Is it Worth the Cost to Make a Home More Energy-Efficient?

Making a home more energy-efficient will be worth the investment, especially over time. Not only will you be doing your part for the environment, you could save hundreds, even thousands of dollars on utility bills over the years you stay in your home. And, an energy-efficient home is much easier to sell when the time comes.

You might not want to just launch an effort to make your home more energy-efficient in one fell swoop, but as you make repairs, do upgrades and maybe do a little remodeling, the small additional costs will be recouped faster than you might expect. After all, some of the things you can do to make your home more energy efficient dont cost much at all, especially if you are upgrading anyway.

For example, adding weather stripping to doors and windows will probably cost you less than $50. You could save more than that in the next year in reduced energy bills because your home is losing less heated or cooled air. Installing window film on your east- and west-facing windows will probably cost you less than $100 if you do it and less than $250 if you have a professional do the job. It will reduce your heating and cooling bills and prevent fading of your carpet and furniture caused by intense sunlight saving more than your investment in one or 2 years.

Switching from incandescent light bulbs to compact fluorescent bulbs will cost you a little more when you first buy the bulbs, but you will save on electricity and you will replace the bulbs far less frequently.

Adding storm doors and windows will save on both heating and cooling costs by reducing the amount of conditioned air that is lost and reducing the amount of outside air that sneaks in. If your budget is tight, you can try doing what our grandfathers did when they wanted storm windows make you own storm windows. You just need a little lumber, a few nails and some heavy plastic.

If you are replacing appliances, it is worth it to insist on energy-efficient models and options, such as vent-free moisture sensing dryers, front loading washers, and refrigerators with through-the-door ice and water. If you are replacing a water heater, an attic fan or a heating/cooling system, you can certainly buy replacements that are more energy-efficient. You might replace your water heater with either instant water heaters or a solar water heater; replace an electric attic fan with a solar-powered fan. Replace your heating and cooling equipment with a single, energy-efficient heat pump. To really save, try choosing a programmable zoned system with timers that allow you to control the temperature in various parts of the house according to your familys needs. Replacing a toilet? Choose a dual-flush toilet to save water usage.

When it is time to replace your roof, choose a metal roof for your replacement. Metal roofs are less expensive and very energy-efficient. If you dont want a metal roof, you can always install attic foil to prevent heat loss.

All of these options are great choices, both for the environment and for your family. But dont forget to look for possible rebates and tax breaks.

Many utility companies offer rebates to customers who install energy-efficient appliances and lights. Just give your utility company a call and ask. Then be sure you understand the standards to qualify for the rebates.

If you install a whole-house voltage surge suppressor or disaster-proof features, be sure to check with your insurance company to see if you will be entitled to any reduction in your insurance rates.

Investigate energy-efficient financing for your upgrades if you are making your home more energy-efficient. Check on FHA Energy-Efficient Mortgages, FHA Section 203(k) Rehabilitation Mortgage Insurance, etc.

And dont forget the opportunities to save on your taxes.

If you will use a remodeled or added room as a home office, be sure to deduct the appropriate percentage of utilities, etc. each year as a business expense.

Get to know the U.S. Energy Policy Act of 2005. It allows homeowners to take tax credits for remodeling that improves the energy efficiency of your primary residence. The maximum credit you can take is $500, but you can take credits for:

10% of cost up to $500 for energy-efficient exterior door or storm doors
10% of cost up to $500 for a qualified metal roof
10% of cost up to $500 for adding insulation expected to last at least 5 years
$300 for qualified central air conditioning, heat pumps or geothermal heat pumps
up to $150 for a qualified gas, oil or propane furnace or hot water boiler
up to $300 for a qualified gas, oil, propane or electric heat pump water heater
up to $2,000 for solar water heating

Making your home more energy-efficient can be good for the environment, good for your family (and your wallet), and good for the resale value of your home. Do your research and shop carefully when you are making upgrades in your home. Going green will usually pay for itself within 5 to 10 years in reduced energy bills.

Copyright 2007 by ABCD Publishing

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

Escondido Remodeling

Steam Saunas Explained

If you have a sauna session, you can do it for either a few minutes or even an hour. Regardless of the length of time you use it, using one can be one of the easiest ways to luxuriate in complete comfort, even if just for a few minutes. This is why a lot of people are now having steam saunas installed in their own homes. This means that they can simply step into their own personal unit anytime they want, and relax at their leisure. No having to rush to the gym to have one after work, or schedule a session for one at a pricey spa. In addition, this one is completely yours, so you won't have to share with2238 anyone unless you want to.

In fact, today, it's convenient to place a steam shower in your own bathroom, specifically within your shower. You can install them yourself, with just a little elbow grease and some plumbing tools. Usually, there is a step-by-step guide that will be included with your steam shower spa, so that you can install it easily. If you need to, you can also ask for professional help when you install. It's a very simple and effective way to have a daily session as part of your daily hygiene routine.

Once you install your steam shower sauna, it's ready to be used. And in fact, if you travel a lot and still want a steam shower sauna, you can buy portable units that you can take right with you. They are lightweight and compact, and are easily set up for use any time, anywhere. What you'll need for a portable unit includes: the bathtub, a foot pump, steam hose and the steamer itself.

If you still want the experience and don't want to spend a lot of money, you could install a do-it-yourself kit just about anywhere in your home. Usually, these kits are made out of stainless steel, aluminum or fiberglass. Oftentimes, to give it a "traditional feel," the inside finish is of wood, and it also includes a wooden bench where up to two people can sit. It also has a receptacle for the water itself and some essential oils for fragrance or other health benefits, if you wish.

Many use steam saunas not just for relaxation, but for detoxification and weight loss as well. They can also help improve blood circulation. Whichever type you choose, you will enjoy the benefits to your health, very inexpensively. Even if you travel a lot, you can make use of this easy detoxification and relaxation technique. This will only benefit you and your health. Check with your doctor, however, if you are pregnant or may have other health concerns that would prevent you from using one.

Thomas Oak writes articles for http://www.hot-sauna.com/ If you are in the market for a new sauna stop and take a look at what new in the world of far infrared saunas and get of all the latest information on new saunas, sauna heaters, steam sauna, sauna kits and steam saunas for your home.

Bell Tower In Fallbrook Calif
Black Apartment Stairs

Why The Right Gutter System Can Save You Thousands

Few homeowners give a lot of thought to their gutter and downspouts on their home. That is if they have them at all. The truth is though; a guttering system can literally save you thousands of dollars in structural damage.

Rain gutters are a simple way to channel rainwater off of your roof and away from your home. They protect your home from damage because it won't stand up to water constantly running down the sides of the house, or going on the fascia boards and rafters.

On a continuous basis the structure is compromised as well as your foundation. Homes with poorly designed downspouts or without them at all, will have rainwater collect and pool underneath the roof. This eventually weakens the foundation, causing thousands of dollars worth of damage.

What may seem incredible to some is that it is better to have no gutter system at all than to have one that is poorly installed and leaks all over. Replacing damaged roofs, siding and other areas of your home can be very expensive to say the least.

Today, gutters and downspouts have many different designs than they did just 20 years ago. Seamless gutters and gutter guards have made installing and maintaining gutter systems much easier than ever before.

By far, aluminum is the best material for rain gutters. Seamless gutters can be quickly produced right at your home by gutter machines that make perfect gutters every time.

As a maintenance feature, gutter guards make cleaning your gutters a thing of the past. It eliminates leaves and other debris from clogging gutters and downspouts and causing the homeowner to climb a ladder and clean them out.

So, while gutters and downspouts may not be the first thing that comes to mind when owning a home, they can save you a lot of money in the future.

All Rights Reserved Worldwide. Reprint Rights: You may reprint this article as long as you leave all of the links active and do not edit the article in any way.

By the way, you can learn more about buying the right Gutter System as well as much more information on all types of gutters and downspouts at http://www.GuttersA-z.com

Remodeling Your Home On A Budget
Roof Framing

The Different Types of Home Siding Material

There are numerous types of siding available for today's homes offering different advantages and/or disadvantages. Certain types of siding are more popular in some areas of the country than others, influenced largely by climate and availability of product. Price also influences the type of siding chosen by a builder or a home owner.

Types of siding available:

1. Aluminum or Vinyl Siding These siding options are available on new homes as well as often put on over older types of siding. The biggest advantage of this type of siding is that they do not require painting. The disadvantage is that aluminum siding dents and vinyl siding cracks. Vinyl siding has improved over time as the quality of vinyl improves.

2. Masonite Siding or Hardi Plank These siding options have a similar appearance but offer very different results. Masonite siding deteriorates over time and requires painting, caulking and routine upkeep. Hardi Plank (a brand name) is a similar looking product but is made of cement and therefore does not rot. It is growing in popularity and is a terrific alternative to Masonite.

3. Brick or Stone Both of these products provide an excellent siding option. They are virtually indestructible as well as attractive. They do not require the routine maintenance that other types of siding require. The biggest drawback is price, although in some areas of the country it is still very affordable.

4. Stucco Traditional stucco is made with cement and offers a solid, lasting, moisture proof siding. It is seen a great deal in Florida where the climate would require constant upkeep on other 567types of siding and the solid cement siding keeps the houses cooler than traditional siding.

5. Cedar Shakes For those who love the look of cedar shakes, it is an excellent alternative to Masonite siding as it requires less maintenance. When treated with stain it does not rot or peel.

6. Veneer & Synthetic Siding These siding alternatives give you the appearance of other types such as stucco or brick, but do not give you the quality or longevity.

7. Clapboard Siding that is made from solid wood is more costly than other types of siding but lasts longer and looks better than other manufactured sidings such as Masonite. It is also a product that lends itself well to stain and therefore will not peel as siding that is painted.

8. Steel and Vinyl Coatings These are becoming more and more popular. They are more expensive but are nearly indestructible thus requiring little maintenance. Vinyl Coatings are applied like paint but are much thicker. Since it is a relatively new product it is important to find a company that will apply it correctly as applying incorrectly can cause many problems.

Fallbrook Bathroom Remodel

How To Become Rich and Famous

If you want to be rich and famous, you have to focus on your strong points. Don't dwell on your weaknesses. Choose your strongest asset and build it into a formidable asset.

After finding your heart’s desire, your bliss, dare to dream big; dream the biggest, boldest dreams that you can think of. Decide now that you want to be phenomenal in your particular talent; be the best of the best; be unforgettable. Fame doesn't just happen. You have to want it!

Now translate your dream into two manageable plans. First, develop your talent. Second, market it. Then continue to reality-test and refine your plans. Create a feedback loop between your inner desires and imaging and the outer world of possibility, working and reshaping your talents and skills. Take action with unbending intent. Put your twofold plan into effect by doing practical things within your reach. Researched and rehearse the talents and skills that you will need to get attention. For example, subscribe to international magazines to keep abreast of your chosen profession.

In line with your goal, set about learning more routines for your talents, especially how others have created their own unique assets. Also study audience response in general. By watching movies, you can learn to see cultural patterns. For example since Americans loved drama and suspense, build the element of surprise into your performance.

After mastering your talents, develop the second pathway to success. Learn how to sell yourself, to broadcast your talents to a captive audience of agents, managers, and production owners around the world.

Throughout your journey, refused to believe in limitations. All famous people have displayed self-confidence, prior to developing their talents and connections. They have put faith before experience. And, they have taken risks, investing time, money, and energy into their projects.

In short, dream big, develop elaborate plans, and then acted boldly with unbending intent.

You can implement all the important aspects of planning your royal road to success. Here is a summary:

1. Isolate your strongest talent. Forget about your weak points. Use your precious energy to master one particular skill. Focus on your best quality and be a success at it.

2. Forget about your personal flaws. Make choices where they don’t get in the way. While it may be possible to change maladaptive conditioning, consider this as another venture. Build upon your assets. Once you have sufficiently strong assets, you can go back and take care of your liabilities.

3. Dare to dream big. Why bother with half-measures? Compromised dreams have no power to energize and excite you into action. Playing it safe is a losing proposition. Even if you never measure up to an absolute standard, you’ll be pushed much further than you would have ever dared to go.

4. Break your big plan into small, manageable parts. See the big picture, then figure out how to make it all fit together.

5. Stay in touch with the outer world. Keep abreast of the latest trends and use them in your plans. Learn only what is relevant. Avoid obsolete techniques. Keep an eye on the market. Note where it is, where it’s moving, and orient yourself accordingly.

6. Stay out of the shadows. Make some noise. Find a way to get noticed. Frank Sinatra broke into show business by standing on a table and singing. He was a waiter and he sang to a top local producer. Similarly famous singers, dancers, and actors have sent out unapologetic news bulletins to people who neither knew nor cared about him; but he eventually got them interested. Create a way to help people help you.

7. Learn about your market. Isolate your target audience. Study what interests you; make it fun, bold, and exciting.

8. Refuse to believe in limitations. Limited thoughts create limited people. “The sky,” as Wayne Dyer has correctly reminded us, “is the limit.” Napoleon Hill once said: “Whatever the mind of man can conceive and believe, it can achieve.” When you doubt your competence and question your options, you lose vital energy. You need this energy to press on with your goals. The more original y572our ideas, the more critics you’ll find. Don’t add to the inertia by adding your own name to the list of critics.

9. Above all, plan, dream, and act.

10. And when you fail, learn from your mistakes, and continue.

Resource Box

Saleem Rana got his Masters degree in psychotherapy from California Lutheran University. His articles on the internet have inspired over ten thousand people from around the world. Discover how to create a remarkable life

Copyright 2004 Saleem Rana. Please feel free to pass this article on to your friends, or use it in your ezine or newsletter. It's a shareware article.

Managing Workplace Negativity

- Negativists, Whiners and Complainers

"The happiest people are those who are too busy to notice whether they are or not." William Feather

Who are the difficult or negative people in your life? Do you have to work, manage, or live with negativists, whiners and complainers? They are one of the most common difficult personalities in the workforce today. And managing workplace negativity is a skill in itself.

Believe it or not, research shows negativists, also known as whiners and complainers, have a strong need to be liked. They think that by complaining about how much work they have to do, they'll gain empathy from others. Notice how these people often spend more time complaining than working? "Busy doing nothing" is how people describe the whiners and complainers in my leadership training workshops.

It pays to be tactfully direct whether you're managing a whiner in the workplace, or just dealing with a difficult co-worker. For example, consider saying the following to a complainer co-worker, "Chris, I realize this is something you want to discuss, and at the same time I want to make sure I get back to work. It sounds like this situation with so-and-so really bothers you. If I were you, I'd take it up directly with that person130E. Besides, I'd prefer not to get in the middle of it." Make sure your tone is tactful and polite, yet firm. Usually these whiners and complainers will move on to a more "captive audience."

Managing Workplace Negativity Means Not Allowing The Behavior To Continue:

If you're managing a negative person, address the issue tactfully, yet promptly and directly. For example, say to them privately, "Chris, I want to bring something to your attention. You may not realize it, but when you come in here first thing at 8:00 a.m. and complain about our new policy, it's beginning to look like a lot of negativity. I just wanted to mention it to you because you may not be aware of how you're perceived." They may be fully aware, explain it to them anyway!

As a manager or supervisor, you don't want to be seen as enabling the behavior. Consider the effect it'll have on other people if you don't do anything about it. In managing negativity in the workplace, you have to look at the impact the difficult employee's behavior is having on the morale of others.

If you're managing whiners and complainers, or anyone for that matter, make certain never to criticize via email first. There is no tone or body language in an email message. The written word is often louder than the spoken word. Either meet with the employee in person, or on the phone discussing the issue with them as a live person. Don't leave a message. As a manager or supervisor, you set the standard. If your difficult employee is going to react, better they react to YOU in person, or on the phone, as opposed to everyone else around them in the workplace. You certainly want to leave a paper trail by following up with an email, but don't start off with email.

If you're working with a difficult person, but not directly managing them, remember that negativists want to whine to people who will buy in to what they're complaining, or gossiping about. When that happens, you've now got two individuals feeding off of each other. The people who allow the complainer to take over the conversation feel angry with themselves afterward for allowing it to happen. They sense they enabled the behavior because they're "people pleasers" who can't say no.

If this is you, it pays to practice role-playing with a friend who can give you honest feedback. How did you come across? Were you too tentative or too aggressive? What did your body language and tone of voice say about you? In face-to-face communication, body language accounts for 55% of what others believe about you. Tone of voice accounts for 38% and words only 7%.

In managing workplace negativity, I used to tell my employees to be tactfully direct with a negative, whiner/complainer co-worker. As a manager, I certainly did speak privately with the difficult employee, but my team members also had to do their part. Be careful not to internalize everything these difficult people say to you. Most likely, there is something going on with them. As a result, they've decided to take it out on everyone else! And your employees have a right to come to work and enjoy it.

Consider writing your true feelings about this difficult, negative person in a journal. Make certain to leave it in your car. This is not the kind of documentation you would want them to see! When you arrive home, tear up the pages or burn them. This signals that you are not letting their behavior affect you. Because the person who constantly angers you…controls you.

Colleen Kettenhofen is a speaker, workplace expert, & co-author of "The Masters of Success," as featured on the Today Show, along with Ken Blanchard and Jack Canfield. For free articles, e-newsletter, or to order the book visit http://www.colleenspeaks.com/ Topics: leadership, success, difficult people, public speaking, procrastination. Colleen is available for keynotes, breakout sessions and seminars.

http://www.colleenspeaks.com/

Tips On Wall-Mounting Your New HDTV Screen

So your brand new HDTV screen has arrived. Exciting stuff, but at the moment it's sitting in its box - not so great when you've got a box set of your favourite series to watch. You need that screen up on the wall pronto, so here are some top tips for wall mounting:

1. If a job's worth doing, it's worth doing properly, and that's especially true for wall mounting.

Give yourself a few hours. Professionals can have HDTVs up in around two hours but it takes a little longer for non-experts. If you'd feel more comfortable getting a pro to do it, go for it. Better than ending up with a smashed or crooked screen...

2. Ask a friend to help. Two sets of hands are better than one, particularly as it can be heavy work.

3. Get some tools. You'll need a tape measure, a drywall saw, power drill, and a stud finder. Stud finders locate the wooden framing within the walls that you'll be screwing into. Without this, your HDTV won't be securely fixed and may fall down.

4. You're almost ready to start, but make sure you check your home insurance in the unlikely event that something goes wrong.

5. The first step is selecting the mount you'll use. Some manufacturers offer mounts on top of the price of the HDTV and this is worth getting as it saves shopping around. If the manufacturer of your model doesn't provide this, make sure you get one that is suitable for your TV. Expect to pay anything from £20 to £100 depending on the size of your model and quality of mount. You get what you pay for, so go as expensive as you can. Some mounts can be tilted which is great for positioning and reducing glare.

6. Next step is selecting where you want your TV to go. This depends very much on the layout of your room and your personal preferences, but HDTV screens look great above fireplaces and on large expanses of wall. Be aware of where outside light will fall though, as reflections can be annoying. Experiment with holding the screen in a few positions to see which you like best.

7. Exact positioning of the mount is down to personal preference again, but it's best not to mount it too high (unless you want to be craning your neck...) Try out different positions and go for the one that allows for most natural viewing. This will most probably be at your eye level or a little higher. If you need to mount it higher for logistical reasons, invest in a tilting mount.

8. Now you have to consider aesthetics. Cables can spoil the look of your new unit so they'll need to be hidden. One option is to cut a hole behind the screen and feed the cables through, but this often isn't possible so you might need to get an electrician to install an AC outlet.

9. Nearly done. The last thing you have to do is make sure all your cables are plugged in before you mount the screen. This will save taking it off the wall again once it's up. When everything is in place, all that's left is to switch on, sit down, and enjoy that box set!

Marcus Atkins is the owner of http://www.ukhdtv.com the ultimate resource for HDTV Reviews.

Tips and Tricks on How to Install Your New Porch Swing

If you have a front porch it practically demands that you also have a porch swing. If you don't have one, get one. If you do but it's rotten or falling apart, buy a new one. Your family will thank you for it as they sit outside an enjoy beautiful evenings away from the television.

Most people h5B4ang their swings from the porch ceiling, but some will get outdoor gliders that sit on the ground. This article will discuss how to hang it from the ceiling.

1. When you buy your swing be sure to get the hanging kit with it. No sense in going after the parts later. Most swings already include the kit, but double check for sure and buy it separately if necessary.

2. For even more comfort get the special springs which are more tightly coiled and act as shock absorbers. This will give you an even more enjoyable experience.

3. Locate the closest overhead support beam to where you want the swing placed. Be sure there is enough clearance. Drill do initial holes at the proper spacing. This pre-drilling prevents the beam from splitting.

4. Use four chains, two from each hook, to hang the swing from the beam.

5. Screw all hardware securely into the beam and use chain connectors for improved safety. Make sure everything is secure before actually hanging the swing.

6. Using at least 2 people lift the swing into position and onto the chains. Adjust the chain length to make sure both sides are even and at the right height off the ground. Give it a test!

Suggestions and Warnings:

1. Never let children stand or swing unattended. This is a porch swing not a swing set. Young children like to swing wildly and should be monitored for safe usage.

2. If your swing is real wood check for splinters and br3B4oken areas regularly. Seal them as needed.

3. If your swing is painted you'll need to repaint once in a while to keep it looking fresh and clean.

For more information on wooden porch swings and gliders please see our website. Building StairsDeck Stairs

A Large Saltwater Fish Tank Can Compliment Any Room

If you are looking for an additional piece of stunning furniture for your home or office you can not go wrong with a large saltwater fish tank. With the beautiful colors, the soothing sounds of bubbling water and the relaxing pastime of keeping fish, a large saltwater fish tank installed in your office or home will prove to be a great investment. A large fish tank is generally 30 gallons or more, and some custom-designed large fish tanks can hold hundreds of gallons depending on the size of your home.

When you have decided what type of large saltwater fish tank you want to purchase, you first need to ask yourself a few questions. The cost of keeping 5B4a large saltwater fish tank is usually more than a freshwater tank but a large fish tank full of beautifully colored saltwater fish is a popular choice for many home aquariums.

You then need to decide what you want your large saltwater fish tank made out of, whether it is glass or acrylic. Acrylic aquariums have become increasingly popular because they allow for custom designs to fit the home. Acrylic is more prone to scratching than glass, and is generally more expensive; however it does not alter the colors of the fish whereas glass, and its reflective properties, will distort when looked at from certain angles.

Once you have decided on what type of large saltwater fish tank you want and what types of fish, you need to decide what size tank you want. Large is considered in the 30-55+ gallon range will vary in price from roughly $100-$500 or more depending on the size and quality of the tank. Most companies offer package deals, which provide you with a large saltwater fish tank and all the necessary filtration devices. The size of your large saltwater fish tank will be a factor in deciding what size and how many fish you will be able to keep

You will, of course, have to get into the habit of feeding the fish and cleaning the tank, but the maintenance and up-keep for a large fish tank is easy. You need to clean the tank every 2-3 weeks, which means replacing roughly 20-25 percent of the water. You also will need to ma4B1ke sure the chemical levels in the tank are balanced using home kits and ensure your fish are fed at regular times.

With proper and easy maintenance, a large saltwater fish tank can be a great addition to a home or office, providing you a soothing escape and a hobby which you can enjoy for years to come.

http://www.fishtankfun.com is an informative site relating to aquariums,fish tank,saltwater fish,freshwater fish,tropical fish,fish tank stands, filters and all advice to ensure keeping your fish healthy.

Home Tiki Bars

Tiki Bar and Tiki Hut Headquarters

A Tiki bar creates an amazing atmosphere that must somehow conjure up the lost spirits of ancient man, which these days ends up in - a party! When people see a Tiki hut bar, they just somehow shift into instant party mode, the conversation flows and the great times begin.

Have you ever seen these "grass huts"? They're often found at resorts, in the Carribean islands, at restaurants and occasionally, in people's own back yards. They're catching on in popularity, and for good reason. They provide a great addition to any poolside venue, and create a distinctive, island type atmosphere that most people only get to experience when on vacations.

There are a couple of kinds of Tiki bars. The "portable" Tiki bar is a smaller version, whereas the "Tiki hut" is the larger house-like structure, which often contains both a bar, seating areas, tables and decking. The unmistakable element of both types is the thatched roofing, a type of roofing that goes back many centuries and that's been used by cultures across the world.

A Tiki bar has that rustic feel of the islands, and looks like something the natives should be hovering around any minute. That's usually true - it's the party animals that just can wait to turn on some classic Jimmy Buffet music, crank up the blenders and let t5B4he good times flow!

A quality custom Tiki bar costs many thousands of dollars, due to its quality construction and workmanship. These bars have the telltale thatched roofing, made of palm leaves and other special materials. This roof is what really gives the Tiki bar and Tiki hut its distinctive appearance and feeling of being in the wild days of yesteryear.

Nowadays, it's certainly possible to readily find the materials you'll need to build your own Tiki bar. Of couse, you'll need some good plans and instructions to build one, because even though these structures look simple enough on the surface, there's a lot to know to build one properly so it will last for years. It's also important to ensure that it'll be safe for you and your guests.

A Tiki bar attracts and somehow conjures up the parties, and with the party often comes the alchohol, and invariably, some smokers. Since a Tiki bar is made of flammable materials, it's critical to use proper fire-proofing techniques when building it; otherwise, the whole thing could suddenly go up in a blaze - an abrupt end to a good time for all.

So, how do you build a Tiki bar? First of all, get some good plans from an experienced, reputable builder. Make sure these plans are complete, well-illustrated and include step-by-step how-to instructions that are easy to follow. It's a good idea to ensure you'll have access to assistance and consulting advice, especially if AE1this is your first Tiki bar, or you want to customize it to your own liking.

Also, you'll need a few materials that may not be obvious or available in your area, so you'll need to know where to find these authentic materials. You'll also want a few specialty decor items to finish up your Tiki bar and make it your own.

A quality Tiki bar will weigh over 1,000 pounds, when you include its wood construction, shelving, support structure and the thatched roofing materials. You'll want to ensure this structure is properly designed, so it can safely hold the roof's weight, not blow over easily in high winds and be safe for people to lean upon (in whatever state of mind and body they may be in :)

Fortunately, there are good plans available today on the Internet that enable an average do-it-yourself type of person to build their own Tiki bar. The specialty materials can be readily ordered over the Internet. A quality, custom Tiki bar can typically be built in just a few days by an average do-it-yourselfer by following good plans and instructions.

There are also various options, like ceiling fans and controls, electrical hookups, shelving, glass holders and other options to consider in your own Tiki bar's design. Have a look around at several Tiki bars and Tiki huts to get some ideas of what's possible or contact an experienced builder and learn more.

So, if you've been wanting to host parties and give your back yard, poolside area or lakeside that island atmosphere, a Tiki bar could be just what you've been looking for. Crank up the music and the blenders and let the good times roll!

One question - when's the party?

Rick Braddy is an avid writer, professional software developer and Internet marketer, and Tiki bar enthusiast. If you're interested in a Tiki bar, or you'd like to learn more about how to build a Tiki bar, you can visit http://www.tikikev.com to learn more and see lots of pictures of both Tiki bars and huts.

About Clean Air And Air Conditioners

By: Patrick Gary



When it's scorching hot outside, air conditioners can really work wonders in keeping you cool! You need not be surprised if you find people darting through the street merely to rush into an air-conditioned room. But remember, that cooling yourself is not the last thing; staying healthy and fresh is what should be uppermost in your mind. This is exactly what a good air conditioner should do for you, because apart from cooling the room, an air conditioner also filters the air flowing into it. A quality air conditioning machine has a proper set up which thoroughly filters the outside air and allows only the clean air to enter.

What you need, is an air conditioner that comes with an inbuilt air filter. The air conditioners available in the market are not quite capable of draining out everything harmful for you. So if you are really concerned that a regular inhaling of dust, fumes and smoke can affect your health in the long run, you should go for a high quality air conditioner, which has a proper air cleaner in it.

This type of air conditioning machine in your home or office becomes all the more useful if you or any one in your family happen to suffer from allergies or chronic breathing problems. Having a good air conditioner is not enough, so remember to let your doors and windows open from time to time and purge the impure air out of your room. Your house keeping style should also be taken care of.

To make sure that your air conditioner lasts long and your air filtration set up functions properly, you will have to pay a regular attention to the maintenance of your machine. Don't defer your maintenance job until your machine finally stops working, or the inside air stops being so pure as it used to be. In fact, experts in this field will suggest you to change your filter every month to ensure the best functioning. But alas! Some people do not bother to budge for even years!

Make it a point to clean and change the filter regularly. This way your air conditioner will drain out the bad air and allow only the clean and filtered air to flow in. So if you want clean air to flow through your home, your only option is to maintain your conditioner regularly. A filter, which is poorly maintained, is unable to clean air properly and decreases the cooling capacity of the machine. On top of that, it uses up more energy, and ultimately leads to a shorter longevity of the air conditioner.

About The Author


Patrick Gary is the owner of http://www.aircentral.info