When Plumbing Problems Require Professional Help

Most homeowners who have lived in their house for more than a few years develop the rudimentary plumbing and repair skills necessary to take care of small maintenance jobs. If the toilet clogs or a small leak develops in a pipe, you may take pride in your ability to fix things without the help of a professional plumber. And that's a good thing, too; by taking care of your own small plumbing repairs, you save your family hundreds of dollars, add to the value of your home, and get a sense of satisfaction in knowing that you can maintain your own home.

While completing your own repairs may be a good idea for small plumbing problems, it can actually turn out to be a very bad thing to attempt on significant, serious maintenance jobs in your home. Take, for example, replacing a hot water heater. While some homeowners might have the experience to do this themselves, the vast majority should only rely on a professional plumber to take care of a job this big. For time consuming, in-depth plumbing repair jobs, trying to teach yourself just to save a few bucks could actually end up costing you more in the long run.

The most dangerous situation that could arise from attempting your own large plumbing projects is a possibility of physically harming yourself or a member of your family. While the chances are remote, you should never risk hurting yourselves or your loved ones by attempting to repair or replace a hot water heater, gas line, water line or other large units. Without the proper tools, training and manpower, some of these jobs can end up being much more dangerous than you might think. If there is any doubt in your mind about the safety of a plumbing project, pull out the phone book and call an expert.

A second, less devastating consequence of performing your own plumbing repairs is expensive damage to your property. There are plenty of examples of overzealous homeowners who caused thousands of dollars worth of damage to their property because they didn't want to pay a plumber to fix the problem. Especially when dealing with gas lines, water lines and sewer lines, do not attempt any significant repairs or replacements without first contacting a professional plumbing company.

You should be proud of your ability to repair small plumbing problems that may occur in your home, but don't let stubbornness keep you from calling in a professional for jobs you can't handle alone. No matter how new or well maintained your home is, it will eventually experience a maintenance problem that will require an expert plumber to make a visit. By spending a few dollars now, you could save hundreds or even thousands with a repair job that is much less likely to fail or cause damage to your home.

Cuyahoga County/Lorain County Sewer and Drain makes Cleveland Ohio Plumbing simple and affordable. Visit our site today to see our plumbing forum.

Choosing A Bathroom Scale

When you are looking for a bathroom scale there are a wide variety of things that you will need to consider. Items such as what it is that you want it to do as well as where you will keep it in the bathroom.

Where To Look

Depending on what it is that you want the scale to do will give you a better idea of where to look for a scale. If it is a simple scale that you want to only tell you your weight, then a department store is probably your best bet. However depending on the range of design as well as how intricate you would like the details to be on the scale you may need to look into going to a design store or even possible online to help you to find the perfect scale to match and intermingle with the other fixtures in your bathroom. Another consideration would be what it is that you want the scale to be able to do for you. Depending on the functionality as well as the details that you want the scale to produce will tell you whether or not you should use a fitness store to purchase your scale.

Designs

There are a wide range of designs that are now incorporated into the scales that you will be looking at to better fit in with your bathroom needs. In many cases the needs that you have as well as the design of the bathroom will dictate what type of scale you will be looking to purchase when you decide it is time to get one. Think of what it is that you will need from the scale with all of the different bells and whistles that you can get on them today and then decide what it is that you want from the scale. If it simply something that you will not use very often then you will not need to spend a large amount of money on it. However if you are someone who needs to weigh themselves daily in order to ensure their health then you should be willing to spend the extra money on a more quality product.

However in the long run it is ultimately up to you as far as what it is that you want to do and how you will go about doing it. You get to make the ultimate decision in regards to what it is you will put in your bathroom and how you will use it.

Adam Peters publishes articles for http://www.home-decorating-reviews.com You can find more information and resources on bathroom counter tops at his website.

Motorized Shades Primary Benefits

1. Convenience. Raising and lowering a manual shade is easy enough if it is not too big. But if the shade is very large or there are 2, 3, 4 or more shades then it becomes more difficult and more time consuming. The convenience factors of motorized shades are important for several other reasons listed below.

a. Maximizing Views. Having motorized shades mean the difference between seeing a beautiful sunrise/sunset or missing it. Stunning vistas are rarely missed when opening or closing shades is as simple as pressing a button.

b. Security. Motorized shades can easily be set on a timer so that when guests are away from home for an extended period of time, shades are raised and lowered at various preset times. This gives the impression that someone is living in the house which deters would be thieves.

c. Conserving Energy. The heat gain from sunlight through windows during summer months is a major burden on air conditioning. The convenience of motorized shades makes saving energy much simpler. Preset timers obviate the need to remember to raise or lower shades for energy saving purposes.

d. Protecting Furniture, artwork and flooring. The sun's rays can do damage to interior furnishings, causing fading, cracking or warping. The convenience of motorized shades makes protecting furniture, artwork and flooring much simpler. Preset timers are also useful in this regard.

e. Many Windows and/or Large Windows. As the number and size of windows increases, the case for motorization becomes increasingly compelling. Some walls of windows are 20, 30 or even 60 feet in length which makes motorization a practical necessity.

f. Hard to reach windows. These skylight windows, second story openings or windows blocked by furniture or other obstructions are why motorized shades were first conceived. Obviously, these factors are still relevant today.

2. Child Safety. A shocking number of injuries and deaths result each year due to cords from manual window shades. The window shade industry's "Child Safety Month" is intended to address these hazards with safety clips and consumer awareness. The best solution is no cords at all, which is possible with motorized shades.

3. Unsightly Cords. Aesthetically, cords detract from the clean look of a window opening. Multiple shades mean multiple cords, pooling on the floor when fully open. Motorized window shades means no more unsightly control cords and open, clear views through windows.

4. Less Wear and Tear. Tangling and unfamiliar 'user abuse' to shades are the most common causes of service calls. The control mechanisms on manual shades, if used frequently (see convenience factor above), will break and can be costly to repair or replace.

5. They are cool! Functionally, motorized shades make a lot of sense and aesthetically, they are definitely preferable to manual shades. Let's not forget that they also have an impressive WOW Factor!

The author, Gavin Sword, is an owner of Automated Shading - New York Motorized Shades The company offers Motorized Shades in New York, Florida, (Miami, Naples, Tampa, Orlando), New Jersey and Pennsylvania.

American Standard Bathtubs

American standard is not just the standard in America but world wide. Founded in 1875 as The Standard Sanitary Manufacturing Company, in just 54 years was the world's biggest producer of bathroom fittings. They then changed their name after a merger with the American Radiator Company in the same year. Since 1967 when the company's name was officially changed, American Standard has been a name known the whole globe over.

Known for their quality and affordability, American Standard has revolutionized the bathroom world. The center of each bathroom being the bathtub, American Standard can meet any individual's desire. With the ability to match your wanted decor with hundreds or colors to order from. American Standard has colors from soft and gentle to warm and appealing, even the bold stand out colors are available.

Also offering many different types of bathtub styles American Standard can fulfill your bathtub desires. If you desire a step back in time bathroom then a remake of the clawfoot bathtub will do best. Even to the super ritzy black contemporary type of bathtub they have that too.

Being a Multi-national company American Standard has even been in the forefront of design. Due to the needs of customers being different from the smaller slim bathtub better suited to crowded city apartments, or European living. To the Corner tub helping to maximize the area in any bathroom anywhere.

American Standard even offers therapeutic style bathtubs like an air massage tub. Or a backrest style giving more support for those in need like their elderly customers. American Standard is still setting the standard of living. Be well and be clean, I'm off to take a bath myself.

Hal Johnson, who has been writing about bathtubs and showers for the last 6 years has found an online information source about american standard bathtubs. Check out their site and learn more about bathtub information now!

Goal Setting Activity

Most people find the act of a goal setting activity almost impossible because they set goals that are way too large and become disheartened before they ever come close to reaching them. A goal setting activity that works is one that is broken down until it represents a single event. It is the progressive, sequential accumulation of single events that ensure the final desired end result.

For example, if your goal setting activity is to save $10,000 this year and you are paid fortnightly, you should have 26 single event goals, each written progressively to allow for changed circumstances.

Your goal setting activity should be what I call SMARTIES! SMARTIES is an acronym for the following:

SPECIFIC
Be absolutely specific when producing a goal setting activity and use the present tense.

MEASURABLE
You need to be able to monitor your progress so you can measure your success.

ATTAINABLE
You also need to be able to conceive your goal to attain it.

REALISTIC
Obviously goals need to be within the grounds of logic and circumstance.

TANGIBLE
Your goal needs to be something that is real or physical, that you can see and/or touch.

INSPIRATIONAL
If your goals don't inspire you it's unrealistic to expect that you're going to be driven to achieve them.

EMOTIONAL
The more emotionally involved you become with your goal the quicker it will manifest into your life.

During your goal setting activity, as well as writing down your goals, I recommend you write down every possible benefit you will realize as a result of achieving your goal and its impact on all areas of your life.

Author: Greg Dempsey - Investor/Internet Marketer
Title: Goal Setting Activity
http://www.OpulentWealth.com.au

Reprinting this article is allowed with this footer attached.

Effective Goal Setting For Busy Moms

Have you ever been frustrated with goal setting? As busy moms, some days we barely get through our daily to-do list. Who has time for long term goals?

Yet amidst all the family activities, I have found a way to set goals that works.

Every August for many years, I have attended a fantastic personal growth seminar called Mastermind Summit. Although top notch speakers like Zig Ziglar and Jim Rohn have been highlights, it's the goal setting session that has impacted me the most. Now that I'm a busy mom with two young children, goal setting is very centering. It helps me see what's really important to accomplish and what can be abandoned if necessary.

Here's how you can create effective goals for the year ahead, no matter how busy you are:

1. Plan a goal setting time every year.

Maybe you want to set goals in December for the New Year. Or you can set them in August to correlate with the school year and get your kids to set goals with you. The important thing is to establish a regular ritual of goal setting that you won't forget. Maybe you want to plan a weekend getaway on your anniversary and make sure that one hour of that weekend is committed to goal setting. Create a fun ritual that you and your family will look forward to. Be sure to celebrate past accomplishments every year with your family.

2. Set goals in five areas of life.

The five areas are: personal, spiritual, business, financial and family. Following are a few examples to help you brainstorm:

Personal - to lose 10 pounds, to exercise at the gym twice a week, to learn how to play the guitar Spiritual - to read through the Bible in a year, to attend a spiritual retreat

Business - to increase sales by 10%, to find a freelance job for 5 hours a week

Financial - to save $2000, to make a budget for Christmas gifts

Family - to take a vacation to Hawaii, to help my child learn the 50 states

3. Make sure your goals are specific.

For instance, don't make a goal to "exercise more." Instead say "I am going to exercise twice a week." Now you have a measurable goal. You will know whether or not you accomplished it.

Even as busy moms, we can set goals that move our dreams forward. Effective goal setting starts with keeping it simple and specific. Keep growing alongside your children by setting personal goals for yourself and reaching them!

Moms, want to lose your baby weight once and for all? Get results in one breakthrough month called "Losing Weight After Baby: 31 Days to a New You" Listen for just 5 minutes a day at your convenience and enjoy positive changes like smaller dress sizes and more energy. Try it risk free at http://www.LosingWeightAfterBaby.com

Space Saving Tips For Small Bathrooms

It's essential to get the most space out of your bathroom as most bathrooms do contain limited space for such objects in the average house hold. It's not a physical space saving tip to use light colors when painting or decorating a bathroom, but in the sense of lighting and feeling it really does provide a bigger atmosphere so this tip should be used in a small bathroom.

Lighting in a small bathroom is very important and is the best way to make you and others feel like they are in a spacious room rather than a dingy dark one. Options include spotlights from cabinets and the ceiling which provide phenomenal lighting in any room without using up any space as they are implemented. Curtains sometimes get in the way and make a room feel darker, so replacing them with blinds will give you that natural lighting effect you want with the same amount of privacy.

In terms of physical space saving options it's a good idea to use wall hanging objects such as mirror cabinets and towel holders so you not only have all that extra space on the floor but you get that extra storage option available. Another good tip is to purchase a bathroom set that can be implemented into corners of a bathroom and hide pipes that no one wants to see.

Most families include a bath and a shower in their bathroom if they have a big enough room - but this isn't always possible in the average house hold unless it feels really cramped. If you want a bath and a shower it's still possible by purchasing a shower that fits on the wall above the bath. This shower also normally includes a glass enclosure attached to the side protecting the bathroom from being covered in water.

The possibilities for creating that extra needed space are endless but the main tips for doing so would be keeping the bathroom simple and clean, having a simplistic effect automatically gives the spacious illusion to visitors. Having a couple of mirrors around the room is also a good technique - but not too many as this will over do it.

Written by James Chapman, a director of Bella Bathrooms who supply Small Bathrooms for the UK market.

Bella Bathrooms is an online retailer formed by 2 plumbers from the North East of England. Having hands on experience of custom bathroom installation and products has enabled Bella Bathrooms Ltd to only select quality bathroom products for their online shop. They sell bathroom furniture, bathroom suites, showers and bath related products for consumers through the United Kingdom.

Bathroom Remodeling Can Be Kept Simple and Cheap

What do you want from your bathroom?

Do you want it to be more than clinically cold and merely functional? The trend today is towards making bathrooms a warm, friendly place to be, a place where you don't mind spending a fair amount of time in. Lets face it, we all have to use the bathroom sooner or later and it's probably the most used room in the house.

If you are planning to remodel your bathroom you should try to provide an experience for the users of the room and that includes yourself. Try to think beyond the simple utility of being a place to wash in.

How ambitious is your bathroom-remodeling project?

When you remodel your bathroom a lot will depend on how much space you have available and how extensive you want your bathroom remodel to be. When I remodeled my bathroom it all started because I dropped something into the bathtub and cracked it. That meant that the bath had to be replaced but I could have stopped there instead of taking the opportunity to replace everything, rearrange the bathroom and add a shower cubicle. Oh yes and I spent a lot of money too.

You don't have to be that ambitious

As long as your bathroom fittings are in working order you don't need to replace them. There is a lot you can do by adding storage space to get things off the floor, replace some tiling that may have seen better days. Giving the place a simple coat of paint can work wonders also. Even if you do need to replace some items like I did then replacing it with a similar item in the same position can be a lot cheaper than a full blown remodel.

How about a few plants?

If you have the space in your bathroom you might like to add a few pot plants here and there. They can hide the more drab aspects of your bathroom and provide a point of interest for anyone using the room. Some people like to talk to plants but don't like others to know that they do so being alone in a bathroom with some nice plants can be very therapeutic.

Think about the lighting

Lighting can make a big difference and adding some nice warm, soothing light that makes you feel cosy and at home can enhance your experience of the bathroom in a very subtle and pleasant way.

Keep it clean and shiny

Often all a bathroom needs is a good clean. Polish the metal work in the room, the faucets and towel rails etc. Make sure that you remove all the lime scale that has built up over the years. Clean the tiles on the walls so that they gleam like new. Do all this and keep it all clean by going over it once a week. It can make your bathroom look as good as if you'd done a complete bathroom remodel. It's also quicker, a lot less stressful and will save you loads of money.

What to do if you're thinking of a more ambitious bathroom remodel

If you've got plenty of money, time and enthusiasm then you may want to do something a bit more radical than simply clean or paint your bathroom. The article href="http://www.bathroomsremodeling.this-info.com/bathroom-remodeling-idea.php">Bathroom Remodeling Idea - How to get inspiration will give you some inspiration on how to get started on a more ambitious project.

Steve is an engineer and writes for http://www.bathroomsremodeling.this-info.com He remodeled his own bathroom recently Do it yourself bathroom remodeling

Durability and Beauty of the Modern Cast Iron Tub

If you are planning to remodel your bathroom, try to come up with a design that will provide your bathroom with a unique ambiance. Modern cast-iron tubs can remind you of the "good ole days" and provide additional comfort because of its unique qualities. Your favorite spot for relaxing will be your bathroom because of its new up to date look. Putting a cast iron bathtub into your home can be pricey, but once you have it the cost and effort will have been well worth it.

Usually, a recently made cast-iron bathtub will be coated with enamel on the inside. The bathtub is cast by pouring molten iron into a prepared mold. This gives it its unique shape once it cools and hardens. Older cast iron bathtubs were fire polished, to give them vibrant colors and smoother finishes. The pure iron bathtubs last for ages and are usually strong.

These bathtubs have the unexpected advantage that they keep bathwater warmer for a longer time because they retain heat very well. You'll love being able to relax in a luxurious bath for as long as you'd like without the water getting too cold.

Thanks to the thick-walls of cast iron bathtubs they are heavy but in high fashion with an everlasting classic appeal. But, since they are heavy, watch the stability of your bathroom floor. The tub will be heavy, so if the floor isn't solid enough to support its weight, you'll need to reinforce the floor before the tub can be installed.

There are no lighter materials that can give you the durable that lasts like a cast iron bathtub. One of the advantages of the premium quality bathtubs is the enamel lining, which is resistant to scratches. These tubs are extremely damage resistant.

This is a one-time investment that will raise the value of your home, both financially and aesthetically!

Sally Ritter has been in the field of home improvement with for a long time, maintaining a website about buying bathtubs and showers and a webpage about purchasing cast iron bathtubs where you can get answers to the rest of your questions.

Why Hire a Paint Contractor - Home Remodeling

Often the best option a homeowner will have when remodeling their house is to hire a contractor to do the work for them. This way they will get professional work at a good price and will not stress over the project, as many homeowners choose to do the work themselves and find themselves stressing out over it. When the homeowner is left to relax or focus on other projects, they often feel good about the remodel and the experience becomes a positive one.

A paint contractor is trained thoroughly in the craft of exterior painting and is motivated to provide their clients with the best work possible. This often translates into an excellent finished product that the homeowner can be proud of. Not only will the project go by quickly, but the homeowner will sacrifice no quality with the hastiness a paint contractor can finish the project. Being experienced in the field, contractors are skilled at finished the project in a timely manner and with excellent craftsmanship. Homeowners are happy they called a contractor, as many have had negative experiences when trying to take on large home improvement projects alone.

When the homeowner goes at it alone, they often sacrifice the finished product. While they may enjoy the outdoors and working with their hands, what they get in the end is seldom worth the perks exterior painting may offer some homeowners. Even if they get the chance to bond with friends and relatives while they assist them in their remodel, being unsatisfied with the final product often does not make the experience worth it. The finished product is usually what the homeowner cares most about, so this is what should be considered when considering the options the homeowner has for exterior home painting.

Many paint contractors offer homeowners with affordable work that will leave them completely satisfied. Homeowners go into a project with a vision of what it will look like when finished. When the final product is far from what they had envisioned, they often feel unsatisfied or annoyed. The closer it is to what they had imagined, the more pride they will feel. When homeowners are left to their own devices, they often come up short of what they are striving for. A contractor often is the key to getting what they want and finding a formula that works for the project.

Realizing the value of a paint contractor is often the first step in hiring their services. Professionalism brings a good deal of confidence to the jobsite, confidence that often means excellent craftsmanship and beautiful results. Not only do homeowners get to rest easy knowing their project is in good hands, they are also able to focus their attention on projects that may require less professional attention. This can make a remodel move faster or can allow the homeowner to save money in other areas that may not be so complicated that they require the work of a contractor. The benefits a paint contractor brings to the jobsite are enormous and homeowners should surely take advantage of their skill.

More information on http://www.ultimaterollercoaster.com/resources/college-works-painting/ College Works Painting is just a click away.

How to Prevent Roof Ice Build-up From Causing Major Damage to Your House This Winter

You've seen it many times - a mass of heavy ice collecting at the eaves of a roof. But did you ever wonder why these hazardous (and dangerous) ice masses and icicles form? The answer is simple: Trapped heat in your attic melts the snow on your roof. The melting snow then trickles downward to the edges of the roof and re-freezes, over and over again, continually adding more ice mass, and eventually results in extreme havoc to the structure of your roof. You might not know the extent of the damage until it is way too late: Damage such as warping and detachment of eave troughs, fascia board warping, roof wood rot, and melting ice leaking into your house resulting in drywall and plaster stains. Why does this happen? You might be surprised by the answer. The power of ice is tremendous. When water freezes it expands and creates a huge force that pushes against anything in its way. This unstoppable force can bend steel like bubble gum. Imagine this huge level of pressure pushing against soft materials such as wood, aluminum, asphalt shingles, or bricks, concrete, and stone walls (all easy prey for ice dams). Clearly, the damage could be enormous.

What is the answer? Here it is: The only lasting solution to prevent roof ice damming is proper roof ventilation. Why? Because proper roof ventilation removes the trapped heat in your attic (the very heat that causes ice dams) and studies prove that a cool attic during winter stops the thaw/re-freeze cycle and thus stops the melting snow from re-freezing at the roof edges. But how does roof ventilation specifically prevent ice damming? The answer is to create an attic temperature that is close or the same to the temperature outside of the attic using specific roof/attic ventilation procedures such as soffit roof ventilation and ridge roof ventilation. Let's expand on these two types of roof ventilation. Soffit ridge ventilation is a system of openings along the perimeter of your roof. These openings are referred to as intake vents. Their purpose is to allow air to easily enter the underside of your roof which will then travel skyward to the top of your roof directly beneath the roof boards. Ridge ventilation (at the top of your roof) will now complete the process. Ridge ventilation is a continuous vent that is installed along the entire ridge (or top) of your roof, referred to as exhaust vents.

Using the wind, ridge ventilation pulls air out of the attic using an energy-free power source, namely Mother Nature. Wind creates a negative pressure that effectively pulls a constant stream of new air into the soffit vents, along the entire surface of the attic roof boards, and is then expelled out through the ridge vents. The outcome is substantial. With fresh air constantly being pumped throughout your roof's attic spaces, any trapped heat is removed. When this heat is removed, the temperature of your attic becomes close or equal to the outside temperature. The result is no melting snow that will dribble down and re-freeze at the eaves of your roof. As a final word of advice, be sure that the ridge vent is baffled. A baffle is simply a small curve on the ridge vent itself that creates the negative pressure that sucks the trapped heat out of your attic much more efficiently than ridge ventilation without baffles. Without this baffle, the effect will be minimal. Lastly, the ratio of soffit and ridge ventilation should be 50/50 for optimal results, meaning 50% soffit intake, and 50% ridge exhaust.

William Woolsey is the owner of Brookside Roofing and a Roofing/Attic Ventilation Specialist Serving Toronto Home Owners for Twenty-Five Years. Brookside Roofing Offers Residential Roofing Services for Asphalt, Slate Tiles, and Cedar Shake Roofs.

Taupe -- A New Neutral and Tricky Wall Color

Page through home catalogs and you see taupe. Check out the latest fashions and you see taupe. Cruise new neighborhoods and you see taupe. This brownish-gray color is the darling of the home and fashion industries. The popularity of the color is surging because there are so many shades of taupe. Do-it-yourselfers have picked up on the trend.

In response to customer demands, many paint companies have come up with shades of taupe. Behr paint, for example, has its White and Light Collection. This collection includes shades of taupe that go from Parisian Taupe, to Indulgent Mocha, to Pale Bamboo. Some shades have more brown in them, while others have more pink.

Glidden also produces various taupe colors and, like all paint companies, the colors have fantastic names like Meditative Moment and Bistro Beige. As descriptive as the names are, they may not help with your color choice. How can you find a shade that works for you?

Find the brightest spot in the store and look at a color swatch. Flourescent lighting changes colors, so take the chip outside and look at the color again. Bringing fabric and carpet swatches will also help you find the right shade. Buy a small can of paint and try it on a small section of wall. Since changing light changes the color, look at your sample paint job during the day, at dusk, and at night.

Your painit homework may not keep you from disappointment. The Home and Garden TV Web site has a message board and one home owner pleaded for help. He painted the walls of his renovated bathroom taupe and was dismayed with the result. "Every color I put up against the walls makes taupe come across as slightly mauve," he wrote. The home owner repainted the walls.

The Garden and Hearth Web site discusses taupe in an article titled, "Interior Design Colors: Taupe," by Sarah Van Arsdale. She describes taupe as a neutral color and a good choice for walls, but you have to choose the right taupe. "Be careful not to make a room too dark, " warns Van Arsdale.

A dark shade of taupe will make a small room appear smaller. Taupe also darken angular spaces. While taupe can be the basis of a neutral decorating scheme, Van Arsdale says you don't want your scheme to be bland. Adding textue with pillows and upholstery, plus colorful accessories, will keep this from happening.

Taupe is really a family of colors -- beautiful, rich, adaptive colors that go with all design styles. It's a great color choice if you're planning to move and a great color choice if you're planning to stay. With a little detective work you'll find the right taupe for you.

Copyright 2008 by Harriet Hodgson

http://www.harriethodgson.com

Harriet Hodgson has been a freelance nonfiction writer for 29 years. She is a member of the Association of Healt Care Journalists and the Association for Death Educaiton and Counseling. Her 24th book, "Smiling Through Your Tears: Anticipating Grief," written with Lois Krahn, MD, is available from http://www.amazon.com You will find a review of the book on the American Hospice Foundation Web site and the Health Ministries Association Web site.

Log onto http://www.harriethodgson.com to learn more about this busy author and grandmother.

Safe Stair Construction - Stair Building Tips

As a general rule of thumb in stair building the sum of the tread and riser should equal around 17 1/2 inches. This is a general rule of thumb for a comfortable, easy to walk up and down set of stairs.

For example if your stair tread is 10 inches and the stair riser is 7 1/2 inches you have a comfortable stairway. Walking up and down a stairway using this formula creates a comfortable set of stairs. The next time you walk down any uncomfortable set of stairs measure the stair tread and riser. You will be amazed at what you'll find.

For public stairs or heavily used stairs this method will become one of your best friends. On public stairs you have liability issues and of course lawyer issues if you are the owner of the building. If you are not building a safe set of stairs that meets your local building codes standards you could be in for a whopping financial nightmare.

Building safe stairs as a contractor is your obligation to society. I don't know how many times I come across a loose stair tread or a broken hand rail. One of the biggest problems I find is in the poorer neighborhoods you come across some major construction problems and safety hazards. I never have been able to figure out why a building owner would not want to protect himself financially and the people that occupy and use his buildings safety.

Here's something you need to avoid when using the stair building general rule of thumb. This rule of thumb does not apply to good to an 8 inch tread with a 9 1/2 inch stair rise. You don't want to be building a latter you want to be building a safe set up stairs.

The maximum stair rise you can use for most building codes is 8 inches. You will not find the stairway to comfortable with a 9 1/2 inch stair tread and an 8 inch riser. If you have no choice and are cramped for space and you can't redesign this stairway to fit in the house or building then at least make sure you have a nice sturdy grip able stair hand rail.

This formula works great when you are working with exterior landscaping and you have a long run of stairs with a small rise. For example: if you have a 14 inch stair tread and you use a 4 inch riser this will lead to a comfortable step.

Look for stairs in your neighborhood or around some apartment complexes that don't follow these rules and have 16 inch stair treads with 7 inch risers. You will find yourself taking two steps on the stair tread on every other step and it is not a real comfortable stairway.

Happy stair building and keep this formula in mind for a nice comfortable set of stairs in your building future.

Greg Vanden Berge is working on the internet to promote the education for creating simple to follow guides and home building books to help professional building contractors as well as the weekend warriors. He is currently working on more building stairs books and adding useful content to help solve problems created by the lack of construction knowledge in the building industry.

Dementia - Alzheimer's - Problems You May Face in the Bathroom Part I

One of the many things you might experience with a person with dementia / Alzheimer's is bathroom behavior or problems the person will encounter. The problems can be serious or not so serious. Here are some of the things we have experienced with our Mr. Q who seems to be going downhill rather rapidly.

The setting
We own an RCFE (Residential Care Facility for the Elderly) in California. Our RCFE is our home and we actually live there as opposed to some where only caretakers stay with the residents. There we care for a few elderly residents who have difficulties caring for themselves. We have a Mr. Q, who I have been writing about for the past few months, in our home for care. Mr. Q has been previously diagnosed with dementia and Alzheimer's. He has been with us four and a half months.

Brief History
Previous to that time, as far as we know, he seemed rather normal up until about a year before he came to us. However, due to him being mostly a loner with infrequent communication with his family, no one knew how bad he was getting until they saw him right before they sent him to us. Mr. Q was a very close relative of mine in my younger years but less so over the years since we moved to California decades ago. He continued living in the Midwest where most of his family is still living.

Toilet Problems (Urine)
Originally when Mr. Q arrived he was able to go to the bathroom by himself. That has changed, however, over the short time he has been here. It progressively got to the point where now he is totally unable to go to the toilet by himself without problems. Early on we trained him to sit on the stool whenever he had to use the toilet. This was because he would wet on the floor or toilet seat if he took a leak the normal way. Occasionally he reverts to that old behavior and always the floor gets soaked with urine, as well as the toilet seat. This necessitates us making sure we are with him whenever he has to go to the bathroom.

Toilet Problems (Bowel Movement)
Mr. Q is almost totally unaware of when he has to have a bowel movement. It's a significant problem. His poor eating habits and refusal to drink fluids make it a continuing problem. We have tried lots of things to get him to poop on a regular basis, but all have failed. Initially he would not sit on the toilet stool more than a few seconds, so of course he could not do poo poo properly. That is less of a problem now, but still a major source of contention. In addition when there is a buildup of poo poo internally he will not push it out. That makes things worse. No more detail here - suffice it to say his doing bowel movement is an ongoing major problem for us.

Changing Diapers/Clothes
This is often still a big problem. He will grab the clothes, the diaper, and your hand, and in general make it extremely difficult to change him. Sometimes it takes two of us to do the simple task of changing his diaper. He now wears two diapers at night because he has been wetting himself almost every night. Even that is not good enough sometimes, as he will still get the sheets and sometimes blanket wet and/or filled with poop.

We often change his clothes in the bathroom, usually when he is sitting on the stool. When we change his diapers, and that is quite often, sometimes it is far easier to just put on new pants and shirt (his shirt gets stained with his saliva) there because he is usually more calm and more cooperative than doing the same thing in his bedroom.

Spitting problems
This may be unique to Mr. Q; however we have had another male resident with similar Alzheimer's problems that used to hold and spit saliva almost as bad as Mr. Q. The problem with Mr. Q is whenever he goes into the bathroom he will automatically walk over to the sink and spit. He sometimes spits even if there is no reason, nothing to spit out. Unfortunately he is not careful and often it gets on the floor, on the sink counter and on the toilet seat. Besides the clean-up required, it attracts ants, someone could slip on it (we have a tile floor) and it requires us to be constantly on alert to clean it up should it happen.

Charles has taken a serious look at potential travel destinations, some of which are listed on the Travellistics site. After contacting Safari Kay and getting the real scoop he went on a safari to Tanzania Africa which he has written a series of articles about. If you have been on a safari or traveled to a faraway destination add your comments to the Travellistics site. Charles is now an involuntary caretaker of elderly persons, some of which have dementia and Alzheimer's. He is exposing the problems of caring for someone with dementia or Alzheimer's disease from the perspective of someone who is suddenly in a position of caring for a loved one with those problems. Read about Mr. Q, who has Alzheimer's disease and is a resident in an RCFE (Residential Care Facility for the Elderly). Be aware and prepared if these problems occur to anyone in your family. Get the real story in intimate, sometimes excruciating detail. You can add your comments and experiences to Charles personal site too.

Five Things Every Home Should Have

When it comes to a house, there are things that are essential. Sure a floor, a ceiling, and walls all fall into this category, a house cant exist without them. But, once the basics are in place, a house needs certain things to make it a home. The following five things help it do just that.

A playground: If you dont have kids, you can probably do without putting a playground in your backyard. But, if the pitter-patter of little feet is a common sound in your house, a playground is a must have. Whether its something as simple as a swing set or a jungle gym complete with a bouncy bridge and monkey bars, a playground is essential to keeping your kids happy...and you sane.

Locks on Doors: This day and age, a house is not safe without locks - and deadbolts - on all entry doors. But, a home also needs locks on bedroom and bathroom doors. Without locks, people feel robbed of a sense of privacy: parents might feel insecure about being intimate, kids might feel as if they arent ever trusted, and a husband may worry that someone will come busting through the bathroom door, spotting him reading a Sweet Valley High book as he sits on the toilet. Locks on doors allow people to have time alone. Plus, locks can always be removed...say when your kids become teenagers.

A Peephole on the front door: Whenever there is a knock on the front door, its good to know whos standing on the other side before you open it: a peephole is like the caller ID for the door world. Unlike peeking out a window, an act that can cause the person at the door to see you, a peephole allows you to be subtle: you can act like youre not home whenever solicitors, nosy neighbors, or people to whom you owe money come aknockin. A peephole also gives your children the best chance at making sure they dont open the door to a stranger.

A Front or Back Porch: When it comes to spring and summer, few things are better than sitting on the porch and enjoying the nice weather. But, a porch isnt just a place for relaxation: a back porch is great for barbequing and hosting summer dinner parties, while a front porch is a great place to sit and watch your kids play, and a great place to decorate with flowers and plants. Sitting out on your front porch and speaking to people who walk by is also a great way to meet and get to know your neighbors.

A Dining Room without a TV: Sitting down and having a family meal together may seem like a lost art, but thats only true for those unwillingly to try to find it. When it comes to a quality family dinner, the television is the nemesis. Thus, the TV has got to go. This doesnt mean you need to smash your plasma in a fit of rage or treat your Sony like it betrayed the mob by throwing it overboard into a desolate lake, just make sure your TV cant be seen from your dining room. Once that happens, your family will be forced to talk to each other.

Jennifer Jordan is the senior editor for http://www.etodoors.com. Someone who changes her mind every five minutes, her house is in a perpetual state of home improvement.

How to Use Stones in Building Your Home and Getting Acquainted to Its Various Effects

You can use various materials in building your home, at the same time making sure that they look beautiful at all times. The outside of your home is just as important as the interiors. Building a home, is not about making sure that only one part is a beauty. If it is your home, you will definitely ensure that every room, every side or every angle can be functional at the same time appeals to your eye.

The way you mix and match materials in your home is one of the main factors in making your home look great at all times. From traditional home designs to modern architecture, it has always been a practice that the proper calculations of the sizes and the effect of the materials are considered. One of the famous materials used in homes are stones.

Stone creates a natural look in your homes. It is usually used as part of the walls. It can have a smooth finish or it can be slightly textured to emphasize its nature. Nowadays, its color also varies to add a modern touch on its final effect. Buildings, hotels and other establishments, use them to give a professional look. Therefore, this means, using this kind of material is not longer primitive. In fact, it is already innovative.

One of the greatest uses of stones is a pool finish. Yes, it has an important role in creating effects on the waves of the water or even its colors. Definitely, they are always even and smooth. You do not want to have a rough surface to step on right. Definitely, this finish has an effect in bringing the all elements together to make your backyard look lovely. Whether day or night, with a combination of lighting, these materials create a lovely effect that can surely give a WOW effect to your homes. For whatever kind of occasion you are planning to celebrate in your homes, your pool can be the centerpiece of your party themes.

Stones are also famous for creating great walkways. They create a good contrast to your plants and flowers. It is gives you this country effect and just being surrounded with anything-natural gives a breathtaking scene for your homes. Cobblestones are one of the common designs that we see everywhere. On top of that, do you know that walking on cobblestones can be healthy? If you have read an article published by USA Today last July 2005, a survey was conducted and it showed that people who walked on these paths have lowered their blood pressure. This additional thought can help you push on going for this material in making those walkways. The added functionality can be a great health benefit for your family.

You see those things that you just see with the dirt, have great effects for walls, pool finishes and even walkways. Stones can be tweaked according to what is popular nowadays. It can bring nature inside your homes or even enhance what is outside. Smooth finish, textured, all natural, you name it; it is possible.

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

Bathroom Layouts - Tips You Should See

So you believe that a bathroom remodel project is only about changing the vanity or repositioning the bathtub? Your much-feted remodeling project will hit a roadblock if your treat the supremely important issue of bathroom layouts flippantly. After all, isn't it the layout that has a tremendous import on the final outcome of the project and the overall costs?

Ignore the layout of the bathroom, and the results are sure to be calamitous.

Address Those Niggling Problems

If after even several feckless attempts your bathroom fails to ignite your imagination, then it's time to give the layout a fresh lease of life. Before you plunge headlong into action, make sure you consider a few rudimentary aspects earnestly.

First, you must ascertain the inherent limitations in the existing layout. Lack of storage space, no place to fit in that ornate bathtub or may improper lighting and ventilation, just to name a few. A spanking new layout is perfect to address these concerns.

It's also important that you don't mothball ideas that are closest to your heart. List out what you feel form an indispensable part of your dream space. A luxurious shower or an aesthetically crafted vanity, the choice is entirely yours.

No layout can be a winner without efficient planning. Make sure all the fittings and fixtures that you have envisioned for the space find a place in the blueprints.

Four Tips That You Cannot Gloss Over

If you are in the midst of designing the perfect layout for the bathroom, here are tips that will hold you in good stead:

• You just need a single door to access a world of opportunities.
• A rectangular or square bathroom is the best shape you can have. Make sure the length is twice as much as the breadth.
• Let there be some breathing space in the center. Fixtures like the toilet and bathtub can be safely sequestered to a corner, from away from prying eyes, I mean, the main door.
• Don't continue to remain in the dark about the illuminating radiance of natural lighting. Let windows and skylights rule the roost.

Don't be surprised if your design is already garnering rave reviews.

Learn exactly how to generate 100's or even 1000's of positively *BRILLIANT* Bathroom Remodeling Ideas ... FAST ! And here are 25 Dirt Cheap Home Improvement Ideas that could increase the value of your home by several $1000's ...

Remodeling a Mobile Home - What Are Basic Cost Increments

The cost of remodeling a simple home can be estimated very simply by a market survey or by using cost estimating software. It is easy because simple home remodeling is very common and everyone has a bit of its knowledge. You can have an exact idea about the expenses of contractors, laborers and even the materials that would be used for remodeling a home. However, it becomes a little different when you are talking about estimating cost of remodeling a mobile home.

Remodeling a mobile home costs a little more as compared to normal homes. You can't get an exact idea about the cost of remodeling a mobile home. Its costs keep changing. However, you can use some of the below mentioned ideas in this article to know about the basic issue which make remodeling mobile homes more expensive as compared to fixed homes.

The Basic Cost Difference between Mobile Homes and Fixed Homes
You can get some ideas about the cost of remodeling a mobile home by making a simple comparison between the older homes and the latest models. You will find a lot of differences in their models as well as in their costs. The basic difference between newer and older models is the implementation of building codes and civil laws. Earlier, there were no such restrictions for building codes but now they are essential. It gives you an idea of possible costs for remodeling a mobile home.

What it says openly is that the costs of remodeling a mobile home these days are much higher as compared to the old ones. Remodeling your mobile home in alignment with the city codes might cost you a lot of money. You can, however, remodel the ceiling area because the mobile homes come with factory made ceiling areas but removing the old ceiling for remodeling your mobile home also costs much. The job gets doubled here as you will have to pay for removing the ceiling of your mobile home as well as for installing a new ceiling in your mobile home.

In a mobile home almost everything is settled inside the factory, even the floors of the mobile home. They are finished facing the walls and when you are remodeling your mobile home, you have to spend double of your time and money to fix the new flooring. It too costs a lot and as double as compared to ordinary homes. Moreover, in a mobile home, neither the doors nor the windows are of standard size. They vary in height and setting up new doors & windows causes a lot of effort. Experts have to work very precisely to make the new doors fit into their places. Here again, costs get doubled.

However, you can find good rates of remodeling a mobile home at times if the price of the materials and costs of labors have decreased. But it would still be more expensive as compared to remodeling a fixed home.

There is a lot more that you can get to know about remodeling, constructing and improving a home. All the related details are available at http://www.theyarelocal.com/articles/remodeling/index.php

Replacing Shower Tub Faucet - Tips, Dos and Don'ts

Change, they say is the only thing that remains constant, whether in your life or in your house. Sometimes this change becomes inevitable, sometimes it may be to palliate the dreariness in a certain place. Either way, replacing shower tub faucet is not something we can maintain a detached character to.

Considering the ubiquity of shower tub faucets, it's hard to remain ignorant about their replacement process. I'm sure you may have replaced that tired-looking fixture in your bathroom too. But did you treat it just like any other generic fixture in your inanimate space, or were you all gung-ho about installing something that could freeze traffic.

If you too are keen to push the envelope just a little further, make sure you settle down on your favorite sofa, grab that piping hot cuppa of coffee, and read what follows. Trust me; the quotidian drabness in your bathroom is sure to be drowned forever.

Your Task Cut Out

The massive assortment of faucets flooding Home Improvement Stores does not make your task of finding the best any easier. It's just not the shape and size that we are referring to here; there?s a staggering array of styles and finishes too.

Since it's rather hard to get your head around this hugely overwhelming task, here's what you must bear in mind before embarking on a shower tub faucet replacement exercise:

• Size does matter: For once, it does. When you set off on a shopping spree, take the old faucet along with you. Make sure you are absolutely clear about the measurements when your choices are setting mouse clicks aflutter online.
• Dripping style from every pore: Faucets with fine lines and beautiful curves enhance the appeal of modern bathrooms, while the more decorative varieties make traditional spaces come alive.
• Fight to the finish: Stainless steel, brushed nickel, chrome or oil rubbed bronze, they burnish the aura of the space like never before.
• Safety first: In this mad rush to create a sight to behold, make sure you do not sequester very important safety considerations to a corner. In-built scald protection is not something you can treat flippantly.

So are you ready to hit the stores with a vengeance? Good luck!

Learn exactly how to generate 100's or even 1000's of positively brilliant Bathroom Remodeling Ideas ... FAST ! And here are some Dirt Cheap Home Improvement Ideas that could increase the value of your home by several $1000's ...

Basement Remodeling Plans - Turn That Boring Room Into a Game Room

More and more people are converting their basements from storage areas into very usable family rooms and game rooms. Basement remodeling plans are sometimes a little more difficult because the sizes of basements and usable space can be a bit tricky. With that said, the advantage of remodeling your basement is the fact that it is going to be used as an additional room and not main living space.

One of the first things you need to do when creating your basement remodeling plans is to decide on a theme that you might want try to and capture with the room. If it's going to be a game room you might want to think about your favorite college sports team or favorite sport for that matter.

Once you've determined the theme and the color scheme that you're going to be using for your new room you need to start thinking about the dcor. Perhaps speaking at a news pinball machine might add a nice touch to the room.

You want to make sure when drawing up your plans that you have an area that will allow you to place the machine, where won't be a distraction for other activities going on the room.

One trick you may try is to contact a few professionals and have them come out and sketch out some basic basement remodeling plans of what they would do with the basement. There's no obligation to choose any certain contractor, but by speaking with them and having them sketch out some plans for you in creating a bid. It gives you some great ideas to go on.

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

Home Building Concrete Epoxies

When concrete epoxies first came out I was working on a church remodeling the sanctuary. We were building a set of stairs that was two steps in height and 75 feet long. The steps were going to get a hardwood covering along with the rest of the sanctuary flooring.

I had used redheads in the past and noticed that over time these redheads would loosen up. I could never figure out what caused the redheads to do this. Was it the concrete that was expanding and contracting or was it the steel redheads contracting and expanding.

Either way I can never figure out what was up with the redheads. Another name for a redhead would be an anchor bolt. Red Hed is actually the company's name that makes the anchor bolt used to fasten materials to concrete or masonry surfaces.

Finding out that Simpson building products had made any new epoxy and all it required was drilling a hole 1/16 of an inch larger than the all thread you were going to use . After drilling a hole you would clean it with a plastic brittle brush. This brittle brush was pretty strong but it was not made from metal like I have thought. I was thinking it would have been a nice metal wire brush.

After drilling and cleaning the hole you would insert the proper amount of the epoxy into the hole you had drilled out with a masonry bit. As you slid the cut to size all thread bolt into the hole the epoxy would ooze out of the whole. This would tell you there was enough epoxy in the hole.

After that I cleaned the leftover epoxy off of the wood that I had inserted the all thread into to remove the extra epoxy that had oozed out. I waited 24 hours and the next day came to work with my electric impact wrench and wanted to put this epoxy to the ultimate test.

I put the washer and nut on the all thread and started to torque the heck out of it. As I was tightening the nuts and washer it started to work its way into the wood.

I was simply amazed after 24 hours the epoxy had held that good.

That was then and today Simpson epoxy requires drilling a hole an eighth of an inch oversize and filling it with epoxy. I still can't believe and to this day am a firm believer in concrete epoxies.

Read the instructions, clean out the holes properly with the recommended brush, insert the proper amount of epoxy, and rotate the all thread slowly into the hole as the epoxy starts to ooze out of it. Do not touch or move the bolt for the next 24 hours.

Concrete epoxies are here to stay and will keep improving as time goes on.

Greg Vanden Berge is working on the internet to promote the education for creating simple to follow guides and home building books to help professional building contractors as

well as the weekend warriors. He is currently working on a great Building and Remodeling Library and adding useful content to help solve problems created by the lack of construction knowledge in the building industry.

Visit us and get more information on building and remodeling your homes in San Marcos Remodeling

Bathroom Remodeling - Bathroom Renovation Benefits

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

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

Bathroom remodeling is expensive

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

Remodeling ideas

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Do your bathroom remodeling yourself or hire a contractor?

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

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

Wood Beam Repairs - Home Repair Tips

If you live in a moist climate in the winter and a dry climate in the summer and you have exterior wood beams exposed to these elements. You could develop wood beam problems over time. If wood beams are properly maintained and painted often they could last for a long time. Wood beams can last many years if properly taken care of.

Exterior wood beams that are used to hold up roofs, patios and decking can suffer from wood rot if not taken care of. Let's take for example a wooden beam located in a patio holding up a section of a large roof. The span of the roof being is only 10 feet long. As we look at the exterior wood beam. We noticed the upper corner of the beam is soft and rotted.

The beam damage is roughly the size of a baseball. The wood beam itself is a 6 x 10. Do we need to replace this beam even though the damage is not real big. The answer to this question is yes, any amount of damage to a wood beam takes away from its structural strength.

If you have a wood beam holding up the roof and the beam fails you could end up replacing a large section of your roof as well as the damaged beam. Replacing the damaged beam is usually a difficult task. The beam is usually sandwiched between two walls and will have siding or stucco around it.

If you're lucky enough to have the wood beam sitting in a saddle or on top of a wood post this will make your job easier and will require less skill. If however the beam is located between two walls this will require shoring up the roof and removing the beam.

Beam replacement should be left to professionals. This is not often as easy as it looks and could create a safety hazard if not done properly. I have seen beams replaced by homeowners or handyman and the damage that was done after the repairs, was worse than just leaving the beam alone in the first place.

The biggest problem with exterior wood beams is that they are usually holding up large amounts of weight. If the beam is removed without the proper bracing and shoring of the roof or floor area you could have a larger problem than you started with.

Exterior beams over time seemed to develop large cracks or splits in dry weather. These large cracks and splits weaken the structural strength of the beam adding more stress to the beam itself leading to structural failure eventually.

Extreme climates where temperatures very over 40 in one day seem to suffer the most damage to exterior wood beams that are not properly maintained. Beam maintenance will require painting and keeping moisture away from them.

Be aware of structural beams in or around your house. A little painting now and then can save you thousands of dollars over the life time of your house.

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

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

Visit us now for Vista Home Improvement.

Holiday Accommodation North Stradbroke

North Stradbroke Island is one of the largest sand islands in the world. It is located off the east coast of Australia and is a part of the state of Queensland. Also known as "Straddie", the island is a ideal escape from the tough life of the city. The downbeat and relaxed lifestyle, the kilometres of pure white sandy beaches, and the lovely sub-tropical weather make Straddie the perfect place to relax and chill out. Most of the island is untouched with lakes such as the Blue and Brown lakes as well as the Keyhole lakes. Most of these idyllic lakes have sandy shores and are still accessible along gravel tracks. Scenery changes from the rain-forest to the pristinely clear springs and finally to the smashing blue waves along the various beaches.

There are three small areas on the island that are inhabited by humans. Dunwich is the gateway to the island for people coming over from the mainland. This is also an interesting place to explore. It is home to the island's history museum, various historical sites. It also has a waterfront cemetery that has important links with the history of the land. Remnants of both indigenous and European history are present in this particular area. Lookout is paradise for surfers with its high waves at the various popular beaches. These beaches are also the location of most of the island's holiday homes and visitor accommodation. Although there are many clubs and restaurants on the island, the only bar is at Pt Lookout and overlooks the Pacific Ocean. Amity Point is the third and smallest settlement which has a simple laid back charm of its own. Although it is inhabited, the natural beauty of Straddie is virtually untouched. One of the most charming things about the island (for me at least) was the way in which modern developments have come up on it, all the while taking care not to disturb the original inhabitant of the area, i.e. nature.

Getting to Straddie
Although Straddie is not a part of the mainland, getting there is not much of a problem. There are a large number of ferries and water taxis that travel between Cleveland and Straddie at regular intervals. You can catch a train from Brisbane to Cleveland and then hop on to a free bus that will take you down to the ferry terminal.

Activities
Straddie is replete with activities for you to keep yourself busy. Being an island, most of the available activities are related to the sea. These include fishing, snorkelling, scuba diving and surfing.

Accommodation
The variety of holiday accommodations available on Straddie is simply unbelievable. You have a very wide range to choose from, both in terms of comfort and in terms of prices. The most popular mode of accommodation on the island is the apartment. A large number of properties are available for rent and most provide excellent facilities. Living in a property is the preferred for of residence for many people as it is more private than spending nights in hotels. If you are one of these people you'll certainly like the residence options on Straddie.

For more information on island activities, hotel rates and availability, and special package deals and offers, log onto http://www.straddie.info

Amanda Millard is an ardent traveller who has roamed all over the world. She considers herself a global citizen but being an Australian by birth, her heart lies here. Her writings on the various tourist destinations visited by her are both informative and fun to read.

How To Install A Bath Tub Yourself

Installing a bath tub can be a difficult endeavor, but with the appropriate tools and knowledge of what to do it can be successfully completed. It's a good idea to consider other options before deciding to install a new tub. An existing bath tub can be updated and improved by having it re-glazed, or by having a fitted liner created and installed. These options can decrease the cost and length of time involved in replacing a bath tub.

If you've decided that installing a brand new bathtub is the only option, you must carefully research the best method of installation for the tub you choose and your bathroom. If you have the appropriate plumbing and construction knowledge, or know someone who does, the first step is to assemble the necessary tools for the job.

A bath tub installation will require some basic tools that you will most likely already own, such as a hacksaw, drill, hammer, level, nails, screws and tape measure. Other parts and tools may have to be purchased for the job, such as a tube cutter, propane torch, PVC pipes, plastic shims and, of course, your new bath tub. Safety equipment, such as goggles, should always be worn whenever necessary during the project.

When installing a tub to replace an existing unit, the old bath tub needs to be disconnected and removed. It's best to choose a similar size and style of tub, so no additional framing or alteration of original water supply lines needs to be performed.

Using as much assistance as is necessary, place the new bath tub into place and use shims to level it. Support boards should be present under the rim of the tub to help support its weight. After the tub is leveled and is adequately supported, the next focus is to connect the necessary plumbing.

The steps needed to connect the plumbing will depend on what is already present from the previous tub. The drainpipe may have to be cut to fit, so that it connects to the trap, which should be centered below it. Reconnect all of the plumbing fixtures in the same manner as the previous tub was disconnected.

After turning on the water and testing the entire system, it may need to be inspected, depending on building code regulations. After completing any necessary inspections, the final faucets and handles can be connected and the surrounding walls can be refinished and caulked.

Although the process of bathtub installation can be complicated, once you learn how to install a bath tub, you can save a great deal of money by completing the task yourself. If you have the right tools and supplies available, along with some assistance to move the tub, the entire process can be completed in as little as a day.

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Bathroom Remodel Ideas - The Remedy For a Beautiful Bathroom

The trend of home improvements has extended to one of the most important rooms in a home. Through the ears, the bathroom has evolved into just a room to clean yourself up It has become an ultimate place for relaxation, judging from products and fixtures which are now marketed to make your bath time more pleasurable, beautifying and relaxing. Creating a more comfortable ambiance and a beautiful bathroom is a great concept to have as bathroom remodel ideas.

Bathroom remodel ideas may be simple or a little bit complex depending upon the budget and design that you want. Based upon the size of the bathroom, changes may be made from its accessories, fixtures to remodeling an entire bathroom.

For example, adding a shower or bath heater or maybe a tub in your bathroom are top-on-the-list bathroom remodel ideas. This may be a small remodeling task as a bath heater or shower heater may be installed immediately. However, having a tub might take a bit of time as you have to consider your floor space if a bath can fit into your small bathroom. If you have a large bathroom, then it shouldn't be a problem. Still, a little bit of reconstruction or re-arrangement will have to be made to fit the tub.

Another one of the many bright bathroom remodel ideas is to install a range of lights or lighting system. Lights set the mood in the room. Lighting fixtures whether put on both sides of the mirror, over the sink, spot lights, decorative lights or installing a centralized lighting system will instantly create a whole new look to your bathroom, lightening up the whole area, making it more pleasant and relaxing.

Installing shower accessories like a glass shower door or new shower curtains is a simple but an instant perk up to your bathroom remodel ideas. But make sure that the glass fits the standards of safety so that in cases of accidents or any calamity, it will not break easily or will just crystallize to reduce injury or damage.

Better yet, another one of the cool, wonderful and innovative bathroom remodel ideas is to install a sound system in your bathroom. Even a small sound system will do. Make sure to ask help from your contractor or appliance sales man how to waterproof your gadget or install it in a high shelf or place. Having a stereo in your bathroom is an ultimate blast to take a bath. While starting your day or just simply relaxing in a tub, having soothing music or danceable tunes will surely make your bath time a truly wonderful and enjoyable daily habit.

These are just a few colorful bathroom remodel ideas to brighten up the one of the most essential part of your home. It may just be simple but it sure is worth achieving to beautify our home and have a clean and fun environment.

For more information on bathroom remodel ideas and bathroom lighting fixtures visit http://www.lightingbathroomfixtures.com for helpful insight.

Bathroom Remodeling Tips - Serving Two Masters

The hustle and bustle of big city living should be left where it should belong, in the busy New York streets and commercial establishments and not at home. But if you're early morning routine involves having to deal with traffic jam just to get into the master bath, then it may be high time to consider a bathroom remodeling that aims to accommodate his and hers facilities.

A common problem that most New York City homeowners share is limited space offered by their living units. The master bathroom, most of the time is unable to serve both masters at the same time, forcing couples to make arrangements on how they use the bath. But instead of making do with what it has to offer, why not undertake bathroom remodeling and create it into something perfectly fitting for both yours and your partner's needs?

When remodeling your New York bathroom for two, the key to maximize space while enhancing functionality is knowing which can be shared and which is better provided for both. To help you create the most comfortable his and her space out of your master bathroom, here are several tips:

Style

As the goal of your bathroom remodeling is to create a haven of comfort for both of you in one shared space, the two of you should have each, a say on styling matters. Colors, tastes, and preferences should be discussed beforehand. Be creative in finding harmony in individual choices like coordinating both your favorite colors. And as much as possible, every decision to be made must be tackled as a couple.

Vanity

His and her bathroom vanity designs are increasingly becoming popular, especially for use in master bathrooms. In bathroom remodeling, this feature could be your best bet in creating a personal station for each. Other than being a source of appeal, vanities also promote organization. For your New York bath, choose a setup which already integrates built-in storage with the counter space and two sinks. Aside from saving on area, this liberates both of you in terms of keeping your own toiletries and other necessities.

Lights and Mirrors

Light and reflection work hand-in-hand in amplifying space, making any room much more spacious than it seems. For your bathroom remodeling project, choose lighting fixtures offering more brilliance. To maximize your use of natural light without sacrificing your privacy, having your windows with film treatment is a good idea. Other than this purpose, these elements are also most useful when it comes to grooming. When shopping for full length mirrors, look for the pivoting function which allows for adjustment depending on the height of the person looking into it. Another great tip, most useful for prepping up, is to have wall sconces over mirrors instead of overhead lighting to avoid unflattering shadows.

Shower or Tub

As your New York bath is limited in space, instead of having two showers or tubs, a shared one serves as a more intimate option. For either, choose a design that can accommodate two people. To spruce things up and make bathing more enjoyable avail of spa features like multiple spray settings with massaging showerhead or hydrotherapy experience.

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 prescreened Bathroom Contractors NYC. For more, visit Bathroom Remodeling Brooklyn, NY.

Top Trends to Create a Stylish and Relaxing Bathroom

Americans are spending more time at home, and increasingly have no qualms about dropping thousands of dollars to turn their ordinary bathrooms into spa-like, in-home retreats. Learn the latest trends that homeowners are following to create the bathroom of their dreams.

First on the list of bathroom renovations is size. Homeowners across the country are making the room larger by knocking out walls. This makes the bath more functional and comfortable, since homeowners today want to include more and more in their bathrooms. From bathroom furniture to a separate shower and bathtub, bathrooms today are much more than a simple sink, toilet, and shower.

Bathroom design is also adding more nontraditional elements, such as wood, glass, and rocks. The combination of these different materials is a hot trend, and everything from chrome, glass, and china is found in many baths across America. Glass tile is quickly becoming a new favorite material, and homeowners design showers with glass tile in ocean colors to create a relaxing, warm atmosphere. To create accents or borders that are more affordable, many people combine glass and porcelain tiles. Additionally, electric floor heating is easily installed under the tile, which adds comfort and elegance.

Another trend to note is the addition of fixtures that have more than one function. The popular separate shower and bath provides this flexibility, as homeowners have more choices in choosing a tub. Above-counter sinks are another trend that has dual purpose, because they serve not only as sinks but also as displayed art. Jewel-toned glass and striking designs create the ultimate artisan-fixture.

A final trend to keep your eye on is the addition of color to the bathroom. While white remains the most popular fixture color, homeowners are also looking for additional colors that promise to stay timeless. Adding color can be as easy as a new paint color to the walls or a hand-painted sink. Natural colors are the most versatile, but emerald green and rust are also making appearances in wall colors and decorative tiles.

If you want to remodel your bath but are unsure of where to start, call in an expert to help you. Not only can he or she give you access to the latest trends and design ideas but also insider pricing on materials and installation as well.

Tile and Grout Innovation (http://tileinnovation.com/) is a Seattle tile installation company that offers affordable and unique products and designs. Rachel Spohn is a freelance writer.

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Why Bathroom Remodeling Will Add Life to Your Home

There are many ways to remodel a bathroom and depending on how extensive of a remodel project you want, you could spend three or four times the normal amount if you are doing a lot of tile work, granite counters, new cabinetry, etc. Usually the older the bathroom the more extensive and expensive the remodel project will be.

There are so many things to consider when renovating your bathroom. Replacing the current window with a larger one will add light and also give you an opportunity to add a more energy efficient window. Maybe you can add a skylight, this is an excellent way to bring in more light and increase the feeling of spaciousness. Replacing fixtures with modern designs can make a bathroom more decorative and style that not only looks good, but is functional. There is a wide price range for light fixtures, so you can easily pick one that fits your budget. Replacing a toilet can be a simple thing if you avoid the most common mistakes made by many homeowners.

Remember, the door fixtures will be the first thing you see when you enter any room so you might want to start here! Remember, if you don't fell 100% comfortable with or confident in the possible outcome, stop and meet with your contractor immediately and discuss an alternative route. Piece of mind is priceless especially with a project of this importance. After all, it is your sanctuary.

A shower remodel is also a perfect time to experiment with shower heads. There are many types, styles and brands you can choose from. The type of concrete used for shower walls and floors is highly engineered and a must if your looking for the perfect job. Tiles are generally durable, and you won't have to worry about replacing them if you choose the right material.

Tile is also an area where you have a wide range of choices. From sheet linoleum to ceramic tile the choices are numerous. Tile mosaics are especially popular in Mediterranean style bathrooms. Tile can also be used as decorative design pieces (glazed, glass mosaic or quarry styles).

Bathroom flooring, more than anything else, can have a stunning effect on the overall look of a bathroom; choose bathroom flooring wisely and you will achieve the bathroom of your dreams? Many homeowners like to install below floor heating, which is recommended with a stone or concrete floor.

You can install hardwood floors on the floor of your Bathroom, provided that they are coated with a water-proof finish. Many people will opt for this type of flooring in this part of the house because it provides warmth and has the effect of creating a soft relaxing atmosphere.

Neutral colors are probably your best bet and will last for many years to come. Some contractors will recommend using self leveling cement but good old poured concrete screened floors is the only way to get that perfect job. Selecting a contractor by referrals is also the best way to choose the right company for the job.

DiCicco Building Company has been doing Home Additions Macomb for over 20 years. We are also leaders in Macomb Remodeling along with being an award winning custom residential home builder. We also specialize in Finished Basements and home additions.

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Bathrooms For Little Ones

A children's bathroom should be a place that offers them the independence to learn all of the necessary hygiene skills, whilst being both a safe and fun environment. Many companies are starting to catch on to the fact that there is a real market for children's bathrooms amongst those with large families, meaning it is now a really well catered for area of home DIY.

The best way to achieve success when creating a bathroom your for little monsters is to involve them in the design process. Obviously you will need to establish some ground rules fairly early on to avoid tears...or a slide that begins on the roof and ends in the bath. But asking your children what colours or characters they are fond of is a good start.

Mosaic tiles are the best way to introduce colour into the room whilst water proofing it. They are available in many different colours and finishes and can even be used to create a mural or introduce some sparkle by including the odd reflective cheap roller blinds is the best way give the room some privacy as they are the most simple and therefore child friendly blinds on the market and, like the tiles, come in a wide range of bright colours. Being a blank canvas, roller blinds also offer the opportunity for the kids to get creative and add their own artwork. Giving your children this level of input will give them some pride in their own personal area and therefore means that they may take better care of it.

Buy some brightly coloured large fluffy towels and get a bath mat to match- remember to hang the towels lower than you normally would! That also goes for the sink, toothpaste holder, shower dial and anything else your children will need to be able to reach.

Fake or real flowers on the window sill are a pretty addition for a girl and for a boy a toothpaste holder emblazoned with the name of his favourite team will be much appreciated.

A children's bathroom is a really great addition to any home with a large family. Not only will it reduce domestic traffic but it will also give your children a real feeling of empowerment through the trust they have been given.

If your children aren't far from becoming teenagers, ensure some longevity to the bathroom by refraining from including anything too childish in terms of permanent fittings and instead stick to the lesser details which can be easily replaced.

A boring mirror can be brightened up with some fun transfers that really easy to apply but really add a lot of colour. Some wall art containing the same colours, themes or characters will really help tie them in whilst adding interest to a boring wall.

The last but most important thing to remember is to check each and every item you intend to include in your children's bathroom for anything that may become a hazard. Sharp edges, breakables such as glass, heavy items and particularly slippery surfaces should all be avoided.

Terrys Fabrics retail in blinds, Curtains and Fabric

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Electric Vehicle Retrofitting From Home

An electric motor conversion project can be carried out by anyone who is interested to reduce their gasoline expense bill. Ever since the price of gasoline reached a historical high, refueling at the local station has become an expensive ordeal. Most American household has more than one car. Multiplied by the number of car trips we take a month, the money we spend on fuel can be very large. Are there any ways we can remove our dependency on fossil fuel? One idea is to remove the internal combustion engine and replace it with an electric motor.

Generally, an electric motor will be able to produce enough torque to propel a car forward. The concept of an electric vehicle (EV) retrofitting process is to take out the engine and its associated components such as gas tanks, radiators and fuel lines. The existing drive train such as the transmission and clutch system can still be used. The electric motor is to be attached to the transmission. To power the electric motor, a series of 20 lead acid flooded batteries will be used.

To control the speed of the motor, a variable resistor is connected between the batteries and the motor. The resistor will control the speed of the motor thus the speed of the vehicle. The whole system is connected to a centralized circuit board. The circuit board will monitor all the system and also acts as a cut off switch in case there is a power overload.

Generally, anyone who wants to convert a car to run purely on electricity can do so. What he needs is a donor car, some hand tools and a good step by step conversion guide. Most of the guides are available from the internet. All you have to do is do a query on the search engine.

Are high gasoline prices stressing you out? Why not use electricity as an alternative energy source to power your car. Cut your fuel expense bill by exploring Electric Motor Conversion guides. Read the reviews on top online resources to retrofit your car with electric propulsion system at http://www.cbElectricCar.com

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Drywall Manufactured in China is Not Dry - Neither is it Safe

Respiratory issues, other health problems and frequent appliance failures are only a few of the problems claimed to be caused by "Chinese Drywall". Drywall is a flat board made from gypsum plaster. It is used to create interior walls for its economical cost, smooth appearance and fire-resistance. However, it seems that many Florida homeowners are having problems in homes where drywall manufactured in China has been installed.

The housing boom in the early-mid part of the decade has been noted as the beginning of this problem. Normally, drywall is bought from domestic producers, but the boom caused shortages, so some home builders, particularly in Florida, purchased drywall shipped in from China. Only a few years later, in 2009, there appears to be something rotten in the State of Florida.

Home owners have reported everything from sore throats to unexplained personality changes in their pets. Everything in between includes: respiratory problems, headaches and nosebleeds, pet ill health, nasty sulfur odors with no apparent source and a general feeling of malaise. Homeowners with young children or those who are expecting are refusing to return to the houses they bought, for fear it might damage their children's health.

Despite the Florida Department of Health's assurance that there is "no immediate health threat", homeowners remain unconvinced about the "un-immediate" health threats lurking in their homes. The experience of some homeowners, who felt 'miraculously' better when traveling away from their residences for an extended period of time, has convinced many that the problem lies within the homes and could constitute a threat to their continued health and safety.

One theory is that the drywall isn't gypsum at all, but a less appetizing mix of waste from power plant scrubbers. This would explain the high content of sulfur-based gases that are being emitted from some of the drywall examined, and for the rapid deterioration of electrical connections and household appliances. Some gases named as being present in tested board include hydrogen sulfide, sulfur dioxide, carbon disulfide, and carbonyl sulfide. Fumes from hydrogen sulfide can cause severe respiratory distress and death.

Sulphur-based gases produce something else when they come into contact with moisture: sulfuric acid, which eats away at many materials like a beaver in an aspen grove. This can explain while many people have gone through three or more appliances in five years when the appliance itself should be lasting for ten or twenty. Air conditioners, TVs and other common household appliances are being affected as well as medical equipment. While not having a TV working can be an annoyance, not having one's dialysis machine or heart monitor functioning can be serious or even fatal.

The drywall problem, combined with other issues relating to toxic materials found in other items produced in China is leading to a demand for tighter regulations and inspections. Also, for provisions that address the needs of homeowners faced with homelessness because they dare not re-enter their homes due to health concerns. Some home builders are addressing this by relocating families while they conduct tests, but many homeowners are fighting with their home builders who say that there is no appreciable health risk.

The "Chinese drywall" problem is something we are likely to hear more about in the very near future. For now, it behooves those who are purchasing new homes to find out where their drywall comes from and avoid anything with a "Made in China" label.

Jerry Clifford has received the prestigious 100% Club award for his success as a real estate agent in the Minneapolis real estate area. He is certified as an ePRO and prides himself on attention to detail. If you need help in your search for Plymouth Minnesota real estate, visit JerryClifford.com.

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