All ceramic tiles are made up of clay and quartz ferrous sand materials, along with water. Once the tiles are formed they are fired to high temperatures and in some cases their surfaces are glazed. The only difference between Porcelain tile and regular ceramic tile is that the clay used in porcelain tile is more highly refined and purified. Consequently, porcelain tiles are denser than a standard ceramic tile. As a result, porcelain tiles are more rugged making them ideal for harsher applications such as flooring. Also, because of their higher density, porcelain tiles are less likely to absorb moisture (0.5%) which makes them more durable and more resistant to staining. Porcelain tiles are frequently found in floor applications, outdoor areas, and in cold weather climates where freezing can occur. With their low absorption capability they are less likely to crack in cold weather climates.
Porcelain tile costs a little more than the traditional, more porous, standard clay tile; however prices in general have been coming down in recent years for ceramic tile.
Ceramic tile comes in either glazed or unglazed surfaces. The glazed surfaces are like glass and are best used on walls as they are too slippery for floor applications. Glazed ceramic tiles are also a little more susceptible to cracking.
Porcelain tile is constructed using red, brown or white clay. Most porcelain tile, however, is constructed using white clay.
When selecting any ceramic tile it is important to look at the PEI factor. This is the scratch resistance factor. A PEI of 1 is ideal for walls. A PEI of 2 is best for bathrooms and kitchens. A PEI of 3 is appropriate for all residential applications, and PEIs of 4 and 5 are applicable for commercial and heavy commercial applications, respectively.
The MoH hardness factor is another factor to consider when selecting tile. The scale goes from 1 to 10, with 10 being the highest hardness level (e.g. diamond). Most sand/dirt brought into a home has a hardness factor between 3 and 7. Consequently it is best to select a ceramic floor tile that has at least a MoH factor of 7.
A few manufactures of porcelain and ceramic tile include: American Olean, A&P Trading, Eliane and the Porcelanso group.
For more information on ceramic tile and installing a shower pan membrane liner, see the Shower Pan Membrane Liner Installation EBook from HomeAdditionPlus.com. The Shower Pan Membrane Liner EBook will quickly teach you the step-by-step process for installing the shower pan membrane liner correctly. It includes instructions on framing the shower stall, pouring the pre-slope and shower base mortar, and installing the shower pan membrane liner.
Porcelain Tile versus Ceramic Tile - What are the Differences
Gazebos - A True Handyman's Project
Are you one of the guys who loves the idea of a 100 year old house not because of its appearance or character, but because of daydreams of tools you’ll need and the work that has to be done? Would your last name be “Handyman” if you had had the choice? If you’re smiling as you read those sentences because that description seems to fit you to a tee, then maybe you should hold off on buying that ancient house down the street. There might be another project that has your name on it. Have you ever considered building a gazebo?
Many gazebos come in kit form, particularly metal, vinyl, and PVC gazebos, which allows for an experienced handyman to be able to work on a major project, while not having the enormous hassle that would come with building from scratch. This is a double bonus. Not only do you get a chance to work on a major project, but you also have the security blanket of knowing that all the pieces are there, everything is measured correctly, and that all it needs is a good handyman to set it up . . . yet when the neighbors come over for a barbeque and ask about it, you can brag that you set it up and you will be telling the truth. If a kit seems to easy, there are many web sites online that will give detailed instructions on how to build various types of gazebos. If you are very skilled, and feeling gutsy, you can set one up yourself.
There are several things to think about before you start building your gazebo. You will need some basic carpentry tools, such as a level and a screw gun. If you choose to build a wood gazebo, which many people do prefer, then you will also need a compound miter saw or sliding compound miter saw. These tools provide the angular cutting you will need when fashioning the various sections of the gazebo. The sliding version is best for larger pieces of wood. Or if that isn’t quite your cup of tea, you can always build a metal or vinyl gazebo. This can be done via the previously aforementioned gazebo kits, which are easy to find from online providers. These come in sections for you to assemble using the included hardware. A level and a screw gun are usually all that are needed. It is best to get some help from another handyman buddy or yours, especially for the roof sections. Always better safe than sorry.
Before you do any of this, however, make sure to check your local building codes to make sure it is allowed. If you live off a gravel road in the country somewhere, you are probably perfectly fine. If you live in town, then you never know. Either way, always make sure you are preparing the structure in an area that is free of dangerous wires or underground cables. Don’t let the excitement of a major new project get in the way of safety and common sense. If you enjoy the outdoors, barbeques, or nature, take a serious look at building a gazebo. Not only is it a great handyman project, but it will also give you the type of structure you will actually use and appreciate afterwards, increasing the reward aspect that should come after major labor.
About the Author: Matthew OConner enjoys improving his home and you'll find his site on Gazebo Kits full of useful, free information.
If you are in need of hiring a general contractor for your next home remodeling project visit HomeAdditionPlus' Home Addition Bid Sheets. Home Addition Bid Sheets include the tools you need to ensure you hire the right general contractor for you home remodeling project including a comprehensive checklist of questions to ask the prospective contractor, and cost and timeframe estimates. Home Addition Bid Sheets help ensure that your home remodeling idea and project will be accomplished on time and on budget.
How to Tell the Difference Between a Right Hand Door versus a Left Hand Door
So your looking to purchase a new door for your home and you've been asked, "Is it a right hand door or a left hand door?". You know idea how to respond to the question.
Well the answer is simple. Stand in front of the door opening and reach out and pretend to pull the door open by pulling it towards you. Which hand reached out to open the door with the invisible handle? If it was your left hand, it is a left hand door you want to purchase. If it was your right hand it is a right hand door you want to purchase.
NOTE: The instructions were to pretend your PULLING the door open NOT PUSHING it open.
This simple tip can save a second trip to the home improvement store.
Good luck.
Mark Donovan - Editor and Publisher of HomeAdditionPlus.com, a website for the do it yourself homeowner.
If you are in need of hiring a general contractor for your next home remodeling project visit HomeAdditionPlus' Home Addition Bid Sheets. Home Addition Bid Sheets include the tools you need to ensure you hire the right general contractor for you home remodeling project including a comprehensive checklist of questions to ask the prospective contractor, and cost and timeframe estimates. Home Addition Bid Sheets help ensure that your home remodeling idea and project will be accomplished on time and on budget.
What Is Pergo Flooring?
Pergo is a pretty well-known term, but it's one of those names that doesn't exactly describe itself. What's a "pergo" anyway? Real estate agents and home improvement gurus throw the word around as if you're automatically supposed to know what it means. Well, if you've been wondering, here's the lowdown:
Pergo is just a name brand for a type of laminate flooring. It's basically a company's name. Granted, Pergo is more well known that a lot of other manufacturers, but in the end, it's probably not worth paying more for "Pergo floors."
Now if you're new to all this, you might not be that clear on what laminate flooring is either. Basically it's a material that's made to look like hardwood. It's made of synthetic materials (or sometimes synthetic materials combined with natural ingredients) that are topped with a wood-styled design.
The main benefit to laminate (including Pergo) is that it's cheaper to buy than hardwood floors, but it still looks good. It's also easier to care for than hardwood (it's pretty impervious to scratches and dents and doesn't need to be refinished periodically). Lastly, laminate floors can be installed by do-it-yourself types, whereas hardwoods typically need professional installation.
Despite these perks, many homeowners still prefer hardwoods to laminate. Wood is a tried and true flooring material that lasts for generations (while laminate is relatively new to the flooring world and, despite decades-long guarantees, has yet to be proven). Also, wood feels warmer and softer underfoot, and it's all natural.
So, hopefully, the big Pergo question has been answered now. It's just a type of laminate flooring.
About the Author: TC Thorn is a writer, blogger, and webmaster. More articles like this can be found at Flooring Information. This article may be reprinted for use on your site or e-zine, so long as that link is included.
If you are in need of hiring a general contractor for your next home remodeling project visit HomeAdditionPlus' Home Addition Bid Sheets. Home Addition Bid Sheets include the tools you need to ensure you hire the right general contractor for you home remodeling project including a comprehensive checklist of questions to ask the prospective contractor, and cost and timeframe estimates. Home Addition Bid Sheets help ensure that your home remodeling idea and project will be accomplished on time and on budget.
Tips For a Dry Basement
Worried about water coming into your basement? Here are some tips on keeping your basement dry.
* Place gutters on your home. Otherwise water will gather at the basis of your home, next to the foundation walls. If this occurs, the water may end up in the basement.
* If you happened to have a roof drainage system installed, make sure that it is functioning properly. Roof drainage systems effectively collect water off of the roof and send it to the downspouts. Make sure that the downspouts are transporting the water as far away from the home as possible.
* Where ever a paved area meets the foundation wall, apply some caulking or sealant. Caulk and sealant can play a bigger role than you may have expected in maintaining a dry basement.
* One reason you may be experiencing water problems in your basement may be because of "construction moisture".
While installing a poured wall basement and floor slab there is about four hundred gallons of water in the concrete. In block construction, the floor slab would have about two hundred gallons of water.
This water escapes into your basement in the form of humidity. To help prevent this water vapor, circulate air into the basement and run a dehumidifier for three to five weeks. Humidity can play a major role in preventing you from having a dry basement.
* Another reason you may have water in your basement is due to the internal moisture. To reduce the moisture in your basement, you should make sure the plumbing is leak-free. Keep the doors going into your basement closed, and chemically or mechanically dehumidify the air. Be sure to empty the drain pan!
* Another area to check in your basement, are the window wells. Are they clean and well maintained? You may want to use plastic covers and metal housings for window areas.
* Check the ground around your home. Make sure that the ground has a positive slope of drainage away from the home. Dirt needs to be added around the home every couple of years due to settling.
* Another thing to be advised about is ventilation. As discussed earlier, concrete absorbs moisture. In the summer months, the humidity can make a basement damp or wet.
If this is a problem with your basement, a dehumidifier is the suggested cure, once again.
* If using a sump pump, make sure it works and is running in good condition. If you don't have a sump pump, check into getting one.
These tips may not clear your water problem a hundred percent, but they will sure help reduce the problem. Following these tips ensures you to save a lot of money, and maintain a dry basement.
About the Author: Dany Daylight is the site Administrator of Waterproofing-foundation.comGet more info about Basement Waterproofing, Foundation Waterproofing and Construction. Tips, advice, articles, and waterproofing resources.
If you are in need of hiring a general contractor for your next home remodeling project visit HomeAdditionPlus' Home Addition Bid Sheets. Home Addition Bid Sheets include the tools you need to ensure you hire the right general contractor for you home remodeling project including a comprehensive checklist of questions to ask the prospective contractor, and cost and timeframe estimates. Home Addition Bid Sheets help ensure that your home remodeling idea and project will be accomplished on time and on budget.
Easy DIY Railings - Aluminum Railings
The article tells you how you can easily make aluminum railings. In this article, we will just consider the straight railings fixed with wooden inserts and cleats. At the end of article, you will be able to make straight railings, neatly and economically.
Major Parts Of Aluminum Railings
The major parts of railings are bottom posts, verticals, top railings, and center rails. All the parts are available from a DIY workshop or the parts can be separately purchased and assembled together. It is not difficult to make good-looking railings. The effort required is also not very high.
Tools Required For Making Aluminum Railings
You may not require very many tools. You require some skill in cutting and fixing screws. The tools you would require for are
Tools Needed:
- Circular saw
- Wood worker's Clamps
- Hand saw
- Rough files 8" long
- Power drill and drill bits of 1/8" 3/16" & ¼" diameter 3/8" Hex head driver
- Level
- Tape Measure
- Chalk
- Twine thread
- Hammer
- Scriber for marking aluminum
- Safety goggles
- Hand gloves and Mask.
Material required
The materials required for are
- Aluminum formed sections 2X4 "and 4x4"
- Wooden Inserts
- 3/8" Hex heads
- Bottom posts
- Aluminum cleats
Selection Of Material
While making aluminum railings please refer to the local building codes and select the material that is allowed in the local codes. Not doing so may cause problems later on. So please be careful. If the design is to be approved by the local builders association or architect, get the approval before starting.
Making Plans
Please prepare design for your aluminum railings. The sketches will help you in firming up the material requirement. This way you will not make any purchases that you do not require. Even if the dealer is ready to take back the unused material, the dealer will not pay for transportation of material back to store and may have some deduction for the returned material.
Method Adopted for Railings
The method of making straight aluminum railings is as follows
Bottom support: The bottom support can be fixed to the wooden flooring at the bottom with help of anchoring bolts.
Preparation for railings: After fixing the bottom supportprepare the complete railing on a level floor and erect it in the bottom support only when it is completely ready
Center rail inserts: Either you can use the clamps made for fixing center rails, or you can use the wooden inserts. For fixing wooden inserts, some skill is required. On two opposite sides of 4x4" post, you can cut a rectangular hole (of inside dimensions of center rail) on opposite side so that a wooden inserts can be fixed and bolted the rail with 3/8" hex bolts.
Verticals and middle railings: The verticals and middle can now be assembled and loosely attached to the bottom support. At this stage, not all the 3/8" screws will be tightened. When the entire railing has been put up, the screws can be tightened up starting up from both ends and meeting at the center.
Inserts for top rail: The wooden inserts for top railings can be fixed up now. It is easier when the complete railing is made. The wooden inserts can extend about half the depth of top rail so that fixing up the top rail is easy. The wooden inserts should be fixed up in the verticals with screws so it does not move
Top rail: The top rail will have slots of the size of wooden inserts and spaced so that the top railing goes into these slots easily. The top railing is to be fixed to the verticals with help of cleats. This will ensure that the top rail does not move and the usable portion of top rail does not have any protruding bolts.
After the screws have been firmly fixed up they will need to be protected with silicone sealants.
Now your aluminum railing is ready for you to use.
About the Author: Adam Peters is a freelance author who contributes adding articles to a deck and porch railings website http://www.deck-porch-railings.com/ . Reach further articles on aluminum railing plans and deck designs.
If you are in need of hiring a general contractor for your next home remodeling project visit HomeAdditionPlus' Home Addition Bid Sheets. Home Addition Bid Sheets include the tools you need to ensure you hire the right general contractor for you home remodeling project including a comprehensive checklist of questions to ask the prospective contractor, and cost and timeframe estimates. Home Addition Bid Sheets help ensure that your home remodeling idea and project will be accomplished on time and on budget.
How to Hire the Right Building Contractor for Your Home Remodeling Project
Finding and hiring the right home remodeling contractor for your home remodeling project can be daunting and confusing. You can easily search the web or look in the yellow pages and find many home remodeling contractors listed in your area but the question remains - which one do you hire for your home remodeling project. Which one will perform quality work, charge a fair price and get the job done on time.
To reduce the risk of hiring the wrong home remodeling contractor you should first do a little preparation yourself for the home remodeling project. Sketch out and write down what you want remodeled. Provide a copy of this information to each prospective home remodeling contractor as this will help to minimize misunderstandings of requirements.
If you are adding a home addition, use stakes and string or even spray paint and mark the area on the existing lawn/ground.
Next talk to your local building inspector to understand what permits and building requirements are necessary for your home remodeling project.
Visit home improvement centers such as Lowes and Home Depot, and look at materials expected to be used on your project (e.g. lumber, doors, windows, appliances, countertops, roofing material, etc.). Make note of their costs so you will be able to compare material costs proposed by prospective contractors. While visiting home improvement centers also talk with some of the employees about costs and lead times for particular products of interest. For example, there are many types of doors and windows and frequently there can be significant lead times for deliveries.
When you start calling prospective contracts ask for references and previous work that you can visit.
Finally, make sure you get multiple quotes and make sure that they are in writing. Also ask how long the quotation is valid.
For further help in hiring a home remodeling contractor for your next home remodeling project visit HomeAdditionPlus' Home Addition Bid Sheets. Home Addition Bid Sheets include the tools and information you need to ensure you hire the right home remodeling contractor for you home remodeling project. Each bid sheet contains a comprehensive checklist of questions to ask prospective contractors, as well as cost and timeframe estimates. Home Addition Bid Sheets help ensure that your home remodeling project will be accomplished on time and on budget.
A Comparison of Traditional Clay Paver Bricks versus Concrete Brick Pavers for Walkway and Patio Construction
Traditional clay paver bricks or concrete brick pavers are ideal for home walkways and patio construction. Traditional clay paver bricks when configured in a Herringbone, Basket Weave or Running Bond pattern can provide a classic walkway look. However the new and various shapes, styles and colors of concrete brick pavers that keep being introduced by companies such as Bolduc, provide for some very interesting patterns and looks for patios and walkways.
Traditional clay bricks typically have dimensions of 4”x8”, where as concrete brick pavers can come in all shapes and sizes. Paving clay bricks are especially designed for ground cover and traffic and can withstand severe temperatures and weather conditions. Traditional clay paver bricks can be purchased with beveled edges, chamfered edges (to help with water run off) or standard edges and come in many different colors and finishes.
Concrete pavers manufactured by companies such as Bolduc come in many different shapes, sizes and colors and can support traditional and new patterns. Typical colors included Browns, Grays, Reds and Beiges. Concrete brick pavers can support Herringbone, Basket Weave, Running Bond, and Module patterns as well as Circles and other patterns. Concrete brick pavers can also come in various finishes including Classic, Antique and Grenart. Concrete paver manufactures frequently warranty their products for up to 25 years and include protection for abnormal deterioration due to the use of deicing salt.
Normally bricks and pavers are sold at the piece level, but frequently they are priced on a per square foot basis. With traditional 4 inch by 8 inch bricks, 4.5 bricks are required to make one square foot.
Prices for clay paver bricks and concrete pavers vary but in general a homeowner can expect to pay 50-75% more for concrete pavers than traditional clay bricks. Clay brick pavers typically cost between $2.5 and $3.0 per square foot, where as concrete brick pavers typically cost between $4.5 to $5.0 per square foot.
Key to any successful walkway or patio construction is properly preparing the area for supporting the bricks. It is recommended to have a base layer of 4 inches of compacted gravel and 2 inches of compacted sand for setting the clay brick or concrete pavers on.
Whether you choose clay paver bricks or concrete paver bricks for your next walkway or patio project, either one will dramatically enhance your home’s appearance and provide a high return on investment.
Planning to have a Brick or Paver Walkway installed by a Landscaping Contractor but not sure what questions to ask to ensure you hire the right one? See HomeAdditionPlus.com's Brick and Paver Walkway Bid Sheet. The Brick and Paver Walkway Bid Sheet will help ensure that your walkway project goes smoothly and you get the finished walkway you are looking for.
About the Author: By Mark Donovan. Over the past 20+ years Mark Donovan has been involved with building homes and additions to homes. His projects have included: building a vacation home, building additions and garages on to existing homes, and finishing unfinished homes. For more home improvement information visit http://www.homeadditionplus.com/ and http://www.homeaddition.blogspot.com/
There's More Types Of Furnaces Than The One In Your House
A furnace is a mechanical device designed, constructed, and used to generate heat (i.e. a heater). Depending on what kind is being used, a furnace serves to either heat the interior of a structure to prevent unwanted cold from ensuing, or to burn materials for the purpose of molding or cremating. Different kinds of furnaces include household furnaces, metallurgical furnaces, industrial furnaces, and incinerators.
Different Kinds of Furnaces
Household Furnace
Household Furnaces, used to disperse cold from within a structure and provide hot water, have several different means of production and require any one of a variation of fuel sources: natural gas, fuel oil, coal, or wood.
The two most common household furnaces are combustion and condensation. The first kind requires an exhaust and relies on burning fuel to generate heat. The second recycles heat by extracting it from the exhaust gases. This kind, being acidic, is designed to prevent corrosion and has a condensate pump to remove any water buildup that will occur.
Heat distribution also has different means. If the means of heat distribution require water or steam, the mechanical device generating the heat is commonly referred to as a boiler. Many modern furnaces in the United Stated, however, use forced-air heat. Convection, or air distribution, directs cold air into a heating chamber and then blows it out through a system of ductwork into the structure.
Metallurgical Furnace
Metallurgical furnaces create heat for several purposes: smeltering, reducing iron ore to pig iron, steelmaking, and remelting and molding metal. Where blast furnaces are used to reduce iron ore into pig iron, various kinds of steelmaking furnaces are made for a multitude of other purposes: Puddling furnace, reverberatory furnace, Bessemer converter, open hearth furnace, basic oxygen furnace, electric arc furnace, electric induction furnace. Each of these treats metal in a different way based on its intended purpose. Needless to say, all metallurgical furnaces require extreme temperatures to successfully perform their respective functions.
Industrial Furnace
Industrial furnaces, usually immense, are also call direct fired heaters. These furnaces have a couple different purposes: providing heat for a production process or serving as a reactor. These furnaces are uniquely designed, depending on each furnace’s intended function, heating manner, type of fuel, and method of air combustion, but they all have common features, namely mechanisms that, when working together, produce heat. Typically, fuel is fed into a burner and is converted into heat via blasts of air blown in by an air blower. Combustion takes place in a firebox, radiating heating fluid through a series of tubes where it achieves its desired temperature. Flue gas, generated through combustion, leaves the firebox, but the convection section recovers more heat from the exhaust before discharging through the smokestack.
Incinerating Furnaces
Incinerating furnaces, or incinerators, typically are used to burn, or cremate, waste. This kind of furnace can be categorized as an industrial furnace due to its size, productive function, and the fact that industrial plants use incinerators to minimize their waste. Where incinerators are different than other industrial furnaces, however, is that they don’t assist in actual production; they only destroy waste. Their manner of fuel and performance, though, are the same as other industrial furnaces.
Furnaces are amazing devices, but they must be respected at all times. People who don’t respect such power, or don’t know how to properly use it, are liable to get burned!
About the Author: Find more Furnace resources and other great topics at http://www.info-checkpoint.info/.
If you are in need of hiring a general contractor for your next home remodeling project visit HomeAdditionPlus' Home Addition Bid Sheets. Home Addition Bid Sheets include the tools you need to ensure you hire the right general contractor for you home remodeling project including a comprehensive checklist of questions to ask the prospective contractor, and cost and timeframe estimates. Home Addition Bid Sheets help ensure that your home remodeling idea and project will be accomplished on time and on budget.
How To Build A Deck - 5 Considerations For Building A Wood Deck
How to build a deck? Building a wood deck correctly can create the perfect transition between your home and your backyard. How to build a deck planning and construction should result in a wonderful place to go to relax and unwind after a hectic day. Whether you are going to have your deck built by a professional or do it yourself, building a deck correctly requires proper planning and design.
Here are five basic considerations for building a wooden deck:
1. Choose Your Deck Type - there are several types of decks you can have for your home. An outdoor patio deck can be attached to your home. A convenient location for your outdoor patio deck could be attached to the family room or kitchen.How to build a deck that is a destination deck? A destination deck would be typically be located in a special place with a view and would not connected to your home. You might have a winding path that would lead to the destination deck.
How to build a deck that is a connector deck? A connector deck is several smaller decks of any shape or size connected to each other with pathways.
2. Consider Your Deck Activities - when building a wood deck, will your deck be a place to grill and barbecue? Are you going to have parties and entertain family and friends? Is your deck going to be a quiet place for lounging reading or enjoying your favorite beverage? Will you have a luxurious hot tub on your deck? To increase privacy, will you have landscaping, plants or trees around your deck? Take some time and think through how to build a deck that will perform the way you want. Go online and buy a good book on planning and building a wood deck.
3. Decide Your Deck Size - if your house and backyard is smaller and you won't entertain large groups, you likely don't need a large deck. Too large a deck can actually make the house appear smaller. Keep it simple, but add an angle or two to the deck design if you want. When building a wood deck, you can divide the deck into two areas - one area for lounging and sunning and another section for cooking and dining.
4. What Deck Materials Will You Use - if you will be building a wooden deck, there are several structural parts. Your deck may need concrete footings that extend below the frostline if you'll have freezing winters. If your deck will be on sandy soil, you may need to build larger footings that will support the deck posts or beams.
The posts can be 4"x4" lumber which is generally strong enough to support the deck. If your deck is above ground, you may be required to use 6"x6" structural posts. The deck beams will rest horizontally on the posts and will support the deck joists. Deck joists will be spaced horizontally every 12", 16" or 24" and will support the decking boards. The decking boards are the floor of your deck that span from joist to joist.
5. Design and Build It Yourself or Hire a Professional - unless you live in a very rural area, there will probably be building code requirements, permits and inspections needed when building a wooden deck project. Contact your local building official to see what is required in your area. One major advantage to having qualified professionals help is that they understand the legal side of how to build a deck and can help ensure building code requirements are met.
One of the best ways to understand how to build a deck is to view wood deck plans that have been built many times. Seeing attractive deck plans can give you deck building ideas that will simplify your planning and design.Copyright 2006 InfoSearch Publishing
About the Author: Learn more about how to build a deck, locate good deck books, see wooden decks plans at http://www.yourdreamloghome.com and search for deck professionals in your area. David Buster is VP of InfoSearch Publishing and webmaster of http://www.yourdreamloghome.com/ - a popular website for homeowners.
If you are in need of hiring a general contractor for your next home remodeling project visit HomeAdditionPlus' Home Addition Bid Sheets. Home Addition Bid Sheets include the tools you need to ensure you hire the right general contractor for you home remodeling project including a comprehensive checklist of questions to ask the prospective contractor, and cost and timeframe estimates. Home Addition Bid Sheets help ensure that your home remodeling idea and project will be accomplished on time and on budget.
The Advantages Of Metal Roofing
Roofing is an important part of your house construction or your home improvement tasks, you know that you should invest not only money but time and planning into your new roof and that some research and extra information would not hurt.
The roofing market has a lot to offer the consumer today, there are many different kinds of roofing solutions, from different materials and with varying costs attached to the materials and the work.
A roofing solution that has incredible increase in popularity in the last few years is metal roofing, the main reason for this shift from the more traditional materials used for roofing in the past, such as asphalt, is that metal is stronger and more durable then the products used to provide roofing for houses some years ago. The name of the game here is safety and cost effectiveness, and metal roofing has both benefits for its users.
Because of its durability the metal roof can withstand the dangers of extreme weather conditions, rain and hail, snow and strong winds are the main concern of a home owner as he considers the cost of his new roof, there is also the protection from fire which is as important as the protection form the elements. The level of protection that the metal roofing provides is similar to those of the traditional roofing solutions.
The other cause for the raising popularity of the metal roofing is the huge choice home owners have in color, the metal roof looks good, and since it is going to be used for years it is important that you like what you see, the variety of colors to choose from is huge compared to the very limited traditional roofing shingles market. This choice in color will provide your house the special look that you are looking for and will allow you to combine more daring design concepts into your new home.
The cost of metal roofing is usually considerably higher than the cost of the more traditional roofing solutions, the experts say that this is compensated by high durability and a very low probably of any need to replace the roof in a normal life time, while most traditional roofs could be replaced every fifteen to twenty years, the metal roofing can last more than 60 years and serve the house and your family with pride.
Once you make up your mind and you know what kind of roof you are interested in you should look for a contractor and research the warranties issues for the roof you are about to install. Since metal roofing has become popular you should not have a big problem finding a roofing contractor that knows his way around metal roofs, in fact a lot of the contractors today know how to deal with all the roofing solutions in the market.
It is highly recommended that you research these issues before you make you final decision and that you ask experts for help and advice before buying material or closing a deal, this is a very competitive market and you will be surprised at the differences in price and quality.
About the Author: Daniel Roshard is a interior designer fascinated by garden architecture, he is currently studying interior design integration to public parks and gardens. Daniel is writing Metal Roofing and Roofing reviews for ZupaTips.com
If you are in need of hiring a general contractor for your next home remodeling project visit HomeAdditionPlus' Home Addition Bid Sheets. Home Addition Bid Sheets include the tools you need to ensure you hire the right general contractor for you home remodeling project including a comprehensive checklist of questions to ask the prospective contractor, and cost and timeframe estimates. Home Addition Bid Sheets help ensure that your home remodeling idea and project will be accomplished on time and on budget.
Bathroom Showers: The First Steps In Choosing A Shower For You
So you've decided you want to install a shower. The decision was pretty easy, I guess. After all, a good vigorous shower is one of the best things to relax after a hard day or simply to refresh yourself. The feel of water bouncing on the skin is among the most invigorating things there is.
But there's no such thing as just "a shower". These days they come in a bewildering array of shapes, sizes, and choosing the right one can become a seemingly impossible task. Then there's the type of fixture to choose. Whether to have a shower as part of the bath, or to build a full shower cubicle in the corner of the bathroom to make a special "home" for your bathroom shower...
A corner shower stall can be a good choice. This can take up much less room than a full shower stall but yet keeps all the benefits of being able to have a full-on shower and all the benefits it brings.
One of the first things to think about when fiting a shower is the amount of space available. A shower can take up a lot of space and it's best to make sure you have the space before you start to build. This sounds obvious, but it's something that many people forget to check before they go ahead.
Once you've decided on the location in your bathroom, you just have to choose the style. Modern innovations have brought bathroom shower unit design to a high point. Simply installing one of these units in your bathroom can transform the way your bathroom looks. Many shower units have a luxurious style and beauty, on top of the functionality of providing a refreshing and relaxing shower.
Modern shower units are also extremely reliable, with easy to control water temperature and different types of spray: everything from a soft caress to a powerful thumping to massage those tired muscles.
If you really don't have the space for a shower stall, corner or otherwise, then there's always the possibility of fitting a shower in the bath. A good shower fitted in the bath can be an excellent way to liven up bathtimes: especially for the kids.
And with the increasing variety of shower curtains available these days, a shower curtain can turn into a fashion statement, adding fun to the look of your bathroom and giving it a quick (and inexpensive) makeover.
About the Author: Jon Kilminster writes regularly about the home. His website http://www.showercheck.com/ is packed with ideas, articles and resources to help you chose the best shower for your needs.
For more information on installing a shower pan membrane liner, see the Shower Pan Membrane Liner Installation EBook from HomeAdditionPlus.com. The Shower Pan Membrane Liner EBook will quickly teach you the step-by-step process for installing the shower pan membrane liner correctly. It includes instructions on framing the shower stall, pouring the pre-slope and shower base mortar, and installing the shower pan membrane liner.
Floor Heating
There is nothing quite like being able to walk around in the middle of winter, barefoot and warm.
Under floor heating provides warmth that keeps you comfortable from your toes to the top of your head. By having warm feet the whole body feels warmer.
As the warmth from the floor rises, it heats the whole of the house in a mild manner without the noise and drafts of fans or the smell of open fires or gas heaters.
Under floor heating is best installed when the house is being constructed, as it needs to be under the flooring whether it is carpet or tiles.
To install under floor heating into a finished house would require the lifting of the flooring and the installation of the floor heating mats.
With tiles, this would require the breaking of the old tiles and the additional costs of laying new tiles.
This might rule out under floor heating as a cost effective alternative for older houses.
When the cost of lifting the old tiles, added to the purchase and laying of the new tiles is calculated, it might prove excessive compared to other sources of heating such as a heat pump.
The running costs of under floor heating can also be quite expensive if left to run continuously. For this reason many houses are fitted with timers that turn the flooring on early in the morning before the occupants of the house rise and turn the floor heating off during the day when everyone is out of the house and at work.
Many consumer sites on the internet offer comparisons between the costs of installation and the running costs of the various different types of home heating systems, however many people are happy to pay a little more for the added luxury of the silent warmth of under floor heating.
About the Author: Graeme Ramsey offers home owners advice on Home Heating
If you are in need of hiring a general contractor for your next home remodeling project visit HomeAdditionPlus' Home Addition Bid Sheets. Home Addition Bid Sheets include the tools you need to ensure you hire the right general contractor for you home remodeling project including a comprehensive checklist of questions to ask the prospective contractor, and cost and timeframe estimates. Home Addition Bid Sheets help ensure that your home remodeling idea and project will be accomplished on time and on budget.
There are Many Options for House Insulation
There are many options for your house insulation. In the end, it will be a personal preference which type of insulation you will use in your home. It would not be unusual to utilize at least two different kinds of insulation. Each type is preferable for a area or conditions that an area will be exposed to. Some of the choices are; Cellulose insulation, fiberglass insulation, spray insulation, foil insulation, foam insulation and rock wool to name the most common types. All thermal insulation is measured in R-values. The higher the R-value the better the insulating efficiency. If your home is older than 1985 and has not had the insulation upgraded, it most probably needs it.
By adding insulation in the attic, to walls, floors, basements and crawl spaces you may improve your home's energy efficiency. First, check to see if the insulation in your attic, ceilings, exterior and basement walls, floors, and crawl spaces meet the recommended levels for your area. Your local building codes will give you the recommend R-value to use as a guideline. I suggest that you try to exceed those recommendations by at least ten percent. This is an investment. The extra insulation cost today will be returned to you over and over again in energy cost savings.
Insulation is made from a variety of materials. It usually comes in five forms - bats, rolls, loose-fill, spray-in foam and rigid foam boards. Each type of insulation has its own purpose and application. Bats are made to fit snugly between the studs or ceiling joist. They are inexpensive besides that they do not sag or shrink and so it is ideal for use in those places. Rolls are just bats that did not get cut into short lengths. Rigid foam may be a little more expensive but the R-value is higher for each inch of thickness. Loose fill is fine for the ceiling but I would not use elsewhere. Spray foam is great for applying where you are trying to seal up cracks and holes. One of the great features is, you do not need vapour barrier because the foam expands and works better than normal vapour barrier. If there are drafts around the electrical outlets, door jams or window frames treat this by injecting expanding foam. It can be purchased in small do-it yourself dispensers.
Points of caution: · 1/ Do not block vents with insulation· 2/ Keep insulation three inches or more from recessed lighting· 3/ Make sure the attic is vented· 4/ Remember the vapour barrier goes on the warm side of the wall
Always follow instructions!!!
About the Author: Jim Stewart has been involved with home construction and improvement for over 40 years as a tradesman, contractor and site supervisor and has seen the entire spectrum of home improvement. Jim is a student of the industry and gladly passes on what he has learned. Jim is now the also the publisher of http://www.best-kitchens.com/ and http://www.Basement-Central.com/
Jim can be contacted at Homes42005@yahoo.com
If you are in need of hiring a general contractor for your next home remodeling project visit HomeAdditionPlus' Home Addition Bid Sheets. Home Addition Bid Sheets include the tools you need to ensure you hire the right general contractor for you home remodeling project including a comprehensive checklist of questions to ask the prospective contractor, and cost and timeframe estimates. Home Addition Bid Sheets help ensure that your home remodeling idea and project will be accomplished on time and on budget.
Choosing the Right Doors for Your New Home
When you are building your own home, or contracting it to be built, the selection of the right doors is critical. When we built our home I found out that you can save on quality doors if you spend some time doing research. I would like to discuss some of your options when selecting the right doors in this article.
The Right Price for Your Doors
When we built our home, I had as most of you do, a budget, so finding quality doors at the right price was essential. My wife and I visited the home centers and specialty door shops but when we added the bill up for all the doors for our house, we knew we needed to find a wholesale supplier. We talk about how we managed our DIY home building project on our site, www.build-yourown-home.com.
We visited local houses that were being built and found out where the big builders were buying their doors and priced out doors there. We saved around 40% doing this. You can find out where the General Contractors buy their doors by going to the home sites and watching who delivers the doors to the houses. They usually have their trucks marked proudly.
I know that this sounds like a pain but think about the thousands of dollars you will save doing so. You've got to buy doors.... right?
What are the Right Doors for Your New Home?
I can't help you with the specifics of choosing the doors for your home but I can help you choose general categories of doors. Your budget and taste will be the main factors in choosing doors for your new home. I will give you the criteria for buying doors for my house.
I choose metal doors for the outside of the home we built. I have owned several homes and they have had different types of doors including wood, fiberglass and metal. I found that wood exterior doors required more maintenance because wood is subject to weathering. If you live in a humid climate, wood doors will also swell and contract according to the climate, making the doors stick when it is humid. Needless to say, sticking doors is a real pain and the glass can break as someone tries to shove the door open!
Fiberglass doors were more expensive when we bought our home this is why I choose metal doors. Metal doors are not metal thru and thru. They are metal on the outside on top of a wood frame with a Styrofoam core in the center. This makes them very energy efficient. But some fiberglass doors are made to resemble wood.
The metal doors we chose were from a local company that purchased the doors in bulk and then sized them to order. They also cut out the door hardware openings to our request. In other words, if a customer wanted dead bolts and standard door hardware they came with two standard holes for the hardware.
You may want to also consider having your doors open "out" instead of in for added security (doors that open out have the door pins concealed and are harder to kick in) and more room inside the house. (This has to be decided before the door jams are installed.) Some building codes also require that all exterior doors open out to make exiting the premises easier in case of a fire. Check with your local building codes.
© and ™ Build-Your-Own-Home.com All Rights Reserved
About the Author: By George Stevens. For full (free) information on building your own home go to http://www.build-yourown-home.com/. © and ™ Build-Your-Own-Home.com All Rights Reserved
If you are in need of hiring a general contractor for your next home remodeling project visit HomeAdditionPlus' Home Addition Bid Sheets. Home Addition Bid Sheets include the tools you need to ensure you hire the right general contractor for you home remodeling project including a comprehensive checklist of questions to ask the prospective contractor, and cost and timeframe estimates. Home Addition Bid Sheets help ensure that your home remodeling idea and project will be accomplished on time and on budget.
The Perks of Asphalt Pavement Make it a Solid Driveway Medium
Paving a driveway is generally the last thing on a homeowner or potential homeowner's mind, but the choices made can make a real difference down the road. Some driveway types will require lots of maintenance and frequent repair or replacement and others, such as asphalt, are meant to stand the test of time. Buying one that will last is generally the best choice overall.
Typically, the three big picks for driveways that are paved are gravel, concrete and asphalt. Those who want practically maintenance free driveways go with asphalt. Asphalt does require maintenance, but it stands up well to time and maintains its appearance well when it's treated with care. This is true for a number of reasons.
Asphalt, the stuff roads are made of, is meant to take a serious beating. For paving purposes it's made of a mixture of concrete and petroleum that's designed to handle heat, weight and wear and tear when it retains a solid form. Just like a roadway, though, it requires proper laying and care to maintain its usefulness, but when these go into the mix, the advantages over plain concrete are many and include:
* Smoothness. Asphalt generally looks cleaner and smoother than gravel. It's also a little easier to shape than concrete. A well laid asphalt driveway can look as pretty as a black sheet of glass.
* Property value. A solid driveway that looks great can add value to a property by increasing its eye appeal.
* Appearance. Asphalt that's well maintained can hold its appearance much longer than typical concrete and especially gravel. Since it's laid down and hardened, asphalt won't need to be replaced as often as loose gravel drives will.
* Stain resistant. Asphalt is great for helping a driveway stay in pristine looking condition. Oil spills and other stains that plague gravel and concrete either just don't stick to asphalt or they are not visible. This makes asphalt the best choice for those who want their driveways to stay in brand new looking condition.
Asphalt drives can cost a little more than the other two alternatives, but since they maintain their appearance and resist stains, they can be the better choice. The cost savings in the long run can be fantastic. When the other two are in need of repair or total replacement, asphalt can stay looking great.
The key to making sure an asphalt drive looks good all the time is to make sure it's taken care of. Asphalt needs to be properly sealed to resist cracks, breaks and potholes. Grass around the edges needs to be removed on a regular basis to ensure it doesn't create problems, too. The little bit of maintenance, however, is a lot better than having to deal with ugly stains or premature replacement.
The natural enemies of unsealed asphalt are heat, the sun's ultraviolet rays, and more. When a driveway's sealed, it can last a life time. Just make sure to follow proper maintenance routines and an asphalt driveway will prove itself tops over the other choices.
About the Author: by Tom Sample. #1 Resource Asphalt paving supplies. www.asphaltpavingsupply.com
For more help on how to hire an Asphalt Driveway Paving Contractor, see HomeAdditionPlus.com's Asphalt Driveway Paving Bid sheet. The Asphalt Driveway Paving Bid Sheet will help ensure that your hire the right contractor so that your driveway is paved correctly and you get the finished driveway you are looking for. In addition, it will help to ensure that installation of your driveway will be accomplished on time and on budget.
Should Tile be Installed on a Bathroom Floor before the Toilet and Vanity are Installed?
From an installation standpoint and from a homeowner standpoint it is better to install the tile before installing the toilet and sink/vanity. You will get a much cleaner look and the installation job will be much easier (not having to cut around the toilet and vanity areas).
Also, later on if you need or want to change the toilet or vanity you don't need to find replacements with the same footprint or have to redo your tile area to fit the new footprint(s).
Planning a custom ceramic tile shower and don't know where to begin? Not sure how to install a Shower Pan Membrane Liner. See [Shower Pan Membrane Liner Installation EBook]
If you are in need of hiring a general contractor for your next home remodeling project visit HomeAdditionPlus' Home Addition Bid Sheets. Home Addition Bid Sheets include the tools you need to ensure you hire the right general contractor for you home remodeling project including a comprehensive checklist of questions to ask the prospective contractor, and cost and timeframe estimates. Home Addition Bid Sheets help ensure that your home remodeling idea and project will be accomplished on time and on budget.
Major Remodel - Upgrade Your Electrical Service!
If you are contemplating a major remodel, the addition of a room or garage, or a new kitchen you should consider upgrading your electrical service.
Thirty years ago, the average new home was equipped with a 60 amp electrical service connected to a screw-in fuse panel with two fuse blocks. The common distribution was a fuse block for the stove and one for the hot water tank. The balance of the homes electrical needs were served by six, 15amp screw-in fuses.
Twenty years ago the average new home was equipped with a 100 amp electrical service and some of them used the latest in technology, circuit breakers.
Now the average home is equipped with a 200 amp electrical service with a distribution panel handling up to 40, 15amp circuit breakers serving the electrical needs of the home.
North American’s are electrical power hungry. Today our air conditioning systems take more power than an entire home did 30 years ago. A kitchen, in a new home, will usually be equipped with a number of receptacles capable of supplying more than 60 amps just to counter top appliances.
Adding receptacles does not increase the available power if they are looped from other receptacles. To get more power to a location the circuit should run directly from the distribution panel.
Old style distribution panels, those with screw-in fuses are generally considered fire hazards. The contact between the base of the fuse and the buss bar oxidizes or charcoals from poor contact. In order for the current to continue to flow heat is generated. In many areas, insurance companies will not renew homeowner insurance if the home is equipped with an electrical distribution panel that has screw-in fuses.
If your current electrical service to your home is less than 200 amps, and/or if it has a distribution panel that uses screw in fuses, you should consider replacing it as a top priority in any major renovation project.
About the Author: By Bill Prudehome. For additional information on electical distribution for your home or other renovation projects, visit Renovation Headquarters.
If you are in need of hiring a general contractor for your next home remodeling project visit HomeAdditionPlus' Home Addition Bid Sheets. Home Addition Bid Sheets include the tools you need to ensure you hire the right general contractor for you home remodeling project including a comprehensive checklist of questions to ask the prospective contractor, and cost and timeframe estimates. Home Addition Bid Sheets help ensure that your home remodeling idea and project will be accomplished on time and on budget.
Home Improvement - Renovation Tips You Can Use to Improve Your Existing Home
Prioritising Your Choices
The "Your Home" project should be about improving the quality of life of the residents and reducing the overall environmental impact. Cost is usually the main consideration when selecting what to include and what to leave out. Creating the perfect sustainable home will be out of the range of most budgets - but what does that mean anyway. This sums it up: "Sustainable development is development that meets the needs of the future without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs" (WCED, 1987 Brundtland Report).
Planning a reno includes prioritising the things you want to achieve such as more space, a better kitchen or bathroom, more sunlight, reduced energy and water consumption etc. Search the internet for facts on suitable materials, types of glass, well designed lighting, and energy saving appliances.
The following important considerations are helpful when decisions have to be made on designing, buying, building or renovating a home.
Energy Efficient, Sustainable Homes
These are rapidly increasing in value owing to their greater comfort levels and lower running costs. Your home will be around for at least 50 years and its resale value will be increasingly linked to these features. Sustainable housing include technologies that cover a wide range of topics including rainwater storage, solar energy, composting, renewable building materials, efficient appliances. In Australia there are now whole housing developments being built as sustainable homes.
Reducing Energy Consumption
This is an urgent priority. Global warming and its effects on climate change are already becoming apparent.These will invariably lead to higher prices for energy from non-renewable sources. Look for appliances with high star ratings that will not only save on your pocket expenses but will help save our planet. Little things like monitoring your gas and electricity bills for unexpected increases then working out how you can further decrease your usage; Insulate hot water pipes; Set the thermostat at 60-65 Deg C on storage hot water systems and 50 deg C on instantaneous systems; Turn off hot water systems when on vacation; Put a timer on the electric booster of solar hot water heaters and on peak electric storage systems to avoid heating water when not needed; turn appliances off at the wall (you'll be amazed how much energy you can save - not to mention reduce the risk of fire).
Water Usage
Water is in short supply the world over. Rising demand for houshold water is competing with needs of agriculture and both are reducing the environmental flow needed to keep our rivers and waterways healthy. The application of these ways to use water in a sustainable way will depend on whether you live in the country or the cities, in the tropics or the temperate areas. Examine these suggestions and decide what may be able to improve your quality of life and reduce your impact the on the environment. Install AAA rated shower heads and dual flush toilet cisterns that save water; Reduce water demand; Rainwater harvesting; On-site wastewater reuse; Waterless toilets; Stormwater management; Outdoor water use; Fix leaking taps.
Passive Cooling
Air movement is the most important element of passive cooling, and this is produced by fans. They increase cooling by increasing evaporation rates. Hot humid (tropical) climates limit the body's ability to lose heat by evaporation of perspiration. Sleeping comfort is a significant issue. Design eaves and shading to permanently exclude solar access to rooms; Maximise shaded external areas with trees and plants - this will also lower the ground temperature.
Use low energy ceiling fans and natural cooling whole house fans to draw the cooler air in from outside and when there is no breeze. Note that natural cooling whole house fans also remove the odors and toxins from your home and lower the need for refrigerated air conditioning. Choose windows with maximum opening areas e.g. louvres or shutters - avoid fixed glass areas.
Hot dry areas require the introduction of water into the atmosphere. Evaporative cooling is an effective passive cooling method and works best when relative humidity if lower (70 percent or less during hottest periods) and the air has a greater capacity to take up water vapour. Design solutions include the use of pools, ponds and water features immediately outside windows or in courtyards to precool air entering the house. Carefully located water features can create convective breezes. Other cooling tips in tropical areas can also be applied to hot dry areas.
Passive (Solar) Heating
In cold climates establish where your sun moves during summer and winter and design your windows to let the suns heat in while insulating against the cold. In hot and moderate climates admit light but reject the heat. Open floor plans allow more sun inside. The sun's heat is stored in the thermal mass of your building - concrete, masonry, stone slabs - and is slowly released. Proper building orientation will allow solar heat to enter the home in winter, while allowing in as little sun as possible during summer. Shading and overhangs also reduce excessive summer heat, while still permitting winter sun. In passive solar designs, the optimal window-to-wall area ratio is 25-35 percent.
I hope that this information has helped you make important decisions on your most important projects.
About the Author: Brendan Hogg. Brendan is Manager of Cardiffair natural cooling fans. He is Housing Industry Association Green Smart Qualified and experienced in air movement for comfort and a healthier indoor environment. Visit http://cardiffair.com.au/
If you are in need of hiring a general contractor for your next home remodeling project visit HomeAdditionPlus' Home Addition Bid Sheets. Home Addition Bid Sheets include the tools you need to ensure you hire the right general contractor for you home remodeling project including a comprehensive checklist of questions to ask the prospective contractor, and cost and timeframe estimates. Home Addition Bid Sheets help ensure that your home remodeling idea and project will be accomplished on time and on budget.
Using Home Remodeling Software as Your First Step
Getting ready to do some home remodeling? Perhaps the easiest, and even least expensive way to do it these days is with the help of some good home remodeling software. There are many packages available, and as you'll see, some of them have complimentary trial versions that do just about everything you'll need.
Home remodeling can become quite a task for any home owner. It is almost inevitable that after some years of living in your castle, you will start wondering what new thing you can add to it. It can be a pool, a new room for your new child or even a complete modification of your house.
Either way, it isn’t an easy job. And what is worse, you don’t know how it will end. Nobody wants to invest thousands of dollars into something they don’t know how it will look at the end.
In the 1980’s, the military started using 3D simulations for their combat training. It didn’t take long for that practice to pass to the private sector, especially into building and construction. That’s when home remodeling software appeared.
What's the deal with Home Remodeling Software?
It's like your word processing software or spreadsheet - It is a computer software package specifically designed for entering all of the information of a house (e.g. dimensions and colors) so a user can alter it anyway he wants. It is very convenient for anyone who wants to see their house on a computer screen while making the changes and appreciating how it is going.
There was a time in the not-to-distant past when only high-level designers had access to "CAD" (Computer Aided Design" software. It was big, bulky, and required expensive computers. Nowadays almost all architects and designers use this software for showing their clients what can be done to their homes. Although it can be a bit expensive, it should be considered as an investment instead of a cost. As the old adage says, “A picture is worth a thousand words”.
But you don’t have to be a professional designer to use one of these packages. You can find home remodeling software that goes from the basic to the advanced level.
Are there any good Home Remodeling Software Packages Out There? You bet. One that I found useful, easy, and inexpensive is Smartdraw - www.smartdraw.com. You can download a free trial and check it out for yourself.
If you are a basic level user, you may find an attractive array of products that let you make the drawings of your house quite easily. For example, Smart Draw offers home remodeling software created for basic users who only know how to point and click. It may sound quite basic, but it is a very powerful software package, capable of creating incredible plans with only a few clicks. And the nicest thing is that you have a trial period for testing it before buying.
In case you are looking for a more professional package, then AutoCAD is an attractive choice. Released for the first time in 1982, this powerful tool can be converted into a home remodeling software. But beware, it’s quite expensive and has a steep learning curve. Buy it only if your budget allows for it.
Most likely, you aren't looking for that professional package. Really, all you have to do is a search for "home remodeling software" and you'll find dozens of packages. The trick is finding out if it will work for you. If they have a free trial, download the software and see if you can run it without the manual. If so, it's probably a good one. Have fun!
About the Author: Sidney Smith. Remodeling Your Home? Check out the latest tips at Basic Home Remodeling
If you are in need of hiring a general contractor for your next home remodeling project visit HomeAdditionPlus' Home Addition Bid Sheets. Home Addition Bid Sheets include the tools you need to ensure you hire the right general contractor for you home remodeling project including a comprehensive checklist of questions to ask the prospective contractor, and cost and timeframe estimates. Home Addition Bid Sheets help ensure that your home remodeling idea and project will be accomplished on time and on budget.
Drywall Tools - How They Work and How to Use Them Properly
The right drywall tools are an essential part of the job. Good supplies for drywall installation and drywall finishing can mean the difference between a professional looking surface and a mess. Tutorials are available online or you could take a class at your local home improvement center to learn to hang drywall like a pro.
Basic Drywall Tools Needed
Tools needed:
- Trowels: you will need a plaster trowel and a corner trowel
- Hand sander with a good handle or sandpaper and a block sander
- Sanding pole is needed for reaching ceilings and other high areas
- Cordless drill is needed for drywall screws. Choose a larger drill, if you do big jobs, such as a whole house.
- Tape measure
- Utility knife
- T square: get a large size. Look for a four foot square to reach across a full sheet of drywall. This tool is important for accurate measuring and cutting.
- Corner tool: these come in either steel or plastic. Some people use both, depending on the job. The difference is largely a matter of preference.
- 4.5 inch steel knife to fasten the tape to the wall
- 10 inch steel knife for finishing
- Stainless steel mud pan for mixing compound. Stainless is the best choice, as it won’t rust.
Supplies needed:
- Paper tape for drywall taping. Paper is the best choice as the knife moves easily over this material.
- Sandpaper in both 100 and 220 grit
- Drywall compound: look for an all purpose compound. These are easy to apply and dry evenly.
- Drywall sheets
- Screws
- Nails
- Drop cloths
- Keyhole saw
- Steel ruler
Complete tutorials for hanging drywall are available on the internet. Many home improvement stores offer workshops on drywall that last from a day to a weekend. These are good choices for the beginner. A major mistake many people make is trying to do the job too quickly. It’s better to go slow and take several days. The results will be more professional and you will be happier when you are finished.
Start out by sketching out your plan on paper. Take accurate measurements of the room to determine how many sheets of drywall you will need. Allow a bit extra for waste. Decide on the type of drywall you need. Green board is made for areas prone to moisture, such as the bathroom.
In general, you should start with the ceiling and then do the walls. Start at the top of the wall, near the ceiling and move downward. Keep the seams as tight as possible to help limit the amount of sanding and smoothing you need to do later. Use your T square to accurately measure the drywall. Score with your utility knife and then break the sheets. Attach these to the wall in a way that leaves the least number of seams possible.
Once the drywall is hung, you will tape over the joints. Tape firmly and smooth with a finishing knife. Use your knife to smooth out the compound. Smooth the corners with your corner tool. Allow this to dry for at least twenty four hours. At this time, you can sand the drywall and add another coat. Wait another day before applying the third coat and sand this after another twenty four hours has passed. This will ensure the best possible installation and smoothest finish.
About the Author: Ciara McNamara works for http://www.inside-woodworking.com/ a website with resources. In his publication the author is specializing in tips on drywall tools.
If you are in need of hiring a general contractor for your next home remodeling project visit HomeAdditionPlus' Home Addition Bid Sheets. Home Addition Bid Sheets include the tools you need to ensure you hire the right general contractor for you home remodeling project including a comprehensive checklist of questions to ask the prospective contractor, and cost and timeframe estimates. Home Addition Bid Sheets help ensure that your home remodeling idea and project will be accomplished on time and on budget.
DIY Roofing - Is It Advisable?
Whether it’s snow, rain, sleet or hail, our roof endures a lot of exposure and often takes a serious sting from mother nature. Regardless of what home improvements, decorating or repairs you have done or are in the process of doing, nothing matters if you do not have a solid and stable roof over your head. Before you take on a DIY roofing project, bare the following in mind:
You should only attempt a DIY roofing project if you have completed a similar project successfully in the past, have extensive knowledge or training in roofing or plan to hire a contractor to help supervise your progress. When it comes to your roof, you will want to make sure that it is done correctly in order to avoid leaks and other mishaps. Afterall, your roof is the only thing between your family and the sometimes harsh weather elements.
When it comes to a DIY roofing project, you will need to consider what type of roof you want to install. Do you prefer shingles or a metal roof? Many are selecting a metal roof if they live in areas that are prone to strong storms, hurricanes, etc. Shingles are the more attractive option, but are easily damaged and may require frequent repair and/or replacement. Always be sure to keep this in mind when starting out on a DIY roofing project.
When choosing your roofing material, take the time to consider the manufacturer’s warranty and recommendations. For instance, some roofing shingles are fire resistant and some carry a warranty of 40 or more years. In addition, more shingles are being made that are said to withstand high winds. The warranty and type of roofing that you choose will largely depend on the weather patterns in your area.
Some final points to consider before moving forward with a DIY roofing project is whether or not you are afraid of heights, the weather conditions surrounding the necessary repair or replacement and your budget. If at all possible, it’s best to complete roofing projects on a fair weather day. Working in the rain or other inclement weather could result in slippery conditions, either on the roof or a ladder. In addition, a contractor is obviously going to cost a little more financially, but hiring a professional could be the difference in spending a few more dollars now or a lot more later if the roofing project isn’t completed properly. So, is a DIY roofing project advisable? Only if you are absolutely certain that you can, in fact, do it yourself.
About the Author: By Steven Briesmeister. As Long Island Roofing Contractors, Roofer911.com takes great pride in maintaining customer satisfaction for all types of new roof installation and roof repair work for residential and commercial roofing accounts. Does your website need more exposure to the search engines?
If you are in need of hiring a general contractor for your next home remodeling project visit HomeAdditionPlus' Home Addition Bid Sheets. Home Addition Bid Sheets include the tools you need to ensure you hire the right general contractor for you home remodeling project including a comprehensive checklist of questions to ask the prospective contractor, and cost and timeframe estimates. Home Addition Bid Sheets help ensure that your home remodeling idea and project will be accomplished on time and on budget.
Building With Pressure Treated Lumber? Know The Rules!
Use the right type of Metal Fasteners when building with Pressure Treated Lumber
If you are building a deck, retaining wall or a swing set for the kids it is highly likely that your material of choice is pressure treated lumber.
Pressure treated lumber, if installed properly, should provide a 40 year useable life. However, there are some things about pressure treated lumber that you have to know, in order to obtain that life and not have your project fall apart in a few years.
To create pressure treated lumber, raw lumber is impregnated with two waterborne compounds that are copper based chemicals. The amount of copper basically determines the usage and all pressure treated lumber, sold in the US, is supposed to have a tag stapled to the end of the board signifying its pounds of preservative per cubic foot of wood product:
- 0.25 Above Ground
- 0.40 Ground Contact
- 0.60 Permanent Wood Foundation
- 2.50 Salt Water
Because the lumber is impregnated with copper, the choice of fasteners becomes very important. When two dissimilar metals come in contact with one another a galvanic reaction is created, the outcome is that the materials corrode and disintegrate. The higher the levels of copper in the lumber the faster that the corrosion will occur.
Although most people realize that they must use corrosion resistant fasteners and connectors many do not consider items such as flashings and light poles that are also in contact with the pressure treated lumber. Of course the best metals to use for fasteners, flashings and anything else that comes in contact with the deck is stainless steel or copper whenever possible. Stainless steel is expensive and copper is not conveniently available at your local lumber supply so the next best material is steel that has been galvanized.
Galvanized fasteners come in different grades (the thickness of the coating), better manufactures mark the box with a “G” rating. The higher the G rating, the more zinc used. You shouldn’t use less than a G-90 rating and engineers are now suggesting the use of G-185. If the box is not marked it is probably a G-60 or less and this will not provide enough zinc coating to prevent galvanization from occurring. Cadmium plated nuts, bolts and screws do not provide any protection from corrosion whatsoever.
Some manufactures have created composite coatings for use with pressure treated lumber. Read the label on the box and make sure that what you are buying is suitable for the job.
Do not use aluminum flashing, deck flashing must be stainless steel, galvanized or copper. Aluminum corrodes very quickly when in contact with copper. This also means that metals items that come in contact with the pressure treated lumber must also be protected, items such as outdoor furniture, and barbeques should have rubber or vinyl feet or wheels.
About the Author: By Bill Prudehome. For additional information on pressure treated lumber for your home or other renovation projects, visit Renovation Headquarters.If you are in need of hiring a general contractor for your next home remodeling project visit HomeAdditionPlus' Home Addition Bid Sheets. Home Addition Bid Sheets include the tools you need to ensure you hire the right general contractor for you home remodeling project including a comprehensive checklist of questions to ask the prospective contractor, and cost and timeframe estimates. Home Addition Bid Sheets help ensure that your home remodeling idea and project will be accomplished on time and on budget.
What to Avoid When Remodeling Your Home
Watch our for Making Bad Home Remodeling Project Decisions
When remodeling or improving your home, you should stop and look at the future before you make any decisions. Some day, your investment will have to be sold. And you will want to get as much out of it as you have put in it.
There are things that just hurt a home when you are trying to sell it. These are items that really seem important to you, but the majority of buyers don't want.
The number one example is a swimming pool. I would love to have an in-ground swimming pool at my house. But I know that it would not be a good investment.
It is expensive to clean, maintain and buyers aren't looking for swimming pools. Buyers don't want the troubles or the energy bills that come with swimming pools. Lenders don't include pools in the mortgage appraisal, so it really has no value to your home.
Another thing that can hurt you is overexpanding your home. Yes, buyers are looking for space, but you can have too much space. If you add on a family room, you are likely to see a 83% return on your investment. It costs you when you don't get back 100%. Adding a master suite to a home will grant you a recovery of only 80% of the cost of the addition.
It gets even worse if your additions make your home much larger than those in your area. This hurts your appraisal value, as there are no other homes of your size to compare to.
You shouldn't go too crazy with your changes either. Yes, there are a lot of people that would find a basement that looks like an old-time western saloon quite charming. But would they want to buy it? What if the basement was extra storage and a family room instead?
You would think that a home office would be a good addition. So many people work from home. Yet, it probably isn't wise to totally outfit a room to be an office by installing a workstation and office storage. You will recoup an average of 73% of your investment, according to the National Association of Realtors.
Another thing to avoid is doing too much by yourself. Shoddy or handmade workmanship will not benefit you. I know a couple that painted their brand new home themselves. The job was not great, as you can see paint on the ceiling throughout the home. Plus, the colors are quite unusual. To sell their home, they may find that it would have been better to have a professional paint in a neutral color scheme.
Try to keep your decor in your personal belongings, not the home itself. Faux finishes are lovely, but if they are too unusual, they may be a sticking point. You may love unusual colors, but remember, hot pink walls are not for everyone.
When you know you will be selling your home, it helps to spend your time only on renovations that will pay you back. Do the most important projects first.
The projects that show the greatest return at resale are improvements to siding, windows, kitchens and bathrooms.
A midrange bathroom renovation can give you a 102% return on the investment. An upscale bathroom renovation can recoup 93% of the cost. A midrange kitchen improvement will recoup approximately 91% of the cost. Minor jobs return 99%.
Keep in mind that the most important improvements aren't those that add to your home, they are those that maintain the home. Make sure the paint is in good condition, the gutters are clean and the lawn is kept up. Keep track of annual checkups, such as the heating and air servicing, and make sure you include the info when you are trying to sell your home. A well-maintained home is always a good seller.
About the Author: Martin Lukac represents http://www.rateempire.com/ and http://www.1americanfinancial.com/, a finance web-company specializing in real estate and mortgage rates. We specialize in daily updates, mortgage news, rate predictions, mortgage rates and more. Find low home loan mortgage interest rates from hundreds of mortgage companies!
If you are in need of hiring a general contractor for your next home remodeling project visit HomeAdditionPlus' Home Addition Bid Sheets. Home Addition Bid Sheets include the tools you need to ensure you hire the right general contractor for you home remodeling project including a comprehensive checklist of questions to ask the prospective contractor, and cost and timeframe estimates. Home Addition Bid Sheets help ensure that your home remodeling idea and project will be accomplished on time and on budget.