Leveling Your Floor - Home Repair Tips

If you've ever been in a building where you feel like you are getting pushed to one side and you can't seem to stand up. You have either been drinking too much alcohol or the floor could be sloping. I was just in a store the other day that was full of antiques and glass but I could hardly stand up because the floor was sloping enough to create what I would consider a liability issue to the store owner.

Sloping floors are not going to be that easy to fix and repair. Repairing these floors will require a little skill and it would be a good idea to hire a professional to repair the damage. This is not going to be a simple fix and this is probably the main reason most people never choose to fix their sloping floors.

Fixing these floors will require either pouring a new concrete slab, replacing the wood floor framing members or replacing the actual building foundation itself. No matter how you look at it the sloping floor is going to be a costly item to repair.

What causes a sloping floor? Termite damage or dry rot destroying the wood framing or it could be as simple as a water leak over a long period of time causing the building foundation to sink and become out of level. Poor soil conditions with either too sandy or an expansive clay soil could be the culprit also.

Sloping floors can be damaged from incorrect landscape drainage. This would involve water settling around the foundation of your home and over a period of time the weight of the house along with soil problems can create the building to start sloping to one side.

The number one contributor to a sloping floor again like most damage done to a house is going to be water. Do your best to keep the water away from the house using roof gutters and landscape drains. These items are relatively inexpensive compared to the costs involved in repairing sloping floors.

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.

Find out more about Water Damage.

Home Improvement - Why You Should Hire An Expert To Do Your Bathroom Renovation

If you are thinking about doing your own bathroom renovation, you really should think twice about it unless of course you are an expert in that field. If you are new to DIY home projects, there are a few crucial issues to consider especially if you have absolutely no experience in doing any kind of bathroom renovation projects. There are reasons why bathroom renovation experts are very highly paid for their expertise.

If the question "How hard can it be?" is ringing in your head while you are thinking about undertaking your own bathroom renovation, you might be in for a nightmare. The toilet looks simple and easy enough to remove but are you very sure you know how to ensure that its properly sealed after it is installed? Can you imagine the mess if it leaks after installation and ever worst while using it? If you think that running a bead of caulk around the base of your toilet is the way to go, then you definitely need to hire an expert.

Moving To The Shower

As you have been warned about the difficulties one can expect by installing the toilet, let's move on now to the shower. It may look easy at first glance but if you are not familiar with plumbing and using torches for welding then you may want to stay clear of the shower. If a shower is not installed correctly, you can end up ruining not only your bathroom but also your whole house with water. The shower is the most expensive part of the bathroom to get installed due to the labor and involved. Do call and hire an expert if you do not want to encounter leaks around your house and ruining your bathroom. Though the cost might be a little steep, at least you will be able sleep at night and get to use your bathroom without any hassle.

It is so tempting to pick up your tools and start doing the bathroom renovation yourself but be smart and call in the experts to do the work for you. You will have peace of mind and the results you get will be well worth the price paid. You can plan your bathroom renovation but when it come to doing the actual work, you are advised to seriously consider calling in the experts.

Find out more about Bathroom Renovations by visiting http://allhomeideas.info a popular home improvement website for free home improvement tips, advice and resources.

Exterior Waterproofing And Drainage DOs And DON'Ts

Keeping water away from your foundation is a good way to prevent it from leaking through to the basement. However, this helpful technique is not the single answer to fixing a wet basement. Basement Systems has outlined some tips on lightening the load on your sump pump with these foundation waterproofing tips.

What Causes Foundation Leaking?

A home's foundation has the odds stacked against it from the day it's built. When a home is excavated to make room for the foundation walls, space is left between the outer edge of the foundation wall and the earth around it. This area is then backfilled with excavated soil, creating an area of loose, fluffed earth. This earth is more absorbent than the unexcavated soil around it will ever be, and because of this, a false water table is created around your home. In most yards, whenever it rains, more water collects in the area immediately around your foundation than anywhere else.

As this water builds up, it exerts pressure on the foundation walls. This water will pass through the foundation walls in any way it possibly can- through cracks in the foundation walls, the basement or crawl space floor, or most often through the foundation wall floor joint. Additionally, water can be pushed through porous concrete and grout, entering the basement or crawl space in the form of dampness and humidity.

In order to solve this problem, water must be kept away from the area around the foundation whenever possible. And when this isn't possible, that water must be removed.

Foundation Soil Grading

Over the course of several years, the excavated soil around the foundation will begin to settle. As it does, it will create a "dip" in the yard around the edge of the foundation that will collect water from rain and snow. This encourages water to collect around your foundation and will make your problem even worse.
If your foundation soil is pitched towards your home, it's recommended that you add dirt to the area until the slope moves away from the house (this is known as "grading"). This soil should be dense- preferably clay soil. Adding sand and mulch will drain water straight through and around your foundation, ultimately making the problem worse. It's also important to make sure that the soil does not reach up to the siding. A four-inch gap between the soil line and the siding will ensure that it will not rot or become a pathway for termites and carpenter ants seeking to enter your home.

Curtain Drains

If a home's yard is located at the bottom of a steep hill or incline, then curtain drains are often installed somewhere along the edge of the incline. Curtain drains are created by digging a trench in the yard some distance from the foundation. Once dug, a pipe is laid in these trenches. Stone covers the pipe and fills in the area, appearing as a stripe of stone in the yard. While these drains are an effective way to limit water pooling in the yard, they don't stop water from reaching the foundation from other directions around the house, nor do they stop water from reaching the foundation from the sky or passing through the ground beneath the drain. In short, they're a poor way to keep a basement dry. Water will continue to build around the foundation, and it can still easily make its way into your basement. And while curtain drains prevent pooling on the short-term, these drains can clog with dirt and roots quickly and are not a reliable first line of defense.

Downspouts and Gutters

If a gutter is clogged with leaves and debris, it won't be able to do its job for you. Make sure to do routine maintenance to be sure that it's working smoothly and properly at all times, and, if possible, they're screened to help prevent leaves from clogging the drainage. Once the gutters are working properly, however, you may notice a secondary problem; the water that runs through your downspouts is being ejected directly against your foundation! If this is the case, be sure to extend your downspouts as far away from your foundation as possible.

Unfortunately, downspout extensions are generally considered unfashionable. The reason for this is because installing one means adding an unsightly pipes or other fixtures at several points around your home. As well as being ugly, these pipes are a tripping hazard, and they create a constant and frustrating hassle when mowing the lawn. Purchasing a recessed downspout extension or an extension that can be buried without clogging with debris will keep water from the downspouts away from the foundation without interfering with the yard's beauty or accessibility.

The Foundation Waterproofing Solution

Foundation repair and waterproofing includes soil grading and downspout extensions that will certainly help keep water away from your home. However, in the end, the best way to keep your basement dry all the time is to install a basement waterproofing system along the inside of your basement or crawl space. If you have any leaking along the interior at all, then the best downspouts and foundation soil grading in the world is not going to stop a major rainstorm from flooding your basement. Be sure to install an interior perimeter waterproofing system like Basement System's WaterGuard- an innovation on old-fashioned French drains. It's also wise to use only the best cast-iron sump pump and battery backup sump pumps, as plastic sump pumps and do-it-yourself sump pump kits keep plumbers working around the clock during storms when they fail. Basement Systems offers free estimates and personal inspections at no obligation whatsoever. Call us today for a visit!<

~Jacques Bouchard
Basement Systems

Ideas For Waterproofing Your Basement

If you own a home and have a subsoil basement, waterproofing it should be on your list of things to do. Wet basements add to humidity THROUGHOUT the whole house as trapped musty air in basements travel to the upper living areas.If you have been dealing with a leaky basement, no doubt you are ready to get something done about the problem and start looking for basement waterproofing professionals.

A wet basement is wasted space that you just can't use or enjoy. The investment you make in having your basement waterproofed will be repaid by: increased property value, a new living space, and healthier living conditions. When you decide to sell your home, it will be to your advantage to have a dry, usable basement. Did you know that basement waterproofing pays you the highest dividends out of all home improvement projects? A dry basement will protect the investment you made in your home as well as enable you to use the space for storage or for a basement finishing project to gain additional living space.

The basement waterproofing industry is extremely competitive and you have many choices in the professionals you choose. You can learn what is causing your basement water problems and the the methods to repair a leaking basement by having a certified dealer give you a free wet basement inspection and estimate on the solution to your leaking cellar.

If you live in parts of the country that occasionally receive heavy downpours, then you will most likely be in need of someone to help you with your waterproofing needs. Quality installations and service assures the homeowner their basement waterproofing project will be done with professionalism.

Most often, it is best to hire a professional to help you seal your basement. This is something that is a bit harder than following instructions out of a book and it is best to get it done correctly the first time.

Over the years, basement waterproofing contractors and engineers have developed many different methods of keeping basements dry. One option is to use concrete water proofer and another very popular option is crystalline basement waterproofing. A third option is PermaFlex. Methods of basement waterproofing include a liquid membrane which is applied to the interior of the space or a sheeting membrane attached to the exterior of the space. A qualified professional will be able to discuss the options with you and recommend a course of action.

It makes no sense to live in a home with an unusable wet basement or a basement that floods once in a while. Spend the money and get it fixed so that you can enjoy your basement now and when time comes to sell you will have one less thing you have to deal with.

To read more about basement waterproofing please go to my website Basement Design Ideas. You will be able to find some great basement ideas and pictures.

What You Should Think About When Installing Basement Bathroom Fixtures

Your basement could become a useful wing of your home. A simple renovation can turn any basement into an entertainment room, guest room, and more. However, every new basement space will be a lot more useful if you include a bathroom in it. After all, running upstairs every time you need to visit the bathroom can become extremely frustrating. A new bathroom is an important part of your basement renovation project. There are a few things you should take into account when installing basement bathroom elements, however. Here are some tips.

Planning is vital! If you don't have a good plan for your bathroom, including all fixtures, visual elements, and storage spaces, you'll have a much harder time creating a functional and pleasant space. After all, there are a number of concerns for installing basement bathroom fixtures and other elements that don't apply to normal bathroom renovations. From special toilets and sewage concerns to moisture and lighting, you'll need to think about everything if you want to succeed.

Basements are often chilly, damp locations - not the first place you think about putting a living space. So, if you're going to be installing basement bathroom space or putting in any kind of finished, livable room, you'll need to address these problems. Proper insulation of basement windows, a quality heating system with good ventilation, and a well sealed basement are all important to making sure that yours is a space you can live with, not just tolerate. This is particularly important for places where you'll be using carpet. That's not usually wise in bathrooms, which are better off with tile, but excess moisture can still be a problem in your basement bathroom installation.

Toilets and baths installed below your sewage line won't drain or flush properly unless you have the right type of setup. Macerating systems are one option that allows you to put in your basement bathroom without worry about excavating the floor. Slightly less expensive are expeller systems that push waste water up and out of the basement. No matter which you choose, some system will be needed in order to get water and other waste out of the basement and into the sewer system or your septic tank.

Other considerations in addition to basement bathroom plumbing include the amount of space you'll need, the lighting conditions for the room, and storage. It's important to plan carefully, and pay attention to detail if you want to create a space that does more than just work. Basement bathrooms should also be pleasant to use, after all. Fortunately, it's not really all that hard. If you're working with a contractor, talk to him or her about any problems you may have. If you're doing it yourself, be sure to plan carefully and consider every eventuality. Your chances of success will go way up.

Thomas Johnsen is the Author and Leading Expert on Installing Basement Bathrooms and the creator of the publication Installing a Basement Bathroom. Visit the site now to find the easy-to-understand step-by-step guides on basement bathroom construction available online today.

Finding Grants for Green Construction

When it comes to new construction techniques, grants are often a way to cut costs. Federal grants for green construction are plentiful with billions literally available.

A federal grant is an award of financial assistance from a Federal agency. It is intended to carry out a public purpose or support or stimulate a purpose that is authorized by a law of the United States. Federal grants can be found and applied for electronically. The site Grants.gov is the central clearing house for Federal Grants.

There are twenty six different agencies that offer over 1,000 grant programs. The grants that apply to green construction are mostly offered by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. The total amount of grants available exceeds $400 billion dollars. The grants offered by the feds fall into twenty one categories. The categories that have the most impact on green construction are Energy, Environmental Quality, and Health.

Most of the grants are directed toward specific geographical areas. Some of the major concerns of the grants include water quality improvement and the prevention of urban storm water runoff. Many of the grants are connected with the Leeds certification program. Leeds stands for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design. It is a program that is run by the United States Green Building Council and it establishes green construction standards and awards certificates to those that maintain these standards.

Although there are federal grants available, it is on the state and local level that the large majority of grants can be found. The green movement is a grassroots type of thing that appears to be strongest at the local level. Environmental concerns are often very local, and the problems that have been caused by the neglect of the environment are local as well. The pollution of waterways is a good example of this. grant programs exist that are directed at the Great Lakes or at Puget Sound, for example. States that are bordering these waterways usually offers these grants. The idea of environmental impact areas has led to the localities that border or are inside the impact area being the best source of funds for projects that will address the problems.

Private foundations like the Kresage Foundation are among the best sources of green construction grants. The Kresage Foundation has been offering grants under their Green Building Initiative Program. It is specifically geared toward the area of planning and design. While it is true that State, local, and private foundations are the major sources of grants that can be considered pure green building, the federal government is also a source. Research is the key to finding a grant for your project, so take the time to explore the various options mentioned above.

Zack Verde is with GreenBuildingCompanies.com - providing green building articles.

All About Bathroom Design

The bathroom is as, or probably more, essential than the other rooms at home. Having a spic and span bathroom that is tastefully designed is a great asset for any home. Since you can't change the decor of your bathroom too often, it's better to choose a Bathroom Design that will last you for a good amount of time, until you get bored of it, that is!

The essentials in any bathroom include four things: sink, vanity, mirror and your bath area. Though they sound innocent enough, they can be a lot difficult to choose when it comes to Bathroom Remodeling. Like any big project, Bathroom Designing also requires a lot of planning. You need to know about the latest bathroom fixtures, the trends, designs and styles that you can choose from. The main objective is, of course, to uplift the appearance of your bathing room. However, you can't let the birds of your imagination fly too high, since you need to consider the space you're working with.

An important aspect of Bathroom Remodeling is plumbing. If you're simply replacing an old sink, you may get away with it, but if you're changing the whole structure of the bathroom, you need a good plumber to help with rerouting your pipes. Also, while choosing a Bathroom Design, measure everything precisely. Approximate figures might get you in trouble and even break your heart when your double sink doesn't fit.

After you put everything on paper, it's time to go shopping. If you're looking at replacing your tub with a shower panel, you might need to consider the flooring as it will become visible once the tub is removed. While looking at Bathroom Designs, you might also want to look at storage options in the bathroom. A cupboard under the sink or an almirah behind a full length mirror are interesting ways to create storage. Another great idea is to have a rotating cabinet that doubles as standing dresser.

When it comes to choosing a color scheme for Bathroom Designing, it's a better idea to stick to neutral tones as bright tiles though look great, but lose their touch after a couple of years. Also, dark colors tend to give the bathroom a closed look, which means it may look smaller than it actually is.

Bathroom Remodeling is a important part of any home. You can call design consultants for some great San Diego Bathroom Designs and San Diego Room Additions at the Greyhound-General. With an amazing variety to choose from, you can design a functional yet inviting bathroom.

How to Evoke Passion in Your Writing

How to evoke emotion from your reader

The better writers tend to be those who are able to evoke an emotional response from their readers, whether it be intense pleasure, empathy with your fictional characters, or rage at their sheer disagreement with what you've written about, it is being able to evoke an emotional response which will make your work popular.

So how do you evoke this emotional response with your writing?

You infuse your story's characters with emotion. Consider how Shakespeare brought his characters alive, with their unique personality traits and fragile ego's and displays of jealousy, pride, rage, lust, grief etc. He painted an exquisite picture for the reader/viewer and demonstrated that he himself had great insight into people's psyche.

Whatever plans you have for your character in your story, be aware that their actions are guided by emotion. You can draw from your experience of yourself and other people you know and have known to create 'emotional characters'.

Ask yourself these things about your character:

Are they naive or worldly?
Are they mature/immature?
Are they sensitive/robust (and everything in between)?
Are they leaders/followers?
Are they experienced in matters of love, business, parenting, travel etc? Life experience may effect ones emotional development.
Are they depressed?
Are they happy?
Are they sociable/reclusive?
Are they bookish/sporty?

And so on and so forth.

You must of course also consider gender, age, cultural/religious background, country of residence and anything that will help build a comprehensive picture of your character and make them 3 dimensional.

How to write with Passion

Aside from relating to my own experience, which is a case of if you feel it, write about it, you can try what I have seen actors do when being tutored. If they are required to 'act passionately' they are advised to relate to their own experiences and to conjure up memories of particular events that provoked passionate feelings for them. They were then told to use those memories and that emotion which was freshly recreated, for their acting performance.

For example, an actress required to cry might recall a time when her pet died and when the memory is recalled, so too is the emotion experienced at that time and the tears may begin to flow now as they did then. I would suggest trying this same technique with your writing. BUT of course apply the memory to the situation you desire to write about.

Alternatively you could try writing with passion by thinking about it. Perhaps watch a particularly passionate drama on TV or read some passionate literature. Get yourself in the mood!

Leah Gray aka creativeblogger is an Internet Writer/marketer, Problogger, Dating eBook author and Relationship Columnist. She is also a Qualified Stress Consultant and Character Analyst MASC, AMANF. She is available to hire for various Internet writing/blogging projects. For more details of those visit her home page here: http://www.creative-blogger.com

For more writing tips check http://www.writersadvice.blogspot.com

How to Build a Shower Pan - Shower Pan Installation

With the convenience with which people today can hire contractors and handymen to do all their home improvement projects for them, it sounds out of place to be asking tips on how to build a shower pan. But engaging a contractor or handyman can be costly, and whether you can afford them or not, it's best to engage in a project that will not only allow you to save money, but can boost your sense of accomplishment, too.

Nowadays, you can easily access answers on all sorts of how-to questions on the Internet. Everything you need to know is on the web. However, with all the tips that abound on cyberspace, you can get hit with information overload and end up more confused than ever.

And that is why we've made the research for you and did the challenging task of choosing the most reliable tips on how to build a shower pan so you can have just this one brief, uncomplicated guide.

Our choice is the set of steps provided by Randy Davis. Here it is:

1. Rough-in shower drain pipe
2. Prepare floor and walls for concrete and membrane
3. Install base of drain.
4. Lay thin layer of concrete to create slope
5. Put down layer of roofing paper
6. Cut and install membrane and top of drain.
7. Hang concrete board on walls
8. Pour final layer of concrete with chicken wire embedded
9. Build form for threshold
10. Pour concrete for threshold
11. Tile it.

These tips have been published on the Internet for years now so rest assured that you can't go wrong if you follow them.

If you want to learn how to build a shower pan, I highly recommend you check out Randy's video course. Learn how to tile shower pan from his step by step videos.

Herbs For That Wondrous Bathroom Scented Waters Indulgence

The bathroom and the time we spend in it are important for so many reasons. Besides the usual short visits, we spend time there cleansing and reviving our body and inner person. This is a time that you have "me - time" the few minutes when the children cannot get to you, your family have to fend for themselves or all have gone to bed and now is the time to relax, slow down and enjoy your senses and stir the imagination:

We have five senses; Smell, feel/touch, hear, see and taste, but in our rushed life we often forget, or don't have the time, or just postpone stopping and enjoying being alive.

Take a little time to spoil yourself, make this easy herbal scent, for your bathroom.
Place these next to the bath, when you bath add lavishly to bath water, relax smell it, run your hands through the water, feel the water and scent on your skin, smell the air, smell your skin. When you dry yourself, spread more of the Scented Waters over your entire body. The difference it makes to how you feel is amazing.

Place some Scented Waters next to your basin. When the weather is hot, pour water into the basin, add Scented Waters, and splash your face with this wondrous luxury.

The great thing about making Scented Water is that it is so easy, you can use any herb you like, or whatever is available in your garden or once a flower arrangement has slightly lost its firmness, use the flowers to make your scented waters:

Herb Scented Waters
Use any herb you like, here are a few you might consider: Rose petals, lemon balm, lemon thyme, rosemary, chamomile, violet, sage, mint or lavender, vanilla pods, or a combination of any flowers or herbs, whatever takes your fancy.

Directions:
Wash and sterilise a jar that has a screw top. Fill the jar with fresh or dried flowers or flower petals and cover them with boiling water. Allow to cool. Add surgical spirit in the proportion of 4 tablespoons of spirit to 1 litre of water. Add 15 drops of lemon juice. Leave for two days, shaking daily. Strain and pour into clean sterilised bottles. Pretty small bottles, preferably dark glass, with cork or glass stoppers look the best especially if you have in mind to use these super fast and easy to make scents as a gift to a fiend. Make a card saying made with love or care by hand from yourself and you have a winner present for any occasion.

Spice Scented Water
This takes a little longer, but it is well worth it:
Use any of the following spices: Cinnamon sticks, cloves, coriander, or combine them with a favourite herb like bergamot, patchouli, or sage.

Directions:
Coarsely ground, crush or pummel the spice. Place 1 part spice and 5 parts rubbing alcohol in a sterilised screw top jar. Seal and leave for a week, shaking daily. After a week, strain discard spices and herbs and smell, if you feel it needs a stronger smell, replace the herbs and spices with fresh and repeat the storage and shaking for a week. Once you are happy with your Spice Scented Water, strain and pour into clean sterilised bottles with glass or cork stoppers as above.

BIBLIOGRAPHY
Garland, Sarah. The Herb and Spice Book. 1979
Harrop, Renny. Encyclopedia of Herbs. 1979
Boxer Arabella, Back Philippa. The Herb Book, 1980
Roberts, Margaret. A-Z of Herbs, 1993
Bremness, Lesley. The Complete Book of Herbs, 1988

For this and more articles like this or to contact me please visit my blog called "How to make herbs part of your daily life" here. Please feel free to use this article - provided it is published in its entirety, with my resource box and a "live" linkable link to http://www.hester-lynne.com/bathroom/

How to Shingle a Roof - Don't Rack Your Brain Or Your Shingles!

If you're looking for "how to shingle roof" information, you've come to the right place. One of your first decisions is which pattern to use. You basically have two choices...

How to Shingle Roof - The Racking Method

Running your shingles straight up the roof in columns, is called "racking". It has been around as long as there have been three-tabs, which were designed to be lined up nice and straight. When they're not, they look just awful and you don't have to be an expert to notice it. Even your neighbor, (who doesn't know anything about roofing), knows those tabs are supposed to be straight!

Racking is the best way to keep them straight. When a shingle is out of alignment, it is easy to spot and can be corrected on the very next column.

But manufacturers' don't like racking. This goes back to the days when quality control of the granule colors wasn't as good as it is now. Slight variations in shading were less apparent when the stair step method was used, so that is what they specified then, and they still do,

Although racking is a common trade practice, it occasionally becomes an issue. Since the manufacturers' installation instructions specify the stair step method, some inspectors demand that they be installed that way. That can be a real problem after the new roof is installed!

Your best bet is check first with your roofing inspector first to see if you can rack them, or just use the stair-step method.

How to Shingle Roof - The Stair Step Method

The problem is that it's tough to keep three-tabs in alignment using the stair step method. Perhaps the best solution is to upgrade to an architectural shingle. Sometimes called "dimensional" or "laminated", these were designed to be installed with the stair step method. There is no fussy vertical alignment to contend with.

And when you consider that architectural shingles are typically larger than the three-tab variety, they are much faster to install. They also last longer because they don't have the side gaps, which are the "Achilles Heal" of three-tabs. That's the first place they wear out.

But just because there is no fussy vertical alignment with the architectural type, it doesn't mean you can install them any which way. Follow the directions on the wrapper when creating the steps rather than making your cuts in a random manner. And be sure to watch your nail placement. You don't want any seams to fall within three inches of the nails in the course below.

Of course, there's a lot more "how to shingle roof" information you need to know. To make the job easier and help you avoid big mistakes, go to: http://www.roofingsecrets.com

John C Bishop is the author of "Roofing Secrets: How to Avoid Leaks and Save Thousands of Dollars!"

Luxury Bathroom Suites - Affordable Bathroom Luxury

When it comes to looking at luxury bathroom suites, you might find it confusing wondering where to start. There are so many things you have to take into consideration, such as the layout of your bathroom and the essential bathroom components. Perhaps you don't need a full bathroom suite and just need a new sink or toilet? That's when you have to decide what the best option is; buy a new luxury bathroom suite or just update part of the old one.

Save The Cash In Order To Splash...

Many people who find their bathroom needs a bit of updating often get suitably "put off" by the assumed cost of brand new luxury bathroom suites. However, in the current climate, luxury is now extremely affordable. Many people find that it is not cost effective to simply replace one item of their bathroom, as eventually the rest of the bathroom suite will need replacing too. That's why more and more people are saving the cash in order to buy a luxury bathroom suite so that they can have a stunning new bathroom in one simple step.

Complement The Dcor

If you decide to just replace your sink or toilet in your bathroom, you may find that there is a niggling feeling whenever you walk in afterwards, because you may regret not updating the bathroom as a whole. One new item in a bathroom full of old items can look out of place and stick out like a sore thumb, so that's why it is easier to take a look at brand new luxury bathroom suites sooner rather than later to ensure you get a great looking bathroom that complements the dcor.

Choices, Choices

If you are now convinced that you want a new luxury bathroom suite, then you might be wondering which are the best brands to look at. Some of the best luxury bathroom suites are made by Duchy and Armitage Shanks. These are both reputable, well-established companies that offer a great selection for every taste. Quite often, you will find each bathroom range varies according to what style of bath you are looking for, so bear this in mind when looking at complete bathroom suites.

Update Today

If you've been saving money in order to indulge in one form of home improvement, getting the bathroom spot on is money well invested. A neat, stylish new bathroom suite will add money to your property as well as offer a welcomed, updated alternative to your old bathroom that you thought you would be stuck with forever!

Check out the latest bathroom suite ranges by clicking on Luxury Bathroom Suites.

Garage Presents A Golden Opportunity

The garage is a wonderful storage area. Even though the space is limited, it still presents great storage opportunities.

The garage is a great choice when it comes to improving on storage space. There are many ways to go about this task.

One way is to purchase a modular storage kit that has parts and components that you can switch up to assist in solving many storage issues. Another choice is to add to the garage. If you have too much stuff stored in your garage, a modular storage kit may not give you the needed solution. Reduce the clutter of seasonal items and items by placing some of them in a basement.

Some of the solutions that are available are cabinets, storage units and more shelving. . If items need to be protected from dust and moisture then cabinets are perfect. Shelves will give you more space and they are less expensive than some of the other options.
Nifty clear containers for storage can be purchased for very low prices.

Think of how great it will be the next time you are thinking about pulling out your bike and you don't have to search for it in the garage. Consider what it would be like not having to get up an extra hour early just to locate your fishing equipment in the garage. Just think about how great it will feel to walk into the garage and know exactly where things are. Imagine all of the time and stress you can eliminate by cleaning out the garage.

Put like items with like items. This is the best way to keep things in their place. By separating everything into categories you will be able to go into the garage and know that whatever you are looking for will be in a certain spot.

Use you imagination when deciding what to do with your garage. It is a great place for storage but it can be so much more. Clean out the garage and find that extra space you have been longing for. Change it into a place of relaxation or a neat storage area.

When you are cleaning out your garage, toss out those items you never use. Do not flip through every magazine or search through old bags of clothes you haven't seen in years. All of the stuff that you have not used in the past year should be thrown out. If you have not seen it in a year, you really do not need it. This can be a difficult part of the organizing process but once you do it, you will feel so much better. Months later you will have forgotten all about whatever it was you threw out.

Focusing on latest developments in woodworking benches, he works almost entirely for http://www.insidewoodworking.com . You might see his contributions on garage writings bench plans over at http://www.insidewoodworking.com/workclam/workbenchplans.html and various other sources for garage contributions bench plans knowledge.

Take the Job Then Do it Right

If you have an older home there's a good chance you have one by six diagonal floor sheeting and some of the knots have fallen out by now. Some of these large knots can create safety hazards for your home. Performing major remodels or whole house renovations on older homes you can run into quite a few problems with these kinds of wood floors.

One of the first things I do is remove the carpeting and padding. This exposes the floor sheeting for further examination. By the time I am done with all the plumbing and electrical repairs underneath the subfloor it seems that some of the 1 x 6 has been damaged. Your first thought of course is just to replace the 1 x 6 that is damaged and be done with it.

This is one way to approach the problem, another is to repair the 1 x 6 that was damaged and install half inch plywood over the existing floor sheeting. Please make sure the floor is level and has no humps or dips in it before you start installing the new plywood over the existing floor sheeting.

I ran into a problem like this on one job where the contractor was in a hurry to finish the flooring and chose to go right over the existing floor that was out of level. The bad part about this is when the homeowner chose to go with expensive wood flooring throughout his home. When you walked in to the front of his house you felt like you were going out to a small wheelchair ramp for about 10 feet and then of course it felt like you were going down for another 6 feet.

In order to repair this properly it would've taken the other contractor about 24 hours to repair the floor. In this case the homeowner would have been glad to pay for the repair after the fact. Sometimes when contractors mention a potential problem down the road and how much it will cost to repair that problem, most homeowners cannot see the value in the contractor's opinion at that time.

I felt sorry for the homeowner because this was not what he wanted and he was upset with the contractor but the job was done. This is my warning to any contractor, handyman or home repair specialists. When installing a new plywood floor over an existing floor to strengthen it up, use some common sense and repair the floor correctly or don't do the job at all.

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 in Home Remodeling

How to Fit a Shower

If you are looking to install a new shower in your home, the first steps will be to measure, prepare, and fit the shower. A shower kit will always come with installation instructions, which should be followed to get the best result. Here are a few basic, general guidelines that will help as well. As always when tackling any home improvement project, with or without professional help, ensure that all of your permits are in order before you begin. Shower fitting is not recommended for beginner do-it-yourselfers.

The base of any shower is the shower tray. The shower tray holds the water before it drains, keeping it from spilling out on to the floor. Make absolutely certain that the area is level and that the shower tray will be properly supported. Many shower trays are made of acrylic or resin that can be prone to flexing when not adequately supported. Too much flexing can lead to a break in the seal between the tray and the shower enclosure, causing a leak. Avoid this difficult and expensive problem from the start by taking steps to make sure you have the right kind of supports in the right places.

Make sure you have enough room underneath the shower tray for the drainage pipe to run. Measure carefully to ensure you have enough space for this. If you don't, build your shower floor to be a bit higher to allow the correct amount of space for the drainage pipe and waste trap. Make sure you have access to these things as you install the shower tray, so you can check the seals between the drain of your shower tray and your drain pipe before you close it up.

Before installing anything else, make sure that all walls to be included in the showering area have been well water-proofed. You may choose to use tile or a shower kit with plastic wall panels. Which ever route you choose to take, this is a vital step both in beautifying the shower as well as preventing water damage to your home.

The shower screens will be installed last. A good fit is made from accurate measurements! The type and size of the shower screen panels will depend on the size and shape of the shower tray you've purchased. They should fit together without gaps.

The shower screens, whether purchased separately or as part of a kit, will also have instructions from the manufacturer which should be followed for a solid and lasting result. Check all of your caulking and seals to ensure that everything is watertight.

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

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

Dehumidifiers and Their Uses - House Tips

Excessive of anything is bad for your health, and the same goes for humidity in your home. Coupled with the heat of summer, humidity beyond the ideal figures of 30-50 percent in your house can cause numerous problems to your health. Respiratory problems such as flus and colds are caused by the environmental changes encouraging the growth of mold spores and dust mites. Moreover, damage to stored food items, furniture and other home appliances can happen from excessive exposure to increased levels of humidity.

The telling signs of excessive humidity are condensation on windows, wet spots on walls, ceilings or tiles. If stuffiness is felt or the air has a musty smell or odor, there is an increased chance of allergies etc and a dehumidifier is usually needed. Dehumidifiers are the easiest way to avoid such problems. Available in a variety of sizes and types they work in the same way i.e. they draw in humid air, dry it, retain the water for later discharge and release the dryer air into the indoor area. This process also results in bringing down the temperature as well.

Dehumidifiers are usually portable to be moved from one room to another in order to get your whole dehumidified. The increased electricity bill will pinch if used around the house in such a manner but considering the damage to one's home and family, it is well worth it. It is also important to empty the device in a regular basis as the stagnant water or residue attracts bacteria and germs thus defeating the purpose of the device.

Due to the different types of dehumidifiers available, one has to prioritize the areas of your home to dehumidify. First priority is given to basements as they are prone to excessive humidity. Basements dehumidifiers are therefore among the commonest followed by similar devices in places like laundry rooms. However, in climates where humidity is a lot everywhere in a house, living room, dens or recreation rooms are prime candidates for which smaller portable devices are ideal.

Besides getting a dehumidifier of a capacity according the place where it is used, proper maintenance is necessary to keep it functioning properly as mentioned before. One factor enabling better upkeep is the relative humidity outside the house, which will dictate whether more care is needed or not. For example a clogged filter will make bacteria grow more easily or a make the device function less efficiently, thereby reducing capacity to dehumidify a room and also using more electricity.

Another important factor is the extent of control over your device. For this it's important that you ensure your dehumidifier has a hygrometer and humidistat to control the precise percentages of humidity levels in the air. Although they might not be available in smaller models, they are indispensable in larger ones. Furthermore, dehumidifiers that have convenient ways of discharging excessive levels of water are easier to use and maintain.

For any more information on the designs, shapes, sizes and prices of dehumidifiers, please visit http://www.dehumidifiertips.com/

10 Steps to a New Bathroom

Is your bathroom is desperate need of a facelift? Considering what an important room in the house this is, it seems odd that a lot of people tend to overlook the bathrooms when they are busy keeping the rest of their homes updated and looking fresh. If this sounds like you, and you are ready to give your bathroom a makeover, we have a simple 10 step guide that you can use to make your project easy. So let's get started!

1.) First things first: what do you want your new bathroom to look like? What you decide on will be partly based on where the bathroom is in the house and who will be using it. For a downstairs half bath that will get a lot of traffic, you don't want to go for anything too fancy - it can still look great, of course, but you don't want anything delicate or hard to keep clean in there if it is going to get a lot of use. If it's for the upstairs master bath, then maybe you'd like to go with a soothing spa-like motif, or the kids' bathroom could be done in bright, fun colors.

2.) Now take those ideas and think about your budget. How much you can afford will affect what you can do, of course, since installing a whirlpool tub is not cheap, but even those of us without a big bank balance can give our bathrooms a great makeover without going broke.

3.) Assess the situation in the room and see how it matches up with your ideas from Step 1, because this will help you with sticking to the budget you set in Step 2. It is not always necessary to rip everything out and start over from scratch to get a new look, which is going to be useful if you are on limited funds. So, if your bathroom cabinetry is in good shape structurally, then all you really need to do to make it look brand new is change the hardware and perhaps apply a new coat of paint or stain - for example, for that more utilitarian downstairs bath, we like satin nickel cabinet knobs, and other satin nickel cabinet hardware. It's durable and bright, and matches well with many different color palettes. When you swap out that hardware and change other cabinet handles and doorknobs in the room to match, you'll get great details that really help pull the whole room together, and it's much less expensive than buying and installing brand new cabinets.

4.) Does the room have any flaws you can't easily change? If you feel like your bathroom is too narrow and want a more spacious feel, it's certainly not easy to just move a few walls around, but you can create the illusion of more space by adding strategically placed mirrors on the walls. A lack of storage space can be corrected with the addition of more towel racks (that match your new hardware!), baskets, decorative bins, and more - be creative!

5.) Think about the lighting - an easy way to make a master bathroom more of a place to relax is to have two different light sources. The bright overhead light you already have is fine to keep (but, by all means, change the fixture so it matches the rest of what you're doing, if you want), but also think about adding a secondary, softer light source situated near the bathtub so you can relax and read a book in a cozier atmosphere - even a small table lamp will do a great job at this.

6.) Figure out the remainder of the supplies you'll need to apply your new design, from the new blue towels to match the penguin theme in the kids' bathroom and the new rugs to any paint, nails, lightbulbs and soap dishes, and make a list to take shopping with you.

7.) WAIT! Before you go shopping, get rid of the stuff that you are not keeping. Throw away what can't be reused and donate or give away the stuff that's still in good shape, but get rid of it - this is a new start, so don't let the old things sit around and clutter the place up!

8.) Okay, NOW go shopping. Take your list, and STICK to it so you stay within your financial means. You won't enjoy a bathroom you overspent on, so shop online for great hardware at great prices, visit local thrift shops for interesting mirrors and artwork to put on the walls, hit up Target for nice towels at a good price, and if you have a store like Marshall's, T.J. Maxx, or Tuesday Morning in your area, then you will find tons of unique home dcor items you can use - many of them designer - at rock bottom prices.

9.) Haul your goodies home and get to work to putting it together. Depending on what you're doing, it may not take long at all to get the project finished, but take your time and be careful when installing your new cabinet handles and if you are changing the lighting, check to make sure all electricity is OFF before you touch. Enlist the help of any passing children or spouses, and you'll be done in no time.

10.) Sit back, relax, and enjoy your updated bathroom - you deserve it!

Tori Spade works for Your Home Supply (YHS), the definitive website for Home and Garden products and information on a variety of home improvement products.

http://www.YourHomeSupply.com

How to Build a Room in Your Garden - Home Tips

Need extra living space but don't want to move? Building a room in the garden is a clever and cost-effective solution. Creating a separate room in the garden gives you a great getaway for work, hobbies, or just some piece and quiet.

'A garden room adds appeal to a house, making it attractive to all types of buyer, and a real draw for families,' says James Redington from Foxtons.

What are my choices?

The simplest cabin or summer house is similar to a shed, with either shiplap walls and cedar roof shingles or a log-cabin construction. These are usually supplied in pre-fabricated panels and, if you're a skilled DIYer, you could put one up yourself. More advanced ones, with sliding glass doors or a deck, for example, will need to be built on site by a specialist. Once the concrete base or piles are in, installation can take from one day to two weeks.

Limitations and security

Avoid positioning the garden room near growing trees, and ensure there's access for maintenance. You'll also need to think about access for delivery, though panels could be carried through the house.

As for securing your garden room, it's best to fit locks on doors and choose toughened glass. Check that the locks comply with your home insurance requirements. It's worth considering external lights, a burglar alarm and Venetian blinds to prevent anyone seeing in.

Can I use it all year round

If you insulate well and fit double-glazed windows, you'll be fine for the colder months. An electrician can run a cable from your house to the room to power lights and heating. In some cases, downlighters, sockets and wiring may be pre-installed in the panel walls.

How to use your garden room

Plan your room to ensure it's fit for purpose.

Home office Companies such as Henley will kit out your office with fitted furniture.

Gym Equipment can be bulky, so you'll need a large room. It's also an investment, so ensure your security is up to scratch.

Games room

You'll need plenty of space to play table games - L247cm x W153cm for a table tennis table, for example.

Music room

Use a company that specialises in sound-proofing.

What permission do I need and how much will it cost?

If your building is away from the house, takes up less than 50% of the garden and is smaller than 15sq m, or in some cases 30sq m, you're unlikely to need planning permission or Building Regulations Approval. However, there are exceptions - such as if you intend to use the room for sleeping - so check online at planningportal.gov.uk, and consult your local council's planning department.

Prices start from 439 for a Buckingham summerhouse (H213cm x W198cm x D205cm) from B&Q to around 22,600 for a bespoke design from Inside Out.

You can find more information on interior design ideas at house to home, helping you create a look you'll love.

Coming Up With Small Bathroom Designs

Well I'm sure you have all thought about upgrading your home bathroom haven't you? Of course you have unless you designed your house from the start and everything was built custom for you.

Most of us have not been that fortunate and we now need to work with the bathroom that came with our home in the first place. Don't give up hope because in this brief article I will give you some tips and tricks on things to consider when designing your home bathroom.

One of the first steps that you need to do before you even think about paying someone or doing the upgrade yourself is researching and setting some design goals. These will outline what it is that you want to achieve. The best place to do research on finding bathroom designs and photos that you like is on the internet or in magazines and other printed materials like books.

When you consider these small bathroom designs just compare yourself to the pros and try to copy them. You don't need to invent the wheel from scratch. I would clip out the best bathroom design photos that you find and then try and follow what you see in your own renovation.

Another thing you are going to want to set up from the beginning of this is clear goals for the project. Do you want to change the colors to brighten the room up? Install a new bathtub or sink? Or do you want to fully gut the place and enlarge your bathroom area? These are key questions to ask so you have a clear design goal and end outcome in mind.

Also you should be setting up and defining a budget before you start the project. If you don't do this you could run the risk of the project costing way more then you had originally hoped for and no one likes to go broke over a bathroom.

So do yourself a favor and set a budget, and then stick to it. We all know that like any home improvement project if you are not careful the price can end up being a lot more then you had originally planned out.

Small bathroom designs can be fun or can be a nightmare depending on the strategy and common sense you apply to the design process. If you follow some simple steps including some of the tips I've outlined in this brief piece you should be well on your way to having successful small bathroom designs in your homes.

Sam has tons of useful information including stuff about how to use and find bathroom designs and photos and more on his website all about small bathroom designs.

Sauna Or Steam Bath Which Is Healthier?

A Sauna is a Finnish hot air bath. The word sauna is derived from the Finnish word for dry heat bath. The terms steam bath, steam shower and steam sauna often get confused with one another, yet they do not mean the same thing. The first difference begins with how they are heated.

The traditional sauna uses electric, wood or gas-fired heaters. The second type of sauna is the infrared sauna. The infrared sauna uses radiant heat which heats the occupants rather than the air. In the traditional sauna the air is heated but it is a dry heat. This is why the sauna is also called a dry hot-air bath.

In a steam bath it is moist heat. The steam bath uses a steam generator. The sauna has very low humidity, whereas the steam bath has high humidity. In a steam bath the steam builds up to create a humidity level of around 100%. Because of the humidity factor the heat in the sauna is far higher than that of the steam bath. The difference in temperature can be anywhere from 40C to 60C.

The health benefits of either depend upon what you want. Both steam baths and sauna are good to unwind and relax. They both help to cleanse by sweating. They are both good for blood circulation.

The dry heat of the sauna can make it uncomfortable for some people to breathe. Those with respiratory problems may prefer the moist heat of the steam bath. The inhalation of steam is often used for treating bronchitis and allergies. Therefore those who wish to treat respiratory problems will benefit more from steam baths.

A sauna detoxifies but it also refreshes and revitalizes your body. In general saunas are easier to build and require less material and labor than a steam bath. Both can be affordable and may add monetary value to your home.

Paul Hegarty is the owner of All-About-Saunas.com your guide to Saunas.

Learn more about the difference between Steam Bath or Sauna. Read more about the infrared sauna.

Household Mold

Household mold is considered an environmental annoyance that can cause irritation while breathing. It can make the health of asthma patients worse and can cause allergic problems to sensitive persons. The mold may affect children with several problems such as irritation, allergies, and infections.

Household mold comes in a wide variety of species and forms. It differs in colors, including charcoal, grey, and black. There is variation in toxicity for different species. Among the species, six are common in which three can produce toxins. These six common molds are Stachybotris, Aspergillus, Penicillium, Alternaria, Mucor, and Cladosporium. Stachybotris is a toxic mold that can produce more than 200 poisonous substances. These toxins are autoimmune and can affect the nervous system. Aspergillus is an opportunistic fungus that can cause pathological problems to human beings.

Household mold is found everywhere in day to day households. It can grow anywhere, on tiles, grout, food, fabric, plaster, and wood. The mold grows well at room temperature with humidity. Other necessary items for mold growth are adequate moisture and nutrients. These items are obtained from the surface where the mold grows. The mold can destroy the material on which it grows.

There are certain ways to identify and control the presence of household mold. First, check whether there is any sign of moisture or mold at home. A musty smell in a room is an indication of mold growth. If there is any sign of mold, then find the particular surface of the mold growth and clean the surface. Additionally, remove the sources of moisture and keep the moisture content in the rooms at a desired level. Water should not be allowed to stand in drip pans of refrigerators and air conditioners.

Secondly, check whether there is any leakage problem, water stains or water discoloration from taps, especially in the bathrooms and kitchens. If these problems are found, rectify them immediately to prevent the mold growth. Even if the mold is removed, but the water problem is not solved, then the mold will appear again on the same surface.

Mold provides detailed information on Mold, Toxic Mold, Black Mold, Mold Inspection and Testing and more. Mold is affiliated with Toxic Mold Symptoms.

Is a 5 Star Hotel Rating Worth the Cost

If your accommodation has a 5 star hotel rating you can expect lavish dcor, a very high standard of service and excellent amenities.

A 5 star hotel rating does not mean that your accommodation is going to be completely flawless. If you are inclined towards nitpicking it is always possible to find fault somewhere. The rating simply means that the accommodation is better than most and guests are likely to be more comfortable staying there than they would be at the two star bed and breakfast across the road. Therefore if you expect miracles, you are always going to be disappointed. Furthermore, you are bound to like certain five star hotels better than others, since we each have our own tastes and preferences.

Most people know that stress can contribute to numerous diseases and ailments. Vacations are very important since they help us to unwind so that stress doesn't threaten to overwhelm us. Since most of us save up all year for our vacations, I think we deserve to indulge in accommodation that has a 5 star hotel rating.

Despite the fact that luxury accommodations tend to cost more, it is possible to find a deal if you are fastidious enough to search online each day until you come across something that suits your budget. Many travel websites have special offers numerous times each year, all you have to do is exploit them.

When you are looking for special offers, bear in mind that not all accommodations are ranked using the star rating system. Some hotels use the diamond rating as an indication of quality. The diamond system basically works in the same way as the star method of classification. More diamonds equals better quality and greater overall customer satisfaction.

If you are lucky enough to be staying at accommodation with a 5 star hotel rating while on vacation, don't forget to make the most of it. There is no point in staying at a luxury hotel unless you eat at the restaurant, swim in the pool, drink at the bar, treat yourself to a massage and order breakfast in bed at least once. Use the experience to create wonderful memories to think on back while you are toiling away at work once the vacation has come to an end.

Sarah Wells is a full time travel consultant in Florida. Check out these great Honeymoon Cruise advice and articles.

http://www.adventuretraveloverseas.com

How Retailers Avoid Price Comparisons

Price Comparison websites are websites that compare products to find the lowest price for the consumer. They have received positive press coverage. The giants eBay and Yahoo own some price comparison websites!. I will in this article explain why they do not always work. Nothing is more potent than language, and I hope the words in this article will save you money.

Price comparison websites list bathroom goods (among others) in a list format that allows the consumer to compare several prices on one web page for the same item. The prices all come from different retailers operating under free market conditions selling that same item. As many consumers now pay thousands of pounds for new bathroom goods, price comparisons should have a key role. However, increasingly clever retailers are finding ways to avoid price comparisons. I will explain how they are doing that in this article.

Retailers avoid price comparisons by product re-branding, hiding VAT, surreptitiously adding delivery charges, and disingenuously selling copies of branded products. This avoidance is done to increase prices to the consumer. I will illustrate product re-branding in the free market; re-branding is by far the commonest and most egregious means by which consumers are overcharged and price comparison websites rendered impotent.

I have no connection with the following parties at all, and their names are shown just to show a point about how the intent of price comparison methods is circumnavigated by clever retailers.

The national group called Wolseley owns Bathstore.com; it has over a hundred and fifty real stores nationwide and a large website. Bathstore sells Crosswater goods (an imported line) but Bathstore renames the Crosswater goods to avoid price comparisons.

This is one example of how they do it. Hey Joe is one product name within the Crosswater colllection and sold to retailers nationwide including Bathstore. If I look at Boundary Bathrooms, a small retailer I picked at random (it has one store versus the 150 from Bathstore), I see the product sold for 156 pounds.

The same product is sold at Bathstore for 219 pounds under the new name Idea. The Bathstore customer is paying much more for the same product due to re-branding (it is not sold as Crosswater). The Bathstore customer has been misled to paying over 40% more for the same item, with price comparison methods being ineffective.

This one simple example is one of thousands and just printed here for proof of the practice. I could have picked almost any retailers at random to show this point, and my choice was entirely random, and driven by the fact that Bathstore is a large British national company.

Re-branding is so easy in bathroom retail because many bathroom goods are made in China. The actual original manufacturer name does not show anywhere anyway. Often the manufacturer will supply several importers and each of them is able to re-brand the product. The product can then be re-branded again by the retailer to avoid price comparisons.

If that were not enough to confuse the honest consumer just looking for the best price, the retailer has plenty more swindles in his bag of swindles to get the retail prices increased without the consumer knowing that he will be swindled.

Another way retailers avoid price comparisons is to exclude VAT in advertisements. The VAT is then added at the end of the transaction. Price comparison sites require VAT to be shown in the prices, but sometimes that condition is breached. I know of one case in which a retailer hid VAT in major price comparison websites. Since VAT is 17.5%, this is an important amount of money to hide for the retailer.

Hiding delivery charges are another means by which retailers can avoid price comparisons. Some retailers excessively charge delivery, and then lower the retail cost of the goods. Therefore, the total amount payable is inflated despite a lower retail cost. Advertisements appear attractive until you see the final charge. Delivery charges can be 100 pounds or more for one shipment.

Retailers also can include illegal re-stocking charges to avoid genuine like for like comparisons. These charges can be 25% and they negate the customers legal right to get a full refund within a cooling off period. Such charges are illegal under Distance Selling Regulations. So a price may appear cheaper until the full contract of sale is examined to show hidden charges in the form of re-stocking charges.

A variation on importer and retailer re-branding is used the large copying market. In China, many companies will copy an existing design. This has infamously happened on Clearwater baths. The market is awash with copies. Sometimes the original name Clearwater will be used when the bath is not Clearwater at all. Clearwater is one of the strongest brand names in the European Union for freestanding acrylic baths; it exports from the UK to 24 countries including the USA. Its name attracted the attention of the copiers in China. Clearwater responded by adding an official certificate for genuine Clearwater baths.

To find the best prices, you have to be product wise and like everything else read the written words in articles like this, and make your judgements. Fundamentally, you should introspectively just ask one question: Is the product cost really worth that much money to me? Be careful of clever advertisements, read the contracts, and ask when unsure. One question asked can save you a lot of heart and headache.

This article is written by Trevor Oakley. He is the managing director of Merrows Bathrooms. Merrows has traded for four years selling hundreds of thousands of pounds of quality goods. He also manages the Sayworth website. That site is about consumer advice and it has buying tips.

Toilet Replacement in Simple Steps

While replacing a toilet isn't an everyday common plumbing task, it is one of those that involve a bit of complexity and takes more time. But you can do it by yourself if getting a bit dirty and smelling some bad gases doesn't frighten you. Make sure you know what you are doing; else, it would be a good idea to call a plumber and learn a bit while watching him, especially if it's your first time. In case you've got the courage to go with this challenge, then this small DIY guide will help you out.

For simplicity, this article will discuss only those toilets that come with a separate tank that is installed above the toilet bowl. If you have got any instructions manual from the manufacturer, this would be the time to go through it thoroughly. And it's always better to have an illustrated diagram of the parts with you.

To begin with, turn off the water supply to the tank and flush it twice to make sure that all the water goes down the drain. To be safe, you can use a sponge to dry any water still left inside the bowl or the tank.

Open the nuts and bolts that connect the tank with the bowl and the water supply line. Upon doing that, it will be easy to remove the tank. In case there is an elbow between the tank and the bowl, you will need to remove that first. Then, open the screws that are used to mount the tank to the walls. Do this step with extra care and hold the tank tightly in you hands, so that it doesn't fall when detached from the wall.

Now you have to remove the bowl, which is attached to the floor with some nuts and bolts. These bolts are usually hidden under caps, which you can take off by inserting a screwdriver beneath the caps and pushing them in the upward direction. The screwdriver should be covered with some tape, or it may scratch the surface of the bowl. Following the removal of the cap and nuts, the toilet bowl will be secure in its spot because of a seal with the floor. So rock it back and forth slowly and the seal would eventually break. Now you can take the bowl wherever you want but it would be a small weightlifting exercise.

Once the bowl is removed from its place, the toilet flange will be in the open. Shove some old, abandoned clothes inside so sewer gases would not escape into your house; This also insures that removable parts don't come off the flange. Next, get the new toilet and prepare for the installation; you will just need to put everything back in its place in the reverse order.

Take out the clothes from the flange and apply some plumber's putty to the bottom of the bowl, where it will come into contact with the floor. Now place the bowl such that its outlet would come exactly above the flange. The bolts won't fit in their place if you place the bowl wrongly. Once you have put it correctly into its position, ensure that it is in level with the floor. Now put the nuts and bolts in their respective positions and tighten them moderately. Fit the caps onto the bolts, and your new bowl is now in perfect shape. Next, line the tank up with the wall and put everything else in place in exact reverse order you removed it before. Now wash your hands, clean up the mess, and welcome your brand new toilet!

Scott Rodgers is a master plumber who has recently begun writing articles for both a plumbing and non-plumbing audience. To view more of plumbing articles, visit http://eLocalPlumbers.com

Glass Block Shower Sizes For Design and Installation Success

Understanding how to develop the right size shower base and shower walls with glass blocks does not need to be some mysterious process. If you'll follow the steps in this article you'll have an easy to clean, structurally sound, and unique shower you can enjoy in your home or commercial property for years to come.

Step 1) What type of glass block shower do you want?

There are basically two types of showers you can use - a shower without a door, and a shower with a door. Here's an overview of where to use both:

A) Showers without a door (walk in and roll in showers) - Door-less showers have become hot in bathroom design over the last 5 years. The two most popular types of these showers are walk in and roll in showers. The biggest advantage of walk in showers is you can eliminate the cost of the shower door and having to bend over to clean around the door's framing system. The roll in shower also does not have a door, but also eliminates the curb around the base that someone has to step over to get into the shower. This makes the shower much more accessible to those with special needs. The roll in shower base is gradually sloped in towards the drain. The biggest disadvantages of the doorless showers is their bases (or platforms) need to be sized larger.

B) Showers with a door (neo angle or corner showers) - Most showers have doors to prevent water from splashing out. A popular type of shower enclosure is a neo angle variety that is placed in the corner of a bathroom to conserve space. The advantage of a shower enclosure system with a door is that it can fit into tighter spaces (these showers can be as small as 32" or 36").

Step 2) What type of glass block shower base do you want? How do you size this base and design it out at your project site?

There are two generic types of shower bases available for block - (1) the preformed base and (2) the custom concrete base.

The preformed base is created and sized before it is brought to the job site and can be made out of acrylic, cultured marble, or other solid surface materials. It is generally thought to cost less than a custom base, which is often true, but not always. The biggest advantage of these types of systems is they are built as one solid unit to minimize the concern about water leakage through the base. The biggest disadvantage is their size cannot be adjusted at the job site. Pittsburgh Corning makes an acrylic right or left hand entry walk in glass block shower base measuring 72" x 51", a Neo Angle shower measuring 51" x 51", a Square corner shower measuring 48" x 48" and even an acrylic shower base 60" x 32" that can be used to convert a small existing tub space into a new contemporary shower!

The custom concrete or mud set pan base is sized at the new home, remodeling, or commercial building site. Since glass block cannot be cut like tile, you'll need to use layout cards that correspond to the size of the block units to make sure the custom base you'll make will match up with the specific block sizes for your design. Most of the layout cards are approximately 4" wide (3 7/8" is the exact size) to accommodate for the most common thickness of block used for showers. The other base thickness is 3 1/8" wide, although design options with this thickness series are more limited.

Step 3) Choosing the right sizes, shapes, and colors to make your glass block shower cool and unique.

There are a wide selection of block sizes, patterns, shapes, colors and even artistically designed murals available for your shower. Here's a brief overview of your options:

o Sizes and thicknesses of glass blocks for showers - Glass masonry units are made is both metric and American sizes. Most of the blocks available in the United States are American sized. The American sized blocks are available in 4" x 8", 6" x 6", 6" x 8", 8" x 8", and 12" x 12". Specialty shapes can help you turn corners, make 45 degree neo angle showers, create rounded or radius walls if you're looking to make a walk in or roll in shower, or finish off the end of the shower wall with a smooth bullnose look. The blocks have nominal sizes meaning the actual size of the block units is " smaller allowing for a mortar joint to adhere the block to one another (an 8" x 8" block actually measures 7 " x 7 "). The blocks for showers are 3" and 4" thick. Thinner block (3 1/8") are more cost effective, but shower design options are much more limited in this thickness of block.

o Patterns, designs and colored glass blocks - Blocks come in a multitude of patterns providing different levels of privacy, style, and design options. The block are now available in standard and custom colors, tints, and artistically decorated murals to match any interior design style. Check out a comprehensive block web site to see the possibilities.

Step 4) How tall should you make your glass block shower? What do you need to do to make it structurally sound? Most block showers are built on a curb (with the exception of the roll in shower) which is 4" to 5" in height. Since many shower heads are placed 84" above the finished floor consider building your glass block wall 80" tall (this will make the size of your glass block wall + the size of your base equal to the height of your shower head). To make the glass shower walls structurally sound they should be tied into side walls with anchors every third coursing of block (usually this is every 24").

Step 5) Don't worry about any of the first 4 steps and call a glass block shower supplier and installation professional - If you really don't want to figure out what size, shape, and shower base is best call a block specialty company who offers design, supply and installation services. This type of company will usually come to your home or business (without a charge), measure your shower space, figure out the possible types of bases and showers for you, and install it with a guarantee.

Mike Foti is President of Columbus Glass Block, Cleveland Glass Block and Mid America Glass Block of Cincinnati, Dayton, and Akron and Vice President Eastern Glass Block of New Jersey and New York. These companies are nationwide suppliers, glass block shower designers, and installation contractors of glass block windows, showers, walls, and specialty colored glass blocks. Mike can be reached at the following:

Tel. 614-252-5888 Nationwide 877-668-5888

mfotigb@aol.com

http://www.columbusglassblock.com/products-showers.aspx - glass block shower bases & systems

http://www.columbusglassblock.com/learning-center.aspx#LC5 - installing glass block shower walls

New Ideas For Redecorating Your Old Bathroom

If you're in the process of remodeling your bathroom, or if you're just tired of it's old look, you need to start looking at new accessories to liven the place up. Just by changing a few of the accessories in the room, you can give it a totally new look and feel.

The ancient Chinese, in their practice of Feng Shui, believed that the bathroom needed to be decorated to create a certain feel, since this was one of the most important rooms in a home. Whether you believe it or not, you probably already realize that getting the right accessories for your bathroom can make a great deal of difference in the overall look of your home. Your bathroom is where you spend a lot of time getting ready in the mornings, and a cozy, happy looking room can make you feel calmer and more energized.

Maybe you've just moved into a home where the bathroom is done in the harvest gold and avocado green of the '70s, or maybe you're just sick of the present bathroom dcor. If these descriptions apply to you, then you're certainly due for a change. You may be surprised at how much a few new accessories can do in changing the whole look of the room.

One of the most important accessories in most bathrooms is the shower curtain. This is also one of the things too many homeowners ignore because they don't want to face the expense of a new one. It's time to get rid of that old, mildewed plastic curtain you've had since the '60s, and perk up your bath with a cozy cloth curtain or a colorful plastic one that will be great to use with kids. All you have to do is visit a bath accessories store to know how many beautiful curtains you'll have to choose from.

Consider tossing out all of the old accessories around your sink, such as your soap bottle and toothbrush holder, and replacing them with matching items. If you're fixing up a woman's bathroom, you can go with a floral look. For men, you can pick wood textured items or something with a wildlife theme. And if you're accessorizing with the entire family in mind, you might think about using geometric shapes, Americana, or abstract print.

Towels are another big item for the bathroom. Get rid of those old college towels and find something that will complement the colors in the room. You can hang towels that look good in the room from decorative towel bars where they'll add interest and color.

The accessories you choose to put into your bathroom can make a big difference on the overall look and feel of the room. By taking your time and choosing wisely, you'll have a lovely-looking bathroom with accessories you'll enjoy for many years to come.

Visit us today for more tips on lladro bathroom style guide and bathroom tile designs.

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Wood Attic Vents

Replacing a Bathtub

Why are you replacing a bathtub?

Replacing a bathtub is a big job, and you should first consider why you want to replace the bathtub. Removing a bathtub is not an easy job, and you should first consider your reasons, and see if there are other options. If maintained well, a bathtub will give good service for many years.

If your existing bathtub is pink or aqua, I can see your point. In that case, reglazing might be an option. This is not inexpensive, but will eliminate the struggle of getting the bathtub out of it's existing space.

If the bathtub is white, and the bathtub surround is shabby, or the enclosure doors are in bad shape, you might be better served by installing a new surround and new shower doors. this can give a bathtub a stunning new appearance.

If you are installing a new surround, take this occasion to install an anti-scald device. This will give you the pleasure of even water temperature even if someone flushes a toilet, or the washer begins filling. Instead of water flow suddenly becoming icy or scalding hot, the water temperature will maintain evenly.

This is a great time to install a new updated faucet system which will also enhance the appearance of your bath area.

Going Green tips

With the trend toward "going green", working with what you already have could be your contribution. Considering some or all of the going green tips above could save you money and put one less thing in the landfill.

On the other hand, if the bathtub itself is in a bad state, then replacement might be the only option.

Before replacing a bathtub:

1. Shop and consider the options available.
2. Consider what bathroom in your home this is, and who will be using the bathtub.
3. Don't forget the possibility of future resale. You may have no desire to sell at this time, but life is full of change. Think about who would be the bulk of your market. For instance, if your home has three or four bedrooms, families with children would most likely be the bulk of your market.With that in mind, replacing a standard bathtub with a whirlpool in a main bath would probably not be a good idea. People with small children might be put off by this addition to a main bath.
4. Review the value and benefits of different bathtub material and different styles before making a final decision.
5. And lastly, decide how you will get the tub into it's final space. Take measurements and think where through your home the tub will have to travel to get there. Replacing a bathtub in a finished home as opposed to installing in new construction where these elements are added before walls are finished, are very different situations. You will need to find a solution before making a commitment.

Discover tips on bathtub style and other helpful bathroom remodeling advice at => http://www.bathroom-remodeling-hints.com

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Porch Rafter Beam Damage

Can You Make Life Easier With a Hot Tub Cover Lifter?

There are many reasons to cover your hot tub, many of which are health related. The cover is great for holding the heat in and and debris out. In addition, the amount of electricity needed to keep the water heated is reduced which reduces your costs, and this way the cover eventually pays for itself. The risk of children or pets falling into the hot tub is reduced when a cover is properly used. And the list goes on. In fact, the only drawback to a hot tub cover is lifting it off of the tub.

The original purchased hot tub cover generally weighs between 20 and 30 pounds. Insulation within the cover collects moisture over time as it sits over the spa. This can increase the weight to close to 100 pounds. This makes it difficult to remove, especially if you're attempting to remove it alone. Oftentimes, hot tub owners opt to uncover part of the tub and leave the rest covered so they don't have to pick up the full weight of the cover. For those who wish to reclaim the use of the rest of their spa, hot tub cover lifters are available. A cover lifter assists you with the removal and storage of the spa cover.

Hot Tub Cover Lifters are Available in a Wide Variety of Styles

After deciding to purchase a hot tub cover lifter you need to make the choice between different styles and options. Some cover lifters will mechanically lift the cover for you while others assist you in safely a pulling or pushing the lid off without damaging it. Most of the styles available hold the cover off the ground to protect it from damage, which is an important feature considering the cost of replacement covers.

When shopping for your hot tub cover lifter it's important to have measurements available because you will need to know the measurement for the clearance between the hot tub and its enclosure. A general rule of thumb is to give a clearance of 2 feet between the hot tub and the fence or gazebo to allow all the lifter enough space, although there are some which only require 6 inches for those of you who have much tighter quarters.

There are different options for the storage of the cover itself as well. Some store the cover folded in half; this can make it easier for you to enjoy the view around you. Others store the cover standing upright which can work as a privacy board as well as extra protection from wind. When making your choices consider the amount of space you have and which one will best suit the surrounding of your hot tub.

Hot tub covers are a important item to protect both your spa and your loved ones, and a cover lifter makes using the cover easier and more convenient. Having the ability to move and store your hot tub cover in a safe manner will add life to the cover itself in this means not only saving you money but allowing you to increase the life your spa, thereby increasing the time that you are able to relax and enjoy life.

Visit us for more information on hot tub parts and hot tub accessories.

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Finishing a Basement - And How to Plan For It

Profile: We had the opportunity to talk about finishing a basement with Bobby Assadourian, President and CEO of Triple R Inc. Located in Hamilton, Ontario, Triple R has been serving customers throughout the Golden Horseshoe for six years. The company covers a wide range of renovation, rebuilding and repair services. One common job type is basement remodeling - Triple R can often be found finishing a basement in a new home, or enhancing an existing finished basement that needs work.

Other services include general repair and maintenance - both indoor and outdoor; renovations - bathrooms, kitchens, basements, and more; masonry; complete plumbing and electrical; landscaping; framing, drywall; painting; ceramics and flooring; heating and cooling; doors and windows; siding; and roofing.

Q: Let's talk about basements. Finishing a basement is a concern for many homeowners. What advice can you offer to get them started?

A: First, make sure your basement is dry.

If your home is new, wait two to three years to let the home settle and for all the materials in the basement to interact with each other. Be aware that some basement waterproofing may be necessary.

If it's an older home, make sure there are no moisture issues in the basement before you start anything!

Don't trust that basement moisture is temporary or may "go away," or that nice drywall and paint will "cover it up" - it doesn't work that way.

Every dollar you spend on your basement remodeling will be wasted if you don't address the moisture issues first. I'm always totally honest with homeowners: if they're better off to wait, I'll tell them upfront.

Bear in mind the Tarion warranty (see Tarion for the exact specifics regarding time limitations, etc.). During the two-to-three year period, you're covered for defects in the foundation - but you need to be able to see the problems! You have to see the whole basement floor and the walls. There can be no dream basement until this period is over!

The documents from Tarion often sit on refrigerators collecting dust, and that's very dangerous. You have to put off the sports bar, the home theatre and the sound system in the basement until you can be certain the foundation is sound. This might not be what you want to hear about your dream basement remodeling, but if you don't allow adequate time you're going to be throwing your money away (this all pertains to new construction).

Q: Assuming moisture issues are addressed, what's the homeowners' next step in finishing a basement?

A: Do not build to Ontario minimum building code! Mike Holmes of Home & Garden backs me 100% on this. Often, basement remodeling comes down to money - but beware that the "minimum building code" is exactly what it sounds like! It won't produce a basement or anything else that will stand the test of time and it won't provide value for your dollar. It's truly the bottom of the barrel.

The funny thing is, there's not much of a monetary difference between good to best. However, because building codes are designed for builders and contractors, in some ways the system benefits them. Builders can save a few dollars on products, and that really adds up over time as they build hundreds of houses. That's why many of them choose to build to lower specifications.

For homeowners, though, the cost difference is pretty minor. Labour is the same - or, in some cases less, because good products are easier to install. It's really worth your while to insist on the best when you're finishing a basement. Bear this in mind and you'll save a lot of pain in the years to come.

C: What's the best way for homeowners to budget for a basement remodeling and get a reasonably accurate idea of total costs?

A: To get an accurate idea, they shouldn't try to cost it out themselves - get a contractor.

Take your time, though, to educate yourself before calling a contractor. Read magazines, literature, talk to people at big box stores.

Get a really good idea of how your finished basement with look in terms of layout, design features, and materials - know them by trade name! Contractors have a much easier time when homeowners know exactly what materials they need. If you can't afford certain materials, talk to the contractor about finding the best balance between cost and quality.

Knowing your materials will also increase your chances of having a good contractor experience - the contractor will know within a few minutes of speaking whether you've done your homework and are knowledgeable and serious. Contractors need to impress homeowners, yes - but there's nothing wrong with the homeowner impressing the contractor! Contractors are more likely to prioritize your quote and get back to you quickly if they can tell that you are serious, that you know what you want, and that you've done your research.

Q: What trends are you seeing in basement remodeling? Any exciting new products homeowners should be aware of?

A: First off, remember that you'll spend a lot of money over the years heating and cooling your basement. Due to this, there's a growing trend toward being Energy Star-efficient and -compliant.

To achieve this standard, you must seriously consider upgrading from "pink or yellow" basement insulation to Roxul. It provides some labour savings because it's safer and not itchy, it lasts much longer - but most importantly, the energy savings are phenomenal! The money you spend upfront will pay itself back in dividends over the next few decades in energy savings. It's also fire-resistant.

Another interesting basement product to be aware of is "Ipex." It's a revolutionary plumbing product that's phasing out copper. It'll take several years for most contractors to adopt it, but that's true for any new amazing product that comes out on the market. Even if the products are the best choices for finishing a basement, or are more green and efficient than other products, contractors tend to "wear their old shoes."

Again, be aware of the product options when finishing a basement, do your research and be ready to ask for them by name. Show the contractor that you know what you're talking about.

Q: What other advice can you offer to homeowners looking to finish a basement?

A: To have a really successful basement renovation, you must have good communications with your contractor. The vast, vast majority of problems in basement remodeling are caused by poor communication!

Homeowners have to consider the time they spend looking for a basement contractor, or any contractor, as a dating period! "Date" your contractor for an appropriate amount of time, because you're entering into a relationship with that contractor. You need to evaluate them personally, not just professionally!

Q: Why did you join our contractor network?

A: It's an association that's doing good on a large scale and bringing quality people together. Since I started with them, nothing but good has come my way. These people run the company so efficiently and with so much discipline, and they contribute to so many good causes in addition to their regular work (such as the March of Dimes).

Q: We hope homeowners use our service to find a reputable local contractor...but if they don't, what criteria should they use to determine who's the right choice for finishing a basement?

A: I firmly believe that there are three or four valid ways that you can research a contractor and make very sure he's legitimate. When renovations go wrong, the contractor bears responsibility - but, to be honest, the homeowner usually does too! The bottom line is that a basement renovation or any other type of work demands that you thoroughly research both your project and your contractor, and maintain good communication. If you do that you'll almost certainly have a positive experience.

1) never hire a contractor without a city license (*note - where applicable).
2) call in to WSIB and make sure your contractor has proper workplace insurance.
3) call their commercial insurer.
4) call references and visit the jobs in person.

Remember that nobody else can do this for you (unless you're using a service such as ours). It is your responsibility and you must take it seriously!

You can view this article with photos on our website.

This article was written by Trevor A. Bouchard
President & CEO of QuickContractors.com Inc.

For more information go to: http://www.QuickContractors.com

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