin was named as the city leading the country in "cleantech" by SustainLane, an online resource center that offers sustainability tips to state and local government. The term "cleantech" refers to venture capital-based startups based in green technology, with Austin as the front runner with seven such startups, ranging from internet-controlled irrigation to geothermal energy technologies. To keep Austin on the cutting edge of green technology, the Clean Energy Incubator program was set up to help young clean energy businesses succeed by commercializing their ideas. With citizens, government, and forward thinking businesses, Austin will likely be the city to follow in the environmental battle for years to come.

Escapesomewhere Realty works in Austin and can help buyers find a green friendly home in the Austin real estate m35Aarket. If you are looking for more information on the Austin market their Austin real estate blog is a good place to start your research or you can search for homes on their Austin MLS search.

Add Function and Eye Appeal

Bathroom sink vanities are items that are both functional and attractive. They can add considerable appeal to a bathroom and may be a good investment when trying to sell a home. Most buyers are known to put a great deal of importance into both bathrooms and kitchens, and a bathroom vanity is far less expensive than a kitchen remodel!

What is included bathroom sink vanities depends on the taste and budget of the homeowner. It can also depend on family size and needs. While the standard one sink models may be fine for most people, in a master bath, or a bath shared by several children, a double sink model may make more sense.

Most bathroom sink vanities will include storage space underneath, a mirror above the sink, countertops as standards. Options available are things like soap dishes and towel and facecloth hangers, drawers, and even electrical fixtures for hairdryers and other appliances. Those with more features naturally will usually cost more than plainer ones.

Styles can be ultramodern gleaming chrome, purely functional simple woods, thrifty molded synthetics, or elegant antique-looking cabinetry. Sometimes actual antique pieces can be adapted to create one of a kind vanities and a decor5A2 can be designed around such a stunning showpiece. Vanities come in unfinished woods to be custom stained or paint, or ready to use when brought home.

A less ambitious way to get a custom unit without the expense of a converted antique or purchased replica, bathroom sink vanities can be made from used furniture obtained at garage sales or found in storage. A person who is reasonably good with home repair can measure and cut an opening for a sink and for plumbing fixtures after finding suitable fixtures. Of course, counter tops need water resistant finishes.

There are many sources for inexpensive ready made bathroom sink vanities that may be quite suitable. Large home stores usually carry a lot of them and often have sales, and there are some online dealers who specialize in discount vanities. Most vanities cost only a few hundred dollars, although you can spend much more, and the small investment can add a lot of pleasure and usefulness as well as enhancing the sale value and appeal.

Rob Buenaventura has worked in the home improvement industry for several years. Learn more about bathroom vanities, contemporary bathroom vanities, and 29Fmodern bathroom vanities at LuxuryBathroomVanities.com.

How To Get Government Grants To Save Energy In Your Home

There are many reasons why its a good idea to save energy in the home these days. To begin with, prices of gas and electricity in Europe have been very high in recent times, and so you can save a lot of money by making your home more efficient. As well as saving money, we all need to do our bit to help fight climate change by reducing the amount of energy we use. Finally, some of the things you can do to save energy in your home, such as installing insulation, can make your home warmer and more comfortable in winter.

The U.K. government and some local authorities are keen to encourage people to save energy in order to help it meet European targets to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and to help people cut the amount they have to pay in energy bills. They offer big grants to help pay for home energy efficiency, such as installing insulation or more efficient central heating. However, you need to know what is available and how to apply

Almost everyone is eligible to receive a major contribution to the cost of installing insulation in their home, or else a more efficient heating system that saves energy. The main way you can do this is by arranging for your insulation or heating upgrade to be done by one of the major national insulation or central heating companies or, alternatively through a major energy supplier. You first need to arrange for a quote from them, and in the quote they should let you know how much you can qualify for in grants. If you agree to the quote, they will then take care of all the paperwork and administration as well as completing the work for you.

Many local authorities will also make a contribution to the cost of insulation and heating improvements. You should look on your local authority web-site, or contact them by phone to see what grants are available specifically from them and how you can apply.

Finally, it is quite possible that you will be able to get all of this work done for free. The UK Government provides up to 2,700 to households where a member of the household is receiving certain benefits. In England the scheme is called Warm Front, In Northern Ireland it is Warm Homes, in Scotland Warm Deal, and in Wales it is the Home Energy Efficiency Scheme. If you receive any benefits, you should contact your energy supplier or a major insulation or central heating installer, and they can tell you what kind of work you can have done for free. When you have the work done, they should also take care of the administration for you, leaving you free to enjoy a more comfortable home and lower heating bills.

Alex Perry is a founder of DownwithCO2.co.uk, which helps people cut their personal contribution to climate change through providing information and contacts.

Preliminary Notices and Mechanics Liens

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

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

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

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

It is the responsibility of any homeowner who remodels or builds a home to educate him or her self about the construction laws in their state. Understanding lien laws and pre-lien rights and learning how to protect yourself from having a Mechanics Lien filed against your property are key to having greater control over the project and your money. Obtaining Lien Releases and Waivers after each payment to the contractor iB68s something homeowners need to educate themselves about. Once you understand this, you'll avoid the surprise and justified anger that the money given to the contractor to pay the subs and suppliers never transpired, despite the fact that it is his/her responsibility to do so. A homeowner typically finds this out when they get slapped with a Mechanics Lien against their property for non-payment from a supplier or sub contractor.

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

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

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

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

Jody Costello is a Consumer Advocate and web publisher of ContractorsFromHell.com As a result of a h58Aome remodeling nightmare and shock at how little oversight state regulatory agencies have over contractors, she created ContractorsFromHell.com to help others avoid the problems her family encountered. Over the last eight years she has helped homeowners deal with problems they have had with their own contractors as well as providing tips, guidelines and resources on avoiding a home remodeling nightmare. Ms. Costello has worked with the Contractors State License Board over the years to help create greater protection and a voice for consumers harmed by unethical contractors. She has testified before the State Senate supporting legislation that would benefit homeowners on construction related issues. You can learn more about hiring building/remodeling contractors, red flags to look for, read other homeowners horror stories and become better informed before you begin your project. Go to http://www.contractorsfromhell.com

The Types and Features of Sunrooms

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

Why Adding A Sunroom?

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

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

Beautifying Sunrooms with Sunroom Furniture

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

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

The Common Sunroom Plans

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

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

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

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

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

Kitchen Remodel Project

The kitchen is one of the most expensive rooms in the home to renovate. Kitchen remodeling can be a major undertaking that requires skill and plenty of work. It is usually best to tackle the kitchen one detail at a time instead of trying to remodel the whole thing at once. A good place to start is with the kitchen countertops. Replacing countertops can change the whole look of a room.

Kitchen countertops are an important part of the room. They are functional and decorative. They need to be durable and strong, yet look good. They can be pricey or budget friendly. You have to decide what is best for your kitchen and your needs. Spending the time to learn how to install granite countertop is worth the effort.

Countertop Types

Simple styles of countertops are made of plywood with a layer of top surface that is glued to it. These countertops can look nice, but they suffer from years of wear and eventually must be replaced. The upside is that they are affordable and come in a variety of styles. They can be bought to the right size so installation can be as simple as removing the old and sliding in the new.

There are also options in more pricey countertops made of stone or wood. These are a bit more complicated to install and cut to size. They are, however, very durable and will usually last a life time. They also have a very rich look to them and can instantly raise the value of a home.

The Renovation

Depending upon the type of countertop, the removal of old countertops and installation of new countertops is not that difficult. All that is really done is the old countertops are removed by releasing nails and pulling away from the wall. The new countertops are then set into place and secured. There may be more involved depending upon how the old countertops were installed and the type of the new countertops, but that is the basics of countertop installation.

Installing new countertops is a great way to kick off a kitchen remodeling project. It can be designed to fit any budget and should not really take too long to do. In general, it is an afternoon project. You should be able to do it yourself without having to hire anyone. It should also be a fairly clean project so you can start using your kitchen again quickly after finishing. You will be amazed at just how much your kitchen changes just by redoing the countertops. It may even be the much needed motivation to help you get going on the rest of the kitchen remodeling.

Jerry Blackburn continually writes short articles on stories about granite countertop installation. With his publications like http://www.kitchen-cabinets-tips.com, the columnist demonstrated his skill on things relating to how to install granite countertop.

How Your Home is Killing You

Carbon monoxide is a well-known household threat, as are lead paint and toxic household cleaners. But one lesser known killer can cause the deaths of over a hundred times more people than carbon monoxide poisoning can. This toxin is present in varying degrees in homes all across America, and can quietly slip through the cracks in your foundation and into your basement. Like most artful poisons, it has no odor, taste, or color, and causes no noticeable symptoms until it's too late. You can get lung cancer from it at a rate that is second only to cigarette smoking. There are estimates that approximately 20,000 people die annually from this unknown threat, and what's worse is the fact that it comes from a naturally occurring event that can't be stopped. All homeowners can do is try to prevent and/or slow down its progress before it claims any more lives.

This harbinger of death is called radon. It is a radioactive gas that is created by the decay of uranium that exists in the ground below us. Soil, water, and rock formations are all sources of radon. It seeps quietly into your home, usually through cracks in the foundation, and if the area is not properly ventilated, the gas gets trapped indoors.

Radon becomes deadly when it is breathed in. Particles of the gas can attach to the inner lining of your lungs, slowly damaging the tissue, leading to cancerous tumors. If you are a smoker, your risk of getting lung cancer is increased ten-fold, as cigarettes themselves already contain Polonium-210, another source of cancer-causing radiation.

Because radon is naturally occurring, there is not much that one can do to stop it. However, there are steps that homeowners can take to prevent the gas from entering their homes.

Your first and best defense against radon poisoning is to test your home for its presence. While most of us have smoke and carbon monoxide detectors in our homes, a large segment of the population has never heard of radon, or know the threat that it can pose. Homeowners can purchase a home testing kit that they can use themselves, or they can hire a qualified radon tester in their local area.

There are two types of tests for radon: short term and long term. Short term tests are performed from as little as two days, up to a few months, depending on the type used. These testing kits can give fast, accurate results. Short term tests are especially useful during the sale of a home, when time is short and a buyer needs to know that the property is safe.

Long term tests, as their name implies, take longer, but provide a better overall picture of your h586ome's radon level. This is because radon levels can shift from day to day, and can greatly increase during periods of renovation. To learn the average levels over the course of a year, it is best to use a long term testing kit. Long term tests used in conjunction with short term tests can also be useful when selling your home, as you can easily reassure the potential buyer that your home is safe now, and poses little risk during the course of the year.

If you discover that radon levels are high, seal all cracks in the foundation immediately. This will prevent some of the radon from getting into your home. Don't allow yourself to have a false sense of security by simply sealing the openings; you should also install a vent pipe and fan, which are referred to as "sub-slab depressurization systems." These will help to prevent further radon from coming into your home, as well as disperse existing radon gas outdoors. Other methods such as soil suction can be effective as well, but be sure to hire a contractor who is licensed to install radon systems. The contractor will be able to test your home for gas levels, and be able to determine the best course of action, depending on your home's structure.

Test for radon annually or every two years to ensure the safety of your home, and remember that while your home is your haven from the rest of the world, it is not always safe.

Ellingson Properties is one of the top ranked realty firms in the Brevard County real estate market. If you're looking for information about homes in Palm Bay Florida, be sure to visit GregEllingson.com

Different Styles of Residential Fencing

Although there are many different types of residential fencing perhaps aluminum is the most popular. This is a galvanized steel product with a hard wearing powder coat finish. It is designed to add beauty and value to residential homeowners. There are a wide variety of styles and colors to select from and any of them will complement any color that you may have on your home. This type of fence is designed with the residential person in mind and provides a level of quality and resilience that the home owner needs. This fence is made for durability to withstand the elements and it is possible to have a special formulated powder coating made to suit your needs.

This power coated system of polyester resin prevents early rusting. This type of fencing comes in eight-foot sections to cut down on time and labor. The posts that are provided will hold the pickets firmly in place and will adapt to any contour of slopes in your landscape. The panels can be secured to the post without any welding and there are brackets provided. Most of these come with a 12 year warranty.

You can find these available from 4 foot to 6 foot high and there are many different colors to choose from. This fence carries very low-maintenance which can free up your time for other things. Whether you need a picket fence or a privacy fence, this fencing can provide what you need. If you have animals that you want to keep in or animals that you want to keep out, this is the fence that can provide the security for you. With its low maintenance, durability, and appealing look this fence will be a welcome addition to your home. No matter what your needs this fence can provide what you're looking for.

For lots of information on garden fencing and other related topics, visit Fences Guide at www.fencesguide.com

Basement Remodeling Ideas

Remodeling your basement is an excellent way to add extra living space, plus extra value, to your home. By planning carefully before you begin you can maximize the space and get the most for your money. When planning, consider a bathroom and wet bar area if the plumbing is available. This will ad extra value and make entertaining in this room easier and more enjoyable. A small refrigerator, a microwave, and coffer maker are good to include. A full bath is a great value, but even a half bath adds to the value. If the plumbing is there, or you can add it, do so.

The first step is to make sure the basement is, a1C84nd will remain, dry. Water seepage will completely undo all your hard work, so it is very important that you don't overlook this first step. There are many products sold in your local hardware stores that you can just paint on the walls to keep your basement dry and leak free. It's very much worth the time and effort.

There are certain elements in the basement that you can't move or change, so plan around them. Beams, support columns, furnace, water heater and any existing plumbing can be incorporated into your plan by building around them. Build a separate room for the furnace and water heater. Box in beams and columns that you want to cover and then drywall around them. Do the same with plumbing pipes, but remember to leave a way to access this plumbing in the future, either by adding a small hinged door, or a removable piece of drywall that can be latched into place.

The duct work for the heating system will be running between the floor joists. You can add a couple of heat ducts from the existing system to the new space to direct heat where you want in the room.

Frame the walls with 2 x 4's, with a header and footer, the studs being 16 inches on center. Attach these to the cement walls in the basement and also to the floor.

Next, it's time for the wiring. This is something that should definitely be installed by a professional certified electrician. Electrical outlets should be plentiful to allow you free use of the space for whatever you choose later. Also, the wall switches should be the type that can be operated from two different locations. You don't want to come upstairs only to have forgotten to turn off one of the lights and have to go all the way back down to do it. Putting one of the switches near the entrance to the basement from the first floor will save many steps and aggravation. This is also the point at which you should install the wiring for telephone lines and surround sound speakers.

If you don't already have plenty of insulation in the walls, now is the time to put it in. It never hurts to have extra, and doing this will help lower your energy bills in the future.

Hang and finish the dry wall. This is a job that can be done by most do-it-yourselfers, with a little practice. Use drywall screws to attach the sheetrock to the 2 x 4's. You can also use wood paneling if you prefer, but drywall produces a more professional appearance.

After the drywall is finished, it's time for the ceiling. Using a dropped ceiling is the choice of most people, for a couple of reasons. One is that hanging and finishing overhead drywall is a tough job. The main reason is that a dropped ceiling will allow easy access to those plumbing pipes and any wiring that is running overhead. If there is a breakage or a leak, you can access it easily and will not need to replace the entire ceiling, just the panels that may be damaged.

Put insulation between the floor joists before you hang the ceiling panels. This acts as a sound barrier to the overhead rooms. When you're in the basement enjoying loud music with the surround sound at full blast, anyone upstairs will not be disturbed by the noise.

The flooring is the last step. Carpeting with good padding is a good choice because it keeps the cement floor warmer and helps with insulation from the ground up. Tile floors in the bathroom and wet bar area allow for quick clean up of any spills that occur in those areas.

The Perfect Interior Designing

It takes lot of time, hard work and patience to EB0make your home in to you perfect dream house that you've always wished for. Decorating your living room in a way that it gives a royal and elite look, the bedroom which should reflect your personality and the place where you could relax. The children's rooms where they can let go off their inhibitions and be expressive.

Everything finished and looks perfect, well almost perfect! Usually by the time you reach the bathrooms, the finances become very minimal or not at all. This means the bathroom cannot be left shabby looking, or letting it go just for that reason. If so there is no reason to feel down, even though, it is one of the most difficult tasks to decorate a bathroom in accordance with the theme of the room.

In order to get your bathroom in accordance with the theme of the room and how you want it to be decorated, it is quite natural to think about the usefulness of the bathroom and a reason for it to be decorated and what significance it would have on the guests using it. It would be incorrect to think that people would not actually care how it looks, all the effort that you put in decorating your house would go to waste. Infact, most of the time it is the bathrooms that reflect the sort of individual you are and how you are as a private person.

People might not feel comfortable using a bathroom where there is a lot of personal stuff left. For example Feminine hygiene products or a plunger, though these things are quite common but people don't want to see these things around. There are certain things that obviously have to be in the bathroom but it does not necessarily mean that they have to be displayed for every investigating eye! So it becomes important to have some space for storage in the washroom. A closet would most certainly be a very acceptable and apt piece of furniture, but not an essential one. If the bathrooms are small and there is no space for closets then small and beautiful baskets that will make the bathroom less cluttered and also hold those items that you don't want to leave around. Though bathrooms are considered to be private places still the need to be used by guests and prying eyes do arise. It should then be given equal importance while decorating the house so that whoever enters the place forgets completely what his actual reason for entering the bathroom was.

Nowadays there is easy access to various bathroom decorating ideas and schemes. Different sites and also magazines, as well as innumerable articles all give very good and economical guidelines. So jump in and choose a theme and idea to suit your needs and your pockets. Some also deign a demo and show you if you like the concept then you could order and they could come and make a custom made bathroom for you.

Interested in interior design,uh? Adam Peters contributes adding content to http://www.home-decorating-reviews.com . Read additional info on contemporary decoration or modern contemporary decorating ideas