Fireplace Design Ideas

Are you trying to find some inspiring information about fireplace design ideas? There are some basic elements to any fireplace that are generally addressed in turn, in order to come up with a complete fireplace design. There are three main components to any fireplace design.

The three primary components to fireplace design include the hearth, the firebox and the type of opening that is employed between the firebox and the room in which the fireplace is located. The hearth is the area outside of the firebox, in general. The firebox is the area in which the fire itself will be burned.

Hearths

Let's first talk about hearths. A hearth may be flush with the floor, raised above the floor, or sunk down lower than the floor. Additionally, there may be no hearth to speak of at all. In these cases the firebox should be at least two inches above the floor, as the hearth is what helps protect the floor from the heat of the fire.

Another type of hearth may include hearth seats of various kinds. The most traditional and popular type of fireplace with hearth seats are the kinds that feature simply two blocks on either side of the firebox opening.

Fireboxes

As with the hearth types, the different kinds of fireboxes generally have mainly to do with the height relative to the floor and / or hearth. There are raised fireboxes, flush fireboxes that are the same height as the floor, and there are dropped fireboxes that are somewhat lower than the hearth and / or floor in front of the fireplace.

Fireplace Openings

Of course the most widely utilized type of fireplace opening is the rectangular opening. Generally, a rectangular opening will be just that: rectangular in shape. However, even with rectangular openings, the sides typically flare outward from the firebox toward the face of the fireplace.

There are flat arch top openings where the sides are straight, yet the tope of the opening has a slight arch to the shape. As with the traditional rectangular opening, the sides typically flare outward from the firebox toward the face of the fireplace.

There are full arch fireplace openings where the opening contains no straight lines. These types of fireplace openings have one continuous curve all around the fireplace opening. This is the type of opening you are probably used to seeing in American Southwestern style fireplaces.

There are also corner fireplace openings that allow for there to be two open sides to the fireplace. As the name suggests, a corner opening fireplace is situated in such a way that an entire corner section of the firebox is exposed.

There are U-shaped fireplace openings where the firebox is exposed on three sides, the front, as well as the two side areas. These last two types of fireplace openings will generally produce better heat radiation. If you will be using your fireplace to heat your home, and not merely as decoration these are certainly worth looking into. For images of these various fireplace styles, take a look at http://www.fireplacesnow.com/FireplaceStyles.htm .

Jon worked in construction for 10 years before starting his own local fireplace installation service 8 years ago. At his website, Jon will show you how his years of experience in the industry can help change your fireplace into the focal point of your home. To learn more about fireplace design ideas visit http://www.fireplacegate.com

Hot and Cold Italian Foods

When it comes to Italian foods, it is important to note that there are many forms of food that will grace a table. Some foods will be hot, while some will be cold. It is must be understood that regardless of the type of food that you try, it should not define and or forge your opinion on Italian food as a whole. There are just too many types of food to be enjoyed in the Italian culinary arsenal, and you would be hard pressed to try everything that it has to offer in your lifetime.

From Cold Cuts To Baked Ziti

It really does not matter what it is that you are enjoying in regards to Italian foods, as each and everything that you try will most likely tickle your senses. One moment you could be enjoying a great platter of cold cuts such a soppressata or mortadella, and the next you could be enjoying a wonderful baked ziti. Both have their merits and appeal, yet both are so opposite in the food spectrum. There is no question that you are going to enjoy both of these delightful entries in the fascinating world of Italian cuisine. Often you can find many items that are both hot and cold that can be combined or share space on the Italian dinner table at the same time. This is nothing more than a delight for those that are going to dine, as it offers you much in the way of variety and culinary experimentation.

Hot Pasta And Cold Pasta

Italian foods are not temperature specific, and this can be attested to by perhaps the most popular of all Italian foods in pasta. While some may assume that pasta is something that is always served hot, this is not the case as there are several dishes old and new that revolve around the use of pasta that has been chilled prior to serving. Great pasta and even Greek salads are known to be served in the warmer months in the Mediterranean region, and this is a great way to dine in the early afternoon on the terrace of a caf. Cool pasta tastes just as delightful as hot pasta, and the great thing about pasta is whether it is served hot or cold the texture always remains the same. This makes pasta an ideal food to work with, and it is obvious why it is a top choice for many chefs worldwide today.

Even Soups Have Variations

When it comes to Italian foods that are hot and cold, even soup has its own distinct differences. Many soups in Italian culture have been made specifically hot or cold depending on the season. One of the most common and popular cold soups in Italy is known as gazpacho, and this soup consists of several different finely chopped vegetables. All are mixed in a large pot and chilled for hours; the result is an absolutely wonderful flavor and simply refreshing texture.

Anna Fiori writes food related articles for the Italian Traditional Food website at http://www.italiantraditionalfood.com

Corrosive Metal Conduit

"Windows, Insulation and Doors, Oh My!" - Materials and Practices in High Performance Homes

In my last article I defined High Performance Homes; A High Performance Homes is one that uses sustainable materials, is energy efficient, and uses value added green building practices that causes it to be friendlier to the environment. In the next few articles we will look at some of the materials and practices used to produce the High Performance Home.

The single biggest heat sink or energy robber in a home is the windows. There are several things to consider here. First and foremost is the total square footage of windows. Ive never had someone come to me and say Ronnie build me a home thats dark and doesnt have many windows. Always it goes like this,I want a home that is light and airy. Then of course the buyer covers all of the windows with blinds, shades, shutters, drapes, curtains, or heaven forbid foil and seldom opens them due to excessive heat, cold or allergens in the air.

What should you do when designing or selecting a new home? Be realistic. The more windows, the bigger the windows, the bigger the utility bills. If you can, keep your windows down to 15% or so of the exterior wall square footage. Strategically place them to maximize views and limit the direct exposure to the sun. Keep the windows from facing the East or West this will help tremendously. If the windows can be located under a porch or patio so that it has a large overhang protecting them they will perform much better. Also, a larger Cornish overhang will help protect windows as well as shade the exterior walls.

There is an organization that evaluates windows and scores them as to how you can expect them to perform; giving the consumer a chance to be sure they are getting the best product for their money. It is The National Fenestration Rating Council. They subject windows to testing and prescribe how they must be built to obtain a certain score. The scoring speaks to the ability of the windows to block the transmission of heat and ultraviolet rays.

Look for windows that have a low U-Factor score. This score indicates the windows ability to block heat. A lower score is better. Many builders are using good windows with scores in the .50 range. I like those that are .35 or lower. The next score to look at is Solar Heat Gain. Again many windows are being installed with a score around .50. We install those with a score of .32 or lower. Lower is better here as well. Then, the window coverings mentioned before will add additional protection from heat and ultraviolet penetration.

Let me briefly mention doors. Most doors today are made of steel, fiberglass, wood or glass. Nothing insulates like insulation. Hollow doors like steel or fiberglass can be filled with insulation. Wood is not a particularly good insulator and glass is worse. Generally I prefer steel with fiberglass a close second. These doors dont rot or warp and provide the most security and energy efficiency.

Try to avoid sliding glass doors, after all, what are they but large windows and therefore a big heat sink. And double French doors are hard to keep from leaking heat in or out of your home. If you need that look think of placing a window close to a door or 2 separately cased doors close to each other.

In my next article we will continue to explore best building materials and practices and talk specifically about insulation.

Copyright 2007

Ronnie Godfrey, Certified Graduate Builder
For more information about this article and other energy saving tips, visit our website http://www.RGodfreyHomes.com

Painting A French Door

Traditional Feng Shui Rules

Feng Shui has been the rage for a very long time and it has all to do with balance. There are many practitioners all over the world who help people rearrange their homes in the Feng Shui style. The words Feng Shui actually mean wind water and the idea of it is to create balance where there is chaos, and this is all due to energy. In order to balance your home you have to bring together the 5 elements that make up feng shui: earth, fire, water, metal and wood. Each of these will have traditional feng shui rules that govern how they are used, and each has an area of your house that it rules.

In order to tell how your things should be arranged, you need the help of the bagua map that is usually included in any feng shui kit that you can purchase from a new age store. If you hire a practitioner to do this for you, they should also have this of tool.

Here are some of the traditional feng shui rules in no particular order:

1. Couches, Beds or chairs - As per traditional feng shui rules these should all be arranged so that anyone using them can see the door. This view should be uninterrupted and any headboard should be against a wall.
2. Shapes -- whether you have thought about it or not, shapes can cause problems in any room if they are not in harmony with the person living there. In the traditional feng shui rules it is said that these bring out certain emotions in us. This is worth checking out and paying attention to so you know which shapes make you feel good.
3. Colors -- there are a lot of different colors that are used in feng shui but they are not chosen the same as when you are trying to match colors in your house. Instead, per traditional feng shui rules they are used to balance certain areas. Usually colors are based on the yin and yang balance within your home.
4. Dark Corners -- anything dark in the house like corners where it gets dark or beams that stick out from corners create negative chi in feng shui. It is a good idea to shed a little light in these areas per traditional feng shui rule.
5. Mirrors -- mirrors are used in traditional feng shui rules to reflect views elsewhere. As an example, you may put a mirror on the outside of your front or back door to make sure that negative energy is reflected away from the house.

Are you ready to transform your home into a zen-like palace of tranquility? It's easier than you think once you get familiar with the traditional feng shui rules. You can learn more right now with 5 more of my favorite feng shui rules for improving your home. Check them out right now by CLICKING HERE!

Wood Rot From Stucco

Glass Blocks Now Competing With Regular Blocks

When it comes to building material, there is no shortage of what people can use, whether it be clay, or concrete, or bricks, or marble or even glass. As building technology continues to advance, we see a lot more in terms of innovative designs when it comes to building homes and commercial buildings. One of the building materials which is causing quite a stir is glass blocks. You have no doubt been to a home or a building which has part of its wall made of blocks of translucent thick glass which allows light in but in a limited fashion that does not compromise privacy. Offices love glass blocks now because not only are they a sheer attraction, they are also energy savers. So are glass blocks competing with regular building blocks now? The answer is that while regular bricks are still in vogue in many parts of the world, they are facing competition from glass blocks due to a number of reasons.

One of the reasons why glass is becoming especially attractive to office builders is because it is an energy saver. Regular brick walls cost businesses hundreds if not thousands of extra dollars in additional energy and power bills because offices have to rely on artificial lighting to light their rooms. But with glass blocks, light is allowed in without a compromise in privacy and this means that offices utilize less artificial lighting. This obviously translates to a reduction in lighting costs.

Glass blocks have also proven to be very strong. This is because they are made of glass that is termed as being "tempered". This is glass that has chemical additives that cause it to be hundreds of times stronger than regular glass. This makes glass blocks compete with regular bricks when it comes to building material.

Finally glass blocks are simply beautiful. They now come in different colors and shades which gives the room in which they form part of the wall an aura that is irresistible. When it comes to modern interior design, it is not hard to see why they have become a part of most new buildings,homes and offices.

So how can one go about getting glass blocks installed? If you have a new building, this is easy. It can simply be part of your building design much in the same way that regular bricks are. But if you already have an existing structure and you want to convert part of it to become glass, then you can consult with an interior designer. Most home improvement stores have a department that deals with interior design for those who want to remodel parts of their homes such as the living room, bedroom, study and more. Stores such as Home Depot have excellent interior design divisions which are staffed by competent personnel who for an extra fee can even come to your location and install the glass blocks for you.

Before you install the blocks,we recommend that you do a price comparison. You can do this easily online.

Need information about about glass blocks? Theodor Cartman recommends the best glass blocks when buying.

Exterior Wood Beams

Tarot Decks

Tarot deck is a set of cards, usually, seventy-eight in number, that contains cards divided according to their meanings. Some tarot decks may have a different number of cards, but seventy-eight cards are considered a standard number among contemporary decks. The Rider-Waite Tarot deck is one of the most popular decks in the world and is preferred by beginners and professionals alike. It is possible for Tarot students to design their own cards in accordance to the general meaning of the cards.

The Tarot deck is split into two major divisions namely, the major arcana or the trumps and the minor or the lesser arcana. The major arcana consists of twenty-two cards and signifies the various stages in the journey of life. The minor arcana comprises of four suits popularly known as the swords, cups, wands and pentacles or coins. These suits correspond to the four elements air, water, fire and earth respectively. In different decks, these suits can be named as well as depicted differently. Each suit has fourteen cards with the first ten cards representing the number one to ten. The last four cards are known as the court cards and are generally denoted by the page, knight, queen and king of the suit. In some decks, the page is replaced with a princess and the knight with a knave.

Tarot decks can be brought from various local stores or can be ordered through the Internet. It is advisable to purchase new decks for reading purposes as it is said that old decks will contain the energies of the person who had used them previously.

There are many tarot decks available in the market. There is no rule regarding which deck to choose as a beginner and which one as an advanced student. It is simply a matter of preference where people are encouraged to choose a deck that they can relate to or one that appeals to them the most.

Tarot provides detailed information on Tarot, Free Tarot Readings, Tarot Reading, Tarot Cards and more. Tarot is affiliated with Reading Tarot Cards.

Ceramic Tile Shower Corner Damag

The Grand Hotel Des Bains

Venice is a city with many great hotels and it is difficult for the tourist to select the best or the nicest one. With Hotel Des Bains, you can't go wrong. Located along the beach of Venice Lido, this five star hotel can best be described as beautiful. To get to the hotel, it takes a delightful 15 minutes boat ride from the Marco polo airport. Another 15 minutes and you are right in the heart of the city of Venice - St Mark's square.

The hotel has 191 full suites, each fully furnished with both modern and traditional Italian dcor. Each room has all the usual daily living amenities and is tastefully decorated. From the rooms, the view of the lagoon at night is simply spectacular. The surroundings of the Hotel des Bains offer a peaceful setting where one can relax in pure Italian style and elegance. For those who want to remain active, there is tennis, sailing, wind surfing and swimming.

The hotel is not far from the Lido Shopping center, the Grand Canal, Rialto Bridge and Piazza San Marco. All round this area, one can view the ancient Italian architecture. For those who love cappuccinos and like to see people, just sit outside one of the many cafes in the area. After a long day in town, come back to the hotel and go for a swim in the large garden size pool where you can have a snack or drink some wine.

Those individuals who are on business or those who want to plan something more exciting like a wedding need not fear, Hotel Des Bains has a fully staffed conference hall with all the necessary furniture and equipment.

Everyone who goes to Italy dines on Italian food but almost every type of international cuisine is available here. At the Pagoda, one can sit outdoors, relax, watch the sunset and eat some of the best home made Italian pizzas around. The hotel does have a bar service and also a lounge where one can have cocktails and snacks throughout the day.

For the tourist who wants to keep away from the hustle and bustle of downtown Venice and also want grand opulence, there is nothing better than Hotel De Bains. Not only is the food great, but the service is unbeatable.

Veraz is a blogger and freelance writer who writes travel articles for various travel sites and blogs. After travelling extensively in Italy, she began her own site on Venice luxury hotels

Find out more about luxury hotels Venice Italy at her own site. A great reference tool for those who love to travel in luxury.

Replaced Window Header

Keep Small Bathroom Remodel Simple

One of the biggest mistakes homeowners make when remodeling a small bathroom is trying to cram in everything they'd like to put in a big bathroom. The second mistake is choosing fixtures, decorative items, and the like that are too bulky or too ornate. Choosing clean simple lines, without a lot of decoration, will make the space look larger.

One way to approach a small bathroom remodel, then, is to keep it simple. Sometimes less is more; and this is true of small bathrooms. If you are trying to create an elegant and luxurious bathroom don't forget about understated elegance.

Starting with the big things, here are some tips to help you with your small bathroom remodel:

* Choose only a compact shower stall or only a whirlpool or spa tub that is smaller and deeper (this will fit nicely in a corner). Even some of the tub designs now being advertised for seniors would work in a small bathroom.

* Choose a pedestal sink or a wall mounted sink. This will leave more floor space and make the room feel bigger.

* Choose the most compact toilet you can find. Choose a taller model over a shorter wider style.

Now for decorative items:

* Choose a mirror with no frame or a mirror with a small frame - this will make the room look bigger and the mirror will reflect light farther in the room.

* Cover an entire wall with a mirror - this will create the appearance of a much larger space.

* Use fewer wall-mounted towel rods or rings - choose a ring beside the sink to save space.

* Store extra linens nearby, but put out only a minimum at any one time.

* Place light fixtures where they will reflect light throughout the room.

* If you don't have a window, consider installing a tube light to bring in sunlight.

* Find creative ways to add storage in walls.

Decorating ideas:

* Choose lighter and brighter colors.

* Use glass block windows or frosted windows instead of curtains - it will make the room look larger.

* Use wallpaper or paint design that draws the eye upward to make the room appear larger - either vertical stripes, vertical designs, or a border at the top of the wall.

* Use small shelves above and under sinks, toilets, etc. to provide storage and decoration.

* Keep color combinations minimalist - no more than two colors.

* Avoid clutter - don't set decorative items around that are not necessary.

* Add luxuries in ways that do not use more of your space (massaging shower heads, spa tub, radiant floor heating, fogless mirrors, heated towel rods, fragrances, etc.)

In small spaces, simplicity is generally best if you want to create a feeling of spaciousness and elegance. Clean simple lines, lots of light, no clutter, and an eye to the necessary will help you create a very comfortable and luxurious small bathroom remodel.

Copyright 2008 by ABCD Publishing

Dan Fritschen, the author of this article, is the founder of the websites http://www.remodelormove.com and http://www.remodelestimates.com He is the author of seven books on home remodeling.

Toilet Wall Damage

Myriad of Dubai Hotels Contribute to the Economy of the Country

Dubai, known as one of the fastest growing cities, has been given the epithet of 'Pearl of the Arabian gulf'. Augmenting number of visitors and travelers to Dubai have caused economic growth and in turn, responsible for set up of several international hotels. Multitudes of hotels are found in boundaries of the city blended with modernity and history. Statistics have recorded increase in the growth of Dubai hotel industry. The increase of approximately 6.5 million guests in 2006 in Dubai has been one of the key factors for increasing number of hotels in Dubai. Establishment of Dubai hotels score the world record with highest number oft tourist and revenue in January 2007, more than the occupancy level of Sydney, London, Tokyo and Hong Kong.

Hotels in Dubai offer superb facilities and amenities with wide variety ranging from luxurious ones to cheap hotels in Dubai. Many of the cheap hotels are spread across Bur Dubai and Deira. Dubai marina is well renowned place of tourist attraction and business connection, which has engendered the development of hotels around it. There are many 1 to 3 star hotels that offer highly concessional rates and good room services as per Dubai's status. One can come across many budget hotels around Ibn Battuta and Mall of Emirates. It offers services like gym, kids club, aerobics, health club, and steam room etc... all these facilities can be availed in these cheap hotels in Dubai at the low rates of $43 per night stay.

Jumeirah beach hotels are luxurious hotels that possess unique traits of authenticity, exceptionality and luxury. It is one of the premier life style destinations of Dubai that gives the visitors the pleasure of life. It introduced a new lifestyle that integrates all the exhilaration and excitement designed for families, couples and friends. Award winning Jumeirah beach Hotel, located on the shore of Arabian Gulf, is built in marvelous shape and has its private beach. Wild Water Park in proximity to it brings exhilaration for young people. The massive cooling plant is not intruded in the main building to avoid engineering requirement within the hotel. The most specialized feature of this 5 star hotel is Arabian style beach villa and its designing to reflect Dubai's seafaring heritage.

There are many tourist attractions in Dubai and shopping is one of them. One can shop the article of Africa and Eastern Europe, as Dubai is an open port. Moreover it have low import duties, which resulted in low prices of brand items and hence, have attracted tourist for shopping. Dubai is therefore called the 'Shopping capital of the Middle east'. It has many malls stuffed with high fashion clothing, gold, jewellary, carpets, electronics, sporting equipments and handicrafts.

For Dubai Hotels and Jumeirah Beach Hotels, Please visit http://www.stayresdubai.com

By Author- Nancy Eben

Wood Beam Repairs

Decorative Mirrors - What's More to Mirrors Than Its Face Value?

Every homeowner aspires to improve the look and feel of their homes. The main motive of this is the need to make our homes stylish, more appealing to us and enticing to our guests who visit our humble abode.

One of things that you might want to consider to add more flare to your home is to make use of decorative mirrors. "Why use mirrors you may ask; is there really more to it than its face value?" The answer to that is a definite yes! More than mirroring image, they too can be used to jazz up your home and add that stylish touch to it. More and more people nowadays have been looking into and making use of decorative mirrors in augmenting the aura in the room and that splash of fashion to their interior design. Most people would even tell about how decorative mirrors as pieces can be also useful in different ways.

Decorative mirrors may just be that extra piece that you need to spice up that room. Their affordability and simplicity fits your pocket and addresses that need to decorate. There are two basic uses of the mirror which you may consider -- usefulness and its decorative function. Mirrors serve vanity purposes and they may also create the illusion of spaciousness. Another thing to consider is where the decorative mirror will be placed. Identifying the spot it will be occupying in your home is essential in helping you figure out the right move and the ideal positioning it would take there.

Matching may come as challenge most especially for existing fixtures which are painted or stained. Mirrors from different produces come in different varieties posing difficulties in getting the best fit to it. Instead of matching, mixing by trying a different color is rather suggested instead. Going for an unusual overall finish allows more room in achieving a fixed and focused look. Smaller rooms work best with decorative mirrors which are mounted on walls or placed on table tops. With the right positioning, they can open up the room and help create that feeling of a larger space or bring in some affinity with nature by reflecting the outdoors. It is important though that in mixing, one should be cautious about blending that of the modernist from that of conventionalist as you may not achieve the look you are aiming for and would end up confusing the patterns.

The next question to ask yourself though is, how much are you willing to spend for this fixture? Price ranges of mirrors may vary anywhere from $100 to $1000. Once you've made up your mind on the features and specifics of what you are looking for, the hunt for the perfect item will come easy. To all its essence, decorative mirrors definitely have a way of giving that added touch to your dwelling.

Allison Ayson writes for Jump2top.com - SEO Company

Wall Repairs

Barcelona Hotels - Adds To The Stature

Distinctive characteristics and unique look and feel make Barcelona a favorite exotic destination of a travel freak. With the lasting makeover of the city for organizing Olympic games in recent past, Barcelona has become one of the most dynamic and stylish cities of Spain. In summer, the long fiesta week is something everyone enjoys a lot. Stay in one of the beautiful and affordable Barcelona hotels and relish the wonderful attractions as well as the fabulous hospitality and palatable dishes. The sizzling atmosphere throughout the city around the year, make you stay here longer and longer. Food, music, fashion and architecture all such elements are present here in their splendid form.

There are very few matches to Barcelona when it comes to beautiful architectures, friendly inhabitants, style and fashion. And, of course, music is also a fantastic aspect of the city. Looking at the unique buildings of Barcelona will leave you stunned. The eccentric Genius Gaudi gave some unparalleled structures to the city as heritage. You will definitely go mad after their interesting and artistic look and feel. Do have a look at the eternally beautiful collection of artwork by Picasso and Miro too-they are simply superb! Exuberance, egalitarianism and creative spirit are filled to brim of personalities of Barcelona inhabitants. Staying in one of the hotels in Barcelona near such great locations also add to your zeal.

Barcelona features wide range of hotels right from cheap to costliest ones. You can afford to stay here as long as possible as the Barcelona hotels provide you with wonderful accommodation at affordable rates. Many of them come up with fabulous offers of vacation packages for the visitors. And wherever you stay, you will receive a warm welcome and hospitality both from the staff and friendly inhabitants of the city. Do pay a visit to this wonderful place.

Nancy Eben is an associate editor of http://www.stayresspain.com/. The website offers exclusive information of Spain and hotels in Barcelona. We also provide online hotel reservation of hotels in Spain. We appreciate your feedback and queries at info@stayresspain.com.

Sump Pump Damage

Getting Started Remodeling Your Kitchen

Tired of dealing with a kitchen that is out of style? You may want to consider giving your kitchen a face lift.

If you are planning to remodel your kitchen, there are definitely many things to consider. After all, you want a beautiful and functional kitchen that won't totally break your bank account.

Not sure where to begin? Here are some tips that can help you get started with your kitchen remodel.

Figure Out Your Budget

The very first thing you need to do once you have decided that you want to remodel your kitchen is to sit down and figure out your budget.

There is no reason to start on the rest of the plans until you know how much money you have to spend. Figure out how much you can realistically spend on this project.

Once you know how much money you have available, then you can go about figuring out what things you'll be able to do with that amount of money.

Whether you have a lot of money or a limited budget, you'll still find that there are many great options for remodeling that will make your kitchen look great.

Look Online for Inspiration

Another important thing to do that will help you get your remodeling project going is to look online for inspiration.

Take a look at pictures and kitchen design ideas that are available on the web. There are many different websites that specialize in kitchen design and remodeling.

By taking the time to browse through, you may find some ideas that you want to use in your kitchen. If you need some inspiration and ideas for your own kitchen, the internet is one of the best tools to use.

Considering the Floor Plans

If you're doing a drastic kitchen remodel, you'll need to consider the floor plans. Perhaps you need to make better use of the space in the kitchen or you need to find more area for storage. Changing up the floor plans can help.

Take a look at various floor plans for kitchens. You may even want to have a professional architect or other remodeling professional come in and help you out.

If you already have an idea of what you want then you need to focus on drawing up plans that will make the most out of your space and that will provide you with the options and space for appliances that you want.

DIY or Professional Contractor

One important consideration you need to think about is whether or not this remodel is going to be a do it yourself project or whether you want to hire a professional contractor.

There are pros and cons to both options, but you'll need to figure this out before you get too far into the project. If you are experienced with other do it yourself projects and you have a limited budget, it can be a great idea to do the remodel yourself, as long as you know what you're doing, just be careful with the gas and electrics, you should seek professional help at this stage to ensure safety.

However, if you aren't familiar with remodeling techniques and you have the available money, choosing a professional contractor to do the work may be a great idea.

Yvonne Sutton runs a free information site on the many aspects of kitchen design.

Visit the site to gain valuable help on how to choose a new kitchen design.

Wood Post Bottom With Filler

Antique Bathroom Vanities - A Choice Between Genuine And Imitation

Choosing antique bathroom vanity is a serious matter though. You simply do not go in a shop and but the first piece you see. Selection involves factors such as price, design, functionality, type of wood, age, and even the manufacturer.

Basically, when selecting the piece, you are caught between this question: "Should I go for the genuine vanity or should I buy antique design vanity? Unsuspecting buyers may think that every vanity, as long as they look "antique" is the same. The truth however is that both have different qualities.

So what's the difference between authentic antique vanity and antique-design vanity?

First and perhaps the best indicator of the authenticity of it is the price. Authentic antique vanity can go 10 times more expensive as its antique-design counterpart, or even more. And just like a good pair of jeans, it looks better through the years. Antique pieces are often made from mahogany, cherry and oak, types of hardwood that are known to last a lifetime, even more if it is treated properly with wood sealant. A good crafted one will not suffer any water damage.

Antique-design vanity on the other hand is relatively cheaper than its authentic counterpart but is still quite expensive. The price of a single piece can go from $400 to $2,000 depending on its size, design, and type of wood used. While it is not authentic antique, it is designed and crafted to appear very old and to reflect the age gone by using the same type of wood from which authentic vanities are made from. One of the advantages for choosing this type is that you can get it brand new. Meaning, they have the look of all the antique beauty and elaborate designs, but without the wear and tear. Also, your options are almost endless if you choose to buy brand new pieces without spending a lot of money.

Whether you buy an authentic or an imitation antique vanity, there are things that you have to make sure of. First, buy from a reputable manufacturer or antique store. Second, check the warranties that the company offers whether you buy it online or at your local antique or furniture store. And last, choose a vanity you really like.

For tips on choosing bathroom vanities, visit http://www.bathroomvanities101.com

Wet Carpeting In Hallway

What Does a GFI Do? - Electrical Problems

In your bathroom you should have a GFI electrical outlet. Most new homes or newly remodeled homes require you to have GFI electrical outlets in the kitchen. Most older kitchens do not have GFI electrical outlets. GFI stands for ground fault circuit interrupter.

Why not call it a GFCI instead of a GFI electrical outlet? Well it is called a GFCI in some instances. GFI is short and is the most common name used by most electricians and builders for this type of outlet.

GFI 's come in 15 amp and 20 amperage outlets. GFI outlets must be wired properly. Make sure you're using the proper wire size when hooking up the GFI outlet.

How do I know which size wire to use? This all depends on how far away you are running it from the electrical panel. There are charts you can use to figure this out. If you are not running the electrical wire more than 80 feet from the electrical panel you can use 12 gauge electrical wires for a 20 amp GFI. This is a general rule of thumb for most electrical house wiring.

If you're going to be using a 15 amp GFI and you are going to be less than 80 feet away from the electrical panel you can use 14 gauge electrical wires. Again this is just a general rule of thumb for most electrical house wiring.

A GFI is a light duty electrical plug used in bathrooms, kitchens and the exterior of your house. The sole purpose of the GFI is to shut the breaker off faster if there is any moisture or light load problems.

Let's say for instance you have your hair dryer plugged into the GFI outlet. The hair dryer somehow falls into the sink while it is on or plugged in. The GFI outlet will instantly shut off because of the sensitivity of the breaker inside of the plug it self.

The GFI plug has a test button and a reset button on it. If you are continually resetting the GFI you will wear it out eventually. I have had GFI plugs after resetting the button about 10 times break and no longer able to use them.

The GFI electrical plug is a great idea and if you don't have them in your bathroom or outside of your home it would be a great idea to have an electrician install them for you.

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 Home Building Library and adding useful content to help solve problems created by the lack of construction knowledge in the building industry.

San Diego Termite Damage

Fascia Board Fell Off Wood Rot

Coordinate Wood Furnishings Easily With Window Blinds

Wood blinds are one of the most popular, versatile and fashionable types of light filtering and insulating window blinds available today. Their natural grain finish and stain along with their easy compatibility with your overall room design and dcor make wood blinds an excellent, sophisticated choice to enhance your home's interior. These lovely window blinds have natural hues and grains that complement those of other wood furnishings as well as other materials, both natural and manmade. Whether you are completely renovating or redecorating your home, or simply adding complementary touches, you will always be delighted with the results of carefully chosen and installed wood blinds at your windows. To be honest, it's difficult to make a wrong or less than desirable decision when choosing such blinds for home installation. Since the natural tones and grains of wood finishes are compatible with nature's abundance of colors and nuances of hue, most any selection of wood blinds will join with the rest of your home's dcor to enhance and embellish the overall interior design.

Available for all window sizes, wood blinds are a highly effective home addition for controlling outside light entry through your windows. By rotating the window blinds slat position by a small fraction on an inch, you can prevent glaring light effects in your home's interior, creating a soft, natural lighting quality to enhance your home environment. The natural grain finish and warm nuances of the blinds' wood surface further buffer and soften any harsh light, preventing the glaring reflection that mental blinds or smooth-glossed shades and other window treatments may cause.

Since wood blinds have slats usually measuring two inches in depth with a thickness of approximately one eighth of an inch, they are quite helpful in insulating your window interiors from extreme temperatures during both summer and winter seasons. This feature can vastly improve heating and cooling factors in all your rooms, making your energy bills drop appreciably in amount while improving the comfort and enjoyment of time spent at home. Another very useful and attractive feature is their ability to shield your home's interior from outside noise, whether you live in an urban, suburban or rural location.

You'll find both the installation and upkeep of wood blinds quite easy. Their attractive and stylish matching valance, which comes at no additional cost, serves as a shield for the steel headrail operational control at the top. By easy manipulation of durable nylon or polyester cords, you can rotate a wood blind's position to a full 180 degrees for complete room interior darkness and privacy. Easy to dust and clean, wood blinds maintain their attractive surface quality with very little time and effort toward upkeep on your part. Since their thickness can cause a larger volume of blind slat stacking and build-up at the top of your windows when completely raised to reveal your windows, you may choose to have wood blinds installed outside your window frames.

If your window blinds operation seem cumbersome or present a problem for children or elderly members of your household, you may want to consider installation of Smooth Lift or motorized controls that can solve any difficulties posed when raising or lowering your window blinds. Especially since wood blinds, though attractive and easy to maintain, are heavier than many metal and plastic blinds, your window treatment company installation consultant may recommend these automatic operational control mechanisms for your comfort and convenience.

Without doubt, wood blinds will both enhance your home's dcor and prove highly cost effective to your home maintenance expenses. The added warmth and elegance of their polished natural-grain surfaces and hues will combine with the varied wood, fabric, metal, vinyl and other components of each room's dcor to emphasize, enhance and accentuate fine qualities of composition in your home's overall interior design. At the same time, their strong insulating abilities will free your home from distractions and inconvenience of exterior noise and extremes of temperature, while providing highly effective light filtering and total privacy for your complete comfort and convenience. You will find that the installation of attractive and fashionable window blinds at your windows will add delightful warmth and soft ambiance to your home and greatly enhance the quality of your time spent there

Judith Persit is an interior designer specializing in window treatments. Judith writes about wood blinds. Learn more regarding window blinds at her website

Top Of Stairs At Floor Framing

Live Like a King at Colona Castle Manor House

The charming suburb of Lakeside in Cape Town is situated in between the suburbs of Westlake and Muizenberg, with the jagged Steenberg Mountains as a prominent backdrop and the Zandvlei (sandy lake) in the foreground.

The Zandvlei Lake lies below the suburb of Lakeside and presents a range of exciting activities including canoeing, yachting, windsurfing and other water-sports. There are superb beaches within close proximity and these are easily accessible as the suburb has its own train station. The journey towards Simon's Town by train follows a picturesque route along the coast. The beach at Muizenberg is a surfing hotspot and Boulders Beach, just past Simon's Town, is home to one of Africa's few land-based penguin colonies and also provides some fantastic swimming opportunities.

Lakeside is en route to some of the most beautiful stretches of coastline in the Cape Peninsula. From St. James to Simon's Town you can relish a fun-filled day of exploring everything these little seaside villages have to offer, and if your timing is right, you can enjoy whale watching at the end of winter through to the end of spring.

The Rondevlei Nature Reserve in Grassy Park is a wetland conservation area surrounded by coastal dunes, just minutes away. There are brilliant birding watching opportunities and an assortment of tranquil walks to enjoy. You can even spot hippos and small wild animals that live in the reserve.

Only moments from Lakeside is the M3, a main freeway which leads to the City Bowl, offering a quick and convenient route into Cape Town. Here one can explore museums, the fascinating stores and restaurants of Long Street, the V&A Waterfront, fashionable Kloof Street and take a guided walk or an open-top bus trip through the city.

Lakeside boasts splendid panoramic views of the Constantia Winelands, Devils Peak, and False Bay.

The suburb is just a few minutes away from Constantia wine route, providing an opportunity to experience some of the Cape's world-class, award-winning wines. This gorgeous valley is the origin of South Africa's flourishing and world-renowned wine making industry.

There are also several first-class golf courses in the area which will delight any golf lover. For those visitors seeking slightly more active pursuits, activities such as hiking, mountain biking and water sports are always available.

If you'd like to experience Cape Town's after-hours culture, participate in the nightlife's bubbly and cool atmosphere. If you don't fancy travelling into the city, there are a number of clubs, pubs, and restaurants in and around the Lakeside area.

There are a number of places to stay in the Lakeside area, but one that is recommended is Colona Castle. This guest house graces the mountainside above a serene Lake District on the warmer False Bay coastline. Built in a grand Mediterranean style, this is a five star retreat from which you can explore fascinating Cape Town and its environs. The guesthouse offers character, exclusivity and infinite charm.

In this refined haven, guests are assured of outstanding hospitality and exceptional personal service. Five luxurious and exquisitely decorated full suites, two superior bedrooms and a family suite cater for every comfort and convenience.

Here anybody can find a suitable place to have fun or simply relax and gaze at the marvelous coastal scenery, while sipping their choice of cocktail in South Africa's favourite city.

Author Bio:
Exclusive Getaways is a collection of celebrated South African country getaways, including the luxurious coastal escape Colona Castle Manor House in the Lakeside area of Cape Town, Western Cape.

Patio Books
House Renovation Books

Finding Something You Don't Like About Yourself - Creating Habits

Finding something you don't like about yourself is usually very easy for most people. Most of the time you don't even have to ask your family or friends because you have heard them complain about the same thing for years. How many times have you heard someone mention, I need to lose weight?

Here's a list of things people don't like about themselves. If you're one of those people that has a hard time finding something wrong with yourself, you could always ask one of your friends for some suggestions. I'm sure they would like that.

1. The need to lose weight. This of course is one of the worst problems with Americans. Most people need to lose weight and let's not forget there are some people that need to gain weight.

2. The need to stop gambling. As more Indian reservations are allowed to build gambling casinos and of course as the Internet gambling gets larger, I've noticed some people with gambling problems.

3. The need to stop drinking alcohol. The abuse of alcohol has been going on for many years. These people have an excuse for why they drink and most of the time it doesn't make sense.

4. The need to stop smoking. This could be one of the most difficult things I've ever seen my friends and family deal with.

5. The need to stop excessive behaviors. For example, gossiping, cruelty, bullying, lying, cheating, stealing, partying etc. You get the idea.

6. Don't forget the dreaded shopaholic. Most shopaholic's seem to have large credit card debt and can't seem to stop this vicious circle of buying and owing money to their creditors.

7. Working long hours or the workaholic. Sometimes this is a necessity but I would suggest that you change your lifestyle if possible. Reevaluate your reasons for working so hard.

8. Religious fundamentalists. People that spend too much time at their place of worship and soon find themselves feeling guilty if they're not doing something spiritual.

9. The need to be on time. This would include people that have problems giving themselves enough time to get ready for work or school.

10. The need to stop doing drugs. I thought by now, approaching my 50s, that drugs would no longer be a problem in the United States, but it is. It's one of the most damaging things people can do to their lives.

There are plenty of things that people would like to stop doing or start doing. If you're a smoker and you seem to shop excessively near the casinos, I would advise you to start with something small and work your way up to the big stuff.

What are you going to change today about your life? Make a list of things that you're not happy with about your life and start making the changes today that you need to create the life you deserve and desire.

Greg Vanden Berge is a published author, internet marketing expert, motivational inspiration to millions of people all over the world and is sharing some of his wisdom with experts in the fields of writing,marketing, and personal development.

Greg is currently working on a personal development video library filled with great movies on a wide array of topics, like religion, self help and spiritual changes in the world. His views on religious freedom are slowly changing the way people think about institutional religion.

Ceiling Repairs

Choosing a Contractor and Comparing Bids

Whether you are doing a remodeling project in St. Paul or Minneapolis-or somewhere else in the world-one thing remains the same: choosing a contractor is one of the most important things that you will do. Having a great contractor on your side is extremely important and will make the difference between a mediocre remodel or one that is excellent. Of course while you are on the lookout for a top notch contractor, you are going to want to compare bids that contractors offer you along the way. You'll find that there is a lot of room for negotiation when it comes to the bids on the remodeling. So, when you do get a bit, you should learn to negotiate to make sure you get what you want. If you are ready to start comparing bids, here is a closer look at what to look for in bids, comparing them, the materials to consider, and the best tips for finding the best possible bid out there.

Things to Look for in a Bid
First of all, before you can really make a decision on contractor bids, you are going to have to know what you should be looking for in a bid. This is something that occurs before you sign a construction contract. So, here are the top things you need to look for in contractor bids on construction services for your home.

- Clear Definition of the Work - One thing that you should be looking for in a good bid is a clear definition of the work that you need to have done. The bid should be very specific about this. Having some plans included is a great idea, with the initials of the contractor at the bottom of the each page of the plans that have to do with their proposal.

- Dates of Starting and Completion - Another aspect to look for in a good bid is the dates when the contractor is going to state and when they propose to have the project completed.

- The Insurance Provisions - The insurance provisions should also be included in any bids from contractors. You will want to know what is covered and who is going to be providing that coverage.

- Price of the Bid - Of course the price of the bid should be included in the bid. Of course not just the price should be included. However, how the price will be paid should be included and when the money should be paid should also be a part of the bid. Here you should find how long the bid is going to hold as well.

- Responsibility of Cleanup - The responsibility of the cleanup is another thing that should be included in the bid that the contractors give to you. The last thing you want is to get left cleaning up everything on your own. So, make sure you see on the bid whether they will clean up after the work or if they are going leave it all up to you. This can definitely make a difference in the bid that you decide to choose, so read very carefully.

- Conditions that Can Lead to Withholding Payment - - Any conditions that can lead to you withholding payment is something else that should definitely be included on the bid.

Tips For Comparing the Bids
Once you have several different bids from various contractors, that include the construction services that will be offered and more, then you will need to start actually comparing these bids so you can go on to have a construction contract drawn up and signed. Carefully compare these contractor bids. You want to make sure that you go with the best possible option for your needs. A great way to compare is to come up with a comparison sheet so you can easily compare these bids. This will allow you to more easily see how the bids compare to each other. Remember, the price is not the only thing that you are going to want to consider. The quality of materials and amount of work is going to matter as well. Go for the best value for your money, not just the lowest price.

Keep the Quality of Materials in Mind
Product material quality is an important consideration when you are taking a look at the contractor bids that are offered to you. You need to realize that the lowest price that is offered to you may not be the best deal for you. Make sure that you look at the materials that are going to be used. Make sure that the materials used are going to be quality. Why pay less only to have lower grade materials used on the remodel? So, ensure that you keep this in mind when you are looking at the bids.

Top Tips for Finding the Best Bid
So, you may be wondering how you can find the best possible contractor bid. Well, there are several ways to do this. First of all, you need to go through the bids line by line. This way you get a good idea of the comparison. Go with the more experienced and quality contractor as well, even if they don't have the lower price. Consider trying to negotiate the price. Let them know you'd love to have them work with you, but you have a limited budget. They may be willing to come down a bit on the price quoted in the bid. If you never ask about a lower price, you'll never know if they will come down a bit. So, make sure that you get out there and do some negotiating so you and the Minnesota contractor can come to a good agreement.

Visit http://www.RemodelMinnesota.com to learn more about a the remodeling process as well as working with a contractor. John Mazzara is involved with financial services in the Twin Cities, MN. Officing out of Edina, Minnesota-John is centrally located within the 7 county MN metropolitan area. John owns three separate businesses-a licensed real estate broker associate selling Minnesota real estate since 1986-affiliated with RE/MAX Associates Plus http://www.MinneapolisStPaulHomes.com, an independent CFP-certified financial planner since 1989 with an independent Minnesota financial planning firm-Financial Planning Associates and the owner of a Minnesota mortgage broker firm-Venture Development Inc-specializing ins residential, commercial and investment mortgages If you are looking for someone to help you in the areas of real estate sales/purchase, mortgages, or and/or financial planning and insurance you should call John for a free 1 hour consultation to see if he can meet your needs. 952-929-2577. RE/MAX Associates Plus and Venture Development are located at 7300 France Ave S, Suite 410, Edina, MN 55435

Shower Window Installed

The Orchid Ecotel in India

Mumbai, locally known as Bombay, is the capital of Maharashtra. This is also the financial capital of India. This is an archipelago of seven islands, near some great places to visit like Ajanta and Ellora Caves and Goa's beautiful beaches. It also offers connecting flights to some popular destinations like Rajasthan or Kerala. This is considered a gateway to different attractions of India. They have two popular business centers, namely, Churchgate and Nariman.

The Orchid Hotel is an ecotel located in Mumbai. Ecotel means economic friendly hotel for short. The Orchid Hotel is the first five-star ecotel in Asia. This is also the only ecotel that is certified and titled as ISO 14001, near the international airport and adjacent to the domestic airport. It is also near the industrial and commercial centers.

The hotel has an atrium wooed by a seventy-foot indoor waterfall. Surrounding the waterfall, you can see the boulevard and a twenty-four hour coffee shop. The hotel gives you the feeling of nature because of beautiful orchids growing and blooming everywhere around.

In the boulevard, they have the "12 minute menu" or the "Lightening menu" served exactly within 12 minutes. If it is served late, the meal that you ordered will not be charged.

The hotel has a charming roof top barbecue that you will surely enjoy. Their menus here are mostly grilled menus and other modern fusion cuisines. They have a Mexican village set up with a lovely pool by the side and an airport runway view on the other side. They really offer breathtaking views that will impress you.

The Vindhyas is just on site and is the "best Indian restaurant". They not only serve the best cuisines, they also showcase it together with the culture of peninsular India. They have the fascinating flavors of 9 Indian peninsular states here. There are also folk dances that serve as accompaniments.

The name Vindhyas has images of magical concoctions that make you feel you are lifting up your spirits and feel more relaxed.

The Orchid Hotel also offers shuttle services to the airport. There is interactive television to personally check your room bills, service orders, and messages.

They have five room types - deluxe, club prive room/suite, orchid suite, executive suite, and presidential suite.

Try the Orchid Hotel of India when you visit the country. This is the only hotel in India that offers an ecological pleasure. They conserve the beauty of nature and preserve the environment.

For more information on Orchid Hotel Mumbai and Oberoi Hotel Mumbai please visit our website.

Home Selling Books
Home Inspection Books

Is Money a Big Part of Organized Religion?

Where do you think most modern day religious organizations would be without money? Is money really a big part of modern day organized religion or is that something in the past. Why do certain scriptures require their believers to donate a portion of their earnings?

Does this money improve the lives of religious believers? I'm asking these questions because most people won't. Most people don't even no where the money they earn is going. If you donate money to a religious organization and they choose to hire someone to install stained glass windows throughout the sanctuary, is this really going to help the congregation. Is this a want or a need?

When does a religious group become too powerful for its own good. Do you think the Catholic religion, which at the time of me writing this article, is the largest organized religion in the world, by itself, is very powerful or driven by finances. This organization has seeked wealth and power for centuries, creating an establishment that has its hands in everything all over the world.

Is it fair to have religious leaders living a life of luxury, while some of their followers suffer and go without food or shelter. Should some of this money go towards the aid of others who choose not to believe in the religious culture of their patrons?

Why do some people give money to their religious organization, even though they can barely survive. Are these people driven to contribute money because someone makes them feel guilty? Some of these people give money and time, even at the expense of their own family. It's just not fair, when I see people who are barely scraping by but give faithfully to an organization that promises them a better life after they die.

Your rewards for living a good life on Earth will be received after you die and are allowed to enter the kingdom of heaven. Does anyone have any proof of this? If you choose to base your life entirely on faith instead of seeking knowledge and wisdom, or even questioning your religious doctrine, you're not doing yourself any favors.

Money plays a big part in organized religion and honestly does a lot of good throughout the world. Christianity has had a large impact on the United States of America but only time will tell if it was a good thing or not.

If you have extra money and desire to give it to a religious organization of your choice, feel free, but if you're giving 10% of the money you've earned and really can't afford to, I wish you would take the time to research what your church actually spends it's money on. If your church is building another church in Mexico but you don't have enough money for food, clothes or other necessities, I would suggest that you let other people donate their extra money instead.

It might not be mentioned anywhere in your religion, but I'm sure your God or the ultimate Almighty power of the universe you believe in, does not want anyone to suffer or go without, because your religious organization chooses to make you feel guilty if you do not contribute a certain amount of money, for whatever reasons they can possibly come up with.

If everyone that believes in this interpretation has the keys to the kingdom of heaven, wouldn't Jesus be suggesting a life kind of like Mother Teresa but without any money. She wouldn't be allowed to ask any wealthy people for money, let alone use it if she acquired it somehow.

Have you ever ask yourself is there any Hope in Religion .

Would it be safe to a sound that by asking for money from a wealthy person would mean I would not be going to happen. Does it say anything in the Bible about using money from a wealthy person for great earthly deeds and you get to go to heaven but he does not. If this is starting to sound a little confusing, welcome to my world. There are very few people that follow organized religion, that even ask these questions, let alone seek the answers and find the truth and keeping an open mind to future information that possibly could change the old answer that they accepted as a truth but now realize, the possibility that the old information could be wrong.

If you were a religious leader and could not answer some of the major questions that you yourself had, would you continue living a life of confusion or seek relentlessly to find the answers until you are satisfied. Knowing that if you were satisfied with the answers to your questions and now your religious beliefs have changed considerably, would you retire or quit working with the religious organization you were involved with.

This is one of the biggest obstacles for most people that seem to get comfortable in their religious environments. If the interpretations of a you Bible verses are incorrect and can be proven, either scientifically or through translation errors, does this mean that there are more verses in the Bible that could be incorrect or misleading.

Greg Vanden Berge is a published author, internet marketing expert, motivational inspiration to millions of people all over the world and is sharing some of his wisdom with experts in the fields of writing,marketing, and personal development.

Greg is currently working on a video library filled with great movies on a wide array of topics, like religion, self help and spiritual changes in the world. His views on religious freedom are slowly changing the way people think about institutional religion.

Wood Fence Damage

Buying Discount Laminate Flooring

Hardwood floors are beautiful, but, as everyone knows, expensive. A lovely and less expensive alternative is laminate flooring. Laminate comes in a wide variety of both colors and styles, and you can find a laminate to suit any budget. They look just like hardwood floors and are now manufactured by such reliable forums as Mohawk and Shaw, so you know you Will have good quality.

There is a wide range of choices in laminate flooring, something to suit every room in the house and every house in the neighborhood. No matter what the style of the room, there is a laminate that will suit it. There are floorings that resemble Early American plank boarding and there is flooring that is super modern in look.

Most of the laminates today are made to look like wood, but there are other options as well. Laminates are available in styles that resemble tile, stone or marble as well. Using all laminate floorings througout your home, you can have the look of ceramic tile in kitchens and bathrooms, the look of wood in living room and family room and the look of marble in the foyer.

When you begin to shop for laminates, measure the area you want to cover. Then allow 10% for waste and pattern matching. With these numbers in hand, you will be able to price your flooring project realistically.

There are many sites on the Internet where you can shop for discount flooring. These sites have excellent pictures so that you can see exactly what you are going to get. The most important thing when you order on line is that you get all the material from the same lot, so there will be no differences in the material. If all of the material is not from the same lot, you will notice variations in color and textures once the flooring is laid.

Make sure you check the flooring immediately upon arrival for any damage or faults. Make sure there is no chipping or other damage along the edges. Insist on an exchange if there is any damage that cannot be trimmed away without affecting the use of the flooring.

It is a fairly easy project to install laminate flooring, and most handy do it yourselfers can do it. The prep is easy, since laminate can be installed right over existing flooring, whether that flooring is vinyl, hardwood, wood or concretes. Laminate has been successfully installed over concrete in basements.

Laminate flooring comes in pieces that are fitted together in a tongue and groove method. It is not glued or nailed in place the way hardwood floors are, but rather "floats" with the pieces glued to each other rather than to the under flooring. If you are doing one room in laminate flooring, you can easily complete it as a weekend project.

Kurt Schefken's papers can be encountered on countless websites with reference to discount floors. From his detailed writings, the author proofed his deep knowledge on topics like discount laminate flooring.

Interior Roof Shaped Ceiling

An Overview of the Luxury Whirlpool Steam Shower

When you look at the line of Whirlpool steam showers that are available, you will like the luxurious features of the computerized steam shower unit that measures 4 feet in width and length and 89 inches in height, which means it is a suitable size for a typical size bathroom. It is made of acrylic and reinforced with fiberglass and has glass doors. Some of the standard features on this model include:

an mP3 player
a waterfall faucet
bath functions
intensity adjustor
built-in seats
steam generator
rainfall showerhead
FM radio and CD connection
ventilation fan
chroma blue lighting
waterproof remote control
body jets for use as a standup shower
handheld moveable showerhead
speakers and microphone
spray massage for your back and body
fogless mirror
storage shelves

Before you go out and purchase this model of Whirlpool steam shower unit or any other steam sauna, you should also check out the other models that are available. There are larger walk in units available designed for a larger space, some of which come with a foot massager and a foot scrubber. You will need to purchase the inline heater separately if you wish to maintain the whirlpool temperature.

You can choose a sleek modern design in your purchase of a Whirlpool steam shower. There are models available with two seats. Those with the rainforest showerheads will leave you feeling completely clean and rejuvenated. Although these steam shower units look very small from the outside, once inside they are cozy and intimate with plenty of space. There are various lighting schemes that you can experiment with to find one that suits your mood at the time.

Whether you are building a new home or remodeling your bathroom, adding a Whirlpool steam shower will increase the value of the home dramatically. You will realize a profit far more than the cost of the steam shower unit itself and benefit from the steam therapy while you are living in the home.

The Whirlpool steam shower combo with a shower and tub is the obvious choice when you start shopping for a steam shower enclosure with shower doors The walk-in designs actually give you the three separate facilities in one unit - steam shower, regular shower and regular bath.

Whirlpool steam showers require the installation of a 13-amp fused spur if you have the electrical socket for the unit located in the bathroom or a 13-amp house socket if you run the flex line from the bathroom to another room in your home. The flex comes with the steam shower unit and has an integrated inline trip defense system. There is an extractor fan with this unit as well because of the large amount of moisture that comes from the steam that is generated. The fan helps to take out the moisture and the steam from the unit once you turn it off.

An Ozoniser also comes with a Whirlpool steam shower to remove the impurities from the water. the manufacturer recommends that you run this feature of the steam shower unit once a week for about 10 to 20 minutes making sure that the doors of the unit are completely closed. While it is running, you will not be able to operate the ancillary features of the unit such as the radio.

Allison Ryan is a freelance marketing writer from San Diego, CA. She specializes in do-it-yourself home improvement, including installing steam shower enclosures with glass shower doors and Whirlpool hot tubs. For a great selection of these water features for your home or bathroom, please visit http://www.mybath.biz/

Home Buying Books
Home Garage Books

Creating Your Electricity

Creating your own electricity and generating your own power has always been one of my dreams. Having a self sufficient home, not only a house that takes care of itself by generating its own electricity through windmills or solar panels but the satisfaction knowing that no matter what happens to the electrical companies you will always have electricity at your home.

What a wonderful feeling it would be to get a check back from the utility company instead of paying them every single month. I don't know about you but my utility bills are ridiculous and seemed to be going up in price constantly. I can't believe all the fees they have been charging for years to all of their customers. If you add all the fees for every person in the city or county this comes to a large, a very large number and it's getting worse not better.

Generating your own electricity with solar or wind power is definitely green thinking. This is going to be the wave of the future as fuel used to create electricity continues to rise in price. I really can't imagine what the price of electricity is going to be like in 10 years as the mass consumption continues to rise in developing countries.

We have got to start taking care of our own needs through solar or wind power. We have got to start creating our own electricity to become self reliant. The more self reliant we become as a nation the less dependent we will be on major corporations, especially large power conglomerates.

Creating our own electricity can also be used for electrical cars that can be purchased in the future. Think of the money you will say in fuel costs as the price of gasoline continues to increase as well as less pollution into our environment.

This is definitely the wave of the future and common sense tells us this. I suggest you read this article again if you haven't figured out some of the problems coming our way in the future.

Think green and together we can start saving the planet.

While searching for new alternatives and trying to get some advice on creating your own electricity I came across a book you can purchase in digital format. This book seems to have quite a bit of information on creating your own electricity for a totally self sufficient home.

This book has been created in digital format to reduce the consumption of trees and the waste involved in creating a regular book. What a wonderful idea for helping our environment in quite a few ways.

While searching for new alternatives and trying to get some advice on creating your own electricity I came across a book you can purchase in digital format. This book seems to have quite a bit of information on creating your own electricity for a totally self sufficient home.

This book has been created in digital format to reduce the consumption of trees and the waste involved in creating a regular book. What a wonderful idea for helping our environment in quite a few ways.

For more information visit http://www.gregvan.com and look for Get Earth4Energy Here Create your own electricity! Save 1000's with Earth4Energy

Rusting Handrailing Nails

Wood Does Rot - Home Repairs and Advice

Let me give you some advice right now," All Wood Rots Eventually". I have heard it all when it comes to this wood or that wood lasting this long or that long........ Hello....... All wood is going to rot at some period of it's life.

With that out of the way we can focus on some wood seems to last a little longer under certain conditions.

Teak is a wood that has a lot of natural oil in it. But you won't frame a house with it. Teak is used on boats and expensive outdoor furniture. It is a excellent wood to use when building a ship. The woods natural oils seem to create a protective barrier around it allowing it to last a long time even at sea. Great wood for the outdoors...

Oak is a excellent choice for almost every wood finish inside your home. It is used for kitchen cabinets, entertainment centers, flooring, trim and furniture. Oak is a hard wood and can take a lot of abuse from almost anything except water. I have seen a nice piece of furniture get stained from just setting one glass on it for ten minutes. Great Wood For Inside Your Home.

Poplar is also a great choice for inside your house. This wood is used by many finish carpenters for making cabinets and other built ins for your house. It is also popular not poplar for wood trim . Most of the poplar that is used inside of your home will eventually get painted. So that makes poplar a inexpensive choice of wood for homeowners that want a nice painted finish on their interior wood projects. Great Wood For Inside Your Home.

Douglas Fir is the most common source of lumber used on the west coast of the United States. This is a extremely durable wood product. On the East Coast they use southern pine and the nominal thickness is usually two inches by four inches for a 2 x 4 . With Douglas Fir a 2 x 4 is one inch and a half by three and one half inches to support the same weight structurally. In my opinion one of the best home framing materials.

Douglas Fir can and has been for a long time now. A great source for clear finish materials used inside of the house. You will see a nice orange or brown looking piece of wood stained naturally in some older home. This is Douglas Fir. It can be a bit pricy but really gives a log cabin look to your home.

Redwood is a great choice for inside or outside your home. I love Redwood it has a nice look to it stained naturally. Redwood is used for a lot of siding, fences, decks and out door furniture. The main problem with Redwood is that is is soft and will get scratched easily. Now for the facts about Redwood. It does rot and termites will eat it.

Wood myth number one eliminated. I have heard stories about wood that termites won't eat. Well Redwood is not one of them. I have seen termites tearing this stuff up. Don't get caught up in the hype that this or that wood will last for 5 years or 50 years. Under the right conditions almost all woods will rot at a accelerated rate.

For more information on wood damage, check out wood repair at http://gregvan.com/wood_repair.htm

Copyright 2008 Greg Vanden Berge All Rights Reserved

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. Few Home Remodeling Rules

Skylight Using C16 Metal Strapl

Bathroom Remodeling Made Easy

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

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

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

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

Here are some basic questions you need to ask yourself:

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

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

Lavatory

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

Bathtub / Shower

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

Safety Requirements

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

Storage Requirements

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

Mechanical System Requirements

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

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

Steve Frick
Paul Davis Restoration, San Diego, CA

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

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

Home Selling Books
Roofing Books

Window Header Framing Problems

As a building contractor it is my job to assemble the house to meet the specifications from the architect and the structural engineer. I do this by looking at the building plans and installing the specified lumber sizes. I can take it upon myself to install a larger size wood beam or window header adding an additional cost to the job of course. I don't think so.

It's not uncommon for a framing contractor that has an additional 5 foot scrap piece of 4 x 8 left over that he now has no use for. He can then choose to use the 4 x 8 instead of a 4 x 6 for the window header. This type of building is common and acceptable.

If the structural engineer calls out for 4 x 6 window and door headers do not take it upon yourself to replace the 4 x 6 with a 4 x 4. I have seen too many framing contractors or carpenters make an on-the-job judgment like this.

A good example would be a single story house with 2 foot wide windows that require a 4 x 6 window header. As the carpenter builds homes over the years he can come to his own conclusion that a 4x4 will work fine for this application. Again keep this in mind as a framing contractor and a carpenter you are assembling the home not designing it.

Do not change the sizes of any headers or beams.

A long time ago carpenters used a standard rule of thumb, you could go up two sizes larger than the window opening for your header. Let me give you an example of what I'm trying to explain.

A 4 foot wide window opening would require a 4 x 6 window header. A 6 foot window opening would require a 4 x 8 window header. This should give you an idea of what I mean by going up two sizes larger than the window opening to figure out the lumber necessary to use for your window header.

This rule of thumb does not necessarily apply in today's building industry. The reason for this is structural changes from earthquake damage. The structural requirements that are required for building a home require a lot more metal bracing and strapping. Therefore some of the lumber requirements for beam sizes and window headers will be different.

This message is for general contractors, framing contractors and carpenters. When installing a window header and you take it upon yourself to change the size you also assume the responsibility if the building fails. This type of mistake is common and you guys know what I'm talking about.

It's not worth it. Keep in mind you are the assembler and not the designer of the building you are working 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 more 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 and House Framing Structural Repairs

Rust Stains On Concrete Floor

Are Replacement Bulbs For Exit Signs a Thing of the Past

If you jump into the 21st century and utilize a truly remarkable line of sustainable products known as photoluminescents, then you will never use or replace another light bulb in any your emergency exit signs ever again. The reason why? There will no longer be light bulbs involved. As a matter of fact, you will no longer need electricity to power these signs either.

Photoluminescent technology has been around for over 50 years, but it has not been an acceptable option for approved egress signs until now. You see, photoluminescent products contain plastic coatings that are infused with pigments that glow in the dark. Now glow in the dark items have been around for decades, but because of today's high-tech research and development, the materials have been greatly enhanced. Today these photoluminescent materials can glow brighter and hold a charge for much longer periods of time, and because of this fact photoluminescent exit signs and emergency signs are now recommended by federal agencies, osha and other governing bodies. So now I am sure you can see that the light bulb illuminated signs are in danger of extinction.

Unless you are crazy...light bulbs ARE a thing of the past, for exit signs anyway. This is why... Photoluminescent exit signs are less expensive than the old fashioned signs. They do not use light bulbs, which are also expensive and need to be replaced continually throughout the sign's use. They do NOT require electricity to power them, which is also expensive. They cost hardly anything to install, whereas the old electric powered signs require you to hire an electrician to install. Do you see the pattern here? So why would anyone in their right mind want to use the old fashioned emergency exit signs that require electricity or batters and light bulbs?

So there you have it, I predict that changing light bulbs in emergency exit signs IS a thing of the past... or soon to be.

I wrote this article because of my experience with these signs. I recently rehabbed an old office building and decided to go with the latest technology for my emergency exit routes, and I found this to be a no-brainer, and I just wanted to share!

I found all this info at GloBrite Systems. They were very helpful with making sure I had the right signs to comply with the fire codes in my building. They really know there stuff! Check them out at http://www.globritesystem.com

Non-electric and easy to install, the GloBrite Eco Exit PM 100 is the only non-radioactive, zero energy and zero maintenance photoluminescent exit sign on the market that is visible at 100 feet.

For more information on how these signs can reduce costs and help the environment, head to http://www.globritesystem.com

Window Flashing Under Window

What Does a GFI Do? - Electrical Problems

In your bathroom you should have a GFI electrical outlet. Most new homes or newly remodeled homes require you to have GFI electrical outlets in the kitchen. Most older kitchens do not have GFI electrical outlets. GFI stands for ground fault circuit interrupter.

Why not call it a GFCI instead of a GFI electrical outlet? Well it is called a GFCI in some instances. GFI is short and is the most common name used by most electricians and builders for this type of outlet.

GFI 's come in 15 amp and 20 amperage outlets. GFI outlets must be wired properly. Make sure you're using the proper wire size when hooking up the GFI outlet.

How do I know which size wire to use? This all depends on how far away you are running it from the electrical panel. There are charts you can use to figure this out. If you are not running the electrical wire more than 80 feet from the electrical panel you can use 12 gauge electrical wires for a 20 amp GFI. This is a general rule of thumb for most electrical house wiring.

If you're going to be using a 15 amp GFI and you are going to be less than 80 feet away from the electrical panel you can use 14 gauge electrical wires. Again this is just a general rule of thumb for most electrical house wiring.

A GFI is a light duty electrical plug used in bathrooms, kitchens and the exterior of your house. The sole purpose of the GFI is to shut the breaker off faster if there is any moisture or light load problems.

Let's say for instance you have your hair dryer plugged into the GFI outlet. The hair dryer somehow falls into the sink while it is on or plugged in. The GFI outlet will instantly shut off because of the sensitivity of the breaker inside of the plug it self.

The GFI plug has a test button and a reset button on it. If you are continually resetting the GFI you will wear it out eventually. I have had GFI plugs after resetting the button about 10 times break and no longer able to use them.

The GFI electrical plug is a great idea and if you don't have them in your bathroom or outside of your home it would be a great idea to have an electrician install them for you.

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 Home Building Library and adding useful content to help solve problems created by the lack of construction knowledge in the building industry.

San Diego Termite Damage

Wall Repairs