How Wide Should I Make My Carport? Planning Your Next Project

Whether you live in a home with or without a garage, you might be thinking about building a new carport. You've came to the right place and by the time you're done reading this article, you should have acquired a little more valuable information for your next home remodeling project.

Some homeowners install carports in front of their garage, on the side of their homes or even in their driveway. Car ports can be built anywhere on your property, as long as you have enough room and access to these areas for a car to be parked safely.

The most important thing to remember, when building a carports, is the width that will be required to park your vehicle underneath it. You will need to allow plenty of room, so that you will be able to access your vehicle comfortably.

There are plenty of carports, all over the country that are built right next to something, like a retaining wall, the side of your home or even another garage. I myself have parked in carports that were too small and over a period of time became an annoying inconvenience.

The minimum width that I would build any carport would be 10 foot wide, if you're going to build your carport next to a building, I would suggest that you park your car, open your door and measure the width of your car, with your door open.

This will give you a comfortable width for building your new carport. This is the best advice I could give anyone, who is planning on building a carport.

Garage Building Tips

If you're thinking about building a garage and San Diego County, we would be glad to help, for more information click on this link San Diego Garage Building

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.

Small Bathroom Design Ideas - Vanities, Mirrors, and Lighting

When you are working with a small bathroom, try focusing on design ideas that either create more space or create the illusion of more space. The most popular ways to do this is with vanities, mirrors, and lighting. By using proper sizes and spacing techniques, you can have a small bathroom that is just as functional as a larger one.

Vanities: One of the best ways to use a vanity to maximize space in a small bathroom is to install a wall-mounted vanity. Choose a vanity with a lot of storage space underneath and that includes drawers. This will allow you to remove towel racks from the walls and either install them on the inside of the vanity doors or simply store the towels in a drawer. Another popular option for creating more floor space is to select a vanity that fits in the corner. That way it utilizes what would otherwise end up as wasted space.

If you prefer a floor standing vanity, choose a small vanity or even a small pedestal sink. To recreate the storage space lost by doing this, install recessed shelving. These options will create the storage space you need while creating the clean look of more floor space.

Mirrors: Although you cannot use mirrors to truly create more space, you can use them to create the illusion of more space. Correctly using mirrors can add length, depth and width to your small bathroom. There are several ways to do this. Use the largest mirror possible over your vanity to reflect as much of the room as possible. This will create the illusion of more depth in the room. If you have enough space to do so, you can put two smaller mirrors on opposite walls, with the mirrors facing each other. This creates the illusion that the room does not end. If your room has a shower, you could even replace the shower door with a mirrored door.

Lighting: Proper lighting can be accomplished with windows, light fixtures, or both. Be sure that, whatever lighting options you choose, all corners of the bathroom are well lit. Having dark corners causes the bathroom to appear smaller.

When you are deciding how to adorn the windows in your small bathroom, consider using sheer or lace curtains. This allows more light in, making the room seem larger. If privacy is a concern, then try replacing the glass in your bathroom windows with frosted, etched, or stained panels.

You can also use several techniques with light fixtures. Try installing a strip of lights above the main mirror; this will proved fantastic light and create the illusion of more space. Recessed can lighting is also good. By sinking the lighting into the walls and ceiling you will maximize your wall space for that less is more look. You do not have to feel cramped in your small bathroom anymore. Following the tips above can help you create a bathroom that feels and looks larger than it really is. Add space and give it your personal touch.

Julia Ritzenthaler is Owner of boutique multiple online furniture stores, For more information about unique bathroom vanity ideas, visit us online or email us with your questions at uniquevanities@msn.com.

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

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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.

3 Things You Need to Know About Shower Head Water Filters

When I told a friend the other day that I had bought three shower head water filters for my house, she thought I was going a little overboard. Filtering your drinking and cooking water she could understand, but filtering bath and shower water? Honestly, she told me I had turned into a nut case.

Once I told her what I'm about to tell you, however, she saw why I was so insistent that shower filters are no longer a luxury, but a necessity for anyone interested in their health. And also she saw why I was so interested in finding the best shower filters to use in my home.

Basically there are three things you need to understand about shower filters.

1. Your skin is an organ, just as your stomach or intestines are.
2. There are a staggering number of pollutants in our water.
3. Filtered shower water makes you feel like a million bucks!

Let's take these three truths and talk about them point by point.

Your Skin

I had never thought about it until I started researching water filters and shower water filters specifically, but your skin is just as much a living, breathing organ as your lungs are.

This is going to sound a little naive (especially for a college educated guy), but I thought of skin as more of a covering. Kind of like a really well fitting body suit. But there's much more to your skin than just keeping dirt out of your body.

For one thing, you release as many toxins through your sweat as you do urinating. That's one of the reasons it feels so good to exercise or work in the yard and get a good sweat going.

Conversely, you intake toxins into your body through your skin just as easily as you can through your mouth.

So, all of those pollutants, carcinogens, and toxins that are making their way into our municipal water systems easily get into your body through your pores, which open when you bathe in warm water.

Water Quality

Speaking of pollutants!

Just to make sure you're on board with this whole water filtering thing, anyway, let's make sure you understand the sorry state of your municipal water system.

Let me just cite one study done recently which took at look at trace pollutants in the water systems of 29 major American cities. 29 out of 29 (that is, 100%) of these cities had at least one pesticide in their water. Several had two or more pesticides present, and one major American city even had three!

Of course, that's not the whole story. The way we purify our municipal water in this country is at least fifty to one hundred years old, yet most of the pollutants we're trying to get rid of were invented in the past thirty years.

Even our method of purification--the use of chlorine--is highly suspect, and some scientists even think that it's this very chlorine that has given rise to the dramatic cancer rates we now have.

There's Nothing Like It!

I hope you're convinced of the need for shower head water filters on all your home showers.

So, now comes the best part. Showering in filtered water is like no other experience you can imagine. (Well, it might be, but I'm not allowed to write about that here!)

To learn more about shower head water filters visit my website!

R. Lee Cole is an avid health and exercise enthusiast who loves to make his research available to everyone via the Internet. Check out Lee's website for more information about this important topic.

Take Pictures of Your Growing Foundation Damage Or Cracks

I champion people and try to get them to look at their house, at least once a year. One of the easiest ways to inspect your home is to use a home inspection checklist and if you really want a good home inspection checklist, there's a good chance that you are going to need to purchase one. You get what you pay for and don't ever forget that.

Foundation repairs usually start with a small crack and that's no joke. If you notice a crack, take a picture of it and save it somewhere. If you think, that the crack is actually getting a little bigger or starting to separate, you can simply take another picture and compare the two photos.

I would like to give you an example of what I'm talking about. Sometimes we look at something and we think that it's getting larger, but we don't have anything to compare it to. As time goes on, we think that the crack is still getting larger, but our mind is creating an optical illusion. This happens to a lot of people.

If you had a picture, from a few years ago, you could refresh your memory and this could be very helpful in reducing your anxiety or jumping to conclusions about foundation damage. Trust me, sometimes, I'm like a medical emergency crew, going to visit a homeowner to relieve their foundations stress. People panic over foundation cracks and I'm the doctor they call for any one of their home emergencies.

I would also advise you to take pictures of the rest of your home. How hard would it be to take about 300 pictures of your home each year and store them on your computer or on a disk, for easy access later? A picture is worth a thousand words and don't ever forget that.

Click Here for Some More Great Foundation Repair Solutions.

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

Ideas For Bathroom Vanity Furniture

The bathroom is an often overlooked room in terms of interior design, yet can be one of the most beautiful rooms in the house if treated and furnished correctly. The range of bathroom vanity furniture that is available these days allows some truly excellent design ideas to be incorporated into the room and not only is this to be enjoyed, but it can be a fantastic selling point should you wish to sell.

Of particular interest has been the rise in availability of stylish and innovative basins. These are available in a wide range of different materials, shapes, styles and colours, so if you want a traditional bathroom or a more modern look both can be accommodated.

Very popular at the moment are glass basins, these being made from reinforced and toughened glass that is shatterproof and hardy. They can be fitted to the wall, or onto the top of a stylish and impressive cabinet, and many are designed to give a stand alone look by appearing to simply be placed below the faucet or tap. This is a truly excellent way of making a bathroom look modern and contemporary, yet still remaining usable and practical.

If glass is not your thing these stylish sink basins can also be found in ceramics, painted or moulded to different colours and hues that add to the look of a contemporary bathroom design. The problems of the coloured bathroom suite - a long discarded idea that rendered many a bathroom ugly - are long gone as these colours are stunning, leading to tiled bathrooms that are colour coded to look stylish and chic.

For a more traditional look the old fashioned style of 'butlers sink' is proving very popular. These are large ceramic white rectangular basins that tend to mounted on a traditional style wash stand, yet are made to the exacting modern standards expected of today's bathroom furniture and are very beautiful indeed.

Adding a butlers sink to the bathroom created presence like no other, and is a very substantial and usable item that is both present day and traditional at the same time.

Further modern items include a wide range of wall mounted ceramic sinks, these designed to be either very modern in style - shallow dished sinks that appear to float from the wall - or very traditional, with the well known rectangular shape among the most popular on offer. White ceramic sinks are the most popular sellers, as they can be incorporated into any design.

Wash stands are a necessity too, with the old fashioned pedestal making way for more intricate supporting devices. The best looking of these are made to traditional styles from a variety of woods, and add grace and class to any bathroom design.

Faucets have taken on a design life of their own - the traditional mixer or split hot and cold taps, plus modern contraptions that supply water as a waterfall, a very effective and beautiful look - and are available to complement any style of sink basin that may fit your needs. Bathroom vanity furniture no longer needs to be a secondary consideration.

To learn more about choosing bathroom vanities, visit http://www.bathroomvanities101.com

Home Purchasing Checklists Provide Protection

Home purchasing checklists provide protection for consumers with useful information for future home repairs or current home repairs that will need to be done before the home is sold. Home inspectors often use checklists like these, while they're inspecting the home.

If more home shoppers used home inspection checklist while shopping for houses, we would probably have more satisfied homebuyers than dissatisfied ones. Recently just purchasing a home, we had our real estate professional, the previous homeowner's real estate professional and a mortgage lender, involved in the purchase of the property.

There was a home inspection report from the current homeowners, available for us to look at. It provided us with the damaged parts of the home that were repaired or replaced. Some of these repairs were from termite damage and it was stated so on the report. This was helpful information for us as we walked around the home inspecting it for damage.

The work that was repaired to look satisfactory and the rest of the home had minor damage. Listening to one of the real estate sales people that were involved in the transaction, you would've thought we would get in the deal of a lifetime and they had nothing but good news to say about the product they were representing. I easily understood that, this person could have influenced some one into believing that the home was in great shape, if they didn't have a home inspection checklist with them.

The home had been re-carpeted, painted and was in generally good shape. The problems with the home, were the old windows that were hard to open, the heating unit leaked gas, the tile flooring that ran through the kitchen and a large room addition looked great, except for one thing, they installed the tile over linoleum.

This eventually will have to be replaced as the tile starts to separate from the linoleum. While I'm writing this article, there's about 40 square feet of tile that needs to be replaced, because it's popping up and cracking.

A home purchasing checklist does not guarantee that you will find everything but can't eliminate some of the things that homeowners have the biggest problems with. If you could just eliminate one of these problems, the small price of purchasing, one of these checklists would be worth it.

Home purchasing checklists provide protection for the shopper and I would recommend, never shopping for a home without one.

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

By Greg Vandenberge

Most Secluded 5 Star Resorts in Australia

Australia is endowed with many hidden 5 star resorts and secluded luxury holiday destinations. Whether you are in the public eye and want to get away from the masses or simply like your privacy, you're sure to love the following resorts, our pick of the most secluded 5 star resorts in Australia:

1. Bedarra Island, North Queensland

Bedarra Island lies off the coast from Cairns and is perhaps the most private luxurious holiday resort in Australia. It has 16 secluded villas, each luxuriously appointed, in its own rainforest hideaway just minutes to the beach.

Relax on the balcony and soak in the beauty and calm of this private hideaway or take in a relaxing therapeutic massage without leaving your villa. Bedarra has plenty of water activities to enjoy or you can explore the tranquil private beaches.

Enjoy exquisite cuisine on the open-air terrace restaurant with freshly prepared local delicacies on the menu each day. A gourmet hamper or a romantic beach picnic can easily be arranged.

2. Lizard Island, North Queensland

Lizard Island, Australia's most northern resort, is a unique secluded paradise located on the Great Barrier Reef, 240 kilometres north of Cairns. It is a National Park with a lagoon and 24 soft sandy beaches. This five star resort is truly something out of the ordinary.

On Lizard Island you can enjoy the experience of both the inner and outer reef. Relax with a picnic hamper on a private beach or go snorkelling to see the giant clams, some reputed to be 120 years old and over a metre long. If you prefer, go diving at the world-famous Cod Hole or take a boat ride to the outer reef, renowned for its clarity and the variety of marine life and coral species.

3. Terrigal Hinterland B&B, New South Wales

Terrigal Hinterland B&B offers secluded opulent 5 star resort accommodation for couples. It is located at Wamberal on New South Wales Central Coast. Terrigal Hinterland B&B boasts two luxuriously appointed suites named Joy and Serenity.

Relax in the beautifully appointed guest lounge or take advantage of the sun drenched pool terrace. Enjoy the heated pool which has swim jets for a good work out or a relaxing gentle massage. An in-house massage can be arranged by appointment. Breakfast includes a fresh fruit platter and your choice of hot breakfast from the a la carte menu. For added indulgence, a limousine can be arranged to take you to selected restaurants in the area.

Terrigal Hinterland B&B in its secluded setting has the best of both worlds - the beach and the bush. It has all the comforts of a lavish retreat and still manages to be a harmonious and tranquil hideaway with a personal touch.

4. Southern Ocean Lodge, Kangaroo Island, South Australia

Southern Ocean Lodge is a luxury lodge located on a secluded cliff overlooking views of the wild Southern Ocean and pristine wilderness areas. The Lodge adjoins both the Flinders Chase and Cape Bouguer/Kelly Hill National Parks. The distinctive design makes the most of the spectacular outlook yet remains eco friendly.

Southern Ocean Lodge is a sanctuary of personal intimacy, comfort and style and provides personalised activities and a modern wellness spa.

The spa menu includes traditional and modern techniques. Complementing the international spa design showcase is a spa cuisine program, a chill out lounge and a steam room.

5. Quay West Bunker Bay, Margaret River, Western Australia

Quay West Bunker Bay may be only three hours drive from Perth but this superb 5 star resort is in a secluded location of the South West. The resort overlooks the Indian Ocean and lies within 35 acres of landscaped gardens, with absolute beachfront to the clear waters of Bunker Bay.

Stroll along the boardwalks and through the immaculate grounds, complemented by natural bush and native plants. Feel the pristine white sand between your toes as you walk along the shores of Bunker Bay.

The award-winning 'Other Side of the Moon' restaurant offers alfresco dining with local produce featuring strongly on its menu. The cuisine has a definite Mediterranean feel while remaining modern Australian. If you are looking for privacy on your luxurious holiday, you will love any of these most secluded 5 star resorts in Australia.

Karen Cooke is a professional consultant with Travel Associates, an exclusive Australian travel agency catering to the premium travel market. More helpful travel tips and suggestions are available at http://www.travel-associates.com.au

Do-It-Yourself Concrete Room Addition Foundation

This information can also be very important to do-it-yourselfers that will be building other projects, for future home improvements. How can a do-it-yourselfer learn to build a concrete room addition foundation? Let's get started.

The first thing that you're going to need is a set of plans or building blueprints and they should have been approved by your local building department and planning department. There should be specific architectural details, that you will need to examine carefully, to build your new concrete room addition foundation correctly.

Let's get started with the digging. You're building plans, should give you the width and depth and the exact location, of the building footings that will need to be dug. Grab your shovels and get started. Make sure that all of the dirt is removed properly, before you start to form the room addition foundation footings.

Next you will need to form the foundation. This can be done using 2 x 10 or 2 x 12 form boards. You can easily apply these form boards, in the exact location, that the building plans are suggesting. You can use 1 x 3 wood or metal stakes that can be purchased at any home improvement or lumber yard, to hold up your form boards in the correct position.

The sole purpose of the form boards, will be to hold the concrete in, once it is poured. Next you will need to install all of the rebar and building hardware, that will also be required on your building blueprints. Make sure that you examine these building plans to find the exact location, for all of your anchor bolts, hold down bolts and all of your structural rebar.

Once this is done, you're ready to pour your concrete, but don't pour your concrete, until you have contacted your local building inspector to examine your new room addition building foundation.

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Click Here For Some Great Ideas About Room Addition Foundations

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.

Thanks For Reading My Articles

Best Hotels in Sydney Australia for Kids

Are you thinking about having your family vacation in the great Outback? If so, you probably will want to learn about some of the kid-friendly hotels in the area. After all, when traveling with the kids, you have to make sure they are not only safe and secure, but also having a good time. In order to select suitable hotels in Sydney, Australia for children, it is important to inquire about specific amenities set especially aside for kids and teenagers.

You'll find that there are plenty of programs at an assortment of hotels in Sydney that are geared specifically towards the younger set. The best hotels that will really keep the kids happy will offer libraries, supervised activities, sports, specialized tours, and outdoor adventures. If you and your spouse want to have some time to yourselves, it is equally important to find out which Sydney hotels offer facilities for children or on-site babysitting services.

So which hotels in Sydney have the best rates, the most entertaining activities, the kid-friendly meals, and the easiest access to interesting sites such as the Sydney Aquarium or the Taronga Zoo? To get you started, here's a list of some accommodations:

Four Seasons Sydney: If you want historic surroundings and more child activities than you can shake a stick at, try the Four Seasons Sydney. They also have fun day trips and friendly babysitting services.

Intercontinental Sydney: As far as Sydney Australia hotels are concerned, when you're located right next to the Royal Botanic Gardens, it doesn't get much better for a wide-eyed kid in a new world. The inside of the hotel offers three different restaurants and a heated indoor swimming pool that lets children play "Marco Polo" until the sun sets on the breathtaking views of the Sydney Harbour.

Rydges Cronulla Sydney: Lots of exciting attractions are close at hand if you stay in this hotel, including the Royal National Part, Captain Cook's landing at Kurnell, and Hazelhurst Regional Gallery and Arts Centre Sydney Tramway Museum. On top of that, you'll have lots of opportunities to go diving, surfing, and swimming in the waves.

But wait, there's more.

Planning a Trip to Australia? Visit Travel Sydney.net before hand to discover more of the best Hotels in Sydney Australia and how to make your visit here unforgettable.

Avoiding Mistakes For Do-It-Yourselfers - Drain Clearing

The other day I was in a popular home improvement center picking up some irrigation parts for our house, when I was ease dropping on a conversation between an older man and one of the stores representatives. The man explained to the so-called in house plumbing expert that he had a clogged drain and was looking for a product that could be poured into the drain and solve his problems.

They were both standing in front of the liquid plumber selection of fine products(that was a joke). What product do you recommend the older man asked. The do-it-yourselfer plumbing expert answered by pointing to a product that he recommended, this seems to do a pretty good job at clearing drains. The older man, having been around the block before, a little more educated than he was a few years ago, from his previous purchases of a product that claimed to perform a task, but didn't.

If this was a young man or woman, I would have waited until the home improvement specialist left the area and then, I would've explained who I was, and my experience with a few of these products. However, I felt that this man, who looked like he was in his late 60s or early 70s, should've known better. I chose the let him help the economy with his purchase. I guess in a sense, I was doing my good deed for the day.

Their conversation soon ended as the in-house plumbing expert left to advise another customer, hopefully on something that he actually knew something about. The older gentleman selected a different product and quickly scaned the area to make sure that the person who had assisted him wasn't around as he scampered off in a hurry.

Here's a quick tip on how to avoid mistakes as a do-it-yourselfer. Don't assume that liquid drain cleaning products will solve your problem. Try not to get caught up in your home improvement advisers solution to your problem. I have watched them sell products to unsuspecting customers and even had them try to sell me something that didn't work.

I personally, have never had any luck unclogging any drain pipes with any liquid drain cleaner. I don't know if my message is loud and clear here and hope that anyone who has gotten this far, reading the article will not believe everything that they read, because the book or product says professional plumbing expert or listen to someone because they're wearing a shirt that says ask me, I'm a home improvement expert.

If you choose to ignore my advice, know this, you will be forever doomed to repeat the mistakes that others have made before you.

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.

If your looking for some more information on plumbing check out our house plumbing books

Bathroom Remodeling Made Easy

Ok, you have made the decision: Your bathroom is in need of a face lift! The next question is "Where Do I Start"? This very simple question creates the basis for your project.

This article provides a "road map" to help you make sure your bathroom remodel is a success. By careful planning, you will save money, time and (more importantly) grief and frustration. The following issues should be determined before hiring a contractor. This way (if you are getting multiple estimates) you will have "apples for apples" estimates as each contractor will know exactly what they are bidding on.

There are numerous decisions to be made when remodeling your bathroom. These decisions will not only determine the cost of the project, but will have direct a impact on the success (or failure) of the final product. It is crucial that you spend sufficient time addressing theses issues prior to commencing work. As with any home renovation, the key is in the planning.

One of the best ways to begin planning is to draw up a simple floor plan of the bathroom space, including the size of each wall. From here, you can begin to put the pieces of the puzzle together.

Here are some basic questions you need to ask yourself:

What is your proposed budget? If you can answer this question first, the material selection process will be much easier. Case in point: Tile (material only) is priced anywhere from $1.50 to $30.00 per square foot! Considering an average tub enclosure is around 80 sq.ft., just the price difference in tile selection can change the cost of the project by thousands of dollars.
Are you keeping the same configuration of the bathroom as the existing layout? When moving walls or changing the layout requires framing, electrical, plumbing and drywall work. Replacing existing components (without relocation) is the most cost effective way to remodel your bathroom.
Tub or Shower: Are you replacing the tub? Or are you converting the tub into a shower? When converting a tub into a shower, additional costs incurred will be in re-locating the plumbing drain, shower valve, building and sealing the shower pan among other things.
Shower or Tub Enclosure: Do you want a tile or fiberglass enclosure? If it is a shower; do you want a fiberglass shower pan or tile. Prefab fiberglass units are (of course) more cost effective than tile however tile is much more aesthetically appealing.
Tile Selection: Stone, tile (ceramic or porcelain), marble? Same tile for floor and enclosure? Any decorative tile additions? Shampoo nooks? Shower seat? Material and color choices are almost as infinite as the price points.
Floor Covering: Using same material as tub/shower enclosure? Wood or tile base board? Wood base is more cost effective, however tile has a much classier look.
Wall Covering: Paint, wallpaper, tile or a combination?
Vanity Cabinet: Type of wood? Painted or stained? Low profile (31 1/2" height) or regular (34 1/2" height)? Master baths usually have the 34 1/2" height while hallway or secondary bathrooms typically use the low profile cabinets.
Vanity Top: Granite, tile, prefab unit?
Sink: Surface mount or undermount?
Toilet: Round or elongated? White or special color? Prices change dramatically for "designer" toilets and even the color choice can change the cost for the fixture.
Lighting: Wall mount or recessed lighting? Re-locating lighting (requiring electrical and drywall work)? Installing or replacing exhaust fan? Keeping fixtures in the same location will (of course) save you money.
Shower or Tub Door: Same configuration as existing (sliding or hinged)? Again, choices of doors "run the gamut" with regard to pricing.
Replacing a Window? Retrofit or standard replacement (standard window replacement involves stucco/siding and drywall repair)?
Bathroom Door: Replacing the existing bathroom door? Same style? Paint or stained? Hollow core or solid core? Pre-hung or replace door use existing door jamb?
Hardware: Style and finishes for shower door, vanity cabinet knobs, sink faucet, towel bars? Pricing for fixtures changes dramatically when it comes to design and material choices.

Below are some basic space guidelines provided by the National Kitchen and Bath Association:

Lavatory

15" (38 cm) or more of clearance space from the centerline of lavatory bowl to a wall or similar obstruction.
30" (76 cm) or more of clearance space between the centerlines of double-bowl lavatories.
At least 30" x 48" (76 cm x 122 cm) of clear floor space in front of the lavatory.
Toilet / Bidet
16" (41 cm) from the centerline of a water closet or bidet to a wall or similar obstruction, or fixture adjacent to it.
At least 48" x 48" (122 cm x 122 cm) of clear floor space in front of the water closet or bidet.

Bathtub / Shower

Shower size large enough to comfortably use, at least 34" x 34" (86.36 cm x 86.36 cm).
Tub size large enough to comfortably use.
At least 60" x 30" (152 cm x 76 cm) of clear floor space in front of shower/tub.
General Information
The bathroom entrance door swings so that it does not interfere with people in front of fixtures.
Fixtures located so that more than two people can use the space comfortably.
Water closet and bidet in separate compartments or shielded from entrance view.

Safety Requirements

Non-slip flooring used throughout the space.
Ground-fault circuit interrupter electrical receptacles used.
Electrical switches placed away from tub or shower.
Grab-bars at shower/tub entrance and inside enclosure.
Tub and/or shower easy to enter and exit.
No steps at the tub or shower.
Safety glazing on glass used for shower doors.
Shower door swings into bathroom, not into shower enclosure.
Bench/seat included in shower enclosure.
Pressure balanced water control valves used in shower.
Temperature regulating water control valves used in shower.

Storage Requirements

Adequate counter or shelf space around lavatory.
Adequate storage for grooming equipment, toiletries, linens, etc., 15" - 48" (38 cm - 122 cm) above the floor.
Towel bars /rings located within reach of fixtures.
Bathroom linen and paper product storage space provided.
Storage space for shampoo and such in the shower/tub area, between 15" to 48" (38 cm - 122 cm) above the floor.

Mechanical System Requirements

An efficient ventilation system is part of the plan.
Bathroom heating system will keep the space comfortably warm.
Task lighting provided at every functional area.

In closing, remodeling your bathroom is an exciting endeavor and one (with proper planning) which can provide you and your family with years of enjoyment; not to mention improving the value and re-sale potential of your home.

Steve Frick
Paul Davis Restoration, San Diego, CA

If this article has been helpful and you would like more information on our kitchen remodeling services, please visit our website at http://www.pdremodelingsandiego.com

For a free estimate, simply send us an e-mail at sfrick@pdr-sd.com and we will be happy to give you a free consultation. We service all of San Diego county

Cheap Roller Shades

Cheap roller shades are most preferred for the exterior decoration of your house or business premises. Use of modern fabrics and minimalism in cheap roller shades makes them popular. Classic simplicity and low cost also add to their effective consumer reach.

These shades are mostly available in standard yet with an overturn roll causing the fabric hides the spin of the shade. If placed with a cassette head rail system the cheap roller shades look more poignant. Ornamental hems, ring pulls and tassels can add to the decoration of your window at home.

These shades with light filtering fabrics and space darkening materials look more attractive. Most of the houses and business apartments in developing countries prefer these types of shades not only for their cost effectiveness, but also for the inherent simplicity. Selected roller shades with trendy fabrics, streamlined roller system, novel hems and ritual accents look more poignant. Limited life time warranty adds to the consumer satisfaction.

The typical elastic cord, now replaced with a chain within the rail workings makes it doable to raise and lower the blinds to a definite position. With the increasing use of newer roller shades materials, energy efficiency and sound absorbing capability have increased considerably. Those nostalgic about the exterior dcor of the bygone era, you can use decorative tassels to add charm and convenience to your roller shades.

These shades are available in three varieties depending on size - inside mount, outside mount and cloth measurement. Incase of inside mount the over all width is 49 7/8" with fabric of 48 ". In outside mount the width of fabric is 48 7/8 and the clutch width is around 50". Fabric wide of 50" against overall width of 51 1/8" the category falls in to cloth measurement.

These products are well appreciated for their least expensive nature. They are quite durable when used with superior rollers like the one with cellular waves. They come in numerous sizes like 3/8", 1/2", 3/4", 2" variations. Generally, the larger the plate, the more expensive is the shade. Blackout featuring pleats are even more costly. Beware of cheaper varieties as they lose their pleat shape effortlessly. Shades with "D cell" design. And with arches, angle-tops and bottom originated are quite decorative. Those with exquisite bamboo shades from Asia are very distinctive, though expensive.

Cheap roller shades include beautiful varieties like Vignettes and Cascades. These are less costly compared to Roman shades. Silhouettes roller shades are the most versatile and unique and command greater demand. Build your home of your own style with these shades is sure to give it a distinctive look.

Dave Clark has many years experience writing articles, he has also written many books, and is well known in the industry. Dave currently has many projects he is working on, he is also on the board of directors for Cushy Sofa a manufacturer and online retailer of Divans, Memory Foam Sofas, Memory Foam Pillows, Memory Foam Mattresses, Buy your Memory Foam Toppers, direct from the manufacturer

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.

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

Home Purchasing Checklists Provide Protection

Home purchasing checklists provide protection for consumers with useful information for future home repairs or current home repairs that will need to be done before the home is sold. Home inspectors often use checklists like these, while they're inspecting the home.

If more home shoppers used home inspection checklist while shopping for houses, we would probably have more satisfied homebuyers than dissatisfied ones. Recently just purchasing a home, we had our real estate professional, the previous homeowner's real estate professional and a mortgage lender, involved in the purchase of the property.

There was a home inspection report from the current homeowners, available for us to look at. It provided us with the damaged parts of the home that were repaired or replaced. Some of these repairs were from termite damage and it was stated so on the report. This was helpful information for us as we walked around the home inspecting it for damage.

The work that was repaired to look satisfactory and the rest of the home had minor damage. Listening to one of the real estate sales people that were involved in the transaction, you would've thought we would get in the deal of a lifetime and they had nothing but good news to say about the product they were representing. I easily understood that, this person could have influenced some one into believing that the home was in great shape, if they didn't have a home inspection checklist with them.

The home had been re-carpeted, painted and was in generally good shape. The problems with the home, were the old windows that were hard to open, the heating unit leaked gas, the tile flooring that ran through the kitchen and a large room addition looked great, except for one thing, they installed the tile over linoleum.

This eventually will have to be replaced as the tile starts to separate from the linoleum. While I'm writing this article, there's about 40 square feet of tile that needs to be replaced, because it's popping up and cracking.

A home purchasing checklist does not guarantee that you will find everything but can't eliminate some of the things that homeowners have the biggest problems with. If you could just eliminate one of these problems, the small price of purchasing, one of these checklists would be worth it.

Home purchasing checklists provide protection for the shopper and I would recommend, never shopping for a home without one.

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

By Greg Vandenberge

What is a Three Way Home Electrical Light Switch?

A three way home electrical light switch is a special light switch that can be used in your hallways, large rooms and stairways. These light switches are specially made to operate one light or a group of lights from two different locations.

They are most commonly found in hallways and provide a homeowner with the option of turning the light on at one end of the hallway and turning it off, when they are finished walking through the hallway and are about to enter into another room.

Before three way home electrical light switches were made, people would turn the hallway light on and leave it on or they wouldn't turn the hall light on at all, because they knew that after they walked down the dark hallway, they wouldn't be able to turn the light off at the other end.

Three-way light switches are also used in stairways. It makes a lot of sense, to be able to turn your stairway light on, at the bottom of the stairs and then after you have walked up the stairway safely, you can simply turn the stair lights system off.

As homes become larger, it's not going to be uncommon to find three way light switches being used at either end of large rooms. If your living room or family room was located within the center of your home and had an entrance at each end, it wouldn't be a bad idea to install a light switch at each end, for travelers who are simply walking through these room.

Remember that three-way light switches, are used to operate lights from two different locations.

If you're really interested in basement remodeling and repairs, you should click on this link Great Home Repair 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 Encinitas Home 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

Building Codes - Stairway Construction

The stair building code was created for building safety. Before the building code and local city enforcement (Building Inspectors), anyone could build a house. This meant Uncle Earl who had just watched a couple of his friends build a house down the street construct some sort of a dwelling. The next step for Earl would be to help these guys for a day and now he is a professional home builder. You get the point.

Stair Building Codes create the safety needed for one of the most hazardous areas of your home. You might know someone who has fallen down a stairway?

I lived in a house I built for 15 years and I redesigned the stairs from a winder design to a T shaped set of stairs. Both sets of stairs were built using the local stair building code for my city.

Wow I could not believe how many times my family members fell down the stairs. I even fell down once. I was amazed. When I switched from the winder to the T shaped stairway there were less accidents. My point is that even using the stair building codes this is a dangerous part of your house.

Having a professional stair builder install your stairs is great advice. Take it. For example this happened to me on quite a few jobs. I get a set of plans from a architect who has been designing houses for over 40 years. I looked at the stairway to find out that he has designed a stairway that is too small for the length of this part of the home. If I build the stairs using the plans that by the way were approved from the local building department, I could have a problem.

You are probably asking yourself how does this happen. Aren't these people experienced professionals. Of course they are. They probably have the U.B.C. (Uniform Building Code) in their office somewhere. Everyone makes mistakes here and there but this is one area of the home where safety is a big concern.

Just look at it like this. The stair building code was designed to improve the safety and reduce the number of accidents while using the stairs. Over the years I have seen stairs poorly designed and constructed. These stairs create problems for the owners of the buildings not just the people that use them. Did I mention lawsuits. This is one area where a lawyer will have a field day.

As a building professional I advise you to use the stair building code first for safety and second to avoid lawsuits. Get an idea from some of the pictures I have taken over the years on problems with stair building.

Use common sense while building or remodeling your home. It goes a long way.

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 is currently working on more building stairs books and adding useful content to help solve problems created by the lack of construction knowledge in the building industry. Stair Building Articles

Retaining Walls Suffer From Moisture Problems

Whether you're driving down the road or through a neighborhood and you notice a retaining wall that has large cracks in it, or is severely discolored, or one that has white calcium deposits from moisture covering the entire wall, you've got problems with moisture.

The retaining wall is designed to hold the dirt back, that's it's sole purpose. It's not going to hold any moisture back unless someone has installed a waterproofing membrane to separate the soil from the concrete block wall. If the soil isn't ever going to get wet, then you probably don't need to waterproof the retaining wall.

However that's normally not going to be the case. So we need to waterproof the interior of our retaining walls to eliminate future moisture problems that could eventually, deteriorate as moisture starts to accumulate, inside of our block wall for a longer periods of time.

If you don't know anything about waterproofing, I would suggest that you hire a waterproofing expert. Waterproofing looks easier than it actually is, and might be out of your scope of work.

I'm not going to suggest that you use waterproofing paints, because I haven't seen great results with these products. However, if you're not that concerned about your retaining wall and are looking for a cheaper way to apply any waterproofing materials, these paints might not be a bad idea. Sometimes, Something is better than nothing.

If you live in a relatively dry climate, it might not be necessary to waterproof your retaining walls. But if you live in a damp or moist area, especially an area where the ground is moist all year round or more than six months out of the year, I would suggest that you waterproof the back of your retaining walls.

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

Dryer Vent In Basement Window.

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

Don't Let This Happen to You - Home Computer Electrical Damage

If you've read any of my other articles, you know that I am always coming up with great ideas, tips and even a couple of stories that can save homeowners lots of money. Here's another one of those stories, that involves a friend of mine who asked me if I could fix his outdoor electrical outlet.

I was over at his house one day, and told him that I could probably fix the electrical outlet and if we needed any parts, we could run down to the lumber yard and pick them up and his problem would be solved within a few hours. This two hour repair was about to cost him the hard drive on his computer, but neither one of us had any idea what was about to happen.

We each agreed to give it a shot, I told him to go over to the electrical panel and turn off the breaker that went to his outdoor shed. He proceeded to turn off the breaker and yelled out," It's off, try it." I plugged in an electric drill and it was still working, as he was walking around the corner, towards me, I showed him that the drill was still on and he hadn't turned off the right electrical breaker.

He went back and turned off a couple of more electrical breakers and the drill was still running. Now he frantically started to turn off one electrical breaker at a time, until I yelled out," It's off, the electrical power is, off you can stop."

I repaired the electrical outlet and he went back to turn every electrical breaker back on that he had turned off. We were proud of ourselves and he now had electrical power, back to his shed and he was happy.

Now for the bad news, his computer was running and when he turned the electricity off and on, it must've done something to his computer hard drive and it now needed to be replaced.

The moral to the story, isn't that you shouldn't help your friends. It's that you should, make sure that your computers are safely off, before you attempt to do any electrical work to your home.

It wouldn't be a bad idea, to have a battery backup, for your computer, if you use it often, just in case there is an electrical failure or something happens like the story above.

If your really interested in saving money on your home electrical bills - Energy Saving Books

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

Don't Let This Happen to You - Home Computer Electrical Damage

If you've read any of my other articles, you know that I am always coming up with great ideas, tips and even a couple of stories that can save homeowners lots of money. Here's another one of those stories, that involves a friend of mine who asked me if I could fix his outdoor electrical outlet.

I was over at his house one day, and told him that I could probably fix the electrical outlet and if we needed any parts, we could run down to the lumber yard and pick them up and his problem would be solved within a few hours. This two hour repair was about to cost him the hard drive on his computer, but neither one of us had any idea what was about to happen.

We each agreed to give it a shot, I told him to go over to the electrical panel and turn off the breaker that went to his outdoor shed. He proceeded to turn off the breaker and yelled out," It's off, try it." I plugged in an electric drill and it was still working, as he was walking around the corner, towards me, I showed him that the drill was still on and he hadn't turned off the right electrical breaker.

He went back and turned off a couple of more electrical breakers and the drill was still running. Now he frantically started to turn off one electrical breaker at a time, until I yelled out," It's off, the electrical power is, off you can stop."

I repaired the electrical outlet and he went back to turn every electrical breaker back on that he had turned off. We were proud of ourselves and he now had electrical power, back to his shed and he was happy.

Now for the bad news, his computer was running and when he turned the electricity off and on, it must've done something to his computer hard drive and it now needed to be replaced.

The moral to the story, isn't that you shouldn't help your friends. It's that you should, make sure that your computers are safely off, before you attempt to do any electrical work to your home.

It wouldn't be a bad idea, to have a battery backup, for your computer, if you use it often, just in case there is an electrical failure or something happens like the story above.

If your really interested in saving money on your home electrical bills - Energy Saving Books

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

How Today's House Plans Can Lower Building Costs

A home plan is a set of construction documents that serve as the "assembly" manual for a new home.There are no standards or laws that require specific information on these drawings so there is a wide variety in the quality of the plans available on the market today.Some plans show only a floor layout and a simple front elevation.Other plans show more details and include accurate dimension lines, construction details and wall cutaways.But regardless of how detailed the plan may be, the plan is typically designed for one specific lot, one specific region and one set of building codes.An intelligent home plan has the ability to meet any lot, region or code.In fact, an intelligent home plan can make a new home less costly, more efficient and easier to build.

Intelligent home plans are comprised of a sophisticated set of drawings that detail every aspect of home construction.These drawings are created in a way that makes updates, changes and modifications quick and easy.According to Bill Elliott, COO of a national home design studio, the biggest downfall of most online home plans is the difficulty of making changes and modifications.Most home plans will require some type of modification to meet the needs of the home owner, builder or local building code authorities.It is this hidden cost that most people don't see.Builders may purchase a home plan for a few hundred dollars and then spend thousands more to update and change them.Even worse, if the plan is poorly done, the costs needed to modify the plans may be more than creating a brand new plan.

An intelligent home plan is designed to be flexible.They are drawn in a way that supports efficient and rapid changes.Similar elements used in the drawings are grouped together and saved in layers for quick access by any designer.Line weights and dimensions are uniform throughout the plan set and the information is detailed and accurate.These root fundamentals form the foundation of every Intelligent Home Plan - a collection of informative documents that sets the tone for the entire building process.Each intelligent home plan links the designer, builder, contractor, supplier and home owner together into a single organized team.

More than just a nice drawing, intelligent home plans translate the home design into functional packets of data used throughout the building process.Exact dimensions are used for accurate quotes and product specifications.Structural data is dissected to ensure code compliance and building integrity.Design details are interfaced with automated saws and joiners to speed the assembly of walls and floors while realistic virtual models ensure the final product meets every need of the most demanding buyer.Intelligent Home Plans can interface with a variety of software and hardware currently servicing the building industry.Dependable and consistent data from these designs feeds these independent support services and links them together into coordinated and managed processes.

The reliable, accurate and flexible nature of intelligent home plans creates a seamless translation of data across all phases of home construction producing a higher quality home at less cost.In the past, home plans were merely lines on paper used to build a home.But today's challenging housing market places demands on the home building process that cannot be met by a few sheets of paper.Only intelligent home plans can deliver the data needed to build the homes of tomorrow at an affordable price.

Contact:
Craig Sherrett, Director of Sales & Marketing
AVID Home Studios, LLC
888.280.2843
http://www.avidhomestudios.com

Installing A 32 Inch Back Door

The Updated Americans With Disabilities Act is Now in Effect

In case you somehow haven't heard, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) has been completely revised and is now in effect. The new law amending the ADA shows a much larger definition of disability to help protect those being discriminated against, especially at work. The revision was passed and signed in the fall of 2008 and went into effect on January 1, 2009.

The new definition of disability is much broader and offers protections for people who were not considered disabled just last year, especially those with illnesses or diseases that can be helped or controlled with therapy and/or medications. For instance, before the revision those with diabetes, epilepsy, multiple sclerosis and other conditions were not considered disabled due to the nature of these conditions.

Many illnesses or diseases, of course, are remitting and relapsing in nature, or can be controlled at times through medical attention and pharmaceuticals. While these conditions can be disabling, the old ADA did not take this into consideration and did not consider those with the conditions disabled.

The amendments to the ADA have changed everything. Except for those who wear glasses and/or contacts because of poor eyesight, people are now considered disabled based on their medical condition when the condition is most severe. This means before medication, therapies and medical attention.

For example, if someone has epilepsy, they are considered disabled due to their epilepsy, even if they take medication to keep it under control. Those with multiple sclerosis are deemed disabled based on their condition when the disease is not under control. This new change reflects an acknowledgment that many conditions may "present" as less limiting at various points in time, but, due to their very nature, can easily and quickly exacerbate, becoming more limiting and disabling.

In addition to this change, the new ADA also has changes in the list of major life activities that qualify as physical or mental impairments if affected, such as reading, thinking, standing, bending, caring for oneself, communicating, concentrating and lifting.

While some people think this will only add to a growing list of disability discrimination claims, others hope that these new protections will benefit those who are clearly disabled, yet have not been deemed so until now. In particular, many are hoping this will benefit returning veterans.

The author of this article is Timothy Moore, who, in addition to being a former food stamp caseworker, medicaid caseworker and AFDC caseworker, is a former disability claims examiner for the social security administration. He answers questions about the federal disability system at Social Security Disability Secrets.

Need Help Remodeling In Carlsbad

Fiber-Cement Siding Compared to Vinyl Siding

In the world of remodeling the exterior of your home, there are several things to consider when comparing fiber-cement siding to vinyl siding.

Disguising the Problem

Vinyl siding is sometimes used as a cover-up to be placed over the old damaged cladding. The current problems may still exist. Sometimes it may be improperly installed. This invites insects and moisture to build up behind the panels, and may even go through the structure of the home.

Flammable

Vinyl facing may melt or burn if it too close to a heat source such as your grill or a close by fire. The flammability of the cladding is such a concern that some counties/districts are starting to educate homeowners about its natural flammability.

Fiber-cement facing is non-combustible when exposed to significant amount of heat or flame. It has been appreciated for this safety feature. It is also approved for fire-rated structure.
Fading

All colors fade from the sun and there are several options that you can do to replace vinyl cladding. You can install a replacement piece and try to find the matching color of your original siding. You can also replace all the cladding again if you can't find the matching color. You may also paint the facing, but keep in mind this type of facing is made to expand and contract which will cause the paint to chip and peel over time.

Fiber-cement facing can be painted any color that you desire. It will also remain longer than with wood. It won't crack and peel as quickly as vinyl.

Warranty

Always look at the warranty before your purchase. Look closely at the "Life-Time" to see how many years the warranty really covers and also what is covered. Check the "Normal Weathering" section to see what their definition is of normal weathering.

Fiber-cement facing may be found to have a 50 year transferable limited product warranty, and a 15 year finish warranty. This warranty is good for even the most sever climates.

Poor Quality and Aesthetics

Vinyl siding may not look as natural as wood. It has overlapping seams and fake wood grains that try to copy the appearance of wood.

Fiber-cement siding has the beauty of real wood with the ability to be painted any color and not have the chipping and peeling of vinyl or wood. There are no overlapping seams to take away from the natural appearance it will lend to the home.

Weather Resistant

Fiber-cement cladding is a very durable product that can even withstand the most severe climates. It will not go brittle in the cold or be damaged by flying debris like the other type of cladding is known to do.
Thickness

The great amount of thickness that accompanies fiber-cement cladding adds to the products strength that provides impact resistance from wind or hail.

The finest vinyl siding is only 5/100th inch thick.

These are several things you need to consider when investing in the exterior of your home. In the long run, having fiber-cement siding is aesthetically and financially more sound than having vinyl siding which is an inferior product.

Mr. Oliver is a marketing agent of Blue Ridge Exteriors. The siding contractor provides James Hardie Siding throughout the Richmond Virginia area. For more information on their James Hardie Siding please visit their website.

Fixings Squeaking Stairs

Home Improvement Consumer Laws Can Help You in Many Ways

There are several home improvement consumer laws that have been created to help the consumer who are working with contractors for their home projects. These consumer laws are different in different regions but one must be aware of all of them to take maximum advantage as well as to avoid any kind of troubles. Here are some of the most important home improvement consumer laws that can help you in your daily life.

You Have a Right to Cancel Your Contract

The federal government gives you the rights to cancel any kind of contract you signed within three days. This law has been created to support a consumer who happens to change his mind after signing a contract. So, in case you change your mind after signing a contract, you have three days to cancel the deal without any troubles. You have the right to do so.

Don't Forget the Cancellation Form

When you cancel a contract, make sure you get two cancellation form of the contract from your contractor. One of these forms is for your record while the other one is for the contractor. You have to clearly mention all the details of the contractor, and the reason for canceling the contract. Make sure you ask for it from your contractor after canceling a deal. Majority of people are not aware of such home improvement consumer laws and they do not ask for any kind of documentation when they cancel a deal.

It is Your Right to Ask for a Contractor's License

Many states do not allow any contractors to work without a contractor's license. If you do not know about home improvement consumer laws of your region, you should make sure that your contractor is registered and has a valid license to work in a particular region. Otherwise, you might have to face several problems if your contractor does not have a contractor's license.

Avoid a Bad Contractor

Make sure that the contractor you hired for your project has a good working reputation. Otherwise, if there is any kind of complaints signed against your contractor, you will not be able to proceed with your home improvement project according to home improvement consumer laws.

These laws are different in different regions but you can always research on the internet and get yourself updated to use these home improvement consumer laws for your best.

For detailed articles on home improvements projects and contractors, visit http://www.theyarelocal.com/articles/index.php.

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Making Water and Gas Line Repair Easy

The water and gas lines that provide our homes with natural gas and potable water are essential to our everyday lives, but their importance is often overlooked until they need maintenance. Gas lines allow us to cook and heat our homes, and water lines bring clean, drinkable water into our homes to wash, cook and consume. While plumbing of one kind or another has been in existence for thousands of years, modern gas and water lines make our lives easier than ever. Because of this, it's vital that these lines are maintained properly and repaired when necessary.

Water and gas line repair can be an expensive venture, but you can save significant time and money by making sure that you approach the problem in the correct manner. First of all, never try to perform any kind of gas or water line repair if you are not a trained and licensed professional. Attempting to work on gas and water lines without experience can lead to serious damage, costly repairs and even injury to you or your family. Always call a professional whenever it comes to working on gas or water lines.

Secondly, make sure that you get more than one opinion when it comes to the best option to fix your broken gas or water lines. Because this field of work is not understood well by many homeowners, it is possible for some companies to charge more than necessary to fix the problem. There is nothing wrong with calling several different companies to diagnose your gas or water line problems and give you an estimate of what it will cost to fix things. Of course, you should only contact companies that provide free estimates.

Finally, you should always remember that it may be necessary for you to pay a substantial amount of money to fix your gas and water line problems. Once it has been established that your lines need to be repaired or replaced, you should never put it off if you have the money to fix the problem. By ignoring gas line and water line problems, you could put your home and even the health and safety of your family in jeopardy. While a fixing a clogged drain can be put off for several weeks, a broken gas or water line needs to be attended to as quickly as possible.

In the end, you will probably never experience any kind of gas or water line problem that will require you to spend your entire savings or take out a second mortgage. But being smart about how you tackle your gas or water line repair problem could save you plenty of time, money and stress when all is said and done.

Lorain County Sewer and Drain makes Gas and Water Lines repair simple and affordable. Visit our site today to learn more about basement waterproofing.

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Hiring a House Painting Contractor - Home Tips

With a professional, homeowners know they are getting the very best the field has to offer. Trained in the ins and outs of the craft, these professional contractors will be able to provide a level of service unmatched by even the more savvy amateur painters. When it comes to paining, homeowners should stop at nothing to ensure their paint job is the best on the block.

A house painting contractor will help to ensure that homeowners get the most out of their painting projects. A well-painted house will turn any remodeling endeavor into a beautiful creation. The exterior painting of a house will do wonders to improve the quality of the rest of the projects in a remodel. This ensures that things come together nicely and the work that went into creating the remodel is put to good use. With a house painting contractor, homeowners know they are in good hands and are able to sit back and relax a bit.

They may also choose to focus on other projects that may not need the expertise and training of a professional. Handling these smaller tasks may help to get things moving faster and get the remodel done as quickly as possible. When things are moving forward like this, the homeowner is able to enjoy the finished product sooner. A house painting contractor will help to ensure the exterior painting, one of the most important aspects of any home improvement endeavor, is done right and in a timely fashion. After all, nobody enjoys delays to their project.

More information on a house painting contractor is just a click away.

Building Safe Stairs

Thinking of Building Your Own Deck?

Yea right! If that were all it takes I would be building decks for a living. But with good planning and knowledge of using power tools you can do it.

The most important element of building a deck or for any project is the planning, if you plan poorly or quickly your project will turn out horrible, if you take your time and plan properly you will impress yourself with the outcome.

To start: First check local building codes, regulations and zoning restrictions. These may restrict your options. So will any deed restrictions and the location of a septic tank. Next, decide where you want to locate your new deck, off the kitchen, living room or family room makes a big difference, indoors and out. Decks on the north and east side of your house will get less sun and more cooling breezes. Take time to study sun and shadow patterns, see how they vary with the seasons before settling on a site.

Terrain will dictate whether you should build a grade-level deck, which stands on its own just a few inches above the ground, or a higher raised deck and don't forget about stairs! How big should your deck be? Measure your patio furniture and add enough room for pulling out chairs and walking around. A minimum of 5 feet by 6 feet allows two people to sit and relax beside a table, but its cramped if anyone else comes along. If money is a problem, start small and add on as your family and budget grows.
The amount of time it takes to construct a deck depends, of course, on how big and elaborate it is. You can expect to spend a weekend digging and pouring footings, a second for erecting posts, beams and joists and a third for installing stairs, decking and railings. Youll need a helper for parts of the framing process, so there goes the one weekend idea! How about a deck building party?

So I decided to get my wife involved (makes points guys) we started positioning our lawn furniture in and around where we were planning on putting the deck that by itself took a whole weekend! Then I took a trip to my local tool store and asked them for their advice on which tools I would need for the project, and then to my local building supply with the dimensions of the deck, all this was to see where the price was going to be about.

So.... its a year and half later I still do not have a deck, I'm probably going in the direction of hiring a contractor!

Ken Davis was born and raised in Bergen County New Jersey, where with his family owns a retail tool store called TOOLTOWN for more than 45 years. Ken started working with the family in his teens and now with his two brothers are running the business and continuing the family tradition of helping and building relationships with the community. You can stop by his store at http://www.tooltown.com and check out his products, services and other tips-techniques and do it yourself projects

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Renovations That Give the Best Return on Investment

Renovations are excellent means of not only enhancing your quality of living but also boosting the project's return on investment by the time you decide to resell your New York home. Through these projects, you are recreating areas in your home to bring out the most welcoming, appealing, and functional results.

Your renovation project does not have to cost you an arm and a leg to yield success. An expensive project does not necessarily mean more payback. The key to make the most out of your allotted budget is spending it wisely. Whether you have a limited or sky-is-the-limit budget that can accommodate from surface-level to full-scale renovation, the most crucial factor to focus on are implementing designs that last as well as selecting quality products.

To appraise the value and get the most out of your hard-earned money, note that not all renovations are created equal. To maximize the benefits you will get out of the project, consider any of the smartest ideas to bring back the best return on investment.

The Kitchen

Since the kitchen is the most frequented area in any home with most of the waking hours of every family member spent here, kitchen renovation would surely create a great impact and difference. Considered as the heart of a home, most buyers tend to visit this area first to make sure that it does not only look and feel good but would efficiently accommodate every essential purpose.

The Bathroom

Stress is a common denominator that links most human beings today. What better way to soothe stress away than a luxuriating time to start as well as end the day? A beautiful and efficient bathroom renovation would surely make any homeowner anticipate the coming of each day, no matter how hectic it can be. A trend that is increasingly becoming very popular is creating a spa-like environment in your very own bathroom. A bathroom turned into your personal, everyday spa would surely be irresistible.

For larger homes, additional baths would also make up for extra appeal. For space estimate as well as deciding the new bath location, it is best to consult with your contractor.

Exterior Renovation

As the popular and proven clich goes, First impressions last. Renovating the surrounding grounds of your home through landscaping would give its curb appeal a great boost. A low maintenance garden with some attractive fountain fixtures could work well in creating an ambiance. And for a major facelift for less of the cost, have your walls repainted and new sidings installed.

An important key to the success of your renovation project and the eventual achievement of the anticipated return on investment, is hiring a qualified remodeling contractor. Quality is an important consideration that the buyer will critically be looking into. So if you are not a contractor yourself, the renovations are best done by skilled and experienced professionals.

Another thing to keep in mind is that modern buyers find home features that require less maintenance more attractive. If you have wall-to-wall carpeting, you can have this removed and refinish the existing hardwood flooring. Swimming pools are also among the least appealing with the tedious and regular cleaning and maintenance it requires.

Eugene Makeev has been in the home improvement industry for a while. His skills and expertise, which have been polished through time, are now used to help New York home owners avoid the common pitfalls in home improvements by matching their needs with the right, prescreened New York Contractor. For more Home Improvement information, Visit Best ROI Renovations.

Eco Friendly Property in Spain

"Go Green" - "ECO friendly" - "save the planet" - "Global Warming". All words we are very familiar with unless you have lived on the moon for the past 5 years or so. Now everyone is jumping on the bandwagon and offering green products and services. But how green are they and is it just a token gesture to be popular? We have been researching the possibilities of building eco friendly and economical green villas in Spain after I inadvertently made the mistake of asking my wife how she would like her new house built. "Eco friendly" she replied.

Those two words began a journey of thousands of miles across Europe and countless hours researching the web to find out how "eco friendly" I could build her dream home. Initially I found that an eco friendly home was just a cave house...I didn't fancy living in or building a cave house, or they had thicker lagging on pipes or they offered solar water heaters...BIG DEAL, I expected that as standard, in fact it is law in Spain now to have alternative water heating supply, one company even classed a home as eco friendly because the heating had a thermostat.

Two years later and after securing the sole rights to build with a German quality ICF system we are beginning our first two new eco friendly villas in Spain for clients and have several scheduled to begin next year. The interest has been amazing; unfortunately this means my wife's dream home has been put on hold for a while but our business and our attitude to all things green is being transformed. We are offering geothermal heating systems, solar power, grey water systems, water saving systems inside and outside the home, wind turbines, appliance advice, lighting systems I never knew existed and even waterless toilets (the jury is still out on that one with me) all this to make our eco friendly villas in Spain as economically friendly as we can. The fantastic thing about the Eco friendly build systems is the speed and insulating values they offer. A traditional styled villa of a 100m2 villa can be erected within 10 days! Saving weeks of labour charges thus bringing the cost of these new eco friendly properties on par or even cheaper than traditional block and beam villas. The insulation values are amazing and they even have fantastic sound insulation (great if you have noisy teenagers like us).

When we first introduced this system to an architect he looked blankly at the proposal and smiled that smile you see in Spain when you know they think you are mad and after experiencing this manic suppressed grin over a lengthy period of time with a lot of old - maybe not old but my age - ok old Architects! We finally came across a young enthusiastic architect who believed and embraced the system as we did. We drew up a set of plans and submitted them to the local town hall and put the project forward to the bank for a valuation. The town hall was thrilled with the idea and the bank valued the project over 40% higher than we charged the client! Now this could have a lot to do with the fact that we are inexpensive builders but the manager did tell us they are valuing homes with eco friendly factors higher than traditional homes.

Eco friendly property construction. http://www.1st2spain.com
Eco friendly build systems available are ICF, Thermocellit blocks and Ytong.
All the information can be found on our web site http://www.1st2spain.com

Bathroom Remodeling Ideas For Remodeling

When you're planning any bathroom remodel, consider the costs of the bathroom remodeling versus the return on the actual investment. According to one of the popular remodeling magazines, the average bathroom remodel throughout the country cost around $16,000.

If you were to sell your house within a few years, you could recoup around $12,000 of your original investment. This would translate into a $4000 loss to your pocketbook eventually.

Using these numbers for your bathroom remodel investment, you would recoup around 75% of your original investment. If you know anything about investing money, this will not be a good rate of return and if you keep investing your money like this, you won't have any to invest, eventually.

Keep this in mind, if you're going to be selling the home within a few years. If the bathroom isn't in good shape and you're not planning on selling soon, you could remodel the bathroom and enjoy it for quite a few years. You wouldn't be looking at this as an investment but as maintenance costs.

If you need to remodel the bathroom, because it's getting a little run down and will create a problem when selling a home, I would suggest minor remodeling, if the toilet, fixtures and bathtub is in good condition, I would suggest changing the sink, cabinet, bathtub surround, flooring and some new paint.

If you're remodeling cost is now at $8,000, you would recoup at least $6,000 and would only lose $2000 on your original investment. Now this still doesn't make any sense, if you're still losing money, why would you even want to remodel the bathroom. Why not sell the home as it is and not lose any money? This is a tough decision to make and keep in mind, these are average costs.

You could recoup less or more than 75% of your bathroom investment costs.

Most real estate professionals will advise you to remodel the bathroom for two reasons, for one the house will sell for a few more dollars, and this will increase their sales commission. The second one is probably the most important for any one selling a home, the home could sell faster.

If you have the time and are in no hurry to sell the home, I would suggest trying to sell the home as is first and then sprucing it up, if you can't sell it within three months.

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 Remodeling Pictures or home building ideas.

How to Build Wind Generator

In today's economy where everyone is looking for ways to cut costs I have a great way for you to cut your power bill to almost nothing. You need to know how to build wind generator and I can help you with that. How to build a generator is actually quite simple if you have the right tools and instructions. It's also very inexpensive (under 200$) which will be covered in your savings in no time at all.

So if you have access to a lumber yard, about 200 dollars in supplies and a simple formula I can show you how to build wind generator. A factory made wind generator will cost you in excess of 3000$ so my question to you is why wouldn't you want to know how to build a generator? So not only are you saving a pile of money, you are also helping to save the earth and move further into the green movement. All this which is as simple as how to build a wind generator.

Some of the tools you will need before you learn how to build wind generator is a motor, alternator, blades and a few other small items. Almost all of these products can be found at your local recycling depot so there you go again, keeping the world green. There will end being a few things you need to buy at your local hardware store before you get down to the point and learn how to build one. However I still stand by saying that the costs will be around 200$

Ok, not only are you doing your part to keep the world green but by working with your family you can all learn how to build wind generator. You can turn this into a happy, fun family event. Plan for taking a Saturday and Sunday to build the wind generator. Have a bar-b-que, have some drinks and turn how serious business into a fun event for the entire family.

So the only thing really left on how to build wind generator is a good detailed set of instructions. Well if you decide you want to learn how to build a generator complete, easy to read and understand instructions will be supplied to you. These instructions will give you step by step directions on what you need and what you need to do to learn how to make the generator.

Isn't it time we all started doing our part? Well now we can and it's a win-win situation. Not only are we helping the earth but we are also saving an enormous amount of money at barely any cost. All you need to do is learn how to build wind generator.

The time has come for all of us to do our part to keep the earth friendly and resourceful. We need to help keep it a great place for our future generations. Thats why when my family and I were lucky enough to learn how to build wind generator it really was a no brainer. The time spent to build the wind generator and the time spent to search out the great website we found was more than worth the time.