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

Planning To Buy A Hot Tub

So you want a hot tub at home? Getting a cool hot tub can not only makes you stylist but also gives you a golden opportunity to dip into the hot waters of the tub to have the ultimate fun. Imagine how it would be interesting to lying into the tub and get your strength back. However there are certain things that need to be taken in care while planning fro buying your hot tub to get the maximum returns.

First of all, you need to decide about the material used in your hot tub. Choosing the material will help you about the maintenance and other facilities of your hot tub. You can further choose the accurate shapes and sizes of your hot tub to have the ultimate fun of you life.

After selecting the proper size and shapes of your hot tub, you need to check about the colors and other facilities to be fixed into your hot tubs to give it a personalized touch and feeling. You can select your sitting arrangements and can choose your lighting to give it the best touch.

To know about a variety of choices in hot tubs and its brand, it is better to consult a good hot tub spa magazine. Hot tub magazine covers a lot of information regarding the types of hot tubs and their varieties. You can get enough information regarding the portable hot tubs, small hot tubs and soft hot tubs and go through their features.

Also, you can visit many stores specialized in hot tub goods and accessories. Internet can provide you the most advanced and best way to sort your hot tubs meant specialty to meet all your demands. You can see your hot tub specifications and see it if it is fitting into budget or not.

Myself author of Special Spasear345ch magazine http://www.spasearch.co.uk a hot tub resource planning guide for portable hot tubs and hot tub spa. Get online information on hot tub manufacturer, covers, spa covers and accessories.

What Green Building Means

There's a lot of talk in real estate about green building lately, but the phrase is still a little vague. Here's a guide to understanding a few key terms, so you can investigate whether or not a potential home is truly eco-friendly.

Insulation and Building:
Many new buildings are being insulated with recycled materials, such as old blue jeans or blown-in fiberglass. Proper insulation now goes a long way toward saving on energy bills later. Walls can be made of steel and concrete, rather than more expensive and volatile treated wood. Many cities have lumber yards and "re-stores" where you can buy recycled or left over building materials that are strong, cheap, and often antique or authentically vintage.

Appliances:
Look for low flow shower heads and low flush or composting toilets. Consider energy saving washers and dryers, or put a line in your yard to hang wet clothes on sunny days Make sure your HVAC unit is sealed and clean, and look for gas stoves and instantaneous, or tankless, water heaters.

Flooring:
Rather than use expensive hardwoods that endanger the land and deplete forests, many real estate builders have found inexpensive and beautiful alternatives in bamboo (which is technically not a wood but a grass, and yet one of the hardest and most easily replenished flooring materials) and cork (also easily replenished). Concrete, too, can be a sturdy and inexpensive alternative, as can old fashioned linoleum, which is actually made from linen and other natural fibers.

Paint and Other Materials:
Many paint manufacturers are looking for green alternatives to oil and latex; one such option is the use of milk-based paints (which upon application smell like milk instead of harsh chemicals, and which don't have any carcinogenic ingredients.) Recycled glass is now being made into kitchen and bath tiles, and countertops are being made with recycled materials that look even more beautiful and unique than mined granite.

Solar Energy:
Solar energy doesn't just mean expensive panels that sit on your roof (though that's one kind, called active Solar Energy). Considering a solar home can mean investing in thick-paned, glazed windows or in more complicated photovoltaic cells. Though solar tends to be an expensive investment, upfront, the rewards show up every month in your energy bills.

Landscaping:
Look for Xeriscaped yards and common areas with plants that require little watering. Consider getting rain barrels (many cities sell them through their water and energy programs) or converting your outdoor water system to "graywater" (which involves using recycled water from dishwashers and washing machines to water your lawn or wash your car). Looks for trees that are native to your area, and plant them so they shield your windows from too much sun during hotter days.

Neighborhood:
While a lot of green building means being aware of what is going into your home, you might also want to check out your neighborhood. Are there recycling programs or community gardens? Public transportation? Bike paths so you can have the option of avoiding traffic? Are there shops and restaurants close to you, to encourage walking? While thinking about these things may seem unimportant now, our global climate and community with thank you later. (Oh, and don't forget the federal tax deductions.)

If you are looking for property in the Austin Texas Real Estate market Ki Gray can help you in your search. A broker with a long background of helping clients in the Austin market. His site Escapeso Austin Texas Real Estate is a source for information about the real estate market and current events in Austin Texas. It also provides a description of the different Austin Condos going up in downtown Austin.

Chemical Knowledge

While the vast majority of individuals, think about home construction projects in the contest of bricks and lumber. Most projects involve the use of many products that contain chemicals.

There are two very important considerations when it comes to chemicals in products used for construction. The first concern is the general safety issues that are associated with the use and storage of the products and the second is the concern about chemicals that could have longer negative affects on individuals who suffer from allergies and asthma or have other respiratory problems.

Although common sense may tell us to never mix products that have chemical bases, it happens every day. The most common occurrence of product mixing is with cleaning products. Many cleaning products are chlorine based while just as many are ammonia based. Both are excellent cleaning agents and while it is of the utmost importance that care be taken when using products with either of these base chemicals safety goggles and rubber gloves as they are toxic unto themselves. Mixing them produces chlorine gas, which is deadly. Mixing chemicals does not always occur by pouring one liquid into another, it can occur by accident or without thought spilling chemicals on a floor or using one chemical after another are common events. Another common error is to use the same sponge or rag with two different cleaning products. Pouring chemicals down a drain, one after the other will allow the chemicals to mix in the drain trap.

It is almost impossible to undertake a home renovation or home improvement project without the use of a chemically based product. All glues, adhesives, mortar, cement, thin set, caulking, paints, polyurethanes, lacquer, and strippers are based on some chemical composition.

All chemically based products should be treated with a great deal of respect and caution.

Always read and follow the manufacturers instructions believe it or not, the manufacturer does know the safest and best way to use and store their product. It is also wise to read and make a note of the health notification on the product. In many cases, once the product is being used the instructions and health information that is on the label is obliterated to a point where it can no longer be read.

Families that have allergies or respiratory problems should be careful about what chemicals may have been used in the manufacture of finished products. Items such as carpets and rugs use adhesives to bond the backing to the fibers556. Laminate flooring is the bonding of paper and wood chips under compression using adhesive. The same manufacturing techniques are used to create sheets of plywood, chip, and particleboard, including engineered hardwood. Foam insulation and underlayments, nylon and rayon are all products derived from petroleum. All of the aforementioned products may release small quantities of chemicals into the air throughout their life.

If you are concerned about any product, contact the manufacturer and ask for information on the chemicals used in manufacturer.

For additional information on home improvement and renovation projects, visit Renovation Headquarters

Bathroom Wall Tile Design

When fitting the bathroom tiles, there are many aspects that need to be taken care. The foremost is to select the tiles and the materials that they are made of. Since, there will be dampness in the bathroom it is always advisable to fit tiles which are made of non-porous materials. Ceramic tiles are usually used for the wall tiles and the design depends upon your choice. Ideally the wall tile should match the color of the wall and the floor tiles. Some people also use contrasting tile colors for their bathroom wall tile design and the floor tile design.

There are many designs that can be considered. If you think that your bathroom wall tile design should have a light texture you can fix blue and white floral tile murals. You can also use backsplash tile accents, phoenix bird decorative tile or even pomegranate tree and peacocks. I was checking out a tile catalogue and found many exciting tile designs and at reasonable prices. There were Armenian flowers, circular fish design tile, trees of life tile, cobalt blue peacock and many other exciting designs. The tiles are all priced at $18 a piece. The ascent tiles are costly but they make amazing bathroom wall tile designs when they are placed in-between the ceramic tiles on the bathroom wall. The size of the accent tile design is 15*15 cm and they are available in wooden framed and unframed style.

You can either fit a single tile in between the plain ceramic tiles or you can create a row or design of the designer tiles in-between the ceramic tiles. It all depends upon your choice but if you are interested you can take the help of a designer to finalize the design for you. Before you start installing the tiles you should have your bathroom wall tile design handy so that you can share it with your tile installer. It is important for you to check the quality of the tile before you fit them. Apart from selecting the non-porous tile variety you should ensure that the tiles do not fade and are able to withstand high temperatures.

Generally the tiles are expertly glazed and fired at 1850 F to give the classy finishing. It is always recommended to order a couple of sample tiles initially to check out whether they actually go well with the wall design. Once you are satisfied with the bathroom wall tile design pattern you can go ahead and order the exact number of tiles required.It is important that you hire an expert installer for the installation job or get the proper information to installing tile if you plan on doing it yourself.

To find a few tile design ideas and more information on installing tile so you know the bathroom wall tile design you pick turns out how you want Click Here

Tile Shower Pan - 3 Different Types

Your tile shower pan can be of three types. If you are considering installing a new shower you should know your choices. If you have problems with your current shower leaking, knowing how the shower is put together helps you talk to a tradesman who will work on it.

Traditional Tile Shower Pans

Most likely your existing shower pan is made using traditional methods. That means the shower floor is built up with masonry or a cement mix. The concept used for this method is simple, but there are several tricks and some art involved. This method if properly done will produce ceramic showers that work great for many decades.

Very briefly the traditional pan is built as follows. First, set a special shower drain in place with the drain top at the height of the finished floor. Make sure you have a good solid sub floor topped with roofing felt. Then pour in mortar mix and slope it to the drain. The next layer is a waterproof vinyl membrane. This sheet is the waterproof barrier which is glued to the drain. Above the membrane or liner goes the top layer of masonry sloped to the drain. Then finally install the tile and grout to finish the floor.

Know that the masonry and grout in a shower floor are not waterproof. Only the vinyl liner is waterproof. If installed properly, you have a long-lasting set-up. If mistakes are made, you have a problem. Also the shower floor is not maintenance free. The joints at the floor to walls must be checked regularly and may require caulking from time to time.

Fiberglass Shower Pans

A quick and easy way to build a shower pan is to install a fiberglass pan made for this purpose. These are the pans you see at building stores. Tile cannot be installed on these pans. It's fast and relatively easy but fiberglass pans have negatives. These pans do not last as long as traditional pans. They are easily scratched and damaged. And a fiberglass shower pan does not have the luxury look and feel of a ceramic tile shower.

Tile Ready Shower Pans

There are several systems now that make installing a shower pan faster than the traditional way. All the systems use a vinyl pan with an integral drain designed for installation of ceramic tile over the top of the pan. Methods vary, but systems contain material to line the walls and make a completely waterproof shower. Some systems use a mortar base for the shower pan to sit on. Others use a special foam base.

The advantages of these systems over traditional systems is speed. No waiting for mortar layers to dry. Also the level of art and skill for the installer is less. The disadvantage is cost. Typically the tile ready showers are far more expensive than a traditional tile shower pan. The material is sometimes as expensive as the whole job cost the traditional way.

Puzzled about how to build a ceramic tile shower? Need more information? Visit our site for tile shower pan tips.

We invite you to visit http://www.installingceramictile.net for answers to your ceramic shower questions.

Glass Cabinet Hardware - A Great Way To Change Up The Look Of Your Space

When you walk into your bathroom, are you happy with what you see? If the answer is no, then it is probably time for you to give the space a makeover. Now, you might be thinking that this is going to take a lot of time and energy, but it won't if you just change up a few small things, like replacing the hardware are your cabinets with eye-catching glass cabinet hardware. With those small changes, your space will be looking fabulous in no time.

Really, just changing up a small few things in that bathroom of yours can really make a difference in how it looks. Like with the glass cabinet hardware, it has a very delightful appearance thanks to the many stylish cuts that it can have and the different colors that it can come in. You can get ones that are sleek, smooth, and clear or others that feature many stylish cuts and come in lovely shades of lavender, blue, emerald green, and even pink or rose.

If you do decide to go with using glass cabinet hardware to refresh the look of your bathroom, even kitchen if you want, the main thing to keep in mind is to change up all your hardware and not just one part of it. Why? Well, things would end up looking unmatched and not all that appealing to the eye. So, make sure to change everything and that includes the knobs on your cabinets and the drawer pulls and your drawers.

To easily check out the different glass cabinet hardware options and find exactly what you want, just hit the internet and do some online shopping. It's fast because you don't even have to leave your home to do it and when you do come across something you like, it generally is at the best prices possible. Plus, it will be shipped right to your door, so, you didn't even have to waste a trip to the hardware store, talk about convenience.

Along with buying glass cabinet hardware for your bathroom, there are also many other ways to spruce up the look of your space. For instance, you could buy new decorations including pictures to put on the walls, a small console table to put in the corner, and even sculptures or flower vases to put on the countertop in your space. You could buy new accessories for the space too, like a stylish tooth brush holder and matching soap container, new hand towels, and even a new shower curtain that has a lovely patterned design.

When it comes down to it, if you don't like the look of your space and want to spruce it up, just replace and change up some of the small things throughout it. In your bathroom, purchasing new glass cabinet hardware is a great option for doing just that. So, what are you waiting for, go online and start shopping so you can enjoy the new look of your space tomorrow.

Jennifer Akre, owner of different online specialty shops featuring niche products and information for your home, sharers her insight on different items that can make your space both more functional and beautiful. Here, she provides consumers valuable advice when purchasing fabulous cabinet hardware, eye catching knobs, and awesome drawer pulls.

DIY Home Flooring Improvement - Building a Floor Deck

It can sound complicated with the plethora of equipment needed. But if we actually think about it, the equipment is pretty easy to obtain. You will need basics such as your measuring tape, hammer and drill. A few dozen galvanized bolts and screws to hold the structure together, with the braces, joists and posts. You will also need to use concrete bags and gravel, thinner and stain to paint your deck with.

Home Design Software - First, take advantage of the latest technology, and utilize one of the home design software packages that are available. You have choices that can help with the materials and equipment needed, in the calculation of costs and the designs and even local building codes.

Material - Once the design of your deck is set, you'll need to consider materials. Good options are redwoods, cedar or pine in pressure treated sizes like 2 x 4's, 2 x 6's and 4 x 4. There are also several newer options. There are many composite materials on the market today that resemble wood in appearance and feel. Such materials will seem more costly in the beginning but it can give years to your deck's life span and is worth the initial outlay. 16B9In addition, they do not twist out of shape unlike wood and you need not stain it.

Foundation - The basics for a lasting deck. If you are uncertain about how to go about preparing the ground and pouring concrete, or making vertical anchors, you can look for professional help for this stage. Other than this, you should be able to tackle all other aspects of deck building with minimal assistance.

Pier Spacing - Check the building codes in your area to find out the recommended support pier spacing. Make your support distances equal to or less than the 8 or 12 foot length that most lumber is available in. It will be simpler for you as it reduces the number of cuts needed.

Sealing - Usually there are ledger boards that lay up against the house to support the beams (joists) under the walking surface. Sometimes they have a Z-shaped flashing that lays on the ledger board top and side surfaces, up against the house.

Metal flashing can twist out of shape in due time as temperature fluctuates even when it was set up properly. Do cover up screw holes to lessen the chances of moisture causing damage.

Space the ledger board away from the wall using metal washers. So, you might not have to remove siding and it can reduce moisture that can result in corrosion and mold.

Use Screws and Bolts - Instead of nails, use screws and bolts wherever you can. Almost all nails will eventually rust, and stain tends to not stick to them. Although they will also rust over time, screws will not become loose like most nails will.

Using screws, however, is more time consuming than simply pounding in nails. You can make your job faster utilizing a power screwdriver attachment on the hand drill.

No matter what methods you use to build your deck, careful design and attention to detail will always give you the best results. This will help you save hundreds in repair bills later on.

Moses Wright loves to help fellow home improvement enthusiast whenever he is free. He sets up a site to provide more info on Home Remodeling Contractor and resources on Do-It-Yourself Kitchen Remodeling

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Home Insulation - Slash Your Energy Bills, Stay Snug In Winter (And Cool In Summer)

You can add insulation to almost any home. Depending on the structure of your building, the best areas to add insulation are normally the loft, and also the cavity between your home's inner and outer walls. Insulating these saves a lot of energy and based on calculations for a British home, usually covers its cost within 2 years. Whats more, if you properly insulate your home you will prevent several tonnes of carbon dioxide being emitted into the atmosphere each year.

Insulating your cavity walls and loft will have the biggest impact on your bills. More heat is lost through walls than any other route approximately 33% in an un-insulated home. 270 mm (10 inches) of loft insulation can save up to 25% of a homes heating costs.

In most houses in the United Kingdom built after the 1920s, the external walls are made of two layers with a small air gap or 'cavity' between them. If your home has unfilled cavity walls, a considerable slice of your energy bills will be spent heating the air outside. Filling the gap between the two walls of a house with an insulating material massively decreases the amount of heat which escapes through the walls. It will help create a more even temperature in your home, help prevent condensation on the walls and ceilings.

Cavity wall insulation is quick, clean and relatively inexpensive to install. It's injected into the cavity from the outside, taking between two and three hours for a three bedroom semi-detached house. In the United Kingdom it typically costs around 250, and with the savings homeowners then make on their heating bills, it can pay for itself in under 2 years.

Another really important area to consider is that you could be losing up to a third of the heat in your house through your roof and loft insulation can cut this right down. The recommended depth for insulation is at least 270mm. If you currently have insulation that is less thick than this you may consider adding another layer, although the payback time is longer.

There are various materials that you can use to insulate your loft. Most frequently used is mineral wool, although you can now use real wool if you want a natural alternative.

In the United Kingdom most people prefer to use a professional insulation contractor, who should also help you get government grants to reduce the cost. Because of the grants, using a contractor is normally cheaper than doing it themselves and with a professional you know that the job will be properly done.

Other cheap and easy steps which are well worth home owners considering include insulating their hot water tank, insulating the homes pipe-work and installing draught-pRoofing. Many homes are leaking heat through gaps in the joins on the panels that make up their windows and doors. In a typical home 20 per cent of all heat loss is through ventilation and draughts. Draught pRoofing is one of the least expensive and most effective energy efficiency measures for the home - yet it is too often overlooked.

Draught pRoofing offers a quick return, frequently paying for itself within a year and then saving year after year. There are many types of product - for around windows (sash, metal, timber); external doors (including weatherbars for door bottoms); internal doors - particularly kitchens, bathrooms and main living areas; the loft hatch, and even letter boxes, key holes and cat flaps!

Insulation, although not as headline grabbing as solar panel and wind turbines, is definitely the first place to start to make your home more comfortable and energy efficient.

Alex Perry is a founder of DownwithCO2.co.uk, which helps people save energy, save money and reduce CO2 by using insulation

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Reinvesting It In Your House

When buying kitchen cabinets or bathroom vanities, a phrase you should be familiar with is RTA kitchen cabinets. Or if you're looking for bathroom vanities you should k2238now RTA bathroom vanities. You can buy fully assembled cabinets, but if you want to save thousands of dollars, then you should look at the RTA cabinets.

Most kitchen cabinets you find online are labeled as RTA cabinets. This simply means ready to assemble. Whether your buying these cabinets at a store or online, all cabinets have to be assembled. At a store, they (the store) will assemble the cabinets for you and charge you a high mark up. However, buying the cabinets online allows you to avoid a retail mark up and enables you to build the cabinets yourself. Yes it is a little more work, but it is rather simple to put these cabinets together. And in the end if you're cutting your cabinet costs in half, then it is a simple choice to choose RTA cabinets online.

The start of 2008 is a chance to finish old projects or begin new ones. A good project to focus on is the kitchen or more specifically kitchen cabinets. New kitchen cabinets will cost anywhere from $4,000 to $9,000 for any type of regular cabinets that you would buy in a retail store. These cabinets are easy to buy and easy to assemble, but by adding a simple step, you can save a good amount of money. Higher end cabinets will of course cost even more and lower end cabinets (places like IKEA) will be less money. But remember you pay for what you get and if you go low end, you will be getting a very weak cabinet.

So the way I found to get a great kitchen and not have to pay retail prices is through the internet. My kitchen cost me $1850. I priced this same kitchen at Lowes and it cost $5110. It was the same kitchen cabinets and all the same material. I then priced the same kitchen at a local building supply store. The most similar kitchen cost over $6000. I noted that the cabinets at these two stores did not have solid wood sides, only wood faces. Comparatively the kitchen cabinets I found online were made of solid wood faces and paneled wood sides. This was clearly a better product.

So as with any major purchase, the secret to finding a good buy is to shop around. Go out and look in any retail store. Finding a better buy for a comparable cabinet will be hard to find, if not impossible. The retail super stores have too many other expenses and cannot offer the same price that a direct RTA kitchen cabinet importer can offer. At the same time, searching online is a better way to save, but you have to be careful of what you're buying and what they are offering.

If you keep these things in mind, you will have unlocked a big secret to saving money on kitchen cabinets. RTA cabinets are not only made for the contractor, but can be used by any person. You don't even have to be handy; all you need is some patience and the directions in the box.

I have been able to save thousands of dollars on discount kitchen cabinets by buying RTA cabinets. If you are interested in finding out my secrets, go to my Kitchen Cabinets article at Hubpages

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How To Budget And Finance Your Home Improvement Project

Before any home improvement project, you should start off by having some home improvement companies come out to your house to inspect and evaluate what you want done, then have them present you with the home improvement estimates.

If you only rely on one or two quotes you risk paying too much for the job. You should get home improvement estimates from several companies to get a feel for how much you should be paying for the home improvement job. You will also get a good idea of what to budget for the home improvement job. It is important to keep a budget, as it keeps you from overspending and within budget.

If your home improvement is a big project, you should consider getting a loan from loan companies to finance your home renovation project. Home improvement financing is now easier than ever to apply for. If you are working then obtaining financing should not be too difficult as long as you can afford the repayments on the loan. Before approving the loan, loan companies need to check your credit and see if there are any defaults or non payment in your report.

The easiest way to search for home improvement loans is to have a broker search for the best possible deals and loan providers. Ask the broker to seek out which loan companies offer the best deal on the amount you would like to borrow. Of course, you should select the loan company that offers the lowest APR.

No matter what type of renovation you want to do, most home improvement loans can cover it. Loan companies do ask you to specify the type of home improvement you want to do to make sure you are not over borrowing. Loan companies usually give out secured loans, which are loans secured on your house. However, if you have an excellent credit score, you are qualified to apply for unsecured loans.

Entering into any loan agreement with a loan company is a serious responsibility and you have to make sure you are on time with your payments and do not fall behind, or your house is in jeopardy.

Taking out a loan is a serious decision and something you should give serious thought to. Once you decide to apply, your home improvement will be underway, and you will have a beautiful home to look forward to.

For more on Home Improvement visit Home Improvement Project. Susan also enjoys writing at Education and Reference

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Environmentally Friendly Architecture Design

There once was a day where one someone was speaking about the word green, it was obvious they were referring to a color formed by mixing yellow and blue. That assumption is no longer true; with our society leaning toward a healthier environment and ways we can help save the earth, the term green now takes on a whole new meaning. One way to support an environmentally conscious lifestyle is with green architecture.

'Green Architecture' is a form of environmentally sensitive design and construction. Energy-saving, sustainable development and natural materials are all hallmarks of this form of construction. Green Architecture is also sensitive to the impact of the construction on the environment in the years and decades after the construction is complete. It explores a relationship between architecture and ecology.

One of the key points to green architecture is to create synchrony with the surrounding environment. Everything about a green building should easily transition from the natural landscape, including the building materials. The best material to use for green construction is materials that have been recycled or come from easily restored resources.

Advantages of Green Architecture:

1. Optimizes the use of resources, especially energy and water. At the design and construction stage, it incorporates resource recycling during construction, and later when the building is being used.

2. It causes minimal impact on the environment during the entire building life cycle of siting, design, construction, operation, maintenance and removal.

3. Where possible, the natural topography is used to optimize energy usage.

4. It leads to reduced operating costs by optimizing resource usage. Green Architecture focuses on recycling resources - especially water. Wherever possible, it focuses on using building materials from the building site itself. Well-insulated doors, windows and walls reduce energy usage and loss.

5. Green Architecture promotes improved health of the occupants of the building, due to better natural air circulation and use of natural light.

6. Provides onsite facilities for recycling, thereby minimizing waste being sent to landfills.

Materials Commonly Used in Green Architecture

1. Recycled materials such as wood, tiles and bricks that are available at the building site or in/near the surrounding area.

2. Where new materials are used, the focus is on material that can be rapidly replenished, such as bamboo, which can be harvested for commercial use in just 6 years.

3. Insulation made from low volatile organic compounds that use materials such as recycled denim as opposed to fiberglass insulation - which has long-term adverse effects. Insulation may be treated with boric acid to retard insect damage. Organic or milk-based paints also afford protection.

4. Solar energy is an abundant resource that is used through passive solar, active solar and photovoltaic techniques.

5. Packed gravel in parking lots and driveways instead of concrete reduces rainwater run-off and replenishes ground water resources.

Many countries have developed their own standards of Green Architecture for energy-efficient and sustainable building. Given below are some common standards:

1. Code for Sustainable Homes - United Kingdom
2. EnerGuide for New Houses - Canada
3. House Energy Rating - Australia
4. Green Globes - USA, Canada and UK

Practitioners of Green Architecture and sustainable development seek to achieve ecological and aesthetic harmony between structures and their surrounding natural environments.

James Heimler, Architect Los Angeles California, owns one of the leading firms in green architecture and environmental sustainable design practices.

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