Working on Your Bar - Experience and Requisites

A sip of your favorite Martini and that too in a soothing environment to go with; if that's your idea of perfect rejuvenation, then you might just take note of what follows. Gone are the days when a drink at the local neighborhood bar sufficed the need for entertainment. Instead, your own swanky, well-done up and nicely lit-up home bars have taken the spot of the conventional, ill-lighted, noisy public bars.

If you too want to join the bandwagon and experience the joy of a private entertainment at home, its time you went in for some constructive home improvement projects, with the home renovation bars as their main agenda.

So what does it include?

So you are all set to embark on the task of home renovation bars? To begin with, it's important to understand what the entire concept actually compasses. Foremost, it is crucial that you analyze the exact purpose of your bar. Whether you want to make your house and the bar a hub for entertainment and socializing, abuzz with activity or you just want to develop it as a quiet corner you can retreat to de-stress yourself, the choice is yours.

For instance, i2204f you actually intend to socialize heavily and entertain a lot of guests, you need to build up your bar and the stock on the lines of commercial establishments that offer such services. Though the costs involved might not be very high, but the task definitely requires an enormous amount of planning and careful supervision.

Gathering your supplies

With an increasing number of homeowners now opting for home renovation bars, the supplies and fixtures required therein are quite easily available. Nevertheless, as we just mentioned, it is important that you first understand your needs and objectives. You then need to plan and prepare accordingly, if you don't want to land yourself in an awkward position, right in front of your guests!

If you are a newcomer to this and just don't know where to start, you can simply start off by picking up the ready-to-install plumbing and lighting fixtures and furniture for home renovation bars. And if you want to give your bar that real feel of your favorite street bar, add to it the jazzy elements including the likes of the back bar, moldings and railings.

The bar's pride!

Having said all, there are two main critical aspects that need close attention when working on your home renovation bar. These include the bar top and the under-bar counter top, both of which influence the smooth functioning of the entire bar place. The bar top needs to have a classy, glamorous, yet a sturdy surface which can handle all sorts of rough handling and still not lose its charm and sheen. The likes of wooden veers have often proven quite successful.

Meanwhile, the under-bar top counter should also be practically designed, spacious and be equipped with all the provisions required for repetitive and strong bouts of entertainment.

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Bathroom Remodeling On a Tight Budget

When youre trying to remodel a bathroom with a low budget, and your ambition, imagination, and desire for change is high then you need to be creative. Lets look at some possible bathroom remodeling ideas for that tight budget situation.

Rather than replace your tub, sinks and other fixtures you may be able to refurbish them for much less money in many cases. You might be able to add a few dashes of paint to your sink and make it look amazing.220D

Many people have never even heard of painting there sinks, but it is a common practice in larger cities. You can find ideas and displays of these at most home shows you attend. My first experience with this was in Seattle Washington when I went into a plumbing show room and seen a beautiful display of sinks that had been painted by a local artist.

In many cases an artist can repaint your sinks and a few other items for a fraction of the cost to replace your sink and tub. The newly painted items have a whole new personality and add tremendous value and style that most others do not have.

If you simply must replace the old and put in something new then wait before you head out to the building supply store to spend a fortune. You may be able to find some overstock supplies stored in the garage of a local builder. It does not hurt to make few phone calls to see if any of the local contractors in town have some left over sinks, cabinets, or other items that might be a nice new look at a fraction of the cost.

If you do it yourself you can make your bathroom remodeling project very cost effective by watching for closeouts at the local retailers. Maybe you can put in a call and ask to be notified when they have such items on closeout.

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

Basement Ideas - Turning Your Basement Into A Guest Room

Turning your basement into a guest room is a basement idea that few people consider. One of the main advantages of this is that it frees up another room in your house for other things.

Most of us own homes that don't have enough rooms. Each child wants their own room, many people want offices in their homes now, and bonus rooms are popular as well. Where do the guests stay if you have all the rooms earmarked for other things?

Another advantage of turning the basement into a guest room is that it gives your guests a special sense of privacy. Using this basement idea will give your guests a space to call their own. It may also get them out of your hair if they decide to stay too long!

In order to make this basement remodel idea work, however, you are going to have to make sure you do a few thing properly. The basement guest room will have to have:

- A good paint job that is neutral
- Clean rugs or carpets to help protect from the cold floors
- A good sturdy bed tells your guests they are welcome to stay
- Some seating for them to relax such as chairs and a sofa
- A bathroom is preferable so that they don't have to go upstairs in the middle of the night

These things all contribute to having the room feel like a real guest bedroom. Basement ideas like this are great if they are done with attention to detail. If done incorrectly, however, the room can turn into a nightmare.

The important thing is that you make the room feel comfortable and inviting and as much as a real room that you can. You want your guests to feel comfortable and welcome in your house. The last thing you want is for the basement guest room to look or feel like a cold dungeon.

Want more great basement ideas and options? There are lots more at my Basement Ideas websight.

Fix a Leaky Faucet

It's just about time you learn how to fix a leaky faucet if you constantly experience having to wake up in the middle of the night to the irritating noise of drip, drip, drip from a leaky faucet. By doing so, you will eliminate the need for a plumber, and consequently, high plumbing costs. And of course, the best part is, no more sleepless nights.

You might think you really need a plumber to fix a leaky faucet. But no, you can do it by yourself! And with these s5B4imple and easy to follow steps, you will never have to dial a plumber again.

Here are some basic tools and materials you will need:

- Screwdriver - Washers

Before You Start

1. Look under your sink and search for a shutoff valve. Turn its handles counter-clockwise (off) to switch off the water supply. Remember the saying "righty-tighty, lefty-loosey". This will guide you in switching your water supply on and off.

2. Keep an assortment of replacement parts at hand. This includes washers, O-rings, and etc.

3. Make sure to plug down the drain (maybe with rags). This is to avoid having small parts like screws and washers go down the drain.

4. As you work, keep in mind the exact order of the parts from the moment it was taken apart and line them up. This will serve as a guide when it's time to reassemble it, so you wouldn't have a hard time tracing what goes in first.

Begin Working!

1. First, take the faucet handles off. You can do this by using your screwdriver to remove the screw that is holding them on. Once you've removed the screws, lever the handles open using a flathead screwdriver.

2. Faucet handles removed, you may now proceed to removing the old washer located behind the handle. If no washer is present, then don't fret. Buy one and use it later on.

3. With the new washer that you just bought, replace the old washer. Put it where the old washer used to be. 5B4Keep in mind that the hole in the washer must be just a little bit bigger than the post where the handle turns.

4. Start putting things together. Put everything in place, according to the opposite order of how you took it apart. After, you can put the handle back to its post and screw it on. When you screw it on, make sure that you don't screw it in too tight so that you wouldn't damage the brass fittings. Just keep it hand-tight.

5. Test it. Turn your water on by turning the handles of your shut-off valve clockwise or to the left.

6. Hopefully, your faucets wouldn't be leaking by this time. That is if everything went well. If not, you can always try to tighten the screws a little bit more or do the whole procedure over again. If you were still not able to stop the leak, it's probably time you face it and call a plumber.

Miscellaneous Tips

In going to the hardware when buying a washer, ask an employee for assistance. He could recommend the specific washer that is used for your sink.

Sometimes, leaky faucets are due to lime build-up. If you notice that a lot of lime build-up is on your faucet handle post, remedy this by using lime away products to clean the build-up.

There's no need for you to stay awake at night and listen to the annoying noise of a leaky faucet instead of enjoying fitful sleep. Learn to fix a leaky faucet yourself and say goodbye to plumbers, high plumbing costs, and34F sleepless nights.

Know how to fix a leaky faucet yourself. Find your faucet guide.

Heat Your Living Space with A Trombe Wall, Water Wall, or Roof Pond

Indirect solar gain is one of three methods of passive solar heating, in addition to isolated and direct gain. When solar heat is collected in one area and transferred to another through the process of convection, this is the indirect method.

Here's a rundown of how it works. As with most passive solar heating systems that don't require the use of mechanical pumps or fans, heat is invited indoors through a series of south-facing windows. It is then absorbed through building materials with thermal mass, or the natural capacity to absorb heat. These materials include masonry walls or floors. When placed in a container, water can be even more effective than masonry or concrete in that it exchanges heat more quickly. Water walls and roof ponds are examples of how water containers can be used for indirect solar gain. These are described below.

Indirect solar gain uses the same strategies of heat absorption and convection as direct gain. With direct gain systems, however, the living space itself acts as a solar collector. Indirect solar gain places the heat collection system outside the living space, such as between the south-facing windows and the living spaces. A Trombe wall, for instance, is commonly located in this space. This wall, made of 8- to 16-inch masonry, with a frontal glass layer, absorbs heat from the sun from the late morning to the early evening. At night, all the warm air it generates begins to travel through the wall and into the living space. It also travels out of the air space between the wall and window through built-in vents. Trombe walls have no moving parts and require no maintenance or on-going costs, making them a popular alternative to active solar heating systems.

Water walls can be located in the same area as the Trombe wall, but the term can also apply to water containers in other building configurations. Along the wall, the water is stored in a container, which can be accented or hidden completely. Roof ponds are located on flat roofs, heating water that warms the room directly beneath the roof pond during the colder evening hours.

Renee Rutledge has interviewed many of the country's' finest solar professionals for CalFinder. Read her exclusive interviews and find solar contractors near you.

A New Bathroom Vanity Can Transform the Room

It may be time to remodel, or give your hallway bathroom with the 1970's decor a facelift. Perhaps you just want a design change to reflect your personal style. Whatever reasons you may have for tackling your bathroom as the next home improvement project, one of the most important furniture pieces you will need to select with care is a single bathroom vanity or a double bathroom vanity. The bathroom vanity tends to be the focal point or centerpiece in any bathroom so finding the right one is important.

Before you get started on your bathroom home improvement project, take the time to measure the space you will have for all your fixtures. If you are replacing the shower and toilet, measure these spaces and the size of the new fixtures you would like to put in their place. When measuring for your bathroom vanity, you will want to decide if you would like a single bathroom vanity or a double bathroom vanity. If you have a small space to work with or only one person uses the lavatory each day, a single vanity will be the obvious choice. However if you have the space, a double vanity is always a luxurious upgrade for your bathroom especially if more than one person at a time will be using it everyday.

Another thing to keep in mind when remodeling your bathroom is the interior design theme you are trying to create. When choosing a new bathtub, sink, vanity, or even the plumbing fixtures, consistency with a design theme is key. Whether you like antique, rustic wood, traditional, or contemporary styles for your new bathroom make sure that all elements work together to create a cohesive look. Nothing feels worse than spending all the money, time, and effort on re-doing your bathroom only to be dissatisfied with the final result because it just doesn't all work together.

There are many places to find vanities and such for your project, but one of the best places to find the lowest prices for your bath and shower fixtures or for discount bathroom vanities is online. If you take your time to find the right online company to do business with, you can find the best price for your new vanity, as well as get added discounts like free shipping or other incentives. Shopping online also helps you save time and energy, because you never have to leave home to find the perfect bathroom furniture and fixtures.

So no matter what reason you have for remodeling your bathroom make sure you do your homework to find the best bathroom vanity and other fixtures that may need replacing. Measure the space you have to work with in your bathroom decide on the decor theme you want to create with your bathroom facelift, and try shopping online for your bathroom vanity, shower, bathtub, and other accessories online for the best prices.

If you would like more information on bathroom vanities online, single bathroom vanities or double bathroom vanities, please visit Premiere Vanities.

The Lasting Appeal of Monterey Architecture

Monterey architecture helped define the look of many Southern California cities, and is still one of the region's most popular home building styles. It's not uncommon to see entire neighborhoods of Monterey homes, especially in coas5B4tal areas where the abundantly-windowed style helps keep the ocean in clear view, and enables residents to transition easily between indoor and outdoor living. The timelessness of Monterey architecture, with its emphasis on clean, vertically-oriented features and functional layout, continues to make it an attractive choice for new home builders; Monterey neighborhoods often feature a mix of new and antique homes built to the same specifications, in a testament to the style's lasting appeal.

Monterey is a quintessential southwest coast style, but it also relies heavily on east coast building traditions. That's because the style was pioneered by an east-coaster, Boston merchant Thomas Larkin, who relocated to Monterey, California in 1939. Larkin envisioned a new home style for his new city, one that merged the New England Colonial look with adobe construction. A wealthy and influential businessman, Larkin was able to quickly channel his vision and build one of Monterey's most prominent homes.

The finished product was unlike anything people in the region had seen, offering all the majesty of an eastern seaboard estate mixed with traditional southwest understated elegance and functionality. Larkin's home also introduced a new building feature in Southern California construction: second floor balconies. At the time homes with one story designs dominated the region, and the second floor balcony concept was seen as a breakthrough f58Bor lifestyle and aesthetic appeal.

As the capital of the Mexican territory of California, Monterey was an important cultural center, and the origin of many regional trends. Monterey architecture blossomed throughout Southwest California during the last years of Mexican rule, and became even more popular when California was made a U.S. state in 1849. During the Spanish Colonial revival of the 1920s and 30s when southwest building forms flourished throughout the country, Monterey architecture was one of several styles preferred by new home builders, along with Spanish mission architecture. Today Monterey homes are common in warm coastal markets from California to Florida.

Modern Monterey homes can most easily be identified by a cantilevered second-story balcony - a balcony extending from the exterior wall without ground supports, and held in place by strong beams, often backed by full length windows. Other characteristic features of the style include low-pitched gabled roofs, usually finished with shingles or tiles, and exterior stucco, adobe, or brick walls, sometimes with exposed wood beams.

Learn more about California homes for sale by owner at HomesbyLender.com The website features regularly updated 2E8home for sale by owner listings in California and every other state in the nation - buyers and sellers interested in FSBO can use this site as their primary source.

Closet Doors

The closet is a must have for any home to provide that extra storage space. In addition to giving you more space to store things, the closet also makes a good addition to the overall dcor of a room. Closets nowadays come in many shapes and sizes. The closet organizer system opens a whole new world of possibilities in organizing storage.

To start off with, unless you purposely do not want one, all closets have doors. The function of the closet door is twofold. The first function of a closet door is to keep your belongings inside an enclosed space, hidden from view. A closed closet door will give a sense of organization in a room. The second of a closet door is to act as part of the overall decoration of a room. Since the front of a closet is mainly made up of the doors, choosing the right look for your closet door can do wonders for589 your room.

If space is tight in the room, than the folding closet door would be a good way to go. You will have access to all the space I your closet without having to make room in front of the closet for the doors to swing open. A good set of folding closet doors would come with a set of door rails that allows smooth movement of the folding closet doors. You can attach a lighting system to the folding closet doors so that the lights inside the closet will come on when you fold open the doors.

To have the closet be part of the room accessory, siding closet doors could be fitted. You would need to reach a bit to get to the items on the sides of the closet but the sliding effect of the closet doors gives the room a sophisticated look. If you are blessed with a huge room, then you can have the sliding closet doors slide into the wall to open up all the closet space. You could even motorize he doors and open them by remote control.

If you dont have a huge room, the closet doors can be of help. Install closet doors with mirrors and the mirroring effect will give you a sense of space. You can install mirrors in any kind of closet door. You can choose between half length mirrors or full length mirrors to achieve your desired outcome.

Want to learn more about 33ECloset Doors?, feel free to visit us at: http://www.aboutclosets.net/Articles/Choosing_The_Right_Closet_Door.php

Designing the Ultimate Game Room - Ideas To Get Started

Many people would love to be able to create and have their ultimate game room. When you spend a lot of time entertaining others or you enjoy having extra space in your home to relax and have fun, a game room can be a great way to be able to have room for the kind of activities you love to do. If you really want to design the ultimate game room, you need to have the right ideas to get started. Here are some ways that you can begin the planning and renovating process.

Turning your game room ideas into a reality will take a list of things that you want to include in your new room. Think of this as the ultimate Christmas List that will contain all of your wildest dreams in a game room. Maybe you want to have video games that you can play over and over or an old-fashioned pool table. Think about your favorite images of a game room and then make a list of the elements you like most about the room. This is not a time to think about price or feasibility, but rather just to find out what you really want to do.

Ultimate Game Room

Next, you need to create a budget that is realistic for your life. For many people, they will begin with the cheaper parts of creating an ultimate game room, like the flooring and the wall coverings. As this process progresses, they will begin to add pieces that add dcor and then the actual game playing pieces. Unfortunately, you will not have your game room up and running by the weekend, but you will eventually have the room of your dreams it just may take a little longer.

Don't forget to add the luxuries that make an ultimate game room a place all your friends talk about. For example, add in a bar and a keg cooler or a place for a refrigerator for snacks. You want to think about all the things you might want down in that room and then figure out ways to add them. A leather couch and a flat screen TV will help you entertain friends that aren't actively playing games, but will ensure they are having a good time.

This article was written by Gregg Hicks of http://www.reliableremodeler.com which provides Internet-based home improvement information and services. Offering homeowners a simple, quick, and free way to access, qualified home improvement remodeling contractors.

Look For Reputable Home Improvement Companies

Homeowners that do not have the time or skill to renovate their homes should call in home renovation companies. Professionals will put your mind at ease as the work is performed on your home. There are plenty of home renovation companies will give homeowners the results that they are looking for. When you are thinking about a renovation you should contract a home renovation companies that specializing in the areas of home renovation that project is locates in. There are some contractors that will provide a number of different services but it is best to go with one that specializes in the type of renovation you want.

Check out renovators that perform the type of renovations you want done. Look for a company that is very familiar with the type of work that you want done. Do not go with a contractor simply because they offer a low price. Also, do not go with the first contractor that you find. Look for a number of contractors and get some estimates.

Going with home renovation companies that specialize in a certain type of work types of work can save you money. The company might have parts and fixtures from jobs they completed before Using some used parts will cut down on the cost of the totally project. Home renovation companies that need to contract out some of the work may end up charging extra fees for the added contracting. This is something to be aware of.

As a consumer you want to know who is the boss. Find out who the go to guy is on the project and talk to him only. The guy that is in charge is going to be the best communication piece for you. He is the guy that will be able to tell you the about cost and time estimates. The other guys are waiting for his cues and often they do not have information to share with you. The renovations you want done should be mapped out between you and your spouse. Once that is done, you need share those plans with the boss of the contracted company.

Most of the time, it is wise to get a contractor and straighten out the details with them before they begin working. Be sure that everything that you want done is clearly understood. Waiting until the project is underway to explain things could be disastrous. Make sure that you see eye to eye with the contractor and vice versa..

Once you have iron things out with the contractor, let them do their job. Do not interfere constantly and complain. They are the ones doing the work, let them have their space and get the job done properly.

Kurt Schefken writes articles largely for http://www.insidewoodworking.com, a web publication covering information on how to do drywall taping, drywall finishing tools and various other topics. You can find his contributions on how to tape drywall at various other sources for how to tape drywall news.

Air Cleaner Humidifiers

When buying a air humidifier these are the following benefits you should seek:

- Health: Most people buy humidifiers to help them overcome problems related to asthma, allergies, cold sinus, whee5B4zing coughs, etc. For people having specific allergies requiring inhalation of steam air to help breathing should use a warm air humidifier. A Cold air humidifier is useful for those who have small children who may get injured from accidental spillage of hot water.

- Correct condensation: You don't want the humidity levels to be inconsistent with the furniture, bedding, and other items which may result in growth of mould. Always ask the salesperson for an automatic humidistat that automatically controls the humidity levels, and auto shutdown feature that switches of the power should the water finish.

- Easy refilling of water: Perhaps the most important thing to ask your salesperson is how easy it will be to store water in the humidifier. This is important so that you dont have to perpetually fill the humidifier using a water hose.

- Change of filters: Filters on humidifiers have to be changed regularly to prevent growth of bacteria and other infections on the filter that could aggravate your allergy or emit foul smells. Since filters cost 420 upwards you should ask your salesperson what features ensure filters are used to their optimum capacity.

- Easy storage: Depending upon your requirements you may need a humidifier to be installed outside the window or have easy storage within the room. Whatever the case may be finding one with the right colour combination and ease of refilling water should be the prime c3B7riteria.

Fortunately most manufacturers understand these needs and have come up with innovative features to surprise you with the benefits. Check out the range of COOL AIR HUMIDIFIERS that protect you health needs.

Six Important Steps to Consider When Building A Home

Sometimes the house of your dreams just can't be found on the market. No problem, luckily you can build your own home. If your plans are well thought out and you carefully go through each step of the process, you could be living in an outstanding home you never thought was possible!

The most important aspect of building your own home is deciding on a budget. This will dictate each step of the process all the way through completion and beyond. Don't forget to add land cost to the budget of the entire project. It is also important to not forget Murphy's Law when doing a project this big, building estimates are just that, an estimate. There are numerous reasons that construction costs can increase slightly; be sure to leave a little extra room in your budget for changes to the plan.

The next step is deciding what kind of home you would like to build. Browsing through home and real estate magazines is a good start. The internet is also a great resource to get great ideas about your homes style and function. Once you have a general idea of the type of home you like, you should try to see some similar ones in your area. They don't need to be identical, but you can go down to a model home and see if you like or dislike certain features. Taking photographs of things you like is also a good idea; it can only help your designer draw up a plan exactly like you imagine it.

Purchasing the land is the next big step. You should, of course, have a general idea of what kind of land you want, but don't automatically filter out properties that don't exactly fit your search criteria. Keep in mind how much backyard space you would like, how big the house is you are planning on building, and what you are going to use the land for. For example, do you plan on putting in a swimming pool? How about having animals on your property? Would you like a little privacy from the neighbors, or just a good view?

As soon as you have purchased the land that fits your dream home, the next step is hiring a general contractor to oversee and manage the building of your house. It is a very good idea to call at least a handful of contractors and to have each of them give you an estimate. Make sure you ask their price per square foot, inquire about specifics that you would like on your house that may cost extra, and definitely ask for some references from each builder. Most contractors will be more than happy to show you homes they have built before and the homeowners will often answer any questions or concerns you have about the contractor. This is also a good time to check your budget. Is the home you have imagined going to fit into your budget?

The biggest determining factor of your budget is going to be securing financing. Contacting lenders is the next step towards building your home. Make sure to shop around for the best rates and situation that fits your finances best. By securing a loan you will get the money to go forward and will also have a better idea about how big your budget for the rest of the project will be.

The hard part is now over and the exhilarating part begins. Choosing paint colors, carpeting, and cabinets are just a few of the many exciting options you have when building your own home. You also get to observe the building process in action and see your new home being erected each and everyday. For many people this is fun, because they have put a lot of work into their project and are excited to see it come into fruition.

Building your own home is certainly a lot of work, but the benefits can not be overlooked. Careful planning and patience will go a long way into making sure everything works out just as expected. Believe me, once you move in to your new home you will be thrilled!

Sara Green is the real estate marketing director for Placerville real estate where you can find local school information, full access to the Sacramento California area MLS listings.

Water Filter for Shower Head - More Than Skin Deep

Danger Lurking in the Shower

It might surprise many to know that the skin, the body's largest organ, is capable of absorbing water through its pores much the same way that it cools the body by releasing moisture in what we call perspiration. This means that the same chemicals we like to guard ourselves against by drinking filtered or bottled water may be getting into our system just the same by enjoying a long shower or bath.

Another surprising --1682 and worrying-- fact is that chlorine in water that has been heated to steam becomes airborne in the vapor, and is then absorbed by the lungs. People with asthma or other respiratory illnesses may already have noticed that a steamy shower agitates the condition, but it affects all of us just the same.

Chlorine exists in all treated water systems, to varying degrees. Not only does it have a drying effect on skin and hair, but repeated and prolonged exposure to chlorine will start to cause breakdowns in human organs, particularly the kidneys and liver.

Protein is stripped from hair and skin by chlorine, which creates a dry, flaky condition. Even in the minute amounts that exist in the average municipal water supply, this can leave hair lifeless and flat, and skin itchy and blotchy.

Shower Head Water Filter to the Rescue!

The good news is, filtering chlorine out of water is as easy as changing your shower head. A water filter for your shower head is simply a small capsule that attaches directly to the shower head stem, and captures chlorine and other contaminants in its super-adsorptive granules. Some use a brass alloy, which is extremely effective at breaking down chlorine.

Water filters for shower heads are available in many different models, some contemporary enough to keep the most stylish happy. Another option is to have a water filter installed directly on the water line which supplies the shower. This would allow the homeowner to leave their shower head in place, and still benefit from filtered water. The only drawback to this option is that it would most likely require a professional plumber to do the install, and the filter would likely have to be placed inside the wall or in a cupboard.

A shower water filter requires occasional filter replacement; generally most manufacturers recommend every six months. Of course this depends on the amount of use the filter gets, as well as the quality of the water supply to the house.

As an easy fix for filtering water with a huge benefit to both health and beauty, a water filter for the shower head is an obvious choice.

For more information on Water Filters, or other Healthy Home options, please visit: HealthyHomeFacts.com

Brent Craig is an author and journalist with a dedicated interest in Healthy Home options.

Careful Considerations When Buying Bamboo Shades

Inspired by cultures around the world, bamboo shades or woven woods can encompass any decorating stylefrom sophisticated and contemporary to casual and relaxed. The lining options, mounting options and cord operation systems are just as important as the style of shade you choose.

Bamboo Shades come with a choice of 4 lining options that can dramatically change the look of bamboo shades;

Standard - The standard shade configuration is unlined as shown above. Most patterns gently filter light.

Privacy Liner - A light beige lining is expertly sewn to the backside of the shade. This provides full privacy and a uniform light color facing the street.

Blackout Liner - A white blackout lining is expertly sewn to the backside of the shade. This blocks almost all light coming through the material.

Duo Shade - A roller shade behind the Roman shade is available in privacy (shown) or blackout fabrics. Makes any shade private as you wish - perfect to pull down at night.

It is important to hold the sample of the bamboo shade up to the window, especially an unlined shade. A material in the sample book will usually reflect what the shade will look like if you chose it with a blackout backing. With an unlined bamboo shade, depending on the tightness of the weave, the shade may or may not be see through. A see through pattern offers no privacy at night. The privacy lining will still let light enter the room, but gives full privacy. The disadvantage is that you will have to raise the shade to see out the window. The blackout lining is sometimes misunderstood due to it filters out about 95% of the light when the shades are down. Some companies are starting to name blackout shades room darkening due to customers thought blackout shades would cut 100% of the light. Lining or not, a good rule of thumb is to take the sample out of the sample book and hold it up to the window.

Mounting options for bamboo shades can vary depending on the look you are trying to capture. A bamboo shade can be mounted inside the windowsill or outside the window sill. An inside mounted bamboo shade is a clean tucked away look that is flush with the window sill edge. There are some important considerations with an inside mounted bamboo shade. Since bamboo shades have a large stack when pulled up, you will loose viewing area out of the window with an inside mounted shade. Another disadvantage is when the windows are not square and you will have larger gaps in some areas between the edge of the shade and the window sill. The gaps will be very noticeable if you chose the blackout lining option. Another important consideration when using an inside mount is that bamboo shades will stretch and six months later will pucker out slightly at the bottom due to the shade hitting the bottom of the window sill. An outside mounted shade is a more finished look and can add height to any window. Outside mounted bamboo shades are usually mounted 3 above the window and overlap 2 on each side. They can be mounted higher that 3 to make the window appear larger and to have the stack cover less of the window when the shade is in the up position. One advantage with an outside mount is when the shade stretches a little, it will not make a difference because the shade is hanging freely. In this case, the shade will look the same six months later from the day they were installed. A shade with a blackout lining usually looks better when mounted outside because you will not see the space between the edge of the shade and window sill. Further, you can block the light better due to the overlapping of 2 past the window. Whether the shade is mounted inside or outside, after taking these suggestions into consideration you will love your bamboo shades for many years.

Finally, there are two different cord operation systems for bamboo shades. Most companies use a cord-lock system as a standard feature with no extra charge. Another option is a continuous cord operation that costs a little extra, but has its advantages. When a shade is in the up position with a cord-lock system the cords will usually hang on the ground. Also, depending on the usage of the shade, the cords in a cord-lock system will burn out faster than a continuous cord operation system. With a continuous cord system, the length of the cord will always stay the same length regardless of the shade position. The cords on a continuous cord system usually hang the length of the shade, but can be custom lengths if homeowner chooses. Further, you will never have cords hanging on the ground to step on or the kids to play with. Another advantage is that bamboo shades in large windows will be heavy, especially if they have a lining, to lift up and down so the continuous cord system can help because it is a stronger system and will make those large windows feel easy. The only disadvantage with a continuous cord system is that the head rail is larger and you will need at least 3 of mounting space on an inside mounted shade so the shade will not stick out past the window sill. In conclusion, carefully consider spending a couple extra bucks to have a clean hassle-free look.

Famous Skyscrapers

Architectural design has advanced to a phenomenal stage where every modern city would like to boast having one of the tallest buildings. While criteria defining the tallest buildings or skyscrapers differ widely, listed below are the ten most popular architectural marvels of our time.

Empire State Building
A world famous New York City landmark and sky scaper, it rises above the island of Manhattan, about a quarter of a mile into the sky. The observatory is located on the 86th floor, 1050 feet above the ground and offers the most breathtaking and panoramic view of Manhattan and beyond from within a glass enclosed pavilion. Besides the observatory there are several tourist attractions, including, restaurants, shops and banks. It also has a New York SKYRIDE an independently owned and operated simulated helicopter ride and virtual-reality movie theatre. William Lamb, an architect at Shreve, Lamb and Harmon was chosen to design the Empire State Building in 1930

Petronas Towers
Petronas Twin Towers in Kuala Lampur lay claim to being the tallest twin towers of the 20th century, standing at a height of 1483 feet. They were designed by architect Cesar Pelli and completed in 1998. The 88-floor towers are constructed largely of reinforced concrete, with a steel and glass facade designed to resemble motifs found in Islamic art, a reflection of Malaysia's Muslim religion. The towers feature a sky-bridge between the towers on the 41st and 42nd floors which is 170m high and 58m long.

Sears Tower
Architect Bruce Graham designed the Sears Tower of Chicago in 1974. At 1450 feet, and 110 stories, it is the tallest building in the United States of America. The construction system consists of steel fram with bronze tinted glass curtain wall. The Sears Tower Skydeck observation deck and tourist attraction is on the 103rd floor, 1353 feet above the ground.

Bank of China Tower
Located in Honk Kong, in addition to being one of the famous skyscrapers in the world, it is one of the most outstanding achievements of modern architecture. The construction was started in 1985 and completed in five years by the architects I. M. Pei & Partners and Sherman Kung & Associates. The building standing at 1205 feet, is a grouping of four triangular glass and aluminium towers of different heights, all emerging from a single granite podium. The changes rising from a square base to a single spire results in a magnificent faade of angles and profiles that reflect the light and seem almost crystalline in composition. On the 42nd floor is a sky-deck providing a panoramic view of the northwest Hong Kong.

Chrysler Building
Rising at 1046 feet, it was considered to be an engineering marvel and the tallest building in 1931. However, it still remains the tallest brick building in the world. The tower is a beautifully tapered stainless steel crown supporting the famous spire at its peak. A quintessence of skyscraper design, the Chrysler Building is a perfect example of Art Deco and has a lobby clad in different marble, onyx and amber.

Taipei 101
At a height of 1671 feet, this high-rise building has surpassed all to become the tallest skyscraper today. Taipei 101 holds the world record in three of the Council on Tall Buildings and Urban Habitat's height categories: tallest to the structural top, tallest to the roof, and highest occupied floor. The 89th floor has an indoor observation area while the 91st floor has an outdoor observation deck, known as the highest in the world. The pagoda shaped design of this building is inspired by traditional Chinese architecture. The sectioned tower is also symbolic of the bamboo plant characterizing strength, resilience and elegance. The towers design specifications are based on the number 8, considered lucky in the Chinese culture.

Jin Mao Building
This building in Shanghai symbolizes the progress and advancement made by the Chinese. It boasts of being the first tallest sky scrape in the country and the third tallest in the world. A great blend of East-West architecture it denotes aptly the emergence of Shanghai as a modern global city. It follows the versatility model by offering retail at it base, offices above and the Grand Hyatts Worlds highest Hotel occupying the upper 38 floors. The magnificently designed building combines the elements of traditional Chinese architecture and a vastly Gothic influence.

Burj Al Arab
The Burj Al Arab rises to a level of 1053 feet, and is known as one of the worlds tallest structure with a membrane faade, 24-meter wide helipad. This is the tallest operating hotel building in the world and the design is influenced by the profile of an Arabian sailing ship. The Al Muntaha restaurant is located 200 meters above the Persian Gulf offering a panoramic view of Dubai while the atrium is situated at a height of 180 meters.

CN Tower
At a height of 1815 feet, the CN Tower in Toronto is the tallest building and freestanding structure in the world. It is considered to be the signature icon of the city and hosts almost two million visitors a year. The view from the exterior glass floored observation deck located 342 meters above ground is breathtaking as it is exciting. It also has the Space Deck at 447 meters, the worlds tallest observation deck with a 160 km view and the revolving 360 Degree Restaurant.

Hancock Place
A reflective obelisk sky scrape at Boston is an architectural marvel. It is regarded as icily magnificent wherein the surface changes as the day changes, each side reflecting the color of the sky it faces. Moreover, this dramatic effect is highlighted by the parallelogram shape of the prism, which provides uniquely differing reflections on adjoining surfaces.

The architectural buildings mentioned above are famous creations and literally considered architectural works of art today.

William Brister - http://www.architecturaldesign.tv - All about architecture

Budget Bathroom Remodeling Ideas

Remodeling the bathroom is one of the most often tackled projects when it comes to updating a home, but it can get to be quite a spendy endeavor. If you're one of those folks who are looking to remodel the bathroom in your home but are put off by the price tag, consider remodeling in stages.

First, decide what you want to improve. Its easy to say, "Everything!" but if you're on a limited budget, you may want to narrow it down a little. If you're going to remodel in stages, you'll need to decide what it is that bothers you most about the way your bathroom looks or functions--and the answer may surprise you.

Make a list of the things you want to upgrade, in no particular order, and why they bother you. Then, when you've completed your list, assign a number from one to ten to each item, with ten bothering you the most, nine the second most, and so on. Only one number can be assigned to any given complaint.

Now you have quantified what bothers you most, and can concentrate on that one item. Once you've done that, start shopping for a new version of whatever that item may be. If its a new sink, for example, visit your local home improvement store and start familiarizing yourself with whats available as a replacement. You'll want to get a feel for your tastes, and how those tastes will ultimately fit into your budget. That can be especially important when it comes to fixtures that you want to match, such as toilet, tub, and sink, for instance. If you want everything to be the same style, you'll need to price everything, to see if the entire package is within your means.

If you conclude that everything in the bathroom is a ten and you can't decide which item to replace first, think about redoing the floor first. Just changing the look of the floor can make a huge difference in the way the entire bathroom looks. Its entirely possible that once the new floor has been installed, you may decide that everything else wasn't really so bad, after all. Its also a relatively easy do-it-yourself project, so you'll be able to gain confidence in your ability in the process.

Remodeling a bathroom is high on many homeowners' lists, but the amount of mo1119ney it can cost can be daunting. However, if you plan carefully, shop hard, and work in stages, a bathroom upgrade won't break your budget.

Copyright 2006 Jeanette J. Fisher

Want the designer's touch in your bathroom? Have you ever wondered how to achieve that interior designer's high-end look without charging up your credit cards? Bathroom Remodeling Design Jeanette Fisher teaches five ways to makeover your home for happiness. Author of interior design and real estate books, Jeanette Fisher has researched the effects of environment on emotions for over 15 years. She teaches interior design college courses and seminars. Free interior design reports: http://interiordesignpsychology.com

Using Natural Slate Outdoors

Use an Appropriate Slate

The most important thing to consider when using slate in an outdoor project is to choose a type of slate which is appropriate for this application.

Red veins running through the surface of a slate are often an indication that iron is oxidizing in the surface of the stone. While generally harmless indoors, when placed outdoors moisture can speed this effect up drastically causing the slate to become brittle and break apart. This is a process that is similar to what happens to iron when it rusts.

If the slate is a straight red color without veins however, this may mean that it is one of many other elements that can cause the color red to appear within stone.

Low Absorption Rate

When using stone of any kind outdoors it is important to have a low absorption rate. This means that the pores found within the surface of the stone will not soak up moisture. When water gets into these pores, it can freeze, which causes it to expand, and which can shatter the stone.

Slate is generally is generally a good stone to use outdoors because it has a very low absorption rate, often as low as .2% compared to other materials such as bluestone which can be as much as 10% absorbent. However the absorption rate will vary slightly between different types of slate, so for optimal durability you may want to research the material you select.

Proper Installation

It is very important that youre the stone is installed properly when being used iun an outdoor application. If your contractor does not create a smooth subsurface for the slate to lay on, voids may appear underneath the stone, into which water can creep. This water can then freeze, expand, and destroy the entire project.

Layers

When choosing a material try and get a few samples so you cans see exactly how it behaves. If the material flakes apart along highly visible layers, it may have trouble maintaining its integrity while suffering from weathering over the course of several years. Ideally you want a slate that is relatively nondirectional in the way that it breaks, and which shatters in chunks rather than lines.

Weathering

When installing anything outdoors, it is important to be aware of the fact that this installation will be subject to the full power of the weather 24 hours a day, seven days a week. With natural slate, this means that some weathering may occur to the colors in the stone.

This is not necessarily an unattractive thing. Many people love the rustic patina that slate develops over the years, which can give a project a classic, aged look.

Chemical Protection

There are chemical coatings which should be applied to any natural slate project that you are creating outside, which will offset many of the negative effects that weather can have on your material. At the very least a water barrier sealer should be applied to the stone after installation. If you want to enhance the colors and protect the stone from weathering, then you can apply a non yellowing protective finish to the surface, every few months.

This article was provided courtesy of http://PebbleZ.com/stone/slate.htm where you can find slate, sandstone, quartzite, marble, onyx and many other materials that other companies just dont have or cant get

Create Your Ultimate Dream Home With Custom Built Home Plans

How to know what you want before you get custom built Home Plans drawn.

Building a house is a once in a lifetime opportunity to create the home of your dreams. Although having the exact home you want can be great, deciding exactly where to begin your planning can be extremely difficult. Gathering ideas about style, specific room designs and even landscaping is a great way to start.
As you begin to browse catalogues and home improvement magazines youll begin to see all the different styles and options that are available to you. Its a good idea to take a folder and gather all the ideas that you like before you even begin your custom built Home Plans design.
Thats the benefit of having custom built Home Plans, you can incorporate exactly what you want and have it designed to meet your exact specifications. Choosing the architect to design your plans is an important step to getting the plans you need and want.

Custom Built Home Plans

You want to make sure that the team designing your plans understands completely and specifically what you want accomplished with the overall look of your home. The same is true for each individual area within your home. Make sure no stone is left unturned as you discuss your custom built Home Plans.
As the design process begins you should be able to openly discuss and review each step of the process. Once youve approved the plans you will not be able to request changes to them, but up until that point you can add, change or delete as you please. One way to prevent the hassle of additions, deletions and changes is to make sure that before you visit the design firm you have a clear picture of what you want.
Your vision of what you want and need should already be on paper as much as possible. Take your file of collections of the items you like. You may even want to do a rough sketch of the layout of your future home. The more visual you can be with the architect, the better your chances are of getting exactly what you desire.

This article was written by Gregg Hicks of http://www.reliableremodeler.com which provides Internet-based home improvement information and services. Offering homeowners a simple, quick, and free way to access, qualified home improvement remodeling contractors.

How To Make Big Cuts In The Energy You Use

Concern over energy consumption has grown greatly in recent years. Gas and electricity prices have been at record highs, hitting homeowners in their pockets. Plus there is a growing realisation amongst the general public that our energy consumption is causing global warming, which is leading to growing problems with our climate. In a recent Henley Centre survey, over 62% of respondents said that climate change is the biggest single problem facing the world today.

We use a great deal of energy in our homes. Our homes account for over a quart5B4er of greenhouse gas emissions in northern countries like the UK. However, reducing your homes energy consumption is in most cases quite easy. It can also be very lucrative: some of the major actions you can take to reduce your homes energy consumption pay back very quickly, and so you soon start saving a small fortune. There are 4 or 5 simple measures that almost every householder should focus on.

1.Insulate your home.
By keeping more of the warmth in your home in winter, you will save a small fortune on your heating bills. The most common types on insulation to install are in the loft and also in the gap between your external walls (called cavity wall insulation). You can also insulate your floors and walls. Not only will this save you money, but your home will be more comfortable in winter and cooler in summer. Plus in the UK, because the government subsidises insulation, the investment needed will normally payback in under 2 years. Moreover, on average you will be preventing 1 to 2.5 tonnes of carbon dioxide being emitted each year.

2.Upgrade to a super-efficient condensing boiler.
Your boiler is the main energy user in the house. Modern condensing boilers are far more efficient than some models made even 5 years ago. They use far less gas, and can save you up to 40% off your heating bills as a result. They last for around 15 years so the savings really add up over time. Plus by doing t5B4his you are saving an estimated 1.25 tonnes of carbon dioxide each year.

3.Replace your light bulbs with low energy bulbs.
These use up to 80% less electricity used by traditional incandescent bulbs, and are now indistinguishable in terms of the light they emit. Plus they last up to 10 times longer. So as well as cutting your electricity bills, you dont have to get the ladder out so often to replace bulbs that have blown. Now that these bulbs have come down in price, they can payback their extra cost in a very short time (only a couple of months) in terms of lower electricity bills.

4.Install energy efficient home appliances.
Replacing your old fridge with the most energy efficient models can save you a small fortune on your electricity bills. In fact with the most energy efficient models, the savings can actually add up to cover the entire cost of the new fridge! Plus you can also buy other energy efficient appliances, such as washing machines and dishwashers. In the EU all appliances carry an energy efficiency rating, so it is easy to spot the most efficient.

5.Install a solar hot water system.
This is the most expensive of the measures mentioned in this article, but still worth doing, even in northern climates. A solar system can provide up to 70% of your hot water needs in a year, saving on your gas bills. Using solar panels mounted on the roof, solar hot water systems can be ins5B2talled in most houses. This is a tried and tested technology, and you may qualify for a government grant to help with the cost of installation.

By taking these 5 measures, the average householder can save hundreds of pounds a year off their energy bills, and prevent several tonnes of carbon dioxide being emitted into the atmosphere. Even taking one or two of these steps has a big impact.

Plus for those who want to make an even bigger reduction in their homes energy use, there are also more advanced measures to be considered such as solar electricity and ground source heat pumps. These generally cost more, but can allow your home to lower even further its impact on Climate Change.

With energy prices set to stay high, and time running out to prevent harmful changes in the earths climate, it really does make sense to improve our homes as soon as possible to include these measures. Further information on how to get going is on http://www.downwithco2.co.uk

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

Obtaining a Home Improvement Estimate

When you are unsure what a home improvement repair or project will cost because you have never done anything similar before you can ask for a home improvement estimate. Your estimate will be a guide as to what the entire project may cost and is a great way to figure out how many dollars you will need to find to remodel a room.

A home improvement estimate will cost the project based on the dimensions of your room. You will need to be specific about the materials you wish to use and the finished look that you are trying to achieve. Your consultant will inform you of any contractor markups that you may be responsible for and the estimate will take into account regional pricing differences.

These costs come from researchers who compile the material costs by contacting hundreds of lumDBDberyards throughout the United States. The labor costs are compiled by tracking the labor trends and collecting data from professional remodeling contractors who use the pricing service.

When you are obtaining your estimate, the costs are collected from many different regions. These costs are used to determine the price of your project and are specific to your job. This information is combined with knowledge of the area that you live in, all of which assists with your home improvement estimate. The closer they are, the easier it is to get your items.

The price you get during a home improvement estimate is based on the information you provide to the consultant. This is a good indication of what your project will cost, but your actual price may vary. When you decide on a contractor, they will be able to take accurate measurements and flesh out the details you have already received. Other factors can impact the final price of your project as well. Things like access to the work area, unusual terrain, scheduling, seasonal conditions, etc.

Most of the items in your estimate will be quoted at retail price. This is what you would pay if you bought these items from a retail store. This way you get a better idea what the style and quality of the product is you are specifying. Appliances are an excellent example of something you would buy from a retailer. All of these considerations will be taken into account with your home improvement estimate.

If you want to cut down on the cost of your project take a look at the jobs that you can do yourself. There will always be jobs that you can do on your own without having to pay someone else. Find a good home improvement repair book and follow the instructions. Start with smaller jobs like painting and slowly build your handyman proficiency, and this alone can cut the cost of your home improvement by half, if not more.

Timing Your Remodeling Project For A Better Price

Are you looking for materials for a new deck, for example? Try waiting until the fall instead of buying in the spring. As winter approaches there are fewer people putting in decks, which means that you may get your materials more cheaply in October than you can in April. Also, if you can wait for the holiday sales to buy you can often save a lot. Memorial Day and Labor Day holidays are typically good times to buy remodeling materials. With a little attention to the sales you can dramatically reduce your home improvement estimate.

Alison Stevens is an online author and maintains The Home Improvement Website to assist homeowners with home improvement tips and information.

Roofing Material

A fine roof is an essential element of a well planned home. Employing experienced workforce and use of high quality equipment is important. Rates, simplicity of setting up and appearance are all deciding factors in selecting a roofing material. It is important to examine a roof structure before deciding upon a material. Walls, beams and structures must sustain the weight of the roofing material, which are available in wide varieties.

Composition shingles are reasonably priced and offer a fresh look. These are hardwearing, have low maintenance costs and are fire resistant. Shingles maybe made of recycled material. However, they usually have a short life span and can be blown away by strong winds.

Roofing tiles are a more modern and long lasting alternative for roofing. They are fire and rot resistant and cannot be destroyed by insects. This type of roofing needs little maintenance, hence is a popular option.

Wood shakes wear, over time, but it is a natural look and the wood allows a house to take in air. Unfortunately, they are also susceptible to mold, rot and insects. This roofing requires appropriate repairs and renovation. Standing-seam steel, aluminum or coated steels are popular metal roofing varieties. These are strong, fire resistant and need low maintenance. Mostly made from eco-friendly material, they weigh less and maybe installed over existing roof structures.

Slate, although a costly option, offers an extremely natural appearance and great fire resistance. Slate roofing requires low maintenance and is not at risk from insects. They are also heavy, brittle and cause difficulties in rooftop repairs and drainage cleaning. Concrete includes a variety of fiber-reinforced cement products. They are durable, long lasting and need low maintenance.

Purchasing high priced materials does not always mean they will be superior and not all products are suitable for the needs of all homes. It is vital that homeowners choose the right material, ensure correct installation and conduct timely assessments, which provides longevity of roofs. If the right selection is made, a roof may survive for 20 to 50 years, and at times, much longer.

Roofing provides detailed information on Roofing, Metal Roofing, Roofing Contractor, Roofing Material and more. Roofing is affiliated with Asphalt Shingles.

A New Bathroom Vanity Can Transform the Room

It may be time to remodel, or give your hallway bathroom with the 1970's decor a facelift. Perhaps you just want a design change to reflect your personal style. Whatever reasons you may have for tackling your bathroom as the next home improvement project, one of the most important furniture pieces you will need to select with care is a single bathroom vanity or a double bathroom vanity. The bathroom vanity tends to be the focal point or centerpiece in any bathroom so finding the right one is important.

Before you get started on your bathroom home improvement project, take the time to measure the space you will have for all your fixtures. If you are replacing the shower and toilet, measure these spaces and the size of the new fixtures you would like to put in their place. When measuring for your bathroom vanity, you will want to decide if you would like a single bathroom vanity or a double bathroom vanity. If you have a small space to work with or only one person uses the lavatory each day, a single vanity will be the obvious choice. However if you have the space, a double vanity is always a luxurious upgrade for your bathroom especially if more than one person at a time will be using it everyday.

Another thing to keep in mind when remodeling your bathroom is the interior design theme you are trying to create. When choosing a new bathtub, sink, vanity, or even the plumbing fixtures, consistency with a design theme is key. Whether you like antique, rustic wood, traditional, or contemporary styles for your new bathroom make sure that all elements work together to create a cohesive look. Nothing feels worse than spending all the money, time, and effort on re-doing your bathroom only to be dissatisfied with the final result because it just doesn't all work together.

There are many places to find vanities and such for your project, but one of the best places to find the lowest prices for your bath and shower fixtures or for discount bathroom vanities is online. If you take your time to find the right online company to do business with, you can find the best price for your new vanity, as well as get added discounts like free shipping or other incentives. Shopping online also helps you save time and energy, because you never have to leave home to find the perfect bathroom furniture and fixtures.

So no matter what reason you have for remodeling your bathroom make sure you do your homework to find the best bathroom vanity and other fixtures that may need replacing. Measure the space you have to work with in your bathroom decide on the decor theme you want to create with your bathroom facelift, and try shopping online for your bathroom vanity, shower, bathtub, and other accessories online for the best prices.

If you would like more information on bathroom vanities online, single bathroom vanities or double bathroom vanities, please visit Premiere Vanities.

Building Your Own Home Without A Traditional Lender

Home building usually requires financing. And there are many options to consider when you're planning to finance and build a home. If you have been reading my articles on financing the building or remodeling of your project, you're aw5B4are of many of the options. Using the equity you have in other personal assets can be the easiest and sometimes the least expensive way to get money to build.

If you're in a position to fund the building of your new home without needing to go through the pain and anguish of arranging for a construction loan, you're in great shape! There are two good ways to do this. One way is to own other real property that is not encumbered with a loan. It could be the home you're living in now. If its equity or value exceeds the cost of the home you want to build, then you're in business. Although it's rare, there are some states or other authorities that may limit what you can do with your line of credit loan so you should check these laws.

Another excellent option would be to use your investment portfolio as collateral. I've had clients who have had substantial investment accounts which included stocks, bonds, mutual funds, real estate funds, etc. and in many cases you can borrow against these. Always check with your investment manager before doing this. This article is not making recommendations, but pointing out options for you to consider. What is successful for others may not work for you.

Construction loans are complicated beasts. And they are not cheap to acquire either. So using one of these two strategies instead would make life a lot easier for you. The time and money you save can be used for better purposes, put directly5B4 into your building process. You might save as much as 2 to 4 months! The following outline will give you a good idea of the advantages:

• There is little or no qualifying for this money.
• The construction project does not have to meet any standards to access this money as it is not even considered when arranging for this money.
• It is inexpensive to set up these types of loans.
• The paperwork to put these loans in place is minimal compared to construction loans.
• Once in place, access to your money is a simple process.
• You maintain control over the money and its disbursement.
• There is no down payment required as there is no money borrowed directly against the project.
• No appraisal is required for the same reason. However, an appraisal of the land, as well as the ultimate finished product, is advisable.
• There is no cost to manage the withdrawals of funds.

SOME CAUTIONS

• You'll need to be sure the value of your assets is substantially greater than the funds needed for your construction project or you may need to add additional money to the project.
• The money borrowed against investment assets can jeopardize any assets that fluctuate in value. It is best to use stable investments as collateral.
• Often the money obtained this way shou5B4ld be used only for a short term. Fortunately, this is normally the case with construction loans.
• Depending upon how you go about building, the builder may want the funds placed with a construction money management escrow fund to ensure that the funds are available when needed (this is sometimes called a "builders control" fund.)
• Funds taken this way will incur interest and may also require monthly payments.

If these options work for you, and your advisors agree, it's a great way to finance the building of your new home. Any time you can reduce costs, time, hassles and confusion you'll be better off. This money is only needed for a short time as once the home is built, you'll be paying back these asset backed loans with a new mortgage.

One final thought. Even though there will be no construction lender demanding it, all the other normal pre-construction steps should be taken. You'll need to work with builders, know building costs, evaluate time frames, get your appraisals, and line up construction management, etc. Also, be sure to pre-determine the amount of mortgage you can qualify for so it's not an issue when it comes time to pay back what you borrowed.

You can learn so much more about home building and remodeling online. One great option is to take advantage of a very3B3 informative yet simple to follow *free* e-course that you can find by clicking here http://www.DreamHomeCreation.com You will also find other tips and tools, surveys, videos, and additional articles by Mel Inglima.

Things To Think About When Choosing A Handicap Bathtub

Choosing a bathtub is always a difficult thing to do, but when you have mobility problems it becomes even more difficult because there are several considerations you need to bear in mind. One of the most important of these is ease of access, since the last thing you want is to have to struggle to get into the bathtub in the first place. Allied to this is the fact that the surface of the bathtub needs to be nonslip, and that you also need some way to get out of the bathtub quickly in an emergency. This article will look at these points and discuss some of the other considerations that need to be borne in mind when buying a handicap bathtub to suit your needs.

The first thing to bear in mind is ease of access, since when you have mobility problems it can be very difficult to get into a standard bathtub. For this reason, one of the most common types of disabled bathtub is what is known as a walk-in bathtub, which has a door that opens to enable a person to get into it easily. The water is not run until the person is in the bath and the door closed, which enables the person to set the temperature of the water to suit his or her preference. Of course, the door is waterproof, and before the person gets out of the bath the water will need to be let out before the doors opened. This takes time, but the amount of mobility that this offers makes it well worth the trouble.

One of the constant dangers for a disabled person is that they may slip and hurt themselves, and so when choosing a bathtub it is essential that you choose one that has a non slip surface. Most bathtubs which are specially designed for people with mobility problems have this as standard, though it is well worth checking to make sure that any bathtub you choose has this otherwise you could find that the bathtub may be very difficult to use.

Getting into the bathtub is one thing, but getting out of the bathtub also needs to be considered, especially in an emergency. For this reason any bathtubs that is chosen for a disabled person should have an emergency switch on the door, which enables the door to be opened even if the bath is still filled with water, so that the person can get out of the bath quickly if they feel ill.

Another mechanism which can help with ease of access and exit of the bathtub is a power seat. Essentially this is a seat which can be raised or lowered in order to help the person sit down and guess up when they leave the bathtub. For people with very serious disabilities this can be an absolutely essential component.

As can be seen, there are several things to bear in mind when buying a disabled bathtub, and this article has touched on just a few of the. Before buying any type of bathtub for a person with mobility problems take time to research the various models on the market before making a choice. Buying a bathtub designed specially for someone with mobility problems can be an expensive purchase and it is better to get it right first time.

Carl Formby owns and operates http://www.modernbathtubworld.com, a sited dedicated to information on Bathtubs and Handicap Bathtubs.

Home Remodeling and Renovation Ideas

No matter how old a home is, or what condition it is in, most homeowners start to get ideas for renovation projects after a while. The project in mind might make home more comfortable, create some space or make an existing room easier to use. Renovation ideas like these are always at the back of a homeowner's mind, just waiting for the right opportunity to become a reality.

Of course, you are probably happy with most aspects of your home. After all, there is a reason you bought it in the first place. Even so, you might want to think about making additions to accommodate a better entertainment area or rearranging your current setup so that conveniences are in easy reach. Many excellent renovation plans include simply replacing the light fixtures or incorporating a dining area and kitchen into a single, spacious room. Other ideas may call for a lot more work and require that new utilities be installed.

Cabinetry in the bathroom and kitchen might need to be updated, or you may just want to incorporate some extra storage. The size of your home renovation dreams can be as big as the space you have to work with, your budget and your determination to alter your existing living space. Simply patching up some holes and giving the walls a fresh coat of paint can improve the interior, but some home renovation plans can give your residence a whole new vibe.

If you are content with the interior of your home, you could still consider installing an enclosed patio that extends from the back door of your home. Or, you might even think of adding a sliding glass door that leads to the patio. If you are considering this option, you could also go a little further and build a deck around the patio which makes the larger outdoor space for the summer but useful in spots of bad weather.

Often, after a home renovation is done, further projects start to form. As part of a room is changed, other changes suggest themselves. For instance, if you replace outdated, unattractive appliances with newer models, you could start to be of the opinion that nice granite counter tops and custom cabinets would be an excellent addition as well. Installing a second oven is a huge convenience for big families and to make space for it, a homeowner could decide to add a kitchen island with a range and sink.

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How A Home Design Software Can Decrease Home Building Costs

If you're scared about redecorating your home because you might end up wasting hundreds or even thousands of dollars once you find out the outcome is not as great in real life as how you pictured it, better hold the urge and think about getting a home design software.

What can it do?

A home design software allows you to preview your redecorated home even before you do the actual decorating and constructing. It's a computer program where you can recreate a three-dimensional image of your home, including floor plans and room interiors. With a home design software, you can visualize your dream home to the very last detail prior to construction.

Types of Home Design Software

Generally, you have a choice of tree types of software: landscape home design, 3D model home design, or coordinating home design.

A landscape home design is especially programmed for creating outdoor design plans, including plumbing layouts and electrical systems. You can use tools for creating customized windows, trims, and doors. As the name suggests, it is ideal for landscaping projects for your garden, patio, or lawn.

A 3D model software, on the other hand, is used for creating spatial designs for rooms and interiors. With this software, you can choose from common objects such as tables, chairs, tubs, tiles, and countertops and drag and drop them to the layout. The coordinating design software is for designing both interior and exterior features, including doorways an floors. It is available in two- or three-dimensional perspectives.

Recommended Home Design Software / Consumer Information

A complete Guide to HOME DESIGN SOFTWARE is available in Picky Guide one of the fastest growing online magazines giving free consumer advice and product information.

Bath and Body Shop

Like our face, the skin on our body requires attention and care, too. Because we can be too focused on our face, we often neglect giving the skin on our body the nourishment it needs. To find products that specialize in body treatment, find a bath and body shop available in your area or online.

Body products differ greatly from facial products. The best bath and body shop is usually complete with all kinds of bath and body products. You can go with natural, organic or vitamin C based. Make a list of the types of skin products below so you can check if a bath and body shop has them:

- Body exfoliating creams. - Body moisturizers. - Bath oils, gels and effervescent salts. - Shower gels and soaps.

The main action of body exfoliating creams is to exfoliate dead skin cells and smoothen the skin on your body. Exfoliating every now and then can give you smoother feet, knees and elbows. If done regularly, exfoliating can help eliminate bumps, wrinkles and acne found on the neck, shoulders, chest and back.

For body moisturizers, you can use body lotions and creams. Find lotions that are easily absorbed by your body. To moisturize your hands, find thick hand creams, as the hands are more susceptible to dryness compared to other parts of your body. Don't forget foot lotions! Every good bath and body shop doesn't forget these. Look for those that are thick and have mint to sooth tired feet.

If you're a bath enthusiast then you may find all bath oils, gels and effervescent salts available in the best bath and body shop. These products help soften the skin as well as relax the senses.

Now, soaps and shower gels are no longer considered as ordinary bath and body products. Shower gels can come with tiny beads for gentle exfoliation. On the other hand, soap bars can act as astringents, moisturizers and cleansers all at once. They may also have tiny beads to slough off dead skin cells.

Other products for your bath and body experience should also include a wide range of accessories such as sponges, loofas, body brushes and pumice. With the help of these accessories, you are able to reach your back with ease, effectively wash off dirt and promote healthy blood circulation.

Caring for our body's skin can be fun. It's always a good idea to find a complete bath and body shop so you can take care of your skin with optimum help from a good range 3F5of products. Also, having all the products you need to maintain the healthiest skin in one place is so much more convenient.

Try new twist to your old family bath. Discover the best accessories from a bath and body shop.

A Look at Retractable Awnings

Awnings are popular for many reasons. They not only add style and elegance to both residential and commercial buildings, but can also greatly increase energy efficiency. The combination of these factors has made awnings one of the favorite after-market accessories to beautify a home or business. Awnings are generally broken down into two categories: stationary and retractable.

Retractable awnings are probably one of the most sought after and unique accessories to add to a hom914e. According to real estate agents and home beautification experts, retractable awnings are the Cadillac of awnings. They offer style and elegance with the additional benefit of opening and closing as needed.

Retractable awnings are equipped with levers that allow the homeowner to manually adjust the pitch and depth of the cover. They use spring-loaded arms to create tension in the awnings fabric. You can adjust the awning to whatever level you prefer; it can be fully extended or only extended partially. Retractable awnings give you the ability to provide as much or as little shade as you desire.

You can also have retractable awnings installed that are electronically adjustable. Electronically manipulated retractable awnings are recommended for outdoor use only if an electrical outlet is available outdoors. Having an electronic retractable awning inside can prove to be a headache because you will be required to have a licensed electrician to install them; this adds considerably to the overall cost.

Some people prefer manual adjustments while others prefer the automatic or electronic motors. Even with the electronic versions of the retractable awning, most will have a manual override feature to use in case of power outage or other problems. You can also get retractable awnings with a remote control to access the power from a different location within the property.

Awnings Info provides detailed information about retractable, canvas, window, RV, patio, aluminum, deck, and commercial awnings. Awnings Info is the sister site of Gazebos Web.

Sure We Guarantee Our Work

A few months ago I phoned a number of builders and renovators to research some upcoming magazine articles. Many were gracious enough to spend 5 or 10 minutes answering some questions (I always appreciate that).

One question I asked was "do you guarantee any part of your service, over and above any industry warranty program?"

The interesting thing was the responses fell into two main, but vastly different, categories:

1) "Yes we do, and here it is."

and

2) "Sure we do...well, it's kind of like a reputation-thing...we don't really put it in writing but, if something goes wrong, we'll deal with it."

Now, here's the really interesting part -- only one person fell into the first category...everyone else fell into the second.

Pretty striking, isn't it? Of all the builders and renovators I spoke with, only one had a guarantee over-and-above industry standard, in writing. Everyone else were basically saying "trust us, we'll take care of it."

Now, if you're spending tens of thousands, or hundreds of thousands, of dollars (or more), which are you going to respond more favorably to -- "just trust us" or "trust us, and here it is in writing"?

The Miracles of Guarantees

There is a lot of good in guarantees, and not just for the consumer. As a business, you can really benefit, and differentiate yourself, with guarantees.

Here's three reasons why you should consider them.

REASON #1: No One Else is Doing It

There is no better way to differentiate yourself than by doing something no one else will do. And why isn't anyone else offering guarantees in writing? Simple...for the same reason you're probably not: they're afraid everyone will take advantage of the guarantee and drive their business into the ground.

This is the #1 reasons most businesses don't use guarantees, and it's completely unfounded -- it fact, the exact opposite is true...and here's why...

REASON #2: You Attract More Business

Most builders and renovators don't want to grow their business but, rather, just get more from it. But whether you're growing your business, or trying to make more from it, the strategy is the same: attract more so you can have your choice of projects.

What if a hundred people banged on your door Monday morning and said "we want you to do our next build / renovation." Would you turn them away and say, "sorry...too many people" or would you say, "great...tell me what you want done, and I'll pick the five (or ten, or thirty) that I most want to work with."

A guarantee helps you do that.

REASON #3: You Can Charge More

The biggie! Who else is sick and tired of low profits? Who has to fight just to get a good price (and a good margin) for a project, only to see the already low profit potential decrease as the problems pile up, and the costs mount (if the low-bidders didn't steal the project from you in the first place)?

I believe the vast majority of professional builders and renovators don't charge enough to compensate for the value they deliver in the first place...let alone all the extra pressures that push their prices (and profits) down.

The single easiest way to increase profits is to increase price...and the single eas5B4iest way to do that is to increase the value.

One way to do that is offer a "take-it-to-the-bank, get-it-in-writing" guarantee.

If there's a second reason why most businesses don't include guarantees it's because "I can't afford it." Well, you can afford it if you charge for it.

If someone is renovating and decides to have low-grade windows put in, they should be charged for low-grade windows, right? If, however, they decide to have high-end, sturdy, energy-efficiency windows put in, they should be charged for high-end windows...right?

So why would it be any different in any other aspect of your business? If you're adding value, and people want that value, people will pay for it. This includes the protection, and peace of mind, guarantees give.

Set Yourself Apart...Attract More Business to Choose From While Increasing Your Profits!

Guarantees are a great way to put your prospects at ease, knowing that you'll do the job right, and take care of them if problems should arise. But although every single builder / renovator I spoke with was "guaranteed" their work...only one was willing to put it in writing and earn the trust of their prospects.

The secret is to make sure:

. you can, and will, honour it (that should go without saying)

. know the potential cost, and frequency of the guaranteed work, so you can charge appropriately (this will be refine5ACd with time, but even if you're just starting you can make a decent stab at it.)

and

. let your market know you guarantee your work where others don't...you'll become the first choice to do business with (and let the rest of the competition take on the business you don't want).

You either do quality work or you don't...right? So guarantee what you know you can, and let the competition wonder how you can 'afford' it -- 'cause, when it comes from differentiating yourself and being able to defend your higher prices, you can't afford not to.

For a FREE audio interview where you can discover how a builder/remodeler eliminated time-wasting free estimates from his business for good in less than 60 days, go to http://www.SuccessfulHomeBuilders.com and listen today!

Italian Kitchen Furniture - 3 Misconceptions

People designing their kitchen and wanting Italian kitchen furniture often make the mistake of thinking they're looking for something very specific. As time has gone on, anything to do with Italian kitchens has become far more diverse. Here are just three common misconceptions of Italian furniture.

Firstly, you don't have to just marble for your kitchen furniture to achieve an Italian style. For some reason, just because this material has become synonymous with Italy, people automatically think they need to put it in their kitchen to be authentic with their design. Marble can be very expensive and if not chosen and implemented correctly, can make a kitchen look horrific. There are other quality materials that are just as good.

Secondly, there is not set arrangement and layout for an Italian kitchen so you can feel free to space furniture out as you see fit. People often th577ink that if you don't have the big table in the middle of the kitchen for chopping meat and vegetables or large counters for other food preparation then it's not an Italian kitchen. This is wide of the mark.

Finally, Italian kitchen furniture doesn't have to look or feel a certain way. The Italian principles of kitchen design are to create a warm and inviting space that is functional to work in. This very much ties in with the theories behind bespoke kitchen design and customising a kitchen to suit your needs.

So when you're picking out Italian kitchen furniture, feel free to think more creatively and don't become ruled by a theme you're told is set in stone, or marble.

There's more information on Italian kitchen design at the Kitchen Design Site.

What Style Is My House

Pocahontas was chatting with her friend Captain John Smith, comparing her reed-covered hut with his sturdy log home. "Hey John," she asked, "What style is your house?"

"I'm not sure," Smith answered, "I think it's a Colonial."

Most American homes contain some elements of Architectural style; some are "pure" examples of style, but most have bits and pieces of different styles. The job of identifying a home's style is a little easier if you know a bit of history and look at a few key features including massing, roof shape, window size and placement, and detailing.

Colonial Homes

Most American Colonists were English, so most Colonial homes are derived from English styles. The earliest were based on old medieval homes, easily identified by simple massing, a few small windows, and massive chimneys. The New England saltbox with its lower back roofline is a common adaptation of the medieval style; Dutch Colonials have similar massing but are distinguished by their distinctive gambrel roof style.

Interest in English Colonial architecture grew tremendously with the restoration of Colonial Williamsburg, Virginia in the early 20^th century. A great many suburban homes of the 1930s and 1940s are based on the Colonial Williamsburg model and that influence continues today.

Georgian Colonial style is very common and has many variations. The best-known Georgian homes are of red brick, although wood siding is also common. Georgian homes are simply massed; usually have a centered front door; double-hung windows; and a gabled or hipped roof. Georgians range in decoration from the very plain to the very elaborate.

Revival and Eclectic Styles

Home designers and builders have been influenced by styles from earlier times throughout American history. In the 19^th Century, many homes were based on classical models.

Greek Revival homes have very simple forms, often just a single rectangular block. Taking cues from Greek temples, builders added a front porch with massive columns, and a very heavy cornice line at the roof.

Italianate styled homes emphasize the vertical and are almost always very elaborately decorated. The cornice line at the roof of an Italianate is notable for wide overhangs and large scrollwork brackets, and the windows are often crowned with ornately carved headers.

Colonial Revivals aren't copies of original Colonials; rather they're liberal interpretations of all shapes and sizes, using Colonial details and elements for inspiration. The Colonial Revival style was extremely popular during the early 20^th Century and almost always has a front porch, a detailed cornice line, double hung windows, and symmetrical massing. Many new homes that don't fit into other stylistic categories might be best classified as Colonial Revivals.

Tudor is a very free-form style. Typically they're very asymmetrical with very steeply pitched roofs. A wide variety of material is seen on the outside, although the best-known examples include some "half-timbering" - areas of stucco or brick broken up with wood timbers. The entry of a Tudor home is often modest but heavy, and windows are broken up with many small panes. Tudor style was very popular in the 1920s and 1930s and is seeing a comeback today.

Victorian Homes

"Victorian" refers to a group of styles popular in America during the late 19^th century that was made possible in part by the invention of new framing techniques.

Queen Anne is the most common Victorian style and is characterized by an irregular shape, a steeply pitched roof, elaborately carved details, and large porch. Queen Annes are known for their multi-hued color schemes and complex siding and trim details.

Shingle style is uniquely American in origin, and was one of the first styles to be embraced by society Architects of the late 1800s. Shingle style homes are often similar in massing to the Queen Anne style, but as the name suggests, used wood shingle siding as exterior cladding. Shingle style homes make a point of avoiding elaborate exterior detailing and trim.

Early 20^th Century

In the first half of the 20^th century American Architects began developing new home styles instead of relying on classic5B4al and European models for inspiration.

Among the more notable American styles is Prairie, popularized by Frank Lloyd Wright but practiced in various forms throughout the country. Prairie homes are typically long and low with deep roof overhangs; windows are often grouped together. Porches are common and usually supported by massive columns. The Prairie style wasn't in fashion long but strongly influenced hundreds of thousand of "ranch" homes across the country.

Craftsman style began in California and quickly became the preferred style for small homes across the country until about 1930. Small Craftsman homes are usually called Bungalows and are characterized by low-pitched gabled roofs with wide overhangs. Details such as beams and brackets are very common. A Craftsman home has a "hand-crafted" look that continues throughout the interior.

Late 20^th Century

After a period of little interest in "styled" homes, good design is making a comeback. Some older styles are popular again including Georgian Colonial and Craftsman, and a few new styles have been developed that are fashionable in many parts of the country.

Classifying a late 20^th Century home can be difficult as they're often a mix of elements from different styles. But most homes have at least one strong feature that puts closer to one style than another. Find that dominant feature and you'll be on the right t55Erack to naming the style.

Richard L. Taylor, AIA is a published author and recognized expert in Residential Architecture. He is President of Richard Taylor Architects, a 5-person firm in Historic Dublin, Ohio that specializes in custom and luxury home design, and remodeling and room addition projects of all sizes. Residential Architect | Luxury Home House Plans | Custom Home Architect