Great video on how to fix a hole in your wall .
Greg Vanden Berge is working on the internet to promote the education for creating simple to follow guides and home building books to help professional building contractors as well as the weekend warriors. He has just finished a Home Buyers Guide to take some of the frustration out of home shopping.
If your looking for some more home inspection or home building ideas.
Large Crack In FloorWhen you are under pressure to obtain a loan, finding reliable credit repair help that won't cost you an arm and a leg can be a tough process. Do you pay to have someone help you restore your credit, or just pay the higher interest rate and not go through all the trouble? What if you have bad credit and can't get approved for a loan - is there anything a credit repair consultant can really do?
There are many issues to consider when seeking credit report help. Price is obviously one of them, but the other thing to consider is, are they really able to help you. The fact of the matter is there is nothing that a credit counselor can do that you can't do completely on your own.
What they may be able to do is help you work faster. Credit counselors know exactly what to do in order to make the biggest improvements to your credit score the fastest. If, however you have a little bit of time during your evening and weekends to work on fixing your credit report yourself, it doesn't take much effort at all and it could save you hundreds, if not thousands of dollars.
With a "do-it-yourself" attitude, you can just as easily increase your credit score almost immediately. It is just a matter of knowing how your credit score is calculated and what actionable items will have the biggest impact on improving your rating. For example, one of the biggest factors is to reduce your available credit-to-debt ratio. With just a few phone calls, you can instantly improve this ratio and dramatically increase your score.
It's important to also not waste your time on tactics and strategies that are out dated and no longer work. So as you are doing your research on how to improve your credit, be sure to check the facts. For example, consumers with a poor credit history used to be able to "piggyback" on good-creditworthy consumers in order to instantly boost their rating. However, this practice became overly abused and the Fair Isaac Corp sealed up this loophole. As a result, the credit repair tips that recommend piggybacking as a strategy to make some quick changes are not actually helping.
You can find all the credit repair help you need online, without having to hire expensive attorneys or counselors. It is just a matter of finding accurate information that actually works, and having a little bit of time and organizational skills to make those changes. It is by no means hard work or difficult concepts. It is just a matter of understanding how the FICO score is calculated. Then you can use that information to your advantage.
Take the first and easiest step in repairing your credit right now. Get your credit fix in less than 45 seconds and watch your future start to change today. Discover how to rebuild credit
Dryer Vent In Basement WindowHome improvement projects and renovations are notorious for going way over budget. As the cost of materials and labor rises, it's increasingly difficult to keep your next project under budget. For 6 tried-and-true tips concerning how you can save money on your home improvement bills, keep reading.
1. Go for the small jobs.
Small jobs like a quick coat of paint or refinishing a floor can actually have a major positive impact on your home and often offer a much higher return on your investment than, say, refinishing a wall or installing a brand new floor.
2. Always work with what you have first.
Instead of breaking the bank with new materials, always try to work with what you already have. Remember, power washing, sanding and re-staining a porch can make it look great again and for a lot less than it would cost to build a completely new one.
3. Get three quotes.
When hiring a contractor or any laborer, shop around for at least three quotes. Give each contractor the exact same job requirements and request a detailed, outlined quote in writing that gives you a thorough breakdown of every job or item.
From there, you can compare your options and get a much more realistic and accurate viewpoint of the marketplace and your pricing possibilities.
4. Measure twice, cut once.
The "measure twice" mantra is a carpenter's classic, but it applies to almost every home improvement job. From fitting new pipes to installing a marble countertop, make sure you know your material requirements inside and out before you even buy it, let alone cut it.
5. When hiring a professional, get references.
Before you sink your money into a contractor who may not deliver, do your homework and hire smart. Ask prospective contractors for examples of their past work or portfolio and the contact information for satisfied customers who would be willing to give them a reference.
A smart consumer will also check with their state's licensing board and Better Business Bureau to make sure their contractor doesn't have any outstanding warranted complaints or lawsuits against them.
6. Try to reuse old or salvaged materials.
Someone's old bathtub could be your antique dream. Check salvagers, scrappers, flea markets, and even antique shops for unique items that can be salvaged and reused. For example, old tile can easily be located for a fraction of the price and often offers a one-of-a-kind feeling that's almost priceless.
For information on practical money saving tips, please visit http://www.moneysavetips.com, a popular site providing great insights concerning savings ideas, such as student debt help, prepaid credit cards for teenagers, and many more!
Linoleum Floor Water DamageMany people enjoying beautiful granite floors and countertops in their homes. They are stylish and beautiful.
But how can you take care of these beautiful floors and countertops and keep them looking their best at all times? To care for granite may not be as difficult as you may think. Get help with these tips on keeping your granite beautiful.
First of all you would want to use a stone sealer that impregnates the granite so that you have an invisible protective barrier for the surface of your granite countertops or flooring. Stone sealers are widely used by professionals in the stone fabricating industry.
Even if you have granite showers this stone sealer will help you to keep your shower cleaner and it will keep your granite looking good. You may apply a stone sealer periodically depending on the usage of your granite.
Then you may just use a stone soap, which is a highly concentrated water based cleaner that you can use for your granite tiles. This cleaner can be diluted according to the instructions on the container. Stone soap is specially formulated and is the best care for your granite as is does not leave any residues or cause the surface to be slippery, and it does not dull or damage your beautiful granite countertops and floors as some regular cleaners do.
This will also eliminate your worries about having granite floors in the bathroom, since you may have been thinking that a granite floor may be slippery and dangerous in bathrooms. But you now you can have these beautiful granite flooring in your bathroom without a worry, by just simply using a stone soap.
Stone soap does clean thoroughly all the way down into the pores of the your natural stone and you are able to remove dirt, dust, grease and food and even scuff marks.
When you dilute the special stone soap you can put it into a spray bottle and just spray it on your granite counter tops and flooring and wipe it clean.
This does not have to be difficult and it certainly keeps your home looking great and your beautiful granite will always still look like brand new even after many years.
When installing granite floors and countertops you would want professionals take care of the installation and you may just ask them where to buy the needed stone soap and the stone sealer best in your local area.
So having a granite flooring and countertops is truly a wonderful experience and to keep them looking great always is so easy!
Visit, subscribe to and bookmark: http://myhomeimprovementtips.com and sign up for our free newsletter at: Clean Up Stuff for your home improvement projects & tips.
Ceramic Tile Shower Corner DamagA kitchen sink is a handy item that many of us take for granted every single day. When this particular item in your kitchen breaks however, we are quickly able to realize all of the conveniences that we are able to enjoy from this piece of necessary equipment included in our kitchens. There is a large number of important tasks that are performed with the use of our sink on a daily basis. For instance - We simply would not be able to complete the preparation of meals that are cooked if we did not have this handy item installed in our kitchen. They are also used on a continuous basis when we have to complete a variety of cleaning tasks. No matter what type of task it is that you may be doing that requires water, the kitchen sink in your home becomes a very convenient tool of necessity to be able to achieve a variety of tasks.
The numerous advancements that are continuously being made in the technology that is used for the unique designs and styles of the sinks in our kitchen gives us the ability of selecting from a wide and varied range of options that were not available just a few short years ago. Gone are the days of only having one plain color to choose from, now these sinks are available in several different colors and variety in materials that are used in their construction. Choices in stainless steel kitchen sink varieties are now available and are quickly becoming an extremely popular item among a large number of homeowners all around the world.
There are numerous options that are available that give you the convenient option of selecting from either one handled sinks or those that feature two handles. There are also several different sizes these sinks can be found in with many different thickness choices, and some are even offered with the option of having a soap dispenser included.
No matter what particular dcor you have chosen for the kitchen in your home, whether it be popular styles in the antique look, the popular design offering the Victorian look, or if you would prefer a more modern styled kitchen sink, you will be pleasantly surprised at the variety and price ranges these sinks are available in. There is a sink that will work perfectly for you at whatever budget you may need to stay within.
If you would like more information on kitchen sinks try my site. And I also have a page on kitchen sink accessories
Where do we go to buy stair building books? Do we go to the major retailers like Amazon or Barnes & Noble? I have found over the years the information in most of these books I have purchased from these stores has a lot of fluff with very little common sense stair building application.
I bought one stair building book that had information on handrails. The front cover looked great and I thought this was going to be a great book reading the reviews from Amazon. When I finally got the book in the mail, I would say about one third of it was math tables for building elaborate wooden hand railing's. These tables were not easy to understand along with the rest of the book.
Back when I bought the book on building stair handrails it dawned on me that most of the construction workers I have met during my 30 years of working in the field were not very good outside of basic math. Now I knew a lot of carpenters that could read a measuring tape and use a framing square pretty good. But when it came to advanced geometrical construction projects like a stair hand railing system this was out of our league.
Reading this book or should I say parts of it gave me an idea to write a book of my own, starting with basic stair building I took all the fluff or the hard to understand advanced stair building applications out of my book, How to Build a Straight Set of Stairs.
I put a lot of time into creating an illustration for every possible part of building a simple set of stairs. I have probably built over 2000 sets of stairs during my lifetime and have explained and taught basic and advanced stair building to other carpenters. Understanding what parts of the stair construction process they understood, I was able to improve my skills as a stair building teacher.
Most people do not need advanced stair building skills to construct a simple straight set of stairs. If you are building a straight set of stairs and would like a stair building book with lots of easy to understand illustrations along with simplified directions you have found it.
We're building more stair building books to help contractors, carpenters, handymen and homeowners understand the stair building process.
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.
The look of the classic carriage garage doors is very popular in new home construction. Prior to the invention of the overhead door almost all garage doors were very similar to the carriage design. Basically the two doors that make up the garage door system were hung on hinges located to the sides of the garage opening. The doors swing together to make the door close. This style of door has been used for more than a thousand years. However there are lots of problems with the design.
Traditional carriage garage doors are not really very good at keeping the elements out of any structure. In addition it is very hard to adequately secure the doors from forced entry. With the invention of the over head door the use of the traditional carriage garage doors design essentially ended. However the architectural appearance and design is very appealing to the eye. Many of the top garage door manufactures have designed over head doors that give the appearance of carriage garage doors but with all the benefits of a modern garage door.
Several garage door manufactures have specialized in creating the look of carriage doors using the standard garage door format. Some manufactures use standard rolling panel construction that has a carriage door pattern designed into the garage door. Using modern materials especially steel will make this type of garage door both secure and very durable. The use of solid one piece overhead garage door construction gives the carriage garage doors an authentic look. This older style cantilever door opens outward at the bottom and rotates upward as on solid door. This method of construction works well when using an all wood door construction.
The top carriage garage doors manufactures offer wood finish carriage doors as well. The use of a veneer plywood base over standard steel construction gives both the fine look of wood while giving all the benefits of standard construction including polyurethane foam insulated panels that provide a high R-value insulating factor. Top choices for wood veneer or coverings include redwood, cedar and hemlock. Many companies can provide an aged look to the door to further accent its looks. In almost all cases natural wood surfaces will require far more care and maintenance.
Traditional carriage garage doors construction is available for people who really want the real deal. These companies build custom wood garage doors using time proven designs. These wood doors can be designed to open manually or with specially designed automatic door openers. Due to the weakness of the design many of these custom carriage garage doors require adjustment on a regular basis. As with all wood doors they are very good looking providing a great accent to any home.
Carriage garage doors provide a beautiful touch to any home. You can find many great designs on the many manufactures websites. Estimated garage doors pricing for carriage garage doors will range from $700 for doors using standard construction to more than $3000 for a custom built garage door. It really does pay to spend the time to do a good job of shopping around before your buy. It is the best way to find the lowest garage doors prices.
James Kesel, MS, is the publisher of the Garage Doors Pricing Website located at http://www.garagedoorspricing.com Providing information on Carriage Garage Doors and the purchasing, installing and operation of a garage door.
Sliding Glass Door RemodelStair building tips for installing lights and decking, handrail tips and some deck advice.
For more helpful home improvement information visit: http://www.gregvan.com
Home Basement BooksWhen designing a home or addition, part of the fun for the owner is imagining the project finished without any compromises.When bids come in from the contractors, many home owners are eager look at ways to reduce the price without loosing space or the character of the project.As the architects, our job is to help bring the price down as far as possible without loosing the qualities that the owners loved in the first place.It must be understood that some money saving choices could diminish the long term durability or energy efficiency of a home or addition. The following are 5 ways to either design the most cost effective project from the start or adjust a design once the bids come in:
http://www.crisparchitects.com/
James M. Crisp, AIA is an architect working in New York, Connecticut and Massachusetts.
With property prices continuing to fall more and more people are facing negative equity which is where your house is worth less than the mortgage you have on it. Rather than sitting and waiting for the market to improve there are ways out of this problem like improving your home to get the value back up. The way to do this is to maximise the space without spending too heavily.
There are many different ways of improving your that will add value and converting the loft is one option. If you convert your loft into an extra bedroom you instantly add value to your home and the cost can start from around 8000 but could easily be doubled. You could be adding at least 20,000 to the value of your property so it is well worth the initial payout.
Another option is installing an ensuite bathroom for one or more of your bedrooms. The master bedroom is the best option and according to the Nation Association of Estate Agents this could add up to 5% value to your home.
With large kitchen and dining space in demand you could easily add value by extending your kitchen. This can be quite costly though so make sure you get quite a few quotes before going ahead.
Garage conversions are an excellent way of adding space and value to a home and can cost as little at 5000. If you never use your garage but tend to use it as a dumping ground why not make use of this space and turn it into a games room or an extra bedroom. If you are lucky enough to have a double garage you could convert just half of it keeping the other half as a garage.
Another option would be to have your garden landscaped. You could do this yourself if you're not afraid of getting your hands dirty. There are plenty of gardening programmes and magazines that could give you some inspiration and advice.
Remember all of these home improvements will benefit you and your family while we all crawl out of the credit crunch. What better way of adding value to your home than improving it.
Finding a reputable building company is foremost in most people's mind when thinking of having an extension or improvements to the home. With so many cowboys around it's difficult to know if the company you choose is going to do you a cost effective professional job. The best builders are those that are recommended to you but if you don't have any recommendations you will have to do a bit of ground work. You could look though the yellow pages but this just gives you phone numbers which could be anybody. The best bet is to look online and search for local companies. Legitimate building companies will have nothing to hide, they will show their address and phone numbers and have pictures of recently completed work. Testimonials are always good to look for and if you think they have been made up, ask the company for a recent customers contact details so you can phone and speak to someone who recently used the company.
For Builders in Derby that offer Garage Conversions and Kitchen Renovations visit Building Solutions Midlands.
Stair ArticlesThey say a man's home is his castle and since it's where we spend most of our hours away from work, it should be one that we're always looking forward to come home to. Whether it is a two-story Victorian, a hillside hideaway or a cozy beachfront bungalow, our homes should be a reflection of ourselves and our character. Also, it should be an embodiment of what we perceive to be the ideal hideout from the pressures and chaos of the outside world.
A person's home should be a place of relaxation and bliss, relatively free of the stresses of day to day living. It is where we spend our time unwinding and meditating and it is where we wake-up to the light of a new day- gathering energy for the activities that await us.
There comes a time when people get bored with the appearance of their homes. Maybe the paint starts to peel, or the plumbing starts to drip. In any case, when our haven from the pressures of the outside world ceases to be a place of Zen and becomes a source of angst in itself, it might be time to consider a few changes and doing a home renovation.
Renovation is the most practical thing to do for homeowners who've had their dwellings for quite a few years. Times are harder nowadays and unless you're one of the lucky few who have extra dough, it doesn't really make sense to sell the home you've become attached to and purchase a new one.
If what's bugging you is just a drippy faucet or a few stains on a wall, you can certainly grab a monkey-wrench or a paintbrush and save yourself some money. If it's something bigger like a new all-around color scheme, an overhaul on the plumbing or actual remodeling, you might still be able to do it considering you've had experience in those things. Otherwise, it's wiser to hire the services of a contractor to avoid making costly mistakes and irreversible damage to your castle.
Contractors have years of experience and expertise on anything you might want to have done. There are general contractors and there are those that do specific tasks: roofing contractors, plumbing contractors, painting, etc. All that you need to do is sit down with one recommended by someone you trust and tell them what you have in mind and how much you're willing to spend.
There are several things folks should look into when having major home renovation done. The first thing obviously, is your budget. It wouldn't make sense to start a major remodeling project only to stop halfway because you've run out of funds. Have a realistic figure on how much you can spend and how much you want done.
When it comes to remodeling and renovation, it's also important to know exactly what you want from the beginning. It's ultimately better to have a clear picture of what your goals are and do your planning from there rather than decide on what you want along the way.
Having a timeframe on how much the project is going to take will also help you manage the adjustments your family has to make. Timing is a big issue when it comes to construction and it's best to plan around holidays, celebrations and family gatherings to avoid unnecessary headaches.
During these tough financial times, home renovation is the better way to go if you want to address problems of wear and tear, increase the value of your home, or just change the appearance of your dwelling and make it more pleasurable to live in.
Jo is a writer for 'EBL Group Limited' (http://www.eblgroup.co.uk), a family managed, established and recommended house insurance repairs outworker stationed in Runcorn Cheshire. If you need insurance building repairs as a result of storm, flood, fire, malicious or fortuitous damage or any other reasons or if you have home and buildings improvement requirements then you should check out EBL Group.
Getting Your House Decked OutBeing a full time woodworker or just a part-timer, you always need more space to work. A modern in-its-place work area is a woodworkers dream. With a little planning and help from neighbors and friends your own woodworking shop isn't that far away. And to be realistic it will take money and a lot of "sweat equity on your part, but you will save by doing it yourself, even if you don't have all the skills required.
Site Planning and Preparation
Go Back to School
Leave some to the Pros
Dumpster Dive for Materials
These are just some of the ways and tips that can save you a lot of money when you build your dream workshop. Undoubtedly there are hundreds more.
Brian is a skilled woodworker in the off time. He has built his own woodworking shop and various pieces of furniture.
Introduction
Money may get a little tighter during a recession. We know prices for nearly all products are going up while our wagers remain the same. Better tighten your belt. It may get a lot worse We are tempted to crawl under the bed covers, stick our thumb in our mouth, and not come out.
Life is about more than money, but hey, we can make do with money if we have to. One solution is to increase the number of income streams that you have. The more income streams we have, the better prepared we are to survive a recession. Follow my suggestions and you will have a real estate business running like a Swiss watch.
1. Buy Fixer-upper Houses
The time to buy in real estate is when prices are low and soft, and when interest rates are low. If that sounds like the present situation we are in, you're right. Buying fixer upper houses gives you the added premium of buying houses at even lower prices and using sweat equity to raise its value. When you're done you can flip you house for short term gain (although it may not be so easy to sell in a recession) or rent it out for long-term gain.
2. Take Handyman Jobs
Use your fixer-upper skills to take jobs as a handy man. Once people know that you repair fixer-upper houses their eyes light up. They think of several jobs around their house they would like you to do. When it comes out that I repair fixer-uppers in a conversation with someone, the conversation usually ends with the other person remarking "oh by the way, I have this leaky faucet (or toilet, or roof). I wonder if you could look at it."
3. Turn Empty Space Into Money - Rent Out a Room
I know, "who wants to have a stranger in your house". But this can be a friend or a relative. Convert a section of the house into a rental room. College students make good renters.
4. Build a Separate Guest House
If you have space in your yard, and the city codes allow it. It could be cheaper than buying a new property.
5. Write a Book About Your Experiences in Real Estate
Your experiences and unique and people buy books that show them how to make money. Write and publish the book yourself, and yes, (gasp!), learn to market it too. Sell it on Amazon.com.
6. Write a Blog.
Tell people about your daily activities in real estate investing, and plug your book at the same time. Don't forget, you are re an expert. An expert is only a regular person who has written a book.
7. Teach seminars or classes.
Check into teaching at a community college or "open" university. They are always on the lookout for new teachers. Can't talk in front of people? Join Toastmasters and have fun while you learn.
Terry Sprouse is author of the book "Fix 'em Up, Rent 'em Out: How to Start Your Own House Fix-Up and Rental Business in Your Spare Time."
Terry's blogs:
http://www.fixemup.org
http://www.squidoo.com/fixerupper
Great video on how to deal with window jam problems.
If you're thinking about buying a home, check out this home buyers guide to take some of the frustration out of home shopping. For under $15, you can save yourself a lot of frustration and money.
Mold And Stucco DamageGranite is one of he hardest stones available on the earth and is found across various countries and continents. Another value proposition held by granite is its color which adds on or matches to the standard of aesthetic elegance as desired by designers. It's not a hidden fact that granite is the ultimate choice for kitchen counter tops, bathroom vanity counters and has also made its way into the floorings, fireplaces and many other such applications.
The most critical issue faced by most of the designers or individuals is the choice of granite color. As granite has a wide array of color options starting from the blacks, whites, browns, blues, greens and the variations thereof. With such subtle variations it increases a challenging task to freeze upon the right granite color and hue. It has been often seen that black and blue granite is much more in demand and so are its prices. Brown and beige on the contrary give you a lot of variety to work with the combinations in your kitchen. Dark counters for light color cabinets and light counters for darker color cabinets is an accepted norm. What would be the factors which one would need to bear in mind while choosing granite color for a kitchen counter top?
Beginning off the first factor would be to walk in to a near-by granite supplier or warehouse which stocks, imports and deals with a large selection of granite slabs and not just a few samples of granite stuck on to a board. Ideally you would like the granite color to match up with your kitchen's cabinets, hence it would be advisable to carry a cabinet sample along. The same would apply in case of your granite color having to match with your existing flooring. In case of new house you could have your granite counter top selected first and then decide on the flooring, the flooring too can be of granite. Ideally run through the slabs which are a near match or a perfect combination before you intend to freeze on the granite color, as it is an one time affair and you need to make the most perfect selection which won't make you repent later.
Once you have done with your color selection you could request the granite supplier to draw out a couple of similar slabs to check for variation in color tones. Few of these granite warehouses also are efficient and expert granite installers. So you could always get the right measure of the kitchen and select the pattern. Prior to running through this exercise it would also be worthwhile to visit a few online granite stores which display granite colors along with the names or the codes and the country of origin. With a bit of online search and local market granite supplier or warehouse visit, you would be able to get hold of the right granite color that you are looking out for.
Marble City Company is the largest importer of granite slabs and offer multiple granite color options to choose from black granite, blue granite, green granite, brown granite, beige granite etc.
Peek into the online gallery and get insights to the various natural stone colors, country of origin and application. For details visit : http://www.marblecityca.com/stones/
Green Home Building BooksYou might think you have to live in Florida, California or a state where natural weather disasters or wildfires create a cycle of home rebuilding to be targeted by contractor scams. But in fact, anyone who owns a home is at risk for falling victim to unscrupulous contractors. It only takes one bad experience to sour a homeowner, and this is unfortunate for the majority of contractors who take pride in their work and do a good job. To avoid experiencing what can end up being a home repair nightmare, all you need to do is be aware of some common scams and don't be afraid to ask questions, require references, make the effort to check those references, never sign anything that looks suspicious or without reading thoroughly and never agree to anything in haste.
In the springtime everything starts to gear up again. Many potential buyers are shopping for a new home and there are real estate agents hosting open houses. There is new grass, leaves, flower buds, families barbequing and shady contractors cruising the neighborhoods looking for an easy mark. Unfortunately, a sad fact is that older home owners are often targeted the most, but really anyone can be duped by a convincing pitch.
One of the most frequently used lines is that the contractor was in the neighborhood doing work and just happened to drive by and see something wrong with your home. Being the kind-hearted person that he is, he took time off from his busy schedule and wanted to stop and alert you to the problem you have. And even more convenient for you, he and his crew can work you in while they are in the area. Most legitimate builders and contractors do not go door to door like salesmen. Be wary of anyone showing up unscheduled and offering to do work right away with the pitch that they'll cut you a deal because they are already doing a project close by.
The most often used pitch for this scenario is roof repair. Dishonest contractors may tell a homeowner that their roof is in bad shape, not visible to the naked or untrained eye, and by hiring them to replace it now you'll save money in the long run by avoiding water damage from leakage. This is often perpetrated on older residents who cannot keep a watchful on the repair work actually being done. The homeowner will usually end up with substandard roofing materials or shingles that are a lower grade than the ones you originally had on the roof.
Getting your driveway repaved is another common scam. Even if someone two houses down from you just had it done and it looks fantastic, don't assume the guy who shows up at your door offering to do yours is the one who did the other. Most of the time it isn't the same contractor, but another one shadowing the reputable one. This other guy will do a sub par job and you'll be left with cracks in both your bank account and driveway.
Any contractor who approaches you suggesting that with your help they can do repairs for you for free by turning it into your insurance company isn't doing you any favors. What they are doing is making you a partner in crime by having you commit insurance fraud if there isn't any real basis for the claim. And don't think the insurance company won't prosecute, because they will.
Never, ever agree to pay cash, especially up front. You may be tempted by a big discount offered for a cash payment or advance, but those savings and your money will be as gone as the contractor who just left to go get supplies and will supposedly be back tomorrow.
Never sign the deed to your home over to finance repairs. Chances are if you do this, you won't have to worry about repairs because you won't have a home to repair.
Be suspicious of a contractor who claims he has extra or leftover lumber or supplies and can give you a great quote on a project. You should wonder and ask where those materials came from and realize that somebody, even if it wasn't you, paid for those supplies.
Always ask to see identification, especially if a so-called inspector shows up claiming you need work done to meet a code and tries to fine you or make you sign an agreement to have it done. This is not standard procedure and always check with authorities to see if the person actually is who he or she claims to be. You should always ask to see a contractor's license and ask for references, then check those references. Unhappy previous customers or a complete lack of customers is a sure warning sign. And speaking of signs, never sign anything without reading it or having your lawyer check it over. There are a lot of helpful sites out there where you can find more tips, such as About Chicago Real Estate.
If you do find yourself in hot tar, shoddy shingles or crummy carpentry, contact your Better Business Bureau or State's Attorney office to file a complaint and seek help. An old builder's rule is measure twice, cut once. Remember to double check everything and always get more than one quote.
Paula Cherrist writes articles about Chicago condos for sale, home trends and new homes for About Chicago Real Estate.
These days it seems that the fashionable trend in living is going green. By that we mean more and more people are choosing to opt for cleaner energy, less waste, environmentally friendly building materials, paints and flooring plus energy efficient appliances. Al Gore's award winning documentary An Inconvenient Truth did more to stir up interest in the green movement than most published scientific studies did. Whether or not you support the global warming theory, one thing you can't dispute is the obvious savings, both in the environment and your finances, that making some simple and if you're willing, not so simple, green improvements to your condo or house. Not only will this benefit you as long as you live there, but it will also make your home more attractive to potential buyers if you should decide to sell.
Perhaps the easiest thing you can do to start saving money and energy is to replace your old light bulbs with energy efficient ones. The newer compact fluorescent bulbs are available in a wide assortment of sizes and last a lot longer than basic light bulbs, all while saving on electricity consumption. New compact fluorescent bulbs often use as little as 20 percent of the energy that an older bulb will use. You can also install timers on outside lights.
To improve water consumption you can install low flush toilets and also either attach aerators to your faucets or buy new ones with aerators already installed. This simple device mixes air with the water flow, which creates good pressure with less water. You can also replace the shower heads in the baths with low flow heads.
A typical hot water heater will run constantly to keep the water hot at all times, making this appliance one of the most costly to operate in your home. You can either improve the heating efficiency of the tank you currently have by adding insulation around the tank or wrapping the pipes. You can also install one of the newer models that only heat water on demand, not constantly. Tankless models work very well and can save up to 50 percent of what an older model would cost to run. There are also solar powered hot water heaters for the ultimate in energy efficiency.
You can also go the extra mile with saving water by installing a rain water collection system to water your lawn and landscaped plants, plus making sure that you only plant native species that are tolerant of local climate conditions will also benefit your outdoor environment.
The appliances in your kitchen as well as your washer and dryer are another major area where you can green up your home while saving energy and money in the long run. Replacing some or all of your kitchen appliances with more efficient Energy Star rated ones will reduce electricity consumption and they will run much more efficiently. Remember that for every perk like an automatic ice maker or defrost, a refrigerator becomes less energy efficient. This is especially important because in the average home, a refrigerator uses the most electricity of any appliance you own. Washer and dryer models are now available that operate much more efficiently. Front load washers not only hold bigger loads, they use less water and energy.
For some really major savings you can replace your outdated heating and cooling system with an energy efficient one. Older systems, especially boiler-based ones, are usually extremely inefficient. Newer systems with programmable thermostats allow you to adjust settings according to the times you are home and need more heating or cooling. Just by installing a ceiling fan in even just the biggest room in your home and then lowering the setting on your air conditioning by 3 to 6 degrees, you can save as much as 25 percent on the cost of cooling your condo or home.
Insulation is critical to saving energy, and an average home will lose about 50 percent of its heat through the ceiling and walls if not properly insulated. Check the R value, which is the rating system for insulation value, of what you currently have in your home or what you are considering installing. The higher the R value, the better the insulation value. Don't be fooled by thinking the thicker or heavier the insulation, the better. You should only look at the R value when deciding on what type.
For a basement in a typical home in North America, the suggested R value insulation should be R-12. One inch of insulation is basically equal to 30 inches of concrete. Of the different types of insulation, Expanded Polystyrene is the best, with blown in Cellulose a close second and Fiberglass in third place. It is also important to install some type of water proof barrier or membrane to protect insulation from moisture. If insulation gets wet it severely reduces its performance.
By adding some simple or some slightly more difficult green touches to your condo or home, you will not only improve your own savings, but will help the environment and probably entice more buyers to your home if you decide to sell. For more tips on selling your home or to find out more about some popular green developments and condos, you can check out the buildings profiled on About Chicago Real Estate
Kim Richards writes articles about Chicago real estate and new home trends for About Chicago Real Estate.
Bolting Stair StringerThrough out my career as an air conditioning, heating and refrigeration technician, I have seen thousands of jobs with the same problems over and over and over. I have seen just about every mistake you can imagine. I've been in the field going on 23 years now.
I came across one job a few years ago where the contractor (so called professional) installed a replacement digital thermostat in the same spot where the old unit was located. In between two door jams in a hall way. This guy used the old wires that were attached to the old thermostat, which is not a problem in it self, but the location of the wires is where he ran into trouble. The problem here was the person who installed this thermostat, installed it sideways because it was too long for this location. Instead of telling the customer he needed to go get a thermostat that fit the application or moving the wires to accommodate the thermostat he had on his truck, he installed what he had with him at the time and he told the customer "that was how these new digital thermostats needed to be installed" so they could operate properly. Of course the customer was a senior citizen in her late 80's and he had no morals or values. The funny thing is that this digital thermostat would have actually worked properly installed this way, because the sensor was a solid state device on a circuit board. Except for reading what the display said and reading what the buttons said, this thermostat actually operated correctly. You should have seen the way he installed the duct work but that is another story.
The reason the lady called was because it seemed to her that the furnace would always shut down too early or it would sometimes run for a long period of time making the room warmer than she wanted. I had to laugh when I arrived on the job and saw what this guy had done. The biggest issue mechanically with this thermostat was not the way it was mounted, but that it was mounted and covering a very large hole, where the thermostat wires came though the wall. The sensor was very near the hole on the wall and it was reading the cold inside wall cavity temperature. I removed the thermostat and installed a new one for her, free of charge and then filled the hole with sheetrock mud to stop the stat from reading the wall cavity temperature.
The customer wanted to pay me for my trouble and my materials but I told her that the next time she came across someone that needs a new furnace or air conditioner that could could simply give my name and phone number out and that would be enough. She agreed and thanked me for my trouble.
I still get referrals from her today. It has always bugged me to see someone take advantage of elderly people, especially when they have no business doing the work in the first place.
The digital thermostats today can do a lot and they are generally pretty reliable, most of the time its either that its installed wrong or programmed wrong, wired wrong or there are not enough wires to it. Maybe the thermostat needs the common wire from the thermostat hooked up to operate properly. The majority of these problems are the result of poor technical knowledge on behalf of the installer, or perhaps they simply don't care enough to read the installation instructions. Sometimes people get into the trade and learn how to install duct work and put sheet metal screws in with a drill gun and bam they think they have enough experience to go out and become a contractor.
Unfortunately home owners have no way of knowing whether or not the service company they chose has enough experience or knowledge to do the job right. The NATE Rating is about as close as you can come to being sure you hire the right people. However" I was trained a long time ago in a technical school that focused on the theory and operating principals of electrical, refrigeration, air conditioning and heating. Long before the NATE Training certificate came about. My schooling was 990hrs and the course took place over 9 months. I don't have the NATE certificate badge myself. I guess I should go get it to look more legitimate and I probably will get it as that seems to be the standard today. I have not looked into the certificate yet but eventually will.
You can contact me by email located within my site or you can post questions in our forum and I will respond fairly quickly. Maybe you had a new system installed and are having problems that the installer can't seem to fix. I would be glad to give it a shot. I specialize in residential gas/propane forced air heating systems, heat pumps, air conditioning and zoning.
John Grisler
Specialist in Environmentally Friendly High Efficiency Residential Air Conditioning and Heating Systems
Graduate Universal Technical Institute February 1986
23 Years Experience Residential/ Light Commercial Heating Air Conditioning and Refrigeration
US Patent 7234318 Multiple Stage, Single Pass Refrigeration System. June 2006
Designer of the Self Contained Air Conditioned Chair -see grizzco@feeservers.com
my web site is http://greenfeetco2.com/
Medium density fiberboard, also known as MDF, is type of wood that is similar to particleboard. It is made out of wood waste fibers glued together with resin, heat, and pressure. Medium density fiberboard can be used for a variety of projects because of its characteristic it is smooth and uniform consistency. It also will not warp which makes it an ideal choice for cabinetry and molding projects. The MDF is often used in place of plank wood, particleboard or high density fiberboard because when sawed it produces a fine even edge. Because of how smooth the surface is, it takes well to painting and only needs a primer and two coats of paint to have an attractive finish unlike some other wood products that may require more sanding and additional coats of paint. Because it does not warp, it is also used quite a bit in bathrooms for cabinets or in other high humidity applications.
Home builders, cabinet makers and carpenters use medium density fiberboard for furniture, shelving, flooring, molding and doors. The wood is very versatile and can be used for a number of applications. It is used often for doors because it insulates sound and heat very well. Taken in conjunction with its smooth surface and ability to take paint well, it is an ideal material for doors. The wood is also very flexible in the type of treatments that it can take such as nailing, gluing, screwing or stapling. The only drawback to medium density fiberboard is the resin that is used to strengthen the wood. This resin contains formaldehyde so care should be taken when cutting it to reduce the amount of dust that is airborne. Try to reduce exposure to MDF whenever possible.
When medium density fiberboard is used for cabinets and other wood working projects, it is very often covered in a veneer or laminate of real wood to disguise the MDF, especially along edges that may be visible. MDF is also a great wood to use for those who are environmentally conscious. Because it is made from scraps and other waste products it is friendlier to the environment. Instead of these items going to a land fill they are recycled.
Find out all of the numerous MDF or medium density fiberboard uses. Our article and link resources can help you now.
An old house can be given a new look by just replacing indoor stair railings. According to the space available you can design your indoor stairs. When remodeling your old house, just consider redoing the indoor stairs according to the home new decor. Large indoor staircases can be replaced with spiral staircases, giving more space. Even you can have a new indoor staircase where there was none previously, for example a new attic staircase.
The house can get a different look by just replacing angular staircase with a circular one. To give natural look to your house, the railings can be made curve shaped. There are Home improvement stores that provide different railings with various styles. There are online sites that help you to find out places to get different interesting railings. If you are not satisfied with the available railings then you can always go ahead to get it done according to your taste.
Safety is one important aspect to be considered when choosing railings for your house. Make sure that it will not collapse under pressure. The city codes have some norms regarding the width between railings. So ensure that the railings you have opted for is within the city code norms. If the width between the railings is more, there are chances of small children getting their head stuck in between the railings.
If you are planning to remodel the indoor stair to get more space, then first step is to replace the conventional one into a spiral staircase. Generally large indoor stairs occupy more space so it can be made into spiral. There are many ways to make these spiral stairs look elegant and synch with your home decor. Spiral stairs can be made differently using various styles and materials available. Spiral stairs are also called circular stairs. It can be made either in wood or in metal. These stairs are sure to compliment your traditional or contemporary decor. When choosing circular stairs go for a sturdy and safe one. People are advised to hold the handrails of the circular stairs, as it is difficult to climb when compare to straight steps. There are kits available in the market to build your own spiral stairs.
Spiral staircase can be used to reach attics. But there are pull down stairs for attics, which will unfold like a retractable ladder. Make sure it has sufficient head space while climbing and withstand the weight of a fully-grown up adult. You can get stairs built for your attic or can assemble a compact modular stairs.
Ensure that whatever stairs design you choose it abides with all safety rules and building regulations.
Adam Peters is the author of online related topics. Read more about indoor staircase at http://www.home-decorating-reviews.com/Indoor_Staircases.html
What if I told you where to get the ultimate fence building Encyclopedia? Better yet, what if I told you, you could get it for under $20? If you're building a standard 1 x 6 dogeared fence, that's 6 foot tall and made from wood, with 4x4 post cemented into the ground, this book might not interest you, but if you're thinking about building a fence, that will make all your neighbors jealous, you might be interested in the "Fence Building Bible."
If you're interested in using your imagination, along with some of the information in this fence building Encyclopedia, if you're interested in creating a masterpiece, instead of just another barrier that divides the property, you had better think seriously about, either running down to your local library and checking the book out, or purchasing the book, so that you have it on hand when needed.
Here's a quote from the product description that could be helpful, "Beneke suggests the appropriate types of fence to keep the swimming pool secure, con fine the livestock, keep deer away from the garden, or create outdoor living spaces. He then discusses the essentials of proper fence design and provides step-by-step illustrated instructions for planning, building, maintaining, and repairing any style of fence."
If you're planning on building a fence to keep livestock, it would be extremely helpful to know what kind of fence will be necessary to keep pigs or cows separated from the other animals, including you. There's nothing worse than building a new fence, putting some large cattle inside of it and having them tear it apart and escape.
The fence building Bible as simple instructions, with lots of illustrations, to give you plenty of ideas. There's a good chance that you will see a fence in this book that you have never seen before. If you're thinking about building something out of the ordinary, I would suggest strongly, that find this book.
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.
If you're really interested in learning more about remodeling, new home construction, home maintenance, home repairs and really want to get the nuts and bolts of home improvement. Visit our web site and select from the best-selling home building books on the Internet.
Home Fence BooksWhat if I told you where to get the ultimate fence building Encyclopedia? Better yet, what if I told you, you could get it for under $20? If you're building a standard 1 x 6 dogeared fence, that's 6 foot tall and made from wood, with 4x4 post cemented into the ground, this book might not interest you, but if you're thinking about building a fence, that will make all your neighbors jealous, you might be interested in the "Fence Building Bible."
If you're interested in using your imagination, along with some of the information in this fence building Encyclopedia, if you're interested in creating a masterpiece, instead of just another barrier that divides the property, you had better think seriously about, either running down to your local library and checking the book out, or purchasing the book, so that you have it on hand when needed.
Here's a quote from the product description that could be helpful, "Beneke suggests the appropriate types of fence to keep the swimming pool secure, con fine the livestock, keep deer away from the garden, or create outdoor living spaces. He then discusses the essentials of proper fence design and provides step-by-step illustrated instructions for planning, building, maintaining, and repairing any style of fence."
If you're planning on building a fence to keep livestock, it would be extremely helpful to know what kind of fence will be necessary to keep pigs or cows separated from the other animals, including you. There's nothing worse than building a new fence, putting some large cattle inside of it and having them tear it apart and escape.
The fence building Bible as simple instructions, with lots of illustrations, to give you plenty of ideas. There's a good chance that you will see a fence in this book that you have never seen before. If you're thinking about building something out of the ordinary, I would suggest strongly, that find this book.
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.
If you're really interested in learning more about remodeling, new home construction, home maintenance, home repairs and really want to get the nuts and bolts of home improvement. Visit our web site and select from the best-selling home building books on the Internet.
Home Basement BooksYou can add living space to your home by finishing your basement. It can actually be done rather economically. The primary structure is already there. All you have to do then is finish it.
A key factor in keeping the costs down is properly planning what the outcome will be. You want to make a list of the materials required after you have decided on the layout, and you'll want to do things sequentially to avoiding reworking something after it has already been completed.
First, our recommendation is to hire a contractor to do the work. This will ensure that things are done properly, and efficiently. Ultimately, unless you have the necessary experience yourself, then hiring the contractor can save you a great deal of money in the end. You will still be involved however even if you do hire a contractor. Please read on.
Your first priority is that you have to define the available space, and what you wish to do with it. From there, you will then define the layout. A simple drawing can give a picture of what you will end up with.
Some things that you will need to consider are:
How will you heat and cool?
Will you add in a bathroom?
If you have a bathroom, how will it be ventilated?
Where will you install the smoke alarms and CO detector?
Where will you place the receptacles?
If there is dampness in the basement, how will it be removed?
Before you actually begin construction, you will have to consider if you have any water problems in the basement. If you do, you will most certainly want to resolve those issues before you begin building.
Once the waterproofing is done, if necessary, then you will need to install the necessary drainage system if you are adding a bathroom. This is also the time to install any electrical wiring, cable TV connections, telephone wiring, etc. Also repair any damage to the concrete that may need fixing. You'll also want to run the necessary additional duct work for heating and cooling.
Next, you want to install necessary strapping for any drop ceilings you may want to install. More comprehensive guides are available if you wish to do it yourself, as this is only meant to give you an idea of the work involved. Work of this nature should always be done by a professional contractor. It can save you a lot of headaches, and the finished product will be much more enjoyable when it is completed correctly. Not to mention the amount of money that will be saved from having to buy damaged materials a second time!
There are many, many things that can be done with that extra space. Research, and then hire a professional to do the job. You'll be much happier with the end result and you will better enjoy your new space!
James Tyler is the owner of Ace Builders, a residential remodeling company serving the Raleigh, North Carolina area. Tyler writes about issues relating to all types of remodeling and home improvement projects.
For more information, tips and advice visit http://www.acebuilders.net
Ice Damage From Broken PipesOwners of vintage homes usually want to preserve their embossed tin shingle roofs. Unfortunately there are no readily available metal shingles that will match the size, texture and shadowing of the embossed tin shingles dating from 1870 to 1930. But there are resolutions that can meet budget constraints as well as appearance expectations.
For these owners of homes with embossed metal shingles, the porch is usually the most challenging. The porch area tends to be the most trampled. Understandably, painters have placed ladders on the shingles. Or children have played on them. Damaged porch tin shingles are a common occurrence.
When maintenance is due on metal shingle roofs, the porch roof may be handled differently than upper roofs because of the excessive damage.
Here are four solutions:
1. For example, an historical district owner faced a real dilemma. The enclosed porch roof area leaked into her living room. The local historical society flatly rejected any plan to replace the roof unless the same metal shingles were used. Her budget could not afford to replace with new shingles at this point.
In this situation, the owner had to balance her priorities between satisfactory appearance, performance and budget.
Her strategy was to opt for 1) stopping the leakage into her living room and 2) avoiding a conflict with the local historical society. To accomplish this decision, the fully reinforced system with restoration green acrylic was applied. This system consists of four layers of acrylic with mesh between two of the coating layers.
For this situation at that particular time, the approach made sense. From the driveway, the porch roof surface looks presentable. Since the back door is the main entrance, the appearance issue seemed resolved for the roof surface. Incidentally, the leakage situation was solved
2. The use of the standing seam panels has been a popular choice for a porch roof. The reasons are obvious: Both standing seam and shingles are traditional metal styles of roofing. Also, with the traditional standing seam panels, the metal shingles complement each other quite attractively. The cost of this approach is less expensive than new shingles,
3. If modern asphalt shingles have already been installed as a solution, every owner will agree the appearance is usually undesirable. On these porches, where tin shingles are visible on other roofs, the least expensive approach may be to coat the porch asphalt shingles with the same acrylic tint as the rest of the metal tin shingles. The color ties in the different roofs
4. Another inexpensive approach is to install a smooth, rolled roofing installation. Then coat the rubber or mineral surface roofing with the acrylic of the embossed tin shingles. One customer coated her porch roof with an acrylic tint that accented the trim of her stone house.
By working with an experienced contractor in this field, innovative solutions are possible.
Toilet Wood Floor Water DamageOne of the easiest faux painting finishes is faux brickwork. It can add interest to a dull flat wall or drab concrete surface, either in the home or in the garden or patio area. The great thing about it is that reusable stencils, easily available from many retailers, make the job really quick and easy, even for beginners.
Brick Finishes
An uninteresting floor or wall can become an eye-catching feature with a brick finish makeover. Indoors, the unpainted brick look is trendy and modern with the warm colors of brick complementing other decorating styles. Outdoor spaces can also be enhanced. Brickwork (especially aged brickwork) has a soft, warm appearance whereas plain, untextured concrete floors can be stark and ugly.
Using brick stencils is useful if you want to extend existing brickwork without the effort, expense and mess of actual construction. (And you may not be able to find bricks that match.) Brick stenciling is also an alternative to restoring existing brickwork. Brickwork that has been damaged or previously painted is notoriously difficult to restore but can be rejuvenated with clever use of paint.
The Pros and Cons of Stencils
Especially if you're new to faux painting, brick stencils have many pluses and few minuses. In some cases (for example, if you need to match existing brickwork) you may have to mark out your design manually, or create your own stencil to match what you already have. If you can buy a stencil to suit your purpose you will save a lot of time. The only real downside of stencils is that their fixed size can create problems with corners and edges (especially curved edges, for example around a circular or arched window).
Which Design?
Brick stencils come in a staggering array of different designs, with different brick sizes and paving patterns. Choose your design carefully to fit in with the room or surface you plan to transform.
Make sure that the scale is in proportion. Consider the space available. You may not want large bricks in a small room or small blocks in a bigger space. The size of the brick is one factor influencing the degree of texture that results. Some manufacturers offer customizing and re-sizing of stencils.
Also consider how the pattern will match your architecture, dcor or space. Modern home with clean lines may invite a plainer, more geometric pattern. That could be simple rows, but a herringbone design can also look neat. Circular or swirling patterns can soften a space with hard lines, or complement older architecture, rustic dcor or traditional gardens.
Have Some Fun with It
Brickwork doesn't have to be reds and browns. Other colors can simulate brickwork that has been painted over. You can also choose between a clean, new brick appearance or create a soft, aged look by using paint techniques to create a distressed effect. Stencils are the core of the process but you still have other fun options to choose from to create your ideal look.
Find more brick stencil ideas from That Painter Lady. Then claim your free "Insider's Guide to Faux Painting" and avoid all the common mistakes, get success tips, find the right products for the job and more.
Today, hot tubs are more popular than ever and the number of hot tub owners is steadily rising. If you are ready to join this already large group of home owners, you must decide if you would prefer an indoor hot tub or an outdoor. Hot tubs are traditionally found outside, but more and more people are choosing modern indoor versions.
Indoor hot tubs offer many conveniences that cant be found with outdoor tubs. Extra privacy is one popular convenience. Indoor hot tubs eliminate the awkwardness of using the tub in front of neighbors or passersby. This type of hot tub is located in the privacy of your home so it is only viewable to people you are already comfortable with.
Another primary reason many homeowners are now opting for indoor hot tubs rather than outside is the weather. An indoor hot tub can be used year round, regardless of the weather conditions, making an indoor tub perfect for everyday use. The usage of an outdoor hot tub is influenced by the conditions, as well as the season, resulting in a typical loss of three to four months of possible use.
If you plan to purchase an indoor hot tub, you should consider where you will install it and the people who will use it most often. To get the most relaxation from your indoor hot tub, you should place it in an area that is typically calm with little distraction. You should also consider a location that will minimize the mess of water, because an indoor hot tub makes it easier to get out of the tub and walk through the rest of the house before drying off.
Another thing to remember if you are thinking of buying an indoor hot tub is that, although they are more convenient, indoor hot tubs require more complex installations than traditional outdoor ones. Hot tubs produce extreme heat as well as high humidity so your hot tub needs to be placed in a well ventilated area of your home. Too small of a space can cause structural damage to your home, including weakened plaster and condensation that leads to mold and window damage.
A typical hot tub can weigh more than two tons when it is filled, depending on its size, so it is imperative to check the foundation of your home for sturdiness before installing your tub, especially in the room where you plan to install the hot tub. Wherever you decide to install your indoor hot tub, you should reinforce the floor in that room. A standard floor is only designed to support a quarter of the weight of a full hot tub. To allow simple maintenance of your hot tub, you should also ensure that the room you choose can be easily connected to adequate drainage.
Thomas Oak writes articles for http://www.a1hottub.com if you are intrested in some addition information on a Hot Tub or are just looking for Spa Filters follow the links.
Double Gang Electrical BoxThe most important thing when building a home is the ability to keep everything as square, plumb and level as possible. Starting with the foundation, if the foundation is not square or level, the rest of the house is going to be out of alignment.
You've probably heard the saying, start with a good foundation. This applies to the building industry as well. There are quite a few ways to build a square foundation, it all depends on what kind of tools you have, to build it with.
Some of these tools can be quite expensive but it used every day can save you a lot of time and of course time is money.
You don't need expensive tools to build a square foundation. You could actually build a square foundation with less than $100 worth of tools. It might take you a little longer but could be done.
Let's start with the 3 - 4 - 5 rule.
Okay lets see if I can explain this in layman's terms. If no West side of the foundation is 3 foot and the north side of the foundation is for foot, then the diagonal measurement from the southwest corner to the northeast corner would be 5 foot. Out of square building can create foundation problems
This can also be done using 30' x 40' should equal 50 foot. You can use this if the building is large and you need to check it for square.
By measuring the foundation diagonally from each corner, the measurement should be exactly the same. If it isn't, the building is out of square and should be adjusted before the concrete is poured. This measurement should always be checked before you get too far along in the form building process.
Greg Vanden Berge is working on the internet to promote the education for creating simple to follow guides and home building books to help professional building contractors as well as the weekend warriors. He has just finished a Home Buyers Guide to take some of the frustration out of home shopping.
If your having problems in your attic, find out more at concrete contractor basics and home building ideas.
Long Wood Framed Wall Ready ForThe foundation walls are connected to the top of the footings. The purpose of a foundation is to carry the weight of the house structure down through the foundation to the footings.
Whatever their construction, (concrete, brick, concrete blocks, etc.), foundation walls crack because of lateral force, settling, heaving or uneven loads (more weight than designed on a specific section of the foundation), of the foundation walls. Natural forces such as earth quakes can also be a contributor in earthquake regions.
To begin your inspection, use a pad and pencil while observing the exterior foundation. Make notes of cracks and their locations. When inside the lower level, you will want to try to locate them on the inside. If the crack goes entirely through the foundation it may be a red flag. Small hair-line cracks that do not go through the foundation wall are common and nothing to worry about; they may have been caused by shrinkage of the concrete or mortar joints.
A found crack sometimes has a similar type crack on an opposite wall of the foundation. Similar cracks on opposite walls may have the same cause, with the exception of horizontal cracking caused by a lateral force.
Types of Cracking
Vertical and 45 degree cracking is usually caused by settlement and heaving. Horizontal cracking is commonly caused by side pressure on the foundation, such as hydrostatic pressure (a lateral force). Surface cracks that do not go entirely through the wall and with no signs of displacement are not normally a structural defect. Isolated vertical cracks that do not extend to the lower edge of the foundation wall are usually shrinkage cracks. They are caused by the concrete shrinking during curing.
Causes of Horizontal Cracking
The foundation should act as a retaining wall, resisting lateral pressure of the soil on the outside of the basement or crawl space. If the foundation does not provide enough lateral support, the walls will deflect inward and create horizontal cracking. Some of the causes are foundation walls that are too thin or do not have, (or not enough), reinforcement, such as rebar in the concrete foundation, backfilling the foundation too soon before the foundation has a chance to fully cure, or during back filling if big stones or hard frozen chunks of ground were dumped against the foundation.
Causes of Heaving Foundations
Heaving cracks in foundations made out of brick, blocks, or stones,(not concrete), will generally have cracking in the form of a step, called "step cracking". Step cracking usually follows the mortar joints in these materials.
In concrete foundations, cracks from heaving are usually vertical and are wider at the top of the crack than at the base.
Some areas of the country have expansive soils, which increase in size when they absorb water, causing heaving cracks. Moisture added to dry expansive soils, say from a sudden down pour, will drastically change the volume of the soil and cause serious heaving problems as well as structural damage in some cases. When the expansive soil dries, the shrinkage can also cause a pulling effect on the foundation. The method of prevention is to maintain the soil moisture content, by keeping the soil as dry as possible along the foundation. This can be achieved by proper grading around the perimeter.
Causes of Foundation Settlement
Settling of the soil under the foundation is usually the cause of settlement cracks in the foundation walls. Cracks caused by settling resemble cracks caused by heaving, except the crack is wider at the lower end of the crack.
If a crack is active the crack may still be moving, (getting bigger, etc.) To identify an active crack, it will have sharp edges, clean inside of the crack and sometimes with bits of concrete still in the crack. Old cracks will have dust, dirt, paint and insect parts in the crack.
To determine the severity of a crack or its cause, it may need to be evaluated by a geotechnical engineer. Large cracks 3/8" wide should be carefully examined. Cracks can be measured by the engineer, to determine if it is moving or if it is stabile. Many times Home Inspectors call on the services of an engineer, to be sure the foundation is sound. As a past Home Inspector, I have been surprised several times to find questionable cracks were sound without a concern. I was always glad it was verified for the sake of the buyer or yourself in your case.
What to look for inside the house structure:
Doors and windows that are stuck and misalignment (gaps)
Foundation settlement can cause doors and windows to be come misaligned. This can be seen when observing the edges around the windows or doors, where they close. Look for gaps larger on one side than the other. This can help determine where the settling is occurring.
Cracks in the walls
Settlement will usually cause wall cracking. Settlement cracks are wider on one end than the other. Let it be known wall cracking can also be caused by the house expanding and contracting through its seasons. If there is no evidence of foundation defects and there is wall cracking, it, more than likely, is caused by the latter.
Sloping or tilting floors.
I have learned during my home inspection career that most people will not notice sloping less than 1/8" slope per foot. 3/16"slope per foot is noticeable to most people. A family living in an older home for a long time might not notice sloping even if severe. We tend to adjust to gradual sloping over time.
If there is doubt, use a level to determine if the floor is level. Floor elevations should be recorded for future reference in the inspection.
Unless the sloping is substantial or extensive remodeling is planned, the best repair would be to stabilize the foundation. Extensive re-leveling in an older home may cause more than expected damage to the interior walls, ceilings, doors, windows and cabinetry.
If the home has been stabilized and future movement is unlikely, buyers will often accept the uneven floors.
This article was written to act as tool to guide and assist a DIY Inspection on foundations. Gary wrote the BAIR (Building Analysis Inspection Report) System, which is a DIY Inspection that consists of a lot of instructional detail (a guide) written about any of the many components found in the home. The BAIR System has instruction on how to inspect a foundation and explanations on the findings; this article will help with more information, if needed.
Review and download at: http://www.bairsystem.com
One of the most fundamental elements of any good drainage system for protecting your home's foundation walls from water damage are footer drains, which act as conduits to move excess groundwater away from your basement. Footer drains are not a new modern concept, and have been around for many years. Still, the materials used to construct footer drains today are superior to those used years ago, which deteriorate and become ineffective over the years. Traditionally, basement waterproofing footer drains were made using clay tile, which worked well at the time. But if your house is several decades old, these clay footer drain tiles may be losing their effectiveness.
The problem with clay tile pipes and drains is that they can deteriorate over time, and develop cracks, breaks and slips that allows sediment and tree roots into the system. When enough roots and dirt have clogged a clay footer drain, it can become completely blocked and no longer allow the conveyance of water out away from your foundation. And if this happens, it's only a matter of time until excess groundwater builds up around your basement walls and begins to cause problems like water damage, mold, mildew, cracking and leaking. Any of these can end up being much more expensive to fix than simply fixing your current clay footer drain tiles.
That's not to suggest that you will necessarily have to replace your clay footer drains with modern PVC pipe drains in order to solve your basement waterproofing problem. on the contrary, in many cases your clay footer drains can be serviced by simply tapping into one corner of the drainage system and cleaning the drain itself. This is possible with either a drain snake auger or a high-pressure water jetting system, which can blast obstructions out of the drain and allow water to flow freely through it again.
If, however, your clay footer drain tiles are severely cracked, broken or slipped out of place, it may be necessary to replace some or all of your foundation drainage system. This can involve an extensive amount of work, since a complete excavation of your foundation is necessary to reach the footer drains themselves. And if your basement walls have been significantly damaged by hydrostatic pressure already, it may be necessary to also replace the blocks themselves, as well. As you can tell, it's better to service your existing clay footer drains to work properly before the damage becomes irreversible.
The advantage of having modern, perforated PVC pipe footer drains is that the materials are vastly more durable than clay and last longer without the need to clean them out as often. While newly constructed homes are now built using modern drainage materials, older homes that were built before PVC pipe may have to be serviced more often to ensure that there is no flooding or water damage in your basement. By having your clay footer drain tiles serviced regularly by professional drain cleaners, you can ensure that costly water damage and flooding issues won't be in your future.
Lorain County Sewer and Drain makes Olmstead Falls basement waterproofing easy and affordable. Visit our site today to learn more about basement waterproofing.
The holidays are just around the corner and you might want to ask yourself, is my home ready? The answer for most of us is probably no. Even though you take pride in your home and keep it neat and clean for all to enjoy, there are telltale signs of distress lurking in the corners and you probably don't even notice them. But your guests will. They're the cracks over your door ways, the water stains from leaks gone dry and the growing gaps that form where your trim mouldings are tearing away from the walls.
Of course, it goes without saying that between working, regular housekeeping, shopping, caring for the kids and everything else that takes up your normal day, most of us don't have the time to think of such repairs let alone do anything about them. But it could be made easy. In as little as one day you could have all these problems and more simply vanish!
Professional touch up and painting services are ready, willing and available somewhere in your very own neighborhood. And if you do your homework in selecting the right painter (search for my earlier article, "How to Choose the Right Painting Professional For Your Home Painting Project") you'll find that not only can they make all the flaws disappear, they can isolate the painting to only the surfaces that need repair by matching your existing paint and colour. So it's fast and saves you money!
Just think. While you're at work or running errands or doing your holiday shopping, cracks are erased, water damage disappears and gaps are filled and gone just like nothing happened. No one would ever know they were there! Or perhaps a few touch-up repairs aren't enough and you have a more extensive makeover in mind. There really is no better time to tackle that small home improvement project than during the months of December, January, and February. Not only is it the best time of the year for deals, but it's also typically easier to schedule your project.
So, whether it's a few touch ups, repainting your kitchen, bathroom, adding some crown moulding to the living and dining room, or some other eyesore you' ve been meaning to get around to, get it off your wish list and start enjoying a Holiday-ready home now. It makes a wonderful gift for your spouse or family member!
Happy Holidays everybody!
DEE POTTER is a Toronto, Ontario area painting contractor who's helped hundreds of homeowners get the most out of their properties with creative and money saving solutions to their repair and decorative challenges with his company, ColourWorks Painting. To learn more about ColourWorks painting solutions and services visit http://www.PaintByColourWorks.com
What if I told you where to get the ultimate fence building Encyclopedia? Better yet, what if I told you, you could get it for under $20? If you're building a standard 1 x 6 dogeared fence, that's 6 foot tall and made from wood, with 4x4 post cemented into the ground, this book might not interest you, but if you're thinking about building a fence, that will make all your neighbors jealous, you might be interested in the "Fence Building Bible."
If you're interested in using your imagination, along with some of the information in this fence building Encyclopedia, if you're interested in creating a masterpiece, instead of just another barrier that divides the property, you had better think seriously about, either running down to your local library and checking the book out, or purchasing the book, so that you have it on hand when needed.
Here's a quote from the product description that could be helpful, "Beneke suggests the appropriate types of fence to keep the swimming pool secure, con fine the livestock, keep deer away from the garden, or create outdoor living spaces. He then discusses the essentials of proper fence design and provides step-by-step illustrated instructions for planning, building, maintaining, and repairing any style of fence."
If you're planning on building a fence to keep livestock, it would be extremely helpful to know what kind of fence will be necessary to keep pigs or cows separated from the other animals, including you. There's nothing worse than building a new fence, putting some large cattle inside of it and having them tear it apart and escape.
The fence building Bible as simple instructions, with lots of illustrations, to give you plenty of ideas. There's a good chance that you will see a fence in this book that you have never seen before. If you're thinking about building something out of the ordinary, I would suggest strongly, that find this book.
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.
If you're really interested in learning more about remodeling, new home construction, home maintenance, home repairs and really want to get the nuts and bolts of home improvement. Visit our web site and select from the best-selling home building books on the Internet.
If you're having problems with your Windows opening and closing, you can apply a little wax on the tracking. It's been a long time since anyone has used this trick, I thought I would share it with homeowners and professionals alike. My grandfather was a master Carpenter and he always had a small candle in his nailbags or toolbox.
I personally have tried wax, grease, silicone lubricant, oil, vegetable oil and wax seems to work about the best. I sprayed silicon lubricant on my windows and within a few months there was a nice collection of dirt, where I had applied the lubricant on the tracking and it was gummed up around the operating parts of the window. The dirt eventually made the window harder to slide and needed to be disassembled, cleaned and reassembled.
I've used silicon lubricant on quite a few things and had the same results. Wax can also attract dirt but somehow doesn't seem to collect as much of it as oil, grease and other lubricants.
Wax used as a lubricant often works best on horizontal sliding windows, these are windows that slide right to left and you will need to lubricate the tracking that the wheels roll on. Some windows have teflon inserts on the section of the window that slides. Either way you can apply the wax to the bottom of the window track and soon you will have a window that slides back and forth with ease.
If you apply the wax and it doesn't help the window slide easier, you could have a problem with the rollers on the window, teflon inserts or the tracking. Sometimes the window tracking and rollers just need to be cleaned in order for the window to slide effortlessly.
You are free to copy this article to your site as long as you include the following resource information with an active link to my site:
Greg Vanden Berge is working on the internet to promote the education for creating simple to follow guides and home building books to help professional building contractors as well as the weekend warriors. He has just finished a home buyers advice to take some of the frustration out of home shopping.
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