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.

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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

A Review of Popular Water Softener Products

With so many types and brands of water softeners to choose from, how does a consumer decide what is right for their needs? How does one compare water softeners and find the one that will work the best for them? When it comes to buying water softeners, being an educated consumer is the best policy. Explore different types and manufacturers. Compare prices. Other things to consider are what type of environment the water softener will be set up in, size, installation, construction of the unit, convenience, and water softener rating which indicates the amount of minerals that can be removed before the unit needs to be recharged.

Kinetico water softeners are favored for their convenience; however, they are expensive in terms of the units cost as well as the price of upkeep. They recharge based on volume, eliminating the need for a schedule. Kinetico water softeners are also non-electric units.

Culligan services residential customers, offering purchase and rental options for their water softeners. They also offer a salt delivery service with the purchase of a water softener. Culligan is favored for its durability, but some have trouble with salt refills and strength of some of the components. Culligan is also said to be good at removing iron from the water supply.

Kenmore, in addition to being known for its air filtration and other household appliances, offers a range of water softeners, from the very basic to the heavy-duty models. The Kenmore systems also offer extras like the ability to filter out larger particles and added settings that make the units more efficient. Kenmore contends that the cost of everyday household upkeep can be cut in half with the use of a water softener system.

General Electric, or GE, founded by none other than Thomas Edison, offers a diverse line of products, including water softeners. The business is run on the principles, ""imagine, solve, build, and lead."" GE offers water softeners small enough to accommodate a single-person household all the way up to a unit that will serve a household of four or more people. The GE water softeners include a technology called SmartSoft, which works through a low-capacity transformer to save energy, minimize salt loss, and gauge water softening needs.

There are numerous water softener vendors out there who sell both ionic exchange and magnetic water softening systems. To find the best water softeners is a daunting task, but a good start might be to visit your local hardware store. You can also get information from people around you such as neighbors or coworkers.

Water Softeners Info provides detailed information about magnetic and ionic exchange water softeners, home water softener systems and kits, product reviews and comparisons, water softener salt, and more. Water Softeners Info is the sister site of Dishwashers Web.

Top Returns For Your Home Remodeling Investment

Home improvement projects do not always payoff as an investment, but then we seldom undertake a project for purely monetary reasons. More often than not we want to remodel a kitchen or bathroom, convert a garage or do some other project simply to make living a little "better". The increased value of our home is of secondary consideration. Nevertheless, it is a consideration and is a very effective way of increasing the value of a home.

The goal of most home improvement projects is generally to add more space or light to an existing room or to improve and modernize the house or apartment utilities such as kitchen, bathroom, garage, or heating. Home improvement projects such as these not only preserve or even enhance the value of a property but often add a higher degree of safety.

Return On Investment - A Brief Guide

The following is presented as a guide only to assist you in deciding which project to undertake first if money is a consideration and multiple projects are being planned.

• Kitchen remodel (minor) in Connecticut = 125%
• Kitchen remodel (major) in Kentucky = 92%
• Bathroom remodel in Oregon = 90%
• Bathroom remodel in Missouri = 96%
• Master bedroom in Florida is 86%
• Basement remodel in California = 98%
• Exterior paint in Pennsylvania = 90%

Kitchens - A Place To Start

Kitchen remodeling may include such items as new or re-faced cabinets, counter tops, flooring and appliances. Redesigning your kitchen to enhance work flow in meal preparation will make cooking a much more pleasant experience and add to the resale appeal of your home. Obviously, kitchen remodeling can be a major renovation project, however there are many do it yourself home improvements that can be done in the kitchen. Vinyl laminate flooring is ideal for a small budget kitchen home improvement job.

Bathroom Are Going Upscale

If you are trying to increase the value of your home by improving just one room in the house, you might well want to consider5B4 the bathroom. This is definitely a place to take a hint from the current crop of new homes being built. Luxurious bathrooms are in vogue. Today, a major bathroom upgrade could and probably should be one of the most luxurious renovations you do in the entire home. Particular attention needs to be paid to the sink and counter top. Your eyesight naturally goes there when entering a bathroom. The large home improvement store such as Lowes' and Home Depot can supply you with just about anything that you can dream of today.

Basements - A Caution

Before undertaking a basement remodel be sure you have moisture under control. Damp or literally wet basements are a problem in many areas. This can usually be easily corrected by a professional but be sure to get several bids before doing this. Basement moisture control is one area noted for scams and/or shoddy, unnecessary work.

General

Home improvement is generally done with the intention of adding some space to an existing room or to add some light to the room. Keep in mind that a building permit is usually required when performing structural work or when a home's basic living area is changed.

Planning for home improvement is like planning for a war; no matter what your estimation as to cost and time is, it will probably take longer and cost more than you estimated. Unlike war, however, home improvement is usually worth it. Home imp5B0rovement is a really a good investment, producing both a better place in which to live and an increase in the long term value of your house.

Summary

Home improvement includes the repairing, remodeling, altering, converting, modernizing or adding to residential property. It is not an exact science. Any home improvement project needs to be carefully planned with professionals consulted when needed. If adding value is your prime consideration, plan first on upgrading the kitchen and bathroom which offer the best return for you home improvement dollar.

Gerry Marsh is a successful author and publishes several websites in the areas of real estate and insurance. For more information on home improvement see his Home Improvement and Kitchen Remodeling sites.

Vinyl Shutters - Home Improvement Spruce-Up With A Shutter Installation

Incorporating vinyl shutters into your home interior design transforms you into a master manipulator of light and shadow, while outdoor vinyl shutters add color and brightness to the exterior of your family's living quarters. A dramatic improvement in curb appeal is one of the main benefits of a quality vinyl window shutter installation.

Revamping Windows With Interior Vinyl Shutters

Interior vinyl shutters are a favorite among do-it-yourself remodeling enthusiasts, due to the straightforward installation process. Kits include fully assembled window shutters, except in the case of more sizeable 1029custom shutters. You also receive all the shutter hardware and components needed for a successful DIY project. However, if heavy-duty hinges, screws, hanging strips, and filler strips sound like a foreign language to you, it may be advisable to call in the experts.

Well-crafted vinyl shutters should be manufactured from exterior grade vinyl, with the characteristic smooth finish, that ensures permanent, fresh color without fading, peeling, or scratching. In contrast to wood shutters, these window coverings are not prone to warping, and nasty surface cracks won't appear overnight. Aluminum reinforcements add strength, especially in larger shutters.

Bathroom and kitchen remodeling call for a window treatment suitable for high humidity areas. The moisture resistant properties of vinyl shutters make them ideal companions for the windows in these rooms. Vinyl shutters also sport superb insulation qualities, enhancing energy efficiency. The insulation also contributes to a reduction in outside noise interference.

Interior vinyl shutters are designed for windows of all shapes and sizes. Patio doors and French doors can also be softened with shutters. Look for shutters that brandish blades of a reasonable thickness, especially if the shutter is fairly wide. The tilt bar, which should include an adjustable tension screw, must have a smooth action. The durability of the shutter, and its ease of use, depend largely on this small, yet vital component.

Choose shades and styles that complement your interior paint colors, soft furnishings, and other aspects of your home interior design. If your idea is to install a product with a wood-like appearance, make sure that the louvers are opaque. This will also maximize the light filtering ability of the vinyl shutter.

A Flair Fix With Outdoor Vinyl Shutters

Curb appeal has to do with a variety of factors, such as gardening and landscaping, paint finishes, patio ideas, and awnings. Fixed vinyl shutters have the potential to upgrade the aesthetic appeal of your property drastically, with a minimum of fuss.

If you don't require functional shutters, outdoor vinyl shutters are an inexpensive alternative to wooden shutters. Available in every imaginable hue, these elegant, fixed shutters feature styles such as louvered, raised panel, and board and batten. Modern technology ensures color that remains bright, with no chipping or fading.

Functional, hinged designs for sun protection are also available, but these are only usable during stable, calm weather. Extensive warranties accompany well-crafted, low-maintenance vinyl shutters, attesting to their durability.

Transform a run-down veteran into a vivacious dame, with the magical touch of vinyl shutters.

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Copyright of this article: 2006 Rika Susan. This article may be reprinted if the resource box and hyperlinks are left intact.

Fantastic Bathroom Wallpaper Decor Tips

As everyone knows there is more than one way to skin a cat, quite why you would want to skin a cat I don't know. There are also many ways to decorate your bathroom. Bathroom renovation projects can be fairly inexpensive and can enhance the appearance of your bathroom. You can add accessories such as towels and rungs to tie in with the rest of the theme of the room. Bathroom renovation projects can be something as simple as simply painting the walls or ceilings of your bathroom, or changing your bathroom cabinets. Painting your wall will allow you to transform your bathroom so that it is much more beautiful. Adding matching or contrasting towels and accessories is a fantastic way to tie everything together.

How To Start

Before you start decorating your bathroom you need to think about how you plan to do it. You should think about every single bathroom you have ever been in, try to find ones that you liked. You should then imagine this room in your own home. If you think it's possible to get a similar bathroom in your own home then you're all set. If you know what you plan to do then you should start going to home hardware stores to look at some of the wallpaper, and color schemes that might be of interest to you. Once you've looked at everything you can get an idea about what you can afford to do. You don't necessarily need to buy new things for your bathroom, you could just as easily use items that are already in other rooms in your house. You might also find some interesting accessories at car boot sales, charity shops or garage sales. It's fine to use old items, you shouldn't be put off by the idea. Quite often these items will look like new when you use them alongside other fixtures and fittings.

It can be great fun to design your own bathroom, you really can go wild. It is important that you plan the complete project properly, failure to do so could result in a disaster. If 478you really don't think you can handle such a project then you should consider hiring a professional interior designer. These interior designers are experts and will know how to get the most from your bathroom.

Vince Paxton's news can be found on plenty of web pages associated with how to install drywall. From his works on how to drywall ceilings and how to drywall the reviewer demonstrated his capability on the topic.

High Quality Steel Building

Believe it or not, a well-designed steel building is a very smart investment, especially when you want to protect yourself and your valuables from harsh weather. Besides being more cost effective and easier to build than conventional buildings, steel buildings are sturdier and built to last.

In fact, quality steel buildings even beat most conventional buildings when it comes to withstanding the elements.

Choose the Right Building Style for Your Area

What are some things you should be looking for when choosing a steel building that can withstand harsh weather? Your geographical location determines the weather disasters you are more likely to face, so check out how well the high-quality steel buildings in your area measure up.5B6

Consider the top 5 elements and see how a steel building with open-web steel truss design can stack-up against them:

1. Blizzards - a high-quality steel building is insulated against cold weather. Look for a steel building with base molding and closure strips to lock out moisture from snow, keeping the structure of your building strong while protecting your valuables.

2. Tornadoes - strong siding for a steel building is a must when it comes to tornadoes. A steel building designed by expert engineers is able to withstand strong winds without damage.

3. Hurricanes - no screws will come loose and there will be no leaks from heavy rains when you have a steel building braced with steel rods instead of cables that stretch. A steel building can withstand hurricane-force winds and a possible structural failure. Also look for anti-siphon grooved sheeting that forces rainwater to run off and away from the building so you don't have to worry about water damage.

4. Typhoons - a high-quality steel building has girts and purlins securely fastened to provide a thermal break to avoid thermal condensation and leakage.

5. Earthquakes - The reinforced frame of a steel building helps your building stand strong. Wood girts and purlins are securely fastened at 2" intervals, improving the strength by 50%. This helps your steel building stay solid without warping or twisting, no matter how 5AFmuch the ground shakes.

When you invest your hard-earned money in a steel building kit, you want to make sure it is one that will stand the test of time - and the elements. Knowing the characteristics of a high-quality steel building according to the type of weather protection you are seeking helps you make wiser decisions. Make the right choice to get a beautiful steel building that will provide plenty of years of functional use.

Miracle Truss is an industry leader in steel buildings that are a unique hybrid of steel and edge-mounted wood which gives you maximum versatility and durability. For more than 35 years Miracle Truss steel buildings have survived blizzards, tornadoes, hurricanes, typhoons, and earthquakes without a single report of structural damage. For more information on Miracle Truss and the types of steel buildings that are designed to meet your business or personal needs, visit http://www.miracletruss.com

Basement Finishing Ideas You Should Consider

Coming up with basement finishing ideas is the first step to utilizing the space in your home. Whether you are thinking about finishing your basement on your own or you want to hire a professional you have to decide how you want to use the space before you can get started. There are many different aspects you have to look at when you are coming up with basement finishing ideas. Not only do you have to decide how you are going to use the space and what rooms will make the best edition to your home, you also have to decide on the dcor.

When you are finishing your basement you need to make sure there aren't any moisture problems. Sealing the walls and floor so that you have no seepage before you put up your walls is important, if this step is forgotten you will not only have more work to repair the problems, but you will have the huge expense of replacing the materials that were ruined as well as starting the project over.

One great basement finishing idea is to use the space as an office or workspace. Basement offices are great for starting your own business or keeping up with your work at home. A basement library is also a great idea when you are looking into finishing your basement. If there is space that you can place book shelves, add good lighting, and keep warm and quiet you have a perfect home library. Families with teens and preteens can use a library for a study area before important tests.

Basements are also a good place for an entertainment room. When you are coming up with basement finishing ideas you need to look at costs. If you decide to make an entertainment room you not only have to look at the cost of building materials and the construction crew (if you hire professionals) as well as remembering the cost of the furnishings for the entertainment room. It is not very entertaining to have a large empty room. Keeping your ideas within your budget is important.

When finishing the basement you will want to think about the floor coverings. Carpeting is an effective way to cover the floor and keep the room looking nice while adding warmth and personality. If you choose to carpet the area you may want to double pad the carpet. Unlike the other levels in your home the basement is on a concrete floor. If you don't add to the padding then standing on the basement floor for long periods of time can cause leg and back pain.

While you are coming up with your basement finishing ideas there are several things to think about. Keeping in mind what your budget is and what you want to use the space for will help you to be able to meet your goals. Once you have come up with the basement finishing ideas that you find appealing you can then move forward with your remodeling plans.

If you're looking for more basement refinishing ideas or some really creative basement ceiling ideas then visit us to learn more about the Owens Corning Basement System

Mouthwash Dispensers - A Guide to Buying Mouthwash Dispensers

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

What it is

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

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

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

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

Bathroom Accessories

Bathroom is the main area in a home which is to be kept very hygienic. If the bathroom is not kept hygienic, it can cause several diseases. For keeping it hygienic, the accessories used should be of good quality. You should be very serious regarding the selection of accessories for the bathroom. Various varieties of resources are available for this purpose.

Nowadays people are thinking very seriously about the design and about the accessories used. Each of the small things like brushes, soap bowls are available in different design, which is according to the design and the color of the bathroom. Today many people are spending lots of money for their bathroom. For a most modern bathroom the accessories used should be designed perfectly and attractively. It includes taps, power showers, bathroom sink, shower doors, heated towel rails, thermostatic showers, shower mixer taps, bath tub, bathroom mirror, towel warmer, bathroom taps, bathroom cabinets and much more.

Above all these things, main thing to be considered is the lighting. With the help of proper lighting arrangement the bathroom will be become more attractive. Above all these things it should be properly cleaned and kept hygienic because many diseases can spread from bathroom which is not kept hygienic. Every thing should be properly cleaned even the soap bowl. Thus you and your family can lead a healthy life.

There are various online resources available for buying these high quality bathroom accessories, which can make your bathroom the most modern one and attractive.

We are the online resources for bathroom accessories, bathroom cabinets, bathroom fixtures

So You Think You Are Ready To Build That Dream Workshop?

If you are like me, at some point you ran out of room in the garage and started dreaming about your own workshop. Well, you are about to take an exciting ride. This is your dream, so make it count for all its worth.

Designing your dream shop can be exhilarating and frustrating all at the same time. I am sure you have this mental picture of what you want. The trick is to get it on paper. Take your time. Make 1/4 scale paper cutouts of all your current and proposed stationary tools. Using a 1/4 scale shop layout start arranging the tools in different patterns. When doing this, be sure to consider the area around each tool. You do not want to set a table saw in a position and then find out you cannot get a 4x8 sheet of plywood in position.

This process is probably going to tell you that your original estimate of the finished shop size just isn't big enough. I did not go through this step because I thought I was building a shop that I would never outgrow. Boy, was I surprised. With my addiction to buying new tools, I had a full shop in about 6 months. My shop kind of evolved instead of being designed properly.This is your final warning on size. Think carefully.

I believe that when it came to the actual construction I did it right. Two things were in my favor. I wasn't afraid to tackle the project, and I had a friend who was willing to help. Taking on a project like this is not that difficult once you realize that it's just basic construction. How difficult is it to build a box?

Before you buy the first piece of lumber, speak to your city's permit department. Rules and regulations differ. Luckily, in my city you are permitted to do all the work on your own property. A lot of people have had their dreams shutdown or postponed because they did not get the permit. Some cities may require architectural drawings while others will accept a sketch. I went the way of the sketch. If you are able to do your own work, costs will be greatly reduced, meaning more money for tools.. Next, contact the utility companies. The can find any underground utilities that may cause you a problem.

Now that you have the permit, and there are no utilities to worry about, let's start creating some cost estimates. I broke the building down to its parts. I went to our local big box store and created a cost sheet, the best I could. I next took this cost sheet to our locally owned hardware store. I told them what I wanted and showed them the estimate. The hardware store either outbid or met the cost from the big box store. I decided to use the local hardware store. I went with them just to keep the money in town, but other benefits arose during the process. When I was short on materials, the local hardware store delivered while I was at work and I would stop by on my way home and pay them. No big box store is going to do this.

Cement

Originally, I was going to pour my own slab. But, after estimating my cost, I determined that it would almost be as cheap to hire someone. Through my local hardware store I located a gentleman that gave me an excellent bid. Do not skimp on concrete, beams, or re-bar. Most of the money spent here will go into the ground, but this will be the foundation for everything else. After building the forms, digging for the beams, and laying the re-bar, the city inspector will probably want to put his stamp of approval on the project before the concrete is poured.

Basic wall construction

If you can use a framing square and a 4 foot level you can build this workshop. Once again you may want to talk to your city inspector concerning requirements for outside wall construction. In our area we use 16" centers on studs. How tall do you want the walls to be? I would suggest 10 foot. With 10 foot walls you will have plenty room to move plywood and long pieces of lumber with ease.

Attic and Roof Construction

There are several factors to consider when making a decision about attic and roof construction. Do you want storage upstairs? Are you going to have heat and A/C. Do you need to consider aesthetics or architecture? While looking for a truss type to use, I discovered one called an attic truss. This allows storage. One consideration, if thinking about an attic truss is the pitch of the roof. On the average sized home workshop a good attic truss will require at least a 6-12 pitch. This means that if your building is 24ft wide, the peak of the roof will be 6ft above the ceiling. Trusses are normally installed on 24inch centers. After the trusses are installed, the sheathing needs to be applied. This can be regular plywood or plywood with an application of some type of heat resistant material. If you are going to heat and air condition your shop, put some real thought into using the plywood with the heat resistant material.

Shingles Installation

Don't skimp when buying shingles and tar paper. These materials are what keep your shop dry. Please follow the manufacturer's recommendation when installing the shingles. If you are lucky like I was, I put up the walls, roof, and shingles during a 3 month period with no rain to deal with. The only problem we had was the heat. Applying shingles in the summer time is not fun. Do this chore early in the day or late evening.

Siding

There are too many different types of siding to consider that I cannot make any real suggestions on this one. I can tell you, we used a product called Hardiplank. This is a cement/fiber product that will virtually last forever or at least several lifetimes.

Electricity

This is one area where I am not going to make any suggestion that you perform this part of the project. You are going to have to decide if you have sufficient knowledge. Electricity is dangerous and it will KILL you if you make a mistake.

Windows and doors

Deciding on door locations needs to be done before the cement is poured. Let the contractor know where and what type doors are to be used. This will allow him to pour the cement so that there will be a depression in the cement at the door locations. This is required in order keep out the weather. I built my main entry door. It is a double door setup that is 6ft wide and 8ft high. I have no problem moving things in and out. I also installed a 12ftx8ft aluminum garage door on the opposite end. I should have used a normal one car width door. Too much space was wasted. Do you want natural light? If so, plan for a lot of windows on the north and south sides. Of course, the more windows used, the less wall space will be available for storage. I do not like having to look through drawers to find things. All my available wall space is peg board. I can see everything.

Interior

Setup of the interior is probably the most enjoyable part of this whole project. This is where you put your personal stamp on things. Make yourself comfortable because you are going to spend a lot time in your shop. Mine is equipped with central air and heat, running hot and cold water, cable television and internet access.

Now go and enjoy. If you have questions or comments, I am just an e-mail away. You can contact me through my website.

Skip Evans
Our goal is to reach the new woodworker that needs that extra push to realize that, Yes it can be done.
http://www.my-wooden-creations.com

Tile

Plastic Pipe for Construction

Today across North America, the use of plastic pipe for a wide variety of applications is becoming increasingly common. This paper wishes to summarize some of the basic facts about plastic pipe to give a better understanding of where, how and why it should be considered for usage. Several aspects concerning construction issues of today will be addressed.

Types of Plastic

Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) -- PVC, also commonly referred to as Vinyl, is perhaps the most well-known and widely used of all plastics for pipe and fittings in construction today. It offers users one of the best balances of tensile strength versus economics being used for several pressure and non-pressure applications in both above-ground and under-ground applications.

PVC resin is derived from 2 natural resources of the earth, namely natural gas and salt. The natural gas derivative ethylene is combined with the chlorine component of salt to form the resin building block. The chlorine component is actually a by-product of a process whereby the sodium is being extracted from natural salt for use in caustic soda for soaps, detergents and other applications.

PVC is perhaps one of the oldest plastics being used for pressure pipe as far back as Post-WW1 Germany. Being one of the more rigid plastics, PVC is popular for usage as electrical conduit, process piping, commercial drains, irrigation piping and underground municipal piping such as water mains and sewers. It is commonly joined by means of solvent welding or gasketed bell and spigot.

Other uses of PVC in our daily lives include flooring, patio furniture, siding, medical tubing and small items such as credit cards.

Chlorinated Polyvinyl-Chloride (CPVC) -- CPVC is a second member of the vinyl family and is essentially a modified version of PVC. CPVC contains some extra chlorine in its molecule for enhanced resistance to chemicals and higher temperatures. Thus, the pipe is used for hot water supply, higher temperature applications in industrial facilities or for fire sprinkler piping in residential or light commercial applications.

Its properties are very similar to that of PVC by having rigidity and high tensile strength however, it is typically 3-4 times more expensive than PVC. Many times, CPVC will remain competitive with metals or other specialty plastics for specialized chemical applications. It is normally joined using either solvent welding or by use of flanged joints.

Polyethylene (PE) -- This is perhaps the most common plastic for everyday usage and certainly growing in popularity for many piping applications. PE is derived from 100% ethylene and its lack of chlorine is what gives it higher flexibility than the vinyls but at the expense of a reduced tensile strength. Thus, its popularity for piping has been mainly on applications where flexibility is desired such as marine intakes or outfalls, tubing for rural water wells, underground irrigation, road culverts and landscaping or farm drainage.

It is resistant to most solvents and thus cannot be joined using solvent welding. Thus, it is mainly joined by mechanical couplings or through heat fusion.

PE pipe is typically supplied in coils or straight lengths.

Cross-Linked Polyethlyene (PEX) -- PEX is a modified form of PE that has its molecular bond strengthened to enhance physical properties such as heat, chemical and crack resistance. It is mainly joined by mechanical fitting connections and is used primarily today as small diameter (3/8 to 1 inch) tubing for potable water or hydronic (hot water) heating. PEX is also available with an external oxygen barrier layer for hydronic heating or as an integral part of composite tubing with an aluminum layer centered in the pipe wall for added rigidity and strength.

Polypropylene (PP) -- PP is again a common item for everyday plastics but a bit more specialized for piping. It is very similar to PE but offers better chemical and temperature resistance. As a result, its most common piping application is for corrosive waste drainage for laboratories. It may be joined by either mechanical joints or heat fusion. The heat fusion is preferred for acid waste to ensure 100% reliability of pipe joints. The second most popular application for PP today is high purity water such as deionized water for medical usage or ultra-sanitary manufacturing.

Acrylonitrile Butadienne Styrene (ABS) -- ABS is a softer plastic than PVC yet more rigid than PE or PP. It is dominant in usage for residential drain waste and vent piping offering both economics and ease of installation.

ABS is notorious for having better than average impact resistance in colder temperatures and thus is commonly used for car bumpers and other similar applications.

Only recently has an ABS pipe been available for pressure pipe applications acting as an alternative to PVC or CPVC by offering improved impact and abrasive strength yet reduced tensile strength and chemical resistance. Applications here include mining slurry transport, refrigerants and chilled water piping.

Benefits and Limits

Plastic pipe offers many benefits to users which have helped lead to its steady growth in North America over the last 50 years. These include having light weight, ease of assembly, excellent hydraulics, chemical resistance, corrosion resistance, low labor costs and rigid industry standards.

However, as with all piping materials, there are some factors which will limit the use of plastic pipe and of which designers should always be aware such as pressure capacity (typically OK to 250 psi), temperature limits (over 200F often a concern), and building code issues47A (caution for plenums, vertical shafts, and hi-rise).

In summary, plastic pipe has become a dominant player in mechanical piping across North America. A proper understanding of the different plastics as well as their advantages and limits will help to ensure trouble-free installations.

Gordon Lefort is a Professional Engineer (Mechanical) employed with IPEX Inc., Canada's largest plastic pipe manufacturer and has over 20 years experience with the design and installation of mechanical plastic pipelines.

Swimingpooldollars

A New Look To Your Bathroom

For giving a new look to your bathroom you have to add some modern accessories and furniture. Modern accessories and furniture is available in various sizes, shapes and colors. Modern accessories not only enhance the beauty of your bathroom but also increases it's functionality. A bathroom is considered as an important place as it reflects the life style of a family. Modern bathroom is changing into a comfort zone. You can have a spa like treatment at home if you install a luxury shower in your bathroom. One of the most important things which enhance the look of your bathroom is lightning. Your bathroom needs both artificial and natural light. Lightning enhances the look and makes the room look more elegant. Several types of lights which can be used in a bathroom are down lights, shower lights, spot lights, wall lights, mirror lights and shaving lights.

To finish the look of your bathroom you can install designer mirrors. Mirrors reflect the light and make your bathroom look more spacious. Nowadays people are installing designer furniture to change the look of their bathroom. You can buy some cabinets for storage of towels and other important things. Basic accessories of a bathroom are showers, wash basin, bathroom tubs and shelves.It 502is a good idea to set a budget before planning your bathroom. The bathroom is no longer just a space for cleaning yourself as it is changing into a relaxing spot.A skilled interior designer can help you a lot in giving an elegant look to your bathroom.

Jitesh Arora.
If you want to know more about Bathrooms then feel free to visit Bella Bathrooms.

Upper Handrail Problem