Home DIY

DIY Home Design Tips Videos

2011-08-20T23:45:00.000-07:00

BBC DESIGN RULES 1st EPISODE: SPACE AND PLANNING

Laurence Llewelyn-Bowen gets appropriate bottomward to the basics of architecture in this alluring back-to-basics series. He tackles absolute problems in absolute homes as he explores six themes: space, colour, light, arrangement and pattern, antithesis and order, and personality. In accession to his own all-embracing ability of architecture principles, Laurence calls on a colour forecaster, psychologists and a acumen specialist to explain and authenticate the science abaft the how and the why.

BBC DESIGN RULES 2nd EPISODE: COLOUR

BBC DESIGN RULES 3rd EPISODE: LIGHT

BBC DESIGN RULES 4th EPISODE: TEXTURE AND PATTERN

BBC DESIGN RULES 5th EPISODE: BALANCE AND ORDER

BBC DESIGN RULES 6th EPISODE: PERSONALITY

Video: How to organize plastic bags

2009-12-31T03:00:00.000-08:00

Your plastic bags are always in a mess? Would you like to organize them so that they culd be left in nice order until you use them as a trash bag? Here is a video how to organize your plastic bags:

Do It Yourself Solar Battery Charger Video

2009-12-31T02:55:00.000-08:00

Incredible way to make a Solar Battery Charger

DIY: Decoupage on a Ceramic Tile

2009-12-31T02:37:00.000-08:00

Decoupage is a perfect technique to decorate your home almost for free. Watch this video and learn how to make a decoupage on a ceramic tile:

Items used:
1. 6x6 Tile from Home Depot
2. Two pieces of scrapbook paper (any design you would like) cut down to fit on tile
3. a 4x6 original picture on photo paper (using a copy picture from your printer will not work)
4. a foam brush
5. modpodge (walmart or any craft store)
6. wax paper to protect your surface
(source kaboom989)

Ceramic Tiles - How to Make a Hole in a Ceramic Tile

2009-08-28T08:10:00.000-07:00

Quite often when tiling around plumbing such as in a shower or sink area it becomes necessary to make a hole in a ceramic tile to accommodate a pipe.
This might sound tricky but don't worry this article is an easy to follow guide on how to achieve this neatly and quickly.
Take the tile to be cut and place it against the pipe first from the side and then from below. On both occasions marking the tile with a mark that is in line with the centre of the pipe.
You then lay the tile carefully on a flat surface, take a steel rule and extend your two marks right across the surface of the tile. This creates two lines that intersect each other at the point where you need to create your hole.
The next step is to draw a shape of the hole. This can be done quite easily by either tracing round an off cut of pipe or a coin. Obviously it is important to ensure that whatever you draw around is the same size and diameter as the pipe on your wall.
Once you have done this you cut the tile in two along one of the straight lines you drew on the tile at the outset using your tile cutter (I prefer to always cut a tile vertically but you may need to cut it horizontally to accommodate your pipe).
Taking a tile marker you then score along the outline of the resulting semi-circles marked on each tile half. Be sure to penetrate the glaze and to score as deep as you can. Then take a tile nibbler and remove the part of the tile that forms your hole.
Finally you fit the two pieces together around the pipe and grout. I also normally apply some silicone sealant at this point to protect the surface with a water tight finish.
That is it you have successfully created a hole in a tile and fitted it around a pipe. All the tools mentioned in this piece can be purchased from a discount ceramic tile supplier along with your tiles.

Author - Jessica Hannah writes widely on a number of lifestyle topics including entertainment, health, nutrition, design and gadgets.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jessica_Hannah

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DIY Ozonator Video

2009-08-14T23:15:00.000-07:00

""Home made Ozonator by Daniel Vincent Kelley.

Ozone is O3 or triatomic Oxygen. The fresh smell in the air after an intense thunder storm is ozone generated by the lightning. Most disease is anerobic, or nonoxygen breathers. Microbiology disease lifeforms have too thin a membrane to endure much oxygen. This is why it's said the AIDS virus dies on contact with the air.

Ozone can be used against disease by infusing it in water or oil which is then consumed by the afflicted. An ozonator as such uses a pump to move the ozone from a containment unit into the liquid to be ozonated. The ozonator I built is for ozonating the air which is useful for killing mold in a home, or enhancing air quality. Breathing ozone cleans your lungs. As with all things, moderation is key, as there is a level at which ozone does become too potent and will sting your lungs. There are doctors, oxidative medical specialists, who use ozone in hyperbaric chambers to cure cancer and AIDS.

I made this ozonator using 1 fan I bought from target, approximately $50, 2 rolls of copper mesh from amazon.com $30, 1 transformer from a neon light attained from craigslist $20 and a window I got for free from craigslist.org. So for a total of $100, I made a highly functional ozonator. Most ozonators I found while shopping around for ozonators cost more than $400. " (danielvincentkelley)

A Guide to Great Britain For Travellers

Video: How to Replace Ceiling Tiles

2009-08-14T23:09:00.000-07:00

Ceiling tiles are looking up! Replacing the old ceiling tiles in your drop ceiling is easier than ever, and it's a great DIY, home improvement, or office makeover project. A simple ceiling tile replacement will make your suspended t-bar ceiling look better than new! See over 30 different ceiling tile styles in several beautiful colors at http://www.ceilume.com today!

Panama Guide

Bamboo Fountain Design - 7 Easy Steps to Build Your Own Bamboo Fountain in Less Than 30 Minutes

2009-08-09T22:08:00.001-07:00

Did it ever cross your mind that anyone can make a bamboo fountain on his own? Bamboo fountains are environmental friendly, aside from that they can be installed either indoors or outdoors. A fountain adds charm, and a refreshing and relaxing atmosphere to your garden and home.
Let's try this out! You have to consider first the type and style of the fountain you want before buying the materials. More likely you have some of them if not all in your storage room lazily lying around for quite some time. Well you better start collecting the following materials listed here and do it yourself before going for that purchase.
Bamboo
Wood screws
Pump
Container
A base
Drill machine
Rod
Screw driver
Hose pipe
If you prefer an outdoor fountain, consider a good quality of bamboo that will stand the test of extreme weather conditions. Polishing the bamboo will also make it prettier and increase its lifespan.
There are two parts to creating your own bamboo fountain in less than 30 minutes. The first part (steps 1 - 3) is about creating the parts, and the second part (steps 4 - 7) is about assembling these parts. Both these parts fit in 7 easy steps as described below.
Cut the bamboo sticks to the required length. (We will need 3 big bamboo sticks, one will hold the nozzle and the other two will hold the moving part of the bamboo fountain. The moving part of the fountain collects the water and empties it as the weight of the collected water increases.
Drill a hole in the center of the two big bamboo sticks and in the center of the moving part too.
Assemble these 3 big bamboo sticks in such a way to make a pivot type of arrangement.
Pass the pipe through the bamboo (this pipe ends at the top where there is a nozzle made of bamboo.
Mount all these on the base using the screws in such a way that the water coming out of the nozzle falls inside of the moving part of the fountain.
Place the arrangement inside the container with the pump positioned below the base. You can be creative enough to hide the base by using decorative stones or rocks.
Fill the container with water and plug your pump to your power source and there you have it!
Your fountain is now alive! Make note that your bamboo fountain is easy to maintain and regular maintenance will make your place attractive for a long period of time. Not everyone is a DIY fan, so instead of making your own bamboo fountain, if you just decide to buy a fountain, here are some of the tips you should consider before making that decision
What kind of fountain do you want? - (table top, floor standing, or wall fountain).
Your space - you should be aware of the space (indoor or outdoor or whatever your preference maybe).
Consider your budget - it is always wise to know your capacity to pay before making a purchase. The craftsmanship, value and complexity determine the price of the commodity.
Amy C. offers expert fountain advise and tips on how to design your own Bamboo Tabletop Fountain
She is a fountain expert at http://www.TabletopFountainStore.com
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Amy_C.

Can You Really Make Your Own Solar Panels? Careful! This May Be Dangerous 'Facts Exposed'

2009-08-09T22:07:00.001-07:00

To make your own solar panels is a feasible task. However, it is not an easy one if you have no familiarity with electricity or electronics.
The process involved in building your own solar panel can be quite difficult for a novice. You can, however, make your own solar panels by following specific steps that are outlined in a good set of instructions. The benefit, of course, is a reduction o total elimination of your energy bill.
The materials for the solar panel will run you around $185.00, if you know to where to shop for the correct parts and the best deals. Tools, readily available at any hardware store, will be necessary. These include screwdrivers, a set of pliers, and a DC Meter among other basics tools.
Caution must be used, because you are working with electricity. Unless you are equipped with good instructions on how to work with solar power to gather and store energy, you should not proceed. Not just any article on how to make your own solar panels will do. It is a bit more complicated than that.
These words are not meant to alarm you, but only to impress upon you that knowledge is power. You can indeed make your own solar panels, but starting the project armed with good and reliable facts is a must. Not being fully prepared will cost you time, money, and energy.
Getting the information you need to make your own solar panels will not be free. You can not achieve this goal by using free information or free videos. It will require much more than that. This project is a very serious undertaking, but you can and will complete it, like so many others have, if you obtain the right information.
Building solar panels or windmills (wind turbines) to create green energy for your home can be a very gratifying and rewarding experience, and you can be on your way to be energy free in no time, however, be very careful when you pick an expert or guide to follow since your success of failure may well depend in the information you use to accomplice your goal.
Also, always download a course or package that offers you free Tech Support. It will be a lot easier for you to do this task if you have an expert willing to answer any question you may have along the way. It will be a more enjoyable experience as well.
Gianny Robers is an Electrical Engineer Graduate. He is an Editor for Solar-Wind Energy Review; a site dedicated to provide people with solid information on How To Make Solar Panels and Wind Turbines to generate their own power. His Team has researched, reviewed and tested hundreds of guides on How To Make A Solar Panel and Windmills. To learn more visit: Solar-WindEnergy.info Make Your Own Solar Panels.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Gianny_Roberts

DIY Jewelry Organization

2009-08-09T08:09:00.000-07:00

Most people have a ton of jewelry and accessories; the trick is how to organize. This week we make a DIY earring screen and display it in vintage pieces. We also reveal who won the Tool Box Contest and show you a tutorial of their winning project.

DIY Pillows Video

2009-08-09T08:01:00.000-07:00

Decorative DIY Pillows Video to teach you to create beautiful things for your sweet home with your own hands:

D I Y Crack Repair Video

2009-06-08T08:23:00.000-07:00

Applied Technologies D I Y Crack Repair Kit

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Step by Step Guide to Fixing Broken Wood Screws & Stripped Heads - DIY Construction

2009-05-26T08:07:00.000-07:00

There is one of many major mistakes that novice and/or impatient do it your selfer's make. That's forgetting to make the hole for the screw. Cutting corners time wise can lead to a whole lot more work. Fortunately, in this circumstance though this is fixable.

If you are putting your screws, into something like softwood and you are using drywall or decking screws, which you can sometimes get away with, but if they break then you are going to have a problem on your hands. If you are not really adept at using an electric drill to insert your screws, you need to be careful at what you are doing. For example if you just happen to angle that drill a little to the side the wrong way then you will most likely strip the head of the screw. So now what? Well there is a solution.

If you are having a good day and this happens hopefully, it's above the surface that you were screwing into. Then it is easily enough rectified by using a pair or vice grips to grab the end of the screw and wind it out of the hold. If on the other hand it has broken beneath the surface chances are you would be better to just leave it there. Patch over the hole and start a new hole in a fresh spot.

If you have no choice but to remove the screw then there are few things you can do. If you have done this in the past then you may have discovered after you went to great lengths to fix it that you can actually buy a broken screw extractor at the hardware store just for this reason. Let's face it there really isn't much you can't buy nowadays is there. This handy little gadget is just a little metal tube that teeth have been cut out of in one end. You just have to attach the extractor into the drill. Then what it will do is take a core sample from around the broken screw.

Then you glue a wood dowel into place and simple put in a new screw over the repair.

Perhaps if you really haven't got the time or energy to run out to the hardware store for an extractor then you can do the repair the old-fashioned way. Just cut around the screw until you are able to grab the head of it with a pair of pliers. Then one you have removed the broken screw you need to repair the damage you created when digging it out. Just drill this area out and insert a plug according to the size of the hole.

If it's a hinge screw that broke then you can simply epoxy the head into the hole.

In the end, though the best fix is the preventative one. Learn how to drill and insert your screws correctly and take your time. You will find in the end that you have saved yourself a whole of time by not having to do the repairs.

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IKEA DIY day

2009-05-11T20:22:00.000-07:00

Another time lapse movie. The making of this wardrobe is one of the plenty GTD's in our new home. Making these video's makes it more fun!

DIY Plastic Recycling

2009-05-11T20:20:00.000-07:00

diy your own designer art

2009-05-11T20:16:00.000-07:00

This Step By Step Interior design Art DVD teaches you how easy it really is to create your own professional quality artwork in any size you like to suit your home decorating, using your left over house paints and Artist Acrylics. Check out our website at www.artfusionproductions.com.au
There you will learn the secrets from Interior Design Artist Glenn Farquhar of how he creates Artworks he creates for Interior Designers prodjects across the country

DIY Your Own Barn With Barn Kits

2009-05-11T09:48:00.000-07:00

Barn kits are the perfect solution for adding a space on your property to shelter horses and tackle, snowmobiles and other ATVs or to create a workshop to start that business from home you've always dreamed about. Or maybe your dream about a barn home - Barn home kits are perfect if you like the look of a log cabin but prefer a finished interior.

Sometimes the hardest part of any project is knowing how and where to go to get started. Knowing where to access resources is a good place to begin in order to research an investment such as a barn project. Using a kit is an easy way to erect a building without trying to develop a material list hoping you purchase every last item from the framing materials down to the screws, nuts and bolts, or nails.

Farm building kits are complete structures that are all inclusive; including instructions on how to build your barn. Pole barns have come along way from back in the day when farmers would clear their pastures and use the rough cut trees to build the barn. Shed kits are readily available by simply placing an order for the kit that you select.

Some of these kits have open designs that are perfect to park campers, boats, planes, and other large vehicles under. Others are complete with walls and in some cases partitions or stalls that are perfect for protecting horses, cows, and other farm animals. Maybe you want to start a business refinishing antiques or a body repair shop and you need different bays to have your business work more efficiently: a barn kit that includes office space and wall partitions would be perfect in achieving that work from home business.

Barn home kits are becoming more preferred by people who like the rustic look of a log cabin and the comforts of a finished interior. They have the look and feel of a log cabin without the chinking or joint material you would typically find in a log home. They are more manicured, yet lend themselves to being the perfect mountain getaway or the home you want to raise your children in. Most outbuilding kits include all of the wood material including the exposed beams, siding, and stairs as well as the dormers and porches (when applicable in the design).

Whether you are looking to add to your existing home or build anew, a storage building kit can be the answer to creating that warm "homey" feeling you want to have at the end of the day.

There are some amazing Arrow barn kits that can make your dreams come true in a short time. Come see if there is a one that talks to your heart!

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Florin_Ciobanu

DIY Plastering Tutorials For The Beginners

2009-05-11T09:45:00.000-07:00

For this article we will concentrate on applying plaster to a well sealed & prepared wall. There is a set pattern that you follow for applying plaster onto a wall, follow this and you should find your plaster application runs quite smoothly.

1: First off, decide which hand you will hold your plastering trowel in.

2: If for instance you are right handed, face directly at the wall to be Plastered, then look up towards the far left hand corner nearest the ceiling, & this is where you will start to apply your first strokes of plaster.

Basically, if you could imagine that the whole of your wall area is split up into four equal sections which we will call: A, B, C & D.

A is the top to middle left hand section of the wall.

B is the top to middle right hand section of the wall.

C is the bottom left hand section of the wall.

D is the bottom right hand section of the wall.

3: Apply plaster to the first section (A; the far left corner nearest the ceiling) once plaster is applied there.

4: Move over & onto the next section (B; across towards the far right hand corner nearest the ceiling) & that will be your first two sections covered.

5: Next, move onto the lower left hand corner of your wall, C; and apply your plaster there, overlapping slightly onto the first section that you have already covered.

6: Finally moving across & onto the final section (D; the far right hand lower corner of the wall.)

By now, your whole wall should be coated in the first coat of plaster.

To recap, apply plaster to the first section of your wall, once completed, carry on applying strokes of plaster as you move towards the next section of the wall. But do remember that each stroke of plaster applied must overlap slightly onto the the last stroke of Plaster that you have already just applied, that is to say, once you have applied a section of Plaster onto your wall, don't move right off the spot over to another area of the wall to apply again, instead, keep each stroke of plaster right next to, and overlap slightly, the last one as you move along your wall.

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Budget DIY Laminate Flooring

2009-04-23T00:00:00.000-07:00

Laminate flooring has come a long way in the last five years. There are more varieties, colors and grades than you can imagine. Not only is it more reasonable than hardwood, but it's so easy to install that the average do-it-yourselfer can take it on. The result is a high quality floor that looks almost like wood, and if installed correctly, supports a hefty warranty period. Some brands warranty their laminates for over 25 years.

Here are the steps for installing the Torlys Quick-Step flooring and some of the details you need to be aware of that apply to most laminate flooring.

Place the boxes of flooring in your home and allow 24 to 48 hours to climatize before installation. If installing in a new home, you may want to run a dehumidifier for one week prior to installation. The humidity should be approximately 40 to 60 percent.

Thoroughly clean and level the sub floor using self-leveling concrete for anything more than 1/12" per 39 1/2".

The flooring basically floats, but it requires a 3/8" expansion gap around the outside of the room or any fixed objects. If your baseboard will not cover the gap you can either add quarter round trim or undercut the drywall and slide the laminate under the wall.

When laying over concrete floor, it's important to determine whether you have a moisture problem. Tape pieces of clear polyethylene plastic in several places on the floor, leave for 24 hours and check whether condensation has formed. Any extensive water build-up or leakage need to be fixed before laying the floor.

Before placing the laminate, start with a 2-mm layer of underlay of antimicrobial foam with attached self-sealing moisture barrier which provides sound absorption and warmth. The underlay is placed in the same direction as the planks. Generally, these are run parallel to the flow of natural light or to the longest wall.

Overlap the underlay about 4" up the wall to create a vapor barrier. In doorways or cut ends, seal with damp-proof or tuck tape. When attaching one row to another, pull back the foam, removing tape on adhesive strip and replace foam to form a continuous vapor barrier.

Lay down a test row of laminate planks, ensuring the last plank will not be less than 8". For the first row, begin in the corner and move left to right keeping the groove in front of you. This small step will make the rest of your job easier.

When you're ready to begin, open several boxes and choose packs randomly from different packs, inspecting each before laying.

Saw off the tongue off the long side of the first row of planks (and the short side of the corner board), so they will fit nicely against the outer edge and create the 3/8" expansion gap. Don't cut your last plank until all the pieces in the first row are clicked in place.

Uses the wedges provided by the manufacturer to create your expansion gap for the outer perimeter. When starting the second row, it should be smaller than the first piece you used in the previous row, but no less than 8". This will stagger the joints as you go along. Click the board into place by angling it slightly, insert tongue into groove, and rock it into place. Click in a scrap at the joints to keep both planks level, and using the tapping block, lightly tap into place.

When installing the last plank in the row, use the board puller to securely attach the plank.

Apply molding to finish off the edges in the doorway, still allowing for an expansion gap. Use T-molding to transition between two types of flooring and snap into place.

Supplies:

laminate flooring
foam underlay
tuck tape
utility knife
table saw
wedges (provided by manufacturer)
tapping block (provided by manufacturer)
board puller (provided by manufacturer)

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Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Mike_Askins

Tips DIY Painting

2009-04-22T23:54:00.001-07:00

Getting the surface ready

The first thing to do before you start painting a room and probably the most important thing is to get the surfaces ready for painting. Not preparing the surfaces properly is probably the most common paint failure problem.

The first thing obviously is before you start put your drop sheets down. And cover all your furniture.

Next thoroughly wipe down the room from cobwebs and large collections of dust anywhere.

Then, sand down anything that is shiny so the paint will stick to it. Shiny paint as a rule will not let latex paint stick to it very well.

Check the room out for any flaking paint, cracks or holes. If you have wallpaper on the room that you want to remove you should remove it now, and then check what was behind the wallpaper on the wall again for cracks or holes.

Then you have to plaster up these cracks or holes with some sandable patching compound. Make sure that you buy definitely a soft sanding dry mix compound. These compounds you mix by hand in a trough to a thinner than dough consistency but not too wet otherwise it will sag and fallout of the hole.

After the compound has dried, it's time to sand it smooth to the rest of the wall. But be careful not to stand a crater into the repair, I usually use a flat pad for sanding. If you try to sand by hand these spots you might end up with a dimple.

Next what I do if I'm trying to do a very nice job and I know I will be placing some lighting into the room I should be aware that this lighting might cast shadows on the defective walls. Usually the way I prevent lighting from emphasizing bad detail on the walls is to go around the room with a portable handheld trouble lamp. Hold the trouble lamp to the wall by few inches, the shadow it casts on the wall looking ahead of the light will show you all the little defects on the wall. What I suggest to do is mark all these spots while shining a light on them so you will be able to identify them later without the light. Now you will be able to do your final finishing repairs to get your walls perfectly smooth.

Written by Vic Nagy owner of Hollywood Painting since 1979 This is the first of a series of articles I will be writing on DIY painting projects. You will be able to find me at: http://www.hollywoodpainting.com/

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Vic_Nagy

Simple Tips to Improving Your Home Without Spending a Fortune

2009-04-22T23:49:00.000-07:00

Has it ever occurred to you that your home is a mess or that it is too small or cramped? Sometimes it is tough to face the truth but you decide that you should finally take action to make your home look and feel better. Make your home your castle. It doesn't matter if your home was custom built or purchased from a previous home owner, make it your own and a place you are proud to live. Following are a few home improvement tips.

Do It Yourself (DIY) Home Improvement. When your home needs a makeover or an improvement of sorts, most people think that calling a professional handyman or contractor to do the job is the only solution. This isn't true because there are a lot of home improvements that you can do yourself. One of the advantages of doing home improvement yourself is that you can save time and money doing the project rather than hiring a contractor who might take longer to finish the project and may charge more than you want to invest.

Start by taking an honest assessment or your home and what it will take to improve it. Sometimes it is as simple as a fresh coat of paint, other times you might have to consider replacing flooring or other slightly more complex improvements.

Here are some simple tips for do it yourself home improvements:

* Painting - a fresh coat of paint in some up-to-date colors can produce a huge improvement for relatively little investment of time and money. Get creative. Use a wallpaper border at waist level with complimentary colors above and below. New textured painting, painting two walls in a bold color and use of stencils can add a lot to a room.
* Flooring - Today a tour of your local home improvement center, such as Lowe's or Home Depot will reveal a multitude of flooring options for DIY home improvement. These home improvement centers frequently offer seminars on how to apply these flooring alternatives yourself.
* Lighting - Changing out old, outdated light fixtures is another way of having impact with a small investment of time and money. When you consider this always look at adding light to a room - brighter rooms give a perception of larger space.
* Window Coverings - Updating the window covering in your rooms is yet another do it yourself home improvement that is an easy and quick way to perk up the looks and feel of your home.

Before considering tearing out walls or lifting the roof, stop, take a look around and see if the simple do it yourself home improvement tips above can make a big difference in your home.

See our blog at 2 LEFT THUMBS for hints and tips on home improvement, remodeling, decorating and maintenance. We also have articles on home decorating, home remodeling, home maintenance and home improvement at 2 LEFT THUMBS DECORATING

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Gregory_Morneau

Ladder Safety

2009-04-22T23:48:00.000-07:00

Most homeowners and do-it-yourselfers have and use a ladder with some frequency and all year round. There always seems to be something around the house that needs your attention and a ladder to reach it. House repairs, yard maintenance, cleaning the gutter, a new coat of paint or change that bulb, somebody is going to reach for the ladder. Ladders are really useful but can be very dangerous. Most ladders are covered with so many warnings and disclaimers that you can barely see the ladder itself. With good reason as more than half a million people are treated annually for injuries related to ladder use.

Since a parachute or sky hook seem out of the question, some basic safety precautions could make a big difference in surviving your chores. Inspect your ladder for loose screws, cracked steps, or old malfunctioning hinges. Inspection and cleaning off mud or chemicals after each use should be a regular routine. Storing the ladder in a safe place out of the weather will help prolong the life and performance of the ladder as well.

Many injuries occur due to improper set up and use of the ladder. Always place the ladder as close as possible to the work and on even firm ground or flooring. Be mindful to avoid soft or uneven ground and flooring. Once you're up the ladder the added weight can cause severe tilt and instability. Check the footing and be sure the hinges are fully extended and locked before you start up the ladder. Stepping up one or two steps and checking for stability before proceeding could save you from skydiving! Do not use a ladder as a seat or extend beyond the typical warning areas. There are different ladders for specialized jobs. When you are on the ladder or moving the ladder itself, go slowly and cautiously. Prime time for accidents are moving material or tools when atop the ladder or moving the ladder itself. Be aware of your surroundings and co-workers before making the move.

Never over reach when on the ladder no matter how inconvenient it may seem to get down and reposition the ladder closer to the work. Getting help to steady the ladder while climbing or working may be necessary. Don't be shy or hurried about asking for help. A few thoughtful steps when using the ladder will keep your feet safely and firmly planted on the ground.

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We're available extended hours by appointment or walk-in, which ever works best for you. Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Bruce_Kaler_M.D

how to relocate a swing and putting it back together

2009-04-22T23:42:00.000-07:00

On Today's Episode of Home Improvement, Darrell and Special Guest Derek Sailors shows you how to relocate a swing and putting it back together.

DIY Hover Shoes

2009-04-09T06:54:00.000-07:00

How to Build Hover Shoes which will allow you to "float" over any predominantly metal base. Watch the video:

DIY Tiling Video

2009-04-09T05:35:00.001-07:00

How to tile your kitchen wall easily:

Cheap and Effective Solar Hot Water

2009-04-04T03:12:00.000-07:00

This video demonstrates the installation of a not expensive and effective solar hot water:

Bathroom Faucet Replacement DIY Video Advice

2009-04-04T01:23:00.000-07:00

Install yourself a stylish faucet

DIY Decor Tips

2009-04-04T01:12:00.000-07:00

Decorate your space, your living room, using these DIY decoration video tips:

Watch the video:

How to Build an Earth Bag Home

2009-03-01T05:13:00.000-08:00

As consumers, and especially as Americans, we are brought up to believe that "bigger is better." Now, with all the news about global warming and air pollution, it is time to redo our thinking. I find it hard to believe that a couple needs a 3 to 4,000 square foot home to live in. It is impractical, uses a great deal of energy, and uses resources above and beyond what our needs really are. There is a movement today to move back more closely to the earth, and to use renewable resources and resources readily available for building homes. Recent studies and experiments have proven that an earthbag home is environmentally friendly, energy efficient, and is built from local - and readily available - resources. This article will discuss earthbag homes, how they are built, and their advantages and disadvantages. As consumers, and especially as Americans, we are brought up to believe that "bigger is better." Now, with all the news about global warming and air pollution, it is time to redo our thinking. I find it hard to believe that a couple needs a 3 to 4,000 square foot home to live in. It is impractical, uses a great deal of energy, and uses resources above and beyond what our needs really are. There is a movement today to move back more closely to the earth, and to use renewable resources and resources readily available for building homes. Recent studies and experiments have proven that an earthbag home is environmentally friendly, energy efficient, and is built from local - and readily available - resources. This article will discuss earthbag homes, how they are built, and their advantages and disadvantages.

What Is An Earthbag Home

An earthbag home is nothing more than a home built out of bags of earth, stacked in certain patterns and on a solid foundation. They utilize local resources - the ground you stand on - for building material. Anything works - sand, gravel, scoria, which is volcanic rock, rice hulls - you name it and it probably can be used. Builders of earthbag homes try not to use wood as much as possible in building their homes, because so many forests have been depleted in the logging industry. Instead, they opt to build their earthbag homes with domes, which require no wood to finish. Where wood must be used, they use wood for such things as balustrades, stairs and railings. The wood is used in its natural shape, instead of being sawn into boards.

How Are They Built?

Simply put, traditional burlap bags or polypropylene bags (stronger and don't rot) are filled with earth. The combinations and textures matter little, as long as you understand that certain materials retain moisture, such as clay. Best mixed with a percentage of sand, the bags arte filled, stapled tightly shut, and stacked to build the outside walls of the home. Because many earthbag builders don't wish to use wood in their homes, a dome is often incorporated into the design so that rafters do not need to be put in place.

Doors and windows are incorporated into the design in several ways. Sometimes, a door is framed in using lumber, but typically the builder uses arched doors and round windows, thus eliminating the need for lumber in the build out. A lot of builders use metal farm machine wheels and culvert couplings for window openings. The options are endless. Nearly every earthbag home I have seen has had round windows. The outside is usually covered with stucco, papercrete, or stabilized earthen plaster. Many times an airlock is incorporated into the design to be more energy efficient. This serves dual purpose - the main door opens onto a room that can be used to store coats and boots, and then egress is made into the interior.

How Energy Efficient Are Earth Bag Homes?

Because of the design, giving thick walls and the insulating qualities of earth, these homes are designed to make good use of passive solar heat, facing south or east, depending on location. They homes are also designed so that sunlight during the day is absorbed by the interior walls, keeping the room warm after the sun goes down. Often, the only source of energy used is either fireplaces or small propane or electric heaters in individual bedrooms. An important step here is to insure that exterior walls are properly finished so that the daily heat from the sun does not leak back out in the evening.

Are There Disadvantages?

Much thought needs to be put into the final design. Material used to fill the earth bags needs to be stable and not contain moisture. Builders will put a small mixture of Portland cement into the bags for increased stability, depending on the composition of the filler.

Some people find the design of an earthbag home to be "heavy" and have the feeling of living in a cave. The earthbag home also requires a great deal of plaster in construction to insure water integrity.

Earthbag homes are a way for people looking for an alternative to the traditional stick built home. They are earth friendly, and use materials that are readily available. If you consider building one, be sure to check local codes and work closely with local building officials. The results are very pleasing, energy efficient and is kind to the earth.

Alden Smith is an award winning author and regular contributor to DoItYourself.com. He writes on a variety of subjects, and excels in research.

What Is An Earthbag Home

An earthbag home is nothing more than a home built out of bags of earth, stacked in certain patterns and on a solid foundation. They utilize local resources - the ground you stand on - for building material. Anything works - sand, gravel, scoria, which is volcanic rock, rice hulls - you name it and it probably can be used. Builders of earthbag homes try not to use wood as much as possible in building their homes, because so many forests have been depleted in the logging industry. Instead, they opt to build their earthbag homes with domes, which require no wood to finish. Where wood must be used, they use wood for such things as balustrades, stairs and railings. The wood is used in its natural shape, instead of being sawn into boards.

How Are They Built?

Simply put, traditional burlap bags or polypropylene bags (stronger and don't rot) are filled with earth. The combinations and textures matter little, as long as you understand that certain materials retain moisture, such as clay. Best mixed with a percentage of sand, the bags arte filled, stapled tightly shut, and stacked to build the outside walls of the home. Because many earthbag builders don't wish to use wood in their homes, a dome is often incorporated into the design so that rafters do not need to be put in place.

Doors and windows are incorporated into the design in several ways. Sometimes, a door is framed in using lumber, but typically the builder uses arched doors and round windows, thus eliminating the need for lumber in the build out. A lot of builders use metal farm machine wheels and culvert couplings for window openings. The options are endless. Nearly every earthbag home I have seen has had round windows. The outside is usually covered with stucco, papercrete, or stabilized earthen plaster. Many times an airlock is incorporated into the design to be more energy efficient. This serves dual purpose - the main door opens onto a room that can be used to store coats and boots, and then egress is made into the interior.

How Energy Efficient Are Earth Bag Homes?

Because of the design, giving thick walls and the insulating qualities of earth, these homes are designed to make good use of passive solar heat, facing south or east, depending on location. They homes are also designed so that sunlight during the day is absorbed by the interior walls, keeping the room warm after the sun goes down. Often, the only source of energy used is either fireplaces or small propane or electric heaters in individual bedrooms. An important step here is to insure that exterior walls are properly finished so that the daily heat from the sun does not leak back out in the evening.

Are There Disadvantages?

Much thought needs to be put into the final design. Material used to fill the earth bags needs to be stable and not contain moisture. Builders will put a small mixture of Portland cement into the bags for increased stability, depending on the composition of the filler.

Some people find the design of an earthbag home to be "heavy" and have the feeling of living in a cave. The earthbag home also requires a great deal of plaster in construction to insure water integrity.

Earthbag homes are a way for people looking for an alternative to the traditional stick built home. They are earth friendly, and use materials that are readily available. If you consider building one, be sure to check local codes and work closely with local building officials. The results are very pleasing, energy efficient and is kind to the earth.

Alden Smith is an award winning author and regular contributor to DoItYourself.com. He writes on a variety of subjects, and excels in research. (Source)

How To Make an Aquarium

2009-02-26T07:01:00.000-08:00

From what to us in general to be engaged in independent assemblage of an aquarium? Really. After all now the aquarium can be found in any pet-shop and, of course, in the bird's market. But there are three reasons on which you dare at it.So:

1. There is no suitable copy (a suitable configuration or on a parity "price-quality").
2. It is interesting to you to check up the workshops качества\Вам interestingly порукодельничать. 3. You are going to earn additionally it.
If qualitatively to make an aquarium it has not turned out, it is not necessary to throw out. It is possible to clear and try to stick together all once again.
Now we have understood, that we want and have solved from what we will begin. The following question – what to glue and than?
We choose glass
In a glass choice it is necessary to pay attention to a grade. Grades begin with the higher М1 and come to an end with the lowest М8 (the above the grade, the is better quality). For an aquarium it is not necessary to take glass more low М3.
If you do a simple aquarium for the house, it is not necessary to subtilize with a glass material. Usual glass – an excellent choice. He can be bought in any glass workshop. The only thing, check up, that there were no impregnations, scratches and vials.
Further it is necessary to define a thickness of necessary glass, it becomes by means of special tables. But to begin with it is necessary to know dimensions of the future aquarium. The wished length, height and width of an aquarium it is selected, being guided by necessary volume of an aquarium (from calculation that the volume of a rectangular vessel is equal V = l•а•h where 1 — length, and — width, h – reservoir height).

Rigidity edges are strips of glass for strengthening of walls of an aquarium in order to avoid them прогибания under the pressure of water. They have the same thickness, as walls of an aquarium, the length equals to internal length of an aquarium, the width 2-5 see In vessels 50 sm of an edge of rigidity are longer are obligatory (though they can be pasted and in smaller aquariums). They are pasted perpendicularly obverse and to lateral glasses from outside obverse and back glass, on distance of 2-3 sm from top.Besides giving of durability presence of edges of rigidity has also other useful properties. First, it is convenient to stack integumentary glass on it, secondly, it facilitates to a resock. At length of an aquarium more than 1,5 metres in addition to rigidity edges are necessary also couplers. These are strips of glass of the same thickness and width, as a rigidity edge. They are glued to rigidity edges from below or at a bottom. The width of each coupler 3-5 see
Than it is better to stick together an aquarium? Certainly – silicone glue. Here the main thing – to be convinced that: 1. Hermetic – 100 % silicone; 2. It is suitable for aquariums. Familiarise with the information on a tube.
The most optimum variant Dow Corning checked up by experience 911.Having defined with mark, we will solve, what colour to take hermetic. Happen black, white and colourless.

* Black – with them the big clearness of borders is necessary; looks better in the big aquariums (from 100); C black the big clearness of borders is necessary
* Colourless – pasting flaws are less visible; are universal; With white hermetic pasting flaws are less visible
* White – it is necessary to co-ordinate to design of a premise.
It is clear that it is better to beginner to choose the colourless.Glue from a tube to squeeze out very difficult, therefore for convenience it is necessary to get special "pistol" for expression. Also it will be necessary for manufacturing of an aquarium for you:
1. Soft grinding stone;
2. Syringe 20 ;
3. Napkins; 4. Edges;

DIY Interior Painting

2008-11-25T08:23:00.000-08:00

Changing the look room isn't as difficult as most people think and by using some simple painting techniques they can change the overall appearance of a room. It's amazing that just the simple combinations of color can make a room seem brighter, higher, shorter, longer, wider, and even less cluttered than it used to be. Before you spend thousands of dollars remodeling your home you should look into all the different looks you can gain from simple painting techniques.

Color
The choice of colors plays an incredibly important role in regards to lighting when you are painting a room. If you have a room that has a lot of natural light and is quite bright you can use darker colors to help absorb some of the light. If the room you are working on is already too dark than you should use a glossy paint that is a cheerful color like yellow or a light blue to give the room the appearance of being brighter. There are literally thousands of different colors to choose from when you are looking for the right color of paint so use your imagination and be creative.

Quality
Using higher quality paint is often considered to be a waste of money by the majority of people but it is more of an investment in your home than anything else. High quality paints show better than lower quality paint and they often outlive their priced competitors by years which will save you from having to repaint as often.

You will notice a significant difference when you are painting if you purchase higher quality painting tools. The actual painting job itself and the clean up afterwards will take a lot less time and your tools will last a great deal longer than the less expensive models would have. The bare minimum for tools that you will need to paint any room would include one roller, a paint can opener, one brush, trim brush, and a paint tray.

Sizes
Painting can play a large role in making a room appear larger than it is or making it appear to be a much smaller place. For example if you are painting a room that has very small ceilings and you want your room to appear much larger you can paint the ceiling and allow the paint from the ceiling to leak down the walls about 6 inches. To reverse this effect and make a room with higher ceilings appear smaller is to paint the ceiling a much darker color than that of the walls. The darker color of the ceiling will be more dominate and will make the room appear smaller.

Imperfections
The walls of a room can often become warped over time and you may start to notice things that appear to be dents, slants, and other types of mistakes appearing along the face of your walls. A quick and simple solution to masking these types of imperfections is to use a flat non glossy paint that has a duller color to absorb these dents.

When you are painting a room it is important to wear proper safety equipment and to follow the instructions listed on the packages.

Read full article at HandyHouseholdHints.com

Free or cheap website tools

You Can Do it Yourself - Wind Turbine

2008-11-09T23:45:00.001-08:00

A wind turbine is something what can really help you save your money. Such turbine will not decrease your electricity use, but will significantly cut down on the amount of power your take form the power plant. And of course you don't have to pay for the electricity you generate on your own. Doesn't it mean interesting?

I'm sure it does. But it's not the end of advantages. One which is the most important at the beginning is the ease of building it. You must be now surprised when you read that making a wind power power plant is something simple. But it really is. Especially if you manage to get a good DIY guide which is a crucial part of building a wind turbine. Most of the manuals available in the Internet are very professionally and plainly written, so you don't need any special knowledge neither any previous experience with such stuff.

Once you buy your DIY guide, you'll have to do some shopping. Just read your manual carefully and make notes on what you need. Then just go to your local hardware store and collect all the stuff you will have use. All the things you buy won't cost more than $200 which is really mot much according to how much money you can save.

Assembling a wind turbine might be a very entertaining activity. Personally, I asked my family, which were a bit sceptic about my idea, but eventually it turned out to be a very nice family integration activity. It took us one day to set up our windmill and we were really proud of our wind plant. Then the most difficult part came, we had to wait till the new electricity bill comes, but the result was worth the effort we made. We managed to reduce our bill by 70%.

If you want to learn more about DIY guides, you can visit this site, where you will find reviews of such manuals on how to make a wind power plant.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Mateusz_Markowski

Floor Mosaic Tile - Install it in Just Hours!

2008-11-09T23:44:00.001-08:00

If you wish to quickly and easily remodel any room setting at home or in the office, Floor Mosaic Tile remodeling is an excellent option you should consider. These natural tiles offer countless remodeling ideas and possibilities whether in the inside or the outside. Looking for tips on how you can easily remodel any surface? Start reading this article.

Overview

It is based on 100% 'Nature-Made' materials - Floor Mosaic Tile redecoration is made of grouping similar naturally polished stones glued over supportive mesh backing that eventually creates a seamless tile. There is an interesting point about the origin of these stones - most of them are collected from various S.E. Asian islands. You can practically tile anywhere and for any purpose: All shower and kitchen surfaces including walls and flooring, patios, swimming pools, counters and counter tops, and much more.

Main benefits

By now we clearly notice how this unique solution transforms our home design easier:

* Installation process is quick and takes only a few hours.
* Available in various colors and shapes that can easily fit almost any surface and room setting.
* Provides natural and luxurious look and feel to any coated surface.

Important tips!

* Use only high quality materials such as grout and sealer - you don't want your tiles to fall apart after few months just because you wanted to save a few dollars.
* If you want to enhance the color of the stones transforming it glossy or matte finish, use natural stone color enhancer right before applying the sealer.
* Upon completion, it is important to wait the adhesive's recommended drying time before you begin on grouting.

We could easily find many other great benefits provided by this effortless home improvement option simply because it offers countless opportunities for professional and unprofessional installers whether they decorate at home or in the office.

Conclusion

One of the greatest advantages with Floor Mosaic Tile is the fact that you can easily improve the look of any space and it is a great do-it-yourself project for all you weekend warriors. Should it be your first time installation, it is recommended to go over the above tips once you are ready to start with the installation process.

Get creative! - Learn more about how you can easily decorate any surface at home or in the office with Floor Mosaic Tile.

Visit: http://www.homepebbletiles.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Yaron_Lavie

Backsplash Mosaics Tiles - Easily Remodel Any Surface!

2008-11-09T23:43:00.002-08:00

If you wish to quickly and easily remodel any room setting at home or in the office, Backsplash Mosaics Tiles remodeling is an excellent option you should consider. These panels are already being used to decorate surfaces at homes, hotels, offices, and restaurants. The following review will show you how you can easily use these unique nature-made panels.

Some basics

Backsplash Mosaics Tiles redecoration is made of a set of unified naturally polished stones selected by hand and then fixed onto a sq/ft mesh backing seamless tile. South East Asia is known for its beautiful beaches and resorts; it is not surprising to find out that most of these 'Nature-Made' panels are originated from these seashores as well. What are the most popular applications? Here are some of them: Shower bases, bathroom walls & floors (including sink walls), kitchen walls, borders, patio floorings, fireplaces and even swimming pools and decks.

What is in it for us?

Let's quickly examine what is in it for us:

* Easy to be replaced if needed.

* Easy to be cleaned and maintained.

* Considered inexpensive compared to other similar solutions.

Tips you want to remember!

* Epoxy based grouts are considered stronger than conventional grout, however take in mind that they are less forgiving to the ignorant installer.

* When you prepare the grout avoid adding too much water in the initial mix - that additional water can result in weak grout that can flake.

* Make sure the surface you are about to tile is flat, clean, dry and free of contaminants.

There are probably many other advantages provided by this trendy redesigning technique simply because it provides numerous opportunities whether for the average or professional home-makers.

Final words

If you wonder why this Backsplash Mosaics Tiles technique is highly popular it's because it offers countless options, as these 'Nature-Made' panels come in many shapes and colors that easily match the decor of any home or office setting. For a successful installation it is advised to remember the above tips and advices before installation.

Get creative! - Learn more about how you can easily decorate any surface at home or in the office with Backsplash Mosaics Tiles.

Visit: http://www.homepebbletiles.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Yaron_Lavie

How to Assemble a Homemade Wind Generator

2008-11-09T23:43:00.001-08:00

Its noticeable that the need for energy is escalating and therefor power costs are undertaking mammoth steps to sky high. Constructing Your own Homemade Wind Generator is the most simple system to lower your energy bills by half or more. It might sound similar to a mission impossible, but in point of fact it is not and it is very simple to implement. Just follow my trouble-free step-by-step manual for Building your Homemade Wind Power!

One of the First thing You should know is that behind every good plan there is vigilant planning! Get yourself some time and work out how much energy you need from your home made wind generator! This will set some boundaries and you will know what components you need to buy for your home made wind generator. But hang on, donґt run to store and attempt to buy all bits that say "USED IN WIND GENERATOR". I would suggest You to buy a correct plan or guide "How to build a homemade wind generator". But I ll return this topic in the closing stages of the instruction. Donґt forget to create yourself some spare time - I think that two weekends will be enough and donґt be concerned about the money, since building the wind generator merely costs about few hundred bucks!

Home made Wind power generator is made of four individual elements - base of them is the Tower. Tower is actually the most uncomplicated part to build, since there is little to think about, just plane construction. Several wind generators, which are taller need cross-frame structure, but because yours will be shorter, you could research for similar materials as the flagpoles are made of and all you need to do is to bear ground wires to it. You could search for a constructional idea from the telephone signal towers. Usually when you acquire a wind generator manufacturing plan its all in there.

Vast part of the time goes to constructing the wind generator hub and blades. In fact there is nothing awfully hard, those pieces are just hogging up much time, since there are lots of small things to fine tune. The blades can be ordered and that's what I suggest you to do, but there are instructions, that offer you with extremely simple steps on How to Build Wind Generator blades. Acquiring blades will set you back roughly twenty bucks so there is no need to worry about huge expenses.

Constructing the corpus is really the most amusing part since you can be creative in this phase. I commonly use a stainless steel chimney tube, which is really effortless to acquire and due to that {it is priced extremely small or free of charge at all.its price is extremely minute or sometimes you can get it free of charge . Make sure to seal the generator nicely so there wont be any tripping. Later on You can paint your wind generator body and youґll have exclusive wind generator!

Tail element is actually hard, but still amusing part. I generally use a wood plate and slash out the figure of the tail, occasionally when I have hard PVC then I carve this contour out from there and fix it with such a simple thing as nail polish remover. This will melt the PVC together nicely. Actually There is no necessity to clue, it varies on the fashion you chose. Again you can paint and have fun with the tail element since the paint job wont alter its operational effectiveness!

If you have any further questions or you want to buy in depth Homemade Wind Generator Plans, then check Homemade wind power generator. Thank You for your time.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Martin_Thomberg

Installation Steps For a Hidden Water Tank

2008-11-09T23:41:00.000-08:00

This is really quite simple. That's because the principles behind the tank design are well thought out and adaptable to any homeowner or farm configuration. No matter what property shape or size you are dealing with for installation purposes, the hidden tank offers a solution to your lawn and garden watering needs.

The basic steps for installing hidden tanks begin with your decision as to what size tank is required to serve your purposes. A small yard with a corner garden will require a much smaller underground tank than a medium sized farm with small fields to water. A professional tank installer will help you identify your needs in order to make sure you purchase a tank of adequate size.

Reinforcing Rainwater Collection

Installing underground water tanks is accomplished in six basic steps. Since the tank you will be purchasing is custom built, the size and shape of the tank determines the excavation needed. You will have to decide where you want your tank located and the installer will then dig a hole large enough to hold the tank.

Since the hidden water tank will be built right on your property and is not pre-built, you don't have to worry about difficult delivery of a bulky tank. Instead, the installer has the right materials delivered to your property. After excavation of the hole for the tank, the steel reinforcement bars are installed on all sides and the bottom of the hole. The steel reinforcements insure your tank will be able to withstand the pressure that comes with being buried and strengthens the walls against other potential problems such as cracks.

Once the steel reinforcements are installed, the primary plumbing is added. The plumbing includes the water pipes which the rain will enter. You will also have to install a water pump for pumping the water onto your lawn or garden. Once the plumbing is installed, the concrete is poured and sprayed to create the floor and walls. After the concrete sets, it is waterproofed.

Capping a Job Well Done

After the tank floor and walls have hardened, the tank concrete lid can be poured. Manholes are included in the tank cover so it's possible to enter the tank for maintenance if it's ever necessary. But your underground tank will provide many years of trouble free service so the manholes are more of a precaution than anything else.

Once your tank is installed and ready for use, it's then covered with the ground cover of your choice. The tank is built so sturdy, you can install all the paving, driveway, or dirt and lawn or garden over it that you want.

The final product is well hidden from view. The only sign you have an underground water tank is the manhole, and that's only if you leave it uncovered. The hidden tank is a welcome addition to any property in Australia because it enables you to maintain your lawn and garden as necessary. After all the installation steps for the hidden tanks have been completed, you have the most economical watering system possible.

Hidden Tanks is a leading Australian supplier and installer of underground concrete rainwater tanks. For a free consultation please visit Concrete Water Tanks.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Philip_Kilworth

Installing a Doorbell by Yourself

2008-10-09T08:47:00.001-07:00

A doorbell is a very important part of your home, it is used when your guests or unexpected visitors pop in to visit you. If you don't have a doorbell then you simply won't know that people are at your door. You don't need to employ anyone to fix your doorbell, it is possible to do it by yourself. This is one of the simplest and easiest electrical projects which you can do by yourself.

Installation

This is the best DIY project for a beginner to start using. The easiest form of installing a doorbell is if there isn't already one fitted. If you don't already have a doorbell then you could consider buying a wireless doorbell.

A wireless doorbell is a radio transmitter and receiver which means you don't need to use wires to connect the two units together.

There are some advantages to use wireless doorbells, including:

If you have poor hearing then you can use more than one receiver plugged into different electrical outlets around the house. This allows you to hear the bell wherever you are in the house.

These do not require any wiring and are powered by a small battery which lasts for a very long time.

Replacing a wired doorbell is quick compared to many other DIY projects, however wireless ones are even quicker than this! The longest time will be spent choosing the finish of alarm you want to use.

Replacing an existing bell

If your old bell has broken and needs replacing then you have a few options. If you don't have much time then you can simply get rid of the wires and install one of the wireless models. This is very simple and easy.

When replacing a wired doorbell then it won't normally take a very long time. Assuming of course the wire itself is not damaged. The only tools you will need are a new bell push and a screwdriver. You may also need some wire strippers.

You should really turn of the electricity when doing this. Although doorbells are low voltage and only use 12 volts it is possible to do this without turning the power off. If you have even the smallest hint that this uses higher voltage or are not sure then switch the power off.

Start by taking the old bell push off, just remove the screws and pull the switch off. Pull the wires out and throw away the old switch.

If required you should trim the wires and strip some of the insulation off them.

Connect the wires into the connection lock in the new bell push and tighten the terminals. It doesn't matter which order these are connected as it will work either way around, it's just a switch!

Fix the new switch and push the wires back through the holes so that it fits flush against the doorframe. As soon as you've switched the power back on it should already be working. All you need to do is test the switch to see if it works.

You could also change the chime unit too if wanted. You need to follow a similar procedure as this however the direction the wires are connected can make a difference and cause it to operate in reverse.

The copywriter Guy Morris is very passionate about issues related to basic hand tools. His observations on quality hand tools and woodworking hand tools can be found on his web pages.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Guy_J_Morris

Build Your Own Wind Generator - Easy DIY Plans Make Lots of Power

2008-10-09T08:45:00.000-07:00

If you are looking to build your own wind generator, than this article will definitely be beneficial to you. My name is Nate and I have done a lot of research on the subject of wind power. It is the fastest growing type of renewable energy in the world with growth rates of about 20% each year over the last decade or so.

First off, if you are seeking to build your own wind generator, you will need instructions that will show you how to do so. This is where my real area of expertise is. I have researched and found the best plans available.

What do good home windmill plans include? First off, they include instructions that are detailed. Detailed instructions are the key, especially if you do not have a lot of experience with assembling things. A good home windmill kit will have instructions easy enough for anyone to follow.

Next, if you are getting home windmill plans, you might as well get some added bonuses right? I recommend a program that also offers instructions on how to build your own solar power generator as well. Also, look for bonus manuals on things like reducing oil dependency.

I highly recommend that everyone at least takes a look at the option to build your own windmill generator. Wind energy is the future. It saves you money while also doing absolutely no harm to the environment.

Wind power produces no harmful carbon dioxide and methane like the power companies do. That's why I recommend it so highly. You save money and help the planet...now that's a good deal.

I offer a free Home Energy Solutions course through my website that gives all the information you will need to know about home wind power. Feel free to sign up for it, after all it is free.

Want to save money every month while helping the environment by using renewable energy at home?

Click Here to sign up for my free Home Energy Solutions Course.

You will learn everything you need to know about homemade power and how easy it is for anyone to make their own renewable energy.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Nate_Damm

Basement Remodeling FAQ's

2008-09-28T00:18:00.000-07:00

by Alden Smith
Because remodeling a basement is a unique project, and you are limited by existing structure, there are a lot of questions you may have about basement remodels. Surprisingly, many of these problems have a solution, and the savvy contractor can answer them quickly for you. Remember, in a basement remodel, you may have to make a few compromises when beginning the project due to structural design. Here, we list some basic frequently asked questions about remodeling your basement.

Should I get three estimates?
That depends. If you have lived a long time in your neighborhood and know a reliable contractor, then go with him. A realtor is often a very good resource for finding a good contractor, and the realtor who sold you your home is always willing to help. If you are new to the neighborhood, then it is always a good idea to get three estimates. Remember, going with the cheapest is not always the best. Ask to see some of the contractors work and ask for references. A reputable contractor will be more than glad to assist you.

Do I need a permit?
Yes. Any major rebuilding requires that you have the necessary permits to do so. A good contractor will assist you in this process.

What can I expect to pay for a basement remodel?
Research shows that the cost for a full remodel will run $30 to $40 per square foot. Always have a budget in place before calling a contractor. Research shows the average build out runs between $18,000 and $35,000.00. Be certain these funds are available before contacting the contractor.

I have three estimates, and they vary widely in price. Why?
Prices should vary somewhat between contractors. Remember, they want your business, and often attempt to underbid one another. If you see a big gap between estimates, its time to sit down with the contactor and ask some questions. Perhaps the contractor did not fully understand your needs. Ask the contractor to explain fully the bid, and if he is vague about any questions, move on to the next in line. Always get explanations about costs in writing, not just a verbal agreement from the contractor.

I want to add extra bedrooms in my basement. Do I need windows?
Absolutely. Although fire codes vary from locale to locale, the rule is that the windows should be wide enough for a person to gain access to the outside. They must also be a minimum height from the floor. Plan on a window that is large enough for a fireman to get in through carrying breathing apparatus, and you will be in good shape.

There is a large steel beam in my basement. Can I remove it?
You certainly can, but should give this a great deal of consideration. These beams are extremely heavy, and because they are in the basement, can only be removed by man power and jacks. A hole will need to be made in an exterior wall to remove it, and there certainly isn't a crane to help! Remember, this beam maintains the levelness of your home, and keeps it from sagging. To remove it is a gigantic task, and it still has to be replaced with support that is efficient enough to maintain structural integrity. Only an engineer can figure that out for you. Consider instead turning the beam into a soffit by boxing in with drywall or similar material. What do contractors recommend? Don't do it!

My basement seems damp. What should I do before I remodel?
Before you begin any basement remodel, you must deal with moisture. First, check fro proper drainage around the exterior of the home. A proper installation has drains installed at footing level, sloped between 1 and 2 inches per 10 feet, to direct water away from the house. If these are not present in an existing home, prepare them before beginning the remodel. After the trenches are dug, apply waterproof membranes to the foundation wall as you backfill the trench. On interior walls, coat with Xypex, a crystalline sealant that is excellent for controlling moisture. Always be sure to keep a dehumidifier running in your basement at all times.

My basement floor isn't level. What should I do?
Often basement floor are purposely built on a slope to provide drainage in a basement. To cure this, you can do several things. Home supply stores such as Lowe's sell a self-leveling mortar that fixes this problem and is the easiest. It is mixed with water and spread with a squeegee that has adjustable nubs to bring the floor to level. Otherwise, a sub floor should be built that is level.

A basement remodel is like nothing other. Learn the tricks and have a successful basement remodel.

Alden Smith is an award winning author and regular contributor to DoItYourself.com. He writes on a variety of subjects, and excels in research.
http://www.doityourself.com/stry/basement-remodel-faq

Changing Tables

2008-09-28T00:16:00.000-07:00

Sarah Van Arsdale

Your hospital bag is packed, you have a great crib for the baby, your friends have laden you with baby clothes, and all you need is a proper changing table for the baby's nursery and you will have a well planned and designed children's room. Look out: there are many design choices involved and perhaps more decorating decisions to be made for when decorating kids' rooms than you'd thought possible. But with a little research, you can find a changing table that suits both the decor of Baby's room, the needs of Baby - and the needs of Mom.

The first decision to make is what you want under the table. Changing tables come in models with drawers under the table, or with open shelves on which you can put baskets. It may not seem obvious to the first-time Mom, but you want several items easily accessible to you: diapers, wipes, powder, cream, and clothing, for starters. You'll also make changing time easier if you can hang a distracting toy by the changing table.

The drawback to a changing table with drawers is that you'll have to pull them open, which is certainly manageable, but gives you one more thing to consider while you're holding Baby onto the table with one hand and opening a diaper with the other. You'll get the hang of it, but at first you may feel more like you've joined the circus than that you've become a mother.

The drawback to the open shelves is that they'll look messier. Don't for a minute think they'll look the way they do in the glossy interior design catalogs, unless you have a team of nannies, maids and footmen at your service. However, reaching into a basket with one hand while pinning Baby to the table with the other is easier than opening those drawers.

Other tables make use of the space under the table with a removable hamper for the dirty diapers, and some have a set of steps that fold into the table when not in use, so that a toddler can climb onto the table, making changing time less of a fight and more of an adventure when Baby is bigger.

Of course, safety is the most important consideration in choosing a table for a baby's room. Some tables have a rail around the top to prevent Baby from taking a tumble should Mom forget to hang on for a moment. Others have no rail, and are meant to be used with a curved changing pad which also helps keep Baby on the table. Others have straps, which you can also buy separately and put on yourself.

It probably goes without saying, but we'll repeat it here: when changing Baby, you should never turn your back. Even one second Baby is left unattended on a changing table can mean tragedy.

Finally, consider something that will seem utterly untrue during Baby's diaper years: eventually, Baby will no longer need diapers, and you will no longer need that changing table. So start putting into action a major principle of decorating children's rooms that should stay with you through all your child's years: buy with an eye to the future of the furniture. A changing table with drawers easily transforms into a child's dresser, and later, into a small chest of drawers for linens. A table with baskets can be changed into a bookshelf, or a shelf for the kitchen, or a handy place to keep toys and art supplies for Junior. If you plan your interior decorating with an eye toward versatility, the furnishings you buy for the room will last for decades.

If you're on a budget, you can find some savings by getting a table that requires some amount of assembly, or you can even get design plans for decorating kids' rooms so you can build one yourself.

Tip: Try out the changing table in the furniture store as best you can, by standing in front of it and checking the height. You don't want to have to bend over the table too much, so that you can save your back for the heavy lifting necessary the rest of the day.

Reprinted with permission from the Sheffield School of Interior Design.

Drywall Repairs Made Simple

2008-09-20T00:22:00.001-07:00

By the time you finish reading this article, you will be able to perform basic repairs to damaged drywall. There are some basic tools that you should keep around the house, if you have an active family and are prone to get dings in the walls. This article will not provide enough information to do major repairs to drywall. Major repairs are simple, but you must learn the basics first.

Here is a list of some tools you will need. Your local big box can supply you with some basic tools. They run in price range from cheap to professional quality. They have plastic putty knives for less than a dollar all the way up to stainless steel that with care, will last a lifetime. If you expect a very small number of repairs, the plastic will suffice. Also, get a carriage bolt, a small hammer, a can of drywall joint compound, 150 to 220 grit sandpaper and a paint brush. These basic tools will repair most small dings and dents in drywall.

An example of a ding would be where the locking button on a door knob has left an impression in the wall behind it. This is typical of a quick and easy repair. Look at the damage. Is there anything protruding above the wall surface? If so, use the carriage bolt to push the protrusion below the wall surface. Use the hammer to help persuade the protrusion to go below the surface of the wall and round the edges. Next, take the putty knife and some joint compound or as it is commonly called, drywall mud, and fill the hole. Wait until the mud dries, sand lightly and fill the hole again to bring the material to the same level as the wall. Sand the surface again until the wall is smooth and level. Do not over sand. This will rough up the drywall allowing the paper to fray and requiring more mud to seal the rough surface. There should not be any differences in the surface. Several small applications will last much longer than one large application and give you better results.

Is everything smooth? If not, apply some more drywall mud to even the wall surfaces. Sand again. When the wall is smooth, apply the paint primer. When the paint primer is dry, apply your regular wall paint. The paint primer is to seal the wall so the new paint does not dry too quickly allowing the patch to be visible.

That is the basic method of repairing damaged drywall.

For more in depth instructions on basic drywall repair visit http://www.single-family-home-remodeling.com/drywall-repair.html

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=David_Altman

Types and Uses of Wall Mount Brackets

2008-09-20T00:21:00.000-07:00

Wall mounting brackets are a popular and commonly used device in homes, offices and public places like hospitals, and railway stations. These devices are used in mounting various electronic devices that need wall mounting or hanging for a proper display. The most popular and maximum use of mount brackets are in mounting LCD and Plasma Televisions.

Mounting Brackets Type

There are different types of mounting brackets depending upon their use and application. There are three main types of mount brackets available in market these days to mount LCD TVs, Plasma TVs and Larger display screens. They are:

Normal Mount Brackets - These are most popular and widely used mount brackets. They help us in placing LCD and Plasma TVs horizontally to the visiting level. Normal mount brackets are popular in home use, where people want to mount their Plasma or LCD TV to the wall, for a better viewing experience.

Tilt Mount Brackets - Tilt mount brackets are for places where people prefer viewing television in tilted position. They are mostly used at public places where the display devices are mounted on a height. They are even prone to theft and damage due to excess public interference.

Hanging Brackets - Hanging brackets are a different subtype of tilt mount brackets. The only difference is that they are mounted in ceiling, whereas other brackets are mounted on the wall.

Choosing a Mount Bracket for Your Need

Choosing a bracket for your LCD or Plasma TV is a crucial task. Because you need to match the perfect bracket specially designed and made for your brand and model. Any other bracket that is made for some other brand or model will not suit with your LCD or Plasma TV. You will need to select a mount bracket that is appropriate for your desired display position. You can easily get one matching to your needs from the stores dealing in mount brackets for LCD and Plasma TVs.

While buying mount brackets, you need to keep this fact in your mind that, they are going to hold your precious LCD or Plasma TV. Therefore, going behind a cheap mount bracket is not a good idea. Its betters, if you go for a trusted brand and dealer with maximum guarantee of your precious electronic devices.

Welcome to Mount Right - Plasma/LCD Bracket Type Plasma/LCD Screen Size Plasma/LCD Major Brand Video Cables & Leads Best Sellers 50% OFF SUPER SALE e-commerce, open source, shop, online shopping. For more information please visit: - http://www.mountright.com/

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Thomas_Homer

Easy Home Security DIY Tips

2008-09-20T00:20:00.000-07:00

In this day and age, where crimes are happening every minute in the big cities, it is most important that you are able to protect your family, yourself and your own home. What better way than to get this protection than to install your home security system.

Usually the very first thing that come to mind about having a good home security system is to get a professional to install your home security system for you. This is an excellent idea, especially if you're not at all familiar with electronics, the wiring and the hardware like connecting video monitors to cameras, and so on. But do you know that many people are in fact finding that home security DIY is an do-able option, even if you're not a hardware expert. Yes, even if you have very few home improvement skills, you can still do it yourself quite easily. Why? Simply because in the market now, there are many home alarm systems that are geared towards the do-it-yourselfer. You'll be spoilt for choice!

These home security systems are designed to be easily installed and to use without help from the pros. So if you are interested to learn more about how you can go about home security DIY, read on for some quick tips and hints that will help you in the process.

If possible, try to go wireless!

Setting home alarms used to be a complicated process with messy wires and cables to deal with as you need to connect ech individual alarm to the keypad or console. What's even more scary is that sometimes you need to tear apart your home walls or cutting up carpets in your house in order to hide those wires after you set up your home security system.

But with the advancement of technology, now there is the option for home security DIY doers like yourself to go wireless! The beauty of such a system is that you do not have to deal with wires, cords or cables at all. It is as easy as mounting the boxes to the areas you want like doors or windows, plug in the keypad, select a program and you are done! Wireless home security is the simplest way that you can go when it comes to installing a home security system for your house and your property.

Get Ready Made Home Security Kits

Home security DIY is simple if you know exactly what you want and what are the components you need. You really need to be an expert in order to pick out all the hardware like the alarm, the surveillance cameras, the wirings, the control keypads, the monitors, adapters etc. If it sounds complicated to you, it is! Plus you need to have an in-dept knowledge of what works with what and what does not.

The best solution to home security DIY? Get a ready made home security kit! Such a kit usually comes with everything you need to setup a complete home security system and the best part is that you won't have to worry if these components are compatible with one another. Plus, such kits are usually more affordable compared to you getting the individual equipment and components on their own.

You should also know you can find out more about home security DIY online easily. Also know that most retailers are happy to help out the home security DIY person. Such shops usually have staff on hand who are very knowledgeable in this area and can help you.

If you want to find out more about securing your home and keeping your family and property safe, visit http://CompleteHomeSecurityGuide.com to download a FREE report to help you get started.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jake_Wright

How to Hang A Canvas

2008-09-02T00:53:00.002-07:00

With the current popularity of canvas art, this article looks at the 3 most used methods to hanging a canvas print in your home or place of work.

Mirror Plates mounted to the inside of the canvas frame

Mirror plates mounted to the outside of the canvas frame

Mirror Plates

One of the most popular way to hang a canvas is using brass mirror plates. These small and very cheap plates are very easy to use and offer 2 separate ways to hang a canvas.

The first use of the mirror plate is an internal mounting. Attach the mirror plates to the inside of the canvas frame, and then simply slide the plates down over 2 screws in the wall. If you want to keep the mount hidden and therefore keeping the canvas clean and tidy, this is the method for you. However, you do lose out on the secure fixing.

If your after a secure fixing to the wall, mount the mirror plate to the outside of the frame. This means the third hole on the plate is visible and you can screw the plate directly into the wall. this methods only downside is the plate is subsequently visible.

Canvas Shown With Wire Hanging Method

Wire

Hanging canvas and any type of artwork has for a very longtime been carried out with some wire. Affix the wire to both vertical lengths of the canvas and tighten. Now all you need to do is drop the wire over a screw in the wall. Although its easy and cheap (5m of wire is approx 69p ($1.20 US)) you do suffer from canvas rotation. This is down to there only being 1 fixed point on the wall so you will be re-leveling the canvas on a regular basis.

3M Command Strip

3M Command Strip

This relatively new product has been under going testing here at WHoArtNow for the last few months, and although there a little more expensive (a 2 pack of 3kg hooks and glue will cost £3 or approx $6) but for the simplicity of this product, I think its worth every penny. You don't need to drill or screw anything, simply attach the glue strip to the hook, and then the hook to the wall. Now weight an hour, and hang your canvas. No mess, no fuss and no problems. There perfect if your not allowed or can't drill into your walls.

Conclusion

Just for the ease of use and no mess created by them, I'd recommend the 3M command strips to anyone who asks, just make sure you have the strongest hooks and the weight of the canvas is less than the combined strength of the hooks. (E.G. a 48"x32" canvas weighs approx 4kg, therefore 2 x 3kg hooks is more than enough)

This article is free for republishing
Source: http://www.articlealley.com/article_611984_27.html

Top 10 Tips for Home cinema installation

2008-09-02T00:53:00.001-07:00

Author: ilifesolution

i.life solutions have the following top ten tips for setting up your home cinema system:

1. Apportion your budget evenly and wisely
Avoid spending most money on the display and treating the audio as an afterthought. Try watching a good movie with the sound switched off, and then try listening with no picture and you will see why both areas are equally important.

2. Source quality – feeding your equipment
The quality of the source will determine the enjoyment of everything you see and hear. Look for a machine offering the best performance for basic picture and sound rather than seldom-used features.

3. Speaker positioning
For ideal front speaker positioning, set-up the front left and right for good stereo reproduction then site the centre speaker at the same height (or as near as possible) as the tweeter on the front left and right speakers.

4. Ideal sub location
To find the best site for a subwoofer, place it in the listening position then walk round the room until you find the spot where most bass is heard. This is the ideal location for the sub.

5. Setting speaker levels
Although individual speaker levels can be set up by ear, a much more accurate result (and a more believable sound) can be obtained with a sound pressure level meter. These are very simple to use and relatively cheap at approx £40.

6. Rear speaker settings
If individual sounds from rear speakers attract your attention try lowering their level in the set-up of your processor or increasing their delay. A piece of film recorded in a heavy ambient environment (such as a church or cathedral) is ideal for this.

7. Positioning of display device
When positioning a TV or plasma screen avoid reflections on the glass from lights or windows. These are best observed with the set switched off. Do not install your screen too high (usually above fire places) as it will cause a sore neck after long periods of viewing.

8. Customising default display settings
Factory settings on TVs are designed to look good in a retail store, not your living room. Invest in a test DVD such as Video Essentials and follow the instructions carefully for the best results.

9. Video connections
Normal analogue interconnects will not function correctly with video signals. Ask your dealer for 75ohm coaxial cables for your video connections.

10. Get help from a professional - your local dealer
For ultimate performance employ a specialist dealer or home cinema installation company to install your cinema. Their services are often great value for money and a professional set-up will yield the most enjoyable system.

Paul Jackson – home cinema installation specialist, more information can be found at http://www.ilifesolutions.co.uk
This article is free for republishing
Source: http://www.articlealley.com/article_612007_27.html

DIY - Lighting – Motion Sensors for Home Lighting

2008-08-28T08:50:00.000-07:00

One of the latest crazes in home lighting is the use of motion sensors. But there’s nothing crazy about this craze. It makes perfect sense. Whether used for security or convenience, motion sensors can add a very useful high-tech touch to lights both outdoor and in.

The most obvious application, and one in wide use today, is to turn on outdoor floodlights when anyone approaches within the sensor’s range. Studies confirm common sense that a well-lit home is less vulnerable to a home invader than one that has large dark areas near points of entry.

Adding motion sensors and/or motion sensor lights is an effective way to solve that problem. They trigger the lights on approach, which has two advantages. A light that comes on unexpectedly tends to startle the unwanted visitor. That provides extra motivation to change their plans and move on to an easier target. Homeowners also save money on electricity by not having high-wattage bulbs burn all night long when and where they’re not really needed.

That goal can be accomplished with separate motion sensors that are connected to a whole system, one that includes lights, a horn or other security components. Or, as is the case in many fixtures, the motion sensor can be integrated into the lamp housing itself. Both are effective, though in some cases separate motion sensors have a greater range and angle of coverage.

But security isn’t the only reason that motion sensors can be a huge benefit. They can supply extra safety and convenience, as well.

You pull up into the driveway or walk outside on a dark night. You can’t see a thing. That toy or bicycle is just waiting there for you to step on. That low garden fence you always forget about is ripe for bumping into. Motion sensors can turn on the lights at your approach and prevent accidents.

They can also make it much easier to turn on the lights when you just need a brief light. You don’t have to be near the switch, you just approach or wave an arm and on pop the lights. Now you can find your keys, put away that pesky toy or just make it into the house without any trouble.

Many of the same considerations apply to indoor motion sensors, too. But indoor sensors come in an even wider variety of types and styles.

Existing wall switches or outlets can easily be converted to contain motion sensors. That makes it very easy to have a system that turns on the light when you enter, then turns it off when you leave.

Motion sensors can be integrated with hallway lamp sconces to provide illumination when you enter. You save electricity and bulb life by having the light not on when you’re not there.

Look into the full range of motion sensors available: wireless, infrared, ultrasonic, weatherproof and many more.

Source http://home-improvement.savvy-cafe.com/diy-lighting-%E2%80%93-motion-sensors-for-home-lighting-2008-08-20/

DIY Home Security System Wiring & Choosing the Right Alarm System

2008-08-28T08:46:00.000-07:00

Source http://www.ehomesecuritysystems.com/home-security/diy-home-security-system-wiring-alarms-32/

The statistics show that it is 60% less likely your home will be vandalized or have personal possessions stolen from if you have a home security system installed. For this reason having installed or installing yourself (DIY) a home security system whether with wires or not is a good investment.

Selecting the right security system for you

Before you start thinking about home security system wiring, first you must select the right home security system for your home, there is no point in thinking about home security wiring when you might even end up purchasing a wireless home security system.

So now let’s take a look at some of the things you should take into account. You really need to think about where you live and how your house is laid out. Depending on the crime rate of your area you may want to invest more or less in your system and depending on the layout of your home and the location of the entrance point’s, difference kinds of security system may work better or worse.

If after taking into account all of this, you have decided on a system that uses wires, you will be ready to start thinking about the installation of your system and home security system wiring.

Wired home security systems and home security system wiring

Wired home security systems are still used quite a lot today because they are generally less expensive and quite reliable. But of course because of the home security system wiring involved they are considerably more complicated and time-consuming to install when doing it yourself.

If you’re one for do-it-yourself (DIY) kind of work, you should not have too many problems with your home security system wiring although there are some things you will need to take into account that we will discuss shortly. If you haven’t got much experience with do-it-yourself (DIY) kind of jobs and more importantly electrical wiring, you may be better off getting a professional to do your home security system wiring, since at least that way you could rest assured that a professional and adequate job had been done.

Things to take into account when doing your home security system wiring

Home security system wiring isn’t quite the same as wiring up some new speakers, simply because if a thief can gain access to the wires of your device he or she will be able to tamper with the functionality of the system. Making sure your home security system wiring is out of harm’s way is probably the most important thing you need to do.

Another thing you should take into account is humidity and in the case of external wiring, protection from the elements. If you live in a dry climate it probably isn’t too much of an issue for you, but in places where humidity is an issue you must make extra sure to protect your wiring with the proper insulation. In the case of outdoors wiring this is obviously important wherever you live.

Wiring home security systems isn’t the easiest task out there, so if you have no wiring experience and are not prepared to do some research to teach yourself exactly how it should be done, you should employ the services of a professional electrician to do the home security system wiring for you.

Do-It-Yourself Bathroom Tile Designs

2008-08-26T04:04:00.000-07:00

Installing tile yourself can be a challenging job. For those that are handy with tools and unafraid to get dirty though it can give you quite a sense of accomplishment AND save you considerable amounts of money. Here are a few tips to think about before you call off the contractor and roll up your sleeves.

Is your structure sound?

Tile can add a lot of weight to the walls or floors. Analyze the underlying structure carefully and be absolutely certain it can support the weight of the bathroom tile designs you've chosen AND the weight of the mortar and/or adhesive you use.

Is your surface prepared?

What are the qualities of a well prepared surface? It must be:

Stable
Level
Clean
Waterproofed (if the area is in a high moisture area)

Be sure to check for and deal with any damage caused by water or moisture before even thinking about adding a tile to the substrate. This is the perfect time to really analyze the wall or floor composition. Spend a little time making sure that there are no loose areas or obstructions sticking out.

Do you have the right mortar or adhesive?

What are the factors you need to consider when choosing your mortar or adhesive for you bathroom tile designs?

function
type of tile
budget.
method of installation
location

We can separate mortar into two divisions: thin set and thick set.

Thin set has become the industry standard for several reasons. It goes on quickly. It sets quickly. It weighs a lot less than thick set. It costs less. Despite all the benefits, it's not the right choice in every situation.

Thick-set mortar was the standard until the mid 50s before the thinner style was invented. If your structure can support the weight, thick-set is appropriate when you need something that is impervious to water and or have an uneven surface. The thickness of the mortar can compensate for cracks or irregular surfaces due to its bulk. If you have bad walls or need to create a slope to facilitate drainage thick set is the better choice.

Chet has been building homes for over 20 years and is now a published author of do-it-yourself type projects. You can read his website http://www.bathroomtiledesigns.org specifically geared towards bathroom tile designs and bathroom tile ideas.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Chet_R_Baker

Vinyl Siding - Do-It-Yourself

2008-08-13T08:03:00.001-07:00

The installation of vinyl siding is not a difficult thing if you are a handy person and have some handy friends. A lot of people are side-stepping the additional cost of labor when deciding to side their homes.

Choosing to use vinyl siding to reside your home is a good choice. Once the siding is installed, your home will look like a brand new one. You would think this would mean the price would be outrageous; however, if you install the siding yourself, you can save a lot of money of labor. This makes the project quite inexpensive.

The people in the house behind me just had their garage sided. The man doing the work told us that we could put vinyl siding on our garage pretty cheaply if we did it ourselves.

As an added incentive, he reminded us the old siding being torn off could be scrapped for money, and the money we'd get for the old siding would almost pay for the new vinyl siding!

The first thing done when installing siding yourself is the flashing around the windows and doors. This is because rain needs to flow off the roof, down the walls and to the ground without any pooling. Otherwise, you'll have leaks.

The next part is the J-trim or J-channel. This needs to be put around all the windows and doors. The J-channel is what the vinyl siding slips into so the siding has a neat look. You will want all your jagged edges hiding.

After that, you would install the soffit material, the fascia and the edging. The corner pieces come next. Both outside and inside corners are vinyl and you have to remember to leave expansion room. Temperature changes cause the vinyl siding to contract and expand, so it's important to leave a little room for that to happen so it doesn't crack.

After the corner pieces are all installed, you can install all the extra special little pieces for external outlets, spigots, lighting and dryer vents.

Once all these pieces are installed, you can start hanging your vinyl siding. Start with the starter strip and then just work your way upwards.

It won't take too long before you have what looks like a brand new home! It's a lot of work, but well worth it when you look at your pocketbook and realize you can now afford to do some other home improvement project.

Learn all about Vinyl Siding

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Simon_Harris

Do it Yourself Green Project - Faster Hot Water

2008-08-13T08:02:00.001-07:00

Itching to get your hands on a good do it yourself type project? Something you can do with your own two hands and feel good about when you finish? Here is such a project. It's not difficult, highly rewarding, and not only is it environmentally friendly, but it ads convenience to your daily life. A win-win if there ever was one.

Fast hot water delivery systems, commonly known as hot water circulating or recirculating systems, provide a number of benefits. Obviously faster hot water means you don't have to wait as long for it, saving you time. Since these systems do not run water down the drain when delivering the hot water, they save a lot of water.

Running water down the drain is not only a waste of water, but since the water is treated and pumped before it gets to your home, and then the sewer water is treated and pumped, a lot of energy is used in the process. Generation of this energy releases green house gasses into the atmosphere, contributes to pollution, and uses up more of our resources.

The first thing you must do is decide what type of hot water system to install. A full time hot water recirculation system could be a big project since you must run a water pipe from the last fixture back to the water heater inlet. If the plumbing in your home has major branch circuits then you might need to re-plumb some of the hot water piping to get the system to deliver hot water to every sink.

Fortunately there are other types of fast hot water delivery systems on the market that make things much easier for the do-it-yourselfer. There are a number of systems that utilize the cold water line as the hot water return line. Since the cold water line connects to the inlet of every water heater, and to a faucet at every sink, no mater which fixture you are at, you can send water back to the water heater by pumping it out of the hot water line and into the cold water line at that point.

Most of the fast hot water delivery systems put a pump at the fixture and just run the water in a big loop back to the heater. There are some systems that use gravity and thermal valves to move the water, with no pump involved. Although the gravity type systems can work when conditions are right, it's not practical for most homes, and you don't really get fast hot water, more like fast luke-warm water. For this article we will discuss only systems that use a pump to move the water.

One popular system is the Laing auto-circ system. This system is another luke-warm type system. The pump is located at the fixture where fast hot water is desired. The pump connects to the cold and hot water lines. A 110 volt outlet is needed, and the pump is supplied with a 6 foot cord. With this system, when the water at the fixture cools down to 85 degrees, the pump turn on and runs until the water at the fixture reaches 95 degrees, and then it shuts off.

Now you have luke-warm water waiting for you, in both the hot and cold water lines. How warm depends upon how long since the last pumping cycle occurred. This type of system uses a lot of extra energy since you have to have your piping at a temperature that is above ambient. Perhaps that is why they include a timer with the pump that allows you to turn the system off when you don't think you will need hot water. At least it will waste less energy that way. But it kind of defeats the purpose if you ask me. The Laing auto-circ system will not work with tankless water heaters. The auto-circ system runs about $250.00 give or take.

There are other manufactures that make similar systems such as Grundfos, RedyTemp, and Watts, with some variations but basically the same luke-warm type of hot water system. Again these systems won't work with tankless water heaters and run anywhere from $250.00 to over $500.00.

Another type of fast hot water delivery system is the demand hot water system. Demand hot water systems deliver hot water when "demanded" by the user, usually by pressing a button. A pump is located at the fixture where hot water is desired, and as with the previous systems, connects to the hot and cold water lines. When the button is pressed, the pump comes on, a valve in the pump opens, and hot water is pumped to the fixture at high speed. When hot water arrives at the pump, it shuts off, and you have instant hot water without running any water down the drain. Since the pump shuts off as hot water arrives, very little if any hot water ends up in the cold water line.

You get hot water fast, and you don't fill your cold water pipe with luke-warm water. Far less energy is used with demand hot water systems than with the other types of circulating systems. Typically a demand system will use less than $ 1.00 a year in electricity costs. Since the demand systems don't run continuously for long periods or cycle on and off frequently they work fine with tankless water heaters as long as they have a powerful enough pump.

The Metlund D'mand system offers several models and the biggest model will work with tankless water heaters. Metlund pumps run from about $330 to over $800. Another brand, the Chilipepper appliance, has a pump strong enough to run any tankless heater and costs $180.00.

There are some water companies that offer rebates for hot water circulating systems, so check with your local water company...your fast hot water system might end up costing you nothing!
Any of these systems can be installed in less than a day, and for some such as the Chilipepper appliance which connects with hoses, it can be less than 45 minutes.

Of all the systems that use a cold water line as the return piping, the demand systems save the most water, and consume the least energy. All the systems mentioned are recognized by national testing laboratories as meeting or exceeding UL listing requirements.

If you are looking for a great week-end do it yourself project that will provide great benefits for you and your family and help the environment, then a fast hot water system should be at the top of your list.

For more information about hot water circulating systems visit Mr. Lund's website: Demand Hot Water Systems

Mr. Lund invites you to visit his blog: Pondering Everything

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=William_Lund

Video: DIY - How to tile a wall

2008-08-11T12:31:00.000-07:00

Expert DIY and home improvement advice from www.wickes.co.uk on how to tile a wall. Tips and general advice on how to do it yourself - Part 1 of 2. Wickes home improvement and DIY videos are presented by Martin Roberts, of the BBC's Homes Under the Hammer, together with his long-time friend and builder Dave Hughes. These original productions demonstrate how to successfully complete a typical DIY project of how to tile a wall.

Expert DIY and home improvement advice from www.wickes.co.uk on how to tile a wall. Tips and general advice on how to do it yourself - Part 2 of 2. Wickes home improvement and DIY videos are presented by Martin Roberts, of the BBC's Homes Under the Hammer, together with his long-time friend and builder Dave Hughes. These original productions demonstrate how to successfully complete a typical DIY project of how to tile a wall.

Step By Step Instructions For Tile Installation

2008-08-05T05:53:00.000-07:00

Author: Bruce Mendes
For the DIY, here are a few steps for proper tile installation. Installing ceramic tile is not hard by any means, just follow these step and have some patience and everything will fall into place.

1. Surface Preparation
Ceramic tile may be installed over most structurally-sound substrates. Make sure all surfaces to be tiled are clean, smooth, dry and free of wax, soap scum and grease. Any damaged, loose or uneven areas must be repaired, patched, and leveled. Remove all moldings, trims, appliances, etc. which may interfere with the installation. Door jambs may be undercut for tiles to slip under.

2. Layout
When tiling walls, tubs, or shower areas, begin by finding the center point of the wall. Use a level to draw a plumb line in the center of the wall. Align a row of loose tiles across the bottom of the wall from the center line, leaving uniform joints between tiles. If your tiles have integral spacer lugs, the tiles can be abutted to automatically leave consistent 1/16" joints. If this layout leaves small cuts (less than 1/2 tile) at walls then adjust plumb center line a half tile closer to the side wall.

Now determine the lowest point of the floor (or tub) by horizontally using a level. Stack two tiles here, and at the top draw a horizontal line on the wall. With a level, continue the line around all side walls to be tiles. This line is a guideline for the first row of tiles to be set above. Begin installing tiles to the center of the wall above the horizontal guideline. Install one half of the back wall at a time. Set the lower two rows last. Cut and fit bottom tiles against the floor (or tub) if not level. Leave a 1/8" gap above the tub for caulking to seal around tub.

Repeat the above process for side walls. Mark outside tile lines on walls that will not be completely tiled in order to spread adhesive. Leave out tiles where you plan to install ceramic accessories (soap dish, towel bar, etc.) Use bullnose trim pieces to finish edges on walls where necessary.

Floor Layout:
When tiling floors, begin by marking the center points of all four walls. Snap chalk lines between the center points of opposite walls. The lines will intersect in the center of the room. Make sure that the lines make perfect squares and adjust if necessary.
Lay out a row of loose tiles along the center lines in both directions, leaving spaces for uniform joints between the tiles (use tile spacers). If this layout leaves small cuts (less than 1/2 tile) at walls, then adjust the center line by snapping a new chalk line a half tile closer to the wall.

Repeat this process along the other center line, adjusting as necessary. Now divide the room into smaller grids by snapping additional chalk lines parallel to the center lines. To fit the exact dimensions of these grids, lay out an area of tile approximately 2' x 3' starting in the center of the room along the center lines. Use tile spacers or leave equal joints between the tiles. Measure this grid and use the dimensions for each
smaller grid throughout the room.

Begin installing tiles in the center of the room. Install one quarter of the room, one quarter at a time. Finish each grid before moving on to the next one. Cut and fit the perimeter tiles in each grid last. Leave a 1/4" gap between the tile and walls. Do not walk on fresh tiles for about 24 hours until they set.

Countertop Layout:
When tiling counters, lay out tiles from front to back. Begin with counter trim then set full tiles on the first row working backward, so all cuts are made on the back row against the wall. Special trim pieces are available for use around recessed sinks, appliances, etc. if necessary. Snap parallel chalk lines on the substrate as needed to keep rows straight.
For backsplashes, match up joints with the countertop tile.

Begin with full tiles at the counter, working up so that all cuts are made on the top row under cabinets. Use bullnose trim pieces on flat walls or sides. Tile countertops should have a tile backsplash at least four inches high for protection.

3. Setting Tile:
Variation of shade and texture is an inherent characteristic of ceramic tiles. For a blended effect, mix tiles from several cartons as you set.
Tile ceilings before walls, Tile walls before floors.
Tile countertops before backsplashes. Once you have chosen the proper adhesive or mortar, read all instructions and precautions on the package before using. Mix thinset or mortar according to the directions on the package. Mix only enough to be used within 30 minutes.

Pre-mixed wall tile adhesives can be applied directly from the can without mixing. Determine the appropriate type of trowel (V or square-notch) and the right size (depth of notches) for the type of tile you are setting. Refer to the setting material package for recommendations.

Applying Adhesives:
Spread a 1/4" thick coat of adhesive onto the surface of one grid area using the flat side of the trowel. Do not cover the guidelines. When completed, immediately use the notch side of the trowel to comb adhesive into standing ridges by holding the trowel at a 45 degree angle. Remove any excess adhesive, leaving the setting bed uniform and ridged. Spread no more area than can be set in 15 minutes.

Setting Tile:
After determining the appropriate adhesive and mortar, begin setting the tile. Start with the first tile in the corner of the grid and work outward. Set tiles one at a time using a slight twisting motion. Do not slide tiles into place. Insert tile spacers as each tile is set, or leave equal joints between tiles. Continue until all tiles within the grid are set. When grid is completely installed, tap the tiles in with a rubber mallet or hammer and wood block to ensure a good bond and a level plane. Remove any excess adhesive from joints with a putty knife and from the face of tiles with a damp sponge before moving on to the next grid.
Each grid must be installed correctly and completely within the layout grid lines for a successful overall installation.

Cutting Tile:
Measure tiles to be cut carefully and mark with a pencil or felt-tip pen. Edges that are too sharp may be smoothed with a carborundum stone. Make straight or diagonal cuts using a tile cutter. Make small curved cuts with nippers. Chip away small pieces for best results. Make full length curved cuts with a rod saw.
Soap dishes, towel bars, paper holders, etc. should be set in the spaces left out for them.

Apply a room temperature, silicone sealant to the back of each accessory. Position over hole and press firmly. Wipe off any excess silicone that may have leaked out from the sides. Use masking tap to hold in place and prevent slippage during cure time. After 24 hours, remove tape and grout perimeter edges.

4. Grouting Joints:
Before grouting joints, the tile should be well-set to prevent breaking the bond. Refer to the adhesive package for specific time. Generally, you should wait about 24 hours before grouting. Remove all the spacers used for setting. For the correct type of grout for your tile installations, refer to the following chart:
Wall/Counter Tile:
Joint Width Grout Type
Less than 1/8"
More than 1/8" Non-sanded
Fine-grain sanded

Floor Tile:
Joint Width Grout Type
Less than 1/8"
1/8" to 3/16"
More than 1/8" Non-sanded
Fine-grain sanded
Coarse-grain sanded

Determine the grout color of your choice. For best results, choose on the color-coordinates with the tile.
Carefully read all instructions and precautions on the package. Mix grout according to instructions. Make only enough to use within about 30 minutes. Wear protective gloves to protect your skin. Spread the mixed grout on the tiled surface, forcing grout down into joints with a rubber grout float or squeegee. Tilt the float at a 45 degree angle to aid the compacting action. Remove excess grout from the surface immediately with edge of float. Tilt float at a 90 degree angle and scrape it diagonally across the tiles. Continue the process of compacting, then scraping off excess, until you have grouted for approximately 30 minutes or when the mixture begins to stiffen. Discard stiffened grout mixture and begin cleanup procedure.

Cleanup:
Wait 15 to 20 minutes for grout to set slightly, the use a damp sponge to clean grout residue from the surface and smooth the grout joints. Rinse sponge frequently and change water as needed. Let the area dry until grout becomes hard and a haze forms on the tile surface, then polish with a soft cloth. If haze is stubborn, you may want to rinse again with a sponge and clean water. Wait 72 hours before heavy use. Do not apply sealers or polishes for three weeks until fully-cured, and only in accordance with manufacturer's recommendations.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/home-improvement-articles/step-by-step-instructions-for-tile-installation-508325.html

DIY Fire Prevention

2008-08-02T05:20:00.000-07:00

According to the National Fire Prevention Association, a home fire is reported in America every 83 seconds. A fire can be a devastating experience for you and your family. Implementing a DIY fire prevention program to keep your home and family safe is now easier than ever with a few easy steps and the many high-quality products available to consumers. Whether you’re a regular handyman or a newbie DIY-er, some simple tools and know-how are all you need to get started.

Smoke Detectors

Smoke detectors play a vital role in protecting against fire-related death and injury. Most people are probably already familiar with how smoke detectors work, but proper installation is important in order for them to work correctly. Some DIY tips for installing smoke detectors are:

• Install smoke detectors on every level of your home, including the basement.

• Install a smoke detector near every sleeping area in your home. If you sleep with bedroom doors closed, a smoke alarm should be placed in each bedroom.

• Mount smoke detectors on ceilings or high on the walls. Ceiling-mounted alarms should be 4 inches away from the wall; wall-mounted alarms should be installed 12 inches below the ceiling.

• Never install a smoke detector near doors, windows, ceiling fans, or vents, where drafts can circulate smoke without detection.

Installing smoke detectors is the first step in a good DIY fire prevention plan. But a smoke detector that doesn’t work won’t be of any use during an actual fire. Be sure to test your smoke detectors once a month and replace batteries once a year. Do you hear that chirping sound? That means the batteries are low and need to be replaced. Consider investing in long-life smoke detectors with batteries that can last for more than 10 years.

Fire Extinguishers

A fire extinguisher can be handy for containing small fires or controlling a fire until help arrives. A multi-purpose extinguisher is ideal for home use, and is available at your local home improvement or discount store. The National Fire Protection Association suggests choosing an extinguisher that carries the label of an independent testing laboratory. Place the extinguisher near an exit in an easily-accessible place, like a closet or cabinet. Read the manufacturer’s instructions and make sure that everyone in your family can locate and properly use the extinguisher.

Escape Planning

Your DIY fire prevention program should include an escape plan with at least two different exits from each room and a meeting point outside the home. Remove any obstructions from doors and windows. Take special consideration for anyone in your home who may have limited mobility or a disability, like children and elderly people. Practice your escape plan with your kids twice a year.

Identifying Weak Points

A good DIY-er should constantly keep a watchful eye out for any potential fire risks. Fire hazards can be avoided by:

• Repairing or replacing loose and frayed electrical cords.

• Being watchful of large home appliances –even dryers and washing machines can start fires. Never leave an appliance on when you are not home.

• Never leaving food unattended on a stovetop. According to the National Fire Prevention Agency, cooking fires are the number one cause of home fires, so take care to keep your cooking area free of combustible substances and flammable materials.

• Storing gasoline in approved metal or plastic containers away from any sources of possible ignition, like heaters.

• Keeping heaters, space heaters, and fireplaces free of any obstructions or flammable materials.

Education

Remember those “Stop, Drop, and Roll” drills? Teaching your children at an early age about the dangers of playing with fire and emergency procedures for escaping a fire can help keep them safe. Likewise, try to educate yourself about fire prevention and any new fire prevention products and procedures.

Fire is an important part of our daily lives, from cooking our food to heating our homes. With the right tips, tools, and caution, a DIY fire prevention plan can keep your family and home safe from fires.

About the Author

Ralph Winn. 35 years in the Home Security industry. Home Security Systems and Alarm Monitoring tips.

Published At: www.Isnare.com
Permanent Link: http://www.isnare.com/?aid=234603&ca=Home+Management

DIY Exterior Home Renovations

2008-08-02T05:16:00.002-07:00

Homeowners with the time and expertise can perform many DIY exterior home renovations and with the right tools and equipment can accomplish many minor projects in a couple of days. Depending on your level of knowledge about construction, the types of projects that can be done as DIY exterior home renovations include new siding, gutters, window trim and even adding a patio to the house. Appropriate planning is the cornerstone for any home renovation project and unless you have performed this type of work previously, it will pay to look at the many aspects involved in a project. For all DIY exterior home renovations there will be materials needed and there may be some expensive equipment required, although for most rental companies will probably have what you need to get the job done without the added expense of buying equipment only used for one job.

Painting the exterior of a home is one of the DIY exterior home renovations that many people tackle, but before beginning the existing surface will have to be prepared to receive the fresh coat of paint. Whether the entire home is being painted, or just the exposed wood of a brick home will need to be sanded and clean to insure the finished job is smooth and looks professionally done.

The trouble many people run into with DIY exterior home renovations is trying to do everything at once and not properly planning out the sequence of the job. For example, if you are planning to paint the exterior, the first impulse may be to prepare all of the surface all around the house at once. If the job involves ladders or scaffolding, you will be setting it and moving it for each side of the building.

It will save a lot of time doing DIY exterior home renovations if you set the ladders and scaffolding up on one wall and complete the entire job before moving everything to the next section. Doing it this way will save considerable time and when the final section is completed you are done. Instead of setting up the equipment at least twice for each segment of the project, it is set up once and done. If your experience level is questionable, do not hesitate to ask for tips and tricks to speed things along. The internet is a wealth of information for just about any DIY exterior home renovations you may be considering. By perusing the many site available you should be able to be an expert on all remodeling jobs, at least on paper.

For Home Improvement & cash back deals visit http://www.dragonrewards.com/browse/all/all/all

About the Author

Roger Thompson writes for Leading Portal for Home Improvement,cash back awards,weight loss & hoodia

Published At: www.Isnare.com
Permanent Link: http://www.isnare.com/?aid=195071&ca=Home+Management

DIY Home Security

2008-08-02T05:16:00.001-07:00

Most home security experts agree that homeowners have three major defenses against potential burglars:

• Light
• Time
• Noise

For the handy men and women of the world, ideas are probably already forming in your crafty heads for ways to tackle these areas of home security yourself. Do-it-yourself home security can be a very effective way to protect your family and your property without spending a bundle.

DIY Home Security: Light

Tonight, after dark, go stand in your yard. Look at is as if you are a potential thief. How dark is your yard? Are there shadowy patches near your door or windows? If you were a thief, would you feel relatively “safe” approaching your house?

If you discovered the answer to those questions is “yes,” don’t worry. As a do-it-yourselfer, there are lots of illuminating ways you can protect your home and family:

• Trim hedges and trees – especially those near doors and windows. Don’t give potential intruders an easy place to lurk. All the light in the world won’t eliminate the shadows cast by out-of-control shrubbery.

• Install motion sensor lights in your yard. For under $30, you can install a wireless, outdoor, weatherproof light designed to illuminate your yard anytime it detects motion. Whether it brightens the path between your car and your door, or casts light on a trespasser approaching your home, this do-it-yourself security device is well worth the money.

• Put your lights on timers when you go out of town. A house that sits dark day after day is a potential advertisement to thieves. For around $70, you can put your lights on timers and schedule them to turn on at various times of the day or night.

DIY Home Security: Time

Most burglars will only spend about 60 seconds trying to enter a home. Increase the time it takes to break into your home through some simple DIY techniques:

• Install dead-bolt locks on all exterior doors. Deadbolts are harder to pick and make it extremely difficult to kick down a door. For around $100, you can take security one step further with digital dead-bolts. These heavy-duty locks eliminate the need for keys – just punch in your access code to open your front door.

• Secure the locks on all windows. Most windows are designed to keep out the elements, not burglars. For about $3 a lock, you can replace your standard window locks with stronger sash-locks.

• Protect your sliding doors with a doorguard alarm. When wedged under the handle of your sliding door, this steel rod makes it very difficult (if not impossible) to open a sliding door. On top of that, a doorguard alarm emits a 120-decibel alarm if the door or door handle is moved – all for less than $30.
DIY Home Security: Noise

The final element to consider when tackling home security yourself is noise. If a burglar manages to creep through your well-lit yard, bypass your sturdy, time-consuming locks, and make it into your home, noise is your last line of immediate defense:

• Purchase a wireless alarm. Typically ranging from $200-300, wireless alarms systems are easy to install and ready to use. They don’t require programming and most of them include a piercing 110-decibel siren sure to wake the neighborhood and terrify intruders.

• Install an indoor motion detector. These security devices emit an alarm when they detect unauthorized motion inside your home. They’re easy to set up and easy on your wallet – a good motion detector costs around $120.

• Consider getting a dog. The ultimate in DIY home security noise is a barking dog. Not only is a dog a lovable member of the family, but it is also a great defense against potential intruders. Even a small barking dog is usually enough to deter a thief.

These are just a few of the many ways to secure your home yourself, without hiring professionals or spending a small fortune.

About the Author

Ralph Winn. 35 years in the Security System industry. Home Security and Alarm Monitoring tips.

Published At: www.Isnare.com
Permanent Link: http://www.isnare.com/?aid=220240&ca=Home+Management

Enhance Your Home: DIY Home Metal Roofing

2008-08-02T05:15:00.000-07:00

The majority of people doing work on their home at the minute actually prefer to complete any renovations or repairs necessary on their own. With labour costs being so high and individuals having very little disposable income to play with then the rise in popularity of do it yourself comes as no surprise. You can also perform DIY home metal roofing work on your homes these days because of the availability of information. DIY home metal roofing should be a priority when it comes to making your home over because the roof is one of the most important elements of your home.

Preparing For DIY Home Metal Roofing

Anyone attempting DIY home metal roofing for the first time should make ample preparations before even starting work. You will need the plans of your home in order to plan out your DIY home metal roofing because without them you will not be able to measure or join the new roof effectively to prevent leakage of heat outwards and moisture inwards. After finding the plans to your home, you will need to study the steps to completing DIY home metal roofing because there is a specific order that you have to adhere to in order to make sure that it is done correctly.

Assessing DIY Home Metal Roofing

You must ensure that you give yourself enough time and a big enough budget in order to ensure that you complete your DIY home metal roofing on time. DIY home metal roofing projects almost always run over the time you allocate to get them done because it is a very complicated process. DIY tasks like this very rarely actually go according to plan!

DIY home metal roofing does take a lot of time and effort to complete. However, all of the time and effort that you do put into it is entirely worth it. The finished results are usually beautiful and compliment that house very well. It is aesthetically gorgeous as well as extremely functional. It is worth the money you spend and the hard labour, as you will see after the project is completed. For more info see http://www.homeroofinghelp.com/How_To_Install_Metal_Roofing on install metal.

The best tip that anyone could ever give you when it comes to DIY home metal roofing is to be prepared. Your organization must be excellent and the plans must be fantastically well laid out in order for DIY home metal roofing to stand a chance of success. If there is a weakness in your plan then you can guarantee that something will go wrong, as it usually does! Repeatedly plan everything time and time again before starting and think through different scenarios of what could go wrong, just in case it does!

About the Author

You can also find more info on metal roofing system and good metal roof . Homeroofinghelp.com is a comprehensive resource to known about metal roofing.

Published At: www.Isnare.com
Permanent Link: http://www.isnare.com/?aid=180773&ca=Home+Management

Install That Entry Door Yourself

2008-07-29T08:07:00.001-07:00

Five Steps to a Brand New Door

Door replacement is a task that any homeowner can complete, with basic skills, a few tools and patience. In fact, this can be a wonderful opportunity for the do-it-yourself person to learn a new task and save a bit of money that might otherwise be paid to a professional. The choice of a the correct door design and finish can change the look of a room, attract the visitor to the outside of the home, and also help keep the home airtight.

For basic understanding of this task, there are three types of doors: combination doors (screen/storm); entry doors; and interior doors. Five simple steps can lead the individual through the task of replacing an entry door. As most experienced homeowners know, mastering entry door replacement gives the individual the knowledge to replace interior doors (a simpler version of the entry-door technique).

Replacing a combination door follows the same steps as that for entry doors, but the process can be a bit more complex. Manufacturers generally provide good instructions and suggestions for installing combination storm/screen doors. Following these instructions carefully will usually lead to completion of the project with success (and reduced stress). Professionals at the home improvement center or hardware store can also be an excellent source for tips and suggestions.

But where should the do-it-yourself homeowner begin with installing doors? Here are five basic steps for the process, starting with:

Remove The Old Door

Careful removal of the old door is an important first step. After opening the door, place a wedge under the outer corner to take the weight off the door hinges. Remove the hinge pins and set the door aside. This door can be used as a pattern for trimming the new door if it has not been seriously damaged or if it isn't too badly warped.

Remove Hinge Leaves

The next step is to remove the hinge pieces from the frame. Depending on the desire to use existing hardware, these hinges can be reused or new ones can be substituted. Older hinges can be lightly buffed with fine sandpaper to restore some of the original appearance. Be sure the screws for the new hinges are long enough to reach into the stud behind the door frame.

Trim New Door

It would be wise to use the old door as a pattern for the new one. The alternative is to measure the door opening and allow a 1/8" bottom clearance as well as a 1/16" top and side clearance. The bottom clearance for a carpeted floor will probably have to be 3/4". Trim and plane door as necessary, using a fine-tooth saw and good plane.

Prepare New Door For Hinges

New areas must be carved out so the hinge blades can fit smoothly into the frame and door. Using the old door can help with proper location of hinges. A pencil outline of the hinge is essential for cutting this depression in the wood. Carefully chisel out the wood, with several cuts to the depth of the hinge leaf.

Hang New Door

It is time to put the hinges on, securing them with strong screws. When hanging the door, insert hinge pins by starting with top hinge. With patience and attention to detail, this project can be finished quickly enough to allow time for a bit of relaxation!

The author Jack Blacksmith is especially interested in issues associated to saw patterns. Sharing his passion in documents, the writer showed his skill on news about free scroll saw pattern and saw patterns.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jack_S._Blacksmith

Tips For Building Storage Shelves In Your Garage

2008-07-29T08:05:00.002-07:00

Many people use their garage as home for all types of items and miscellaneous things that they do not have any other place for. So all sorts of items from sporting equipment to books to tools to handyman and equipment find their way into the garage. Some garages lose their original purpose, which is for parking cars. If you are one of those people who use their garage mainly for storage then you should think about putting in some shelving. A well-organized shelf not only provides a convenient place to store hardware and tools but also it is great for working on home projects. Building plans for shelves are available at most home improvement shops.

There are two kinds of garage shelving. You can opt for pre-fabricated or custom-built. Obviously prefabricated shelving is a lot cheaper and you can find a wide variety of sizes to fit your space. This kind of shelving can be found at your local handyman center or your neighborhood lumberyard.

A very basic garage shelf is made of plywood or lumber and is secured with shelf brackets. In this case the brackets are attached to this studs using long screws. To increase their strength, a brace can be added at each stud. You can also use floor-supported shelves.

Material

Although you can use plastic shelving a much better choice is prefabricated steel shelves. Plastic shelves are for light duty and you will soon outgrow them when you start storing heavier items. There is a disadvantage to steel shelving in that it cannot be cut to sizes so you have to go with standard widths and other dimensions so you have to make sure that it fits your space.

Adjustability

When considering prefabricated shelves, you have to pay attention to adjustability. Shelves should be adjustable and the pins for adjusting the shelves should have a locking mechanism so they do not get lost or misplaced.

Safety

When you install shelving in your garage, it is a good idea to make sure that the shelving is attached to the wall to prevent tipping; shelving can be dangerous especially if you have heavy equipment loaded on them.

Hooks

Consider installing hooks into the ceiling joists for hanging bicycles, miscellaneous tools, canoes, etc. Installing hooks will help you greatly in freeing up space on your shelves.

Getting rid of clutter

Most garages turn into junkyards over time. So consider going through your garage and its shelving on a periodic basis to throw away things that you no longer need.

Have a garage sale!

Instead of throwing away things that you no longer need, a better option and one that saves resources, is having a garage sale. This is a great way to meet your neighbors and get rid of things that you do not need anymore; although this is not something to be done for making money as most garage sale customers are looking for very

Visit DIYQuarters.com for the latest information about do-it-yourself projects. Visit Woodworking Forums, as well as Home Theater Forums for your next DIY project. For general DIY questions and answers, post to DIY Forums

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Vic_Tamdon

Build a Train Table For Thomas the Tank Engine!

2008-07-29T08:05:00.001-07:00

Have you considered building a train table or a hobby table for your children? Why not? It is actually very easy.

My son, Rob, wanted a table for his son so he could play with his Thomas the Tank Engine. That way, the pieces of the train would stay on the table and were not all over the floor. Rob wanted the table to be strong so if his son climbed on top of the table, it would not buckle under him. What he wanted simply was not available unless he wanted to pay a small fortune for it. For that reason, Rob decided to build the table.

It had to be fairly basic as he had a very limited amount of tools. It also had to be completed partly indoors and partly outdoors due to his limited space, and quickly as his son was having a birthday party in a couple of days. Rob wanted to unveil the table at the party.

The base of the train table size was determined by the sizes of precut lumber the local big box carried. This was to reduce the amount of board cutting. He wanted a good looking wood finish that could be stained or painted. He wanted the train/hobby table to be durable and strong for his son and to last a long time.

Rob finally decided to build a table 2 feet wide by 4 feet long and 2 feet high. Simple hand tools could be used and the result would meet his requirements.

If you have and can use basic wood working tools, you can make a table for your child.

For detailed instructions for building and pictures of this train table, please visit http://www.single-family-home-remodeling.com/train-table.html

Also, check out http://www.single-family-home-remodeling.com for other home remodeling projects and home repair information.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=David_Altman

DIY Dishwasher Installation

2008-07-29T08:04:00.001-07:00

The dishwasher has become an essential part of many of our lives. There is no more the need to spend hours scrubbing away the sticky dirt and grime - the dishwasher will do it all. For those that are confident in carrying out home repairs and renovations themselves, a new or replacement dishwasher installation can be completed without the expense of a professional plumber and this will inevitably help you to save a few bucks.

Dishwasher Installation Procedure

Before starting, it is essential to carefully review the manual provided. This will make it easier to identify various parts of the dishwasher, and any parts or instructions that are specific to the dishwasher you purchased and intend to install.

For new dishwasher installations, the next step is to select a preferred location. It is generally recommended that this location is close to the kitchen sink, as this will be the most convenient and will mean that the dishwasher is close to a water supply, again negating the need to call in a plumber to ready water supply pipes. You will have to connect the hot water supply line, the drainage hose and the electrical cables. Ensure that the selected place has all the necessary connection points.

You will also have to ensure that the dishwasher fits in the cabinet or designed space. Most dishwashers have a standard opening of 24". Experts also state that most kitchen cabinets are 24" wide. Hence, you shouldn't face any trouble when installing the dishwasher if everything is to standards (but keep in mind that of all things life and cabinet sizes seem never to be to standards). Measuring the width of your dishwasher and the cabinet will ruin the surprise but is probably a worthwhile exercise.

• Once you have done with the measurement, you will have to drill holes in the lower part of the base cabinet for the drainage hose, water supply line and the electrical cables.
• Using a compression clamp, connect the drain hose to the drain outlet located behind the back of the dishwasher. Also attach the 90-degree bass fitting at the back of the dishwasher.
• Now place the dishwasher in front of the cabinet. Make the required height adjustments.
• The next step in the dishwasher installation process requires the removal of the access panel by unscrewing the two screws located on each side of the panel.
• Ensure that the electrical cables and the water supply line are properly aligned to where they need to go beneath the dishwasher. The waterline needs to be attached to the 90-degree brass fitting. . Also feed the drain hose through the sink.
• Now, start sliding the dishwasher in its place. If you want to prevent causing damage to the floor, consider attaching protective slides to the rear legs.
• The dishwasher should be in alignment with the counter top and the cabinet. In case of improper alignment, you can adjust the front feet of the dishwasher.
• Now, connect all the wires. Remember that a black wire should be connected to a black screw. In other words, all the wires should be connected with their corresponding screws by matching the colors. But remember the ground wire should be connected to the green screw.
• Now, re-attach the access panel.
• The next step in the dishwasher installation is the checking for leakages. This involves opening the hot water line so as to allow the flow of water. Any leakages will be promptly detected.

Thus, dishwasher installation is an easy process that can be done by anybody who has a basic knowledge of plumbing. For those that aren't competent with this sort of plumbing jobs, a professional plumber is always an option.

Henry James isn't a professional plumber, and for this reason respects the work of professional plumbers all the more. For more information please visit the Plumber Melbourne website.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Henry_S_James

How to Cut Tile - A Quick and Informative Method

2008-07-29T08:03:00.000-07:00

Learning home improvement can evolve into a great hobby, not forgetting the money saved and value that can be added to your home. Learning how to cut tile properly will be a great benefit, because one of the best improvements you can make to your home is adding tiles or re-tiling your bathroom and flooring.

Although it is cheaper to jump in and have a go at it yourself, some money can be lost replacing tiles that you have damaged. I'm going to explain how to cut tile the correct way.

How To Cut Tile

Firstly mark the tile for cutting, place it face up on a flat surface.

Use your steel rule, or whichever straight edged guide you have lying around onto the tile and line the ends up with your cut marks.

Once you are satisfied with the positioning, use your tile scriber to score the tile from the top to the bottom.

Beware, thinker tiles will need extra attention given to the edges. After you have scored the tile, grab a chopping board and a piece on thin wire.

Add the piece of wire onto the board, making sure it is in a perfectly straight line. You might want to attach it to the board to save time when making lots of cuts.

Place the tile onto the board, facing up. Line up the wire with the score mark at the top and bottom of your tile. After checking it is positioned correctly, apply some pressure to both edges of the tile, simultaneously. The tile will break along the score mark and leaving you with a nice clean cut.

You will learn how to cut tile with trial and error, if you still struggle trying to figuring out how to cut tile perfectly, hunt down a video tutorial which can physically go through with you how to cut tile. Remember to have fun with your home improvements and try not to get too stressed!

Check out the video tutorials and home improvement tips!

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Robert_Lock

DIY Conservatory Choices

2008-07-24T07:45:00.000-07:00

by Fiona Stapleton
A DIY conservatory is an easy to install system that can transform your home into the dwelling of your dreams. Whether your goal is to add a conservatory to use as a sunroom, garden room, or a wonderful enclosed porch where you can simply relax you'll find that there is a wide variety of DIY conservatory styles, ensuring that everyone can have the conservatory that best represents their lifestyle while complementing their home's dпїЅcor and architectural design.

Some of the most popular DIY conservatory styles include the Victorian, Edwardian, Traditional Lean, Edwardian Double Hipped, Victorian Double Hipped, Pavilion, Gull Wing, and P-Shaped. Victorian Conservatories have distinctive features and rely heavily upon its gothic architectural influence. Edwardian conservatories are revered for their great use of space and design. A Traditional Lean conservatory is also often referred to as a Sun Lounge; it is one of the most popular conservatory styles. It's important that no matter what style you prefer, that you select a DIY conservatory that offers easy installation, as well as help along the way. It's also important to make sure that you receive an adequate quote before determining your project and that the quote includes all of the most important information. Your quote should include pricing for bases, roofing, and the conservatory structure.

The base of your conservatory is the foundation for your structure and you must make certain that the base is extremely durable. That's why the new Xframe has removed much of the complications associated with laying bases and has enable the builder to install his or her DIY conservatory simply and efficiently. In fact, the new Xframe system is so simple that those who have little to no experience can successfully install their own conservatories. For those who are excited about building their own conservatory, yet still a little weary about the technical aspect of the project, the Xframe system provides great results.

It's also important that when you select a DIY conservatory company, that you select one that offers plenty of assembly and installation assistance. When completing a do-it-yourself project, you can sometimes feel as if you're alone. Knowing that you can reach the company if you have any inquiries or issues will help make certain that you have the resources and tools readily available should a question arise.

When choosing a DIY conservatory, you will also need to determine how the materials will be shipped and delivered to your address. Will the delivery include shipping to your door? Will there be additional costs? How long does delivery take? Will the shipment include a checklist so that you can verify receipt of all pieces? These are important questions that must be answered before beginning your DIY conservatory project.

Your DIY conservatory may or may not be subject to building regulations. Nonetheless, it is best to double check and ensure that if you need to meet any additional requirements that you do so. A conservatory is a wonderful addition to your home and will reward you with many years of enjoyment.
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About the Author
DIY Conservatory provides assistance for those seeking conservatory plans and kits. With a full range of styles, accessories, and garden plans available, including the Xframe, they are ready to help you with your needs. Visit the site today.

Renovation DIY Projects Take Planning by Rob Carlton

2008-07-24T07:39:00.000-07:00

If you have a home improvement project that needs to be done, how do you decide whether to do it yourself or hire a professional? Here are some tips to help you decide.

Renovation do-it-yourself projects have become more popular, especially with the rise of television shows such as Extreme Makeover: Home Edition. They make it look so easy to "flip" a house, don't they? DIY is popular mainly because doing it yourself saves money, obviously. Contractors can be expensive: They have to consider materials, labor, insurance as well as their profit margin when quoting a price. Frankly, they are in business to make money to put food on their families' tables. So hiring someone won't necessarily be cheap.

DIY projects are not necessarily hard to do. All the home improvement stores and even some community colleges offer seminars in how to complete common tasks such as applying tile or building decks. There are also scores of books, magazines, pamphlets and other information on all sorts of projects. You can also look online for more tips.

By carefully planning what you are doing and knowing how to use the equipment, you should be able to do the most common tasks yourself. As an added feature, making it your own project will give your family a chance to "bond" and give you a great feeling of accomplishment.

On the other hand, you may decide that hiring a professional is best for you. People are busy today and you simply may not have time to wallpaper the bedroom. Or, you may start a project and run out of time: a family emergency may arise and any free time you thought you had is gone. It happens.

Another common scenario occurs when someone gets started on a project and encounters a problem. It is perfectly all right to contact a professional to either fix just the problem portion or to finish the entire project. Some contractors are sneaky and tack on an additional fee to fix problem projects but if you shop around and find a reputable contractor, he or she should treat you fairly.

So, before you start a home improvement project, ask yourself: Do I have the time to do the work? Do I know how to do the work? Are there resources I can refer to if something unexpected arises? Or, would it be worth it to hire a professional? Have I called around and gotten price estimates for labor and materials?

By asking these common-sense questions before you start, you can determine whether you have the makings of a do-it-yourselfer or if you'd rather leave it to the pros. It's better to figure that out now than after you've gotten yourself into a mess you can't get out of.

http://www.goarticles.com/cgi-bin/showa.cgi?C=1028071

Rob Carlton's informative papers are published on a lot of web sites with reference to stainless steel sinks. His work on wall mount sinks are published on his webpage as well as various other web sites.

Stripping Antique Furniture - Should You Take it All Off Or Leave Something Chic For the Imaginatio

2008-07-20T02:05:00.001-07:00

When I examine an antique piece of furniture, it's the details that capture my attention. If the details are unique, I salivate thinking - What legs, what shape, what form, what possibilities - I lust, I lust! Before any refinishing begins, especially any stripping, a decision must be made. In my opinion, there are two schools of thought -Take it all off? Or leave a little to the imagination?

When my husband refinishes an antique, he might apply a thick layer of acid stripper on all of the surfaces, removing the finish to the bare wood, sand and then add paint or stain. When finished, his piece will look almost new. He takes it all off. And that, to me, is old school refinishing and would ruin the whole effect because, most of all, I crave patina. I want to leave a lot to romance. This romantic look is most desirable today and is often referred to as shabby, chic, romantic, or French Country styles. There are many repros available which try to capture the essence of vintage cottage furniture. Most romantic purists won't spare reproduced pieces even a glance. Too often a refinisher, unfamilar with the nuances of true shabby chic, paints the piece of vintage furniture institutional white then hits it with an electric sander ripping the paint to the wood - with a result that looks as if it has been chained and drug behind a truck on a graveled road. That's not the look nor the effect that appeals to the buying public. Again, no romance nor patina there.

The romance comes into play when one is still able to look at a refinished piece of furniture and speculate about where this fetching antique has been in a previous life, how many lives it may have touched, how aging formed the warm patina. Personally, I often find myself swept away wondering if the piece was a treasured heirloom before it became a sad cast-away. It is so easy to develop an intimate relationship with a piece that later makes it difficult for me to sell it. Since turning trash to treasures is my pleasure; yet, I have to sell to support my passion - I try to keep in mind that I'm refinishing this piece for someone else. Still, I do it as lovingly and with as much wonder as if I were going to keep it. After all, if I don't love it, why would anyone?

It's no surprise that In contrast to my husband's methodical, practical refinishing methods, when I'm stripping furniture, I usually choose to work with a thin paint-solvent dampened cloth -enabling me to remove the veils of yesterday one sheer layer at a time.The solvent, sparingly applied, dissolves and blends the hues, leaving bared wood areas pickled with streaked stains that speak to me. The trick in stripping, to me, is always judging how much to leave and how much to remove. I love knowing I have found others, one at a time, who feel the same as I. We know what beauty is and we understand what makes this style of layered chippy paint on vintage furniture so hot --it's feminine, a marriage of yesterday and today, and it's romantic- even sexy!

For this very coveted French Country look, always remember, less is definitely more. Once totally stripped, all of the mystique and romance is lost forever.

An artist and designer whose artwork, furniture and paintings are sold nationally, recognizable by her simple signature, Devonia.

http://www.manyshadesofshabby.blogspot.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Devonia_Smith

Creative DIY Headboards For Small Rooms

2008-07-20T02:04:00.001-07:00

Are you ready to experiment with things you would throw away or things you already have lying around to create unique and exquisite headboards? There is no dearth of ideas if you let your creative juices flow. Here are some ideas that will help get you started.

Use a section of a wooden picket fence as a headboard. If you have a fence that you want to change, excellent, if not you could get it from a home improvement store. Paint it in a color that will match the decor of your bedroom and fix it on the wall over your bed.

Do you have an old door or a mantel that will fit around your bed? Use it as a headboard. You could paint the door and also decoupage with fabric or paper. It could be perfect for your room.

Use a trellis or arbor. They are available in a variety of sizes at the home improvement store. Paint them and decorate them with silk flowers and ribbons to create that stylish headboard. Fix them on the wall for stability.

If you can get hold of ceiling tin sheets, they could make unique headboards for your bedroom. Usually you can find them at flea markets and salvage stores. They should be slightly larger than the width of the bed. Nail them to the wall for an unusual look to the room.

Curtain rods that are the width of the bed or slightly bigger fixed on the wall above the bed can be used to hang various things to create beautiful headboards. You could hang vintage napkins or placemats. Pillows are another item that you can hang from the curtain rods. Make sure you modify the pillow cases so that they can be hung from the rods. Hanging a beautiful quilt could also work wonders for the room. You could also create your piece of cloth to be hung. Bring out your embroidery skills and stitch a beautiful design to hang from the curtain rods to create your very special headboard.

An old window frame, painted and fitted on the wall is another idea for a headboard. You could also paint a scenic picture behind the frame or use wall paper or a painting to give an effect of looking outdoors.

The place above your bed could be used as an area for your photo collection. Display your special photos with friends and family in beautiful frames, arranged in unique patterns to create your headboard. You could keep changing your photographs. Probably you could have a theme for every season. Similarly you could also hang paintings. It could be paintings that you have painted or from your collection. It could also be your children's art work including cards and drawings they have made for you.

Well, the options available are limitless. You have wall space above your bed waiting to be utilized. Get creative and experiment to get a stylish and unique look. The headboard need not be expensive.

Tameka Norris runs Furniture for Small Spaces It offers nifty tips and tactics, a Q & A section for people in need of answers, photos of her own small space trials, projects for the DIYer and recommendations on furniture choices.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Tameka_Norris

How to Find Great DIY Home Renovation Ideas Online

2008-07-19T05:40:00.000-07:00

by Guy Morris

If you are a little bored of the look of your home then you may be looking into home renovation ideas. However, home renovation can be expensive and so it would help to have a few secret home renovation tips to help you out.

Here you will find the best DIY home renovation secrets to help you to save money as you improve the look of your home. Whilst it may be extremely daunting, not all home renovation jobs are difficult to do and with a little knowledge even a complete beginner can learn how to successful renovate their home by themselves.

Finding the Right Help Online

One of the best ways to learn about anything these days is to go online. This is especially the case with DIY questions and tips. So many people have the same problems and you can find a large range of knowledge on everything to do with DIY home renovations online.

Ideally what you should do before you start looking for tips online is to write a list of everything you would like to change. Go around your home and see what you would like to update. List absolutely everything and that will help you to find appropriate ideas and tips. If you donвЂ™t make a list then you could literally spend hours looking at information and advice that isnвЂ™t relevant to you. A good website no matter what you are looking for is the Better Home and Gardens website. They specialize in providing you with affordable and easy to follow DIY home renovation ideas.

You could also search for local DIY stores online. You will be able to look at what is available near your area. This will give you a good idea of whether you should go to the store and have a look around, or whether you should just stick to online information. Of course the benefit with going into the store is that you can ask an expert for advice on what equipment you will need and whether they have any tips for you. They will be able to lead you to exactly what you need and they should also be able to answer any questions that you may have.

Overall DIY home renovations can be hard work, but with the right knowledge you can easily undertake a large number of tasks by yourself. By looking online it can potentially save you a lot of money by providing you with handy tips and money saving ideas. You can find home improvement magazines online and you can also find forums where people give each other advice. Failing that you can try DIY stores where the staff there should be extremely helpful. http://www.goarticles.com/cgi-bin/showa.cgi?C=1020749

The free-lance writer Guy Morris is very interested in subjects similar to replacement vinyl windows and replacement vinyl window. With his publications on replacement vinyl windows and compare vinyl replacement windows the writer confirmed his capability in the area.

Step by step guide to make your own roman blind

2008-07-10T00:03:00.000-07:00

by housetohome

You will need
2.5cm square wooden batten the width of the blind
Length of self-adhesive hook and sew-on loop fastener the width of the batten
Main fabric (we used Oleander, ref 4535-1, col Lemon, Ј65 a metre, Marvic Textiles, 020 7352 3119)
Lining fabric
Matching thread
Lengths of wooden dowelling, the width of the finished blind minus 3cm
Length of button trimming, three times the length of the finished blind plus 12cm (we used Button Braid, ref T571/06, Ј39 a metre, Osborne & Little)
12mm plastic rings
4 screw-in eyelets
Wooden acorn
3 lengths of cord, each the width of the finished blind plus twice the length
Wall cleat

Stage 1:
Fix the wooden batten inside the window recess to the underside of the window frame. Press the self-adhesive hook fastener along the front of the batten.

Stage 2:
To work out the size of your blind, measure from the top of the batten to your required finished length, adding 2.5cm each for the top and bottom hems. For the width, measure the length of the batten and add 2.5cm for each side seam. Cut out your main and lining fabric to these measurements.

Stage 3:
Right side up, lay out your main fabric on a flat surface. Place the lining fabric on top, matching raw edges all round. Pin all round, then stitch the side and bottom edges, taking a 2.5cm seam. Remove pins.

Stage 4:
To create a dowel pocket along the bottom edge, stitch a second line of stitching 6mm from the raw edge. Insert dowel. Trim seam allowances and turn through and press.

Stage 5:
To create the pleats, lay the blind lining side up and measure 5cm from the top of the blind. Mark with a pencil line across the width of the blind. Divide the remaining length of the blind into 20cm to 30cm pleats, finishing with a half pleat at the bottom. Mark each section with a pencil mark as before.

Stage 6:
To make pockets to hold the dowels at each of the pleats, cut 8cm strips of lining fabric to the width of the blind for each of the marked pencil lines. Fold each strip in half along the length and stitch the long raw edge and one end, taking a 1cm seam. Turn through and press.

Stage 7:
Centre the pockets along the marked pencil lines and pin and tack in place. Machine stitch each long edge, through all thicknesses, being careful not to pucker the fabric (see illustration).

Stage 8:
Slide the dowels into the pockets, turning under the remaining raw edges on the pockets and slip stitching to hold dowels in place.

Stage 9:
Cut the button trimming into three equal lengths. Pin and tack one strip down the centre on the right side of the blind, turning the excess to the back of the blind at the top and bottom. Slip stitch in place. Repeat to attach the remaining lengths of button trimming along the side edges of the blind. On the reverse of the blind turn under and slip stitch the excess button trimming.

Stage 10:
On each pocket mark the centre point of the blind and slip stitch a plastic ring in place. Repeat 5cm in from each side edge of the blind on each pocket (see illustration).

Stage 11:
To make the top hem, turn the raw edges of the main fabric and lining fabric to the back of the blind by 2.5cm and press. Stitch the sew-on loop fastener in place, close to the fold. Hang blind from the batten.

Stage 12:
Screw three eyelets to the underside of the batten so that each aligns with each row of plastic rings on the blind. Screw a fourth eyelet to the edge of the batten where the cords will fall and where the blind will be operated from.

Stage 13:
Cut the cord into three equal lengths and tie one to each of the three rings on the lowest pleat. Then thread each length of cord through each of the rings above it, and through the eyelets, finishing on the working side of the batten (see illustration). Trim the cords to a suitable length and thread on a wooden acorn. Fix a cleat in place on the wall and use to secure the cords.

house to home is a great source of interior design ideas and a helpful resource for buying and creating looks for your home. Search by room or by project to find the style you like for your home

http://www.goarticles.com/cgi-bin/showa.cgi?C=1005767

How to prepare and arrange a bookshelf in your home

2008-07-08T08:38:00.001-07:00

Constructing a bookshelf for your home can be a complicated project requiring craftsman skills. Before building a bookshelf in your home, there are many factors to consider, for example, you'll want to know exactly where you are going to put the bookshelf and prepare purchasing all the required materials you need ahead of time.

Decide exactly where you are going to put in the house. Most bookshelves for home uses are wooden shelves. Some books can take up a lot of spaces, for example a custom bookcase can take up a lot of space wall. This can make your room smaller.

First thing you should consider is the capability of loading. Make a good estimation on how far apart to place shelf brackets and shelf supports when building a bookcase. It's safer keeping your shelf length at about two to three feet off the ground in your home. Depending where you're going to put the bookshelf, overloading can take place by the weight of plenty of books.

If you want a longer bookshelf, it'd be best to add a second bookcase. Don't make the shelves too far apart when you're building a new bookshelf. Books are only about 8-10" tall, so when shelves are apart you will have large gaps at the tops. Determine the optimum spacing of your bookshelf (depends on the size of your books) and mark the spacing on the sides of the bookcase.

Decide on the area which has the most strength capability. The area most suitable for placing the bookshelf is near the beam because the beam can support the ability to carry the heavy weight more than the other area.

Weight consideration considered vital for constructing a bookshelf in your home. Generally, floor platforms can't hold up the weight more than 150 kg. / square meter but the bookshelf with contain full of books has estimated weight of about 500-1000 kg. / square meter. Your floor will eventually damage, for example, curve, crack and may collapse. If you overloaded the books on your bookshelf, for example, on the first floor, it will just damage the floor. The upper floor of your house is considered more dangerous. The weight should be carefully examined prior construction.

There are boards for bookshelf for you to choose, either in plain or finished boards, with painted and unpainted, depending on the room you use in you home. If you buy plain boards, do not forget to buy stain or paint to finish them.

Make sure you have all the right materials you need, for example, paint, stain, a measuring tape, an electric drill and screws to hold the brackets in place. Your shelf bracket must have appropriate width for the boards you are going to use. Take the time to double-check all measurements. Remember to measure twice so you only have to cut once. Lay out the pieces as you would to assemble them.

You can then decide to either have an open shelving system or a closed bookcase, ant paint or stain your bookshelf.

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Methods for Building a Garden Shed Base

2008-07-06T22:55:00.000-07:00

Having a garden shed can be a nice addition to your backyard and garden. It can act as a storage area and perhaps even a working area for the garden. You are probably riled up about getting your shed in place so you can begin to take advantage of it. But before you can worry about the shed, it is vital you focus your attention on building a solid garden shed base.

It is absolutely vital you construct a firm and stable base for the shed. Every shed requires a level base of some sort. While you can pay someone to construct one for you, you can also get the job done yourself with a little bit of knowledge and detailed instructions of how to complete the job.

Prior to building your shed base, there are a few things you want to take into consideration. First, do not place the base too close to walls or fences in case the shed has an overhanging roof. Next, cut any branches that may be in the way if you are to purchase a large shed. Lastly, allow for sufficient access to the outside walls for regular treatments.

Once you have taken these precautions, it is time to determine which method you will use to construct your garden shed base. There really are three methods you have to choose from; concrete, paving slab and timber bearers. While each is different in its own way, there are benefits and downsides to each.

Regardless of the method, the first step is to always mark your area. This allows you to clear any crops you may have. You can mark the area with string and pegs so you know exactly where it is going. It can also allow you to visually picture where and how the garden shed will look in the place you have it.

The first method we will go into detail about is the concrete base method. This is typically recommended for large sheds and log cabins. After you have marked your area, you will excavate the ground approximately 6 inches deep. From there, you will lay 3 inches of scalping or brick rubble that will act as sound foundation. Once laying this, you can remove the pegs and string.

The next step is to cut and fit four timber rails to act as a frame for the concrete that will set on top of the foundation. Finally, it is time to lay the concrete. As with the foundation, you will lay approximately 3 inches of concrete to fill the entire 6 inches you dug up. You have your option of either purchasing bags of dry mixed concrete and adding water gradually or making a mixture of ballast, cement and water yourself.

It is important you lay the concrete evenly, spreading it to all areas of the outline. Then, cover the concrete with sheets or a tarp to allow it to dry naturally. If the weather is dry and warm, spray it with water lightly so it does not dry too quickly.

The next method you can use to build a garden shed base is a paving slab. For this method you will excavate the ground 2.5 inches deep and lay a mixture of one part cement and eight parts building sand 1.5 inches deep.

After leveling this mixture, you can then begin to lay paving slabs starting from a corner. You will want to tap the slabs down with a rubber mallet to ensure the top of the slabs is higher than the surrounding ground.

The last method you can use to construct a base for your garden shed is the timber bearers method. For this method, you will excavate the ground 2 inches deep and lay 1.5 inches of gravel or soil. You will equally space concrete or timber bearers approximately 16 to 24 inches apart. If it is necessary, you can use a rubber mallet to tap the timber bearers down.

How much supplies you need for each method will all depend on the size of your shed. It is vital you have a plan drawn up for how you will construct the garden shed base, how big the base will be, and what kind of shed you are going to purchase. From there, simply follow the instructions for one of these three methods and you will be on your way.
Sara Lungley wrote the Article 'Methods for Building a Garden Shed Base' and recommends you visit http://www.a1articles.com/article_153049_27.html for more information on garden and storage sheds.

This article is free for republishing
Source: http://www.articlealley.com/article_569826_27.html

Chair Repair Videos

2008-07-01T08:27:00.000-07:00

Upholstery Chair Repair

Dining Room Chair Repair

How To Properly Hang A Picture

2008-07-01T00:55:00.001-07:00

Are your pictures too high? Too low? Are there extra nail holes behind those family pictures on your wall from when you tried to “eyeball” it?

If you don’t have the faintest idea how high a picture should be hung on the wall, or know anything about grouping pictures or designing an arrangement, don’t despair-- there is hope.

Hanging a picture sounds easy enough, but the reality is there are many elements to this deceptively simple process that can make it frustratingly difficult and leave you with a ridiculous number of holes in your wall from failed attempts. Luckily, there are a few tips that can help you avoid butchering your wall and almost guarantee your pictures will be sitting pretty.

First, remember that the center of a picture should be at eye-level. This applies to a grouping of pictures, too, only using the center of the combined collaborative instead of the individual piece. Because height can vary dramatically from person to person, the default measurement is approximately 66 inches from the floor to the center of the object. There are exceptions to this rule, of course. For instance, if you are hanging a particularly large painting or mirror, 66 inches isn’t always spatially correct. Adjust accordingly and with great prejudice. Remember, too much “eyeballing” can lead to too many holes.

Another good rule is to use two picture hooks with picture hanging wire on the back of your frame. This prevents shifting and tilting, so you won’t have to be forever straightening your pictures. It also provides extra support for heavy objects. To determine where to place your hangers, measure and find the center of your picture. From this point, measure equal distance to a point that’s about half to two-thirds the length of the picture. You will need to remember how far these hooks are placed apart from the center when finally driving the nail, so make sure you write it down or commit it to memory.

Now, the moment of truth: hammering the nails (or drilling the screws, which may be a better option for really heavy objects. Using wall anchors with screws to hang your art will definitely keep things where they’re supposed to be.) When deciding how high to hang your picture, don’t forget to measure it first and find its center. You will need to measure from this point vertically to the wire and add x number of inches to 66 to allow for this space. Mark on the wall lightly with a pencil 66 inches from the floor where you want the center of the picture to be. From there, you will use a level to mark two more places the distance from the center to the picture hooks (you wrote it down, remember?). This is where you want to put your nails. After you hammer them in, it’s just a matter of hanging you picture!

If you have more than one picture of the same size and need to repeat this process, it is easy to hang them together symmetrically. If you have multiple pictures of varying size, sketching out a composition before trying to hang them is a good idea. It can help to visualize the smaller pictures as pieces of a larger whole and arranging them accordingly.
Ki helps people investigating the Austin real estate market. You can start your search by using his site to search the Austin MLS along with researching current market trends on his Austin real estate blog.
This article is free for republishingSource: http://www.articlealley.com/article_566213_27.html

Removing Countertops

2008-07-01T00:51:00.000-07:00

One of the most cost effective ways to renovate your home is to “do-it-yourself.” From sanding and painting to digging and planting, there are many projects that a determined homeowner can accomplish. There are some jobs, however, that are better left to the professionals. These jobs are too heavy, too labor intensive or require specialized tools and skills.

Case in point: installing new granite countertops. The weight of the granite alone is enough to send anyone running to a phone to call for professional help. If you have new countertops on the way complete with the manpower do get it done, you are probably thinking you get the day off. But don’t lay down your tools just yet. There is a way to cut costs on this otherwise costly project—by doing the demo work yourself. Some contractors charge as much as $550 to remove the old countertops, a relatively easy job that even the most inexperienced handyman can handle.

First, remove all the drawers from your cabinets. This makes it much easier to gain access to your work area. You will also need to remove the contents of your cabinets so you can get underneath to work. Fortunately, these are things you will need to do before your new counters are installed anyway, so you are already ahead of the game.

It will also be necessary to remove your old sink. To do this, simply detach the plumbing from the drains and faucet (don’t forget to turn the water supply off), and remove the fasteners from the underside of the sink. There will be some sealant around the edge of the sink, but it should easily lift from the countertop.

If you look at your existing laminate countertops, you will see that they are in sections. Each section is attached to the cabinet base by screws drilled through the underside of the countertop. The next step to removing the old countertops is removing all these screws. This requires getting down on the floor and inside the cabinets at all kinds of uncomfortable angles. Luckily, a power screwdriver can speed this process along (although a manual screwdriver may still be needed for those hard to get to angles).

Next, remove the sealant from the edge of the backsplash. You can use a putty knife or screwdriver to do this. Be careful to remove as much as you can from any surface that you plan to save, so that when you pull off the counters, it doesn’t damage the wall.

Before you try to remove the countertops, make sure you have removed any outlet covers that may be attached to your backsplash. Also, keep in mind that there may be some glue adhering the backsplash to the wall, requiring a little more elbow grease to remove.

Finally, you are ready to take the old counters off. Have someone assist you with the lifting and removal. If you have trouble getting a section off, double check that all your screws have been removed. If the backsplash adhesive is giving you trouble, try sliding a putty knife behind the backsplash to break the bond.

Now your old counters are gone, your kitchen is ready for the new ones, and you saved yourself a little money. Now, all that’s left to do is watch the professionals get to work.
Ki helps individuals looking for houses in the Austin real estate market. His site has information on mortgage interest rates along with a graphical search of the Austin MLS.

This article is free for republishing
Source: http://www.articlealley.com/article_566225_27.html

Ceramic Tile Installing Tricks

2008-06-28T09:13:00.000-07:00

Ceramic tile installing is much the same whether your project is a floor, walls or a counter top. Get the basics ceramic tile installation right and you can do most any project successfully. Let's start with what you need for any tile project.

1.Tools

Gather your tile tools first. These are the basic tools, many of which you already have. Here's what you need:

Plastic 5 gallon Buckets,
Ceramic Tile Nippers,
Tile Cutter Board,
Hammer,
Screwdriver,
Notched Trowel,
Margin Trowel,
Chalk Line,
Pencils,
Tri Square,
Spacers,
Tape Measure,
Level,
Tile Sponge,
Tile Saw.

You for sure need tile nippers. Then a tile cutter board is used for making clean straight cuts. A tile saw can make all the cuts needed. You can start with a small cheap saw and upgrade later.

2. A Solid Base

Many kinds of surfaces will work for a base, but the mounting surface needs to be solid. Old linoleum will work. Old tile will work. Concrete will work. But the best surface is usually cement board, Hardibacker board. It's rigid and adhesives stick to it just right.

3. The Right Adhesive

The pros use a wettable powder called thinset that's a masonry product. You can also use a pre-mixed adhesive with latex. For mixing wettable powder get a paint stirrer for use with your portable drill.

4. Careful With Spacing

To look great, the tile must be set evenly with consistent spacing. Mark off chalk lines as guide lines and then carefully keep the spacing between tiles consistent. Your tile suppliers stock plastic spacers that make keeping those spaces between the tiles uniform. Use those until you can eyeball the space and make it consistent. Part of the fun of laying tile is keeping the tile straight and level even though the tile size varies a little from tile to tile.

5. Grout Right

After the tile is set and dried in place, fill the spaces with grout. Grout can contain sand or not. Whether you use sanded grout depends partly on the size of the spaces between tiles. Grouts often contain latex additives to improve the performance. Sometimes installers choose epoxy grout for use in kitchens and bathrooms. Epoxy grout is waterproof and stain proof.

Puzzled about how to tackle a ceramic tile project? Like to see a video of a tile job like yours? Visit our site for more tips on ceramic tile installing.

Al Bullington invites you to visit http://www.InstallingCeramicTile.net for answers to your ceramic tile questions.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Al_Bullington

Basic Deck Building Instructions

2008-06-25T01:37:00.000-07:00

If you want to learn basic deck building, there are three steps you need to know. They are plan, build, and trim. I will explain these concepts in this article and show you how to build that deck you always wanted.

The first step in basic deck building is to plan. Determine where the deck is to be located and what the finished product will look like. Take measurements to determine the exact size you want, where the steps are going to be, if there are any doors to consider and where you want the railing to go. Now decide where and how everything will fit together.

Draw a plan showing dimensions, including the details such as the direction the deck boards will run. Is the new deck to be attached to the existing house or not? It is much easier if it is not attached. There will be fewer problems in the future.

Now plan the foundation, including supports. If you have any questions about how to size the support beams, someone at your local lumberyard with access to span tables can assist with the answers. ALWAYS make the beams large enough to support the load you anticipate.

The second step in basic deck building is to build the deck. Dig the holes for the support posts. Be sure to measure carefully as the posts are difficult to move after the concrete has set. Place the header joist at the ends and connect the joist to them either with joist hangers or by nailing through the header joist.

Make sure everything is square and level. Nail the deck boards to the joist, keeping them 1/8 inch apart. Start at the outside edge and work toward the house. Always get the first deck board straight and fit all other deck boards to it.

Nail every deck board with two nails at every joist to help keep things straight and keep the boards from cupping and warping. Cut the ends of the deck boards even with each other by using a chalk line to determine a straight line. The floor now is complete.

To make the railing, take the support post and trim them to a height of 35 inches or whatever the local requirements are in your area. Cut two supports to fit horizontally between the posts. Now cut balusters to fit from top to bottom. Nail the balusters into the previously cut support pieces 3 ½ inches apart. Stand them up and toe nail into the post.

Cap off with a clean (no knots) deck board on top of the post. Cut the corners at a 45 degree angle for a finished look.

The third and final step in basic deck building is to trim. Put some lattice around the bottom to keep critters and children out. Stain or wood sealer should be applied after the deck has cured.

If you follow these basic instructions of plan, build, and trim, you should be able to build a wood deck at your home. Check to determine if permits are required. If they are required, the building inspector will make sure you are in compliance with local building codes.

For more in depth instructions on basic deck building, including diagrams, please visit http://www.single-family-home-remodeling.com/deck-building.html today.

Also, check out http://www.single-family-home-remodeling.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=David_Altman

Low Cost Concrete Floor Staining

2008-06-25T01:36:00.000-07:00

This is not an article for those looking how to acid wash concrete. This is about getting the same look, for less than half the cost of acid staining!

First off you need to gather your supplies. You can find them at any local home improvement store such as Home Depot, Lowes, Ace Hardware, etc. You will need solid concrete stain; I recommend two colors that complement each other i.e. a tan and a dark brown. Concrete sealer which comes in different sheens so decide if you want a flat look to your floor or a slightly shiny look, and get enough to seal your floors 6-8 times. You will also need a cheap gallon sprayer, just make sure it has an adjustable nozzle. A long handled roller with a semi-smooth nap and paint tray. And of course you will need plastic and painters tape to protect your other surfaces. And a large piece of cardboard or test space that you won't mind messing up.

Second, remove all furniture from the room and make sure you prep your surface and surrounding surfaces well. I recommend covering 4-6 feet up the wall so you avoid over-spray and having to touch up paint. Make sure you vacuum or sweep really well because whatever is on your floor will be on your floor forever once you start the process.

Now, you are ready to begin! Mix up concrete stain because just like paint, it separates and needs to be mixed. Carefully, off your surface, pour stain in your sprayer. Replace cap and if needed pump sprayer to prepare for spraying. Test your pattern on some cardboard or some other space you don't mind messing up; I tried it on my garage floor. Make sure to keep the sprayer a few feet away from the floor, otherwise you will get puddles of stain when you are looking for splatters of stain. When you are comfortable with the look you are creating, go to work on your prepped floor. Keep in mind, you are not trying to completely cover the floor, you are trying for a natural stone look. When doing the edges I recommend aiming a couple feet up off the floor to get all the way to the edge and not puddle, but still get the splatter look you are going for. Make sure you work yourself out the door instead of into a corner...you don't want to stand around waiting for it to dry for 4 or so hours! Pour any left over stain back into it's original container, and clean out the sprayer so it's ready for your next color! The whole process shouldn't take very long, my 130 square foot room only took me about 45 minutes to put one coat on.

Then, wait the recommended time before you start the second coat. After the first coat is dry, repeat the process from the first coat, filling in the areas you had less splatter in and covering the areas you had too much of the other color on. Again wait for the second coat to dry. If you are happy with the way your pattern turned out, continue on to sealing your floor. If you are not completely happy with your stain pattern, keep layering the different colors until you are happy with the pattern. The sealer will not change the look, unless you got a semi-shiny sealer, it will simply seal it so it doesn't scratch. I did three coats and for the third coat I used a hand sprayer so I could get a finer mist and a smaller area to worry about, because the bleach sprayer has a wider area it covers.

When you are ready, pour your sealer in a roller tray, get a good amount on your roller, just like you would paint, and start rolling the floor. Again, don't forget to roll yourself out of the room instead of into a corner! Then, wait the recommended time for the sealant to dry, then proceed with the rest of the coats waiting in between for each coat to dry.

You're done! Remove your plastic and coverings, move the furniture back into the room and enjoy your space!

http://womensdiyessentials.blogspot.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Kristen_Cummins

Choosing Wood For Your Projects - Softwood and Hardwood

2008-06-25T01:35:00.002-07:00

Two main types of wood are softwood and hardwood. Another popular choice is manufactured wood like plywood. Which type of wood you choose to use for your projects depends upon a variety of factors including: budget and cost, needed strength, hardness, grain characteristics and coloring, stability, weight, durability and availability.

Softwood

Beginning word crafters most often start out using softwood like pine because as it's soft, it's easier to work, plus you don't need expensive tools to get quality results. Pine is readily available at local lumberyards and home centers, note that it does have limitations in furniture making since it is a soft wood and can damage easily.

Softwood comes from a coniferous (cone-bearing) or an evergreen tree. Popular varieties include fir, pine, cedar, spruce, hemlock and redwood. Although these types of woods are used a lot in the home construction industry in flooring and other projects, redwood and cedar are excellent choices for outdoor projects like benches, and pine is used a lot in "Early American Country Style" bench and other furniture projects.

Couple of tips:

- Pine and other softwoods generally absorb and lose moisture more than hardwoods, hence they are not considered as stable.

- Buy your lumber at least two weeks before starting your project and keep it indoors.

- You can usually find softwoods in standard thickness and widths like 1 X 4 at 3/4"
thick and 3 1/2" wide, similar to construction materials.

Note that wood is most often priced per lineal foot, with the price increasing accordingly for wider boards.

Hardwood

Hardwood lumber comes from deciduous trees. Among the main domestic varieties are maple, oak, birch, cherry, ash, walnut and poplar. Poplar and red oak are those commonly stocked in home centers and lumberyards. And stock is generally sold in similar dimensions as it is in softwood, also by the lineal foot. You can call ahead to see what types of wood are available and in what sizes at specialty lumber and construction supply stores.

Working with hardwoods is quite different from working with pine. For example, you cannot drive a screw through hardwood lumber without first boring a pilot hole. Plus cutting as well as planing hardwoods requires very sharp tools.

Hardwoods like ash and oak are known as open-grain woods, with alternating areas of relatively porous and dense wood, and are good to use with furniture crafting. Open-grain areas absorb the color readily when stained, while the harder areas are more resistant. This tends to accentuate the grain patterns and can create a dramatic effect.

For more information about flooring, visit: http://www.tipsonflooring.com

Visit, subscribe to and bookmark: http://myhomeimprovementtips.com for your home improvement projects & tips.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jim_Ames

Fixings Squeaking Stairs in Older Homes

2008-06-25T01:35:00.001-07:00

Oh yes the common problem of squeaking stairs in an older house. This could become very frustrating and annoying as you walk up and down the stairs. There seems to be one or two stair treads that are always squeaking. That annoying sound as you walk as softly as you can on your way down to the kitchen in the middle of the night to grab a quick snack.

The number one cause of squeaking stairs is when the nails used to fasten the stair tread to the stair strainers has worked its way loose. Over time as the lumber shrinks in the stair treads and the stairs stringers. You will start to develop a separation or a gap between the stair tread and the stair strainer.

The stair stringer can shrink as much as 3/8 of an inch in just a few years. I was building a home and went to measure the stair stringer that was 11 1/2 inches wide originally. Then I measured it after two months outside in the summer sun it now measured 11 1/16". I was amazed that the lumber could shrink that much in such a short period of time.

As the stair stringer shrinks it starts to pull away from the plywood or hardwood stair tread. As it starts to separate from the stair tread the nail will stay in its original position until the stair tread starts to put pressure on the nail eventually lifting it up a little bit higher than its original position.

As you step on the stair tread the squeaking sound you hear is the nail rubbing against the stair tread. There are a few ways to fix a squeaking stair tread. If you have access to under the stairway you can apply some adhesive along with a 10 inch 2 x 4 under the stair tread and attach it to the stair stringer.

First apply adhesive to two sides of the 2 x 4. The adhesive will be used to glue the stair tread to the stair stringer. You can use screws to screw the new 2 x 4 onto the side of the stair stringer.

If you cannot access the underside of the stairs and you have carpeting you can actually locate the stair stringer and drive a 2 inch screw through the carpeting in to the stair stringer. This will pull the stair tread down and will not allow it to rub up against the nail making that awful sound of a squeaking stair case.

If you have a finished wood stair tread you will not be able to screw through it into the stair stringer without damaging the finish on tread itself. It will be easier to access the stair stringer from below somehow and apply the 2 x 4 with the adhesive to stop the stair squeak.

You can apply these methods to as many stair treads that are squeaking without taking apart the entire staircase and rebuilding it.

Greg Vanden Berge is working on the internet to promote the education for creating simple to follow guides and home building books to help professional building contractors as well as the weekend warriors. He is currently working on more building stairs books and adding useful content to help solve problems created by the lack of construction knowledge in the building industry.

Stair Building

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Greg_Vandenberge

Easy Ways to Repair a Hole in Your Wall

2008-06-17T22:18:00.000-07:00

by Rob Carlton

It is extremely easy to make holes into a wall, however it is extremely difficult to fix a hole if you already have one. Actually itвЂ™s not that difficult, there are some easy steps that you can follow to make the job easy.

1. Measure the size of the hole

You need to work out the size of the hole that you want to repair as different sizes of holes require different methods of repair. If itвЂ™s a very small hole then simply patching it with some compound is enough. When it has dried then you should sand back the spot for an even finish.

If the hole you want to repair is a bit bigger, perhaps as big as a light switch box then you should fill the hole with some newspaper before you apply the compound. This means that you donвЂ™t need to use as much compound.

For holes that are around 30cmx30cm you should use hot patching. This means that you fill the hole with some drywall.

For very large holes in your wall you will need to treat them as new areas that need recovering. Start by removing any nails and screws that are sticking up through the plasterboard. Cut a new piece of dry walling and secure it into place, then tape and finish as normal.

So first thing to do is to measure the hole and then see what method is suitable.

2. Preparation

When youвЂ™ve found the right technique to fix your hole then you need to make sure you have everything you need in order to fix it. You will need some specific supplies in order to complete the project. When the compound is mixed you need to work quite quickly so that you donвЂ™t risk it drying too quickly.

If you are filling a large hole then make sure that the drywall is already cut to shape before you mix the compound. Make sure you double check any measurements so that everything is correct.

3. DonвЂ™t Over Spackle

If you have a large hole then simply applying compound isnвЂ™t good enough because thereвЂ™s nothing for the compound to stick to. This patch will almost certainly crack or fall out in the near future. You should apply as little compound as possible and make sure it is smooth and even. Applying too much compound means that you will have a long time sanding down the excess!

4. Be patient

When you are trying to complete any project then you need to be patient as it wonвЂ™t all be possible over night. If you try to sand the compound before it is completely dry then you will make a lot of mess and you might have to start again from the beginning. You need to consider that you need some time to relax, you canвЂ™t spend all of your time on these projects.

5. Sanding and Finishing

The compound might look like its smooth, but itвЂ™s not. You need to sand it the best you possibly can. There might be very small bumps which you donвЂ™t notice. Sand down the area so that the wall is completely smooth before painting.

Being especially passionate about replacing basement windows and basement replacement windows, Rob Carlton is writing various news in the area. You might come across his observations on basement windows at http://www.replacement-windows-tips.com and many different sources for basement windows knowledge.

http://www.goarticles.com/cgi-bin/showa.cgi?C=970930

Planters Made from PVC Look Like Wood

2008-06-17T22:10:00.001-07:00

Planters are a great way to add curb appeal to businesses and homes. Planters can be made from almost any material and cast planters have traditionally been the most popular. Cast iron and cement planters are very typical and offer a beautiful look to complement a front entrance to a home or building. Cedar planters are very popular in front of commercial entrances, especially restaurants. Vinyl planters have popped up as a nice affordable alternative to wood that will not rot and PVC planters have come on strong, emerging as an upgrade over vinyl capturing the look of wood and none of the maintenance issues.

The benefits of planters are obvious. They add curb appeal to almost any home or business. Each material choice for planters offer a different asset and look that is unique. Wood planters have always been a popular choice, especially cedar, cypruss, and teak. A good wood planter will typically last 5 years before mother nature begins to take her course. The vinyl planters are able to beat out mother nature in that respect, but have suffered from not being able to be painted and having a shiny finish to them. To solve that puzzle, PVC planters are now available which are paintable and have a matted finish to them. They can be manufactured in custom styles cheaper because they do not require custom moulding. Another advantage to PVC planters is that matching window boxes can be custom built. There are very few materials that can function as both planters and be mounted as window boxes on a home or commercial building. PVC window boxes are the gold standard in the window box industry and matching planters have become increasingly more in demand.

Many businesses nowadays are in need of custom planters that can be long and narrow or wide and tall to fit a specific need. At times, the need is for a corner planter or a long freestanding planter between columns. If you are going to spend money to have custom planters built for your business, consider what your expectations and needs will be down the road 5-10 years. Do you need something custom? Is there a type of look you're trying to achieve? Does it need to match the home or building? Is cost an issue? If you know the answers to those questions, then you will know exactly what material will best suit your needs for commercial planters.
Matt Buquoi owns Flower Window Boxes - a manufacturing company that makes custom window boxes and PVC planters. He regularly consults with business owners to add curb appeal to their businesses.

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Source: http://www.articlealley.com/article_556703_27.html

Building your own storage shed foundation

2008-06-17T22:07:00.000-07:00

The first step to building a shed is the foundation. A well built foundation is fundamental to your storage shed.

Before starting your shed foundation, check your local building code to make sure you will have no regulation issues. Check with
your local zoning to make sure if there are any distance requirements from the property line, your house, etc..

Now that you are aware of any regulations, you can determine the location.

When choosing a location pay careful attention to the drainage. Try choosing a location where water will not pool. Sloping the ground will direct water so it will not pool near your shed foundation.

If you will be using a skid foundation, adding crushed gravel about three to four inches thick, and about a foot wider than the shed will also help protect your shed foundation from water and moister.

Unlike a skid foundation, a concrete slab foundation will be permanent, once it is poured it can not be moved. Building a concrete slab foundation starts with leveling the site. Then you will build your forms and position a layer of welded wire mesh to provide reinforcement and help prevent cracking. Next the concrete is cast over it.

If you do not feel comfortable making your own concrete slab foundation, consider hiring a professional.

Although you can build a shed on a concrete slab, the majority of storage sheds are built on skid foundations.

When choosing lumber to build your skid foundation, choose pressure treated lumber to prevent decay. Prepare the area by removing four to six inches of soil about twelve inches wider than the shed, and fill with gravel.

Building the foundation for your shed is not that difficult, but you should take into consideration weather or not you have the skills. Will you have the time, and the tools.

One of the great advantages of doing it yourself is the money you will be saving. By making a shopping list of all the material, you can get a good estimate for the price of this project. You can then compare your estimate to having it done. About half the cost of any project is the labor, by doing it yourself you can even go for a larger shed with the same budget.
For more information on sheds, and how to build a shed visit my site at www.MyBackyardPlans.com I have also gathered a list of free shed plans and low priced shed plans

This article is free for republishing
Source: http://www.articlealley.com/article_556974_27.html

How to Put Up Fencing

2008-06-15T09:07:00.001-07:00

Putting up your own fencing can be done very easily without the need to pay anyone to do it!

Firstly

* Buy your fencing! Obviously!

* Along with your fencing you will need to buy wooden posts! If you have 6ft high fencing you will need 7ft high posts and if you have 4ft high fencing you will need 5ft high posts etc.

* You will also need metal spikes that go into the ground about 2ft and which your posts slot into and are bolted to the posts

*So.... all you need to do now it put in the first spike where you want the fencing to go and slot your post into it! Then secure the first fence panel to the post with screws at the top and the bottom (about 1ft from the top and 1ft from the bottom) Then secure the next post into the ground using another spike and secure the other side of the fence panel to the 2nd post!

* Complete this process for all your fencing and it is as secure and having concrete posts! More importantly its an awful lot cheaper.

* I have fencing completed by myself at the front and back of my house and they have been in place now for 4 and 6 years respectively with no problems. All you have to do it treat the posts and fencing once a year. Fencing and posts usually come with a 10yr guarantee in most places.

Paul Ogden writes on DIY related issues. You can learn more by visiting my blog, DIY Ideas
http://www.diy-ideasforyou.blogspot.com/

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Paul_Ogden

Distressed Painted Furniture - Learn How to Do It to Add Value by John Alford

2008-06-15T07:57:00.000-07:00

Combination of the craftsmanship with art serves in arriving of the evolution of new painting designs for furniture. Troubled furniture can be brought into perfect shape with the help of creation of new painting designs. Distressed furniture can be brought into a typical antique by whitewashing and painting with modern color paints. The stylish options available in transforming the distressed furniture into a modern art make your home a perfect living environment. The furniture stylish tones arise from the moderate hues to the fragment distressed classic to downy form makes the furniture suitable for all occasions. Some of the vibrant colors suitable for painting of furniture arise from the natural domestic maple; Brazilian Cheery and exotic tarque are some of the suitable colors that provide attraction to the furniture and to the living room.

The distressed furniture is remodeled and painted for success in environmentally friendly situations, and they add a nice touch to the surroundings. A distressed piece of furniture is usually transformed from generations and the paint from such furniture would have been worn out, and it flakes of when touched with hard movements. In the recent days, the distressed furniture can be transformed into brand new furniture with the addition of style and paintings. Painting the worn out areas in the furniture adds touch and fixing of beautiful designs in the broken area covers completely the affected parts and offers a look of antique piece and really admires the surrounding of the living area. Some of the objects that cause distressing factors are the piece of furniture and wooden frame. The essential requirements for rectifying the distressed objects are satin latex paint preferred for the basecoat and topcoat, tools for painting, steel wool, candle, sand scrapper, waste tack cloth and polyurethane for polishing the distressed furniture.

There are several ways to create distressed painted furniture. The first step is to discover the model of the painted furniture and to locate the distressed areas in the furniture. Painting with two colors graciously serves in providing new look to the furniture. Top coating of the furniture makes the rubbed areas to look better. Sanding of the distressed furniture assists in providing good and new look to the furniture. Sanding processes should be tacked with cloth to remove the extra dirt from the furniture and offers glossy look. The wood exposed in the distressed areas of the furniture could be cleared by painting with the topcoat paint. The paint for the furniture could be selected according to the color in the specified room and provides great contrast. The painting of topcoat covers the distressed and affected areas in the furniture. Topcoat paint should be selected with brighter colors, and it promotes look for the furniture. After painting the distressed furniture the basecoat should let to dry and after that the areas should be sanded off to provide smoothness. Rubbing of candle wax in the places of holes to be visibly seen promotes a clean covering for the furniture. Filling of candle wax with great colors promote attraction of the furniture the entire sides and back of the furniture should be cleanly waxed and painted with topcoat and basecoat to provide a complete finish to the distressed furniture. This process makes the furniture look great and provides a lovley antique appearance.

http://www.goarticles.com/cgi-bin/showa.cgi?C=955126

PART 2 - For part two of this article, head on to Distressed Painted Furniture Part 2 where you can also find stunning insights on Outdoor Furniture - Commercial.

Tile Trims and Edging

2008-06-11T01:23:00.000-07:00

Tile trims. What are they?

Tile trims have been around for many years now. These are long strips of molded plastic with the average length of 2.2m - 2.4m. They come in a variety of depth and colours. The thickness varies considerably to accommodate the ever increasing multitude of tiles. Most commonly used are either white or light pastel colours to nearest matching the tiles or grout colour. Most common sizes used are 6 - 8mm but as the current fashion is to have medium to large format tiles, 9 - 12mm trims are starting to dominate the UK market.

What are they used for?

Although some tile trims can be used on internal corners, the one most people see and purchase in shops are for external corners and are mainly used for protecting the tiles external edges, where two tiles meet at 90° with each other. Using the tile trim, lets the installer avoid using the "Jolly" tiles; these tiles have one edge mitred, usually by the tile manufacture, at 45° and give a nice finish to a square corner. Unfortunately some tile shops will not stock these tiles as the mitred edges are prone to break during transport. These tiles are also much dearer than the plain ones and tile trim offers a cheaper alternative.

What type of finishes are there?

The aesthetic of a tile trim can enhance or detract from the tiling project and you will (as usual) pay more for better and/or a nicer one. Within the plastic range you may find matt, silk or glossy finishes, open shoulder or closed, multi height adjustable and an end cap and int./ext. corner kit on some brands.

Tile trims can also be found in simulated chrome, brass, simulated brass, stainless steel, chromium plated brass, aluminium, anodised aluminium, gold and chrome bright anodised aluminium, coated aluminium, marble effect with matching listello borders. The edges can also differ, as you can get these in round or square face. Some square edge trims could also be used as a listello or border to separate rows of tiles but will require a straight and flat surface to tile on to.

Other tile trims are suitable for use for vinyl. These have an open section that will accommodate a vinyl skirting (mostly used on commercial businesses).

Floor tile trims are commonly used for bridging between the tile and other coverings such as carpet, vinyl and wood.

If the tile installer has not before used tile trim, he/she will find cutting these, quite tricky at first, as you would need to make sure you are cutting it the right way round. This will differ depending on if it is a window revere or a section of boxing. There are different ways of cutting tile trims but the common way is to use a mitre box and a small toothed saw.

If you require some tile trims for use with mosaic tiles, these can be found in stainless steel and are approximately 3mm thick. Some special tile metal trims can also be purchased, like the formable trim. This is used to contour around wavy obstacles like pillars, by using a tile trim forming tool. Formable trims are also suitable for floor as well as for wall tiling.

Come and find out more on the Tile Master website.

http://www.tile-master.co.uk/html/trims___edging.html

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Franco_Abitabile

How to Make Decorative Concrete Planters, Bistro Tables and Artistic Vessel Sinks

2008-06-11T01:22:00.001-07:00

Recently I did a review on a new video which shows how to build boutique items like concrete planters, bistro tables and artistic vessel sinks.

The video teaches a unique method of creating a veined marblized artistic result with the use of various types of molds.

What I discovered was a substantial increase in traffic to my site and visitors spending a lot of time reading the content. Numerous e-mails revealed to me that specialty decorative items made with concrete may be more in demand than concrete countertops.

Also interesting that the bulk of visitors came from Metropolitan markets and coastal areas. It appears that demand is high in affluent markets for custom concrete planters, coffee and bistro tables, shower bases, artistic vessel sinks, tile and garden items.

My product reviews and research indicates that this niche market is poised for expansive growth.

It comes at a time when many companies are expanding into new concrete mixes, reinforcements, lightweight concrete, tooling, sealers and design. As more quality products are built by innovative artisans with the help of manufacturers many forms of media are showcasing concrete in homes and commercial spaces.

Architects and designers as they become more educated about the potential of concrete are using it in more of their projects.

It's not just interest from the USA markets. My site statistics revealed stronger interest in this topic then from anything else I have have reviewed recently.

Based on what I see happening this market is going to create lucrative business opportunities with a high level of creativity. Also fascinating is that this market will inspire what is happening with small items to be done on a large scale. In many cases it's it's hard to believe that people are still pouring bland gray concrete and covering it up when concrete offers so many decorative solutions.

Edward Winslow
Blog http://www.metrocrete.com
Video Channel http://metrocrete.tv

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Edward_Winslow

Cutting Bamboo WallCovering With a Chop Saw

2008-06-11T01:19:00.000-07:00

Bamboo and grasscloth wallcoverings certainly look nice. And they definitely fit in with the current trend in eco-friendly designs. Bamboo textured wallcoverings are made from grass and are fast growing.Unlike hardwoods,which take many decades to mature, bamboo can be harvested in three to five years, regenerates without need for replanting and requires minimal fertilization or pesticides.

However, from the wallpaper hanger's point of view, bamboos can be a challenge. Grasscloth wallcoverings generally cut easily, but the thicker bamboos are, the more difficult they are to cut.

The method I have been using recently may not be the answer to all bamboo cutting problems, but it has certainly eliminated 75% of the problems I was having in cutting thick bamboo with a straight edge and in a time efficient manner.

In my opinion, I believe that paneling a job, where possible, is the best way to install bamboo wallpapers. The easiest method I have found to cut panels of bamboo wallcovering down to size is to use a circular chop saw. It may sound extreme, but it works well to cut the edges of the bamboo wallcovering cleanly and it is extremely quick and efficient - no more struggling to saw through the bamboo with tin snips.

At first, I used a 1/8" grinding blade in the chop saw. This works well on the darker bamboos, but can leave a slight burning mark on the lighter bamboo papers. The marks have not been severe enough to present a major problem and the paper can usually be placed to hide any marks that do appear, for example, by placing the paper against a window trim.

However, by experimenting, I have found that it is better to use a fine toothed tungsten-tip blade "reversed." This means placing the blade in the chop saw in the reverse direction - then it cuts the paper without marking it and also does not "grab" the material and cause problems when you are trying to cut.

The method I use is to:

1. Take a roll of bamboo wallcovering and make sure it is tightly rolled.

2. Stand the bamboo on end and tap gently to make sure the edges are straight.

3. Wrap blue masking tape tightly around each end - about 1 inch in from each end.

4. Place another piece of blue masking tape around the place where you intend to cut - this will depend on the size of the panels you want to use.

5. Place the bamboo in the chop-saw; hold on tight to the roll of paper and cut slowly.

This method will help to cut the bamboo wallcovering for paneling. It will not help for cutting the bamboo when you get to installing in the corners. There are different methods to cut for corners, including use of a template - but that is the topic of another article.

Before using this method of cutting bamboo, it would be important to try some experimental cuts first, to practice using the chop saw.

As with all wallpaper installation jobs, it is very important to prepare the wall surface properly before hanging the bamboo. One important tip is to tint the primer that you are using to match the backing color of the bamboo, so that if you do get any gapsin the paper it will not be noticeable.

Brian Hunter from Hunter WallCoverings has fifteen years experience hanging all types of wallpaper - from grasscloths and bamboos to English pulp, torn paper and weathered-stone. Visit us at http://www.designer-wallcoverings.com for more tips and techniques and a photo gallery of designer wallcoverings.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Brian_J._Hunter

Kitchen Remodeling: Diy Tricks To Save You Money

2008-06-07T07:27:00.000-07:00

There could be a number of reasons why you might be considering remodeling your kitchen. Maybe you’re a new home owner looking to get started on the “fixer-upper” house you just bought. Maybe you’ve been in the same house for twenty years and are simply looking to add a little variety and spice to your current dwelling. Whatever the reason, you probably don’t want to blow your life savings making sure your cabinets match your stove. Luckily, it is possible to get the look and feel you want without breaking the bank. Proper research, innovative design techniques and, most importantly, simple do-it-yourself projects can help turn your kitchen area from dishware disaster into flat-wear fabulous.

In order to rediscover your kitchen’s inherent style and beauty and stay within your budget, it is important to start with a cost effective, proven remodeling plan. Do your research –what types of remodeling plans can you find online or in specialty magazines? How much work will you do yourself? How much will you hire a contractor to work on? Are you hiring a designer? A finishing carpenter? A plumber? Electrician? Getting involved in a remodeling project without answers to these and similar questions can leave you frustrated and up to your eyeballs in unexpected side projects and expenses.

One of the best (and most fun) ways to cut remodeling costs is to choose a few smaller projects that you feel comfortable handling yourself. Cabinets, lighting fixtures and accessories are fairly simple, fun projects that don’t require a background in carpentry or construction. Do you really need to buy brand new cabinets? Perhaps all your current cabinets need is a good sanding and refinishing. Painting or staining freshly sanded cabinets can take years off their look, especially if you add new handles or other accessories. If your cabinets are too old or too damaged to be salvaged, look for replacement cabinets that will fit with your planned design scheme. New cabinets do not have to be a large expense. Look for wholesalers that can get you the latest cabinet styles at a lower cost or join a manufacturer buying group like Direct Buy to get direct access to products at the manufacturer’s price.

Another do-it-yourself, money saving project is painting. Before you pick a color scheme, consider how your kitchen relates to the rest of your home. Does the paint need to match what’s on your living room walls, or would it look better as a stark contrast? Would the kitchen look and feel better with warm, cozy reds and yellows or cool, sophisticated blues? Do you need to paint the whole kitchen or simply add a few fresh accents here and there? A few coats of a new color can dramatically change the newly remodeled kitchen area, and being creative with color combinations is an easy way to personalize your project. But be careful –like any aspect of your remodeling project, a hastily made decision can come around to bite you once the project is finished.

Lighting installation should be saved for qualified professionals, but that doesn’t mean you can’t design your lighting scheme yourself. Choose a lighting design that will match your kitchen’s layout and color scheme. Under-cabinet fluorescents and rope lights can add a romantic, ambient glow, but they might not offer enough light if you’ve chosen a dark blue, black or green color scheme. On the other hand, powerful overhead or spotlights might be overkill if you’ve chosen bright yellows or whites. Creating your own lighting scheme and buying your lighting fixtures and lamps directly from a local lighting wholesaler can save you money on a designer as well as make you feel even that much more involved in your remodeling process.

Of course, you probably won’t be able to handle every part of the remodeling process yourself. A good contractor can help you decide which parts of your kitchen should definitely be repaired or replaced and which can be simply touched up. Get bids from a number of contractors, remembering that while price is an important factor it shouldn’t be the only thing you consider. Make sure your contractor has a current license, proof of insurance, verifiable references and a list of suppliers. You should also pick someone that you feel comfortable working with. You’ll be spending a good deal of time with this person; choosing someone you don’t get along with will make your entire remodeling process a miserable one.

Remodeling your kitchen is a big endeavor. It can be frustrating and expensive, and the end product might not be what you had imagined in the beginning of the process. However, with just a little planning, patience and do-it-yourself know-how, it can be an exciting and cost-effective adventure.

~ Ben Anton, 2008

About the Author

Learn more about buying direct from the manufacturer appliances, furnitures and fixtures available from Direct Buy of Los Angeles stores.

Published At: www.Isnare.com
Permanent Link: http://www.isnare.com/?aid=260646&ca=Home+Management

5 tips to install a gazebo – do it yourself

2008-06-05T01:24:00.000-07:00

Are you looking for a separate space to have breakfast with your family?
Or are you looking for a separate place in the backyard to have some fun with your close friends?

You can think about installing a gazebo in the backyard or in the garden.

Gazebos are great as a special space. You can select from different gazebo designs, styles and shapes depending on home architecture and your personal choice. Even if you want to buy a ready to use Gazebo, you can customize it to fit your space and choice. For example you can opt for different screens and flooring materials apart from shapes and roof. At the same time you may also go for mix and match to find out the best combination.

However, a lot of people do not know where to install their gazebo and thus the gazebos do not add as much value as they could. Here are a few tips to help you decide the best location to install your gazebo.

1. Location to install a Gazebo – Normally gazebos are placed in the backyard or at place surrounded with great scenic beauty. However, before buying a gazebo you should make sure that there is enough empty space which would eventually highlight the gazebo as a special attraction. This would also underline your individuality and lifestyle.

2. Shape and Size of Gazebo – The shape of your gazebo should depend on the architecture of your house and the shape of the free space where you are thinking to install it. You may also consider the number of people you are thinking of accommodating together in that gazebo (for example a 10’ gazebo is comfortable for 4 people and a 12’ gazebo is good enough for 6 people). Depending on all these parameters, you can decide the shape and size of your gazebo. But make sure that there is enough empty space around the gazebo. Do not forget to measure the actual available space before you place an order.

3. Water Source – If you want to install a normal gazebo, it is better to keep it away from water sources, or areas that may collect or store water. However, if you are planning to add a hot tub or spa in that gazebo, you must have a water source close to it. In that case you may think about buying a complete hot tub gazebo. The complete package will not only save some money, they are specially built to endure wet atmosphere.

4. Permission - If you are planning to install a gazebo which is more then 100 sq. ft. in size, you should consult local municipality for proper permission. However, if the size is less than 100 sq. ft. they will not have any problem on zoning.

5. Do it yourself gazebos – If you do not want to employ some professionals to install the gazebo, you may go for ‘do it yourself gazebo’. Theses gazebos are just ready to install within a few minutes and they come with step by step instructions.

These are some primary parameters that you may consider before setting up a gazebo.
This article is free for republishing
Source: http://www.articlealley.com/article_550367_27.html

TV Wall Mount Installation - 5 Things You Need To Know Before Wall Mounting Your Flat Panel TV

2008-06-04T23:03:00.000-07:00

While you can certainly save some money by mounting your flat panel plasma or LCD TV on the wall by doing it yourself, there are a few considerations that you should take into account before setting out to do the job.

1. Get the Correct Wall Mount for Your TV's Application

TV wall mounts come in a variety of sizes and application types. You need to know how you want to use your TV in your daily life before choosing the wall mount. Will you be viewing it from a variety of angles? If so, perhaps an articulating wall mount would make sense for you. That way, you can angle it toward your kitchen while you are cooking or for other similar situations. Think about your room layout. If you know your TV must be mounted higher than eye-level, then you should look for tilting wall mount. Plan ahead so that your viewing experience will be as enjoyable as you hoped when you decided on making the investment in a flat panel TV.

2. Get the Right Size Wall Mount for Your TV

Sizing the mount should be pretty straightforward. Most TVs and mounts are pretty standardized in sizing and bolt options. Purchase from a reputable vendor and you should be able to get good advice and recommendations on which size mount fits your specific TV.

3. Make Sure You Have Wooden Studs in Your Wall

It is surprising how many people jump into mounting a TV on their wall without knowing what is inside their wall. If you have wooden studs in your wall, the mounting job can be quite simple. Metal studs can cause problems that need a closer look to effectively resolve.

4. Read Your Lease if You Live in an Apartment

Before you go drilling in your apartment's walls, make sure it's kosher with your landlord. Otherwise, you could violate your lease and be susceptible for damage bills, or even get yourself evicted. If you would rather not read your lease, talk to your landlord or apartment manager about what you want to do.

5. Gather All Your Tools BEFORE You Start

Nothing makes a mounting job worse than having to look for tools or make a run to Home Depot for something you forgot while you have wires hanging out of the wall. By way of example, if you plan on mounting the TV on a Saturday morning, make a list of the tools you need on Friday night. If those are not in your immediate possession, take Friday night and run to Home Depot to buy the missing tool(s) or go borrow them from your neighbor. When Saturday rolls around, get the tools out first, then (and only then) proceed with the installation of the TV wall mount.

Hopefully, these tips will get you started on the right foot and save you some time and heartache along the way. The satisfaction you get and money you save from taking on a TV wall mount installation by yourself is rewarding. Just take the time and effort to get it right and your installation will go much more smoothly.

Read more about TV wall mount installation solutions at TV Wall Mount Guide.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Eric_Dasan

Outdoor Wood Burning Fireplaces - 5 Easy Tips to Make the Right Fireplace Purchase

2008-06-04T23:02:00.000-07:00

Especially in the fall and early winter everyone gathered around the fire place to stay warm and comfortable what a delightful feeling. Some wood burning fireplaces are safe enough to place on your patio for everyone to enjoy.

1. Use it in the right place

Just remember this is an outdoor product, not intended for use in doors.

2. Get the right materials

Before purchasing a wood burning fireplace to suit your desires and needs be sure to research the different types of material that the product is produced from. You have various materials to select from stainless steel, bronze, copper, granite, and last but not least mosaic tile finish. Make your choice on whether it matches your patio exterior dйcor, more outdoorsy appearance, or just your preference.

3. Check out the Safety

Lots of fireplaces come with different safety mechanisms to keep you and your family safe and prevent burns. The manufacturers keep in mind when building these products that children love to run and play in their yards and could possibly trip and fall or run directly into it. Some wood burning fireplaces have safety screens, removable protective lids, and for the adult safety in mind a safety mechanism is made into the product to assist with ash removal.

4. Transportation

Don't forget your wrought iron durable stand which comes in a variety of sizes from short to tall. Also available and should be considered if you plan of transporting your fireplace is folding legs to allow it to be placed in a carrying case. This will make the transportation very simple and easy so that you can take it with you any where you choose maybe a picnic, beach, pool party, or to another neighbor's backyard.

5. Look after the exterior

A very important thing to remember is that you want to ensure yourself that your wood burning fireplace will last for a long time. Remember that you need to consider the exterior of your fireplace. Most are made of rust resistant material which protects the exterior from rusting. Also another accessory to opt purchasing is a protective cover to add assurance to keeping rain, snow, or direct sunlight off your fireplace when not in use.

Looking for Outdoor Wood Burning Fireplaces Then visit our website!

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Frank_Fenway

Glass Fireplace Doors - Where and How to Buy Quality Glass Fireplace Doors

2008-06-04T23:01:00.002-07:00

The glass fireplace door must shut extremely tight. When shut it should create an air tight seal. Glass is breakable. Glass fireplace doors are usually equipped with extremely thick and durable glass however sometimes they still break. So any fireplace owner should know the proper steps of buying replacement glass fireplace doors.

When buying glass fireplace doors you have to options online or offline. If you insist on shopping online then you'll need to measure your fireplace door in order to select a correct replacement. Glass fireplace doors are usually pretty heavy so you'll need to accommodate for any shipping fees. You will normally only be charged shipping fees if you want the door delivered right to your door. If you go though Lowes or Home Depot you can get it delivered to the store for free of charge shipping.

If you are going to purchase a glass fireplace door by going to the store then you won't have to take any measurements. Just take the door to the store with you. You'll have to remove the door though. Each fireplace door is removed a different way. It shouldn't be too difficult to figure out. Sometimes you can get the glass in the door replaced instead of replacing the entire door which will save money. If the store doesn't have them in stock you'll be required to wait until they can get them in stock.

To save some money you can always install the glass into the door yourself. The process isn't that difficult. Anyone should be able to accomplish such a small task. Ask the store manager or employee how to do so just in case. You might need to purchase new materials as well.

Looking for Glass Fireplace Doors Then visit our website!

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Frank_Fenway

How to Buy a Superior Fireplace

2008-06-04T23:01:00.001-07:00

From the beginning of time fireplaces were used to heat homes, cooking, boiling water, and for light which gave people added security in the dark. In the winter the fireplace was the most used product in the home which made it very important to construct and maintain it properly.

Fireplaces have come a long way in designs, types, styles, and efficiencies. With there being a larger variety of fireplaces to choose from it is very important to base your decision of your research and exposure to make your selection a more effective one for you and your family. Every manufacture creates a different quality of fireplaces whether they are indoor or outdoor, gas, electric, or wood.

The old saying "you get what you pay for" can be a very important phrase to remember prior to purchasing a fireplace. You must consider how much money you can budget for this product. Then do price comparisons of different manufactures and what they have to offer. Most importantly be sure to pose questions about a warranty. This could give you proof that the manufacture is sure of their products and that they know it is a durable product.

The Superior Fireplace is very high quality, it is produced by Lennox, and this particular manufacture offers a 20-year warranty on all their fireplaces. They are known for their great durability, and magnificent performance. Superior also offers a variety of fireplace accessories that can help you maintain, operate, and keeping your family and home safe from any fire damage. Superior also offers a feature on their website so that you can perform price comparisons, ask questions, receive answers, search different accessories, view every fireplace that Superior has to offer, and the different photos of fireplace styles and designs. This will allow you the privilege to choose your fireplace to suit you and your family's desires and needs.

Looking for Superior Fireplaces Then visit our website!

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Frank_Fenway

Stone Outdoor Fireplaces - 5 Tips For Buying a Stone Outdoor Fireplace

2008-06-04T23:00:00.002-07:00

Delivery

Remember Stone Outdoor Fireplaces are made of stone. Stone is extremely heavy. So if you are going to get the parts shipped accommodate for shipping costs. If you are going to pick them up yourself make sure you bring a few people with you to help you care the heavy load.

Assembly

The assembly process associated with stone outdoor fireplace can be a tedious one. The stones are very heavy. Everything must be perfectly positioned. If you feel uncomfortable assembling the fireplace yourself you'll need to accommodate for assembly fees.

Add-ons

Stone outdoor fireplaces can be equipped with several fantastic add-ons. For example, a stone outdoor fireplace can also be used as a barbecue grill. If you plan on barbecuing outside them this is something you'll want to consider. Why not kill two birds with one stone? Other extra features are available.

Source of Heat

The source of heat you want to use is extremely important. You have three main options gas, wood, or electric. Electric will increase your electric bill while decreasing your heating bill. Gas will not increase your heating or electric will but will increase your gas bill. Wood will increase no bills but wood can cost a lot. If you are looking for a home dйcor type of fireplace go with wood. Wood fireplaces produce the real flames while electric and gas only mimic them.

Location

The location where you intend to install your stone outdoor fireplace is extremely important. You'll want to position it where everybody can see. However, you'll need to make sure everybody is going to be able to feel the heat it produces as well. The BTU rating will help you determine this. Each fireplace has a BTU rating somewhere on its outer body.

Looking for Stone Outdoor Fireplaces Then visit our website!

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Frank_Fenway

The Secret to Wallpaper Removal - What You Need to Know For Fast and Easy Wall Paper Removal

2008-06-04T23:00:00.001-07:00

Removing wallpaper can be one of the most frustrating DIY projects. However with this guide you will be able to keep your sanity and remove wallpaper more efficiently. Don't miss out on these ideas!

Materials Needed:

Screwdriver

Wallpaper Perforating Tool

Spray Bottle for Wallpaper Solution

Wallpaper Solution

Garbage Bags

Sponge

Painters Tape

Sand Paper

Safety Glasses and Breathing Mask

Prep of the wall - Turn off the power breaker, and then remove all the switch and outlet covers. Once those are removed you can apply blue painters tape to the baseboards and outlets this can help protect your baseboard and outlets from scratches. Although tape is not required it can be beneficial to use, especially if you are going to be painting afterword.

You're First Cut - You first need to make a few cuts into the wallpaper. This can be done with a perforation tool; one can be purchased at Home Depot or Lowes. Make sure you don't apply so much pressure that it cuts into the drywall.

Wallpaper Solution - Now you will spray or sponge on a wallpaper removal. You can purchase chemical concoctions for wallpaper removal from any home improvement store that will accomplish this. However the same effect can be had without losing 8 bucks, get a spray bottle and mix a cup of vinegar to every gallon of water. Make sure you mix it with as hot as you can stand water. This will do essentially the same thing. If your solution gets cold it will not be as effective, so you may want to remix so you have hot water in your solution. You can also use fabric softener to remove stubborn wallpaper.

Peeling the Wallpaper - You will now wait about 10 minutes for the solution to soak into the wallpaper. Once soaked you can begin removing the wallpaper. First peel of as much wallpaper as you can with your hands. You will want to pull away the wallpaper at about a 45 degree angle. Once you have peeled off as much as you can spray your solution on the wallpaper again. Let the solution soak for a few minutes; then begin scraping of the wallpaper. When scraping off the wallpaper you will want to use a 3 inch scraper. Use a plastic scraper instead of metal; metal scrapers are more probe to leaving dents and dings. When you are scraping make sure you don't scrape too hard, otherwise you may have to repair damage you caused.

Stubborn Piece of Wallpaper - One of the worst things about wallpaper removal is that stubborn little piece of wallpaper that will not come off. For those stubborn pieces you can get a piece of sandpaper and actually sand it off. The sandpaper can also be used to remove stubborn glue from the wall. You can hand sand or use a sander to clean off those stubborn pieces. If you do sand the wall you will want to make sure you are wearing a mask, wearing safety glasses and are working in a ventilated area.

Wash the Wall - Once you have removed the wallpaper make sure you wet down and wash the walls with fresh water. Use a sponge to clean off any residue that is still on the wall. It is important you wash the walls a few times so that there are no problems with residue when you paint or do something to the wall.

If you need more DIY tips visit us at http://www.protoolbelts.com/home.php

Jaxson Smith - Please feel free to visit us for the best Tool Belts and Tool Pouches We also carry specialty tool belts and other accessories. ToolBelts

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jaxson_Smith

Learn More About How to Drywall

2008-06-04T22:59:00.000-07:00

Keep in mind that dry walling looks a lot easier then it is, however, you can get into the hang of it when you work closely next to a professional. Perhaps it is time to ask your friend for that favor he owes you. You will want to get all the tools before you start dry walling. You will need to have things like a putty trail, tray, sandpapers, joint putty, a scraper, a hammer, paint, paint thinner, plaster, and dry wall tape. You will need to look at the area that you wish to dry wall and figure out exactly what it is that you would like to do. A lot of people will use the putty to place the sheets together and feel the cracks, but then some like to use tape. You could use them both together to get the best finish. Keep in mind that if you have never hung dry wall before, that it may be best to have someone with you who is experienced.

Dry walling a home is easier said than done; however, it is never as difficult as some lead you to believe. To getting your start in dry walling you should follow a few very easy steps. What kind of tools are you going to need? You will need a Putty Trial, Tray, sandpaper, and joint putty, scraper, hammer, paint, thinner, patches, plaster, and a few other items to finish the task. Of course, it depends on the size of the area as to what exact tools and materials are needed.

You should never start a drywall project until you have prepared the area. This means that you may have to wash the wall so that no dust gets trapped into the dry wall. You will also want to keep in mind that you may have to smooth or even out the wall, incase the paneling has warped.

Once you have hung your dry wall, you will need to get ready to paint, however, you will need to cover up the many drywall nails that you have used. You will find that you may even need to sand the dry wall in some areas so that it looks spotless. You will want to consider doing everything you can to make the walls look natural.

As for the paint you can go to any of the local hardware stores and paint the walls whatever it is that you desire. Keep in mind that newly hung drywall will need a coat or two of primer. This is because the paper on the dry wall will soak up the paint. You will want to make sure that you use the primary or you will be wasting a lot of paint.

Dry walling is not hard, but you have to know what you are doing in order for it to look right.

Concentrating recent findings in price of drywall, the reviewer published at large for http://www.insidewoodworking.com You might discover his articles on drywall prices at insidewoodworking.com.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Kurt_A._Schefken

Turn Your Kitchen Renovation Into a DIY Project

2008-05-31T05:50:00.000-07:00

You only want what is best for your home, and the most important area in the house is probably your kitchen. This is the case for most homeowners. It is the favorite, most used area where families and friends gather to socialize and eat. Of course, since you only want what is best in your house, you want to fill it with the most comfortable, best looking interior. If the budget allows, you would also prefer state of the art appliances available to you.

But, if you are looking to remodel your kitchen on a tight budget, there are so many ways in which you might upgrade the look and convenience of it. Many home stores exist that provide corporate help to you if you are thinking about how best to change the look of your kitchen for less.

DIY: On Your Own

One of the greatest ways to save cash when you are thinking of how to remodel your kitchen is to do it all by yourself with the help of dutiful family members and willing friends who you know would be willing to help you through the process. Doing the entire job, even the unpleasant tasks, will not only provide you a new look in your kitchen but will also give you plenty of time to bond with those you care about.

When you think of how you can update the look of your kitchen without much money, what you should do first is take the time to write down all the improvements you have in mind for your new kitchen. Think about what you would like to see in it when a project is finished. In doing this, you can then decide what appliances would best complement the updated look of your new space. Also, you should then decide if you want to replace your old cabinetry or simply renovate your existing cabinets with a fresh coat of paint. You could freshen things up with a new color that could make the room more inviting.

Another thing to consider in kitchen renovation is that plumbing costs a lot of money to replace. If you go with a design that allows you to keep your old plumbing as it exists, you will not have to hire a professional. By cutting costs here, you will not only save money on materials and labor: you will save a lot of time, hassle and effort that comes with tearing up your home.

Finally, make full use of your neighborhood Lowe's or Home Depot. These stores are there to help you and give you ideas as to what would be best as you are trying to figure out how to budget your time, money and materials. For some helpful information, and to get you started with a list of the materials you will need for your project, go to their websites: www.lowes.com and at www.homedepot.com.

Ken Morris usually publishes papers on information associated with granite countertop installation. Working on his documents on how to install granite countertop the writer established his skill on the subject.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Ken_C._Morris

How To Build A Safe Playground?

2008-05-31T05:49:00.000-07:00

Kids love their fun and break periods. In fact, most kids look forward to their playtime and are very happy and excited when the bell for playtime goes off. Most of the time, these kids spend a lot of their time in playground which is where they often get to have fun. These periods are usually spent in the general local and neighborhood playground, school and other playground et.c.

With time however, things have changed drastically as parents now realize that it is possible to build a playground - even though small - at the back of their homes. While it does cost a bit more then your average toy the rewards in terms of safety and monitoring are phenomenal. Even though building a safe playground at the back of your house costs a lot, it doesn't necessarily mean that the playground equipments are safe for the kids.

Therefore spending lots of money on buying very expensive playground equipments is not a guarantee of the child's safety when he or she is using it. In fact statistics show that over two hundred thousand accidents resulting from injuries and wounds sustained in the playgrounds are treated annually. This rounds up to over five hundred occurring on a daily basis. Injuries that can be sustained from using the playground equipments include joint dislocations, bone fractures, concussions occurring as a result of the head hitting the ground and a host of others.

With all that said, what are the necessary things you need to do to ensure that you minimize - to the lowest possible level - the incidences of injuries sustained from using the playground equipments? The answer to that is by fixing the root cause.

How? Build a safe playground for the kids to use.

So, how do you build a safe playground? What are the factors to be considered when building a safe playground?

First, ensure that the flooring on the playground makes for reducing the effects of a fall rather than worsening it. This can be done by building the floor using woodchips. Avoid the use of hard surfaces such as grass, sand, and asphalt as they will exacerbate the effects of a fall. There are better surfaces such as rubber mulch.

Second, always make allowance for more space. Therefore, the floor should extend to over six feet beyond the play area. If the fort is above 4ft, it would be a good idea to not leave the guard rails open. Keep them close together to disallow the kids from getting their head stuck in between them. For kids that are of school age, make sure that the railings are above thirty eight inches (38in) and finally make sure that you have enough space that can grow as your child grows.

For more information visit All About Playgrounds backyard playgrounds. You can also request more information to find out how to build a safe backyard playgrounds for your kids at playgrounds

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Sameep_Shah

Watergarden Liners

2008-05-30T06:36:00.000-07:00

by Garth Epp

A pond is typically as good as its liner, because without the liner you would have no pond. There are really two basic styles of garden pond liners; preformed pond liners and flexible pond liners. It is important to choose the style that fits your needs and application.

Preformed pond liners are just that. They are a solid construction that comes in pre-built shapes. Essentially these preformed units are like bath tubs dug into the ground. Some of the more ridged preformed pond liners can also be used for semi raised ponds. These units are relatively easy to install, however it is important to level the unit and properly tap the back fill for a secure fit. A performed pond liner might crack or buckle if it is not a tight fit in the ground.
Flexible pond liners are the most popular garden pond liners. They come in sheets and need to be installed on top of a good underlay. Because it protects the liner from underneath it is important to use a good underlay and not cut corners by using old carpet or newspaper. PVC pond liners are very popular flexible liners and typically are a thickness of 15 mm to 32mm. The thicker the liner the less likely it will puncture. A better option is an EPDM pond liner or BUTYL pond liner. These flexible liners are more pliable (even in cold weather), are easier to mold without creating folds or creases and have a higher UV resistance.
Make sure that the liner you choose is appropriate for your application and is installed correctly. You will want to make sure your liner will not leak once the pond is operational, however if a liner does begin to leak it usually can be repaired, but it is a lot of work and a real hassle. Many pond liners will provide a guarantee of protection, however they must be installed correctly with care.

To choose the right liner for your project, look for the best combination of features for your project. Make sure you do a little comparison shopping between products and choose the best liner for your project. http://www.doityourself.com/stry/water-garden-liner

Through Garth's facilitation of bringing the soothing effects of moving waters indoors, http://www.premium-indoor-fountains.com/ was created.

Inspiration for DIY Interior Design (Video)

2008-05-29T00:49:00.000-07:00

Interior and Exterior Design is one way to help you fall in love with your own home again. (And yes, you can do it yourself.) Many people live in one house for years, and can't see all the potential in your own space that is offered through change by rearranging, reorganizing and purging your stuff. The crazy housing market of late, makes it that much more important to take another look at your home and consider remaking the space rather than selling up to a larger home. Here then is some design inspiration for your home.

Drywall Tools - Drywall Texturing Tools

2008-05-26T03:58:00.000-07:00

Big Daddy's hand held drywall texturing tool is a must for any contractor or do it yourself enthusiasts looking for that unique drywall tool to provide dozens of patterns to offer builders and home owners. The drywall texture tools can be used as a drywall tool, concrete tool, or stucco tool to create a variety of patterns quickly and easily. Drywall texturing tools fit perfectly into a 5 gallon bucket to load with material, and can be used as a hand applicator or with an extension pole.

Barbara K DIY Seminar at J&R

2008-05-26T03:57:00.000-07:00

Need to fix up your bathroom? Barabara K stopped by J&R to show you the easiest way to do minor fixes yourself, instead of having to call in an expensive plumber.To see Barbara K's line of tools, see: http://www.jr.com/JRSectionView.proce...