Glass Blocks Give a House Or Office a Special Touch

With new home construction on the rise, there is no shortage of new and innovative designs. When we drive around some neighborhoods we cannot but help noticing how the builders of these structures have gone all out in making their homes unique and competitive. We now have homes in almost all shapes and sizes. Even people with existing homes have joined the fray. Since they cannot outright demolish their homes and reconstruct, they make a spirited attempt to modify their homes using innovative techniques. One of those techniques is using glass blocks.

Glass blocks as building blocks have been around for some time but they have become more prevalent in recent times as more and more people discover their inherent advantages. Glass blocks are not made of regular glass as there are many types of glass. Rather, they are made out of what is called tempered glass which is a specially made to specially-treated glass that is heated to certain degrees and then left to dry. This produces a type of glass that is more resilient than regular glass and can even be as hard as marble. This makes this a very attractive building material. Glass blocks have several advantages that make them an attractive building option.

One of their advantages is that they are obviously attractive. Having a section of a wall or building wing made entirely of glass is extremely attractive and is becoming popular. Hardly can we visit a number of offices than we see glass blocks adorning sections of the offices. This has translated to people's homes who prefer glass blocks in some patios and even entire walls of the homes.

What makes glass blocks attractive is the fact that they allow light in without necessarily being brittle. We normally associate glass with being brittle and delicate as with drinking glass. The same is not the case with glass blocks. These can be set to allow light while at the same time be as hard as marble. They can even be set to allow some light and not all, meaning that they become translucent rather than totally transparent. This can allow light to enter into the building without necessarily compromising privacy.

Another reason that makes glass blocks attractive is their resilience. We mentioned this before; that they are made out of treated glass which is enhanced with the addition of increased chemicals and moderated heat levels to create a glass substance that is hundreds of times stronger than regular glass. In the event that is cracks and breaks, it does not shatter the way regular glass does. Who would not want a strong glass block to form part of their walls at home or at the office which is very beautiful to look at and also very strong?

Glass blocks, because they allow a lot of light into the room, contribute to reduced power bills. This is because with the block, there is less artificial light required since the room can now be lit with natural outdoors light.

Need information about about glass blocks? Theodor Cartman recommends the best glass blocks when buying.

Why Choose Wood and How to Do it

Wood, as a durable material, does more good than just staying in our rainforests and providing homes for the animals in the wild. Wood provides lumber that is used for building homes and installation; hobbies such as sculpting and making furniture and a whole lot more. Techniques involving with woodworking as an art are carving, sawing, sanding, painting, laminating and finishing. So why choose wood? Lumber is readily available and it's a replaceable resource which can figure into plenty of resale value. This material never goes out of style. Some materials like vinyl may be pretty and are prominent on the market; however it is costly and lacks artistic detail. Using metal would mean having lack of strength causing it to dent, and in time it may rust.

Wood, as a choice, offers a sophisticated and personal look. Each section is as exclusive as ones fingerprints. Each variety has a diverse feel and a clear-cut personality. From an entirely aesthetic point of view, nothing matches the elegance and appeal that wood offers. Synthetic materials mimic wood, but they can only try. How can the quality, intensity and beauty be captured?

Unprocessed, untreated, natural or organic wood has massive ecological benefits against building materials that exist today. Wood is a hundred percent biodegradable, it functions as an excellent insulator, it is easier to process and uses a reduced amount of energy to manage than does steel, aluminum, concrete or plastic.

Many high class efficient construction techniques exist today. Conventionally, the use of wood framing isn't the most efficient in house production. Although it is undeniable that it has certain advantages. Constructing homes using wood is also inexpensive and cost-effective. What's more is that experienced contractors aren't difficult to find when building framed walls.

In choosing the right flooring for a house, would you rather choose carpet, tile or wood? What are the advantages of having carpet? Sure it is slip resistant, comes in beautiful colors, and has a nice feel on the toes. Carpet may be all that but it can cause allergies especially with children. Given its texture, it traps in bacteria, dust and mold. Tile is easy to clean, but it can have a cold feel when walking barefoot. Hardwood is pretty easy to maintain and can cut down the number of allergy causing particles inside the home. Stepping on to any flooring made out of wood will make you appreciate the welcoming tones and shades.

Using wood isn't the only thing there is. The most important part is how to choose the material carefully for the purpose of protecting it from termites and from rotting. Outdoor decks or those used for landscaping are mostly unprotected and are housed by termites and therefore will decay. There are types of woods that are naturally resistant. These types include the cedar, cyprus and redwood. Problems with pest infestation is the result of a wood with soil contact. Treated wood made of composite materials is advisable when constructing wooden decks or porches or anything that may come in contact with soil. There are lumbers that are pressure-treated and are very much resistant to termites, other insects and rotting. They are processed with a sequence of pressure cycles forcing the wood preservative deep into the pores of the wood, therefore developing a chemical barricade against insects and decay.

There is available treated wood that has been observed to be successful with its performance. Its durability depends on its location and its use. The use of treated wood is determined by the retention of the wood, or the quantity of wood preservative placed. The lowest retention property (0.15 plus water repellant) mostly are used for gazebos, fence boards, hand rails, trellises, and decks. Retention property of 0.25 is used for trim and fascia, framing, flooring and sill plates. A retention property of 0.40 is mostly used with deck fence posts, deck support posts, and landscaping. Lastly, retention property of 0.60 is used for making permanent wood foundation and building poles.

The above article was written by Sarah Miller on behalf of a buzzing online Home Improvement community where homeowners easily and painlessly find the right contractor for their home improvement projects and in turn, contractors can find the right Home Improvement Leads! Also check out the QuoteCity.com Blog for more related Home Improvement Articles and Ideas.

Moisture Against Gravity Destroy

Installing Granite Steps

Granite steps can really dress up the front of a home. Their natural look along with their ruggedness and low maintenance makes them an excellent alternative to other doorstep choices.

A few years back I decided to replace the prefab concrete staircase that graced my home's entrance way with granite steps.

Installing granite steps is not a home improvement project that do-it-yourself homeowners can normally do themselves. This said, there are some aspects of the project you can do yourself.

To begin the process of installing granite steps, start by finding a granite stone supplier that can come to your home and assess your project. They will listen to your ideas, make some measurements, and determine the number of steps you will need for the project. They will also state, as they did in my case, that the pre-fabricated concrete steps will need to be removed and that a solid footing/foundation slab will need to be constructed to lay the granite steps on.

Removing the Prefabricated Concrete Steps

After meeting with the granite stone supplier, I went to task on removing the prefabricated concrete steps. With a pair of safety glasses, work gloves and a sledge hammer I began the process of breaking up the prefabricated concrete steps. After a couple of hours of work I reduced the steps to small fist size stones. I removed the material from the site; however I kept them relatively close at hand for the next stage of the project, building the concrete footing/foundation slab.

Building the Concrete Footing/Foundation Slab

During the process of demolishing the prefabricated concrete steps, I observed that they had rested on a few concrete bricks, which laid flat on the fill material around the foundation.

Using a shovel and pick ax, I removed about 1.5 feet of fill material from around the foundation entrance way and replaced it with some of the broken up concrete prefabricated stones. While adding the stones, I also mixed in some of the original fill material.

Next, I drilled several 2 inch deep holes into the side of the concrete home foundation wall and slid rebar rods into them. The rebar rods, laid flat on top of the stone/file material.

I then attached several rebar rods perpendicular the other rebar rods I just installed into the concrete and tied them together with stainless steel wire.

With the fill and rebar in place, I built a wooden frame using 2"x8"s that sat on top of the fill/stone base. The frame was open along the back wall (next to the foundation).

I hammered in wooden stakes into the ground on the outside of the frame and attached them to the frame using screws. While screwing them in I made sure the frame was level, by running a 2"x4" on top of the frame, with a level placed on top of it. I checked the back side, the front side, and from corner to corner.

I then placed into the frame additional stones from the demolition of the prefabricated concrete stone steps and back filled along the outside of the frame with fill.

Pouring the Concrete Slab

Though you can buy bags of Portland cement and mix up your own concrete, I found it better to order concrete from a local concrete mixing company. It's a heck of a lot less effort and the cost for a yard of concrete is relatively inexpensive compared to buying small 80 pound bags of Portland cement and mixing them up by hand.

After the concrete was poured I used a 2x4 as a strike board to level off (screeding) the concrete. Basically this process involves laying the 2x4 on end across the concrete frame and working from back to front moving the board in a sawing motion side to side. This process floats the concrete and creates a smooth finished surface.

I then let the slab set up for a couple of days before removing the frame and backfilling with soil. After the slab had set up for about a week it was ready for the granite steps.

Installing the Granite Steps

This was the easy part (at least from the homeowners perspective), as it involved only watching the granite stone supplier lifting and installing the granite steps in place. In our case they actually had a crane on the truck that lifted the stones and moved them into place.

Installing Railings

If railings are required, you can pre-drill holes into the granite steps and install railings if required or desired.

Installing granite steps involves some significant upfront work; however the finished look is well worth the investment. Surprisingly, the cost of installing granite steps is cheaper than one may originally think, so before you decide to forgo the idea of granite steps contact a granite supplier and get a quote. Also, if you are not up to the site preparation the granite supplier may be able to do the work or at least offer you contractor names that can do the work for you.

About the Author: 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 information about Home Improvement and Home Additions, and Home Remodeling and Repair visit homeadditionplus.com and homeaddition.blogspot.com.

I Have A Squeaky Floor

Showerheads - 6 Things You Should Know Before You Buy

1: STYLE IS KEY.

The color or finish of your showerhead should match the faucet and tub filler. Additionally, the style should have a similar look, but doesn't necessarily have to match. The showerheads of today not only offer massage, but up to 25 different spray patterns from a drenching rain to a fine mist.

2: SPRAY ME.

There are numerous showerheads available on the market. Choose a handheld version with a controlled spray to bathe children, wash a pet or help those who need to shower sitting down. Some mount on a vertical slide for versatility and allow for height differences. The wall-mounted shower is most common with an overhead shower placed on the ceiling. This may require more water to operate. Body spray showerheads are small showerheads installed in series of two or three along opposite walls. The ultimate is body mist shower with a series of jets in a single bar to gently wash the body and have adjustable force and spray patterns.

3: THE SELF CLEAN TEST.

A self-cleaning showerhead is extremely important if you live where there is hard water. Additionally, if you live near salt water, ask about a special protective coating for chrome and brass fixtures. The coating will allow you to maintain the look without discoloration, tarnishing or pitting.

4: FLOW.

Low-flow showerheads conserve water by restricting flow through smaller openings. The federally mandated effort to save water has reduced the flow of showerheads to no more than 2.5 gallons per minute. Some showerhead manufacturers offer flow restriction mechanisms that reduce levels even lower. While they save water at this lower level, the water temperature may be lower than desired.

5: PRICE CHECK.

You will find a wide price range of showerheads, from $20 to $500 and up. Generally you will get what you pay for with the lower priced models offering less features and less warranty, if any. If you are replacing a wall mounted showerhead, you will most likely want to select another one. Changing to an overhead showerhead may mean expensive plumbing renovations.

6: SCALD GUARD.

Will your shower be used by small children or older adults? If so, select antiscald protection. If you replace old mixer valve with an antiscald one, this is an expensive plumbing expense. Think about an antiscald fitting which install in between the shower arm and your new showerhead.

Steven M. Fisher is a well known expert in the Home Improvement, Building and Decorating Fields. Before you make any big purchases for your home, go to the Home Remodeling Portal where you can find information on thousands of products and manufacturers at the click of a mouse, as well as, several informative "6 Things To Know Before You Buy..." articles. For more information go to the http://www.HomeRemodelingPortal.com

Raised Door Threshold

The Beautiful Beacon Hotel in Washington DC

Washington DC is a place full of national landmarks. This place belongs to the most popular tourist destinations in the United States. Washington DC offers great things that you can enjoy, from performances, freebies and exciting experiences.

If you are planning to look for a great place to stay, you can have a variety of places to lodge and to dine here in Washington DC. They offer wonderful hotels, resorts and lodging houses that you can surely enjoy. One of the best hotels in Washington is the Beacon Hotel.

Beacon Hotel is tailored both for leisure and business travelers. Enjoy their fresh interiors created to bring a relaxing ambiance for their guests. They have state-of-the-art technology that you will surely love. Their rooms offer a comfortable and life-enriching environment.

They have many hotel facilities that are available for you to use.

Restaurant/ Food and Beverages
You can also have great dining at the Beacon Bar and Grill (BB&G). This is the famous bar in the place and has a great appeal to both the guests and local area residents. It houses professional and well-acclaimed chefs.

Rooms
Their rooms are very relaxing and comfortable. They offer simple elegance to give you a stress-free environment. Rooms have a rich decoration with a down-to earth luxury.

Guests can choose between non-smoking and smoking. They also have rooms for the handicapped. Their front desk is 24 hours.

They also have Corporate Quarter Suite for your business needs, equipped with all the business amenities you need. Rooms have wi-fi internet connection, and working desks for business people.

Activity
The Beacon Hotel has a fitness center for you to keep you fit during your stay here. They have complete gadgets for your daily exercise. They also have some guided exercises provided by their body built instructors.

Business services
Beacon Hotel is the right place for you when you are traveling on business. They have a spacious meeting place and banquet facilities that you can use for your meetings. Their business center has complete facilities such as the computer. Internet connection is available.

Babies and Children
For children 12 years old and below, they are free of charge upon using the existing bed. This means that the parents will only pay their own bill. There are available baby cots in each room but a maximum of one per room only.

Disadvantages
The room service is limited from 7 in the morning up to 10 in the evening. Internet is not free. It costs US$12.95 per hour. Parking cost is US$26.00.

The hotel is not a pet-friendly.

For more information on Beacon Hotel Washington DC and Madison Hotel Washington DC please visit our website.

Bow In Basement Wall

The Truth About Premier Bathtubs

Think bathtubs, and just one name comes to mind. No prizes for guessing; it just has to be Premier bathtubs. After all, it's the company that is credited with upgrading the glam quotient in every bathroom. Established with the sole purpose of providing a captivating experience through countless path breaking innovations, Premier is today synonymous with both functional excellence and fine designs.

A Class Apart

A bathtub is a permanent fixture in every bathroom. But despite their ubiquity, a great deal of passion and thought goes into the creation of every model. The tremendous attention to detail inspires a lot of appreciation and admiration. This result is products that are highly advanced and exceptionally luxurious.

The in-depth understanding of bathtub design ensures that this personal fixture in the bathroom is designed without relegating individual needs and preferences to the background. So whether it is an aesthetically crafted, soaked-in-style walk in bathtub design or a bathroom solution for the disabled guided solely by safety concerns, all your apprehensions are drowned by the hallowed monopoly of this remarkable company.

A Truly Comprehensive Range

At Premier, there are bathtubs that meet every customer's whims and fancies. Depending on your requirements, you can choose from their simply spectacular array of progressive and distinctive bathtubs.

Here's what you are likely to find when you invite yourself into the plush interiors of a Premier showroom:

• Walk-in bathtubs: Pamper yourself with air and hydro massages after that arduous day at work. This truly exclusive, avant-garde line is ideal for those that value the finer things in life.
• Models for the elderly or disabled: Bathing in tubs is fraught with risks for both the elderly and the disabled. Well, with Premier's very safe and secure line of bathtubs, all your fears are sure to fade into oblivion. The installation of a seat in the tub, different kinds of skid-proof bars and handles makes bathing less challenging.
• Plymouth: One of the most sought after models, this one redefines bathing luxury.
• Warwick: With this model, even homeowners constantly kvetching about small spaces have plenty to cheer.

No matter what size or style, these bathtubs become the cynosure of all eyes, making every moment truly delightful.

Learn exactly how to generate 100's or even 1000's of positively *BRILLIANT* Bathroom Remodeling Ideas ... FAST ! And here are 25 Dirt Cheap Home Improvement Ideas that could increase the value of your home by several $1000's ...

Toilet Tank Lid Cracked

The Beautiful Beacon Hotel in Washington DC

Washington DC is a place full of national landmarks. This place belongs to the most popular tourist destinations in the United States. Washington DC offers great things that you can enjoy, from performances, freebies and exciting experiences.

If you are planning to look for a great place to stay, you can have a variety of places to lodge and to dine here in Washington DC. They offer wonderful hotels, resorts and lodging houses that you can surely enjoy. One of the best hotels in Washington is the Beacon Hotel.

Beacon Hotel is tailored both for leisure and business travelers. Enjoy their fresh interiors created to bring a relaxing ambiance for their guests. They have state-of-the-art technology that you will surely love. Their rooms offer a comfortable and life-enriching environment.

They have many hotel facilities that are available for you to use.

Restaurant/ Food and Beverages
You can also have great dining at the Beacon Bar and Grill (BB&G). This is the famous bar in the place and has a great appeal to both the guests and local area residents. It houses professional and well-acclaimed chefs.

Rooms
Their rooms are very relaxing and comfortable. They offer simple elegance to give you a stress-free environment. Rooms have a rich decoration with a down-to earth luxury.

Guests can choose between non-smoking and smoking. They also have rooms for the handicapped. Their front desk is 24 hours.

They also have Corporate Quarter Suite for your business needs, equipped with all the business amenities you need. Rooms have wi-fi internet connection, and working desks for business people.

Activity
The Beacon Hotel has a fitness center for you to keep you fit during your stay here. They have complete gadgets for your daily exercise. They also have some guided exercises provided by their body built instructors.

Business services
Beacon Hotel is the right place for you when you are traveling on business. They have a spacious meeting place and banquet facilities that you can use for your meetings. Their business center has complete facilities such as the computer. Internet connection is available.

Babies and Children
For children 12 years old and below, they are free of charge upon using the existing bed. This means that the parents will only pay their own bill. There are available baby cots in each room but a maximum of one per room only.

Disadvantages
The room service is limited from 7 in the morning up to 10 in the evening. Internet is not free. It costs US$12.95 per hour. Parking cost is US$26.00.

The hotel is not a pet-friendly.

For more information on Beacon Hotel Washington DC and Madison Hotel Washington DC please visit our website.

Painted Wood Windows

Bathtub Refinishing Fumes - How To Protect Yourself

Bathtub refinishing is being used more by hotels, apartment complexes and homeowners because of a housing downturn, a mortgage-meltdown, and overall depressed and depressing economy as a way to save money in their bathroom renovation. Another interest in re-glazing is being fueled by informed masses who have shown a continued interest in "greening" their homes, particularly in making them more energy efficient. Consumers are looking for ways to save money, and the environment and that is what bathtub refinishing does- provide savings of up to 80% over replacement while sparing the landfills.

But unlike other services like carpet cleaning, plumbing, pest control etc, where consumers know what to expect from their service contractor, tub re-glazing business is unknown to many. And because of this lack of knowledge, many don't know what the process involves, what to expect and what the the final outcome will be. Here is the bathtub refinishing process in a nutshell: A tub is cleaned, fully etched, cleaned, prime coated andtop coated.

The equipments used are a turbine, a sprayer and a big exhaust fan. The protective equipment is similar to what you'll see used in mold remediation or asbestos removal. If the fumes coming out of the bathroom are not healthy for the one doing the refinishing in the bathroom, do you think it is safe for you, your pets and especially younger and older ones in the home?

Many bathtub refinishing companies will tell you that they use a proprietary coating formulated by them and for them. Ask for their sacred MSDS. It contained enough toxic materials to make their technicians suit up as if cleaning a room full of asbestos. Water based coatings are getting better but water condenses in the bathroom and on the tub. Go figure. Every etching product contain some level of acid. The concentration of VOC's is high. Unfortunately, from the biggest bathtub refinishing companies to the small town bathtub refinishing company using exhaust fans to get rid of the fumes and their smell. They leave a lot of toxic fumes and smell that linger for days.

There are air scrubbers that can suck up those fumes and odors and still keep the environment?
These portable systems operate in a completely sealed off bathroom. They are quiet, so that guests and tenants that sleep on while bathtub re-glazing is done next room. In fact, some companies are using hospital grade air scrubbers while re-glazing a tub because of the importance these companies put on the health of their customers and the environmental impact of their work. These portable units are in the bathrooms where the re-glazing is done.

All the fumes and odors are captured and there is no hoses or cords coming out of the bathroom as a safety hazard. The technology is here. Next time you call your friendly bathtub refinishing company, ask them how they are going to mitigate the odor and fumes. If they are still using old technology with its environmental impact in this century, they are not your company. Ask questions, protect your health, and those of your hotel guests and apartment tenants.

The sluggish economy is forcing hotels and hotel chains, to find creative ways to save money and the environment as they remodel their bathrooms. Many are concerned about the effects of over-spray fumes on their guests and their health, the noise created by antiquated bathtub refinishing systems, the impact of old technology on the environment. Ask questions and lots of them before you hire your next friendly bathtub refinishing company.

Wilson Uche Ukah, is the President of Refinishing Stars, a bathtub refinishing company serving the bathtub reglazing needs of homeowners in Atlanta, Chattanooga, Nashville and Knoxville. Refinishing Stars, refinishes bathtubs, sinks, and countertops for hotels and motels nationwide. Wilson writes regularly on green remodeling and is a consultant to other bathtub refinishing companies. He can be reached at http://www.refinishingstars.com or sales@refinishingstars.com

Open Plumbing Waste Pipes

How to Give Your Bathroom a Makeover on the Cheap

When is the last time you took a bath? Was it a long time ago? How about the last time you really enjoyed the appearance of your bathroom? If the answer wasn't either "yesterday" or "today," then it's time to do something about it! Upgrading your bathroom to make it a place you can enjoy and appreciate doesn't have to be a difficult renovation or bank-breaking investment. Here are some simple ideas to revamp your space.

1. Take on a bath tub project. If you take on a bathtub refinishing project, you'll find that it is a very cost efficient and can really transform your washroom into a brand-new spa-like experience. Though it might take a little physical work, it will be well worth the reward of having a beautiful new tub to enjoy after a long day of work.

2. Add some flair. Adding a few fun pieces in the bathroom can go a long way, especially since it's usually one of the smaller rooms in the home. Buy some new bright colored towels, and a small picture that accents the towels. With these small colorful twists, it can revive your bathroom from looking bland, to looking grand!

3. Reorganize the clutter. If your bathroom is driving you nuts because it's unorganized and messy, it can really ruin your spirits. Can your problem be solved by adding more storage space or additional tower racks? If so, you've got an easy job. Look into investing in a bathroom vanity. These beautiful pieces of furniture can instantly transform a bathroom with its' distinct characteristics and abundant storage space. You can either go with a single or a double vanity, which has the ability to save you tons of time in the morning when you're used to hurrying your roommate or significant other out of the bathroom. It also leaves you with an easy way to clean up after yourself, and can neatly hold all of your toiletries.

These are just a few things to consider before you decide to rip down the wall or start showering in the outhouse down the street. You don't need to take drastic measures to have your dream bathroom restored, just take one of these approaches and have confidence in your home remodeling skills!

If you would like more information on a bathtub refinishing project or any other bathtub ideas, please visit the SimplyBathtubs.com website.

Porch Rafter Beam Damage

Bathroom Cabinets For a Clutter Free Bathroom

Bathroom clutter is not only unsightly but can also be in the way. We all need quick and easy access to our things when bathing and getting ready in the morning, but with space in most bathrooms at a premium, how do you find room for everything you need to be at your fingertips without tripping over it?

The answer could be with bathroom cabinets. If you have existing cabinets, you may want to install an extra shelf within to hold more, more efficiently. You can also freshen the look of your existing cabinets with a new coat of paint and some new handles and drawer pulls. You can also mount a towel rack to the side of one, creating more space to hold fresh towels or dry damp ones without using up wall space.

If you do not have cabinets in your bathroom, or simply do not have enough, your options are near limitless. There is a wide variety of pre-made cabinetry that will fit into almost any room, dcor and budget. A cabinet installed under the basin will conveniently hold toilet rolls, towels, makeup and toiletries for getting ready in the mornings, and even a few cleaning supplies. Another very attractive way to accomplish under basin storage is a bathroom vanity cabinet. These can also be found in any style, from traditional wood to contemporary glass and metal, and can house many kinds of basins.

A floor to ceiling shelf, with or without doors, can be tucked in between the basin and toilet or bidet to hold towels, washcloths and other necessities out of sight while keeping your bathroom counters and surfaces free of clutter. Don't forget behind the bathroom door as well! Instead of this area gathering dust, you can install a slim cabinet to gather your daily supplies together, out of sight but not out of reach.

There are also many custom cabinet makers out there. You can find a reliable contractor to build you the bathroom storage of your dreams, in both functionality as well as style. A custom job will ensure that everything fits perfectly, even in an oddly shaped or hard to fit room. You will also be able to pick and choose each element with your carpenter, from materials to color to how many shelves you'd like to have in each piece.

If you can't afford custom cabinetry, you can still get a custom look by adding fancy handles or drawer pulls, or painted accents to a pre-made cabinet. No matter how you get there, adding new cabinets to your bathroom is a stylish and efficient way to reduce clutter and add beauty.

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

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

Broken Fire Hydrant Home Damage

What to Do About Basement Waterproofing - House Remodeling Ideas

Owning a home with a basement can give us additional living space that is not typically available in a home with a crawl space. Many people put recreational rooms in the basement as well as using them for storage and often as a personal workshop. It may be difficult, however, whenever water in the basement becomes a problem. There are really two different ways in which water can invade this area of our home, both of which will take some form of waterproofing to correct. They can either come in slowly, almost undetected by us or it can quickly invade our basement and cause it to be flooded.

Since the basement is below ground level, moisture is often a problem, even if it is not visible. It may show up as mold or mildew that begins to appear on the walls and although you cannot actually see the moisture that is present, there are plenty of telltale signs that will help to identify the fact that you have a problem.

Doing a little bit of basement waterproofing for this usually means putting a specific type of paint on the walls or perhaps even spraying them down with chemicals so that they are impervious to mold growth. It may also help if you run a basement dehumidifier on a regular basis, even after you have completed the basement waterproofing project.

The other way that water can invade our basement is all at one time which can cause it to be flooded. I have personally had a difficulty with this for many years and it can be destructive, especially if you use the basement for living space or storage. If the water is coming in at one specific location, sealing that location in some way or another may help to cure the problem a little bit.

There may be times, however, whenever more drastic measures need to be taken. If you're basement floods on a regular basis, you may need to dig down to the bottom of your foundation on the outside of the walls and install a French drain. This will divert any water away from the house so that it does not end up in your basement.

Having a problem with water in your basement is simply keeping you from enjoying part of your house. Although waterproofing your basement is going to take a little bit of work, it will all be well worth the effort whenever you can take this part of your home back again.

You can find out more about Basement Waterproofing as well as much more information and tips on everything to do with basement waterproofing at http://www.BasementWaterproofingTips.com

Framed Door Opening Ready For Door

Hotels In Thailand - Enjoy A Great Culture

Thailand is a fascinating place to visit but the weather and temperatures mean that timing your visit is imperative. Monsoons arrive around July time and carry on into November, this results in sticky and quite uncomfortable temperatures and may not suit the average holiday-maker. From March to June, Thailand has very high temperatures and again, may not be what some people are looking for. The best time to visit Thailand is between November and mid-February where temperatures are comfortable and beaches are at their best.

There are some great hotels in Thailand available and you should have no problem finding one to suit you as there are a great selection with varying prices and quality depending on what you are looking for. As well as the temperature being bearable, there are also plenty of national and regional festivals going on from November to February.

The "Kathin" and "Loi Krathong" festivals are very popular in the country and both take place in November and the "Surin Annual Elephant Roundup" which is very popular amongst tourists. Other festivals that are worth a visit are the Bangkok Film Festival held in January and Chinese New Year which is always awash with vibrant colours and is a great way to experience the culture.

Getting around is fairly simple, tourists are advised to use the Baw Khaw Saw (BKS) public bus terminals to minimise the chances of having anything stolen as private hire mini-vans and buses have a high theft rate. There are plenty of hotels around and most are positioned in central locations which allow you to make the most of your time in Thailand.

For the best deals on hotels in Thailand, shop online and compare the best deals from the leading companies and find the ideal hotel for you.

With so much culture to take in, you want to find hotels ideally located and with plenty of high quality hotels in Thailand there is something for everyone. Search online for the best deals for hotels in Thailand.

House Foundation Books
Kitchen Books

Developing Wealth Building Habits

If you want to be successful, you need mentors or in other words find people that have succeeded. These people can include the ultra rich like Bill Gates or Warren Buffett, but don't forget about the people around you that have created good wealth building habits.

Some of the people have great advice and will need to be listened to very intently, while others need to be put on a list and never spoken to again. If you're going to be developing wealth building habits, you're going to need some advice from wealthy people. Let me make myself clear, when I'm talking about developing wealth building habits, I'm not talking about spiritual, knowledge, Biblical or religious wealth. I'm talking about making money, as much money as you desire or feel you need.

Wealth building habits start with you. Ask yourself this question "how bad do I want or desire wealth?" Really, really, really bad or are you the kind of person that would like to be rich, but that's as far as it goes. Developing any of these habits does not include sleeping in until 11 o'clock in the morning and then complaining the rest of the day about your finances.

Bill Gates used to work 16 hours a day. How many days a week did he do that? These are the questions you're going to find the answers to. If you're interested in making $50 million, you need to find someone who can teach you, how to make $50 million.

It won't be necessary to contact Warren Buffett but I would advise you to gather as much information about him as possible. Wealth building habits start with learning about wealthy people. If they get up at four o'clock in the morning and read the newspaper until six o'clock, then exercise for 30 minutes and start working at seven o'clock, you need to start doing this also. Developing good wealth building habits over time are what most successful businessman and women have been doing for years. Study their habits and start changing yours.

If you do something every day, it will usually become a habit within 30 days.

Greg Vanden Berge is a published author, internet marketing expert, motivational inspiration to millions of people all over the world and is sharing some of his wisdom with experts in the fields of writing,marketing, and personal development.

Greg is currently working on a self help video library filled with great movies on a wide array of topics, like religion, self help and spiritual changes in the world. His views on religious freedom are slowly changing the way people think about institutional religion.

Wood Post Bottom With Filler

How to Install Your Face Mounted Glass Tile

Glass tile can be one of the best design decisions that you make for your home or business. It allows you flexibility in the colors that are available. There is no need to be stuck with one solid color for your backsplash when you can create a custom blend of colors that will pull together your granite countertops, oak cabinets, and stainless steel appliances. Glass tile is not a dated product so in 20 years it will still look classy.

A professional installer is always recommended for the installation of your glass tile. They have experience working with this thinner material and can make your finished area look perfect. However, a lot of people will install the glass tile sheets themselves. Below you will find a guide on how to complete this task without paying the professional to do it for you. The information given is for glass tiles that are face mounted on paper. The typical tile thickness is 1/8".

You will need several tools and supplies on hand before you start. Make sure to have 3 buckets: one to mix the thin set, one to hold water, and the other to mix the grout. You will also need a dusk mask on when mixing the powders with water. A putty knife, 3/16" notched trowel, 1/16" spacers, old rags for cleanup, fine sponge (not very porous), and a grout float are also recommended to have on hand.

Before you begin make sure that your surface is prepared. Don't tile directly onto your sheetrock. Instead use a thin backer board if possible. There is a lot of information on the internet about how to prepare your surface in different areas of your home or business. Read about this first. You will also need to find your starting point. This will be different for all installations. Don't start in a corner. You would rather end in a corner.

Do not use mastic with glass tiles. Instead thin set mortar is recommended. Mix the dry thin set with a latex additive not water. The additive makes the thin set sticky and creates a great bond with the glass tiles. Prepare the thin set to manufacturer's directions. Be sure to wear the dust mask.

Now you are ready to spread thin set on surface using the putty knife. You will want to work in small areas until you get used to the installation process. To start just spread enough adhesive to cover one full sheet of your glass tile. Trowel throughout thin set using long straight strokes. Hold the trowel at a 45 degree angle to get the proper depth of 1/16". Be sure to wipe excess thin set back into bucket.

Position first sheet PAPER SIDE OUT. Get it exactly where you want it then gently press the sheet down using a flat 2x4. This will ensure that all of the tiles touch the thin set. You don't want any of the adhesive to squish up between your tiles. If you see this is happening then you have spread your thin set too thick. You may want to remove the sheet and clean out the thin set. Now you can try it again.

Spread another section of thin set next to the first sheet. Using 1/16" spacers place the next sheet beside the first. Press flat with the 2x4.

Continue to work in this manner until the first sheet has set for about 15 to 30 minutes (the thin set will start to harden). Take an old towel or sponge and wet the paper. You know it is ready when the paper turns a darker brown. Gently pull the paper against itself from every corner until it has completely released. If you pull straight out then you will probably pull off a tile or two.

Continue to install sheets and pull off paper until your surface is covered. Be sure to clean out the grout joints as you remove the paper using a toothpick. Once the thin set has set up it will be very difficult to remove later.

Another great thing about the glass mosaic tiles is that you can easily cut the sheets to fit around sockets or any protruding areas in your space. However, if you get to the corner and realize that the tiles are not going to fit perfectly into the corner then you will have to do some cutting. A wet saw is NOT recommended. It will just shatter the glass. We recommend using a pair of wheeled cutters for cutting the tile around fixtures. You just snap the tiles in half when needed. You can also get intricate cuts as well. Always make the cuts face into your corner. Once grouted, you will not be able to see any wobbly cuts that might occur.

After tiles have set for 24 hours, you will be ready to grout. Use another bucket to mix the grout to the manufacturer's specifications. There is no need for a latex additive for the grout. Just use water. Spread grout onto the tiles with a grout float using a back and forth motion in order to fill in all grout joints. Be sure to wipe off any excess grout off of the surface of the tiles.

Wait about 10 minutes to allow the grout to set up slightly in your joints. Then take a slightly damp sponge and start wiping the rest of the grout away. If you notice that grout is starting to come out of your joints as you wipe, then you are ready to do the final clean up. Take cheap paper towels and finish wiping the tiles. This will take the rest of the grout off of the tiles but not add water and remove the grout from your joints.

Once the grout is off of the top of the tiles, then use a stiff brush to buff the grout out of any pores. After about an hour, use a clean cloth to buff off any haze that may form. If the haze persists, then mix distilled vinegar and water. Dip a clean white cloth into the mixture and wring out well. Wipe down your tiles and the grout haze should be gone.

After grout has cured for several days, be sure to seal it with a high quality grout sealant.

NOTICE: This information is offered as a guide only. There is no guarantee. Hire a professional installer who has experience working with face-mounted glass mosaic tile.

Tammy Wise has been creating mosaic art for over 8 years. She has been published in major glass magazines and has done mosaic commission work for businesses. Tammy currently owns her own mosaic business in Owasso, Oklahoma. Tile Shack Mosaic Supplies ships superior products all over the world. Find plenty of supplies plus more information on mosaics at http://www.tileshack.com .

Fireplace And Hearth Framing

For Home Remodeling Projects, Always Think In Terms Of Resale

Whether of not you plan to sell your house in the near term, resale value should always be a consideration whenever you are planning out a home remodeling project. In fact, you should be thinking ahead to resale before you even buy a house, because you never know when circumstances will change.

Now, having said that, my opinion on the subject of resale is this. You can either make your house generic to appeal to the masses, or you can make it special so as to appeal to the niche buyer.

If your house is pretty much generic, such as part of a development of similar homes (e.g., tract, PUD, etc.), the sale is mostly driven by price, which is a dicey proposition in a weak housing market. But if your house is unique or special in some way so as to fit the particular preferences of only a handful of niche buyers, they will pay more for it ... although it might take longer to sell if no such targeted buyer happens to be prowling your market at the moment.

A major consideration for you in the project planning stage -- or even before you purchase a home for enhancement and resale in the first place -- is to decide what market you envision for the finished product.

In my experiences performing dozens of remodeling projects on several homes over the past 16 years, some of the houses could be described as your basic California single-story ranch-style home on a flat lot, which in general has pretty broad appeal. However, one house with its reclusive hillside setting and acres of avocado orchards, and another with its two-story farmhouse design and horse facility, each appealed to a much narrower spectrum of buyers.

But contrary to what you might have heard, uniqueness is not necessarily a bad thing. Although it might take longer to sell a home with unique features -- and many prospective buyers indeed will not be willing to pay extra for them (and might not want the house at all because of them) -- that smaller group of targeted buyers who are seeking special amenities (such as a horse barn, tennis court, guest house, or swimming pool) generally will be willing to pay up for them. All things considered, I prefer to make a house somewhat unique and special ... but that doesn't mean crazy, artsy, or eclectic!

Focus on high-value projects

It is important for you to focus on high-value-added projects that are appropriate to your market and neighborhood. Of course, many home upgrades will not return the value invested through enhanced sales price -- although they might be appropriate anyway if you are doing it for your personal enjoyment. Just know in advance why you are doing the project, and don't naively assume that any project you do will give you a dollar-for-dollar increase in home value.

A swimming pool might fit into this category. Many homebuyers have no interest in dealing with a pool. However, if you really want one for your own enjoyment, you still should think ahead toward eventual resale and try to optimize its impact on home value. For example, think about placing and designing the pool in harmony with (and perhaps as a focal point of) your landscaping, i.e., think of it as a clean, soothing, and decorative waterscape, and make it as appealing as possible. The overall feel and marketability of your property will be greatly enhanced versus simply plunking a basic concrete & plaster pool and cool deck in the middle of your yard with a toddler fence around it.

Another example might be an elaborate master bathroom, with huge Jacuzzi tub, sauna, and built-in flat-screen TV. Sure, it might be your dream bathroom, but will it really fit with the rest of the home -- or the rest of the neighborhood for that matter? If you have a top-to-bottom luxury home, it might be completely appropriate, enhancing both your home's value and its appeal to that niche buyer.

Otherwise, consider whether the expense will only turn off the target buyers as an extravagance. If you are in a modest neighborhood of similar homes, be cautious of overdoing the appointments relative to what is common in the neighborhood. Although a tasteful extravagance would probably help the house sell faster, it may not add much to the price. So ask yourself, how much will this project really add to the value of my home?

Also, consider the lifetime cost of an upgrade, especially if you are planning to stay in the house for awhile. As an example, vinyl-covered wood-frame double-pane windows might be desirable for their triple benefit: strength, energy efficiency, and low maintenance.

Plan in Advance! You have heard it many times before: If you fail to plan, then you plan to fail. So start by seriously asking yourself questions like these:

1. What am I trying to accomplish? Am I fixing up the house to sell, or do I just want to create a more pleasant living environment for my family?

2. Does the house need major repairs that will require permits and contractor involvement, or are these projects that I can tackle myself?

3. Should I stick to a firm budget, or can I use a flexible checkbook to pursue my vision?

4. Do I want to immerse myself in this and get it all done as quickly as possible, or do I want to take my time and try not to get stressed out?

In any case, don't spend impulsively or frivolously! This is a trap I have fallen into, since I'm somewhat impulsive by nature. Write out a plan of some kind. It can be dynamic and changeable, but at least you'll have a basis for assigning priorities and making choices.

And keep in mind; many couples end up on the brink of divorce when they take on home projects due to either the mess, the stress, the duration, conflicting ideas, inequitable division of duties, or the financial burden. So be prepared for this before you get yourself knee-deep in it. It might be better to start small and take on each project piecemeal.

Be smart but not cheap. Seek value in your choice of projects, materials, and contractors. Ideally, all of your expenditures will increase the value of your home by at least the same amount -- but of course, there is no telling for sure when it comes to the future market price of the home.

Finally, allow me to leave you with my personal design credo:

Seek simplicity, comfort and value!

Simplicity means muted neutral colors, bright, open, airy, spacious, and uncluttered. Comfort means designing for function, usability, and durability rather than purely for style. And Value means cost-effective quality, i.e., always seeking good quality for a reasonable price.

If you keep this simple phrase in mind, it will go a long ways in helping you to dramatically and affordably transform your house

Copyright 2008 by Laura Martindale

Laura Martindale is a freelance design consultant and self-taught home remodeling expert. She has performed dozens of home remodeling projects on numerous homes over the past 16 years. Her specialty is dramatically and cost-effectively transforming a house without major remodeling. You can learn more by visiting http://TransformYourHouse.com

Stair Building Books
House Renovation Books

Planning Your Bathroom Remodel Budget - Home Improvement Ideas

As a bathroom remodeling contractor, I get calls from people, that have no idea what they want or how much anything is going to cost. Here's some simple tips that can be very helpful when planning a bathroom remodel budget.

Bathroom Remodeling Investment

In 2008, the average mid-range bathroom cost around $16,000 and you could recoup around $12,000 of your original investment upon the sale of your home. According to a popular remodeling magazine, larger bathrooms using expensive fixtures, tile, bathtubs, woodworking, toilets and showers had an average of $52,000. Upon the sale of a home, you could recoup around $36,000 of your original investment.

Finding out How Much Things Cost

My first suggestion, would be to visit your local home improvement center, lumber yard or plumbing supply warehouse. Larger stores like Home Depot and Lowe's, seemed to provide you with value pricing but don't have a large selection. While doing some research on the Internet I noticed that some of their pricing is outrageously, outrageous. Some plumbing supply warehouses can provide value but beware others won't.

Create a List of Bathroom Remodeling Parts

You can get a good idea of your bathroom remodel costs for your budget by making a list of bathroom parts with pricing and then adding them up for a grand total. If you're a total bathroom remodel budget is $15,000 and you have a $6,000 bathtub with $4000 worth of tile, you could have a budget problem.

Figuring out the Labor

You will have to contact a contractor to get an actual cost for the labor. Sometimes you can double the cost of your bathroom remodeling parts to get a rough idea. If you have a list or a couple of lists and a few pictures of some sample bathrooms, this will make the contractor's job easier and often they can give you a labor price within a few days.

Give Yourself a Cushion

I would suggest leaving yourself a small financial cushion for any additional remodeling items. For example, you could see a different toilet, or instead of painting the walls, you now choose to wallpaper, you could incur additional expenses that you haven't planned for. If you know exactly what you want and stick to the original bathroom remodeling plan, you shouldn't need the cushion.

Financial problems often transfer into construction problems, so spend some time figuring out, how much money you want to spend on the bathroom remodel and try not to go overboard on the budget. I hate to see homeowners struggling with home improvement loan payments. Try to create a bathroom remodeling budget that is realistic and will not create a financial burden upon you or your family.

Greg Vanden Berge is working on the internet to promote the education for creating simple to follow guides and home building books to help professional building contractors as well as the weekend warriors. He has just finished a home buyers guide to take some of the frustration out of home shopping.

If your looking for some more bathroom remodeling or home building ideas.

Ceiling Repairs

Log Home Preservation Methods - Borate Wood Preservatives

Log Home BorateTreatments - the options and how and when to use!

One of the most important ways to protect your investment, your home, is to use a wood preservative on your logs. There are only two times that you can effectively use these products on your logs. When the home is built, before it is stained, or after cob blasting a finish off of your logs, before you re-stain. The wood preservative must be applied to raw wood, so it can soak in and dry underneath the stain.

All wood faces the possibility of rot and insect infestation, even in dry climates. Fungi and insects actually consume the cells of dead wood, often causing severe structural damage that often requires log replacement-a costly repair. We use Penetreat to help protect your home from costly damage of rot and insect infestation. Penetreat is a borate based wood preservative. Borates are well known across the world for their protective qualities. Penetreat provides a protective "shell" coating which helps defend your home against dry, wet, and brown rot, as well as termites, house borers, powder post beetles, and carpenter ants, (to name a few).

Borate is not toxic to people and animals. It will not harm you or your pets. Borates do not affect the natural color or strength of wood. They are completely odorless, and are not corrosive to metal fasteners, nails or screws. When a "Penetreat" home is properly sealed against moisture, the borates can provide many years of effective protective.

Impel Rods are a highly concentrated solid form, water diffusible borate rod. They are ideal for both preventative treatments of high risk areas and remedial treatments in areas with existing decay. Because Impel Rods stop decay when properly used, there is no need to replace decay damaged, yet structurally sound logs! Decay prone and rot hot spot areas at greatest risk include: base logs, corner construction, exposed rafters or overhangs, and below windows, doors, and dormers.

Impel Rods depend on moisture to work. When moisture contents of wood reach levels suitable for decay attack, i.e. (around 25 percent) Impel Rods slowly dissolve and begin to diffuse throughout the moisture saturated wood. The preservative will migrate into the areas of highest moisture, which are at the highest risk from fungal decay. The diffused Impel Rod will adequately and effectively prevent the wood from rotting and decaying because it will not allow the fungus that causes rot to grow. When moisture levels drop below 25 percent, the preservative becomes dormant and provides a reserve, ready to reactivate should decay conducive conditions reoccur. We feel that Impel Rods are an essential part of the protection of your log home, and include them as part of our prevention and restoration system.

We hope this article has been helpful and look forward to giving you much more information in future articles to help you preserve your log home dream!

Jamie Fonder

Top-Coat Log Home Restoration LLC

http://topcoatloghomerestoration.com/

Shower Window Installed

How To Fix That Leaky Bathtub Faucet - Fast!

Fixing a leaky bathtub faucet - or any other leaky faucet for that matter - can be an expensive job - UNLESS you can do it yourself!

In this article we want to look at the most common reason for a leaky faucet and show you how to fix it quickly and cheaply.

Preparation

It almost goes without saying that you should turn the water off first! Where to find the handle that does that? Just look under your sink and see where the pipes run. Somewhere along their length you will see either a handle or a wheel you can use to shut the mains supply off. In nearly every case you will need to turn it clockwise to shut.

One other preparation is to block the sink drain - just to prevent a nasty accident with something loose (like a screw or a small nut) disappearing down the drain never to be seen again. Use the plug you normally use, or put some cloth into the aperture. No good being wise after the event!

And - even though it goes without saying - make sure you have bought a replacement washer (or two) from the local hardware store - you don't want to be looking for that when you have the faucet in pieces do you!

Action

Locate the screw that is holding the handle of the faucet in place (it may be hidden behind a small plate or cover and that cover needs to be prised off using a small screwdriver or similar). Then undo the screw.

The next job is to get the handles off. Use a screwdriver to do this - you might need to use a little bit of force to prise it but it will come.

Now you will see the old washer (don't worry if not, we will put one in place anyway). Take off the old washer and replace with the new. Notice that the hole in the washer should just be a touch bigger than the central post that the handle turns.

Now retighten the handle, but only hand tight i.e. only until it stops turning without extra force needing to be applied.

Next, turn on the water again and see what happens! If there's no leak you're home and dry (excuse the pun!). If it still leaks, try tightening the handle a little more.

If it still leaks after that- then the problem is elsewhere and you'll need to get a plumber after all. But al least it was worth a try!

(And by the way - if you notice a big build up of lime around the handle - clean that off with a special removal product from your hardware store - it will pay you in the long run).

Things needed

A screwdriver or two - maybe one flathead and one Phillips or cross-screw. Also two washers (maybe take the old one off ahead of your visit to the store to be sure of getting the right one, or just buy a pack of mixed washers - not an expensive buy).

David Woodford is a freelance writer and owns info4u-services which helps people with free advice to help solve everyday problems. To find out more about fixing your faucet and other DIY jobs around your home, visit http:/http://www.fixleakyfaucet.com it will REALLY help you.

Feng Shui Books
Home Repair Books

Is Money a Big Part of Organized Religion?

Where do you think most modern day religious organizations would be without money? Is money really a big part of modern day organized religion or is that something in the past. Why do certain scriptures require their believers to donate a portion of their earnings?

Does this money improve the lives of religious believers? I'm asking these questions because most people won't. Most people don't even no where the money they earn is going. If you donate money to a religious organization and they choose to hire someone to install stained glass windows throughout the sanctuary, is this really going to help the congregation. Is this a want or a need?

When does a religious group become too powerful for its own good. Do you think the Catholic religion, which at the time of me writing this article, is the largest organized religion in the world, by itself, is very powerful or driven by finances. This organization has seeked wealth and power for centuries, creating an establishment that has its hands in everything all over the world.

Is it fair to have religious leaders living a life of luxury, while some of their followers suffer and go without food or shelter. Should some of this money go towards the aid of others who choose not to believe in the religious culture of their patrons?

Why do some people give money to their religious organization, even though they can barely survive. Are these people driven to contribute money because someone makes them feel guilty? Some of these people give money and time, even at the expense of their own family. It's just not fair, when I see people who are barely scraping by but give faithfully to an organization that promises them a better life after they die.

Your rewards for living a good life on Earth will be received after you die and are allowed to enter the kingdom of heaven. Does anyone have any proof of this? If you choose to base your life entirely on faith instead of seeking knowledge and wisdom, or even questioning your religious doctrine, you're not doing yourself any favors.

Money plays a big part in organized religion and honestly does a lot of good throughout the world. Christianity has had a large impact on the United States of America but only time will tell if it was a good thing or not.

If you have extra money and desire to give it to a religious organization of your choice, feel free, but if you're giving 10% of the money you've earned and really can't afford to, I wish you would take the time to research what your church actually spends it's money on. If your church is building another church in Mexico but you don't have enough money for food, clothes or other necessities, I would suggest that you let other people donate their extra money instead.

It might not be mentioned anywhere in your religion, but I'm sure your God or the ultimate Almighty power of the universe you believe in, does not want anyone to suffer or go without, because your religious organization chooses to make you feel guilty if you do not contribute a certain amount of money, for whatever reasons they can possibly come up with.

If everyone that believes in this interpretation has the keys to the kingdom of heaven, wouldn't Jesus be suggesting a life kind of like Mother Teresa but without any money. She wouldn't be allowed to ask any wealthy people for money, let alone use it if she acquired it somehow.

Have you ever ask yourself is there any Hope in Religion .

Would it be safe to a sound that by asking for money from a wealthy person would mean I would not be going to happen. Does it say anything in the Bible about using money from a wealthy person for great earthly deeds and you get to go to heaven but he does not. If this is starting to sound a little confusing, welcome to my world. There are very few people that follow organized religion, that even ask these questions, let alone seek the answers and find the truth and keeping an open mind to future information that possibly could change the old answer that they accepted as a truth but now realize, the possibility that the old information could be wrong.

If you were a religious leader and could not answer some of the major questions that you yourself had, would you continue living a life of confusion or seek relentlessly to find the answers until you are satisfied. Knowing that if you were satisfied with the answers to your questions and now your religious beliefs have changed considerably, would you retire or quit working with the religious organization you were involved with.

This is one of the biggest obstacles for most people that seem to get comfortable in their religious environments. If the interpretations of a you Bible verses are incorrect and can be proven, either scientifically or through translation errors, does this mean that there are more verses in the Bible that could be incorrect or misleading.

Greg Vanden Berge is a published author, internet marketing expert, motivational inspiration to millions of people all over the world and is sharing some of his wisdom with experts in the fields of writing,marketing, and personal development.

Greg is currently working on a video library filled with great movies on a wide array of topics, like religion, self help and spiritual changes in the world. His views on religious freedom are slowly changing the way people think about institutional religion.

Attic Framing Water Stains

Getting Your Electrical Needs Resolved - Home Contractor Advice

If you ever have any questions about how you are going to get things done it is very important that you start with a good electrical contractor but even the most advanced contractor simply cannot resolve all of your issues if you are not certain what needs to be done. You absolutely have to take some time and really look at all of your options. This means that most people are going to have to carefully analyze their needs and decide specifically what they would like completed.

If you are only wanting a few lights installed then obviously the scope of the project is quite simple. However, if you are looking to have a massive amount of electrical work done then obviously a much larger amount of time and effort into planning will be needed. The larger the job, the more thoroughly you need to determine expectations. While many electricians can help guide you in understanding what needs to be done, you need to know what your final result should be in order to actually get the results that you are truly after.

You might discover that your project is actually much simpler than you imagined as well. This is where thinking through your exact needs and talking carefully to the electrician that you are considering is important. To ensure that you really are getting the correct story on the scope you should always feel free to talk to several different electricians to make certain that your getting everything resolved quickly without missing any important details.

With all of the complications that can arise during electrical work it is always a good idea to leave yourself some extra time as well. Many people do not realize just how hectic and stressful things can really get. In order to ensure that you do not cut yourself short you should ask for estimates of time from the electricians that you speak with as well. This will help you to budget your time, and also schedule some additional time in the event of a problem.

Covering all of the small details that are necessary in an electrical project can be really easy to do, but it will require discussing your needs with an electrician that is smart, rather than one that is just simply ignoring your requests. A bit of time devoted to discussing your issues thoroughly is very important because it will ensure that the electrician is aware of what you need, and you are very much aware of what you will be receiving also.

Murphy Family Electrical Services has electricians serving Northern VA. electrician Alexandria, VA electrician Fairfax vaCentreville, Potomac Falls, Northern Virginia

Best Buy Uniforms offers the lowest prices and highest quality dickies work shirts work pants, and wholesale work uniforms.

One Foot Square Colum Base

Fuerteventura - Bahia Azul - Villa Information

Bahia Azul is the long awaitedprestigious walled development in Corralejo, Fuerteventura, built to very high standards. It has gated security for visitors peace of mind. The are both residential villas and those being offered for rent. The villas are detached and are of identical size and layout, allhaving high quality marble floors throughout..For anyone wishing to rent a villa,the following facilities are offered in most.

• Bahia Azulis situatedon the edgeof Corralejo fronting on tothe Parque Natural, a protected area.
• There are 147 villas sympathetically laid out in streets mostwith10 villas per street.
• The complex boast wonderful colourful boulevards with palm trees, Yucca, Bougainvillea, all maintain by hydroponics. All this colour is in sharp contrast to the lunar like landscape of the Parque Natural.
• There are 3 bedrooms, all en-suite. A cloakroom is next to the lounge.
• The villas have amaster bedroom with access of the lounge, but still having accessdirectly on to the pool.
• A further double bedroom and a third bedroom with twin beds, these havedirect accesson to the pool area viasliding patio doors.
• Families with very young childrenmay find this a problem in terms of safety but older children would appreciate the privacy away from their parents.
• Privacy may also be a bonus for a group of adults sharing, or a family group with older members.
• The bedrooms are all tastefully furnished as is the large lounge areawith big sofas and chairs.
• There is alarge plasma screen and DVD player.
• The Kitchen has everything you could want from a home from home. Hob, oven microwave, dishwasher, kettle, toaster, iron and ironing board, and for those little accidents whichca happen a mop and bucket and cleaning products
• Alarge dining table for intimate dinners or family meals.
• The pool area has comfortably patio furniture that can be placedin the shade, sun loungers to relax onto soak up thesunshine.
• Children can play safely in the pool, viewed easily by their parents.
• The villas have a very good level of privacy,suitable for naturists.
• There is ahe rooftop terrace, a sun trap during the day, but taking advantage of thethe cool breezes.
• A hot tub (for 6 people) is located on the roof. All of the rooftop terrace area has ambient lighting for night time diningas has the poolarea.
• Barbecue (for a quick snack),within the decorative minaret.
• The on site restaurantserves breakfast, lunch and dinner with a coffee bar serving snacks during the day.
• There is a choice of dining insideor the option of a table on their rooftop terrace.
• The prices are those of a good restaurant.
• Corralejo is about 40 mins away fromFuerteventura airport, and Bahia Azul is on the outskirts of Corralejo,it is advisable to hire a car.
• Hiring a car isvery easy to do on line, there are several very reputable car hire firms that have sales desk at the airport and picking one up when you land is quick and efficient, petrol is cheap on the island.
• Having a caralso meansthat you can explore the island, which has so much to offer.
• The Las Dunas beach is only a few minutes drive away andis comparable withmanyCaribbean beaches.
• The water sports on offer are world class. There are schools where you can learn to surf, kite surf, boggie board, and scuba dive. Deep sea fishing is also very popular.

Alan Lawrie is the owner of villas on the new 5* Bahia Azul complex. If you would like to know more about renting one of these secluded villas and finding out just what Fuerteventura has to offer, visit http://www.relaxxation.co.uk

For a FREE report full of information and facts about Fuerteventura please visit http://www.fuerterelaxation.com

Kitchen Books
Tile Setting Books

Old Versus New Construction Adhesives

When I first started building in 1978 as a young carpenter and an apprentice to my father. I had the grand illusions of becoming what they call on the east coast a master carpenter and on the West Coast a journeyman carpenter.

Part of my training in construction was learning to use the proper adhesive and caulking for different parts of the building project. We used to use a standard solvent-based construction adhesive when we were building our stairs and they would also use this adhesive on the floors to eliminate squeaks.

This glue dried extremely hard and everyone thought the harder the better. This construction adhesive was great when I started using it in 1978. There wasn't the polyethylene super elastic expandable multi-use glue and caulking construction adhesives at that time.

We used this brittle glue and it always seemed like a waste of time. As the wood dried and started to shrink the brittle hard glue would crack and break away from the wood it was glued to. Normally the glue was breaking away from plywood floor sheeting. I have seen 2 x 12 shrink 3/8 of an inch before in as little as a few months during the summer.

Now as time went on the old construction adhesives were replaced with a new window sealant made by a company called TOPS. This stuff was the hottest and best product of the decade to me. I used this stuff for everything.

This new urethane glue was now being used for sub floors, stair treads, sealing the windows flashing and siding. This stuff is still in use today and is a great choice for all of the uses I mentioned above. The price for this sealant is about double that of most water-based or solvent-based glues. But it's worth it.

So there you have it I like the urethane glues because of their flexibility, elasticity, their ability to adhere to wood concrete or metal and their performance in the years ahead.

There is one thing to keep in mind when using construction adhesives. Most construction workers seem to ignore the fact that the wood needs to be dry and clean before applying the construction adhesive. There have been quite a few times I have witnessed carpenters working with me and ignoring my advice.

Don't put yourself into this category. Doing quality work and following the manufacturers recommended installation instructions for their product will decrease your liability if there is ever a problem. Read the instructions carefully on all of the building products you use.

The manufacturers of these construction adhesives have thoroughly tested them. So use them properly and follow all safety warnings.

Greg Vanden Berge is working on the internet to promote the education for creating simple to follow guides and home building books to help professional building contractors as well as the weekend warriors. He is currently working on more Building and Remodeling Library and adding useful content to help solve problems created by the lack of construction knowledge in the building industry.

Visit us and get more information on building and remodeling your homes and Carlsbad Structural Repairs

Rusting Handrailing Nails

Types of Flooring You Might Like to Install in Your Home

Your home reflects your personal traits, tastes and lifestyle. As you give importance to every aspect of your home like the furniture, furnishings, walls, doors, ceilings, so also your flooring needs special attention. You need to choose the right type of flooring for each room, for example tiles are the best flooring solutions for your bathroom as this area is wet all the time and tiles do not get spoilt. Similarly the flooring in your bedroom should be something which is attractive. The walls should also be in tandem with the flooring. Thus it is necessary to select the appropriate wall color to match those of your floor color.

Hardwood Flooring

Hardwood is one amongst the various types of flooring. You can get several patterns to adorn your house with such as the zigzag style, square and circular ones and lots more.

Carpeting

This is a preferred type of flooring for cold climates. In cold places walking on the carpets gives warmth and adds comfort to the total ambience.

Bamboo Flooring

Bamboo flooring is very durable and eco-friendly. It also adds to the beauty of the environment. You can use beautiful patterns, natural or carbonized colors. Bamboo flooring is being widely used in offices, retail outlets and fashionable condominiums.

Wood Flooring

If you want to give a classy look to your house you can use wood flooring. This flooring is difficult to maintain as they could get ruined easily. Careful handling of your wood flooring will make it last longer. Keep water away and use wax to clean the floors. You specially need to wax generously the most frequented areas like the stair landings, the entrance of the rooms, the work areas and other parts.

Slate Flooring

Slate is becoming highly popular as one of the types of flooring because of its durable, slip-resistant, low-maintenance and stain free nature. These were used for offices previously but now are being used in homes as well. The various shapes and colors help in enhancing the beauty of your flooring. You can also create a wonderful combination of the ones having smooth finishes with those having rough finishes. Slate flooring is preferred for kitchens, bathrooms, driveways and pool walls. The Slate flooring is long lasting and does not peel off easily or look faded after some time like vinyl and linoleum.

Marble Flooring

Marble flooring is very easy to clean and does not require any maintenance. It is long lasting as well. This stone is stain free as well. Just use your mop and water to remove the dirty stains and see how they vanish to give you a sparkling floor.

Granite Flooring

Granite is a costly material and thus is used sparingly in commercial buildings but is used prevalently in homes. It is durable and scratch resistant and stain resistant as well. You should use a neutral detergent to clean granite flooring.

April Kerr owns website How to Install Flooring which has further details of flooring types such as natural cork flooring and rubber flooring.

Double 2 X 6 Ceiling Beam

Finding Something You Don't Like About Yourself - Creating Habits

Finding something you don't like about yourself is usually very easy for most people. Most of the time you don't even have to ask your family or friends because you have heard them complain about the same thing for years. How many times have you heard someone mention, I need to lose weight?

Here's a list of things people don't like about themselves. If you're one of those people that has a hard time finding something wrong with yourself, you could always ask one of your friends for some suggestions. I'm sure they would like that.

1. The need to lose weight. This of course is one of the worst problems with Americans. Most people need to lose weight and let's not forget there are some people that need to gain weight.

2. The need to stop gambling. As more Indian reservations are allowed to build gambling casinos and of course as the Internet gambling gets larger, I've noticed some people with gambling problems.

3. The need to stop drinking alcohol. The abuse of alcohol has been going on for many years. These people have an excuse for why they drink and most of the time it doesn't make sense.

4. The need to stop smoking. This could be one of the most difficult things I've ever seen my friends and family deal with.

5. The need to stop excessive behaviors. For example, gossiping, cruelty, bullying, lying, cheating, stealing, partying etc. You get the idea.

6. Don't forget the dreaded shopaholic. Most shopaholic's seem to have large credit card debt and can't seem to stop this vicious circle of buying and owing money to their creditors.

7. Working long hours or the workaholic. Sometimes this is a necessity but I would suggest that you change your lifestyle if possible. Reevaluate your reasons for working so hard.

8. Religious fundamentalists. People that spend too much time at their place of worship and soon find themselves feeling guilty if they're not doing something spiritual.

9. The need to be on time. This would include people that have problems giving themselves enough time to get ready for work or school.

10. The need to stop doing drugs. I thought by now, approaching my 50s, that drugs would no longer be a problem in the United States, but it is. It's one of the most damaging things people can do to their lives.

There are plenty of things that people would like to stop doing or start doing. If you're a smoker and you seem to shop excessively near the casinos, I would advise you to start with something small and work your way up to the big stuff.

What are you going to change today about your life? Make a list of things that you're not happy with about your life and start making the changes today that you need to create the life you deserve and desire.

Greg Vanden Berge is a published author, internet marketing expert, motivational inspiration to millions of people all over the world and is sharing some of his wisdom with experts in the fields of writing,marketing, and personal development.

Greg is currently working on a personal development video library filled with great movies on a wide array of topics, like religion, self help and spiritual changes in the world. His views on religious freedom are slowly changing the way people think about institutional religion.

Wood Attic Vents

Vinyl Log Siding - The Look Without the Maintenance

Log houses look really attractive. However, there is a lot of maintenance necessary in order to keep a log house looking that way. Log houses need to be cleaned multiple times per year, and are subject to damage from water and insects. This maintenance can take a lot of time and money each year, so many people forgo the look of a log house in order to save themselves from the trouble of the maintenance required for this kind of house. However, it is possible to get the look of a log house without the maintenance by using the various vinyl log siding options that are now available.

Any vinyl siding installation specialist should be able to install your vinyl log siding, there is no need to find a special contractor to do the installation. Although it looks like log siding once it is installed, this type of siding installs just like regular vinyl siding, so it is very easy to install. It is made with a foam layer behind the curve of the siding so that it resists denting and holds its shape. You can even get vinyl log siding door and window trims if you would like. As with regular vinyl siding, no maintenance is required for vinyl log siding except for a cleaning now and then with a power washer or hose.

Just like regular log houses come in a variety of wood types, you can get vinyl log siding to mimic the looks of different types of woods. There are companies that provide a variety of different finishes, including cedar or pine. One of the manufacturer's of vinyl log siding, Timbermill, offers Timber Wolf Gray, Warm Cedar, or Harvest Brown as options for the siding it sells. This company seems to be the one that most commonly supplies vinyl log siding.

Since painting vinyl siding is possible, if you wanted a bit less of a traditional log cabin look you could also paint your vinyl log siding, as long as you take the proper steps to do so. Your siding would have to be clean, mildew free, and you would have to paint it a color that is no darker than the original color of the siding.

Learn more about Vinyl Log Siding

Architecture Books
Tile Setting Books

Exterior Doors - San Deigo Home Tips

There are many choices when it comes to exterior doors for your home. The three most popular door types are wood, fiberglass and steel. Factors such as where you live, the exact style or design you want and your budget will all affect your decision. If you are thinking about replacing your exterior front entry door then you should think about all the great benefits to a new front door such as adding curb appeal and value to your home. A new door will also give the exterior of your home a quick update for a relatively low price. In fact, you can purchase a really great quality steel door (which is one of the best door types on the market) for about $250.

Wood Doors
Wood doors have been around the longest of all doors and provide the most decorative and personalized options. These traditional doors have other beneficial characteristics such the ability to be painted or stained, a project you could probably handle on your own. Wood doors are made better and stronger today then they used to be. While wood doors do provide a sense of security (being that they are thick and heavy) they are not as secure as fiberglass or steel doors in that they have the potential to be kicked in. You can also choose from a variety of finishes for a wooden door and easily customize decorative glass for the door. If you live in a hot climate such as Las Vegas or Palm Springs then a wood door may not be best for your home because the wood can swell and end up costing you time and money from having to maintain and fix the door. If you want a warm and traditional feel to your home and top security isn't a priority for you, then wood doors are an excellent option.

Fiberglass Doors
If you are looking for a strong, very secure and very energy efficient door then a fiberglass door is a great option for you. Fiberglass doors look and feel like wood but won't crack, warp, scratch, peel, swell or expand like wood and are three times stronger than wood doors and in some cases can be easily painted or stained. These doors have a wood grain texture molded into them which gives the appearance of a real wood door when painted or stained. Fiberglass doors resemble wood doors so closely that it is hard to differentiate between which one is real wood and which one is fiberglass. These doors provide added security protection and greater insulating quality- while keeping to a traditional theme with less maintenance than wood doors.

Steel Doors
Steel doors are the most energy efficient of the doors discussed here but do not have as much decorative options as wood. Steel doors are the best option for those who live in areas that are subject to harsh weather such as hurricanes or tornados since they are so tough and strong and also hold up to all the elements (such as heavy rain and snow) well. Another great benefit to steel doors is that they don't chip or crack or even warp. Another perk is that many steel doors come with a fireproof option. Keep in mind that steel doors can get dents but can also be easily repaired if needed. Being that steel doors are so strong and secure and the most cost efficient, they will probably continue to be one of the most popular door choices.

Whatever door you choose for your home, make sure that you weigh out the advantages and disadvantages of each door type to find the one that suits you best. You will also want to make sure that you find a professional contractor to install your new door properly.

Miriam Tatelbaum is a content writer for Networx.com

At Networx.com, we connect you with local contractors who are trustworthy, quality professionals that are screened by us and reviewed by you. Make sure you click this link Doors Networx to find a reliable, local door contractor in your area and to receive free quotes.

Plumbing Vent Pipe In Attic

Attic Odors and Strange Smells

If you've ever opened up your attic access hole, only to find one of the worst odors you have ever smelled in your whole life, I've been there too. What causes these horrible smells and what can you do about them?

Let's start with the cause of these smells, moisture, dirt, mold, mildew, dead animals, animals that make their home in your attic and the biggest problem of all is normally poor ventilation.

Poor ventilation is the biggest problem with musty smells in the attic. These smells are often caused from moisture accumulating in the building materials over time. If there is enough moisture in the attic, the wood will start to rot but this wouldn't be a normal situation, unless there was a roof or water leak.

Roof leaks can cause a constant supply of water to one part of the attic. This constant supply of water will eventually rot the wood and damage the ceiling. Water leaks from pipes can provide a steady supply of water and the situation can attracts termites and mold. Not a good thing.

One of the worst possible smells or odors in your attic would be a dead animal. Don't under estimate the size of some of these animals, they have found dead raccoons, cats, snakes, large birds, squirrels, rats and mice in some attics. These animals usually enter through damaged access holes or vent blocks, roof vents, large gaps, holes and even fireplace chimneys.

Once these animals die, their bodies start to decompose and produce one horrible odor. Once the body is completely decomposed, the smell usually goes away if the attic is ventilated properly. These smells can seep into the homes living area, often creating a room that no one wants to enter.

Home peststhat make their home in your attics, often create smells from urinating and defecating in the areas around their nest. Large birds like owls can become a problem over time.

Now that we've figured out some of the causes for attic odors and strange smells, what can we do to prevent this from happening and if it's already happened, how can we get rid of the smell.

Greg Vanden Berge is working on the internet to promote the education for creating simple to follow guides and home building books to help professional building contractors as well as the weekend warriors. He has just finished a Home Buyers Guide to take some of the frustration out of home shopping.

If your having problems in your attic, find out more at pest control books and home building ideas.

Fireplace Drywall Ceiling Damage