What If My Contractor Does Not Return My Call

This is one of the biggest problems in business today. You have some work done on your home in good faith that the contractor knows what he is doing. When all is said and done you have a problem that needs to be resolved as soon as possible. I really don't care how long it has been since the work was done. If you have a problem the least that your contractor can do is answer the telephone.

Some companies go out of business and others get to busy to respond to your problem. You will hear the old excuse "That's not my problem" or the ever popular " I didn't do that". I have been in business for over twenty years and had very few problems. Of course I built things to last as long as possible.

Keep in mind that some contractors are a one man operation and they might be on vacation. Some contractors do not answer their phones over the week ends or after business hours. So don't sink the ship to fast.

Do not call the Contractors Licensing Board or the Better Business Bureau unless it has been at least a few working days. I would give it at least a week or so. Oh yeah don't assume that the contractor got your message. Call a few times at the least.

It has always made me mad when I have to fix someone else's problems. I get the call when the other contractors won't respond. I listen to the home owner with regret for being in a business where I am considered a crook. This is one of the reasons why contractors in my business get out of it.

If you have the contractors address and they aren't responding by phone you can always send them a letter by certified mail. Request a return receipt. That's your proof that the company received your letter. Keep a copy for your files.

The good news for a home owner when a contractor will not respond to your calling them is the Department of Consumer Affairs. Most states have a complaint department of some sort that will listen to your complaints. Does this mean it will get resolved? NO there are no guarantees here.

If your state has a licensing board for contractors, this will be your next step.

This will get your contractors attention and there is a great chance they will respond now. If there are enough complaints against the contractor and they do nothing about them the contractors board will take their license away.

If your contractor does not respond after all of this. There is very little you can do about it. Hire someone to fix the problem and look at it as a very important lesson learned.

If your state doesn't have a contractors licensing board contact the Better Business Bureau or your local government for their recommendation. Ask some of your friends if they have had any problems like this and how they handled them.

For some more tips about hiring contractors go to
http://gregvan.com/library/homeowner_checklists.htm

Greg Vandenberge has been in the home building and remodeling business for over 30 years. With this knowledge he has created a few websites that provide useful information for home owners as well as contractors. His main goal is to educate professionals in the home related businesses, dealing with problems that can easily be avoided with just a little bit of information.

His website http://gregvan.com provides all kinds of answers to remodeling and new house building issues that could create major damage as well as possible damage to your pocket book.

Plumbing Problems and Solutions - Repair Manuals

If you've owned a home for over 20 years, there's a very good chance, that you've had a water pipe break, a drainpipe clogged, a toilet that wouldn't flush right, or a water leak that damaged part of the home. If you don't know, what you're looking for and you have no idea what damage can be done, over time, this could mean trouble for the homeowner.

Plumbing problems like these have been around and will be around for many years. Knowing what to do about them, how to repair them and what materials will be needed, can be found in plumbing repair manuals for books. How would you like to have a professional plumber to advise you on your plumbing repairs. What if I told you that you could have a plumbing professional on hand at all times. Is this something that you might be interested in.

Well I can't guarantee that, so let's forget about what I just said and go to the next best thing. Plumbing repair manuals are full of tips and advice that when needed can sometimes be priceless. If water is leaking from the ceiling in your home and you have no idea, where the water is coming from or how to stop it from leaking, any information could be priceless and I mean priceless.

Plumbers, usually charge over $100 an hour for emergency service. I've seen plumbers come to peoples homes, turn the water off to the house, stop the water from leaking and now it is no longer an emergency. The plumber quickly pulls out an invoice for the plumbing repairs and it could be over $1000, if you decide that this is ridiculous and choose not to pay it, the plumber can hand you a bill for stopping the water leak. Some of these bills are what I would consider quite ridiculous, for just shutting the water off.

You're not paying the plumber for the amount of time it took him, you're paying him for his knowledge. If you knew where to shut the water off, you wouldn't have an emergency situation and could contact a plumber during normal hours. This could save you hundreds if not thousands of dollars.

With a simple home repair manual or a home plumbing book, you could prepare yourself for a situation like this and other plumbing problems. Most home repair manuals have general solutions and advice and can solve most of the problems around your home. If they can't solve all of the problems, they can probably save you from major catastrophes like a water leak.

Most of the time it's not the water leak that will cost the most money, it's the damage the water will do to your furniture, carpeting, wood flooring, walls or ceilings. A little information and preparation can save you a lot of money in the long run.

Home Plumbing Books

You are free to copy this article to your site as long as you include the following resource information with an active link to my site:

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

Basic Home Electrical Wiring - For the Do it Yourself Home Electrician

The Green Bay Packers were one of the most successful football teams and Vince Lombardi said something to them that I will never forget," This is a football." All the football players laughed and he said that we're going to start with the basics and that's what I'm going to do, with this article.

Let's start with our electrical wire, the two most common electrical wire sizes, that will be used in most homes, will be 14 and 12 gauge electrical wire. Let's clear something up, right off the bat, the smaller the number, the larger the wire. In other words a 12 gauge electrical wire is a little bit larger and will carry more electricity, for longer distances than a 14 gauge wire.

What about electrical outlet plugs? These plugs are usually the same, except for the fact that they come in different colors. When I said that most electrical plugs are the same, I'm talking about your standard wall outlet plug. There are different electrical plugs that will be used for air conditioners and some kitchen appliances like 220 Volt electric stoves and ovens.

What about your home's light switches? Your standard two way light switch will usually turn a one light on or a group of lights on, from one location. A three way light switch will usually turn one light on or a group of lights on from two different locations. A four way light switch, will usually turn one light or a group of lights on from three different locations.

It doesn't get any more basic than that. I hope this gives you a better understanding about your home's electrical system.

If you're really interested in learning more about remodeling, new home construction, home maintenance, home repairs and really want to get the nuts and bolts of home improvement. Visit our web site and select from the best-selling home building books on the Internet.

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

If your looking for some more home inspection pictures or home building ideas.

Thanks For Reading My Articles

Tile Grouting Tips For Your Bathrooms, Kitchens and Floors

Isn't tile grouting supposed to be simple, if you read the directions and watch a couple of videos? What could make tile grouting so difficult? Grouting your tile isn't that difficult, by the time you're done reading this article, you should have a pretty good idea how to grout your floors, bathrooms, kitchens and anything else that requires tile.

I used to have problems grouting tile, but after I read the directions, I became a grouting wizard. This sounds hard to believe, but after reading the directions on the tile grout bag, I became a grout master. I know, you the type of person who never read the directions, you simply add water, mix and start grouting.

It's time to change your thinking about, whether or not the directions will be helpful. Whether it's about grouting your bathroom floor or putting together your home barbecued. I read one thing on the grout bag and it changed my entire grouting career.

The grout should slake. After you're done mixing the grout, you should wait between five and 10 minutes to let the moisture soak into the grout mix. Do this once, and you will never go back to mixing your grout and applying it, as quickly as possible after it has been mixed.

For more information on grouting, remodeling or home repairs, I would recommend reading books on home improvement and home repairs. Some of these books can make a big difference in your home improvement abilities as a handyman. I would also recommend reading more articles, there's plenty of information about tile and grouting, all over the Internet.

Click here if you are looking for some more Bathroom Remodeling Ideas

If you're really interested in basement remodeling and repairs, you should click on this link Home Repair Tips. Get some great home repair advice that can make a big difference on any of your home remodeling projects.

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

Thanks for reading the article

How to Protect Foundation Plumbing Pipes?

If you install any underground plumbing pipes, in your concrete building foundation, you will need to protect them, from the concrete. You can use a variety of products and the most common of them will be a Styrofoam wrapping that can be purchased at most plumbing supply stores.

Let's start with the waste pipes, that are made out of plastic. The concrete could actually start to put pressure on the plastic pipes as the concrete starts to expand and this pressure could actually damage your new waste pipes.

You don't need to wrap all of the plastic waste pipes, only the parts of the waste pipes that will be exposed or in direct contact any concrete, but you do need to protect every copper water supply line that will be buried under the ground or exposed to the concrete, with a plastic sleeve. These products can be purchased again at most building supply or plumbing supply stores.

If these pipes aren't protected properly, you could find yourself within a short time, repairing the pipes that are either inside of your concrete foundation or buried underneath your concrete foundation. Either way, this isn't going to be a good thing.

You definitely need to wrap a plastic sleeve around the water supply pipes that are going to be buried or in direct contact with the concrete. This is a must and most building departments will require your plumbing pipes to be wrapped, before it they will sign off on your rough foundation plumbing inspection.

However, for the waste pipes, you can actually use cardboard to protect them. If you're short on funds, why not grab some cardboard boxes, dismantle them and start using cardboard to wrap the pipes, with a little duct tape.

There are plenty of ways to save money in the construction business, buy a few books, read a couple of articles, with a lot of pictures in this can provide you with lots of construction information, from experience building contractors.

Check out some of the best selling Home Building Plumbing Books all on one website

If you're really interested in basement remodeling and repairs, you should click on this link Home Repairs. Get some great home repair advice that can make a big difference on any of your home remodeling projects.

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

Thanks for reading our articles

10 Things a Homeowner Won't Tell a Contractor - Common Courtesy

I've been a contractor in the state of California for over 20 years and there are some things that a homeowner won't tell a contractor. These are a few things that a contractor might want to hear, but a reluctant homeowner, might have second thoughts telling their contractors how they really feel.

1. We are happy with all of the work that you did in a timely manner and we appreciate your services.

2. We are happy with the way you performed your construction tasks, efficiently and we appreciate your services.

3. The work was done by a true professional and we would recommend you to any one of our friends.

4. The payment plan that you created in the contract worked out perfectly and never made us feel uncomfortable. It never seemed like you had too much of our money or we were putting you in a bad spot financially.

5. Thanks for keeping the job clean, it meant a lot to us, because we have seen other construction jobs that look like a tornado ran through them.

6. Thanks for helping us with our design. Working with your contractor on a daily, weekly or monthly basis can be frustrating or joyful. Let the contractor know either way how you are really feeling.

7. You and your crew are extremely hard-working and we appreciate the simple fact that you didn't come to work late or leave early.

8. Thanks for the reasonable priced estimate on our project. You helped us say a lot of money and we appreciate that sincerely.

9. Thanks for doing the extra work at a reasonable price. You could have gouged us at certain times, but you chose to be fair and work things out, in a way that would benefit both of us.

10. This one is the most important and often overlooked by homeowners and it's simple and easy to do. Thanks for doing what you said you were going to do and actually doing it.

Just a simple thank you and paying them on time, for a service well done is enough for most contractors. However, a little common courtesy can go a long way, even in the construction industry.

If You Live in Northern San Diego County or South Orange County, and You're Looking for a Great Contractor, Click on This Link Home Remodeling Contractor

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

Click here if you're looking for additional Homeowner Contractor Advice. If you're interested in gathering more information on how to hire a good contractor, make sure that you visit our website.

Tile Grouting Tips For Your Bathrooms, Kitchens and Floors

Isn't tile grouting supposed to be simple, if you read the directions and watch a couple of videos? What could make tile grouting so difficult? Grouting your tile isn't that difficult, by the time you're done reading this article, you should have a pretty good idea how to grout your floors, bathrooms, kitchens and anything else that requires tile.

I used to have problems grouting tile, but after I read the directions, I became a grouting wizard. This sounds hard to believe, but after reading the directions on the tile grout bag, I became a grout master. I know, you the type of person who never read the directions, you simply add water, mix and start grouting.

It's time to change your thinking about, whether or not the directions will be helpful. Whether it's about grouting your bathroom floor or putting together your home barbecued. I read one thing on the grout bag and it changed my entire grouting career.

The grout should slake. After you're done mixing the grout, you should wait between five and 10 minutes to let the moisture soak into the grout mix. Do this once, and you will never go back to mixing your grout and applying it, as quickly as possible after it has been mixed.

For more information on grouting, remodeling or home repairs, I would recommend reading books on home improvement and home repairs. Some of these books can make a big difference in your home improvement abilities as a handyman. I would also recommend reading more articles, there's plenty of information about tile and grouting, all over the Internet.

Click here if you are looking for some more Bathroom Remodeling Ideas

If you're really interested in basement remodeling and repairs, you should click on this link Home Repair Tips. Get some great home repair advice that can make a big difference on any of your home remodeling projects.

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

Thanks for reading the article

Important Do-It-Yourself Home Remodeling Advice

Often I'm asked by homeowners, if they think that they can build something on their own. Often I end up explaining the process to them and it's pretty confusing. I would like to give some homeowners and construction handyman some do-it-yourself home remodeling advice, about projects that I think they should avoid and the reason why.

1. Working on Electrical Service Boxes

I really don't recommend, anyone who lacks experience working with electrical, to be working on it at all. When it comes to the electrical service box repairs, if you don't have any experience working in this specific area, I am suggesting this to all homeowners and do-it-yourselfers, stay away from electrical service power boxes. Electricity can be extremely hazardous to your health, so take my advice, this is coming from an expert on the subject.

2. Plumbing Water Supply Lines

I don't recommend, anyone who doesn't have any experience working with plumbing water supply lines, because if they break, or if your repair, doesn't hold properly, you could destroy a large portion of your home. Picture this, you just got through putting a new faucet in, everything looks great, but it's time for you to go to your baseball game. You come home about four hours later and the entire house is flooded with water.

This kind of stuff does happen and you need to take the advice of an expert here. It has even happened to me and I understand the process, pretty good. If you plan on fixing any plumbing water supply lines, make sure that you can spend the time, keeping an eye on your new home repair. If you're going to have any problems with them, they will usually happen within the first few hours of use.

I hope this helps, sometimes it's better to pay a professional, but I can understand, every intelligent person, is interested in saving a few dollars and learning new skills.

If you're really interested in basement remodeling and repairs, you should click on this link Home Repair Pictures and Advice. Get some great home repair advice that can make a big difference on any of your home remodeling projects.

If You Live in Northern San Diego County or South Orange County, and You're Looking for a Great Contractor, Click on This Link Vista Home Repair Contractors

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

Thanks For Reading My Articles

Five Things That a Termite Inspection Company Might Not Ever Say

I don't think that I've ever heard of a termite inspector, ever go to a home and not find any termites. Even if the home doesn't have any damage that is visible from the termites, it seems like it's always a good idea, to tent the home, just in case, for protection. Anyway, here's five things that you might not ever hear a termite inspector ever say.

1. Your house is free of termites. This means that there isn't, one termite on your property and the termite inspector isn't going to make any money. Let's face it, termite damage, whether it's visible or invisible, keeps these guys working.

2. Your house isn't going to fall down, if I don't do anything to stop the termites. I have seen homes, where termites have been working on them for quite some time and they still seem to stand up and function properly.

3. Termites don't eat much and I wouldn't worry about the damage. Most termite inspectors will tell you how much a termite in Hawaii or Africa will eat in a day, but doesn't seem to have an honest idea, how much damage they are doing to your home, if they can't actually see it.

4. Every one that works for our company, has at least 30 years experience, repairing any termite damage. Don't even get me started with this one.

5. We will replace all of the termite damage wood, back to its original condition. What they might say, is that they will replace the wood that is damaged by termites, that you can actually see.

There are plenty of great termite companies out there and this article was meant just to have fun with most of them. Termite damage can be a serious problem with some homes and I would suggest that you contact at least three termite inspectors, before proceeding ahead with any home repairs or use of chemicals.

Try not to forget, the only way that a termite inspection company will make any money, looking at your house, will be to find something wrong with it.

If you're really interested in basement remodeling and repairs, you should click on this link Easy Home Repair Tips . Get some great home repair advice that can make a big difference on any of your home remodeling projects.

If You Live in Northern San Diego County or South Orange County, and You're Looking for a Great Contractor, Click on This Link San Diego Remodeling Contractors

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

Thanks For Reading My Articles

How to Protect Foundation Plumbing Pipes?

If you install any underground plumbing pipes, in your concrete building foundation, you will need to protect them, from the concrete. You can use a variety of products and the most common of them will be a Styrofoam wrapping that can be purchased at most plumbing supply stores.

Let's start with the waste pipes, that are made out of plastic. The concrete could actually start to put pressure on the plastic pipes as the concrete starts to expand and this pressure could actually damage your new waste pipes.

You don't need to wrap all of the plastic waste pipes, only the parts of the waste pipes that will be exposed or in direct contact any concrete, but you do need to protect every copper water supply line that will be buried under the ground or exposed to the concrete, with a plastic sleeve. These products can be purchased again at most building supply or plumbing supply stores.

If these pipes aren't protected properly, you could find yourself within a short time, repairing the pipes that are either inside of your concrete foundation or buried underneath your concrete foundation. Either way, this isn't going to be a good thing.

You definitely need to wrap a plastic sleeve around the water supply pipes that are going to be buried or in direct contact with the concrete. This is a must and most building departments will require your plumbing pipes to be wrapped, before it they will sign off on your rough foundation plumbing inspection.

However, for the waste pipes, you can actually use cardboard to protect them. If you're short on funds, why not grab some cardboard boxes, dismantle them and start using cardboard to wrap the pipes, with a little duct tape.

There are plenty of ways to save money in the construction business, buy a few books, read a couple of articles, with a lot of pictures in this can provide you with lots of construction information, from experience building contractors.

Check out some of the best selling Home Building Plumbing Books all on one website

If you're really interested in basement remodeling and repairs, you should click on this link Home Repairs. Get some great home repair advice that can make a big difference on any of your home remodeling projects.

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

Thanks for reading our articles

How Essential is Fire Safety Awareness

Thousands of fire incidents happen every year, especially in the workplace. Lives, money and businesses are lost; with lack of knowledge about preventive measures, it's the same thing as letting a thief inside. People always assume it can't happen to them, but there's a saying that it's better to be safe than sorry right? Why risk everything when you can prevent it to happen.

Here are few important safety and prevention tips everyone needs to know:

1. Proper training- Before we can use an extinguisher, we must have a proper training on how to distinguish and operate a fire extinguisher. First aid training is also a must.

2. Proper storage- Some chemicals are flammable, we must place it in a proper storage away from areas vulnerable to fire.

3. Proper garbage disposal- We never thought garbage can start a fire, but yes it can. We should be very cautious in throwing anything in our garbage can, such as used batteries or cigarettes, because it can start a fire. Garbage must be cleaned and disposed regularly and properly.

4. Malfunctioned electrical wiring- Instead of buying a substandard wiring, we must buy those that are highly recommended. We always think of buying the things where we can save money. This is very understandable. However, we shouldn't take the risk when it comes to things like this because if fire occurs due to faulty wirings then you will lose everything and all you could do is regret.

5. Fire exit- Every workplace must have a fire exit that every employee should know.

6. Fire alarm and fire hose must be properly installed.

7. Fire department's telephone numbers must always be posted near the telephone to easily contact them while the fire is just starting. This will help them respond on time before the fire gets bigger.

8. Inspection of wirings on regular basis is also important. By doing this we would be able to identify which wirings could possibly cause fire in the future.

9. Conduct safety measures- Discuss to everyone important safety measures that should be done when a particular situation arises; this is to prevent possible injuries or death to workers. Daily safety tool box talk can be also done by the workers to discuss and share solutions to a possible problem that might happen in their workplace.

10. Putting of signboards can also be done, like the signs that indicate escape routes and exits.

11. There should be a smoke detector in every workplace. Make sure you change the battery every six months. Install one battery operated and one powered by electricity so that when battery operated fails to work properly, there wouldn't be a problem since you have installed one that is powered by electricity, and vice versa. Test each installed smoke detector every month. Remember smoke detectors have saved lives!

12. Rechargeable lights are safer to use than candles during power outages. But if you don't have one, you can use candle with precautions. Candles shouldn't be left unattended and it should be kept away from anything that can easily start a fire such as curtains, papers, gas stoves, among others.

13. Never try to repair any electrical appliances if you don't have the right training, just so to save money for the repairs. Let the service technician do the job instead.

14. Always unplug any electrical appliances that are not in use. Not only does it consume electricity, but it can also be a cause of fire. Use extensions temporarily and not permanently. Make sure it is working properly and carries its proper load.

Near-miss incidents should always be recounted to the persons involved for them to acquire fire safety awareness and also to prevent those incidents from happening again.

Jo is a writer for 'Phoenix Safety Services Ltd' (http://www.phoenixsafety.co.uk), a well-known consultant in personalized Health and Safety Training that are given to various customers throughout UK and Europe. If your company requires you to attend a Fire Safety Awareness Training or would like to train you and your co-workers with the basic useful information and skills in knowing the fundamental dangers of fire and fire deterrence measures then have a look at Phoenix Safety Services Ltd.

What Causes Attic Odors And Stra

Healthy Contractor Business

Budgeting is one of the biggest pains in the neck in any business including the contractor business. But, any good successful long term contractor knows it is absolutely necessary for success. The mentioning of budgeting can make just about anyone's teeth hurt. This is especially the case with any contractor who loves his or her business because it is all about making something from your skills. Who wants to be sitting with a pencil, paper and calculator figuring out numbers? You want to be out there constructing something. Well, you can get to it right after you figure out your budget!

There are really two budgets you need to have as a contractor. Well, there are more than two but let's use the two major ones as an example. There is the yearly budget where you figure out how much it will cost to stay in business, how much you can generate in sales and how much you want to make in profit. Then there is the project by project budget which has to fit into their yearly budget at certain intervals. Each one has to be done with care with the numbers being as accurate as possible. This is important because too many times people fudge their budgets and then wonder later on why their business failed. Don't fall into that trap.

Anyone in the contractor business needs to be realistic in figuring out there yearly and project by project budgets. There is no sense in lying to yourself, be honest about what you feel you can and cannot do. A reasonable and conservative budget can always be adjusted later on if things go right. But, a sloppy and over optimistic budget can cause some serious financial damage to your company. Every contractor wants to succeed but it is the ones with an obtainable really budget that get ahead. And, in this economy that it is ever more important to have a budget and live by it.

So, yeah it stinks to have to come up with a budget but it is one of the single most important things you can do for your contractor business and you will be happy you did at the end of the year and at the end of each project. Being on budget or ahead of budget feels great! Going the other way can really bring you down, literally. So do your homework and make a budget that works.

Josh Macmichael

http://www.contractorblab.com
http://www.contractorblabblog.com

What Kind Of Wood Rot

Finishing a Basement - And How to Plan For It

Profile: We had the opportunity to talk about finishing a basement with Bobby Assadourian, President and CEO of Triple R Inc. Located in Hamilton, Ontario, Triple R has been serving customers throughout the Golden Horseshoe for six years. The company covers a wide range of renovation, rebuilding and repair services. One common job type is basement remodeling - Triple R can often be found finishing a basement in a new home, or enhancing an existing finished basement that needs work.

Other services include general repair and maintenance - both indoor and outdoor; renovations - bathrooms, kitchens, basements, and more; masonry; complete plumbing and electrical; landscaping; framing, drywall; painting; ceramics and flooring; heating and cooling; doors and windows; siding; and roofing.

Q: Let's talk about basements. Finishing a basement is a concern for many homeowners. What advice can you offer to get them started?

A: First, make sure your basement is dry.

If your home is new, wait two to three years to let the home settle and for all the materials in the basement to interact with each other. Be aware that some basement waterproofing may be necessary.

If it's an older home, make sure there are no moisture issues in the basement before you start anything!

Don't trust that basement moisture is temporary or may "go away," or that nice drywall and paint will "cover it up" - it doesn't work that way.

Every dollar you spend on your basement remodeling will be wasted if you don't address the moisture issues first. I'm always totally honest with homeowners: if they're better off to wait, I'll tell them upfront.

Bear in mind the Tarion warranty (see Tarion for the exact specifics regarding time limitations, etc.). During the two-to-three year period, you're covered for defects in the foundation - but you need to be able to see the problems! You have to see the whole basement floor and the walls. There can be no dream basement until this period is over!

The documents from Tarion often sit on refrigerators collecting dust, and that's very dangerous. You have to put off the sports bar, the home theatre and the sound system in the basement until you can be certain the foundation is sound. This might not be what you want to hear about your dream basement remodeling, but if you don't allow adequate time you're going to be throwing your money away (this all pertains to new construction).

Q: Assuming moisture issues are addressed, what's the homeowners' next step in finishing a basement?

A: Do not build to Ontario minimum building code! Mike Holmes of Home & Garden backs me 100% on this. Often, basement remodeling comes down to money - but beware that the "minimum building code" is exactly what it sounds like! It won't produce a basement or anything else that will stand the test of time and it won't provide value for your dollar. It's truly the bottom of the barrel.

The funny thing is, there's not much of a monetary difference between good to best. However, because building codes are designed for builders and contractors, in some ways the system benefits them. Builders can save a few dollars on products, and that really adds up over time as they build hundreds of houses. That's why many of them choose to build to lower specifications.

For homeowners, though, the cost difference is pretty minor. Labour is the same - or, in some cases less, because good products are easier to install. It's really worth your while to insist on the best when you're finishing a basement. Bear this in mind and you'll save a lot of pain in the years to come.

C: What's the best way for homeowners to budget for a basement remodeling and get a reasonably accurate idea of total costs?

A: To get an accurate idea, they shouldn't try to cost it out themselves - get a contractor.

Take your time, though, to educate yourself before calling a contractor. Read magazines, literature, talk to people at big box stores.

Get a really good idea of how your finished basement with look in terms of layout, design features, and materials - know them by trade name! Contractors have a much easier time when homeowners know exactly what materials they need. If you can't afford certain materials, talk to the contractor about finding the best balance between cost and quality.

Knowing your materials will also increase your chances of having a good contractor experience - the contractor will know within a few minutes of speaking whether you've done your homework and are knowledgeable and serious. Contractors need to impress homeowners, yes - but there's nothing wrong with the homeowner impressing the contractor! Contractors are more likely to prioritize your quote and get back to you quickly if they can tell that you are serious, that you know what you want, and that you've done your research.

Q: What trends are you seeing in basement remodeling? Any exciting new products homeowners should be aware of?

A: First off, remember that you'll spend a lot of money over the years heating and cooling your basement. Due to this, there's a growing trend toward being Energy Star-efficient and -compliant.

To achieve this standard, you must seriously consider upgrading from "pink or yellow" basement insulation to Roxul. It provides some labour savings because it's safer and not itchy, it lasts much longer - but most importantly, the energy savings are phenomenal! The money you spend upfront will pay itself back in dividends over the next few decades in energy savings. It's also fire-resistant.

Another interesting basement product to be aware of is "Ipex." It's a revolutionary plumbing product that's phasing out copper. It'll take several years for most contractors to adopt it, but that's true for any new amazing product that comes out on the market. Even if the products are the best choices for finishing a basement, or are more green and efficient than other products, contractors tend to "wear their old shoes."

Again, be aware of the product options when finishing a basement, do your research and be ready to ask for them by name. Show the contractor that you know what you're talking about.

Q: What other advice can you offer to homeowners looking to finish a basement?

A: To have a really successful basement renovation, you must have good communications with your contractor. The vast, vast majority of problems in basement remodeling are caused by poor communication!

Homeowners have to consider the time they spend looking for a basement contractor, or any contractor, as a dating period! "Date" your contractor for an appropriate amount of time, because you're entering into a relationship with that contractor. You need to evaluate them personally, not just professionally!

Q: Why did you join our contractor network?

A: It's an association that's doing good on a large scale and bringing quality people together. Since I started with them, nothing but good has come my way. These people run the company so efficiently and with so much discipline, and they contribute to so many good causes in addition to their regular work (such as the March of Dimes).

Q: We hope homeowners use our service to find a reputable local contractor...but if they don't, what criteria should they use to determine who's the right choice for finishing a basement?

A: I firmly believe that there are three or four valid ways that you can research a contractor and make very sure he's legitimate. When renovations go wrong, the contractor bears responsibility - but, to be honest, the homeowner usually does too! The bottom line is that a basement renovation or any other type of work demands that you thoroughly research both your project and your contractor, and maintain good communication. If you do that you'll almost certainly have a positive experience.

1) never hire a contractor without a city license (*note - where applicable).
2) call in to WSIB and make sure your contractor has proper workplace insurance.
3) call their commercial insurer.
4) call references and visit the jobs in person.

Remember that nobody else can do this for you (unless you're using a service such as ours). It is your responsibility and you must take it seriously!

You can view this article with photos on our website.

This article was written by Trevor A. Bouchard
President & CEO of QuickContractors.com Inc.

For more information go to: http://www.QuickContractors.com

Oh God The Contractor From Hell

Remodeling Your Kitchen and Bathroom Cabinets

Refurbishing the kitchen and the bathroom is a great way to give a new look to your home and also adding to its resale value. There are certain issues like the plumbing set-up and some gadgets and fixtures remodeling a kitchen or a bathroom becomes quite an expensive project at times. A cabinet redo is a very intelligent way to give these two much-used units of your home, a very new look and that too by dint of a very affordable price.

As the cabinets are the most essential and primary aspect of these two rooms, remodeling them can do wonders and that is done at a less expense. The whole process is a very time-consuming and grueling one and you should set off with it only if after careful scrutiny, you feel that your cabinets genuinely require an update and are never a wastage of your energy as well as money.

Some remodeling processes concerning kitchen and bathroom are as simple as a pot of mineral spirits and paint. But you should make sure that the time, energy and the money you spend should be meaningful. You check your existing cabinets very minutely and only after that should you decide whether to go about the refurbishing process at all. You should ensure that some potential faults like gaps between fitted cabinets, dislocated doors and defective drawers are not there after the refinish. Sometimes there are certain fittings that are never made good by any kind of refurbishing project. That causes an useless drain of time and money. You should start with a project and look for different styles and themes only if you are absolutely sure of the effect that it would bring.

Refinishing Techniques

Just a fresh coat of paint is not all in a cabinet redo process. It includes a number of other ways in order to give your kitchen or bathroom a very new look. In case the cabinets are very greasy and dirty due to constant use then cleaning them up with a good-quality bleaching can be a good and cost-effective way to give it a new look. A concoction of linseed oil, bleach and boiling water is a very effective cleaner which brightens up the cabinet. If this cleaning procedure is not enough then you can peel off the existing paint from the wood and apply a fresh coat. Some people like the simple wood finish of their cabinet.

In that case you can just stain the wood and put a layer of polyurethane to protect the grain. But if you are totally inclined to change the look altogether then you can always select a new color in accordance with the total dcor of the kitchen as well as your home in totality. Special kinds of painting processes like rag-rolling or sponging gives a very unique texture to the wood.

When kitchen or bathroom remodeling is concerned then refinishing just the cabinets may be a very good or the only way to give them a spick and span look again. Let your own creativity give birth to newer ideas with which you can update the rooms and personalize them according to your taste and preference.

Chester Ebenhart routinely creates news stories on news corresponding to gevalia commercial coffee machines. You can see his contributions on gevalia commercial coffee machines and gevalia coffee makers over at http://www.coffee-espresso-maker-tips.com

Simple Light Switch Replacement

Remodeling Off a Cliff

Recently people have been spending big money for remodeling and using "resale" as an excuse to spend outrageous amounts of money. But if you have to sell your house in today's market it could be a loser's game.

Many people are actually refinancing their homes to do the remodels and going into serious debt to pay for the work. They are essentially financing the remodel for significantly longer than most trendy improvements, i.e. granite countertops and stainless steel appliances.

This leads us to our first rule.

1. If you have to refinance to pay for the work, you can't afford it.
2. Clean up. It's a lot of work, but worth the time. Clean, orderly homes always resale better.
3. Get rid of junk. When I have my houses for sale there is nothing sitting on the floor or impeding traffic flow even in the closets.
4. Remove wallpaper and put up soft neutral paint inside and out. Modern buyers do not like wallpaper.
5. Pay more attention to street appeal than interior decorating. Cute houses resell better and faster than other houses.

This last point...the one about street appeal...is the biggest one you need to have on your side if you need to resale fast. How your house looks from the street matters more than your interior. If buyers don't like the outside they won't even come in to see what you have done inside.

If you own a house that has no street appeal in a good neighborhood you might have a great chance to make money even in a slowing real estate market.

But how do you get street appeal?

It is tough. Just ask all the builders who are stuck with inventories of unsold homes. Street appeal is a moving target. Here are some strategies and recommendations.

1. Try to improve the landscaping pushing it out enough to frame the house rather than hiding it.
2. Make a nice wide path to the door.
3. Paint and use more than one color.
4. Make sure all colors work together including the roof.
5. Add some rock.
6. Frame out windows.
7. Stay true to the architecture of the house both inside and out.

You can no longer just throw a house up for sale and expect it to be easy. You have to work at it. Those first days the property is on the market can never be done over. Do your homework and don't put your house on the market until it is ready.

Clean it up, price it competitively and make it the cutest house on the block. Don't follow all the remodeling gurus along with the crowd right off a cliff.

Paula G Stone and George R (Ron) Stone have a note buying business. Their company buys mortgage notes as well as helps home sellers offer owner financing to sell their home fast and for top dollar while selling the private mortgage note at a simultaneous closing. Learn more about note buying and selling at Selling Mortgage

Long Dryer Vent Problems

Building Green With Steel

Over the years many developers, builders and architects have put their focus on creating environmentally responsible or sustainable buildings. Steel buildings fit these requirements beautifully! Using a steel building for your next building is an environmentally sound choice as well as a safe one, as steel can be recycled and then remanufactured into new pieces that retain their structural integrity. Steel offers many advantages over wood-frame construction over and above their environmental benefits.

In the past steel was primarily used for railroads and automobiles, today though it is quickly becoming the choice material for new buildings. Due to steel's resistance to both fire and earthquake it is a favorite building material for areas where these risks are predominant, such as California and Hawaii.

Steel is lightweight, making it easier to work with and cheaper to ship and store than lumber. Steel buildings are also easier to carry and move around a jobsite, so there is less strain put on construction workers who are putting together steel buildings. Steel buildings are manufactured to strict standards to ensure quality, and they do not contain twists or knots like traditional building materials, nor will they ever get them so you're building with straight parts when you build a steel building which of course, saves in labor and frustration.

Construction-grade steel already uses approximately 70% recycled content and generates very little waste during production. In fact, Absolute Steel buildings are certified to be 67% recycled materials. It is noncombustible and also resists insect infestation. When the steel is no longer needed (such as when a building is demolished) it can be fully recycled into new steel products.

Steel buildings are non-toxic and don't off-gas, keeping the indoor air free of contaminants. It had a rigid composition that makes it the perfect choice for building in a high-wind area. Steel buildings do not absorb water or dry out so one never has to worry about cracking or rotting during the lifetime of the building.

Did you know steel is the most recycled material in the whole world, since any type of steel can be recycled endless times to make new steel products? It takes 75% less energy to produce recycled steel than new steel. In fact, for every ton of recycled steel produced, 2500lbs of iron ore is saved as well as 1000lbs of coal and 40lbs of limestone.

Steel is certainly the product that should be used to build a strong building, as it will not warp, split or rot, will not grow mold and is extremely resistant to wind, fire and insects. Steel also has about a 200 year lifespan, giving steel buildings more longevity than their lumber-built counterparts.

Although on the surface it would appear that steel framing is more expensive than wood, building with steel offers many advantages that certainly offset the cost. Steel allows for different, more complex designs and hold up better in extreme climates, which in turn leads to lower insurance premiums.

In closing, steel buildings are more energy efficient, have minimal maintenance, and are certainly more environmentally friendly than their wood counterparts. Old steel buildings that are no long maintainable can be 100% recycled into new building materials with a minimum of effect on the environment. If you are considering a switch to a building material that helps the environment while providing a safe and secure place for your business or family then a steel building should be at the top of your list.

For more information on steel buildings, visit AbsoluteRV.com

Need Help Remodeling In Carlsbad

Remodeling Books Save Time and Money

The other day, I was surfing the Internet and came upon an online home building bookstore that put together a website with the best-selling home building books on the market today. These books range from basic carpentry to advanced structural engineering and everything else you could possibly think of that could be related to the home building, selling, remodeling and construction process.

I couldn't believe the simple and easy to use. Here's a list of some of their books selections.

Photo Guide to Home Repair - The most up-to-date, complete, and useful guide to home repair a homeowner can have. With more than 350 projects and 2300 photos, virtually every home repair challenge.

Exterior Siding, Trim & Finishes - This first ever compilation by Fine Homebuilding on the popular subject provides builders with ideas for choosing the correct finishes for home exteriors, plus solid how-to information.

Flipping Houses - This book is designed for realty investors who want to profit from buying below market, making cosmetic improvements to add value, and then quickly reselling.

Bathroom Remodeling - Remodeling a bathroom is a challenge - it's action-oriented and requires extra energy and stamina. But you, undoubtedly, realize it's a challenge you want to take on.

One $20 house building books or home repairs book, can save you lots of money, if you're willing to do a little research and the labor to complete almost any home building project.

By the way, if you're interested in learning how to repair a roof, build your own house, interior decorating, structural engineering, building a deck, gathering some more information about home painting or even remodeling your bathroom. Our online home building bookstore can save you money if you're willing to do the work.

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

If your looking for some more Home Remodeling Pictures or home building ideas

Electric Dryer Gas Conversion Ki

Barn Home Conversions

Although not a new method of building a home, barn conversions are becoming more and more popular these days. The problem facing most families wanting to convert a barn into a home is the lack of know how involved in it.

It's needless to say that there are many barns in various shapes and sizes all around. Many are in bad shape. Please don't make the mistake of buying one that is labeled a unique fixer upper opportunity. Don't fool yourself. If a barn has gotten into the shape where the boards are falling off the sides, unless you're buying it for parts, my suggestion is to leave it alone. By the time the boards start falling off, there's major flaws. The main trouble would probably be that the girts are rotting and the fasteners (nails) are turning loose.

When I built my home from an old centennial barn, there wasn't even a handful of books and reference websites available on the subject. And when I talked with contractors on the subject, the most common response I got was a blank stare. Fortunately I was able to talk to some barn builders that had been in the trade for decades and were willing to share ideas on how it could be done.

One of the most daunting tasks was to repair the weather damage and remove the layers of dirt that had accumulated over the years. My particular barn was used to shelter horses and a few milk cows.

There are two methods of converting a barn.

The first method is to use standard residential construction practices, essentially making the barn into a standard construction home. Nine times out of ten after this type of renovation takes place, the barn no longer looks like a barn but looks more like a stylized residence. And the cost with this method sometimes exceeds standard residential construction.

The second method and the one my wife and I chose to use, employed the same materials the barn was built with. I went to the local saw mill and bought rough sawed boards to make up the interior walls and floors. Even the doors and windows were hand built with this type of method. We just made sure the house was well insulated and all the cracks were closed. This method saved us thousands of dollars and kept the charm of the old barn intact.

Tim Davis is a veteran Architectural Designer who also teaches architecture and drafting over the internet http://houseplandrafting101.net He is currently in the process of writing an Ebook entitled "How to Turn a Barn into a Home". The info page for updates on this ebook can be found at http://draftingservice.us/barnhomes

Resolving Home Remodeling Anxiet

Carpet Dye: What You Should Know

If you want your carpets to take on a new look and don't want to spend the money to replace them you should consider carpet dye. It's a low cost alternative that will give your carpet a total face lift.

Both nylon and wool carpets can be dyed. Polyester, polypropylene, and acrylic cannot be dyed. The current color of your carpet will determine what color you can dye your carpet. For example if your carpet is red and yellow dye and you would get an orange carpet. Of if your carpet was blue and you added red you would get a purple carpet. White and light beige carpet can be dyed any color but you can never get a deep black. You can never go lighter when dying carpet, only darker.

There are two common methods used to dye carpet. One is by spraying the dye using a want that produces between 150 and 500 pounds of pressure. If you are performing a total color change this method can have some issues with penetration.

The second method is to apply the dye with a rotary scrubber which has nylon bristles. The machine is moved across the carpet in an overlapping pattern so no areas are missed. You need a great deal of experience to get a professional look but the penetration is excellent and its' the best method of the two.

You must be sure to use professional carpet dye to ensure your carpet dye job works. Just like a bad hair dye you can get a bad carpet dye too. Fiber pro dyes are designed to work on nylon, wool, and carpets that have a stain resistant coating. The colors are bright and they are fade resistant. You need to know what the material of your carpet is and ensure that it is capable of being dyed. Because dying a carpet is a complex procedure it would be in your best interest to have a professional come into your home, have a look, and let you know if your carpet can be dyed, how well it will take, and how much it will cost.

If you are having touch up work done a professional will use a match system to match up the color as close as possible. Automobiles often have their carpeting dyed and the professionals will match the carpet as close as possible to the original.

When the carpet dye is applied it is applied to the surface and the lightly brushed into the nap. The professional will know the exact amount of dye to apply to your carpet to obtain the color choice. To find a good professional make some calls to local carpet dealers. Remember you can use carpet dying to do touch up on spots that have had color discoloration or removal due to bleach.

Carpet dying is truly an art form. If you are going to give it a try yourself and eliminate the cost of the professionals I encourage you to get some scrap carpet, hopefully in a similar color to what you are going to dye, and then practice, and practice some more. If you feel confident you can do it, go for it. But remember the cost of the professional might be a good investment of money because you could wreck your entire carpet.

Carpet dye is an excellent way to give your carpet an affordable face lift and get a few more years out of it. It's also a good choice if you have changed your decor and your carpets no longer fit. So be sure to call a professional to find out more about the carpet dye option.

John Murray makes it easy to go through the carpet buying process and provides tips to keep your carpet lasting long. To learn more and receive your free mini-course visit the carpet rugs website.

Stud Spacing And Wall Framing

How to Remodel Your Home Without Demolishing Your Marriage

In the eleven years that my husband and I have been together we have moved five times; we have built four homes, and remodelled four others. I am very familiar with what a couple can expect 'under the influence' of construction. Beyond this, my husband is the founder and owner a very successful Design/Build firm in the San Francisco Bay Area, so we have a lateral view of what many, couples go through, over and over again.

The emotional tax during a remodel is very real, indeed. Yet because there is little available information about it we tend to take the hard rout. We think, "Oh, it's not as bad as other people make it out to be!" or "If we don't make a big deal about it, everything will be just fine." And, actually, what choice do we have?

Less than halfway into it, many couples realize that not only is there a huge emotional side to their project, but that it is far bigger than they had imagined it could be. We have all heard about couples who divorced, or nearly separated, after building their dream home. Answers to the question of "why" are limitless, but the bottom line is this: if they knew what to expect and/or had some guidance, they may have still liked each other once their home was finished. Remodelling is a huge deal, and it is not for the faint of heart or the uninformed. Even if you have a very strong marriage, there are likely to be emotional side-effects you would rather avoid, and could, if you exercise the care necessary ahead of time.

Because of my own challenges with this personal aspect to remodelling, I had searched everywhere including book stores under home-construction; home-remodelling, and even the self-help aisle. But I found little that paid the slightest attention to the emotional fallout of home-remodelling. It was just as frustrating to search on-line for any comprehensive guidance that could arm couples ahead of time. All I was looking for was something that would both confirm, and ease, the impact home-remodelling has on domestic life and -not least of all- on marriage.

Remodelling is a multi-layered entity to say the least. There is the physical project which is worth many, many layers all by itself, and then there is real-life before, during, and after the project. As involved as the project will be, your relationship needs equal care and consideration.

I sincerely hope that this article will aid in revealing some common (though not so strange) issues before they become problematic, and lessen the element of disappointment in those you can not foresee.

The sense of accomplishment that comes with witnessing your project to its completion can be very satisfying indeed. The greater reward of such projects, however, is the sense that the experience has brought you and your spouse closer together; that you can enjoy looking back on it ALL with more pleasure than pain; and that the great care you took of your relationship will fill your new home with the natural air of completion, and comfort. These are memories in the making for you both, so it is important to be aware of what is happening between you as you grow your new home together.

My goal is to help you position yourselves for offering greater kindness to one another throughout your entire building process.

Nine Essential Steps.

Essential Step #1

Decide together, that you need to decide how to communicate with each other

Revise your skills; explore new Skill-sets. Buy a book on effective communication for couples, and READ it together. Take a short workshop TOGETHER. But make it fun because fun is an important binder which makes learning something potentially 'ho-hum' much more... well FUN! The more intelligent you are the more you will need it, simple because you are more likely to reasonably talk yourselves out of it. But take my word for it, find a way to agree on your communication styles, and (I'll say it again) have FUN with it because you will need to be able to deal with potentially uncomfortable issues when neither of you feels like it, or when you are both exhausted.

Essential Step #2

Decide on what is true for you!

a. Do you really want that library? Is it essential that you buy your tile from Italy? Can I really live without a room of my own for my projects? When we remodelled our kitchen I hadn't thought about recycling. What a blunder on my part because I believe in recycling. I could kick myself because what's true for me is that I feel responsible for how I live on my planet. So, that is a value I neglected at the time. Why? Honestly, I just didn't want to argue with my husband over it. That's ridiculous! But I learned Essential Step #2 from it and have applied it elsewhere, thank goodness.

b. Champion your partner's truth. This is very important. It is a very engaged form of active-love that pays dividends. When your partner trusts that you not only know what they want, but that you will protect it, everyone relaxes. Remember that you have to ask them what they are not willing to give up; what they absolutely must have to feel satisfied with the design or handling of the job; and what they definitely do not want. Please do not forget to think of your own answers to these and other questions of your own. Once you are clear about what you want you must tell your partner. If they are to be on your side when you need them they must be informed. We generally can not be expected to support what we do not know about. Even when we are aware of our partners needs it is still sometimes difficult to keep it all together.

Essential Step #3

Make the commitment!

Yes, you are actually going to do this remodel. So often one person is on board completely with the project and the other one isn't that keen, but they tell themselves, "we need the room," or "It will make her happy," or "my husband decided ...so I had to go along!" Whatever your reasons and/or reservations, if you are moving forward with the project then do what ever you needed to do to get on board with the reality of it, and plan together how to make it work for you both. When one of you can not wait to begin, and the other is not enthusiastic at all, you will likely create deferred resentment. And for good reason I am afraid. Someone's feelings, opinions and needs, are not being taken care of. Both of you need to win, and both of you need to feel safe and supported if this is going to go as smoothly as possible.

Essential Step #4

Accept the idea of multiple choices!

1. Mono-Way

2. This or That Way

3. Sky-Way

This step provides flexibility. Think Bamboo verses Oak. When considering these nine steps, remember that you have as many choices as you can dream up. In other words, stay away from the mono-way attitude I call MWOTH (MY WAY OR THE HIGHWAY). Remove the stifling air of a stale-mate as in the either/or (this or that way) choice. Brainstorm! The sky is the limit when it comes to ideas. That's sky-way. Make it a game. How many solutions can you each come up with in 60 seconds? Whoever has the most choices, wins. Let yourselves have fun with it; be silly and outrageous; be real and practical too. The point is not to edit yourself, or each other, when playing this game. You will be surprised at the very practical ideas you can build together from just one ridiculous notion.

Essential Step #5

Choose your POA!

a. What is a POA? Position Of Attitude means: adopt how you want to be with the larger picture. Do you want power-struggles? Do you want the culture of your relationship to continue to feel friendly and efficient? Do you want it to feel honourable, clear and unencumbered? Do you have realistic expectations? How do you want to behave when problems come up; personal disagreements; billing issues; budget concerns? The more you think about, discuss, and decide on ahead of time (in terms of how you will be with each other at such times) the better you will likely preserve intimacy. Intimacy and trust are the assets most often at risk during power-struggles and blaming.

b. Decide what out-come you want. This sounds simple enough but it is worth re-claiming. Do you want this to be a happy experience? Do you care more about the bottom-line than about how you treat one another? Is there a middle ground that has wiggle room for you both? Is there a way to view it all so that the budget remains sane AND you don't shatter your relationship over an inflexible iron will?

If you do actually care more about the bottom line, then you have a real challenge. Either you should admit it and deal with the consequences, or find some way to soften your approach so others don't turn on their heels and run away from you as fast as they can. You may really want to preserve your intimacy, and your partner's trust that you are always safe for them to problem solve with (or whatever). However, maybe you've been accused of being really controlling or perhaps even overbearing. In this case, you may feel it is important to find a way to get a grip on what drives you to the point of loosing your grip on the big picture. An active decision to deal with this part of yourself, is a huge act of love that your husband or wife will absolutely notice.

c. Accept the idea of multiple choices: Remember this from Essential Step #4? This is a great tool to bring into building your position of attitude. You can choose what ever attitude you want to have. Remember that the attitude you already have is one you are allowing yourself to have. I know that you didn't come by it accidentally. You earned it through time and experience. Yet, have you ever noticed that there are statistics to back up every point of view on just about anything you can dream up? It's the same with our attitude about anything. So, decide between a selection of attitudes you would most like to hold, and then find the evidence to back it up. It's there if you look for it.

d. From blame to game: The bottom line here is there is no room for blame. If you are creating this project together; championing one another; claiming and sharing your POA; brainstorming for fun and choices; if you are learning and declaring what is true for you... then there is no room for blame. You will find that you are both on the same team, and you're not just pretending to be. Your finished house will not give you back the love you laid at its foundation, nor can it replace the intimacy and trust you sacrifice to it for the sake of any part of it. And dollar equity alone feels very empty at the end of the day.

Essential Step #6

Creating Memories!

Develop an attitude of adventure. This is so important. Get real! Let's face it; this project is not essential to survival. It will make life easier; your friends may be impressed; you will have more room and hopefully everyone will have the space to be who they are in the new digs, but it is not a question of survival. Don't make it about survival. Make it about the adventure and about the stories you get to tell together for years after. You want to shoot for the kind of stories you can safely tell your grandchildren.

Essential Step #7

There are several solutions to every 'unique' problem!

This goes along with the idea of multiple choices. You don't get to misbehave just because you think your issues are unique and this exempts you from: giving up your mono-way attitude; or from effective brainstorming; or from championing your partner; or for that matter, from honouring what is really true for you. Solutions come from Ideas, and good ideas come from you. Recognize the possibilities that are unique rather than the problems that are unique. Brainstorm ways that the unique possibilities may actually take care of the issues at hand.

Very Essential Step #8

Do NOT give up your tools of sanity!

This kind of temporary situation will always take too long. If you practice yoga; if you go to the gym; if you meditate; play soft-ball; go for long walks; play scrabble; see your friends... what ever keeps you sane when life is normal, it is even more important to do them now! Do not accept anything less at this time, and I encourage you to really support one another in absolutely making this happen.

The love you two have, the history, the kids, the pets, the sorrows and the pivotal moments you share together, are all far too precious to compromise even over a house. It doesn't matter how much the house is worth now, or how much it will be worth.

Extremely Essential Step #9

Making it Count!

This remodel will take several months of your lives. Make the shared experiences count toward the overall quality of your relationship and toward the tone of your individual lives. This is a growth experience anyway you slice it. Make it count personally, and in what you learn about being in relationship. Make it count spiritually if you have that persuasion. Make it count in the examples you will set for your children or friends who will go through the same challenges on similar projects.

This final step is by far and away the one that I care most deeply about. In the work I do with grief coaching, it is so clear to me that radical changes in our lives create great losses for us as well as great opportunities. The losses ask us to grow up a little more, and the opportunities as us to share what we've learned. Tearing down and rearranging our home is an experience that stirs our core sense of survival. This is why many people do fly into a survival-mode during a building project. It taunts ALL instincts of self-preservation; currency, shelter, and domestic and emotional safety, to name just four. But remember that this is an optional 'danger'. It is as it were, both perceived and self inflicted. We volunteer to hold onto the image of a better life for ourselves. If all goes south, you could suffer a financial loss, but you probably won't die. Not unless you make yourself, and others close to you, sick with worry or fright.

So make this whole experience count toward who you want to be personally, with your family, and in the world. This way, no matter what happens, you will feel more able to handle anything, simply because you chose; committed to; and preserved who you wanted to be long before the issues arose and it became too overwhelming.

Suffice to say during times of great change we are asked to address our core values. We must do this for the sake of your mutual success, both personally and as a team. We are also being asked to face up to what we want most. These are the essential agreements that we must cling to when we have extreme anxiety, worry and fear. Take care of your selves, and take care of each other. If you begin with these essential steps, you will go very far in achieving success at every level. Your sense of personal pride will extend beyond yourself, and years from now only the glow of fond memories will arise when you remember this time together.

Please rate this article. See below to click on the star rating of your choice.

With my warmest gratitude.

Petalyn Swart Albert is a Personal Success Coach. She brings the benefit of many years of personal experience with home-building in terms of close relationships "...under the influence of construction...". Her Step-father designed and built homes for many years, and she is now married to a man she affectionately refers to as a serial-remodeller. She is well positioned to grasp the enormous stresses, and personal power-struggles that arise out of personal construction projects. This Article is part of a larger book she is writing by the same title. One of Petalyn's goals as a personal success coach is to work with more couples who plan to remodel or build their home.

Your comments and questions are welcome.

You can email Petalyn directly at: Remodellingcouples@comcast.net

Her web address is: http://remodelingcouples.blogspot.com/

Concrete Patio Gofer Damage

Become a Jack of All Trades - Vista Handyman

Leaky faucets, old shingles, fallen fence boards... For the manually minded individual it is possible to save literally thousands of dollars on repairs and maintenance every year. Jumping into a project can be intimidating for those who have thought about tackling those nagging home repair projects but aren't quite sure how to begin. With a little effort, gaining the tools and skills to fix things can not only save money but can bring a satisfaction that little else can.

The first thing that any handyman needs is a basic toolbox that includes things like screwdrivers, wrenches, hammers, level and measuring tape. For the amateur builder it may make sense to collect these tools individually as they are needed. Once acquired keep that toolkit in a good tool box to keep everything handy and in good shape. One never knows what will be needed again and gradually building a set of useful tools will make each subsequent job easier.

In their simplest form most repair jobs come down to two things: cutting and fastening. If you can't cut something on your own, the time that a job will take multiplies greatly. A saw is one of the most basic pieces of the handyman's toolkit but which type of saw for which job? A chop saw for short accurate cuts, a table saw for long accurate cuts or a skill saw for more general use? Each of these has distinct advantages but unless heavy duty work is anticipated a handheld skill saw or jigsaw can accomplish most small tasks. If you're willing and able to fork over a small chunk of change, many hardware stores carry bundles of power tools that can include skill saws, reciprocating saws, drills etc. While the combo can be a little pricey it is one of the most efficient ways to acquire not only a saw but a set of all the basic power tools necessary for most jobs.

Whether you buy a bundle of power tools or look for deals separately, a reliable cordless drill with an extra battery is another essential tool that will make chores quicker and easier. Because a good drill is so versatile, it is the center of the handyman's world. Fasten any type of hardware and swiftly drill through anything from drywall to concrete. With a cordless battery backup it's always ready to get the job done.

Once the toolkit is assembled don't be afraid to take on new projects; with a little skill and the right research, most basic repairs are not outside of the reach of any amateur fixer. Many large hardware stores even offer free weekend clinics on a wide variety of topics. Sure, they are trying to sell their supplies but learning to do a job without the cost of a contractor usually saves hundreds of dollars in labor. Another great source of information is the growing number of periodicals dedicated to the part-time jack-of-all trades. By Taking advantage of these informative sources and gathering the tools for the job any would-be handyman is off to a great start.

For more information on being a handyman, visit http://handymanmagazines.com

7 Benefits of Making Your Own Electricity Windmill

With so much talk of global warming in recent years, the necessity of creating renewable energy sources is more evident than ever. One of the main sources available is to utilize the power of wind. The purpose of this article is to describe 10 benefits of making your own electricity windmill.

1. The Energy is Renewable - Unlike fossil fuels, wind power is completely renewable. As long as the wind blows, wind turbines will be able to harness the power and convert it to usable electricity.

2. Wind Power is Economic - Making a windmill to generate electricity for you home reduces the cost of your electricity. In some cases, it is possible to eliminate your power bill altogether, and if you generate excess electricity, the power company will pay you for your power.

3. The Cost is Relatively Low - If you were to hire a contractor to come in and install a windmill, it might cost you thousands of dollars. However, making your own windmill might cost you only a few hundred dollars. At that price, the windmill would pay for itself in savings.

4. The Assembly Is Not Difficult - Some people fear putting things together because they are not good with tools. There are so many guides on the internet, however, that not only give you a step-by-step guide, but also video tutorials, that anyone can put a windmill together with only a few days work.

5. The Materials Are Readily Available - Any materials you might need can be ordered on the internet. You can also purchase most of the parts you need at your local hardware store.

6. There is No Additional Cost - Besides the occasional repair, once you have built and installed the windmill, there is nothing more you need to do. This means the savings of having a windmill will just pile up!

7. Wind Power is Environmentally Friendly - A windmill operates using natural energy sources. Therefore, there are not negative byproducts such as smog or sludge, and there hardly any environmental impact.

Wind power is one of the best ways to generate electricity for a home, and there are many economic and environmental benefits for using a windmill. In this time of economic hardships, you almost can't afford not to give making your own electricity windmill a shot.

Did you find this article helpful?

For more helpful tips and reviews of do-it-yourself renewable energy solutions, visit http://diyrenewableenergysolutions.blogspot.com/

Basic Types of Bathtubs

Bath tubs are very common luxury in bathrooms. Taking warm bath in bath tub make you feel comfortable and relaxed. People all around the world install them in their bathrooms because of relaxation and other associated benefits. Due to high demands they are now available in various designs and materials that include traditional and modern designs as well. Traditional designs have antique and beautiful look. Now day's traditional designs are available with modern touch and pattern.

Types of Bath Tubs

There are seven basic types of bath tubs available in the market.

• Clawfoot Tubs
• Pedestal Tubs
• Drop-in Tubs
• Whirlpool Tubs
• Corner Tubs
• Recessed Tubs
• Hot Tub

Clawfoot Tub

Name indicates that tub has claw or ball shaped feet. It is one of the oldest design have antique look. Basic design consists of slanted back and straight front. These tubs are normally made up of cast iron, porcelain on steel or acrylic. They do not need any specific carpentry work. It is free standing tub with uncovered pipes. Wall mounted or floor mounted faucets can be used. It also has hole for over flow and drain. Some designs also have additional holes for faucets.

Pedestal Tubs

It is a kind of freestanding oval shaped tub without feet. Material used to make base of the tub is different from exterior surface but it is treated and processed to match with material of exterior surface. Some types do not have holes for faucets. Due to this tubs will have deeper water level. Some models also have hand showers for comfortable rinsing. Towel rail can also install on one or both ends of tub. These tubs are available in porcelain, cast iron and acrylic. It is necessary to check that material used is rust free.

Drop-in Tubs

They are designed to overcome the problems related to floor mounted bathtubs such as there is always a risk to get slipped when you are taking high step to come out from the tub. Drop-in bathtubs are mounted on deck in separate frame. This type is expensive to install. Material used to make tub are light weight fiber glass, acrylic and plastic. Some designs also have faucets but designs with out faucets are also available. In such design faucets can be mounted on walls. Commonly they are installed at the corner. They are perfect for sitting and soaking feet.

Whirlpool Tubs

These tubs offer relaxing hydro massage with controlled water circulation. They are also available in different installation design such as drop in or free standing tubs. Installation requires special framing, water heaters, electrical circuits and electronically controlled speed pumps with variable speed. These tubs are available in different materials that include cast iron, fiber glass and acrylic. They are available in broad range of colors, sizes and designs.

Corner Tubs

These tubs are normally triangular in shape have one finished and two unfinished sides. They are designed to save space. They can be of any shape but two sides are backed against wall. They don't have integrated showers. Drains are present in the middle or in one corner of tub. These tubs are also available in acrylic, cast iron, porcelain and fiber glass.

Recessed tubs

These tubs are very popular because of affordability and space efficiency. They have walls on three sides and only one side has decorative finish. They are available in number of different shapes such as square, round, rectangular, diamond and heart shape. Material used to make these tubs include cast iron, porcelain, fiber glass and acrylic. Some designs have integrated faucets and some do not. Hand held shower can installed for comfortable rinsing.

Hot Tub

These are huge tubs include water heater offers relaxing hydrotherapy. Tubs have jets present on both sides i.e. inside and out side. Electric or gas heater is used to heat the water. They also have pumps, pillows and grab rails. They are available in two configurations lounger and non -lounger. Electrical work must be performed with qualified electrician. Hot tub is expensive bathroom fixture and needs more maintenance as compared to other types. Cleaning and disinfection is very necessary to avoid microbial growth in bathtub.

If you further wants to know about the different issues related to bathtubs you can visit this site http://www.theyarelocal.com/articles/home_improvement_tips/bathroom/index.php it will provide you useful information about important issues of Bathtubs.

Redesign Your Home Into Your Dream Home

What could you do with $150,000? You could buy a small, modest home in some communities. You could sell your home and move to a larger home. Or you could redesign and personalize your current home so that, although it will appear average on the outside, looking undistinguished from the neighbours, there is absolutely nothing average about the interior once the work is complete.

Exactly what sort of project are we talking about? Interior renovations and redesign with minimal, if any, work being done to the exterior of the home. Most often such a project will include all the areas that make up the entertaining zones of a house kitchen, dining room, living room, entry, hallway, and a powder room or washroom basically just the areas that guests would definitely see. Sometimes these projects also include the staircase, and depending on the scope of the space planning changes and original layout of the house, some slight modifications to the bedrooms may come about as well. More often than not, these projects involve structural work, plumbing, electrical, and tons of finishing work.

Usually when such a major project is undertaken, part of the purpose is to create a more open-concept space within the existing exterior walls. Although it is easy to presume that fewer walls equates to fewer costs, this is a major misconception when it comes to renovations, because there are many more issues that have to be addressed:

Chances are that at least one wall to be removed is currently load bearing (structural). The load will have to be temporarily supported until the new permanent structural elements are properly in place. A consultant (structural engineer or similar) should be involved.

In many municipalities, a permit is not required for a simple renovation, but the minute you start touching anything structural a permit becomes a mandatory acquisition and expense not to mention a potential delay if the application was not submitted early enough. Check with your municipality for specific details concerning timing, cost, necessity, and other pertinent information.

When you demolish a wall, you are left with a damaged area of flooring which usually necessitates replacing the entire floor. On occasion you can get away with installing a coordinating or contrasting inlay of another flooring material, but this tends to cost in labour alone what a whole new installed floor would cost.

Demolishing a wall also creates the need for repair on the ceiling and on any adjoining perpendicular walls. Although not an expensive fix, it is certainly costlier than just plastering a few nail holes or other imperfections.

Electrical wiring, outlets and light switches all have to be rewired and relocated.

Pipes, plumbing stacks, ventilation conduits, ducting, and the like, all have to be relocated to be concealed within floor/ceiling constructions and within walls that will remain.

As with any renovation project, labour accounts for approximately 30% of the total budget. Consultants fees (designers, engineers, etc.) and contingencies (unforeseen circumstances) are both higher for this scope of work than for a simple renovation project.

What motivates homeowners to go to this extreme with interior redesign and renovations? There is actually no typical homeowner profile for projects of this scale. Sometimes a house has been purchased inexpensively and putting a large amount of money into renovations would still be within the purchasers budget and not bring the total too far over the market value. Other times a family has lived in the home for many years, the mortgage is either paid off or now quite low, and they just cant imagine moving, so major renovations are the best solution to meet their changing needs. Sometimes such projects come about due to physical needs; major renovations are often required to make a home fully usable to someone in a wheelchair who wants to maintain their independence. It is also common that an older parent moves in with his/her adult child and their family in this case renovations would be done to facilitate both added privacy and improved family space. The reasoning behind investing so much into a home is completely based on personal and/or family-life lifestyles and dynamics, budget and finances, changing needs, a love of the home and its location, and so much more.

The implications of such a major redesign on a home vary as much as peoples reasons for taking on such projects in the first place. Depending on both the specifics of your project, and the community in which your home is located, the value of your home may increase by about as much as the budget of the project, or as little as about 25% of the value of the renovation. Property values could be discussed with a knowledgeable and experienced local real estate agent prior to commencing the project. It is important to remember which information the real estate agent can provide that is of value to you it is not in a real estate agents field of expertise to counsel you concerning wood species for cabinetry, and his/her personal opinions should be taken exactly as such. However, you will want to listen to his/her point-of-view concerning the benefits or negative implications of things such as creating a huge washroom vs. a walk-in closet for the master bedroom, or a home theater room vs. a larger kitchen with a cozier family room. But in the end, it is your needs from your home and space that should have the final word on how the project unfolds. Possible implications extend beyond resale value. Also on those lines though, are property taxes and ease of sell-ability. Even if you are increasing your homes value by $75,000, there is a chance that it will take longer to find the right buyer should you ever decide to sell it is sometimes a bit of a challenge to sell a home priced significantly higher than others in a neighbourhood, no matter the justification for the price.

One implication of large-scale redesign projects, which has to be taken into account during the design phase, is temperature control. Especially if you are opening-up the floor plan, you will want to keep in mind that the walls you have now play a role in stopping cold air from the front door from blowing straight through to the back of your home. In summer months, the walls prevent hot sunlight from reaching areas from all sides. How sound travels through your home will also be affected with fewer walls present. Your requirements from your kitchen ventilation might also have to be reevaluated. If you have any young children, or pets, you may find it more difficult to restrict them from certain areas (such as the kitchen when the oven is hot) without walls or doorways. At the same time though, you will have better visibility of your home from almost any given area. Communication with a family member from the next room will be effortless. The sense of isolation that often comes with being in the kitchen to prepare a meal will be a thing of the past.

With little effort, you can prepare a list pages-long of the pros and cons of open concept floor plans, and major redesign projects in general. Everyone you speak to will have strong opinions about your project, its goals, and the alternatives available to you. Keep in mind that others preferences do not affect how you and your family use your home; some of us function at our best with smaller but more numerous rooms, while others thrive in open space. The only way to ensure that a project of this scale will be all that you dream of and more, is to hire the proper professionals interior designers, engineers, general contractors, or others, early enough in the planning phases. Before committing yourself to a contract with anyone whom you will have to work closely with, make sure that the right chemistry exists between you your input and questions should be welcomed by them, and their responses and reactions to you should give you a sense of confidence.

Karen S. Weiner is the owner and principal interior designer of Idealspace Design in Montreal, Quebec (Canada). http://www.idealspacedesign.com

Arrange Your Furniture to Save Energy

There's an old saying: "Every little bit helps," and it has a wide range of applications. Energy conservation and heat-saving tricks are no exception. First there are the big remodeling steps we can take to improve home efficiency: new windows, doors, appliances, insulation, and more. But there are also the little things, such as new light bulbs and programmable thermostats that add up to make a big difference. Now we go even further outside the box to arranging furniture to save energy. Considering the large amount of furniture most of us have at home, arranging it all with energy efficiency in mind can have a significant impact.

Keep your electric heat inside

Computers, televisions, lamps, and other household appliances produce a decent amount of heat while running. Anyone who has set their hand on the back of the TV or felt the warm glow of overhead lighting can attest to that. This is not an encouragement to leave these devices on all the time, but it is a good reason to move them away from exterior walls. This due to the fact that much of the heat they create can be lost through the wall, especially if tight insulation is lacking.

Avoid the draft

Just as heat escapes through the walls, cold air gets in through windows and doors. This creates draft zones, or areas that feel colder than the rest of the house. Arrange seating -- couch, desk, etc. -- away from windows and doors to avoid these drafts (in addition to winterizing your house). Quite often we end up running the heater much more than necessary because we're sitting in the coldest part of the house.

Creative insulation

Tall bookshelves full of books act as insulation against heat loss. These you want on exterior walls. Even artwork or tapestries provide some value.

Don't obstruct heating vents

This is a common mistake when arranging furniture. Keep the sofa or bed off of heating vents if at all possible. This stops or significantly slows the progress of heat throughout the house, forcing your heater to wear itself out spending energy.

Solar eclipse

In winter it is vital that south windows be allowed to collect sunlight. This is direct gain passive solar heating at its most basic level. But blinds, shades, or curtains provide some insulation value against heat loss at night and heat gain in the summertime when you don't want that direct sunlight.

Add it up

These are some creative ways to "energize" your house and are open for interpretation and addition. Just about any material hung on a wall will have some kind of insulation value. None of them are answers for uninsulated walls or poor performing windows. They will, however, make a difference and make winter living a bit more comfortable for you while you contemplate those larger upgrades for your next remodeling project.

This smart article was contributed by Dan Harding of CalFinder. Read more of Dan's writing about green remodeling and residential solar power.