Professional Advice on Home Building

If you're a do it yourself or or a homeowner who every once in a while, once to tackle a small or large project but doesn't know where to begin, can gather useful information from home building books. I have been using these books for years and may have been worth their weight in gold.

I started my career working for my father and my father worked for his father as a Carpenter. Our job was to frame the house and we built a Lotta homes. I learned how to frame and developed some great carpentry skills from my father and working with other skilled carpenters. Over the years, if you're paying attention, even a monkey can figure out, how to assemble almost anything.

The only problem that I faced, was learning how to build the rest of the home. I would often ask questions to other building trades like plumbers, electricians, roofers and construction superintendents. Some of these people were helpful and others were not. When I was in my early 30s, I purchased my first book on home building. This book lead to other books and soon I found myself with more home building knowledge that my father.

I had about 50 books on home building and soon found myself doing large home remodels, with no formal education. I would attribute almost everything that I learned outside of house framing to books. These books have proven invaluable to me over the years and with a relatively small investment. I couldn't have spent over $200 purchasing these books but have used the knowledge from them to save myself thousands of dollars.

One $20 home building books or home repairs, can save you lots of money, if you're willing to do a little research and the labor to complete almost any home building project.

By the way, if you're interested in learning how to repair a roof, build your own house, interior decorating, structural engineering, building a deck, gathering some more information about home painting or even remodeling your bathroom. An online home building bookstore can save you money if you're willing to do the work.

Greg Vanden Berge is working on the internet to promote the education for creating simple to follow guides and home building books to help professional building contractors as well as the weekend warriors. He has just finished a Home Buyers Guide to take some of the frustration out of home shopping.

If your looking for some more home inspection or home building ideas.

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Easy Wall Repair, Home Video

Great video on how to fix a hole in your wall .

Greg Vanden Berge is working on the internet to promote the education for creating simple to follow guides and home building books to help professional building contractors as well as the weekend warriors. He has just finished a Home Buyers Guide to take some of the frustration out of home shopping.

If your looking for some more home inspection or home building ideas.

Rusted Electrical Box Exterior

House Move or Home Improvement?

There are lots of problems with home improvements: theyre a lot of trouble to arrange, they can be expensive, they often decrease the value of your home or at least dont make back what they cost, and you have to put up with weeks or even months of noisy, dirty building work being done on your home.

Also, houses were usually planned the way they were because of space restrictions, especially in larger towns: if you just go around building extensions in unusual places, the look and layout of your home can both be compromised. Is it really worth converting a garage into a bedroom? No, it isnt the garage is much more valuable, often adding as much as 10% to the value of a property.

Another thing you might not have considered is that if you improve your house too much, no-one who wants to live in your area will be able to consider it. In general, expensive houses are in expensive areas for a reason there are plenty of people who want to buy a cheap house in an expensive area, but very few who want to buy an expensive house in a cheap one.

Given all this, there is an alternative that you might not have considered: why not just move? Many people extend their homes to avoid the costs and troubles of moving, but when you compare them to the costs of extending, moving actually often comes out ahead especially if you move to a larger house that is just down the road.

While you wont get your extension designed exactly to your specifications, moving works out much cheaper in the long run, as other peoples used extensions will be cheaper than your new one, and rooms that were built with the house will be cheaper still. Who knows, you might even find something you like even better than your own plans.

John Gibb is the owner of Home-Improvement resources For more information on home improvements check out http://www.Home-Improvement-resource1k.Info

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Need To Repair Credit Scores? Get The Tips Here

You need to repair your credit score, if you have a poor credit rating and a low score on your credit report. Generally, you need to have a high score, somewhere between 575 and 650 for creditors to see you as a good risk for them to loan money to. If your score is in low 500 range or even as low as 400, then you need to start taking steps to repair credit scores.

How can I raise my credit score? The first step to be on the road to repair a credit score is to request a free copy of your credit report. There are many online companies claiming that they will raise your credit rating to a good credit score, but the truth is that no one can do that but you. If you have a lot of bills, getting a consolidation loan to pay off all the outstanding loans is one way you can lower your monthly payments. However, this alone will not raise your credit score immediately or repair your bad credit right away.

When you decide that a consolidation loan is the answer to your question How can I raise my credit score? you do have to prove yourself. The fact that you are consolidating debts puts you in a high interest bracket. You do need to be diligent about making the payments on time, because this is what will help repair the credit score.

Looking to borrow money or applying for credit at many places is detrimental to your credit score. In order to have a good credit score or to repair credit score, you should not have a long list of creditors making inquiries about you. Each of these shows up on your credit report and does result in you getting a lower score. If you want to raise or repair your credit score, start pinching pennies and paying your bills on time.

Paying more than the minimum monthly payment is also another way to repair a credit score. Not only will it help to give you a good credit score, but it will also help you to pay off your bills before the actual due date. This is because you are paying more on the actual balance and thus lowering the amount of interest that you are charged each month. When creditors check out your credit report, they see you are conscientious and this looks good for you. It really helps to repair a credit score.

Need to repair a credit score? There are lots of ways.

To download a free copy of Peter's Credit Repair book visit Peter's Website Credit Repair Answers and find out about Credit Bureaus and more, including Credit Repair Services, Free Credit Reports and Online Credit Repair.

Light Falling Off Wall

Remodeling Off a Cliff

Recently people have been spending big money for remodeling and using "resale" as an excuse to spend outrageous amounts of money. But if you have to sell your house in today's market it could be a loser's game.

Many people are actually refinancing their homes to do the remodels and going into serious debt to pay for the work. They are essentially financing the remodel for significantly longer than most trendy improvements, i.e. granite countertops and stainless steel appliances.

This leads us to our first rule.

1. If you have to refinance to pay for the work, you can't afford it.
2. Clean up. It's a lot of work, but worth the time. Clean, orderly homes always resale better.
3. Get rid of junk. When I have my houses for sale there is nothing sitting on the floor or impeding traffic flow even in the closets.
4. Remove wallpaper and put up soft neutral paint inside and out. Modern buyers do not like wallpaper.
5. Pay more attention to street appeal than interior decorating. Cute houses resell better and faster than other houses.

This last point...the one about street appeal...is the biggest one you need to have on your side if you need to resale fast. How your house looks from the street matters more than your interior. If buyers don't like the outside they won't even come in to see what you have done inside.

If you own a house that has no street appeal in a good neighborhood you might have a great chance to make money even in a slowing real estate market.

But how do you get street appeal?

It is tough. Just ask all the builders who are stuck with inventories of unsold homes. Street appeal is a moving target. Here are some strategies and recommendations.

1. Try to improve the landscaping pushing it out enough to frame the house rather than hiding it.
2. Make a nice wide path to the door.
3. Paint and use more than one color.
4. Make sure all colors work together including the roof.
5. Add some rock.
6. Frame out windows.
7. Stay true to the architecture of the house both inside and out.

You can no longer just throw a house up for sale and expect it to be easy. You have to work at it. Those first days the property is on the market can never be done over. Do your homework and don't put your house on the market until it is ready.

Clean it up, price it competitively and make it the cutest house on the block. Don't follow all the remodeling gurus along with the crowd right off a cliff.

Paula G Stone and George R (Ron) Stone have a note buying business. Their company buys mortgage notes as well as helps home sellers offer owner financing to sell their home fast and for top dollar while selling the private mortgage note at a simultaneous closing. Learn more about note buying and selling at Selling Mortgage

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Tips for Decorating Small Kitchens

Having a small kitchen can be a nightmare. After all, the last place you want to feel cramped is in the kitchen. With very little counter space or cabinetry, cooking your favorite meals can become quite the chore.

Fortunately, there are several steps you can take with decorating small kitchens that will give you a little more space while also helping you feel less cramped in the kitchen. First, you might want to consider replacing some of your base cabinets with roll out cabinetry. With roll out cabinets you can more easily reach all of the items that you have to store way in the back.

You can also improve your cabinet space by installing taller wall cabinets. If you install cabinets that go all the way to the ceiling, you will have more space for storage. If you want to add interest, you can stair step the cabinets instead. This will still give you more storage space.

While you are at it, you might want to consider putting glass fronts on the cabinets. By allowing the eye to move beyond the front of the cabinets, you create the illusion that the kitchen is larger. You should also consider using lighting in creative ways when decorating small kitchens, as adding under-the-counter lighting will make your space appear larger.

If counter space is your problem, you can free up more room by installing under-the-cabinet appliances or under-the-counter appliances such as can openers, microwaves, toasters, and spice racks. Simply finding ways to decorate small kitchens by getting things off of your counter will give you more room to work and to enjoy your small kitchen.

To learn more about decorating your home while staying within your decorating budget, download a free copy of the ebook "Budget Home Decorating Tips". Download it free here: Budget Home Decorating Tips

Lynn Cressy has a love for decorating and shopping for home decor. She owns a home decor web site and writes articles on home decorating and organizing your home and your life.

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Why a Successful Bathroom Remodeling Plan is Necessary?

If anyone of you is interested in bathroom remodeling, he must also be interested in saving his money, which gets spent without letting you know if you are unaware of depths and heights of bathroom remodeling strategies. The most essential thing you would need for remodeling is a proper plan. If your plan has been perfectly made, taking in notice all the problems that might occur, there is rarely a chance that you would come across any kind of troubles. Besides, your project would be adored.

If you follow the step-to-step guide for bathroom remodeling, the very first thing to reckon is the purpose of doing such a project? The whole remodeling plan would be made upon your choice that whether the purpose of remodeling is to enhance the resale value of your property or your own convenience and taste. If you have a clear-cut idea about this, your bathroom remodeling plan is going to be very successful. This is what majority of people don't pay attention to. They just start planning a bathroom remodeling plan without going through several minor but important points.

However, just knowing and realizing the purpose of your bathroom remodeling plan is not going to help you in all the cases. Sometimes, your desired plan exceeds your budget; and making a budget is a whole different story. It includes costs of materials, contractors, plumbers, electricians and several other things that become the basic constituents of a bathroom remodel. You need to align your plan with your budget. Asking a local home improvement store's owner would be helpful for you if you are not market savvy. However, compromising on bad quality with a low cost is the most rejected idea. It will keep your pockets heavy for a while but later, you would always be in trouble until you plan a new remodel.

Besides, you need to keep extra money available for your budget. There are cases when something unexpected happens. Costs may increase and your project may get delayed. In such cases, you need money the most. You can also come up with new ideas in between the project. Making them possible won't just be a theory; it would only work with money.

You need to keep these basic things in your mind when making a bathroom remodeling plan. You can do some of the remodeling projects yourself but not all of them. In case you don't know anything about carrying out any such operation, don't make false assumptions that you would be able to do it because it won't be a time of experiments. Saving money and brilliantly completing a bathroom remodeling project must be your basic motto.

For knowing more about bathroom remodeling, you can visit http://www.theyarelocal.com/articles/remodeling/index.php

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Remodeling Your Bathroom With a Man's Touch

Whether you're a bachelor living alone or a married man that wants a bathroom with a "man's touch", there are many ways you can go about doing this. Most woman like their bathroom to have a female touch to it, often decorating ideas that wouldn't appeal to the average man.

If you don't have a spare bathroom you can call your own, there are many ways to add that special touch to the main bathroom so it can also be your "palace" away from the main palace. After all, a bathroom is a room that a man spends a lot of his time, whether he wants to admit it or not. It doesn't have to be expensive for you to get it the way you want; in fact, most of the items can be bought very cheap.

One of the first things I'm going to recommend is a television. While you may laugh at the idea of a television in your bathroom, think about it a moment. You can get some good buys on some very good small portable televisions. This is the one room in the house you'll be able to watch ESPN, with the channel being changed to NIK or Lifetime the minute you look the other way. You are probably wondering where you can possibly install a television and when you would watch it. A small shelf with brackets or a built-in shelve would be perfect as long as it's installed where it can be viewed regardless of where you are and what you're doing!

You may be the type of man that does most of his reading in the bathroom. If this is the case, you shouldn't have to search for all your greatest magazines every time you need to go to the bathroom. While the idea of a small safe to store your private magazines may not appeal to the wife or significant other, it may be the only way to go. Installation is quite simple if it's a small safe built into the wall between the studs. Another option is installed on the wall right below the toilet tissue holder.

Last, but not least, every man loves his tunes. You never know how long you'll be in the bathroom, so why not listen to some great music or catch up on the latest sports scores. If you're going to bother putting music in your bathroom, you may as well go all the way and make it a CD or MP3 player just so you got all bases covered. In addition, of course, don't forget speakers, which you'll want one on each side of the bathroom.

Your bathroom is finally your true palace with only one problem: How do you keep the rest of the family out?

The essayist Soren Bolbenk is specifically interested in things associated with wood shutters and making wooden shutters. You can have a look at his work on wooden window shutters at various other sources for wooden window shutters tips.

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How to Make Your Kitchen Look Great

The kitchen space is of primary dcor interest in every household. It plays host to guests and friends all around the year. Few appliances like wooden cabinets, stainless steel instruments and granite countertops can push the simple tone of every kitchen and give it a classy look. Marble countertops are made from natural stone blocks quarried from various regions. Granite and marble are natural stones which are formed due to high temperatures below the crust of the earth. Hence kitchen countertops made form the above material can withstand chemical abuse from staining and thermal abuse. Sealed granite counters are resistant to fading and discoloration.

Marble countertops are incorporated in spaces like bathrooms, fireplace and the pubs.
The widespread use of granite countertops has made them more affordable. Granite slabs can be custom made and rendered with seamless verities. They can also be used in the kitchen as the pastry slabs. Granite color is unique and it blends well with aesthetic aspirations of modern architects and designers. It can be a collage of the darkest hues. Kitchen countertops are available in subtle variations of colors and styles. Black and blue granite counters are considered the classiest ones amongst them. Brown and beige kitchen counters can work with a host of appliances and designs. The dark ones work perfectly well with the light colored constructions and vice versa. The color of granite or marble counter should approximately match with that of the kitchen cabinet. The granite flooring for newly built homes is an excellent value addition. The color of the granite slab should be a close match for the overall design appeal. Granite countertops are available in many designs and the companies proudly display a wide spectrum of choices to their customers. You can access the information about the origin and names on their websites.

Marble counters are metamorphic rocks in their composition. They contain calcium carbonate and a variety of minerals. They can also be used with the surface tiles and on the Windowsill. The high quality finish of natural stone can add opulence and luxury to your furnishings. Granite countertop is an excellent purchase from the home buyer's point of view. Granite counters are natural and safe on the environment. The inclusion of natural stone countertops could enhance the green value of the kitchen space. Marble countertops with professional sealing look new even after decades. Natural stone counters are resistant to microbial growth of molds and mildew.

Go ahead and make your kitchen look great!

Marble City Company is the leading marble, granite kitchen countertops installation and fabrication company in the Bay Area, California. Get a quote for Free.

How to Choose Kitchen Cabinet Hardware to Match Your Decor

Where living and family rooms once dominated, today's kitchen has become very much the focus for most families. So it's no small wonder that despite the workhorse that it is, we want our kitchens looking good too. When it comes to kitchen design we look for convenience in layout and functionality and when considering decorating we tend to think of the various styles, colors and personal touches that make the space our own. But we often over look some of the small details in the kitchen that if done properly can have a big impact on the over all look of the room. One of these small details is the use of cabinet hardware.

Cabinetry Style can Help Determine Your Cabinet Hardware

The style of cabinets in your kitchen can add personality and atmosphere to your favorite room in the house and the hardware is the finishing touch. Matching the cabinet hardware to the rest of your kitchen isn't difficult though it can take some thought on your part to get it just right. Some cabinet doors may be fairly plain and adaptable to almost any style of knobs and pulls you like, while others may have specific shapes or features that really limit your variations. Take for instance a shaker cabinet door panel that is usually plain with just a raised wooden frame around the outside. It lends itself extremely well to any style of cabinet knobs and drawer handles. On the other hand if your cabinets have a bead board panel face you may be limited to casual or French country. Yet even within these styles the available cabinet hardware is almost limitless so you're sure to find something that will make you and your cabinets happy.

Find a Theme and Stick with It

Of course the idea is to match your cabinet knobs and drawer handles to the rest of the dcor in your kitchen as well. If you have too many styles going on at once, the room will simply seem busy and confusing. So choose a theme and stick with it throughout the kitchen. If you love the look of Old World Tuscany think sun baked earthy colors of yellow, terra cotta and gold. Cabinet knobs and pulls should have a definite antique look so go with cabinet hardware that has an aged appearance such as hammered wrought iron or bronze.

If your kitchen dcor is modern you'll likely have very clean simple lines and this should also be reflected in your cabinet hardware as well. You can't go wrong with polished or brushed stainless or nickel knobs and pulls. On the other hand if your kitchen has a definite country theme you'll have a lot of other choices to choose from. Country can cover a large range of styles, including French country, Shaker and Arts and Crafts. Depending on your specific country style you can choose from clear or colored glass, hammered metal, brass or wood drawer handles and cabinet knobs.

Finding the perfect cabinet hardware to match your kitchen dcor is as close as you local home improvement center or online home hardware store and replacing your existing knobs and pulls is easy. All you need is a screw driver. Just be sure you match up the existing holes in your cabinetry and you're good to go. While you're at it don't forget about that often neglected door hardware. People don't often consider door hardware as part of the kitchen dcor but if you want a unified look, it's important to match door hardware with your cabinet knobs and drawer handles.

Amanda works for Your Home Supply (YHS) the definitive website for home improvement tools, and gardening supplies. Your Home Supply offers a wide range of cabinet knobs and drawer handles. Go see their selections so you can choose the kitchen cabinet hardware that matches your decor!

Home Building - Homeowner Tips

Like most people you have heard the nightmare stories from family and friends about the home they built or the remodel they did and how things didn't go right .The project took far too long and ended up costing more then initially discussed. The owner blames the contractor, the contractor blames the owner and it's the same old song and dance. What's the key thing usually missing in the scenario?

Communication between all parties

As an owner builder you may look at the process and think how hard can it be, hire a guy to do this another to do that and it's done right? most likely it's not. There are so many things that can be overlooked or go wrong, and you may be surprised to learn that most people working in the trades simply just don't care about quality nor do they care to work with other trades for the common good of the project. It takes someone to orchestrate, and someone with experience to get the job done right.

You may be hiring an architect and/or building contractor and more often then not they can't seem to get it right either, they simply don't understand that it takes a team working together towards a common goal. The goal being making sure your project comes together as you envisioned it, on time, and on budget. As a building contractor we have built many custom homes and in most cases struggled through the process using plans and specifications that frankly just weren't thought through completely.

Nine out of ten times the building contractor doesn't even see the plans until it is time to put the numbers together for the project.

On average most people looking to build will hand off their plans to about three contractors for pricing before they make a decision. Now let's assume the plans and specifications don't have all the necessary information needed to price the job out correctly, these three contractors now have to call the architect and the customer to get their questions answered, or they don't bother to ask any questions at all and the customer is left with the contractors interpretation of the plans.

We have seen time and time again where the customer says, "I thought that was included" and the typical response from the contractor is, "it wasn't on the plans", and or "you didn't ask for it.

Or how about this one, the customer states to the contractor, "why didn't you tell me I shouldn't use this type of stone in my shower?" the typical response is usually I didn't know, or you didn't ask. So many times the architect will call out for materials in their specifications that they saw or read about in a magazine without understanding the application process, what it takes to be installed properly, or how it will adhere to the other materials surrounding it.

The point is, there is so much to know about building a home correctly, it takes years of actually working with the materials, and doing the installations to understand the what, when, and how.

The bottom line is, if you're thinking about building yourself or decide to hire someone to do the build, hire yourself a consultant first, most likely it will save you time, money, and more importantly your sanity.

Model Remodeling Contract

This simplified model owner and contractor agreement covers the major areas of consideration for most major home improvement projects. While not every provision may be appropriate for all contracts, it does draw attention to the most important subjects relevant to contractual obligations. There may be additional terms or legal provisions that might be suggested by the homeowner, an attorney, or contractor which might be appropriate for the job under consideration. It is always wise to have your legal counsel review the contract if the job is large and/or unique.

Because the circumstances vary considerably from one job to another, we make no claims, express or implied, that this simplified owner and contractor agreement will protect all owners or all contractors against all possible circumstances, and expressly disclaim any liability therefor. It is also fair and in the best interest of the homeowner and the contractor that the description of work to be done be as thorough and specific as possible. Plans and/or materials lists and/or other relevant information should be referenced in the document and attached as an addendum.

Homeowners can avoid many problems by selecting a qualified contractor. While there are no guarantees, risks are reduced if the homeowner makes certain that the contractor has all required licenses in the state or locality, is covered by workers compensation, property, and personal liability insurance, and is bonded. Ask to see a copy of the insurance certificate or the name of the insurance carrier so you can verify the policy.

Check the local Better Business Bureau to make sure there is not a history of dissatisfied customers. Ask for current references. Best are those with jobs just completed or still underway. Since both subcontractors and employees change over time this gives a better measure of current capability and performance.

Ask if they are a member of the National Association of the Remodeling Industry, the National Association of Home Builders Remodelers Council, and/or any of the trade associations representing specific sectors of the remodeling industry. Most offer educational programs that keep members current on technology and management practices, and many have certification programs. Membership in these trade associations is one likely indicator of the contractor's commitment to the trade and to professionalism.

In most regions a down payment representing costs of materials and other early costs is expected. Beyond that homeowners should seek to break the job down into as many discrete components as is reasonable, and to keep the payments related to the costs of materials and labor for that component. Homeowners shouldn't get into a position where they've paid 90% of the total price and the job is only half done.

Remember, a major remodeling job is a complex undertaking bringing together thousands of parts and components, a variety of human skills, and a variety of uncontrollable variables (not the least of which is weather). Start early and allow plenty of time for unanticipated delays at each stage of the process. Unavoidable delays are not uncommon. Small glitches are likely under the best of circumstances. Keep your sense of humor.

Richard J. Roll, Founder and President of the American Homeowners Association (AHA) has helped over 1 million homeowners in all 50 states save money on buying and maintaining their homes. For more tools, information and resources to help you maintain your home and instantaneously save money go to http://www.ahahome.com for a special offer from AHA.

Strategic Marketing For Construction and Real Estate Companies

There seems to be a gap between expectations and reality when it comes to marketing. Construction and real estate professionals often ask where they should advertise that will get them results tomorrow. Should they be in print? If so, what publication? Should they try radio or TV? The answer might be all or none depending upon goals and objectives of the company. Here are some tips that might help you decide where to spend your marketing dollars:

Define your target market. Try to be an expert to everyone and you'll probably be good at nothing and mediocre at everything. Most companies would be better off identifying market sectors to target and remain focused on these specific niches. Decide which markets fit your strengths and stay focused in these areas.

Establish a budget. Knowing what you have to work with is important. Determining what you can spend also helps when it comes time to decide what investments are most likely to produce the highest possible returns.

Set realistic goals. Too many companies have unrealistic expectations when it comes to marketing and abandon campaigns before they're allowed to work. Company X, for example, may send out 300 brochures and then decide that direct mail doesn't work because they didn't get any inquiries. It may take as many as 36 contacts with a prospect before they even recognize your name. Marketing is not a sprint. It's a marathon and takes a long-term investment of time and commitment.

Develop an implementation and action plan for marketing. Once you know the prospects you want to reach, it's time to decide how to position your company so that prospective clients in your target market will want to call you when it's time to hire for construction or real estate consulting services. Identify what they read, where they network, who they use for other services because this knowledge will help you decide where to spend your marketing dollars.

Don't forget your existing clients. I am often surprised at how much time companies spend trying to get new clients when there are existing clients waiting to work with them. It is usually a lot less expensive to get work from existing clients than it is to get work from new ones, yet discounts and incentives are often given to those we've never worked with previously. Give the breaks to existing clients and have a plan to keep your name in front of them to remind them that you exist and are ready to work with them when the time comes.

Finally, marketing doesn't have to be expensive to be effective. The best companies actually spend less than their competitors and yield significantly better results. Put together a good strategic marketing plan and see new business start coming to you.

John P. Kreiss

Mixed Color Tile Roofing

Join the Green Movement by Building Eco Friendly Homes

Going green is the best route to take today. With the environment getting much attention these days, there's no way to go but go green. Thanks to concerned non-profit international organizations that strongly advocate the preservation of the ecosystem, many people are now made aware of their responsibilities for saving our Mother Earth.

It's great to know that various segments of society are indeed exerting efforts to use and recycle environment friendly materials. Homeowners are recycling wastes, companies are using recycled products to promote their businesses, car owners are making biofuel to run their vehicles and automakers are making electric cars and other eco friendly vehicles. The construction sector has joined in and several companies such as Mountain Creation in Pennsylvania are building wood cabins and log homes for people who want to go totally green to save the Earth.

Eco friendly wood homes compared to the regular homes have little impact on the environment and humans as well. They are constructed in such a way that they use energy, water and other resources in a very efficient manner thereby reducing waste and pollution and protecting the health of occupants. In other words, their overall design, operation, maintenance and construction support the green building process.

Green building promotes the use of environment friendly resources in constructing residential structures considered to be an affordable approach for both home builders and homeowners. In the United States, the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) leads in setting the standards for designing, constructing and operating eco friendly buildings. The council is, in fact, responsible for creating the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design or what is popularly known as the LEED rating system.

In building homes, using wood and logs is not only practical but is also beneficial to the environment. Most logs such as those from cedar can be obtained from natural resources. They are renewable resources in that they can be replanted again and again after being cut for use in building homes. These trees can be found locally and need not be transported from other states resulting in lower costs.

Apart from their renewable properties, wood can also be recycled. Unused logs can be used again to build other homes or used as firewood. Since nothing is wasted, the environment benefits a lot from them.

A big advantage of wood homes and log cabins is that they don't pose any health hazard to occupants. This is because wood used for construction are very natural. They do not need any kind of processing with the use of harmful chemicals.

Still another benefit is the big savings homeowners of eco friendly homes can gain. They can save a lot on their energy, heating as well as cooling bills. The reason behind this is that wood homes provide a family's much desired comfort all year round regardless of the weather outside. Wood is capable of absorbing heat during the summer and releasing heat during the winter season.

Keep in mind that a beautiful home does not necessarily have to be made from concrete. A wood home or log cabin can be anybody's dream house because aside from its natural beauty, the benefits it can give you and your family are incomparable.

Mountain Creations Log Homes, located just north of Pittsburgh, PA, can help you install various green technologies in your log cabin before you start building or after your home is completed. Mountain Creations can help you design your log cabin by incorporating natural sunlight and other energy-efficient design elements into your blueprints.

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Deck Stair Building Video

Stair building tips for installing lights and decking, handrail tips and some deck advice.

For more helpful home improvement information visit: http://www.gregvan.com

Stair Building Tips

Pest Control Books
Real Estate Books

Stair Building Deck Video

Stair building tips for installing lights and decking, handrail tips and some deck advice.

For more helpful home improvement information visit: http://www.gregvan.com

Stair Building Tips

Kitchen Books
Landscaping Books

Koi Pond Construction - Should You Do it Yourself?

A project to construct a Koi pond is both a big project and one of the most enjoyable parts of being a Koi owner. Your Koi pond should be your own work of art and at the same time the perfect home for your fish. Plan carefully ahead of time.

If you're good at construction projects like this, you can choose to do it yourself. If you do, you'll want think about using a pond kit. A good kit will provide all the basic components and get you started quicker. But make no mistake about it, there are several advantages and disadvantages you should think about before you jump into doing the project yourself.

Getting professional help with the project will certainly cost you more but may save you a lot of headaches in the end. Doing it yourself and using a pond kit can be cheaper but if you install it incorrectly, you will probably spend more in the end getting your mistakes corrected.

Doing it yourself will certainly let you build your Koi pond the way you want it. It will give you something to brag about and show off to your family and friends. All in all it can be quite enjoyable.

There are some other disadvantages to doing the work yourself. If you do use a pond kit, you may find some limitations that you don't like. You may want to make adjustments in the size or other design aspects that the pond kit just won't easily accommodate. Trying to make these changes fit can easily get you into trouble.

When you planned your Koi pond the design was just what you wanted and had that unique look - just perfect for your garden. Once into the project you may find the need for special tools or equipment. Since you are not a professional the end result may not have that "professional" look or worse yet may have some hidden construction problems that will haunt you over time.

Hiring a professional contractor may not be the cheapest initially but in the end may be the best way to get your dream Koi pond. Remember, you are making a long term investment in your pond, so that added cost may easily pay off in the long run. Your Koi will happy as well in their new home.

One thing to remember if you decide to use a professional contract is that the Koi pond is a dynamic ecosystem. There are many parts that have to work together properly. Make sure your contractor knows what he is doing. Be wary of seemingly low bids. Spending a little more may save you much added expense in the future not to mention the disappointment. Also remember that it is a permanent structure and not easily modified. My advice is to make it as large as you can afford to start with. Put in all the design elements you can financially handle. It will pay off in added enjoyment for years.

John Stoner is a long time koi enthusiast. For more information on Koi pond construction, visit http://www.koifishenthusiast.com.

Top Stair Tread Inspection

Fort Myers Homes For Sale - The Best Places to Live in Fort Myers

Fort Myers has changed drastically over the past 5 years and there really never has been a better time to relocate to the Southwest Coast of Florida. First of all, prices have never been lower. After prices skyrocketed from 2004 through 2006, the market eventually took a tumble which has ultimately changed the housing situation and prices dramatically in 2009. So yes, there are incredible deals to be had. And if you're relocating from up North, you just may be shocked at how far your dollar will go.

The second reason why this is a fantastic time to move to Fort Myers is because of the recent building and development "boom." With all the influx of new people (the West Coast is still MUCH less populated than the East Coast) there has been a rush to meet the demands. So the good news here for you is NEW CONSTRUCTION. In other words, everything is beautiful! New supermarkets, new shopping centers, new restaurants..etc You name it, it's here! The two newest and most popular town centers include Gulf Coast Town Center in South Fort Myers near Florida Gulf Coast University and Coconut Point which is in Estero (5-10 South of Fort Myers) Both of these areas include everything from shopping to state of the art movie theatres, restaurants and even very active night life. Both areas are unusually large with a Spanish Mediterranean theme. They both have a large bookstore (Barnes and Noble or Borders) and are the perfect place to meet friends for lunch or spend a fun evening with friends and family. You'll definitely want to take note of these hubs in Fort Myers...

To find out more about Fort Myers homes for sale, visit our website for a free guide and learn everything you need to know before buying a new home in Fort Myers

Top Stair Handrail Inspection

Home Improvement Loans - Bring Changes That You Want

Change is the essence of life. With time everything changes. Even life needs some changes that make it worth living. By bringing some changes here and there in your house you can beautify it and make it more interesting. Good changes bring good things in life. By taking out home improvement loans you can bring various good changes in your house that you want.

The home improvement loans can be entailed by those who wish to make improvements in their homes. These loans can be acquired for home improvement, expansion, construction of new rooms, kitchen, bathroom fittings, new furniture, garden landscaping and wooden flooring etc. This enables you to beautify your home and increase the asset value. With the help of these loans you have the liberty to make changes as per your requirements.

You can apply for secured and unsecured loans. The secured home improvement loans require security against the loan amount. You can borrow a huge amount at lower rates. Secured loans are typically for homeowners and property owners and bestow maximum benefit features like negotiable loan conditions, flexible repayment term, high credit limit and quick attention. The secured home improvement loans have only one drawback of slow approval process.

In case of unsecured loans borrower is not obligated to pledge anything as collateral. These loans offer involve less paperwork, quick service and carry high interest rate. A limited amount is offered to the borrower because lender is at stake.

You can apply for home improvements loans online. The online application is simple and quick as you are required to fill up a simple application form. You can search around for lower rate deal also.

Little information is quite harmful! So always research well and read all terms before you apply for any loan. These loans are negotiable and offer flexible condition so that you can easily meet them.

Dina Wilson is an expert loan advisor at online home improvement loan. She has done MSc Management and Finance from University of Whales.To find home improvement loans, home equity loans, online home loans visit http://www.online-home-improvement-loan.co.uk/

Fiberglass Roofing Panels

Do-it-yourself Home Improvement

With prices going up, it is important for you to exert your own means for you to be able to carry out home improvement processes by yourself. One of the best method that you can do for you to be able to get do-it-yourself home improvement idea is to search the web for possible tips and techniques that are relatively important for you to carry out the process by yourself.

For you to remain safe, it is important not to create a drastic change right ahead. In choosing colors, its best to opt for neutral color for the wall, you can go for creamy latte for your living room. Avoid dark ones since you can never really be sure about the effects that they bring. Also, try to paint all your trim white to obtain a crisp foundation and in order for the color to come alive. To create a different look, go for your favorite colors so you can put accents.

Furthermore, another do-it-yourself idea is to make a no-sew valance. To do this, you need to cut 1-x-6-inch board which should be a few inches wider compared to the bank of windows and try to cut two 6-inch pieces for the returns. When you are done in the cutting process, screw the returns to the board. After, cut the fabric at least 10 inches in height and the width will depend on your preference. This is the time to position the board beneath the fabric which should be 3 inches from the top hem. When you are done, staple the fabric into the board, and try to fold pleats each 12 to 15 inches. Simply hide the staples through the use of glued on ribbons and you are done with the process.

Welcome! RemodelVideos.com is Your Online Resource for Do-It-Yourself Home Remodeling Projects.

Basic Roof Problems

Home Improvement Construction Dispute Resolution

In this report, we will be discussing ways on how to resolve a home improvement construction contract work disputes between an owner, contractor, supplier or an architect.

Most home improvement projects end completing the project with the owner and the contractors when the final payment is made.

Sadly, sometimes a small percentage of home improvement projects ends in a dispute regarding the performance of the contractors, the quality of work, contractor delays, some kind of breach in the contract agreement, owner not paying for the work as per the contract proposal agreement or the combination of the actions by one or both parties.

Disputes of this nature sometimes may end in litigation by the parties. The parties involved should attempt to resolve the problem before contemplating litigation. Litigation is expensive, time consuming and delays the completion of the project.

Many times a dispute can be resolved if the parties are cooperative, reasonable and willing to work together.

For starters, let's broadly discuss the above situation.

1. Cooperative:
Cooperative is understanding the situation and that the problem can be resolved by being fair, patient and professional to each parties concerns.

2. Reasonable:
Reasonable concerns are that many times the problem will require additional costs. The question is how much and who will pay for the additional costs.

3. Solution:
First, the parties must be respectful of each others concerns.
Second, an agreement as to what the problems are and a determination as how to best remedy the problem.
Third, a cost analysis estimate of the work required to rectify the problems.

Should all of the above fail, the next step prior to litigation would be to call for a third party impartial construction expert (agreed to by all parties) to attempt to arbitrate a solution. The costs of utilizing the expert would be shared by all parties as per an agreement.

This method is highly recommended and is the least expensive other then the parties agreeing to a settlement. The parties respectfully should try to use all means available prior to litigation if possible. Litigation should only be the last resort not the first.

In conclusion, consider that the construction industry is quite complex at times and that each project is different. Home owners when contemplating home improvement projects need to do their homework. The importance of selecting an experienced contractor, construction manager, supplier or architect can and will impact the failure or success of the project.

In closing article 1093a report, note some words of wisdom.
"A word to the wise will be sufficient","buyer beware", "you pay for what you get"

Wishing you all good luck, success and a happy ending.
Your author Jon Ewall

About the author
Jon Ewall is an independent construction consultant manager with 40 years experience in all phases of the construction industry. He has been active in the construction and development of commercial, industrial, medical, multi-family, office, municipal, hospital, institutional, and restaurant projects. Jon's expertise provides clients positive solutions to construction related activities.
Comments and inquiries on articles are welcomed.
Contact CONSULTJEAL4U@COX.NET

Create Your Dream House

Cheap Framed Art

Are you planning to redecorate your home or office? Do you have a huge budget for this project? If you want to redecorate your home or office but you dont have enough amount of money to go for expensive decors, then the best options that you can include in your redecorating project are cheap framed art.

Cheap framed art are nice looking framed art work that are easy on the budget. These items do not only look good on your walls but they are also good on your pocket or wallet because you can enjoy great savings from their low prices.

Where to buy cheap framed art?

When looking for cheap framed art, you dont have to go through so much hassle because there are lots of sources for these items.

First, you can try in consignment stores or estate sales. In most cities, there are consignment shops which handle art work, furniture, and different household items. You can buy great framed art here at affordable prices. Estate sales, on the other hand, can also be a great source. You can check your local newspapers for estate sale, on which there are big possibilities that various framed art are for sale as well.

Second, you can look at auctions. Some people love going to auctions and it will not do you any harm if you also give it a try. But you have to be very cautious because you might be bidding more than what you just intend to pay.

And lastly, you can check online sites. This is the most convenient option for busy people who merely find time to visit auctions and local stores to get the cheap framed art that they need. What you can do is to simply browse online sites for cheap framed art and there you will find a wide variety of options.

These are a few sources for cheap framed art. Who says that decorating your home or office has to come in expensive packages? With cheap framed art, your home or office is off to a new and more exciting looking without eating up your budget.

Framed Art provides detailed information on Framed Art, Framed Art Prints, Cheap Framed Art, Framed Prints Of Original Art and more. Framed Art is affiliated with Photo Frames.

Home Design Articles

Why Ghana Builders Are Switching to ICFs

According to the Portland Cement Association, "ICF wall-building crews report that their costs drop sharply until they have built 4 or 5 houses. After that they continue to realize savings." In Ghana, these cost savings will be most realized in construction settings where the entire building envelope is built from start to finish. (A building envelope includes the foundation, floors, walls, windows, doors, and the roof.) Insulating concrete form (ICF) construction times are significantly quicker than masonry block construction. Because of this, Ghana builders will experience a greater profit margin when switching to ICF construction while still building a quality building.

Ghana builders are looking for ways to keep the occupants of their buildings cooler. ICFs are the building technology to meet that need. According to the laws of thermodynamics, heat always flows from hot to cold. In Ghana, in a building with a cooling unit, the heat outside will always try to warm up the building's interior air. With the EPS insulation found on ICF buildings, heat is effectively blocked from entering the building while the cooler air does not escape from inside.

Looking at this same concept from an air infiltration standpoint, according to E3 Design Group and Building Sciences, in "ICF homes with sealed attic construction...the CFM(50) infiltration rate is less than 0.25 CFM per square foot of floor area. For comparison purposes, a typical CMU block house with a vented attic has a CFM(50) of about 1.2 CFM per square foot. ...This equates to a 79% reduction in infiltration and can result in significantly lower HVAC operating costs." Basically, cooling systems in ICF homes can be smaller and operate less frequently than in any masonry home or building without insulation. This equates to lower electricity bills for occupants of ICF homes and buildings.

In the USA, one precaution to building with ICFs is the need to size mechanical equipment correctly. American mechanical contractors are often inexperienced in designing heating and air conditioning units for concrete homes. Ghana builders are accustomed to building concrete and sand-crete homes and are better able to adapt to ICF construction. An additional benefit in Ghana is that there is no need for heating units.

ICF construction also opens up new design possibilities for modern African architecture. Curved walls of any desirable radius are now possible in Ghana with the use of ICFs. Curved walls will have the same quality EPS insulation and concrete as straight walls, something unheard of in masonry block construction. Ghanaian architects can design circular rooms and curved buildings without compromising the structural integrity of the building. ICF construction opens up a whole new element in building architecture for Ghana.

Ghana builders are also looking for ways to increase the quality of their building construction. Not only will ICF construction lend itself to straighter walls, ICFs homes are much stronger and durable than traditional masonry construction. ICF construction resists mold, rot, decay, corrosion, and pest attack.

With the switch to ICF construction, Ghana builders are also making the move to sustainable building practices. There is a growing worldwide initiative to focus on sustainability. With Ghana's builders embracing this new building technology, Ghana can take her place in the global scene of the new Sustainable Revolution.

One possible set back is the cost for Ghana builders to stock up on the bracing required for ICFs. However, the alignment system is simply the equipment necessary for quality construction, much like the need for concrete mixers. An additional issue is the need for construction workers to be trained in the methods of ICF construction. The skills used for masonry construction are easily transferable to ICF construction. Laborers can find their expertise in as little as three projects. With the aid of training seminars such as the GHANA ICF Conference and Ghanaian ICF builders such as Sirius Kay, Ghana's transition to ICFs should go very smoothly.

Lakisha David is a construction manager for Light Ready Construction, LLC, specializing in ICFs. Want to know more about building with ICFs in Ghana? To find additional resources, including videos, go to http://www.lightreadyghana.com . Comments or questions can also be directed to contact@lightreadyghana.com.

The Greener Side of Commercial Real Estate Investment

Increase Your Profits With Sustainable Commercial Building

In 2007 green building practices are gaining popularity at an accelerated rate. The American consciousness of environmental issues has changed and the financial benefits of building, living and working green are becoming more attractive to residential and commercial real estate investors. Green design spotlights a variety of environmental and human health concerns.

- Reduction of exposure to toxic materials

- Conservation of non-renewable energy and materials

- Minimization of the ecological impact of building

- Utilization of renewable energy and recycled or earth-friendly materials

- Protection of local water, air, soil, plants and animals

- Support of transportation alternatives including walking, bicycles, mass transit and alternative fuels

Many people are also surprised to discover that in 2007 green design and building often costs the same as building more traditional designs. According to the July 2007 issue of Today's Buyer's Rep, in an article entitled Housing Trends Worth Watching by editor Julie Collins, a recent survey by the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) shows that 97,000 homes have been built and certified by green building programs around the U.S. This is a 50% increase from the last survey conducted in 2004. The Santa Monica Green Building Program, reports, "Buildings have impacts on health as well as the environment. It is estimated that half of all commercial buildings suffer from air quality problems, resulting in poorer health of workers and other occupants".

Green Building and Design Options for Commercial Property Investments

In the commercial real estate industry economics and financial profit play an important part in green building. Businesses, corporations and investors are more likely to invest in green building if they know it will increase their bottom line. According to Commercial Investment Real Estate Magazine, "When analyzing green economics, commercial real estate professionals should consider long-term operating and maintenance costs. These factors are beginning to affect leases, insurance rates, loans, and other real estate practices as tenants, owners, banks, and communities recognize energy efficiency's value". As technology advances and improves the performance of lighting, heating, cooling and water systems the operating costs of buildings will decrease. This will attract tenants and increase the value of your commercial property to future investors. When building or purchasing a green commercial design look for the following:

1.Energy Efficient Lighting Systems

2.High Performance Glazing

3.Ventilation Systems

4.Water Efficiency Systems

5.Green building materials (i.e. recycled materials or materials from renewable resources)

Incentives for Commercial Green Building

Increased profitability is the number one reason commercial real estate investors are moving towards more green building and design features. According to Building Momentum: National Trends For High Performance Green Buildings, a report prepared by the US Green Building Council for the US Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works, "Design features that enhance energy efficiency and indoor air quality are cost effective strategies for improving worker productivity and product quality. An increase of 1 percent in productivity (measured by production rate, production quality, or absenteeism) can provide savings to a facility that exceeds its entire energy bill".The report provides examples such as Lockheed, an engineering development and design facility in Sunnyvale, California and the Postal Sorting Facility in Reno, Nevada. Lockheed built a high performance green facility and experienced a 15% decrease in employee absenteeism that recuperated the extra costs of their facility within the first year. The Postal Sorting Facility in Reno experienced a 6% increase in the number of items sorted per hour when an alternative lighting system was installed.

In addition federal, state and local governments are now also offering incentives to commercial builders and investors interested in a green approach. According to the Building Momentum report "public and private entities offer financial and regulatory incentives. New York, Maryland and Oregon offer tax credits for LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certified buildings. Portland (OR) and Seattle (WA) offer grants for energy modeling, commissioning and related costs." The report continues to explain that, "Arlington County (VA) links preferred zoning considerations for LEED projects. Santa Barbara (CA) and Scottsdale (AZ) are some of the first jurisdictions to offer expedited permit reviews for buildings with certain high performance features. Tax credits and other incentives are part of broader green building assistance programs offered by a growing number of state and local governments across the country." Green building programs have been developed in California, Colorado, Maryland, New York, Pennsylvania and Wisconsin. As the green building and commercial investment trend continues tax incentives will increase and green building and design will continue to pay for themselves in more ways than one.

Elaine VonCannon is an award winning REALTOR with RE/Max Capital in Williamsburg, Virginia. She specializes in retirement and relocation in the Williamsburg, South Eastern Virginia area and in Virginia Estate properties. To learn more visit http://www.voncannonrealestate.com or http://www.estatesinvirginia.com

How to Install Laminate Floors

Laminate flooring is more than just an affordable way to have a great looking floor. It is also extremely easy to install, making it one of the most popular types of flooring in the United States. People are drawn to this inexpensive design because nearly everyone cannot tell the difference between laminate flooring and authentic wood. This is because it appears to resemble natural wood and it comes in hundreds of different patterns, such as stone and marble. Nonetheless, laminate flooring proves to be a great alternative for someone who cannot afford anything else.

According to Websters, laminate flooring is simply a hard surface covering utilizing a fiberboard core and melamine wear layer, which is available in blocks, planks, and squares. Although this definition makes the flooring sound tricky and bewildering, it is actually quite painless to install. It is a great do it yourself project for anyone who has the motivation and the time to do it.

The first thing you need to do is find out how to prepare your floor before purchasing the laminate flooring. Most businesses will tell you to make sure there is no dirt or dust present on your old surface. It is also wise to make sure the floor is level and there are no slants anywhere near where you are placing the pieces. This could make things very difficult when trying to install the laminate.

There are many different types of installation available. Therefore, after getting your old surface ready, you should ask yourself how much experience you have had with installing floors. If you know absolutely nothing, you should use the snap technique. This means that the laminate pieces are actually linked together and are easily snapped into place. However, this process may end up being more expensive. For that reason, it is smart to price everything before you pick an option. Another great way for beginners is to buy the pieces that already come with glue. All you have to do is just add water to the back of the pieces and place them wherever you would like. Most people go for this option, since it is the easiest and less expensive. Luckily, there are exceptionally simple ways to create great flooring.

No matter what you have as a floor covering, laminate flooring can be put over it. From concrete to wood, laminate is easily placed on top. The only thing to remember is that laminate cannot be placed over carpet. It is also great to remember that laminate flooring requires no hammers or nails. The only tool you need is glue, unless you buy the pieces that already come with it.

Another crucial step is to check your laminate flooring. Sometimes companies will accidentally send damaged or ghastly products. By carefully checking the entire laminate piece, you will be able to make sure that everything is accurate. If you have begun installation without noticing a flaw, chances are you wont be able to return it. Therefore, it is extremely important to check everything before you start.

Regardless of how experienced you are with installations, laminate flooring is piece of cake to put in your home. It is not only an inexpensive way to make your home look stunning, but it also will give you an abundance of pleasure for years to come.

Natalie Aranda writes on home and family. Laminate flooring is more than just an affordable way to have a great looking floor. It is also extremely easy to install, making it one of the most popular types of flooring in the United States. People are drawn to this inexpensive design because nearly everyone cannot tell the difference between laminate flooring and solid wood flooring. There are many different types of installation available. Therefore, after getting your old surface ready, you should ask yourself how much experience you have had with installing floors.

Home Door Books

A Guide To Handyman

A handyman is a person who has a lot of skills that you may not even imagine. Most people cannot do all the jobs required for maintaining a house. We always look for some people who will do these little chores for us. For example, we look for a person to fix the shower or repair a broken cabinet. Little tasks like these will be on the list that we have on the door of the refrigerator. You may not have the time to do such small work or you may not know how to fix them. In such circumstances, the handyman is the right person to just do that.

A handyman is competent and proficient enough to do those odd small jobs for you. Without him, you will find it difficult to maintain your house or your garden. Nowadays you hire a handyman through organized services that are available throughout the country. All you have to do is to contact a company offering such a service and request a handyman to do the task you want. When you approach a professional service you get a lot of benefits. The handyman who arrives at your home would be in proper uniform and arrives on time to do the task. Since they are company employees it is easy to track them and you get satisfactory service from them.

Some of the areas in which a handyman can work are maintenance of doors and fences, cleaning of gutters, maintenance of tubs and showers, and locks & deadlocks. Repairing the walls, decks, siding, grout and tiles can also be done. Odd jobs like pressure washing, weatherproofing, tile work, and some carpentry works can also be done through these professional handyman services. All you have to do is to call the company and tell the task that you want to be done. They would give you an estimate and you can request for the service. Payment can be made through cash, check or credit card after the work is completed.

Handyman provides detailed information on Handyman, Handyman Services, Starting A Handyman Business, Handyman Tips and more. Handyman is affiliated with Home Remodeling.

Home Buying Books

Builders Using Green Building Techniques in New Homes

More and more NH builders are using energy saving building techniques in Southern New Hampshire., offering some of the latest technology in heating and cooling homes. The term green construction is becoming more common as energy costs soar across the nation.

There has been a lot of interest in Geothermal technology which takes advantage of the relatively stable temperature of the earth to help heat and cool your home. A series of pipes, called a loop, is installed underground. A water solution is circulated through this loop where it picks up heat from the earth. This heat is brought back to a heat pump in the home and from there it is circulated through duct work to heat your home. In the summer months this process is reversed so that heat is extracted from the home and deposited back into the earth. According to the PSNH website, actual operating costs average 48 cents per square foot per year for heat, hot water, and A/C. Even though the systems are costly, the advantages are obviously reduced operating costs, lower maintenance, its cleaner than burning oil, wood, gas or coal and you should look into Energystar and power company incentives.

Other energy savings and eco friendly techniques that are embraced in New Hampshire are solar and passive solar technologies. There are simple and subtle changes that can be made with new construction, without installing solar panels, such as orienting the house to be facing South and installing lots of insulated triple pane glass; we see sunrooms with tile floors that open up to main living spaces, separated by doors to cut down heat loss at night, but open them up and let the sunshine and warmth flood in during the day. Builders and property owners have not embraced wind technology in NH at this point.

With the high price of energy and New Hampshire's cold Winter climate, alternative energy sources are becoming more and more popular. This year we have seen a resurgence of "clean coal" that is marketed as washed and is not the messy dusty coal of the past. It is marketed with clean burning coal stoves.

Tax Credits are Still Available

The Emergency Economic Stabilization Act of 2008 extended tax credits for energy efficient home improvements (windows, doors, roofs, insulation, HVAC, and non-solar water heaters). Tax credits for these residential products, which had expired at the end of 2007, will now be available for improvements made during 2009. However, improvements made during 2008 are not eligible for a tax credit. The bill also extended tax credits for solar energy systems, wind energy and fuel cells to 2016. New tax credits were established for small wind energy systems and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles. Tax credits for builders of new energy efficient homes and tax deductions for owners and designers of energy efficient commercial buildings were also extended. We suggest you research these credits to be sure they apply to your project, prior to getting started.

If you are looking for a new home incorporating the latest energy saving construction techniques, NH new homes we have projects currently in Milford, Merrimack and Mont Vernon and expect to offer more in neighboring communities as well in the near future.

For more information on NH Green Building.

Rene Brin

Stacked Rock Planter

Act on C02

I calculated my carbon footprint and I was surprised. Am I really above average for my CO2 emissions? After reading careful advice and switching my habits my footprint shrunk and over time I have become increasingly green. We are being told more frequently that we should reduce our carbon emissions and our carbon footprints but in real terms what does this mean? There are a number of simple everyday things which you can do to combat your emissions and start living a greener life. Switching off your electrical goods from standby, switching off lights when you are not in the room and buying energy efficient appliances are just some of the contributing factors we can easily change.

When buying new appliances it should be at the forefront of your mind to buy one with a better energy rating. Manufacturers have caught up with consumers green demands and now nearly every appliance out there has been designed to help you act on CO2. Let's explore refrigerators. Being logical, these appliances are by far one of the hardest working in your home, being used 24/7 to chill your foods, so of course you need to consider the environment when making this type of purchase. It is not just the planet which benefits, your bills will see the difference also! If everyone in the UK were to switch to more energy efficient appliances then the saving would be in the region of 800 million, so just imagine if we all played our part in achieving that! Also, entertainment equipment switched from standby to off will save 37* a year, energy is frequently wasted though people leaving equipment on stand by. Remember to unplug chargers, this can be a real waste of energy and is a simple task which we all can remember to do.

The government is well aware that carbon emissions are an increasing concern, which is why we are all being encouraged to act on CO2. An energy rating is awarded to appliances on the scale A-G. A being the most efficient, G being the least, G rated appliances are rarely seen now. Refrigerators can be awarded up to an A+ energy rating, most shoppers now as well as having dimensions, colour and style in mind when choosing a new refrigerator, head straight for A and A+ rated models. We are all so aware of the impact we are having on the environment that it makes perfect sense to start with the items we use everyday and like I mentioned before, fridges don't take a break! An A+ or A rated washing machine will save around 35kg of CO2 a year compared to a less efficient model, also remember to wash full loads on an energy efficient setting as this will all help to reduce bills as well as CO2 emissions.

Apart from choosing a more energy efficient model there are other elements to consider when looking to act on CO2. You should only open your fridge when necessary and remember that keeping it open for a longer period of time will waste energy. A fuller fridge is a happy fridge, the more you have stored inside the appliance the less energy will be required to keep the fridge cool. It is not only washing machines and fridges which benefit from being fuller, if you fill your dishwasher as much as you can before you start a cycle this will help reduce CO2, in addition to this - always run a cycle on a more energy efficient setting. Make sure you defrost your fridge regularly, this prevents build up of any ice and will mean your refrigerator is running more efficiently - look out for refrigerators which have an auto defrost feature saving you time and energy.

Here is another energy saving tip. When your television first arrives at your house the settings for brightness and contrast are always really bright, this is for showroom purposes - not living room. Therefore, turn the brightness down and you can save up to 15%** energy. Quite a lot for just adjusting a simple setting! Believe it or not this will improve picture quality and make viewing your television more enjoyable. Alternatively, you could switch off the TV altogether and read a book, play a game or try something different - have fun while reducing that footprint!

Another fact which should be thought about. Nearly 25%** of car journeys are less then 2 miles in distance and cars consume most fuel at the start of their journey. How many times do we drive to the local shops or to our friends for a coffee? Too many times! Not only would walking reduce CO2 emissions but walking a short distance daily can start to improve fitness levels - a win win situation.

We all want to do our bit, perhaps it is best to start off small and then really get into the swing of living a greener life. So tonight when you go to bed have a look around and make sure all the red standby lights are not staring back at you. And think of your poor old fridge, it isn't contributing to reducing your emissions if the energy rating is low so make sure that you consider an investment for your future and find an efficient refrigerator which will help you to act on CO2.

References:
* energysavingtrust.co.uk
** Act on CO2

Fascia Plumb Cut Overexposedbeam

Healthy Contractor Business

Budgeting is one of the biggest pains in the neck in any business including the contractor business. But, any good successful long term contractor knows it is absolutely necessary for success. The mentioning of budgeting can make just about anyone's teeth hurt. This is especially the case with any contractor who loves his or her business because it is all about making something from your skills. Who wants to be sitting with a pencil, paper and calculator figuring out numbers? You want to be out there constructing something. Well, you can get to it right after you figure out your budget!

There are really two budgets you need to have as a contractor. Well, there are more than two but let's use the two major ones as an example. There is the yearly budget where you figure out how much it will cost to stay in business, how much you can generate in sales and how much you want to make in profit. Then there is the project by project budget which has to fit into their yearly budget at certain intervals. Each one has to be done with care with the numbers being as accurate as possible. This is important because too many times people fudge their budgets and then wonder later on why their business failed. Don't fall into that trap.

Anyone in the contractor business needs to be realistic in figuring out there yearly and project by project budgets. There is no sense in lying to yourself, be honest about what you feel you can and cannot do. A reasonable and conservative budget can always be adjusted later on if things go right. But, a sloppy and over optimistic budget can cause some serious financial damage to your company. Every contractor wants to succeed but it is the ones with an obtainable really budget that get ahead. And, in this economy that it is ever more important to have a budget and live by it.

So, yeah it stinks to have to come up with a budget but it is one of the single most important things you can do for your contractor business and you will be happy you did at the end of the year and at the end of each project. Being on budget or ahead of budget feels great! Going the other way can really bring you down, literally. So do your homework and make a budget that works.

Josh Macmichael

http://www.contractorblab.com
http://www.contractorblabblog.com

Six Steps to a Dry Basement - Homeowner Tips

A dry basement might be its own reward. If your basement is free of leaks, condensation and cracks, it'll be more amenable to a major basement remodeling effort (and you know you've always wanted a foosball table down there). It's a safer place to store old records and clothes (your kids need something to make fun of during your old age, right?). And a dry basement is inhospitable to toxic black mold, which can eat away at porous surfaces like wood and concrete, and cause serious health problems for you and your family.

While most of us might think of the underground sections of our homes as dark, dank places suitable for the third-act climax of a bad horror movie, avoiding a wet basement is probably easier than you think. Here are a few relatively simple steps to keeping your basement dry.

Make sure your rain gutters are completely free of debris. Rain gutters that can't carry rain away from the house tend to spill rain right out near the foundation, creating puddles that can eat away at the porous concrete over time. And if gutters empty themselves from a great distance in one spot, the falling water can create a depression in the ground that speeds wear and tear on the foundation. A good basement waterproofing contractor can install a French drain - a type of drainage system that draws water away from the house. A good French drain can't guarantee a dry basement, but it'll help eliminate one of the primary causes of leaks.

Keep the ground around your foundation sloped away from it. Obviously, this isn't the simplest thing to do; if you live on a hill, you're going to have to deal with water rolling downhill toward your home. But it's easy to find depressions near the foundation and fill them, so they don't fill with water when it rains.

Keep an eye on window and door seals. If these are caulked, go around at least once every six months with a caulk gun to reinforce them. Ideally, however, they should have a more secure sealant.

Keep a dehumidifier handy. If you hang clothes to dry in the basement, humidity might be a problem - and humidity in such an enclosed space can cause condensation. Keeping a dehumidifier isn't a magic bullet, but it can help if your basement moisture is coming from condensation and not seepage. But how can you tell the difference? It's fairly easy: If you have wet basement walls, find a spot that's particularly wet. Tape a section of aluminum foil to the wall, with tape around all the edges so it's airtight. Check in on it after a day or two: If the side on the inside is dry, you've got seepage. If the outside is dry, condensation is the more likely culprit.

If your house has an outdoor spigot, make sure it doesn't leak. A dripping spigot can create a concrete-eroding puddle with hardly any effort at all. If necessary, call a plumber to fix the leak - it'll be less expensive than repairing your foundation if the problem goes on too long.

Fix leaks the minute you discover them. You'll never have a dry basement if there's a constant leak. Basement moisture can come from a variety of sources; a leak has the benefit of being relatively easy to spot. A good basement waterproofing company can examine your basement to determine the type of leak you have, and recommend the best way to fix it. Look for a basement waterproofing contractor who gives a free estimate, and don't fall for any hard-sell tactics; a quality contractor will be completely honest, and give you time to make the best decision.

Kevin Ott writes on a variety of home improvement topics, including (but not limited to) mold removal and remediation. One of his clients is Right Way Waterproofing, one of the finest basement waterproofing contractors around.

Visit Right Way here:

http://www.rightwaywaterproofing.com

Fixing Up Your Home And How To Finance It

Undertaking a home improvement project can be really expensive and thus, financing is essential. There are many financial products that can help you finance home improvements. Some are more suitable for the task than others but all of them have advantages and disadvantages.

When home improvements are necessary, the following financial solutions can provide you with the needed funds for the project depending on the amount you want: Credit cards, unsecured personal loans, mortgage loans and home equity loans. All of them (except for the credit cards) can be called home improvement loans because what defines a home improvement loan is the use that you give to the money. However, home improvement loans are usually either mortgage loans or home equity loans.

Credit Cards For Financing Home Improvements

Credit cards are undoubtedly great financial tools due to their flexibility. However, they are not particularly useful in terms of scrimping and saving. The interest rates charged by credit card issuers are significantly higher than the rates charged by lenders and thus, a $3000 home improvement project can end up costing $600 more per year. However, used in combination with other financial products like home equity loans, credit cards can provide the funds necessary for covering unexpected expenses in the project or additional improvements that may rise while the original project is on course.

Unsecured Personal Loans For Home Improvements

Unsecured personal loans are perfect for home improvements but can provide the funds for small projects only. If your home improvement plans will not be that costly, then an unsecured personal loan for home improvements may be the solution. Besides, personal loans have an advantage over secured loans: there is little to no paperwork and they are processed considerably faster due to the lack of collateral.

Mortgage Loans For Home Improvements

If your property is not securing any debt, then, you can request a home improvement mortgage loan. These loans come with the lowest rates on the market. Since you already own the property, however, the interest rate will not be as low as home loans for first time home buyers which feature subsidized rates. But the interest rate will still be significantly lower than that of any other financial product.

Home Improvement Loans Based On Equity

Last, but not means least, home equity loans are the most common form of home improvement loans. These loans are based on the equity left on your property. Thus, it does not matter if you have a mortgage balance on your property, you can still get finance for your home improvements as long as the value of the property is higher than the amount of money you owe that is secured by it.

The amount of money you can obtain will depend on your available equity. However, for home improvements, there are loan options offering up to 125% financing if you have a good credit score and history. Thus, even if you have only $10,000 left on a $100,000 property, you will be able to obtain up to $35,000 on a home improvement loan based on equity.

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Jessica Peterson writes finance articles for Yourloanservices.com where she shares her knowledge about how to get money for a starting-up business, consolidating any kind of debt, repairing a home even with a bad credit history and more.

How To Make Your Kitchen Cozy

When you shape the kitchen interior, the greatest problems are connected with drawbacks of planning and lack of space. Appropriately chosen kitchen furniture can resolve this situation, even more so that variety of models gives such an opportunity. The main thing is to imagine how your own kitchen acts out, i.e. even on the stage of planning you are to foresee conformity of all objects and their sizes. Believe us, this will greatly facilitate the whole process, up to setting the last shelf in the dresser.

So, you have already made up the list of all kitchen equipment with indication of its size. Now pay attention to technical details, such as dimensions and location of the ventilation, pipes, wiring, sockets, flexible (gas, water-supply) hoses etc. Enter all necessary stuffing in your list and you can set off for the shop to make your choice. If you are going to buy all elements of kitchen interior separately, dont forget that the standard depth of household appliances is 600 mm, so check in advance the parameters of the things you need.

The dominant is high storage cabinets for storing foodstuffs and high cabinets for storing inventory (brushes, brooms etc). It is necessary to remember that they should not break off the work surface and they should not be located on the outskirts of your kitchen field. If you prefer an inbuilt grill or oven, it is the high storage cabinet that will accommodate them without breaking the uniformity. Besides you can pick up the height of their location, so that it is convenient for you.

Now lets touch upon on-floor cabinets. They are the basis of your workspace, their height directly affects the extent of your hands fatigue after cooking food, a great amount of drawers on rollers can help simplify reaching out for any object of kitchen interior that you need at the moment. We advise that you plan the space of on-floor cabinets in such a way, that the most frequently used objects could be easily accessed (pullout rotating shelves), while the rarely used dishware can be placed on the ordinary shelves.
A detail: trays and baking sheets can be conveniently settled in the plinth case under the on-floor table, which in fact, can have any width, depending on your requirements. If the height of the on-floor cabinet (preparation table) is not convenient for you, the plinth will add several centimeters, necessary for your accommodation and will relieve your hands and back of overstrain. Important: it is extremely comfortable to work while sitting, so if you decided to bring in something new to the interior and give yourself a treat, plan a pullout shelf under one of cabinets of work surface or get a high (bar) stool.

Overhead cabinets are to be located not less than 450 mm from the work surface, it is necessary, in order to accommodate freely all used electrical appliances (a food processor, a coffee-machine, a toaster etc). The height of standard cabinets is 600 mm, perforce you can buy 900-mm cabinets. They will exactly reach the ceiling in typical flats. Even if after all this, there are some things left and there is some vacant space on top, we finish the composition by entresol shelves up to the ceiling (open or closed ones) or a cornice with inbuilt lamps. Corner wall-mounted cabinets have either open shelves, or a folding door, which makes all the contents visible; the rotating shelf is remarkable for its capacity and convenience.
The distance between the work surface and overhead cabinets is called the apron. With regard to the work surface the main thing for the apron is to be in harmony with it as to colour and texture. For instance, a glossy table top and glazed tiles, mat colour of the work surface and mat apron (covered with mat washable wallpapers or imitation of tiles).

Such attention to the image of the apron is connected with the fact that it should protect the wall from dirtying, for example, from grease that can be easily washed off. The work surface is often overloaded with objects and their abundance induces the feeling of discomfort. We will free it with the help of the apron. Lets fix the microwave oven on brackets, arrange the parade of species on the miniature shelves and place the small metal items and knives on the magnetic panel. One more nuance: the decorative nook (plinth), made of water-resistant materials, will protect the back surfaces of on-floor cabinets from ingress of moisture.

When you place standard furniture, there may be narrow gaps between separate elements or between the furniture and the wall. Use them put a narrow shelf or a table in this gap. For example, a movable table will increase the active surface and will be used as a serving table.
A narrow socle will prove useful for storing preparation plates, towels, bottles. Select the same materials for these inbuilt constructions as those used for main furniture. Kitchen furniture made from natural hard wood (oak, cherry, beech, nut-tree) and work surface from granite and marble look impressive and respectable.

Ultramodern directions of finishing are represented by metal surfaces (stainless steel, aluminum) and heat-resistant glass. Inexpensive surfaces can be made of laminated plastic, ceramic tiles, plastic. All these materials are rather practical and differ in the ways of installation and operation: laminated plastics is deformed by high temperatures, the tiles can crack as a result of unsuccessful landing of a heavy pan, plastic is vulnerable to scratches, but in contrast to laminated plastic it withstands high temperature almost without deformation. No kitchen can do without silent assistants, such as a gas cooker, refrigerator, sink. Selection of equipment depends only on you. When the kitchen is small, the equipment and sink are to be compact.

There are sinks of various shapes and dimensions; in our opinion, it is better to select a round sink made from stainless steel. It is smaller than the square one, yet everyone, who has ever used a round sink, will agree that it is more convenient for washing and cleaning, and besides it has a more aesthetic look.
It is very convenient, if the sink has additional ribbed trays for drying dishware, the water then does not spill on the surface of the table top and gradually trickles down to the sink. There are models, where the sink is combined with a drying apparatus, but if you have a dishwasher, you can do without a drying apparatus. Instead, choose a sink with two additional compartments for wetting cutlery and rinsing washed dishware. The drawback of the combined multisection sink is that it takes up too much space. If you have some room, buy a wider 800-mm table top instead of a standard 600-mm one. Then the part of the table top that adjoins the wall can be lifted for 15-20 mm and you will have a convenient shelf. Besides under the table top you can have a special cavity 20 cm deep that will allow you to conceal drainage equipment. As a result, we get additional space under the sink, where you can put a dishwasher and arrange shelves for cleaners on the remaining space.

The main principle of placing the sink is convenience. It should not be located far from the gas cooker and be connected with it via a common work surface. If the kitchen is small and you planned it as a single line (please refer to the previous article), place the sink in the center, and refrigerator and the gas cooker on each side. A sink in the corner looks good in a big kitchen. The main advantage is economy of space. It is possible to plan a kitchen island; in this case the sink perfectly fits into the center of the composition.
One more must of the kitchen interior is the gas cooker. Modern cookers with burners and an oven have the same height as the furniture, that is why there are no problems with breaking off the sole horizontal work surface. Nevertheless, if the cooker does not match this parameter, it is preferable to choose models with a flap that closes the burners, when food has been cooked.

Inbuilt kitchen equipment is more expensive, yet more convenient. You can use any combination of equipment at your discretion. This principle is called domino. The basic modules are gas and electric burners, an oven, a cooking panel. Delicatessen-lovers will install a grill, a deep-fryer, a steamer, a brazier. You are absolutely free in the flight of your fancy and can endlessly enrich your arsenal of kitchen innovations. Work with inbuilt models is practical, because you use minimum dishware and have maximum pleasure from cooking. Also important is the fact that cooker hoods are inbuilt as well, they absorb smoke and soot in the horizontal, but not vertical direction. A substantial drawback that prevents many people from buying inbuilt equipment is its high price.

A small fridge, as well as the washing machine, can be put under the work surface. If you need a big fridge, dont forget about the law of non-breaking off the work surface, when you place it.
So, you have taken care about all kitchen components, and in conclusion add to the interior some personal charm, because its face should reflect the traits of your personality.

Your imagination will prompt what elements of dcor are relevant in your interior, these can be flowers, paintings, porcelain collections or just cute trifles. The designers of the best repair and construction companies will help you orientate in the endless variety of kitchen furniture and household appliances. With their help your kitchen will be not only convenient and cozy, but will also become a unique reflection of your personality.

Arthur Prudent is a developer of London builders: kitchen, bathroom renovation - web site offering all aspects of builders services. Find Home Improvement articles at "Useful Tips"