Bathroom Renovation Checklist

Planning a new bathroom can be a lot of fun, but not taking care of all the details properly can lead to disappointing results. Use this checklist to keep track of the decisions that need to be made as well as details that should be discussed with your designer, installer or carpenter.

BEFORE YOU START Asses how much storage you will need for the following items. Keep in mind how many people will be using this bathroom, and be sure to take their items into consideration. Knowing just how much "stuff" you actually use on a regular basis will help tremendously when planning your cabinetry space, number of drawers or size of medicine cabinets.( ) Makeup (if you keep it in the bathroom)( ) Facial cream / wash / toner( ) Lotion / body cream / sunblock( ) Sponges / scrub brushes( ) Shaving supplies (Razors, creams, etc.)( ) Hair products (Gel, Mousse, etc.)( ) Hairdryer / curling iron, etc.( ) Toilet paper / tissues( ) Bath supplies (salts, bubble bath, etc.)( ) Shower supplies (shampoo, conditioner, wash, etc.)( ) Medications (if you keep them in the bathroom)( ) Traveling Items (Little bottles, mending kits, small containers, etc.)( ) Toothbrushes / toothpaste( ) Overstocks (Extra creams, tissues, toilet paper, etc.)( ) Cleaning supplies (if you keep them in the bathroom)
STYLES AND FINISHESCheck these off as your decisions are being made. You'll feel like work is progressing as you take items off your To-Do list. You'll also have a good idea of all the decisions that still need to be made. Keep a separate list of all the model numbers, colors and details you've chosen, this way, when a delivery is made, you can easily double check that it is in fact what you've ordered.
CABINETRY( ) Style( ) Material( ) Color( ) Finish( ) Hardware( ) Special StorageESSENTIALS( ) Sink(s)( ) Bath / shower( ) Toilet( ) BidetACCESSORIES( ) Sink faucets( ) Bath / shower faucet( ) Shower head( ) Towel bars( ) Toilet paper holder( ) Magazine rackFLOORS ( ) Material( ) Color( ) Finish( ) ExtrasCOUNTERS ( ) Material( ) Color( ) Finish( ) Edge( ) Corners( ) BacksplashLIGHTING ( ) Task lights( ) Ambient lights( ) Bath / shower lightELECTRICAL ( ) Outlets( ) Light switchesOTHER DETAILS ( ) Mirrors( ) Windows( ) Window treatment( ) Moldings( ) Baseboards( ) Door( ) Doorknob( ) Medicine cabinet( ) Shower curtain / doorWALL TREATMENT - GENERAL( ) Material( ) Color( ) FinishWALL TREATMENT - IN BATH / SHOWER( ) Material( ) Color( ) FinishWALL TREATMENT - ABOVE SINK(S)( ) Material( ) Color( ) FinishOf course there are probably other things you will need to add to this list, but at least you've got something to start with. It's also a great tool for planning your budget. Happy renovating!

By Marijana Kuljis - Professional Organizer

organized! http://www.youareorganized.com

Basement Remodels Need Careful Consideration

There are many important things that you need to consider when you decide to work with basement remodels. The decision to renovate and remodel your basement can be done by yourself, but unless you have all of the latest tools, legal requirements and construction talent, it is much better in the long run to hire a professional basement contractor to do your work.

You need to first realize that your house was not originally constructed to handle extra additions that a remodeled basement might require. Such things as; the structural modifications that might be needed, the air flow in the basement room area, the heating and cooling system and the costs of these basement remodels.

Choosing a competent basement remodeling contractor should be your top priority. This is one of your first decisions when you decide to remodel. The right choice will make a big difference in the quality of remodeling and cost of your project. There are many ways of selecting a good competent contractor. If you have friends that have undertaken a project like this they are good references. You can go on-line to find contractors in your area.

When you have gathered information in the selection process of your basement remodeling contractor, it is very advisable to select 2 or more and ask them to submit bids on your basement project. This will aid you in, not only getting a competitive price, but if they know they have competition in your basement remodels they will know you are serious in finding a good competent contractor.

Having some basement remodels? Discover practical basement remodeling ideas online and turn cheap basement ideas into dream basements at a budget.

Five Tips For Remodeling Your Bathroom on a Budget

You should not have to spend a lot of money on remodeling your home, especially your bathroom. But when you are already spending money on the mortgage each month, as well as the rest of your life, it can seem like remodeling the bathroom is a far fetched dream. However, with a little planning and prioritizing, you can bring contemporary bathroom designs into your life and into your home. Here are five tips for contemporary bathroom remodeling on a budget.

Tip #1 What do you want?

A lot of homeowners start by determining their budgets before remodeling their bathroom, but this is not necessarily the best course of action. When you are taking the time to consider remodeling, you should be thinking of the goals for the end result. In short, you need to figure out what you really want to take from contemporary bathroom designs and place into your current bathroom. Make a list of the various things that you envision for your bathroom (as though you had an unlimited budget) in order to get this brainstorming session started. This will help you figure out what you really want now instead of going back to remodel again when you find that you are not happy, a much more expensive process.

Tip #2 Figure out what is important to you

With your dream list in hand, it is time to consider what contemporary bathroom remodeling features are absolute musts in your design plans.Perhaps you want a new bathroom vanity, or countertop, vessel bathroom sinks or new bathroom mirrors, whatever the case, think about what isreally at the top of your list in terms of what you do not want to live without. By prioritizing your design ideas, you will find that you may be able to save money by focusing your budget on one or two expensive pieces, but trimming down other costs.

Tip #3 Shop around

Though you probably already knew this, trimming your budget can be as simple as looking at a number of stores and retailers before you make your final purchase. Since you have a list in hand, this part is much easier. Go to contemporary bathroom remodeling websites as well asstores in your area to see what prices they have to offer. With the smart purchases you make, contemporary bathroom designs can be yours, even if you are not the one installing them.

Tip #4 Do it yourself

The trick with do it yourself projects is that you really need to be able to handle the remodeling tasks. If you are unsure that you will be able to complete the installation of various contemporary bathroom designs, you will want to call in a professional (and save yourself both stress and money fixing what you have installed incorrectly). But if you are fairly handy and willing to take your time, the best laborer to NOT pay is yourself or a family member.

Tip #5 Find easier ways

A lot of homeowners do not realize that there are contemporary bathroom designs that do not take a lot of money or effort to install, for example, laid in bathtubs and some vanity cabinets. By taking the time to look at the installation process, you may find that you are able to handle the work yourself and that it will come at a much lower price. Along the same vein, you might also be able to do smaller projects over time to enhance the look of your bathroom without needing to spend a lot of money all at once.

When it comes to handling your contemporary bathroom remodeling budget, the best times you will spend is not in a store, but before you get to that store.Prioritize what you want, take the time to find it, finish the project yourself or call in a professional, and try to think of ways to make the financial contribution a little easier. With these tips, you will get the bathroom of your dreams without spending more than you can imagine.

Dave Robert is a VP at Discount Bathroom Vanities Publishing, and an avid fixer-upper who's been restoring old houses for more than twenty years. Readers can tap into Dave's knowledge about home remodeling, and kitchen and bathroom design, at: http://www.DiscountBathroomVanities.com

How to Build Your Own Wind Turbine For Home

If the increasing cost of electricity is one of your problems at home, you might want to consider some alternatives like build your own wind turbine or install solar panels on the roof of your home. In recent years, more people have seen the wisdom in using these alternative sources of energy to alleviate their growing electrical expenses. Through any of these options, you will surely see a significant cut in your electricity bills, allowing you to enjoy more savings.

In particular, there are three important concerns to be thought of before deciding and starting to build a wind turbine that you can use at home. First, you need to find a place where strong wind force can be experienced. For wind energy to be converted into electrical energy, minimum wind speed should be about 10 kmph. This almost always does not happen in urban areas so you would have to consider a rural place for this endeavor. Moreover, the place where you are to place your wind turbine should not be surrounded by trees and other obstructions so as not to impede wind strength.

Second, you have to carefully follow the steps in making a wind turbine. The Internet is a rich resource for comprehensive guides in building such. Also, make sure that you have all the necessary materials for making the turbine. Some of the more common materials for this type of project are blades, generator, and battery. A tower where the wind turbine is to be attached to is also required. To avoid functional problems, make sure that you complied with all prerequisites and followed the procedures enumerated in the guide carefully.

Lastly, make sure that you are not violating any local government provision before you build your own wind turbine to avoid being penalized later on.

Tired of high electric bills? Discover how thousands of families are using homemade power systems to power their homes!

Lessons Learned About Bathroom Vanities

There are many lessons to learn about bathroom vanities, and hopefully homeowners will take the time to learn them before starting a massive and expensive project. What are some tips to remember when decorating your bathroom with a vanity?

1. Make the Bathroom Vanity the Central Piece
This not only applies in decorating the bathroom but also when starting the remodeling process. It's best to figure out what type of bathroom vanity you want to use as the center of the bathroom long before you start tearing into walls. Some bathroom vanities just demand to be the center of attention, while others tend to more easily adapt to the surroundings.

2. Use Color to Your Advantage
Remember that lighter colors make the bathroom seem bigger. Darker colors will make the room seem smaller. This applies not only with wallpaper and paint but also with the color of your bathroom vanity. If you are ordering an antique cherry vanity, then hopefully you have sufficient space in the room, otherwise you may be creating a claustrophobic atmosphere.

3. Use Mirrors to Your Advantage
Have you ever been in a restaurant with a large wall mirror and mistakenly though the room was much bigger than it really was? Mirrors can cast illusions in a large property like that, and do just the same for a small bathroom. Adding a large mirror in a medium sized bathroom may actually cause the room to look much smaller than it is. If your bathroom seems to be missing something and seems a bit "empty" then adding a medium sized bathroom vanity mirror could turn out to be a beautiful addition.

If you are looking for a bathroom vanity, visit ModernBathroom.com for a full preview of their online selection. This online store offers a 110% low price guarantee.

Keep Your Bathroom Safe With a Walk-In Bathtub

Even though it may look harmless, the bathroom is actually one of the most dangerous rooms in your home. There are all kinds of dangers in there, lurking with your cosmetic creams and shower necessities. That's why you can take a few precautions to make your bathroom a little safer space, so you don't have to worry about it. Just follow these simple tips and make your bathroom as safe as possible.

One of the biggest hazards in the bathroom is water on the floor or shower floor when there is no grip. Slipping on a wet bathroom floor or in the shower is a very real danger, so you should make sure that you minimize the likelihood of this accident. Using bath rugs not only protects the floor, but gives you a safe place to step when you are exiting the shower or bathtub. Your bath rug will also capture that stray water that may escape and soak it up, lowering the possibility of you slipping on the floor. In your shower or bathtub, make sure to buy a non-slip waterproof bath mat that you can put on the shower or bathtub floor so that you won't slip while bathing.

Another way to really protect yourself and your loved ones is to take out the old standard bathtub and get a walk-in bathtub instead. The hazard with standard tubs for kids and for those with limited physical mobility is that you have to climb up and over the side of a bathtub to get in. A walk-in bathtub takes this accident waiting to happen balancing act out of the equation, so that you can just walk right in and walk right out of bathtub like you do the shower. If you have an elderly parent at home, a family member with physical limitations, or you don't want to worry about your children slipping on the way in or out of the bathtub, then a walk-in tub is a great investment for your family.

Keep everything organized and put away in your bathroom, because another common accident in the bathroom is tripping over things on the floor or slipping and not being able to grab anything to steady yourself for fear of bringing a bunch of stuff crashing down. A clean and tidy bathroom helps prevent accidents, so make sure to keep your floors clear and your toiletries and necessities organized and put away.

If you would like more information on walk-in bathtubs or any other kind of bath tubs, please visit the Simply Bathtubs website.

California Seasonal Maintenance

Buying a home is a good investment opportunity and in the years to come you can see the value of your home rise. Many people buy a home with the intention to sell it in a couple of years for a profit. However, some people who put their property out for sale complain that they are not getting the price that's suitable to their property. Why does this happen? Reason buyers are complaining is the bad housing conditions and this makes them want to lower the price.

Such situations won't happen to your home if you have taken steps to maintain it all through the year. Every season entails its own home maintenance requirements and as a California homeowner you need to keep tabs on such things, to have a home that's in top condition, at all time. Here is a look at some useful seasonal home maintenance tips:

Fall and Winter

Clean all your windows and use weather-strips to seal air leaks as this will enable you to make less use of your heater and furnace

Check the motor between bricks of your fences and chimney.

Clean up your gutter and down spouts. Use a gutter filter to prevent debris from falling into it.

Check all your GFCI outlets. These outlets must be present in all wet areas such as kitchens and bathrooms as they help to protect against shocks.

Make sure that all your home electrical appliances are working properly as you will need heating devices to function as winter time proceeds.

Spring and Summer

Check your home's exterior paint and foundation for any cracks and signs of deterioration.

Look around your house. Do you notice water settling around the house rather than draining away? If so, fill up the soil area in such a way that it slopes away from the home.

Check the homes attic and crawlspaces for water leaks, mildew, fungus growth and pest. Clean these areas thoroughly.

Check out on all concrete areas of your home for cracking. If you notice any, fill them up with a concrete-patch to prevent any further deterioration.

Paul is a principal of NewHomesSection.com. Search Northern California builders, California condos and active adult California today!

Accessibility in Bathroom Remodels

If someone in your family has a disability or is aging, your bathroom remodel design will either make the remodeled bathroom more comfortable and accessible or inaccessible. Your design can easily incorporate the features and space recommendations that will make the bathroom more accessible for everyone.

The housing industry has outlined several levels of accessibility standards in bathroom design and construction ranging from barrier free to accessible to industry standard housing. The main difference is in how accessible it is for everyone with special needs. Over the last few decades, bathroom designers, architects and manufacturers of fixtures and other bathroom safety products have begun to respond to the need for greater accessibility (and safety) in bathrooms. The result is a set of standards known as universal design.

Many of these features are nice to have in any home and can be added with little or no cost when you remodel a bathroom. Regardless of your current situation, you might want to review the list and see if some of these recommendations can work in your new bathroom for the comfort of your family.

The universal design recommendations for bathrooms include:

• Place electrical receptacles at 15 or 18 inches above the floor
• Allow a door opening width of 34 - 36 inches
• Leave a minimum of 18 inches of clear floor space beside all doors on the "pull side" to allow space to get out of the way when opening doors
• Leave a turning space in the bathroom of 5 feet in diameter (for wheelchair)
• Use contrasting colors between floor surfaces and trim to make them easier to see
• Choose easy-to-use hardware: lever door handles, push electrical plates, loop handle pulls on drawers and cabinet doors, lever faucet handles, touch latches, keyless locks
• Position light switches 35-44 inches above the floor, maximum
• Pressure balanced anti-scald valves at tubs and showers
• Hand-held showerheads at all tubs and showers in addition to fixed heads.
• Bathing fixture requirement: minimum 5 feet long by 3 feet deep (4 feet preferred) curbless shower or tub with integral seat, waterproof floor and a floor drain
• 30" by 48" clear floor spaces at each fixture (spaces may overlap)
• Clear space of 3 feet in front and to one side of toilet
• Toilet centered 18 inches from any side wall, cabinet or tub
• Broad blocking between studs in walls around toilet, tub and shower for placement and location of grab bars
• Minimum lavatory counter height of 32 inches
• Clear knee space 29" high under sink (may be accomplished with fold-back self-storing doors)
• No pedestal sinks
• Mount sink as close to front of countertop as possible.

These are the primary elements of "universal design" in bathrooms. You might, however, choose to install grab bars in tub and shower and beside and in front of the toilet simply because it is helpful for people of all ages and physical ability.

Aaron O'Hanlon has been helping contractors increase profits through exclusive website marketing and search engine optimization at Footbridge Media. See his companies latest creation: Virginia Bathroom Remodeling or contact him directly at Contractor Marketing

Are Indoor Humidity Levels Affecting Your Health?

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

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

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

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

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

When to Hire a Contracted Painter

Professional help is something that all homeowners should look into when remodeling their home. The skill and training that these contractors possess can make a project go very smoothly and with relative ease, something that many projects are in desperate need of. When considering home improvement, it is important to remember how difficult and complicated the work can get.

Finding a contracted painter can be the saving grace that a home improvement project is screaming for. Many homeowners get in over their heads when it comes to remodeling their house and bite off way more than they can chew. Avoiding this scenario is obviously the best advice for homeowners, but when avoidance is no longer an option, calling a contracted painter can help to smooth things over and get the project back on track. Often times, this is what homeowners need to ensure that the project is completed in a timely manner and with the best quality possible.

Getting in way over their head is a practice that many homeowners unfortunately grow accustomed to. When things seem bleak and they do not know what to do, it is a good idea to call somebody who does. Usually this is a professional contractor with the experience necessary to get a project out of deep water and back on the right track. When things get too hairy for the homeowner to handle themselves, finding a professional that knows what they are doing and perhaps has dealt with similar situations before will get the homeowner out of trouble and can save the project before it goes down the drain.

Obviously, the best way to avoid situations like this is to be completely honest about the skills the homeowner possesses. If the project is out of their ballpark, they should consider hiring a contracted painter from the get go. Too often do homeowners think that they know what they are doing and that painting is something that anybody can pick up in no time. They quickly find out, however, that exterior painting is much more complex than many may think. It can get out of hand quickly, and for many can become a nightmare if they do not know what they are doing.

Planning the project may help to alleviate some of the stress many homeowners feel during the project. A well-laid plan often means a smooth project. Developing an idea to the point that both the homeowner and the contractor know where they want the project to go will help to move things along nicely. If all parties are on the same page, then everybody will be able to work towards a common goal. Knowing where things are headed is often the key in making the correct call when things get out of hand or problems present themselves.

Hiring a contracted painter is one of the smartest things homeowners do when dealing with home improvement and remodeling projects. Having a good contractor handling the painting, homeowners can focus on other areas of the project or can just sit back and relax knowing their remodel is in good hands.

More information on http://www.collegeworksestimates.com College Works Painting home repair for your home is just a click away.

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.

Let's Add a Den

A den addition to your home can be a terrific investment of both time and money. Not only will it increase the value of your home, it will also create a wonderful cozy family gathering place you can enjoy for many years to come.

There are many ways to add a den to your home. One way to add a den is to claim attic space. The use of attic space offers a number of fascinating possibilities ranging from a secluded and cozy retreat to a loft that overlooks the kitchen or great room. A second way to add a den is to consider the basement. Unused space in the basement of your home can also be converted into a very nice den. A third way, which offers unlimited possibilities, is to build an addition to your home for a cozy den.

A den will probably be relatively small (as compared to a family room or great room. You will want to make it cozy and comfortable for your family to use for TV or movie viewing, reading, enjoying music, or just gathering for an evening chat. Creating a feeling of warmth and comfort is generally the goal of den design.

The first questions you will need to answer in deciding where you will add your den and what size the room should be are these:

* Will you convert an existing room?

* Will you renovate your attic?

* Will you finish a space in your basement?

* Will you den be an addition to your existing home?

* If the den will be an addition, where will it join the existing structure?

* What will be the size of the room?

The next set of questions to answer concern access and connection to the rest of the house.

* How will you have access to your new den? Will you be able to use an existing stairway (to attic or basement)? Will you need to add and construct a new stairway?

* How will you connect your new den addition to the existing structure? Will you need to create a doorway or hallway from the existing structure into the new den? Will you remove a wall from your house to connect with the new den?

One very popular approach to den additions is to remove an exterior kitchen wall, allowing the new den to connect with the end of the kitchen. This approach can create a very warm, comfortable and cozy living space for your family. If you choose this option, you will need to decide whether to remove the entire section of wall or to create either a doorway or an arched opening into the den. The use of a smaller doorway to the den will have minimal effect on the look and feel of the kitchen. Building a den addition that is completely open to the kitchen will affect the look and feel of both den and kitchen. This very popular approach to den addition, however, will require careful planning and design.

There was a time when a den was simply a small room that might have built-in bookcases and was probably paneled in wood (Generally knotty pine). Families, builders and contractors have become far more creative in recent years, designing spaces that are far more interesting and functional. Here are some room-design ideas you might want to consider in planning your den.

1. If you are remodeling an attic space, consider creating an open staircase from the floor below and leaving the area that connects with the rest of the house open. Either a half-wall or a wood or wrought iron rail can prevent accidents and create a feeling of more space in both rooms.

2. If you are remodeling a basement space, consider ways you can create the same effect of openness in the way you provide access to your basement den.

3. If you are adding to your home, consider something more creative than a simple doorway to join the den to the existing structure. You might consider placing a see-through fireplace between the kitchen and the den with open space on each side for access. You can connect your den to other rooms in the same way.

4. If you are adding a den that connects with your kitchen, consider using a "breakfast bar" to delineate space. Or, just allow the kitchen and den to flow together.

5. You can create the feeling of warmth in a den through color choices for paint, wallpaper and furniture. Flooring materials can also create very exciting effects. Rather than paneling, you might consider adding the warmth of wood with hardwood floors and open-beam rafters in the den.

If your new den will be an addition to the house, you will need to think carefully about the grade of the land, the appropriate type of foundation, and the external appearance of the new addition. The external materials will certainly need to match or blend with the exterior of the existing house. The line of the new roof will need to be consonant with the existing roof line, and the shingles should match. You can, however, consider some options that will make your home more energy efficient, such as installation of solar energy panels or a skylight. A fireplace could provide alternative heating as well as creating a feeling of warmth in the room. With so many styles of fireplace available, you will certainly be able to find and include a fireplace that accents your den and other rooms with which it connects.

Whether you choose to remodel existing space or to add to your home, you will need to attend to heat and air conditioning in the new den, as well as electricity. This, as well as the need to construct a foundation and exterior walls, may help you decide whether this is a do-it-yourself project or you need to call in professionals for all or part of the work. Many localities require electrical and heat/air work to be done by licensed professionals. If you are building a fireplace, proper ventilation will be critical. You may want to have a professional do these types of work, leaving the paneling or drywall and decorating for you to do.

Whether you choose a simple plan or a very creative and exciting room design, you can create a marvelous living space for your family by adding a den to your existing home. The project will be great fun to plan and build, and you will have a renovation that will improve your lifestyle and increase the value of your home.

Dan Fritschen is a highly respected remodeling expert and the author of several books on remodeling. His website http://www.remodelestimates.com offers free information, cost estimates and referrals to homeowners considering home remodeling.

Bathroom Floor Tiles - Fast Remodeling Technique!

By using Bathroom Floor Tiles for home/office remodeling you easily gain numerous aesthetic benefits. If you want to provide your home a special look and unique atmosphere then you should consider using these unique panels. Luckily you don't have to hire professionals in order to remodel any of your external and internal surfaces. Read more in the following review.

Getting some basics

What is the secret of Bathroom Floor Tiles redecoration? It is the fact that it is made of grouping unified natural stones attached onto a fixed size (usually 12" x 12") mesh backing. The islands of Bali & Sumatra in Indonesia are probably the largest source of these beautiful rock tiles. The most common applications with this tiling method include the following: Shower bases & backsplashes, kitchen walls & countertops, sink walls, and floors.

What are the main benefits?

Using this simple solution definitely brings various advantages:

* Impervious to water and other liquids.

* Saves extra expenses on hiring a professional installer.

* Provides unique atmosphere and contemporary look and feel to any surface.

Important tips & advices!

* Order a small sample of the desired tiles prior to making a complete order - just to make sure it answers your expectations.

* Using grout should be handled carefully so it is recommended to grout a small area at a time.

* Laminate the stones with a sealer prior to installation - it'll protect it from liquids, dirt and detergents transforming it even more durable.

If we search a little more, we could easily find other benefits provided by this trendy redesigning technique simply because anyone can do it by himself quickly, at no risk, and at minimal effort.

Quick summary

What this Bathroom Floor Tiles technique can do for you? It can easily turn any plain area whether in the inside or in the outside into a beautiful living space at minimal cost and effort on your side. If you wish to succeed with your first installation it is recommended to keep in mind the following advices just as you are ready to begin with installation.

Get creative! - Learn more about how you can easily decorate any surface at home or in the office with Bathroom Floor Tiles.

Visit: http://www.homepebbletiles.com

Improve Your Home's Value by Building a Home Workshop

Many people have their workshop in an unused corner of their garage or the basement or some other out-of-the-way area. This can prove to be problematic, if the space is needed for other things or if there isn't enough room to really spread out one's projects or tools. Building a workshop can solve these problems and also add to your home's value if it is planned out properly.

There are a lot of plans and instructions out on the Internet and provided by hardware supply companies and there is really no limit to the kind of structure one can build, provided that the rules and laws governing one's property are adhered to. It's a good idea to get a copy of your area's zoning laws to find out if you need a permit to build the workshop you're planning on. Also, homes governed by a home or neighborhood association may be limited as to the kind of structures they can build and owners may need permission to build at all.

The plans you choose for your workshop should allow for the inclusion of electricity. Again, there are many resources on this, so I need not enumerate the how-to's of this. The important thing is that you ensure that the electricity running out to your shop is treated as seriously as that running inside your house - it must be grounded and up to code. When in doubt, get competent professionals to install and/or inspect it. Installations of heating/cooling appliances can further make your workshop more comfortable and valuable.

There are many alternative energy generators that are on the market right now. You have the option to augment your power with electricity generated from solar panels or wind turbines. The Internet can show you a great many alternative energy generators if you want to lessen your electricity bill and also take less power from the grid that you share with the people in your community.

Try to build to complement your home. If your home is a 1906 heritage house, try to avoid installing a fire-engine-red steel structure. Instead, go for a building that reflects your home's outward appearance and decor. Acquire paint and trim that matches your home, so that the home and shop present a unified appearance. This helps the shop blend in better with the property. If, for some reason you can't or won't match your home, paint your shop a neutral color or one that complements your home's color. Avoid an appearance that is completely different from your home's; it produces a jarring note that could be easily avoided.

When building, make sure you allow for plenty of storage space and organization. The cleaner your workshop can be kept, the easier it will be to use for you and the better it will look to a potential buyer. Shelves, drawers and hooks are all excellent built-in additions to consider. Also, consider where you are going to put your waste, how you plan to sort recyclables from non-recyclables and allow for the space that this will need.

A home workshop can, with attention to its placement and appearance, add to your home's value by placing a sought-after structure on the property. A home workshop is something that many people are looking for, which can make your home more attractive should you wish to sell in the future. Paying attention to what may attract or repel future buyers is worth it if you want your workshop to increase your home's selling power on the market.

For the tools and information needed to succeed in the Saint Paul real estate market, look no further. Saint-Paul-Real-Estate.com offers valuable information on St. Paul neighborhoods and surrounding communities including Como real estate.

Which Towel Warmer is Right for You?

If you are like me you have recently found out about towel warmers and couldnt wait to get your hands on one! However once you started looking into them, you found there are a few different types of towel warmers and werent sure which towel warmer is right for you. This article will look at the difference between Electric Towel Warmers and Hydronic Towel Warmers.

Hydronic Towel Warmers

The difference between hydronic and electric towel warmers or drying units is the source of heat. Hydronic towel warmers need a hot water supply and generally utilize hot water circulating from the central heating system. Many hydronic towel warmers are floor or wall mounted so they can be connected to your home plumbing. However, because they are used in conjunction with the central heating, their operation is limited to when that central heating is running. It is possible to use a special pump and separate heating tube system so that hydronic towel warmers can be used during the summer months. Hydronic towel warmers tend to be more expensive and typically require a plumber to install. There are no electrical restrictions on the placement of a hydronic towel warmer. This makes them ideal for putting on the pool deck or at the end of a walk in shower.

Electric Towel warmers

The majority of electric towel warmers are oil filled. Once the electric towel warmers or heating racks are plugged in, the oil begins heating it. Most oil filled towel warmers have a low wattage heating element, making them safe and economical. Electric warmers are selfcontained with an electrical heating unit built into the warmer that heats the fluid circulating through the unit. Electric towel warmer are available as soft wired (plugged into the electrical outlet) or hard-wired (wired into the bathrooms electrical system). It is possible to use oil filled towel warmers with timers so that you can preheat your towels based on your schedule. Oil filled towel warmers can leak especially if not maintained regularly to ensure the seals dont perish. The other problem I found with oil filled towel warmers is that if you find a good quality oil filled towel warmer they can take up to an hour to heat up and can be expensive.

Warmrails FilathermTM Towel Warmers

There is a new electric towel warmer from Warmrails that utilizes a dry element technology called FilathermTM. This element is similar to the technology used in radiant under floor heating. FilathermTM is energy efficient, costing only cents a day to operate and will reach operating temperature in only 15 minutes. It provides safe operating temperatures, consistent throughout the unit so there are no hot spots. Warmrails FilathermTM technology is guaranteed not to leak, so there is no risk of damage to wall and flooring or risk of injury.

Warmrails towel warmers are not designed to heat a room but will reduce humidity and assist to deter bathroom dampness and mildew. As such, they can be used year round without adding heat to rooms. The towel warmers can easily be self-installed and do not require upgrading the electrical circuit. The towel warmers do not come with temperature controls however you can use a timer if desired. Warmrails towel warmers are designed to run safely and efficiently 24 hrs a day and many find the comfort and convenience appealing.

Shelley Moore has spent over 15 years in the health and wellness industry. She is a certified Personal Trainer and Health and Wellness Specialist. Her website http://www.e-smartliving.com provides healthy, safe home products that help people lead a life full of energy and vitality.

Transform Your Bathroom With a New Bath Vanity

When you don't have room in your budget to completely renovate your budget, it is amazing what installing a new bath vanity will do for the look and feel of this room of your home. The simple task of changing the cabinetry in the bathroom will make it look as if you have redone the whole room. Simply adding a few different accessories, such as changing the color of the towels of the shower curtains will enhance the effect.

A bath vanity does not have to be an expensive proposition with the many styles of discount vanities available. You do have to look at the size of your bathroom so that you get a vanity that will suit the space you have. For example, adding a large vanity to a small bathroom will make the room look crowded.

The vanities available in MDF are not expensive and require assembly. However, the detailed written and visual instructions that are included will make the assembly quite easy. Even the tools you need to put the various pieces together are included. All you have to buy extra is the sink and countertop, but there are some models that have this included as well.

The bath vanity is the central focus of a bathroom. This is where you will spend time grooming yourself in the morning before you go to work and when getting dressed to go out at night. You do need to have drawers and shelves where all your grooming aids are close at hand.

You can blend the old with the new by using an antique style that has a wash basin type sink that sits on the countertop. You can choose from a wide variety of colors, but the best rule of thumb to follow is to have a vanity that is of a neutral color. You can add contrast in the faucets and colors of linens that you use.

You do have to make sure that the bath vanity of your choice is sturdy and durable. You will not save any money by buying a vanity that is really cheap only to find that you have to replace it in a few years. A lot of the furniture manufactured today is eco friendly using glues that will not emit any harmful fumes into the air when they come in contact with water.

Even the smallest bathroom can have an elegant bath vanity or even a glass sink. A stone vanity, for example, can measure only two feet wide and will make a bold statement in your bathroom as well as make it look larger than it is. A vanity made of stone with teak cabinetry inserted in the center is also a viable option if you are looking for durable construction that will last for many years to come.

When you shop for a new bath vanity you can do so in many different ways by focusing on any of the following aspects:

Size

Shape

Material

Price range

Obviously the price will be the bottom line for you, but you will find that there are vanities to suit every taste. Browse the sites of the many online retailers just to get a glimpse of the wide assortments you can choose from. This will give you ideas to work with when you are contemplating making changes to your bathroom.

Allison Ryan is a freelance marketing writer from San Diego, CA. She specializes in home remodeling and interior design. For a beautiful bath vanity or glass sink for the bathroom of your dreams, please visit http://www.mybath.biz/.

Discussing the Construction Home Building Process For Houses

Construction home building is the "meat and potatoes" of erecting a home. There are several different stages that go into making one. Manufactured homes are made a lot quicker than custom homes, but they usually have cheaper materials and labor. The home plans that you choose will determine how long it takes to build your new building.

There are several different stages in constructing it from new home plans. First the ground has to be leveled. If the ground is not level, then the building will settle and the foundation will crack, or the building will sink into the ground. Then the base of the house has to be constructed.

This is usually pier and beam or a slab. Basic plumbing is added at this part of the building as well. Then they add some of the framework for the building. After the framework comes the walls and roof frame. The rest of the plumbing is added, and then the sheet rock and insulation.

They put the roof on, and then add the electrical work. The windows and doors are added, and then they put up the bricks or whatever will be the outside of the house. Once the outside is complete, then they move on to the inside of the house and add whatever is needed indoors. The last thing to be done is floors and painting, and then finally the yard. This process is used because it is the most efficient for following home floor plans.

Manufactured homes are made differently than custom homes. Construction home building for manufactured homes is usually accomplished all at once. If you are interested in buying one, then you look at the home floor plans that the company has available. Then it is possible to choose different features to customize the house. Paint colors and floor coverings are usually chosen at this time too.

The building company then finishes the house so the new owners can move in. There are many manufactured homes built in the ranch house plans style or in the Tudor house plans style. It is easy to build many of these kinds of houses. The home building industry has grown a lot in past years. This started in the 1950s and 1960s with the first manufactured homes. Now, most homes that are built are at least somewhat manufactured.

Construction home building has not changed much over the years. Home floor plans are built into 3-D homes. The main difference in new homes versus old seems to be the fact that manufactured homes are more popular now. While it is still possible to customize these homes, it is harder. However, the fact that the homes are cheaper keeps them popular.

Discover more information about construction home building from Mike Selvon portal, and get more insider small house plans tips.

5 Big Reasons Why You Should Get a Shower Filter

Let's face it.Tap water is full of contaminants and there is no excuse for you not to have a drinking water filter.However, is tap water safe for bathing and showering?Studies show that bathing and showering in tap water is just as dangerous, if not more dangerous than drinking it.Here are 5 big reasons why you should consider getting a shower filter.

1. Chlorine has a very drying effect.It strips your skin and hair of its natural protective oils.If you've ever gone to a swimming pool, you know how drying chlorinated water can be on your skin.You may not realize that tap water has just as much or often more chlorine than swimming pool water.If you use a shower filter, you will notice that your skin and hair feel much softer within days.Furthermore, the chemicals in tap water are known to cause skin irritation and allergies so people who suffer from these problems would benefit greatly from a shower filter.

2. Ever feel really tired and fatigued?That is probably because you've been breathing chloroform.When chlorine vaporizes and combines with organic compounds, it becomes chloroform steam.Breathing chloroform can cause fatigue and it is a respiratory irritant.So is tap water safe for bathing and showering?It is not because breathing chloroform can lead to allergies, asthma, and bronchitis as well.

3. When you shower with tap water, more than double the amount of chemicals in tap water are inhaled and absorbed through your skin than when you drink it.Your pores open up when you take a warm shower so you absorb a high level of chemicals.Over one-fourth of the US Olympic Swim Team suffers from asthma due to the fact that they inhale so much chlorine.The easiest way to reduce the amount of chemicals you are exposed to daily is through using a shower filter.

4. Is tap water safe for bathing and showering?Not if you want to have good air quality in your home.Homes that don't have shower filters have a detectable level of chloroform in the air.If you take showers with chlorinated water, the chlorine will get released in the air and eventually cause respiratory problems.

5. In a ten-minute shower, you are exposed to the same amount of chloroform as you would be if you drank 2 liters of tap water.So is tap water safe for bathing and showering?It's easy to see that it's actually more dangerous to bathe in tap water than to drink it so your best option is to use a shower filter along with your drinking filter.

Do yourself a favor and get a shower filter for your home.Bathing and showering in tap water is very dangerous and a drinking water filter alone is not enough to protect you and your family from the harmful contaminants in tap water.Within days of using a shower water filter, you will notice that your skin and hair feel softer, your energy levels are higher, and your respiratory system refreshed.Is tap water safe for bathing and showering?No, it is more dangerous than drinking tap water so get a shower filter before it's too late.

William Lin is an avid proponent of optimum health through high quality water sources. See his groundbreaking new research for free by visiting William's site at Pure Filtered Safe Water to learn about his research on health through cleaner, healthier water.

Finished Basement Projects

What to Look For As You Plan Your Finished Basement Project

Follow these two principles as you plan your finished basement project and we guarantee you will be delighted with the results.

1. Get A Professional Design

Above all, you should have a complete and professional design done at the outset of your finished basement project. This is the only way to guarantee that you will:

• Use and enjoy the space like you intended.
• Avoid misunderstandings which result in a much higher final cost than you expected.
• Get it done on time and on budget.
• Get the best value for your money.
• Maximize your return on investment upon resale.

Here is why:

Use And Enjoyment

What do you feel when you think of the word basement? Dark? Cold? Dusty? Cluttered? Maybe even spooky? Do you like to be down there? Chances are, you'd rather be somewhere else.

So the first secret of finished basement success is to come up with a design that removes the basement stigma from your space. You must change the look and feel to that of another living level... an inviting and seamless extension of your home.

In other words, if your basement still feels like a basement when it's done, you may part with a bundle of cash for something you will never-or rarely-use.

Resale Value

You probably would not finish your basement if you planned to move soon. But we live in fast times. You never know. So resale value is important. Hard data for home improvement resale values is hard to come by. After all, these costs aren't itemized in resale asking prices and you can't buy a finished basement separately.

Fortunately, there is help in this area. Remodeling Magazine surveys Realtors throughout the United States to get estimates of home improvement resale values. Estimates for finished basements range from 37% to 115% of original cost nationwide.

The factors that most influence finished basement resale values include:

1. How well your lower-level space complements your main living areas.
2. The basement should feel like it was built when the house was and have the fun additions that the main floor might be missing.
3. Inclusion of key features like bedrooms and bathrooms in your design.
4. The scarcity of homes in your area.

Think about it. If your main living area is a four-star hotel and your basement is a truck-stop, you will obviously not realize a high return on your investment. If, on the other hand, you convert your 3-bedroom home into a 4-bedroom home by including a cozy bedroom and full bath in your lower level design, you will pull top dollar.

Finally, if you follow the "use and enjoyment" principles we noted above and insist on high-quality design and construction, you will further maximize your resale value.

Getting The Best Deal

Every expert in our industry will give you the same advice: get multiple bids to make sure you aren't getting ripped off. That's good advice. But the fact is, people still screw up this step badly-but not because they fail to get multiple bids. Rather, it is because they have no idea if the bids they received are at all comparable.

Using a square foot price to determine what your basement might cost is a flawed and misleading method. Here's why: If you have a nicely designed bathroom that costs $5000 for instance and you have a 500 square foot basement, that bathroom costs $10 per foot. That same bathroom in 2000 square feet is only $2.50 per foot. So if a contractor tells you a square foot price without actually basing it on an accurate design, that one room alone can have a margin of error of as much as $7.50.

Avoiding Change Orders

If you want to avoid costly change orders, disappointing results, or both, you must get an accurate and professional design before you sign your contract. Your design should include 3D elevations and renderings. This is because what happens above the floor is especially important-and challenging-in finished basement design.

Designing a basement is harder than you might imagine. Basements pose unique design challenges:

• How to conceal pipes, poles, soffits, HVAC, plumbing, and electrical.
• How to provide adequate light and safe egress.
• How to deal with stairs, water heaters and furnaces that are in the way.
• How to create inviting areas that complement the rest of your home.

But the biggest challenge is combining all these things in a way that doesn't look like a cheap retrofit. This is almost impossible to do with just hand sketches and 2D elevations. If your design does not include 3D elevations and renderings, you may not discover important problems until it's way too late.

Summary On Design

Complete, skilled and accurate design is critical if you want to use and enjoy your basement as intended, maximize resale value, get comparable and reliable estimates, and avoid costly change orders. Don't short-cut the process.

2. Hire A Company With Genuine Design-Construction Expertise

Great design doesn't happen by accident. It takes skill, experience, and attitude. So when you evaluate contractors for your finished basement addition, resist the temptation to chase the lowest bid or hire the "nice-guy" handyman. Look for a company with proven design-construction expertise.

Elsewhere on our web site we talk about why The Basement Finishing Company is uniquely qualified to do this work and how we make the process of planning and contracting your job as easy and risk-free as possible.

Visit: The Basement Finishing Company

About the Author: Eddie Case

The Basement Finishing Company of Harrisburg PA's owners have remodeled hundreds of basements in the Harrisburg PA local area since 1992. Eddie case is a 3-D basement design expert and high-end construction practice specialist, all geared towards basement finishing projects.

When Should You Get Walk-In Bathtub For Your Home and Will it Help

Walk in bath tubs are growing very popular among many consumers of today. There are many different reasons as to why these bath tubs are gaining popularity. They are used by the young and elderly alike. They provide a safe way for us to enjoy the comforts and hygiene of bathing. With the more traditional models, we often find it hard to bend over the tub or getting in and out.

Some people have asked the question, when should I think about getting a walk in bath tub? Here we will take a closer look at the question and offer a few answers that may help you.

Though any one can use these walk in bath tubs, the majority of the people of the users are the elderly. With the more traditional bath tubs, you run a risk of slipping, or other types of injuries and some of these can be harmful to your back. As mentioned above there are many different reasons as to why someone should start looking into these types of bath tubs.

One of the first reasons is that of age. As you get older in age, the ability to perform certain task become harder to do. This can include getting in and out of the bath tub. Maybe you have been in an accident and have become disabled and can not use a normal bath tub. There are all kinds of health issues that one may have that institutes the use of one of these tubs.

Any or all of these issues tell you that it may be time to search for one of these bath tubs. These tubs are slip resistant and have built in seats so that you may bath in comfort and relieve any problems that have prevented you using the traditional bath tubs.

The truth of the matter is, there really is no sure way to tell if you need one of these walk in bath tubs. If you have any difficulties getting in or out of the tub or just have problems with slipping in your current bath tub, then you might want to consider purchasing one of these types of bath tubs.

Any time is the perfect time. If you suffer from any of the above mentioned issues or want to just be prepared for the future, then there is no better time than the present to prevent injuries or other problems in the future.

Daryl Plaza is a regular contributor to CreativeBathtubs.com a website with resources and information on all your bathtub questions

Wasp Information and How to Control Them

Wasps

The wasp is a common problem throughout summer in the UK and other parts of Northern Europe. They are social insects that form colonies inside nests. Nests are often found in soil banks, roof spaces, and in areas within trees and walls.

Biology

The queen wasp will emerge from its hibernation around mid-April time and will search for a suitable site for her colony. The queen wasp will then build the foundations of the nest by using chewed bark and dried timber mixed with saliva. The nest at this point is no bigger than a golf ball in size and within this nest she lays between 10 and 20 eggs. The first brood of adult workers takes over the tasks of enlarging the nest and providing food for subsequent eggs laid down by the queen. By the end of the summer, the nest can contain between 3000 and 5000 wasps and measure over 30 cm across.

Later in the summer, males and young queens emerge and mating occurs. Once fertilised, the queen flies away to find a suitable site for the winter. Once the cooler weather comes, the workers and remaining males become lethargic, and they feed off ripe and over-ripe fruits. This can produce aggressive behaviour to anyone interfering with them.

The onset of the cold weather kills off all of these workers and males, and it is only the queen that survives in hibernation to start a new colony in the spring.

Importance

Wasps do visit bins, waste depots and dead animal bodies and therefore they have the possibility of spreading diseases, but they are mainly known for their nuisance in the late summer.

In the early parts of summer, wasps are too busy collecting food for the nest, however later in the season as the larval rearing decreases, the workers and males turn to sweeter products and they become nuisances in homes, bakeries, offices etc. They also have the ability to sting apparent threats, a habit which increases as the insect becomes more irritable with the onset of the cooler weather, and the feeding on fermented, over-ripe fruits.

Control

Some people are allergic to wasp stings, but nonetheless, it still becomes an irritant if you're not. Wasps are generally easy to control if access to the nest can be achieved. Control of adults in flight alone will unlikely to exert much control over an active nest, however strategic positioned wasp traps, such as Waspbane, will attract nuisance wasps away from sensitive areas for example children play-areas or public parks and gardens.

The main aim should be to disable the nest by applying a residual insecticide to the nest entrance. If the nest in found in a loft space, shed or anywhere indoors, the use of mini-smoke generators is beneficial to knock down the majority of the worker wasps. Wasps re-entering the nests will need to come into contact with the residual dust, and they will naturally walk to product into the nest, thus killing it off.

Nests are often found in loft spaces, cavity walls, behind cladding, in flower beds etc. Be careful when treating wasps in loft space etc. and make sure there are no signs of bat activity.

In general residual dusts are far better then residual sprays. Most residual dusts are ideal, for example, bendiocarb and pyrethriod.

If you are suffering from a wasp infestation why not try wasp traps available from PPC Supplies.

Mosaic Tile Fireplace - Read Before You Install!

Mosaic Tile Fireplace gained immense popularity in recent years by home-makers. If you look for a quick way to redecorate any surface at home, you should try these natural stone panels. Want to learn how it can help you redecorate your home? Read the following article.

Some background

Mosaic Tile Fireplace is about collecting identical natural stones that are attached onto a 12" mesh backing, thus providing that seamless desired tile. Whatever the reason is, one thing is obvious - most of these natural panels are originated from the same part of the world, and indeed most of them are originated from S.E. Asian islands. Decoration ideas provided by this easy tiling technique are countless: Flooring (including patios), bathrooms, backsplashes, kitchen walls, and much more.

Main advantages

When we examine the advantages and benefits provided by this tiling technique, we find the following:

* Easily installed over existing surfaces such as old ceramics or plain concrete.

* It can easily be adjusted to very small / narrow surfaces where other fixed size tiles such as conventional ceramic tiles can't.

* Provide unique atmosphere and contemporary look and feel to any room setting.

Important advices!

* Avoid using any ready-made grout on wet areas like showers floor or showers backsplashes - use any other standard dry powder based cement.

* Measure the designated area first, and then add 5%-7% more to your order just as a backup for future use and in case you may need to repair or cut small tile pieces in order to tile small /narrow spaces.

* Don't rush! - make a plan; make sure you know how to install these panels, even make a small trial first just to see that you can handle it with no problem.

Summarizing this article

Mosaic Tile Fireplace installation is very simple as you simply lay the panels next to each other and they inter-lock, creating a totally seamless, hand-crafted mosaics appearance. We could easily find many other great benefits provided by this quick redecoration option, simply because most people find it extremely easy to install and maintain. It is recommended to keep the above advices before installation.

Get creative! - Learn more about how you can easily decorate any surface at home with Mosaic Tile Fireplace.

Bathroom Remodeling - Bathroom Renovation Benefits

The main benefit of bathroom is that it adds value any property. Another home renovation advantage is its long term energy and water savings. Hotels, homeowners, apartments and realtors who are deciding whether to spend their money on bathroom remodeling or not, are re-assured that a bathtub remodeling job that is done correctly and with the right plan can help them recoup their investment. Irrespective of the sluggish housing market, kitchen and bathroom remodeling have consistently offered the highest percentage return on investment (80-100%).

Home improvement that includes bathroom renovation as part of the overall project increases the resale value of homes and gives a delightful ambiance for a private affair. According to Remodeling magazine, the average bathroom remodeling project costs $15,800 and results in an increase in home value of about $12,400. Source: November 2007, Remodeling Magazine, Cost versus Value Report.

Bathroom remodeling is expensive

The price for renovating a bathroom can go from $12, 000 to $16,000 just for a basic and functional bathroom . Even though the bathroom in many homes, is the smallest room, when it comes to renovation, it can be pretty expensive. Home improvement involves a lot of sub-contractions and bathroom remodel is no exception. Here are your sub-contractors:
Plumbers
Electricians
Tile contractors
Sheet rock contractor etc.

Remodeling ideas

Home improvement ideas vary from person to person. Some people may already have an idea of their remodel, while others are inspired from other sources.

Like from seeing how the neighbor's bathroom looks and looking forward to your looking just like that or even better. Others get their ideas from friends and magazines. Depending on the scope of work, some would need the services of an architect.

After the design idea is settled on, it is time to see the areas that need the renovation. In a bathroom remodel, like in any other renovation work, the structures have to be considered highly. Anything that would undermine the integrity of the structures should be pointed out to an an architect.

Flooring or vanities may need to be refinished and not replaced to achieve a bathroom remodeling dream.
Bathtub refinishing and bathroom renovation

Bathtub refinishing saves the expense of replacing a bathtub. It may costs about $300 to buy a new bathtub, but it may cost between $2500 to $3000 to replace an old bathtub. The reasons are obvious.

Home improvement tear outs account for about 47% of the junk that ends up in the landfills. Tearing makes a lot of mess and involves, walls, tiles, plumbers and their respective sub-contractors. All the tear out adds up to quite some money when compared to refinishing, re-using and recycling.

Bathtub refinishing costs between $450 -$650 compared to about $2500 to replace a bathtub. The savings is over 80% the cost of replacement. That is why many hotels, homeowners, apartments, retirement homes, and government agencies are choosing bathtub refinishing as a big part of their green bathroom remodeling.

When bathtub refinishing is incorporated as a big part of the bathroom remodeling process, less waste goes to the landfills. This is an environmental benefit to the environment. Additionally, when old but sturdy wood cabinets in your bathroom are refinished, instead of being replaced, trees are saved, that benefit us in so many ways. Bathtub refinishing, combined with green bathroom remodeling benefits are savings in money, time and environment.

Do your bathroom remodeling yourself or hire a contractor?

With the popularity of HGTV and other remodeling shows, a lot of people think that they can be the weekend warrior. Take a hard and careful look at your bathroom remodeling project. If all you are doing is cosmetics, you may be able to do the renovation yourself. Remember that all tasks are not created equal. It may be easy to install a new toilet, but installing new bathtub or tiled shower is for the professionals.

Wilson Ukah, owns Refinishing Stars, a bathtub refinishing company serving homeowners in Atlanta, Chattanooga, Nashville and Knoxville. Refinishing Stars, refinishes bathtubs, sinks, and countertops for hotels and motels nationwide. Wilson can be reached at http://www.refinishingstars.com or sales@refinishingstars.com.

Bathroom Accessories and Color Schemes That Make You Relax

How to Consider Bathroom Accessories that makes you relax?

When considering bathroom accessories it is wise to consider your bathroom style, design, patterns, etc. For instance, if you have a kiddie's bathroom, you want to consider its details to avoid adding bathroom accessories that make it appear. If you are designing a guest bath, you may want to add a sink skirt, fancy towels, soaps, dishes, mirror, shower curtain, toilet seat, decorative toiletries, and so on.

Decorating a master bathroom may benefit from fringed rugs, towel display, monogram towels, potpourri, decorative soap, and dish, bath oils, etc. After you decide you room, you want to consider your style. What do you prefer? Do you like traditional? Do you like contemporary? Do like Victorian? It is your choice. If you like the country style you can add a few baskets, picket fence accessories, rod-pocket shower curtains, etc. Add a couple of tiebacks to the curtain, preferably braided ties and you are off to a country setting.

If you like, the wood looks consider rustic bathroom accessories, such as birdhouses. Birch baskets are nice as well. Create a garden in your basket and you are off to the wood look. If you want dramatic, try adding live plants, vines, blending shower curtains, rugs, toilet seat, etc. On the other hand, if you want a fishery bath, add a fish toilet seat, matching curtains, and perhaps a sink skirt to match. Set off the area by adding nature-based tiles, walls, and so on.

Now that you have your style down, consider the patterns and colors you desire. If you are adding bathroom accessories to offset your bath, try coordinating your colors and patterns with fixtures, floor covering, wall colors, and other decorative. If you have porcelain fixtures, you may want to consider off-white, antique white or related colors and patterns when choosing bathroom accessories.

In addition, if you have porcelain sink, tubs, or toilet you may want to try a few darker shades or else brighter colors. Try to match the color. You can add greens to your room, which you can offset with accents of yellow as well.

If you are not, sure, which colors and patterns are best suited for your bath, try visiting Home Depots or related stores, and carry home a few samples. Any store that sells paints, tile, etc, will provide you sample colors.

How can I find color schemes?
You can match color schemes by considering neutral colors, in depth darker shades, brilliant colors, strong shades, etc. Patterns might include the pastels, which include the blonde woods. Wickers will set off blonde woods.

What about storage:
Once you have done your style, patterns, colors, etc, you may want to add storage. If you already have sufficient storage, you may want to add wicker baskets to the space.
Toss in your shampoos, conditioners, toothpaste, and other accessories to clear up additional space.

How much does it cost for accessories?
It depends on where you purchase the items. If you are on a budget, try visiting your local Family Dollar Stores, General Dollar, or related stores. Often you will find various bathroom accessories to offset your bath. The items are affordable, and often delightful to the eyes.

Online you will find a wide array of dollar stores. The stores online will ship your items to your doorstep while offering you a wider selection. In addition, you can view the images online, which helps you match your patterns and colors more freely.

If you want to add additional storage, online you will find affordable shelves and baskets. The deals online offer you the option of saving money and time.

Ismail Y. Alabdullah
http://www.hottoptopics.com

for more information visit: http://hottoptopics.com/bathroom/

Build Your Own Steam Shower Enclosure

You may have scoured the Internet to find a steam shower enclosure that will fit in the space you have available in your bathroom so that you don't have to take on any extensive or expensive remodeling in your home. The good news is that with a little work you can easily build one on your own to fit the space without having to tear out any existing walls. However, before you start this project, you do need to do some research so that you have all the materials and information you will need to complete the job and have a unit that will work properly.

The main things you have to consider when building your own steam shower enclosure are the roof, the door, the generator and whether or not you want to have seats and storage space inside. You can easily have a steam shower suite that includes steam jets and a regular shower in the same space as you would need for a normal bathtub enclosure. If you already have a small walk-in shower in your bathroom then you are halfway there because you have the basics of the enclosure in place.

The walls and ceiling of a steam shower enclosure must be waterproof. Some of the commonly used materials for this purpose are tile, slate, ceramic, marble, granite, limestone and fiberglass. The roof must be completely covered in by an acrylic dome shape or a cover made from stainless steel or fiberglass. You also have to look at the shape of the roof. If you have a flat ceiling in the enclosure, the water will drip from the roof onto your head and face as the steam rises and then condenses. For this reason, it is better to consider installing a sloping roof on the enclosure.

A steam shower enclosure or whirlpool steam shower has to be tightly sealed so that the steam will not escape into the room when you are taking a steam shower. If you do not take care to ensure the tightness of the enclosure, you could be looking at costly repairs a few years down the road. Steam can cause a lot of damage to the walls and ceilings in the development of mold, mildew and rot. In order to have this protection, you do need to give a lot of thought to the type of door you install in the enclosure.

There are a variety of doors you can choose from for a steam shower enclosure. The door has to extend to the ceiling and it must fit the frame of the enclosure very tightly. You can choose a single door or one that also has the form-fitting frame. There is a wide variety of designs and colors to choose from as well, with doors containing clear, obscure or deco glass. Depending on the size of the enclosure you build, you can also have the door custom built to fit the opening.

In order to have properly functioning steam shower units, you have to purchase and install a steam generator. You may need to hire a plumber and an electrician to do this for you if you don't have the experience needed for the job. The steam generator has to be connected to both the water line and to electricity.

The placement of the generator in the unit is also of importance to the final result. You can have this installed in a cabinet in the bathroom, in the basement or even in the attic. It doesn't need to be within the steam shower enclosure at all. Most can be as much as 50 feet away from the enclosure and still give you the proper amount of steam for your needs.

Allison Ryan is a freelance marketing writer from Southern California. She specializes in home improvement, home remodeling, and installing steam shower units. For the ideal whirlpool steam shower for your home, please visit http://www.mybath.biz/.

Replacing Shower Faucets - Avoid the Traps - Get Expert Advice

It's the same old story all over again. The drip-drip saga of your shower faucet threatens to rock the boat. Tired of those countless fitful bouts of sleep, you have pulled out all stops in repairing that wretched fixture. But, to no avail. The constant, and now extremely grating leak, has wrecked havoc in your life.

Now before you begin to sound like the protagonist of a Shakespearean tragedy, you better put an end to this Himalayan battle. And how does one achieve that? Does replacing shower faucet sound like a plausible solution? It may be music to the ears of faucet manufacturers and suppliers, but it's the only way you can enjoy the soul-stirring silence of solitudes all over again.

Eight Tips That Attenuate Concerns

But replacing an old shower faucet is not something that one greets exultantly. And the grounds for this kind of trepidation are not that risible too. The possibility of replacement of the valve from behind the wall or through the closet or even a change in the surround is enough to deflate the optimism of a seasoned veteran.

But things are not as complicated as they seem. Here are a few tips that ease your concerns quite a bit:

• Don't select the new faucet in haste. Remember the saying, size does matter?
• Be very clear about the measurement of the holes for the fixture. Take the old faucet along when you venture out to purchase the new one.
• Style is not something you can be utterly cavalier about either. Make sure the new fixture manages to get you out of your blue funk.
• The instruction manual must be treated like the Holy Grail. Follow it religiously.
• While dealing with that recalcitrant old faucet, make sure your efforts are ably buttressed by the right tools. So a pipe wrench is used only on pipes.
• Switching from iron pipes to copper or plastic is a nifty choice since they come without any kind of threading.
• While bathtubs have a two-valve faucet assembly, a two-valve shower assembly is common place among showers. This means the installation of the faucet is detached from the taps that supply water.
• However, the internal mechanism of tub and shower faucet assemblies is strikingly similar to those installed in sinks.
  

With the faucet replaced, you better get used to the silence that resonates from every pore.

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 ...

Paris Hostels Offer Inexpensive Accommodations For Travelers

If you wish to travel to Paris in the near future, you might have been shocked at the prices for hotel stays. Fancy hotels can eat up your travel budget quickly. Instead, many travelers choose Paris hostels as a cost-effective and comfortable way to travel through The City of Light.

C'est Bon March
Staying at hostels in Paris is similar to staying at a hotel in that you will make a reservation ahead of your stay to book your bed or room. Depending on the particular hostel, Paris hostelries offer group accommodations or private rooms. Groups sleep together in the same room in bunks or individual beds. The bathroom is also shared. Lockers are usually available so that you can lock up your valuables overnight. Private rooms in hostels in Paris, which often cost a bit more, offer a bed and more privacy. Typically bathrooms will be shared even if you choose a private room.

Paris hostels may also offer a kitchen for everyone to use. This is popular because you can go out and purchase whatever food you like and prepare it yourself, thus saving even more money on dining out continually. Hostels in Paris keep their maintenance costs down by expecting that those using the kitchen will clean up after themselves, washing their own dishes and putting them away.

Another requirement that you may find at a Paris hostel is that you are expected to clear out of your bed or room by a certain time of day, often in the morning. This is so that the facility can be cleaned and maintained while you are out and about, enjoying your day in the city. This is the bare-bones experience that you can expect from a stay at a Paris hostel. Paris hostels are enjoyable for those who require simple but comfortable accommodations. If this works for how you like traveling and spending your time, then Paris hostels offer a very inexpensive way to deal with your housing and even some meals while you are on the road.

C'est Sympathetique
There are many benefits from spending time at hostels. Paris travelers will tell you that they offer a unique experience to get to know other travelers also staying at your accommodation. You will often have a chance to meet interesting people from all over the world, and be able to talk to them and get to know them a bit.

At hostels in Paris you will find that you tend to congregate together in the kitchen and dining areas at breakfast and supper times, for example, and can find out how everyone's day went and what they got to do and see. You will often get recommendations about places to visit in town. You will have an opportunity to trot out any second or third languages that you might know a great boon to language learners who wish to immerse themselves in the country's language. For all these benefits, a Paris hostel may be the perfect travel choice for you.

Anne Harvester is a travel agent whose passion is writing about hostels in Paris. She spends her leisure time traveling to different Paris hostels and writing about different Paris hostel travel destinations.

Ceramic Tile Shower Pan Damage
Ceiling Plaster Crack

10 Tips For Cheap Bathroom Remodeling Ideas

Are you set to remodel your bathroom but the cost is hindering your plans? This article on cheap bathroom remodeling ideas will help you to turn your bathroom into an enchanting delight from a dull one.

We often tend to visualize everything brand new and over look the fact that by simply replacing small fixtures can bring new life to an existing bathroom. Cheap bathroom remodeling ideas are a great for the do-it-yourselfer.

Cheap bathroom remodeling ideas

1. If you are a DIY person, you can save a lot of dollars by refurbishing items like cabinets, varnish, vanities with paint etc.

2. Space is an important factor. Try rearranging the bathroom layout.

3. Gather inspiring ideas from the internet.

4. Get creative and take a tip from your nearest bathroom shop.

5. Paint the wall instead of using wallpapers. Paper wallpapers cannot handle the moisture and will soon peel off.

6. Shower/Bath glass enclosures are easy to install and clean than cloth or plastic curtains. This is also a fashionable way of dressing up your bathroom.

7. Never touch any plumbing or electrical jobs as you may end up paying the plumber/electrician for repairing the damage.

8. Another cheap bathroom remodeling idea is that you can change the toilet seat or a toilet seat cover. With the help of couple of screwdrivers, a toilet seat can be easily changed. This is a very easy task compared to other fixtures in the home. Match the cover to a new rug. This will give a new and an elegant look to your bathroom.

9. Allow your children to display their creativity in the bathroom. Ask them to stick some fancy stickers in the walls. You will be amazed how it adds value to your bathroom. However, do not encourage children to stick them on the mirrors. This would take lot of time to clean and would be tough if you are planning to sell your house.

10. Consider some cheap posters .This will make the area look different and good. You can also cover the areas that are not appealing with posters, if you are not planning to paint currently.

Tips

Take advice from the experts and do some price comparison before purchasing. Remember to bring samples of the necessary items to avoid several trips to the store. Take a picture of your bathroom as this will give you a visual sense, and you will be able to select better. Carry the exact measurements and a floor plan when are you are shopping. Always balance your needs with your budget and try not to stray from your budget.

If you're looking for more information about bathroom renovation or are looking for bathroom remodeling ideas come visit me at my bathroom remodeling blog.

You will find lots of information about bathroom tile design, shower and tub installation, bathroom remodeling tools, bathroom renovation ideas, bathroom remodeling pictures and even specific information about the topic of this article: cheap bathroom remodeling ideas.

Fascia And Siding Problem
Broken Electrical Outlet Cover

Problems While You Are Building With Contractors

Sometimes as contractors we get in a hurry and we just want to finish the job. We told the homeowner we would be done in three months, at the same time the homeowner keeps adding new work to the list.

I ran into a problem like this on one job where the contractor was in a hurry to finish the flooring and chose to go right over the existing floor that was out of level. He told the homeowner he didn't have time to repair that section of the floor. He was installing half-inch plywood over 1 x 6 diagonal floor sheeting to strengthen up the floor.

This floor was going to require quite a bit of attention from the contractor and his crew. The homeowner should have hired another contractor to repair the floor while the original contractor finished the house remodel. When your contractor gives you that much grief about any work, you need to start thinking about hiring another contractor or at least finding one to complete the task your original contractor has no interest in.

I felt sorry for the homeowner because this was not what he wanted and he was upset with the contractor but the job was done. This is my warning to any contractor, handyman or home repair specialists. When installing a new plywood floor over an existing floor to strengthen it up, use some common sense and repair the floor correctly or don't do the job at all.

I wrote this article for contractors to have a little more sympathy for the homeowners you are working for because sometimes they can't see the whole picture like you can. I also wrote this article for homeowners to listen to your contractor carefully when he is explaining a potential problem that you can't visualize further down the road. Any contractor with over 15 years experience remodeling homes has a pretty good idea what's going to happen next.

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 stairs books and adding useful content to help solve problems created by the lack of construction knowledge in the building industry.

2 X 12 Shower Pan Framing Blocks

How Much Do Bamboo Blinds Cost?

Durable, beautiful and natural - these are all words that can be used to describe bamboo blinds. These types of blinds are inexpensive and a great choice if you want to use different shade of woods in a particular room. Many nature-lovers adore these types of blinds due to their ability to create a natural look and feel. They are also environmentally friendly and can act as excellent insulators for both the hot and cold days. Any type of house design or decor can fit bamboo blinds such as traditional, modern, tropical or Asian.

Bamboo blinds can be used for providing shade from the intense sun but they won't completely block out the light. This makes them ideal for those rooms that you want to shade but also keep bright. They come in two major styles. The first are Roman blinds which fold upwards. The second are roll ups - you roll the bamboo blind upwards and it is secured at the top with straps.

There are different blinds suitable for any budget. The larger the window the most expensive it will be. Smaller windows can cost as little as $20 with much larger ones costing over $500. This makes bamboo blinds very cheap when compared to the other types of blind that are available.

Price is also determined by whether you want custom or pre-made. Pre-made blinds are much cheaper but you run the risk of not finding a size that matches you window. Custom or made to order are more expensive but you are guaranteed to get correct style and size that you are after. The different colors and styles will also affect the price. The more popular styles are more expensive but can look fantastic when you make the right choices in terms of decor.

The Bamboo Blinds Guide has articles aimed to help you find a bargain on your next set of bamboo blinds. Discover the the cost of bamboo blinds and where to buy them online.

Z Bar Backing From 1 X 4

Learning the Standard Chemistry Levels of Pool Water in Order to Maintain Normal PH

Our world is filled of various substances that are essential in making chemicals. These chemicals are important in our daily lives. Using them in appropriate doses have been made things possible for building homes, preserving food and other things needed for basic survival. They are known to maintain equilibrium in our body. Homeostasis is not possible without their existence. The environment relies on them as well. Chemicals are not only important to use but it is also important to plants and animals. Even some of our non-living things use them to extend their lives.

Swimming pools are filled with chemicals. True to the fact that it is scary to be swimming in a body of water full of it, however what you use in it is necessary. It is enough to dissolve bacteria and other dirt lurking in the water. Without the chemicals in them, probably a lot of people would have gotten sick from enjoying the pool. In addition, these beautiful landscapes would have not existed for years.

The use of chemicals is known to be harmful in excessive levels. Sometimes improper use of these substances can harm human body or cause any biological creature to wear out. In swimming pools, this can cause an imbalance in the ph. It can cause slow or fast deterioration of the concrete and pool finishes used in building them.

How do you maintain its ph? Simple, It is done by ensuring that the chemicals in the pool at their standard levels. Here are some other guidelines to follow on what makes up a pool with the right chemistry level.

Calcium- around 150 to 300 parts per million

Chlorine- around 1.5 to 3 parts per million

Cyanuric Acid- around 40-80 parts per million.

Alkaline Products- 110 parts per million with the use of stabilized Chloride; 80 parts per million for the granular ones.

Total Alkalinity- around 80-125 parts per million; with liners around 80-120ppm; for plasters it should be 100-125 parts per million

Total Dissolved Solids- 1500 parts per million

Normal Ph- experts say it should be from 7.2-7.8; for some, 7.4-7.6 is manageable.

It is necessary for you to keep ensure the following levels. The only way to do it is to do weekly strip testing of your water. You also have to have water analysis done in every month so that you can determine the chemical components of your water.

Remember, having too low or too high ph can have a lot of undesirable effects on your pool finishes. It can also destroy your equipment. Who says taking care of a pool is a piece of cake? No, it is not. It is an added load in your daily living. However, for you to have a swimming pool that is safe, beautiful and long lasting, you should do what it takes to care for it. Otherwise, you will end up paying for thousands of dollars doing resurfacing or even replacing equipments. Better yet, it would be practical to close it for good.

Chris Turley is a consultant for Wet Edge Technologies, supplying a wide variety of pool finishes with industry leading technology to support them.