Composite Decks - Why They Get Dirty and How to Clean Them

Composite decks were supposed to be maintenance free and last forever, that's why everybody spent the extra money on composite decking instead of a traditional wood deck.

Now it seems that we been "had" , they do get dirty, mold spots show up all over the deck like a case of the measles and anything that drips or spills on the deck, like sun tan lotion, grease, food, food condiments, etc leaves a stain that doesn't wipe off.

What is composite decking? Composite decking is nothing more than compressed wood pulp (saw dust) which is usually mixed with recycled plastic to give it some stability.

How can it get so dirty? Mold needs an organic food source to survive and the wood pulp serves that purpose, so mold will grow on composite decking just as it would on a wood deck. If you have ever seen how cardboard absorbs a drip of oil, you will understand how composite decking absorbs spills, it goes in beneath the surface but still it is visible and that is what makes cleaning tough.

Sodium percarbonate based cleaners are highly effective because when mixed with water they created a bubbling action much like "alka-seltzer" and when applied to composite decking these bubbles will actually dissolve and lift any organic material to the surface which can be easily cleaned off.

Cleaning is simple, apply the mixture to the affected area of the deck, allow it 15 minutes to penetrate and to start breaking up the stains, while the area is still wet take a deck scrub brush and in circular motions scrub the spots out, when cleaning is complete rinse the area well with water. A pressure washer may be substituted for the scrub brush, but light pressure, max 1,000 psi, is all that is needed.

The key, when cleaning is to clean small sections at a time and always keep that area wet with the mixture while scrubbing, if the area dries before the cleaning is complete the organic matter could settle back below the surface and the process would have to begin again.

Sodium percarbonate is also a great product to use to prevent mold, simply apply a coat to your deck in the spring and fall and this will break up and dissolve any organic matter that is starting to make your deck it' new home and food source.

Not all Sodium percarbonate based products are made of the same quality ingredients, strengths vary from 10 to 90% and there are additives necessary to take the sodium percarbonate mixture below the surface of the composite decking, without these additives the sodium percarbonate will only clean what sits on the top of the decking. The right formulation will be the difference in how clean your deck will come out.

John Redihan is the owner of Wash Safe Industries of Harwich, Massachusetts. Wash Safe Industries manufactures environmentally safe cleaning products, such as Composite Deck Wash and provides exterior "green" cleaning services. http://wash-safe.com/

Childproof Your Bathroom When Remodeling

While renovating a bathroom can get you excited and can be done in a number of ways, the most important thing to consider is safety of your family. Usually, we view things from our own perspective and take care of problems that we might be facing. But if you've got a small kid or are expecting one in the near future, then it's necessary to consider the child's safety too. Else, you would be renovating again and incurring more expenses at the end of the day.

So when you redesign your bathroom, make sure that it will not only be safer for children to use, but will also not pose any problems for adults. The first step should be to put barriers such that your child cannot enter the bathroom without your assistance. You can move the door knob a bit higher so that it goes out of reach for your kid. If you don't want to move the door knob, then you can install a sliding bolt on top, or you can get a doorknob cover that won't allow your kid to open the latch. Make sure that the doorknobs can be opened from the outside even if you child locks himself in accidentally.

Whether inside the bathroom or outside, water is one of those things that can hurt your baby in many ways. But the slippery floor tiles in the bathroom can significantly increase the risk of your child slipping on it, especially if they are wet. So make sure that your bathroom floor is leveled such that water doesn't stay there; it should rather drain quickly even if you spill a bucket full of water. Moreover, the thermostat should be fixed around 115 degrees Fahrenheit so it doesn't burn your baby's skin. You should further test it on your own hands first to be safe.

Another area which parents usually ignore is the faucets around the bath tub. It's pretty easy for your kid to hit them while playing in water. So buy a spout cover for them while you do other shopping for your renovation. If you have got curtains around your shower, don't use long tiebacks that can cause strangulation. And forget walk-in-showers if you are really conscious about your kid's safety. Their glass doors are too much of a risk and can break quite easily, inflicting serious injuries to your child.

Though it might not be common, there's always the chance that your small toddler can fall into the toilet, which is unhygienic at the very least and can even cause drowning. As a solution, you can buy a latch to keep the toilet lid shut. If you place a stool where your kids can stand to brush their teeth and wash their face, make certain that the bottom of the stool is rough, strong and stable.

A typical toilet has many small products that can be pretty harmful for your child, like razors, chemicals, plungers, etc. Have a small closet where you can keep these out of the reach of your children, and make sure you always keep them locked. And take care of naked sockets and electrical outlets using safety plugs and other appropriate measures.

Although it's nearly impossible to make your bathroom 100% safe for kids and adults, taking the above mentioned measures can reduce the chances of a good number of hazards.

Scott Rodgers has child-proofed numerous bathrooms in his career as a plumbing contractor. If you want help renovating your bathroom, check http://eLocalPlumbers.com

Laminate Flooring For the Bathroom

The flooring that you choose not only makes an impact upon the dcor of your room, but it can also affect the budget and your maintenance needs. Laminate flooring is one flooring choice that is wonderful for bathroom renovations. It comes in many different colors and styles, to allow you to find just the right look for your bathroom to turn it from boring and dull to extravagant and inviting. It is not just beautiful, however. It is also easy to clean and take care of, which is why many homeowners turn to laminate flooring for their homes. There are other benefits to adding laminate flooring, too.

If you are a do-it-yourselfer, then you will be happy to know that laminate flooring can easily be installed by you. Laminate can be installed over most existing flooring or over a concrete subfloor, which will save you time and energy in the installation process as well. It is a floating floor, which means that no glue or nail is needed because the pieces "float" on top of the existing flooring. The pieces lock together to create a cohesive and strong floor that will withstand wear and tear, giving you a durable and beautiful floor that you will enjoy and be satisfied with for many years. All you need to do is click and lock the pieces together and you will have a beautiful, inexpensive floor for your bathroom renovation or other room's renovation.

You want to take the health needs of your family into consideration when choosing your flooring, too. If you or a family member suffers from allergies or asthma, you will be happy to know that laminate is one of the easiest floorings to keep clean and healthy for you. It only needs to be vacuumed and/or damp mopped to help keep it dust and dirt free. It stays shiny without time consuming waxing and if you happen to scratch it, you can easily repair it. Most laminate flooring manufacturers include directions for caring for your laminate floors to keep it looking as beautiful as possible. Laminate is dust resistant and does not harbor any bugs that could cause an allergic reaction as well.

You can use laminate flooring in any room in your home. This is what makes it such a great choice. Kitchen and bathroom renovations are excellent choices for laminate flooring, simply because laminate holds up well to the activity that takes place in these much loved rooms. It stays looking beautiful and shiny with very little effort, too, which makes it great for any home. Laminate flooring will also work well in the living or family room. Adding the warmth of a wood grained laminate flooring can help to add just the right touch of welcomeness and warmness that you have been looking for.

No matter what color or type of flooring that you have been considering, you will want to check out laminate flooring. It comes in many different styles and designs from casual to extravagant to allow you to create the perfect look and feel for your room and your home.

Leroy Calstard very often creates publications on ideas corresponding to husky compressor and husky compressors. You can have a look at his publications on husky tools and husky compressor at http://www.insidewoodworking.com

How to Install a Swimming Pool Liner

Above ground pool owners know a lot about the time and expense associated with maintaining their backyard oasis, more commonly referred to as the swimming pool. In order to get the maximum life expectancy out of the pool liner itself, great care must be taken to maintain the chemical levels and prevent the build-up of debris and minerals in the pool. But what happens when the pool liner has outlived its usefulness and it is time to replace it before a leak or tear threatens your property?

There are several options available for the homeowner to address this situation. One could pay a professional to install a new liner, but that expense may be prohibitive considering the cost of the liner itself. You could hire the neighbor's kid to do the job, but then a poor installation could damage the liner and cost you more. If you were able to do it yourself and save the money and headaches, would you? The job is not as difficult as it may seem, and I can tell you how!

As always, the first step is preparing the pool for the new installation. This involves draining the water out of the pool, removing the old liner, and making arrangements for the purchase of a new liner. Draining the water will depend on the particular situation of the pool. It may require renting a submersible pump and discharging the water to the nearest storm drain. Be sure to check the local codes for this procedure. Removal of the old liner involves disassembly of the top cap of the pool wall which secures the liner in place. Once this is accomplished, discard the liner in an appropriate manner. Inspect the pool walls for damage or rust which may in turn damage the new liner. Make repairs as necessary to ensure a successful installation. When procuring a new liner, take note of the pool diameter (or length and width as the case may be) and the depth. These figures will determine the correct size of liner to request. Do not assume that the cheapest liner is the best value. The thickness of material ( mil thickness) will correlate to the expected life of the liner as well as the warranty provided. Liners may be available in 20 mil or more. Thicker liners will provide longer service, but will cost more initially. Be wary of a liner that is less than 20 mil, as they are less resistant to tears and chemical damage.

Once you have the pool prepared for the installation, unpack the new liner being careful to remove staples from the box or any other hazards that might damage the vinyl. Follow the manufacturer's guidelines for liner positioning inside the pool itself. Be sure that the liner seams meet where the walls and floor (ground) intersect. Do not be too concerned about minor wrinkles in the liner as these will be smoothed out when the pool is filled.

Once the liner is positioned properly, it is time to prepare for filling. This is accomplished by evenly pulling the liner over the pool walls until just a small area in the center of the liner remains touching the ground. The liner will be draped over the side walls for now. Replace the top cap of the pool wall over the liner but do not fasten it in place. This will support the liner during the filling process. Begin adding water. At regular intervals (when the water level begins to pull on the liner) remove portions of the top cap and allow more of the liner to come in contact with the ground. Do this evenly around the entire circumference of the pool. This will remove any wrinkles in the liner and assure a smooth pool floor. Reposition the top cap for support. Repeat this process until the entire floor of the pool contains water. Check the seams again to be sure they meet at the walls, and make any necessary adjustments. Once the entire pool contains 6" of water, and the liner is satisfactorily positioned, the top cap of the pool wall may be fastened permanently to hold the liner in position. Continue filling the pool to the specified level.

As a side note, before starting the pump, it may need to be primed. Avoid running the pump without adequate water as damage could result.

Pat yourself on the back for a job well done. You now have your oasis restored and can begin to enjoy the benefits of your pool.

For more great tips on pol care Go HERE!

Ferrel Kenda is an Internet author and webmaster specializing in Internet marketing and promotion and has 10 years experience in swimming pool care and maintenance.

Are Bathroom in Basement Remodels For You?

Are you thinking about expanding your home, but out of space on your main floors? If that's the case, it might be time to do something about your unfinished basement area. A small office, a guest room, a personal gym, or even an entertainment room might do the trick, but if you want to spend time down there, there's something else you'll need. A basement bathroom will keep you from having to run up and down stairs all the time, and it'll also add value to your home. End lines at the bathroom door by performing a bathroom in basement remodel.

There are a few things to keep in mind before you get that renovation started, however. You'll need a project plan with your intended schedule, budget, cost estimates, and work you want done. Keep this updated throughout the process of building your basement bathroom in order to get the best and most predictable results. Start by looking for ideas on your basement bathroom remodel. Home improvement stores, online articles and sites, and magazines are all a good place to start when you decide what you want your finished basement to look like. Think about color, lighting, space set up, and more. The better your plan is, the more likely you are to end up with a bathroom you love.

You'll also need to think about ceiling height, available space, moisture in the basement, basement temperature, and stability of the basement itself. Windows and lighting will be important if you don't want your bathroom in basement remodel to end up like a cave. You'll also have to consider ventilation to keep air moving in the house. An enclosed bathroom with no air movement could end up seeming musty and unpleasant. Remember to decide early on if you want a full or a half bath.

If you're thinking about doing the work yourself, you'll need to know a few things. Most people need basic carpentry and wiring skills to put up walls and get light fixtures working. You'll also have to have a good amount of plumbing experience if you plan on installing the toilet, sink, and tub or shower on your own. However, you don't have to do everything on your own. Calling a professional in for part or all of the work on your bathroom in basement remodel is a smart idea if you're not one yourself.

It may be a good idea to call a professional plumber for the piping, if you don't have the experience and knowledge to do it yourself. In some cases, you may also need to have a pro oversee or sign off on work that you've done yourself. That way, you'll be legal and up to local code. If you know how to frame, wire, and hang drywall (choose moisture resistant board for basements), but aren't sure about plumbing, calling a pro might be the best method you can use. It'll certainly save you some frustration and effort in the long run. Your bathroom in basement remodel can be a real success. All you have to do is have a good plan.

Thomas Johnsen is the Author and Leading Expert on Bathrooms in Basements and the creator of the publication Bathroom in Basement 101. Visit the site now to find the easy-to-understand step-by-step guides on basement bathroom construction available online today.

Calculating Your Basement Finish Cost

When you already know what you should consider to estimate your basement finish cost, the next step is to get the price for your particular project. There are a couple of easy ways to get a good estimate before you commit to your project.

Online Estimators

You can do nearly anything in the internet these days. That includes getting price estimates specifically for basement finishing. Many online estimators are part of contractor websites. Some of these websites however offer the service for free so you don't have to worry about being billed for using their estimator tool. You do have to make sure though that the estimator that you use takes into consideration the region or state where you live. Prices may vary depending on the state.

Price Comparisons

Online estimators are a convenient tool to use but they may not always be close to accurate. A better way to get your basement finish cost would be to go straight to online contractor websites. You can easily find one in your region using a search engine. You can open a few contractor sites so you can compare the services they offer. You can then send a request for a quote with your specifications on your request. If you want a free quote, make sure you check first if a contractor gives quotes for free.

Ask for Recommendations

Nothing can beat asking other people for recommendations. You might have been to a friend's home with a good basement in which case you can simply ask for a price estimate and the name of the contractor. If you do not know anyone who has recently remodeled their basement, you can opt to ask online. There are many forums and message boards where you can ask about basement costs.

Do Part of the Work

You will find it easier to arrive at a basement finish cost estimate if you only had to ask for the price of contractor service. You can get a fairly stable estimate if you just want the cost of labor. You can do this by canvassing the prices of materials yourself. You can inform a potential contractor that you have already set the design and materials and that you need a price for labor only. This is the best way to get the best possible price estimate.

Successful basement remodeling ideas start with a good budget. Begin yours by setting the right basement finish cost. Find out how to do it.

How Retailers Avoid Price Comparisons

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Things to Consider When Building a Second Floor Addition

Building a second floor addition onto a single story home has become a very popular option for home owners looking for additional living space without the hassle of uprooting their family. However, you should keep in mind that building any home addition is a major enterprise and that building a second story is not a simple undertaking. Here are a few things to consider.

Verify the local zoning laws of your neighborhood. Some zoning laws restrict the construction of second floor addition because it will impact the aesthetics of the neighborhood or create other issues to adjacent properties.

Local building codes should also be examined to ensure that a second floor addition onto an existing single story home is allowed. One thing to consider is the home's existing foundation. In order to determine if the foundation can support a second floor, you will need to enlist the help of a building inspector, foundation contractor or an architect who will examine the existing foundation. Adding a second story onto a ranch style home will create significantly more load on the concrete footing and the foundation walls. The footings and foundation walls are typically built wider and stronger for two story homes which means that you will most likely need to reinforce your existing foundation.

Before removing the roof of your home, you will need to plan for potential obstacles that will need to be addressed. For example:

- What is the size of the ceiling joists? Can they support a second floor?

- Are there mechanical elements such as plumbing, electrical and HVAC running on the top of existing ceiling joists?

- Are there any utilities attached to the existing roof and how much overhang does it have?

- Is the roof sheeting made of plywood or 1x boards?

- How many layers of shingles are on the existing roof?

- Are there any stacks or flues protruding through the roof such as vent pipes, fireplace chimney or furnace flue?

The mechanical infrastructure of your home will also need to be carefully examined. Elements such as the heating, plumbing and electrical will need to be upgraded and modified to support the second story addition. Typically, a larger furnace and electrical panel will need to be installed.

There may be some repair costs associated with your second story addition. Although your contractor will make every effort to ensure that the integrity of the main floor is maintained, inherently there are risks of damage to the first floor's walls and ceilings. This type of damage frequently occurs while the roof is being removed and while the second floor addition is being constructed.

The cost of building a second story addition onto a single story home is relatively expensive on a cost per square foot basis. Typically, there is a 30 to 50% premium for adding a second story over the standard construction costs per square foot. However, the alternative of selling your home and buying a new one is, in most case, a more expensive alternative. Keep in mind that you may be able to tap into your home equity or take out a home renovation loans to cover the costs of your second story addition, making your dream of a larger home a reality.

Lee Callero is a specialist in foundation repair which is the main cause of basement leaks. Visit the site to learn more about how crack injection can fix your foundation problems

Cloudy Pool Water - Causes & Cures

Cloudy pool water is caused by many factors. These factors may be chemical (water balance, pH, improper methods), mechanical (pool filter system) or environmental (source water, excessive rain, heavy use). Often times, pool owners attempt to treat the symptoms but not the cause of the cloudy water, so we have to look at all of the things that may contribute to the problem. Let's look at the causes of cloudy swimming pool water, then we can look at treatments and cures.

Before we dive in let's first put cloudy water to the test. Cloudy pool water is in the eyes of the beholder. Cloudy can mean: Dull - the pool water just doesn't sparkle. Hazy - it just isn't as clear as it normally is. Cloudy - you can make out the bottom of the pool if you look hard. Opaque - the term says it all!

Chemical Reasons

Many pool owners quickly blame "bad chemicals" so let's start there. Here are some of the factors and their contribution to the cloudy water problem. Water chemistry can contribute to cloudy or hazy water - if the pH is HIGH (over 7.8) and or the Total Alkalinity (TA) is HIGH (over 200 ppm) and or the Calcium Hardness (CH) is HIGH (over 400 ppm). With pH & TA being high the water will become dull or flat and the chlorine reacts more slowly loses its ability to kill and control bacteria and algae. Now you have early algae growth - another cause of cloudy pool water. High CH doesn't become a problem until the water warms up to over 85 degrees F; then you have a "cloudy" condition that won't go away. Maintain good pool water balance with these parameters: pH - 7.2 - 7.6 (all pools); Total Alkalinity - 80 - 120 ppm (concrete) or 120 - 150 ppm (vinyl liner); Calcium Hardness 200 - 300 ppm (concrete) or 175 - 250 ppm (vinyl).

Other chemical or chemistry based reasons for cloudy pool water would be lack of regular shocking, periodic chemical cleaning of the filter, poorly maintained sanitizer levels, lack of a chemical maintenance routine. Regular weekly or biweekly shocking of the pool aids in oxidizing un-filterable swimmer waste such as body oils, lotions, urine, hair gel, perspiration, etc. We find that the single biggest mistake customers make in their normal care is not shocking the pool often enough or insufficiently (not using the proper amount of pool shock). Proper shocking also helps to "rejuvenate" the chlorine level and knock out early algae growth. Whenever you have a pool party with lots of expected bathers, consider shocking the pool the day before (helps build up the chlorine level providing a buffer for an eventual chlorine demand) as well as immediately following the party (shocks & oxidizes everything that was brought into the pool during the party -- if your guests weren't using the bathroom, the beer & soda had to go somewhere). Using a calcium hypochlorite shock such as BioGuard Burn Out Extreme is preferred since the product will get in, do its work, then get out. Potassium monopersulfate shocks like Oxysheen work well to help break up chloramines (combined chlorines), but shouldn't be used exclusively.

Mechanical Reasons

If the chemistry is good and the pool is being properly shocked and algaecide added every 1 to 2 weeks, then it is necessary to look at the mechanical reasons. The mechanical components contributing to cloudy pool water would be improper filter size (too small), improper pump and motor size (too small or too large a horsepower pump), insufficient filtering time, poor circulation, improper maintenance (vacuuming & brushing). I can recount story after story when I've walked into a customer's backyard to help them troubleshoot a problem pool only to find the filter shut off or improperly connected. When simple corrections are made, the pool water is clear in as little as 24 hours. Let's examine some basics.

Your swimming pool's filtering system should be operating a minimum of 8 to 10 hours per day, every day from opening to closing. If the pool water becomes cloudy or other problems become evident, then constant running of the filter until the problem is solved is required. If the filter was properly sized (even slightly bigger is better) then 8 to 10 hours daily is good. On the other hand, too large of a pump may be "harmful" to the filtration. If the horsepower is too great, you may be blowing dirt and everything else you want filtered right through the filter (especially sand filters). When it comes to 2 speed pumps, make sure the "high" speed run time is set for a minimum of 6 hours daily PLUS and additional 12 to 18 hours at "low" speed).

Consider using an automatic pool cleaner. You'll end up with better circulation, cleaner pool surfaces and less work.

The other mechanical reasons are also important. Regular vacuuming and brushing help with the overall circulation by moving water around. Keep directional "eyeballs" pointed DOWN to force filtered water down to the bottom of the pool and therefore aid in water movement by breaking up dead spots. Too frequent backwashing of the filter doesn't give the filter media enough time to do its best cleaning -- a dirty filter filters a finer particle. One final mechanical reason for cloudy pool water, lack of use. Actively used pools are always better circulated and filtered. So even if the water is cloudy (as long as the water is in good chemical balance), use the pool!

Environmental Reasons

Remember that whatever is out in the world, will eventually get in the pool and detract from water clarity. Pollen, dust, dirt, leaves, make-up water, bird droppings (forgot about those, right?), rain, local construction sites, etc. can all affect your swimming pool. Each of these culprits needs to treated differently. Pollen, dust and other fine particulate can be treated using a water clarifier like BioGuard Polysheen Blue. Flocculants work well in severe situations by settling the particles to pool bottom and vacuuming it all out on Waste. Use a skimmer sock inside of the skimmer to remove fine pollen or dust that may be too fine for your sand filter.

Leaves, swimmers, makeup water, droppings will create a chlorine demand. Shocking the pool is necessary. Make-up water can change the water chemistry affecting the pH, TA and CH not to mention the possible addition of heavy metals, all of which can cause or add to water cloudiness.

Final Notes

As you can see there's no 1 or 2 reasons for cloudy pool water. It's usually a combination of factors. Some of them not even coming from the pool itself. The best solution to cloudy pool water is prevention utilizing a good, regular chemical and cleaning maintenance program. About 30 to 60 minutes per week is all that it takes. If or when your pool water turns cloudy, don't start adding clarifiers or flocs. Get down to the real cause. Look at all of the contributing factors.

http://www.parpools.com
http://www.parpools.com/Page/PoolCare/BioGuard_Solutions.html
http://www.parpools.com/Page/PoolCare/BioGuard_water_balance.html

Conserve Water and Energy in the Bathroom - Easy Tips to Save You Money!

There are many simple things you can do in your bathroom that will help you save money and conserve energy. Most cost little money to do and will pay you back in years of savings on your electric and water bills. Here's a short list to get you started.

1. Take showers instead of baths and limit your shower time to 10 minutes or less whenever possible.

2. Install low flow shower heads. They can be picked up at any home improvement store (for $20 or less) and work by infusing more oxygen into the water so the pressure is higher while using less water.

3. If you have an older toilet either replace it with a low gallon flushing toilet OR displace water in the reservoir tank with a few bricks or by filling a 1/2 gallon milk jug with water and placing it in the tank. This will save you 1/2 to 3/4 gallon of water every time you flush your toilet.

4. Don't use your toilet as a trash can. Put q tips, dental floss, old hair from your brush and the like into the trash can. These can clog your pipes and reduce the efficiency of the your toilet.

5. Don't run the water from your sink while brushing your teeth. Also, don't brush your teeth in the shower thinking your conserving water. Your not. Brushing your teeth for 1 - 2 minutes with the water running is just wasting gallons of water and pointless. Wet your toothbrush under the faucet and then turn it off while brushing.

6. Replace your bathroom light bulbs with compact fluorescent light bulbs where possible. The CFL bulbs cost more initially but they use 75% less energy than standard bulbs and last up to ten times longer, which can save you up to $25 in electricity over the life of the CFL bulb. We have had CFL bulbs in our bathroom for over two years and haven't had to replace one yet.

These tips are all easy to implement and will help reduce your electric and water bills. Just by taking the time to investigate more cost efficient ideas you can save money with minimal effort. If you'd like to learn more ideas to save money and conserving energy around the house go to http://www.greentipsforyou.com and learn more!

How to Replace your Broken Oven Element

The oven element in your electric range can burn out at any time. Unfortunately it always seems to happen at the most inopportune times, such as the week before Christmas or Thanksgiving.

Most elements do give warnings before burning out. They will often have a bright spot that will be noticed by the homeowner, just prior to burning out. If your element has a bright spot replace it as soon as possible. Waiting for the element to burn out is inadvisable because the oven thermostat or other electric components can be affected.

In all aspects of this job safety must come first. Use only the manufacturers original parts, not a cheaper substitute. Only attempt this repair when you have enough time, and patience, to do it properly. Remember, you will be dealing with 240 volts - thats twice as much power as flows through your regular household circuits. Only attempt this repair with another adult present.

If you feel confident in your ability to safely replace an oven element then try the following method:

1 Disconnect range from electrical power, either by unplugging or turning off breakers. Pull range away from wall so all sides can be accessed.

2 Remove rear panel of range to expose the element wiring. Identify which element you suspect being burnt out.

3 Carefully remove the element wiring. They are usually screwed on connections. Avoid breaking the connections or stripping the screw head with your screwdriver.

4 Go to the front of the range. Locate the screws securing the element within the oven cavity. This may require a flashlight because they are usually covered in debris. Again use caution not to harm the screw heads. The screws may be very tight and will require patience to remove without harming. If the screws will not turn they will have to be drilled out using a high-speed drill. If this becomes necessary use caution not to chip the oven interior.

5 Remove the oven element. If its broken avoid touching the pieces with your bare hands. The pieces can be very sharp. Plus, the white powdered insulation contains harmful chemicals.

6 Proceed to a parts store to obtain a replacement. Make certain you have your make, model, and serial number. Manufacturers use a vast variety of elements. Each model, type, configuration, and wattage requirements will determine which element was installed in your range.

7 Install the new element and secure it with the screws. If the holes in the mounting plate dont align you will have to drill holes in the cabinet interior. Carefully drill holes in the cabinet using a high-speed drill. Use caution not to let drill slip to avoid damaging or chipping the interior liner.

8 From the rear of the range reconnect the element wiring. Dont bent the electrical connections or allow the screws to strip the threads. If the wiring is burnt the insulation must be cut back to expose undamaged wire. Cut the insulation back using a knife or wire-stripping tool.

9 With the new element installed plug the range back into the electricity. Start the oven and allow to run for five minutes. Disconnect the electricity and quickly feel the wiring insulation at the element connections. They should feel slightly warm, but not hot. A hot connection indicates a poor connection, or the possible failure of other components associated with the oven. If hot, it will be necessary to remove it and redo. Once satisfied with connections replace the rear panel and reinstall into counter.

10 Test the oven operation. All elements should go off and on as per normal.

11 Final step is to do a test run of the oven temperature. If you have an oven thermometer allow the oven to cycle off three or four times at a regular baking temperature. The thermometer should indicate same temperature at which the oven dial is set. As a confirmation bake something such as muffins or cookies as your test substance.

As the preceding has shown, replacing a burnt element is not a difficult repair. But, it is certainly one that should only be attempted by someone who is confident around electricity. If you are uncertain about your ability around high voltage, telephone an appliance repairperson for help.

An appliance repairperson can have your element replaced, tested, and operating in less than an hour. Less time than it will take you to find the part. Also, they will have all the tools and testers required to do the job quickly and safely.

Copyright 2006 Donald Grummett. All rights reserved. Need answers about repairs and maintenance of Household Appliances? With 35 years experience Donald Grummett can help. Visit http://www.mgservices.ca to learn much more invaluable information.

Worthwhile Home Improvements

When you buy a house which needs improvement, or if features of your property don't suit your needs, it is hard to choose what to tackle first. Finance is a major concern. Raising the money and being able to repay it are obviously important. You have to consider whether the amount spent could be recovered when the house is sold. If your house is too small for your needs, it is important comparing the cost of adding an extension compared to the cost of moving.

Some improvements are more important than others. Corrective work which affects the structure of the house should always be tackled first. The following home improvements can result in a higher selling price for your home, providing that the work is done properly.

Work such as damp-proofing, insulation, roof repairs and heating should be tackled first. Damp-proofing and roof repairs are mostly important as water entering the house causes structural damage. Lack of insulation makes the house expensive to heat and uncomfortable to live in.

Your next priority is a heating system. Inefficient heating makes the house uncomfortable to live in and unpopular with potential buyers.

Think carefully about the type of heating system you want before you in installing it. Fuel is a major consideration. Gas is convenient and reasonably priced and there is an excellent choice of boilers and programmers. If the house isn't connected to mains gas, find out how much the connection will cost and how long you would have to wait. It may be cheaper or more suitable to use another fuel.

If you cant use gas, electric storage heaters are usually the best alternative. Installation is quick and often free. The heaters work on cheaper, night-time electricity. Hot water comes from an immersion heater which also works on half-price electricity. A good level of insulation from the loft to simple draught-proofing is needed for electric central heating to work economically.

There are a number of different reasons why you should remodel your kitchen. A kitchen too small for your needs can never be acceptable, no matter how much you spend on new units. If you have a dining room which is not used often, think about adding it to the existing kitchen to make a larger, more useful space. The alternative is to build a kitchen extension.

The amount you recover when you sell the house depends on the area and the type of property. If you live in an expensive, detached or semi-detached home, it is well-worth investing in a top-of-range fitted kitchen. But if your home is modest and more likely to appeal to first-time buyers, a well-made but budget-priced self-assembly range would be a better choice.

Installing your dream kitchen in a short-term home is not a good idea. Save the kitchen you have always wanted for a house you intend to live in for ten years or more.

An inefficient and unattractive bathroom makes uncomfortable to live in and affects the selling price of the house. There are various ways to make the bathroom larger. You could move it to a bedroom or remove a dividing wall between a bathroom and separate toilet. It is not usually financially worthwhile

Is one bathroom sufficient for your needs? A family with 3 or more family members especially children over ten is probably better off finding the space for a second bathroom than spending money improving the old one.

Consider dividing off part of a large bedroom to make an en-suite bath. This is viable providing that the bedroom is on the same side of the house as the main soil stack. If you can find the space, a downstairs WC is a useful, practical addition. Before you replace the bathroom suite, take a careful look at it. If the bath, basin and WC are in good condition but stained, it might be well worthwhile having them re-coated.

Conservatory, extension, swimming pool, sauna and landscaped garden can make your home more attractive to look at and live in, but you are unlikely to recover the cost of the work. Home improvements which increase your family's enjoyment of their home are well worth making. It is better still if the work is financially viable in terms of a better return when you sell.

Homes On Sale is 100% free for sale by owner (FSBO) and has been since 1999. More people are waking up to the benefits of selling their property without using a real estate agent. Take advantage of the saving you can achieve by selling your home online yourself and enjoy the savings. Be sure to visit http://www.homesonsale.co.uk

Bathroom Remodeling Made Easy

Ok, you have made the decision: Your bathroom is in need of a face lift! The next question is "Where Do I Start"? This very simple question creates the basis for your project.

This article provides a "road map" to help you make sure your bathroom remodel is a success. By careful planning, you will save money, time and (more importantly) grief and frustration. The following issues should be determined before hiring a contractor. This way (if you are getting multiple estimates) you will have "apples for apples" estimates as each contractor will know exactly what they are bidding on.

There are numerous decisions to be made when remodeling your bathroom. These decisions will not only determine the cost of the project, but will have direct a impact on the success (or failure) of the final product. It is crucial that you spend sufficient time addressing theses issues prior to commencing work. As with any home renovation, the key is in the planning.

One of the best ways to begin planning is to draw up a simple floor plan of the bathroom space, including the size of each wall. From here, you can begin to put the pieces of the puzzle together.

Here are some basic questions you need to ask yourself:

What is your proposed budget? If you can answer this question first, the material selection process will be much easier. Case in point: Tile (material only) is priced anywhere from $1.50 to $30.00 per square foot! Considering an average tub enclosure is around 80 sq.ft., just the price difference in tile selection can change the cost of the project by thousands of dollars.
Are you keeping the same configuration of the bathroom as the existing layout? When moving walls or changing the layout requires framing, electrical, plumbing and drywall work. Replacing existing components (without relocation) is the most cost effective way to remodel your bathroom.
Tub or Shower: Are you replacing the tub? Or are you converting the tub into a shower? When converting a tub into a shower, additional costs incurred will be in re-locating the plumbing drain, shower valve, building and sealing the shower pan among other things.
Shower or Tub Enclosure: Do you want a tile or fiberglass enclosure? If it is a shower; do you want a fiberglass shower pan or tile. Prefab fiberglass units are (of course) more cost effective than tile however tile is much more aesthetically appealing.
Tile Selection: Stone, tile (ceramic or porcelain), marble? Same tile for floor and enclosure? Any decorative tile additions? Shampoo nooks? Shower seat? Material and color choices are almost as infinite as the price points.
Floor Covering: Using same material as tub/shower enclosure? Wood or tile base board? Wood base is more cost effective, however tile has a much classier look.
Wall Covering: Paint, wallpaper, tile or a combination?
Vanity Cabinet: Type of wood? Painted or stained? Low profile (31 1/2" height) or regular (34 1/2" height)? Master baths usually have the 34 1/2" height while hallway or secondary bathrooms typically use the low profile cabinets.
Vanity Top: Granite, tile, prefab unit?
Sink: Surface mount or undermount?
Toilet: Round or elongated? White or special color? Prices change dramatically for "designer" toilets and even the color choice can change the cost for the fixture.
Lighting: Wall mount or recessed lighting? Re-locating lighting (requiring electrical and drywall work)? Installing or replacing exhaust fan? Keeping fixtures in the same location will (of course) save you money.
Shower or Tub Door: Same configuration as existing (sliding or hinged)? Again, choices of doors "run the gamut" with regard to pricing.
Replacing a Window? Retrofit or standard replacement (standard window replacement involves stucco/siding and drywall repair)?
Bathroom Door: Replacing the existing bathroom door? Same style? Paint or stained? Hollow core or solid core? Pre-hung or replace door use existing door jamb?
Hardware: Style and finishes for shower door, vanity cabinet knobs, sink faucet, towel bars? Pricing for fixtures changes dramatically when it comes to design and material choices.

Below are some basic space guidelines provided by the National Kitchen and Bath Association:

Lavatory

15" (38 cm) or more of clearance space from the centerline of lavatory bowl to a wall or similar obstruction.
30" (76 cm) or more of clearance space between the centerlines of double-bowl lavatories.
At least 30" x 48" (76 cm x 122 cm) of clear floor space in front of the lavatory.
Toilet / Bidet
16" (41 cm) from the centerline of a water closet or bidet to a wall or similar obstruction, or fixture adjacent to it.
At least 48" x 48" (122 cm x 122 cm) of clear floor space in front of the water closet or bidet.

Bathtub / Shower

Shower size large enough to comfortably use, at least 34" x 34" (86.36 cm x 86.36 cm).
Tub size large enough to comfortably use.
At least 60" x 30" (152 cm x 76 cm) of clear floor space in front of shower/tub.
General Information
The bathroom entrance door swings so that it does not interfere with people in front of fixtures.
Fixtures located so that more than two people can use the space comfortably.
Water closet and bidet in separate compartments or shielded from entrance view.

Safety Requirements

Non-slip flooring used throughout the space.
Ground-fault circuit interrupter electrical receptacles used.
Electrical switches placed away from tub or shower.
Grab-bars at shower/tub entrance and inside enclosure.
Tub and/or shower easy to enter and exit.
No steps at the tub or shower.
Safety glazing on glass used for shower doors.
Shower door swings into bathroom, not into shower enclosure.
Bench/seat included in shower enclosure.
Pressure balanced water control valves used in shower.
Temperature regulating water control valves used in shower.

Storage Requirements

Adequate counter or shelf space around lavatory.
Adequate storage for grooming equipment, toiletries, linens, etc., 15" - 48" (38 cm - 122 cm) above the floor.
Towel bars /rings located within reach of fixtures.
Bathroom linen and paper product storage space provided.
Storage space for shampoo and such in the shower/tub area, between 15" to 48" (38 cm - 122 cm) above the floor.

Mechanical System Requirements

An efficient ventilation system is part of the plan.
Bathroom heating system will keep the space comfortably warm.
Task lighting provided at every functional area.

In closing, remodeling your bathroom is an exciting endeavor and one (with proper planning) which can provide you and your family with years of enjoyment; not to mention improving the value and re-sale potential of your home.

Steve Frick
Paul Davis Restoration, San Diego, CA

If this article has been helpful and you would like more information on our kitchen remodeling services, please visit our website at http://www.pdremodelingsandiego.com

For a free estimate, simply send us an e-mail at sfrick@pdr-sd.com and we will be happy to give you a free consultation. We service all of San Diego county

Home Insurance - ABI Warns Against Flood Plain Development

The Association of British Insurers (ABI) believes government proposals to boost the country's housing stock significantly are inherently flawed. Where southern England is intersected by major rivers, the surrounding land is prone to flooding. However, because this is where demand for new housing is highest, current plans envisage major developments in precisely these areas.

The ABI believes that up to one third of the planned three million new homes to be built will be constructed on flood plains Consequently the ABI has suggested that its members may have to remove flood cover as a standard component of their policies, should these plans see the light of day. The position of the ABI has drawn criticism from Ian Wright, the Housing Minister, who maintains that current planning regulations are sufficiently stringent to guard against the risk of newly built houses rapidly becoming uninhabitable through flooding.

Wrights believes that because all local authorities have to consult with the Environment Agency before giving the seal of approval to new developments, home insurance providers have nothing to worry about.

The whole question of flooding and house insurance has registered more strongly on the national radar in recent times because of recent disastrous flooding, not to mention all the hullabaloo about global warming. News images of towns in Gloucestershire completely cut off by flood water linger a long time in peoples' memories.

All told, the 2007 floods cost three billion pounds. In view of this incredible sum it is inevitable that this issue will continue to figure prominently on the future policy agenda of home insurance providers. For the customer in an area that may be affected by flooding, this emphasises the importance of selecting the appropriate cover. The internet is an excellent resource in this regard and it is well worth undertaking a little research to identify the best product.

11.4.2008

source: http://www.guardian.co.uk/money/2008/feb/14/homeinsurance.insurance

Mark Lauterwein is a UK based writer currently writing on home insurance and house insurance.

Mosaics Ideas For Your Bathroom

Mosaics are an age-old wall and floor design popularised by the Romans and used lavishly in the Byzantine area to depict mythical scenes and pay tribute to gods and emperors. Materials as luxurious as gold, silver and marble were used to bring out a colourful scene pieced together like a puzzle. In the twenty-first century mosaics are still popular, although stone tiles and coloured glass are the contemporary materials of choice.

A simple way of using this technique is to create a multi-coloured bathroom design. Start small by using miniature square glossy tiles around a bathroom mirror; a large oval mirror works best. A good combination of colours for a multi-coloured design would be a dark red, orange, dark lime green and a lavender or dark blue with white tiles to break up the darker colours. Tiling around a basin is also a small scale project that gives your bathroom a warm inviting feel with a retro twist. You can complement the mosaic design with colourful striped towels and stained-glass bottles.

A stone mosaic is best for a bathroom floor, as the tiles aren't too slippery. Slate, marble and ceramic work best. A ceramic is great for an earthy, warm look while marble is more opulent. Mosaic tiles tend to be pricier than ordinary tiles, so using them as a tile boarder or as a medallion in the centre of the room still has an impact but at a lower cost. Borders can also incorporate a theme, for example a vine boarder for an organic look or an ocean theme to give the illusion of a glass-bottomed boat.

The same can be applied to bathroom walls. If you decide on a two colour theme, you can use one or two lines of darker mosaic tiles for effect. Alternatively, for shower walls, small diamond mosaics between the large tiles give your shower a stylish twist. Good duo colour combinations are cream and navy, light blue and earthy brown and white wall tiles combined with a thick line of different pastel mosaic tiles. For a futuristic look use metallic mosaics in gold, silver or copper. An added advantage of metallic tiles is that they are non-porous and will remain mildew-free.

Whether you are looking for an expensive Byzantine theme to take your bathroom back in time, or just to give it an extra something and make your guests feel more at home, mosaics can be used very effectively and easily. An intricate medallion at the entrance or a bordered mirror changes a plain domestic bathroom into a welcoming showroom.

Frances wrote this article for the Taps and Showers 2 Go Home improvement direct to your door. Taps and Showers is UK's largest range of interior installations for your home.

Home Insulation - Should You 'Do It Yourself' Or Use A Professional Contractor?

The Energy Saving Trust in the UK estimates that the average home can save several hundred pounds off its annual heating bills, and prevent the emission of over two tonnes of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere annually, by installing insulation throughout. Insulation is the single biggest measure you can take to cut the amount of energy you use in the home. Plus this will also make the average home more comfortable by making it warmer in winter, and cooler in summer. It's no wonder that hundreds of thousands of people a year in the UK are getting their homes insulated.

When thinking about insulating your home you are immediately faced with the choice of employing a professional contractor to do it, or attempting a bit of DIY. At first the DIY option can appear tempting. For example, some types of insulation, such as loft insulation, are not normally technically difficult to fit. The materials are readily available in most DIY stores. Plus many people automatically think that DIY is going to be cheaper than employing a professional contractor, because with a contractor you are paying for their labour.

However, in many cases they will be wrong because using a professional contractor is either cheaper or roughly the same cost as DIY. This is because installing insulation in the UK is now heavily subsidised by gas and electricity suppliers, in order that they can meet their carbon emission targets set by the government. These subsidies are funded by the power companies regardless of household income, and currently amount to between 50 and 70% of the cost of having the insulation installed. This usually means that using a contractor becomes price competitive, or in many cases even cheaper, than DIY.

Plus if you receive certain benefits from the government in the UK, you can get your insulation installed by a professional contractor completely free. This is because the government tops up the grants from the energy companies with its own subsidies to cover the entire cost of the work.

As well as financial considerations, there are other reasons why employing a professional contractor can be attractive. Firstly, some types of insulation do require special technical expertise. For example, to install cavity wall insulation - filling the space between your outer walls with insulation material - requires special machinery, as well as training. You should always use a reputable contractor for this. Although not technically difficult, installing loft insulation is often still a challenging DIY job. The working conditions in a loft are often cramped and unpleasant. Employing someone else to go up there is in many cases a much more attractive option!

As well as the technical challenges, DIY can also have a number of safety issues. For example, the mineral wool that is commonly used to insulate lofts can be hazardous. It is extremely important to handle it with care, as it can severely irritate the throat and skin. You need to wear protective clothing, including face mask, safety goggles and gloves. You also need to make sure that you do not expose the living areas of the house to the material, either when you unpack it, or dispose of any waste material.

If you use a reputable contractor, you can be sure that these issues will be taken care of, with much less hassle for you. You also know that the job will be done to a good standard, because of their training and experience. In fact, cavity wall insulation carried out by professionals in the UK comes with a 25 year guarantee if they are registered with the Cavity Wall Guarantee Agency, which most reputable firms are.

Given all of these advantages, we recommend that most people use a professional contractor to get their home insulated. It's generally competitive on cost or cheaper than DIY, safer, less hassle, and will be done to a high standard if you choose the right contractor. There are many reputable firms who can be accessed through the Internet They will offer you a free no-obligation survey, after which you get a quotation. They also give you access to the attractive grants and subsidies mentioned above. If you like what they tell you, then you can simply go ahead and get a date booked for the work, and look forward to a warmer home and lower heating bills.

Alex Perry is a founder of http://www.DownwithCO2.co.uk, which helps people cut their personal contribution to climate change through providing information and contacts.

Considerations For the Interior Design of Bathrooms

Bathing Needs

One important feature to consider in the interior design of bathrooms is the bathing needs of the entire family. If space is limited, and you rarely if ever take the time to soak in a tub, for instance, an interior designer might suggest the replacement of a large bathtub with a simple shower stall. This will save on space and make your bathroom appear more open and less claustrophobic. On the other hand, if that leisurely bath time is important to the homeowner, the interior design of the bathroom in your home may include the installation of a larger tub so you can relax in comfort.

The Bathroom Sink

Another feature that will come under scrutiny in the interior design of bathrooms is how to best utilize the sink area. Many homes have a vanity sink which offers a storage area beneath. However, more in vogue now in the interior design of bathrooms is a free-standing sink, which helps to give the bathroom a feel of having more open space. But since interior designers are concerned with function as well as form, shelving might be added to the Interior design of bathrooms in your home to compensate for that loss of storage space beneath the vanity.

The Bathroom Toilet

At first glance, you may not consider the toilet to be something that will be changed much during the Interior design of bathrooms. But that decision can be left up to your interior designer. Since the interior design of bathrooms is not concerned only with what's in the bathroom, but also how it's placed, your interior designer might move the toilet to a spot where it's less cramped. Or perhaps the existing toilet can be changed out to one with a tank recessed into the wall to save even more space.

Generally, these kinds of changes are accomplished with careful sketching and, nowadays with the use of modeling software, in order to get a clear picture of how every feature in your bathroom will fit together. In summary, while an interior decorator might be concerned with wallpaper and cabinet colors, an Interior Design will be working to see how everything in the bathroom fits together as functional space and then making clear attempts to improve it. Applying interior design to your bathrooms can make the difference between simply changing the bathroom's appearance to changing the way it feels.

You can also find more info on Interior Designing Techniques. Interiordesignbliss.com is a comprehensive resource which provide information about interior designs.

Home Purchasing Checklists Provide Protection

Home purchasing checklists provide protection for consumers with useful information for future home repairs or current home repairs that will need to be done before the home is sold. Home inspectors often use checklists like these, while they're inspecting the home.

If more home shoppers used home inspection checklist while shopping for houses, we would probably have more satisfied homebuyers than dissatisfied ones. Recently just purchasing a home, we had our real estate professional, the previous homeowner's real estate professional and a mortgage lender, involved in the purchase of the property.

There was a home inspection report from the current homeowners, available for us to look at. It provided us with the damaged parts of the home that were repaired or replaced. Some of these repairs were from termite damage and it was stated so on the report. This was helpful information for us as we walked around the home inspecting it for damage.

The work that was repaired to look satisfactory and the rest of the home had minor damage. Listening to one of the real estate sales people that were involved in the transaction, you would've thought we would get in the deal of a lifetime and they had nothing but good news to say about the product they were representing. I easily understood that, this person could have influenced some one into believing that the home was in great shape, if they didn't have a home inspection checklist with them.

The home had been re-carpeted, painted and was in generally good shape. The problems with the home, were the old windows that were hard to open, the heating unit leaked gas, the tile flooring that ran through the kitchen and a large room addition looked great, except for one thing, they installed the tile over linoleum.

This eventually will have to be replaced as the tile starts to separate from the linoleum. While I'm writing this article, there's about 40 square feet of tile that needs to be replaced, because it's popping up and cracking.

A home purchasing checklist does not guarantee that you will find everything but can't eliminate some of the things that homeowners have the biggest problems with. If you could just eliminate one of these problems, the small price of purchasing, one of these checklists would be worth it.

Home purchasing checklists provide protection for the shopper and I would recommend, never shopping for a home without one.

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

By Greg Vanden Berge

The Do's and Don'ts of Home Staging

In my line of business as a Home Stager, I've come across many who have asked me what renovations/improvements are considered good investments when selling a home. Many have spent hundreds to thousands of dollars on unnecessary home improvements that they could have spent elsewhere in much-needed areas of the house.

It is a wide spread knowledge that kitchen and bathroom upgrades are among the top selling features of a home. Sometimes just installing a granite countertop increases the appeal of a kitchen. If you don't want to fork out money on replacing old appliances with stainless steel ones, just simple improvements like a subway tiled backsplash or replacing one or two of your cabinets with glass with potlights inside does the trick. Countertops should be clean and decluttered with all small appliances hidden out of sight. One or two ornaments along with a potted plant and decorative storage containers will suffice.

As for the bathroom: faucet upgrade, painted cabinets, and a stylish mirror may be the smallest changes you can make to create a big impact. You can get away with these small changes, provided that the tub, sink and floors and walls are in good condition. A fresh coat of paint, and a couple of nice wall paintings will also help. Also, try leaving out the rugs. Without it, it gives the illusion of more space. For more cosmetic changes, hang soft colored matching bath and hand towels, neutral fabric shower curtain, place a big arrangement of dried leaves/flowers in a vase on the countertop, and make sure you have scented plug-ins for some refreshing scent.

Other rooms of the house should be neat, decluttered, and spacious. The key to creating more space is remembering that less is more when it comes to home staging. The few but bigger items you have, the better impression it'll create. Arrangement of furniture should be considered as to provide an unobstructed view from the entrance of any room. Keeping your rooms light, airy, and open will give potential buyers the impression that they're buying space.

Storage space is of great importance to a lot of potential buyers. In fact, 86% of surveyed said storage space was important which a professional stager can address more effectively. Maximize your interior spaces by arranging furniture effectively, and any extra unnecessary furniture can be stored in the basement. Also keep in mind that the basement should not be a catch-all space. You can arrange your storage items off to one side and cover it with floor to ceiling curtains to hide the clutter. You can also arrange any extra furniture from the other rooms to create a sitting room area, so as not to appear as if items are just thrown about .

When it's time for open house, don't forget to leave out a plate of cookies for guests to enjoy. If anything, the gesture will go a long way in keeping your house on their minds above the others they've seen that day!

Enjoy Staging! For more information, check out http://www.designcontours.com .

http://www.designcontours.com

Purpose of Home Improvement and Remodeling

Emulsion and paints on the walls are fading. Plumbing system is not working properly; leaky roofs and damp walls making the home a nest for molds and mildews; cracks on the exterior wall are prominent and the window sidings are broken. Yes, your home is looking ugly and sick; you need to give it a face lift.

Home improvement and home remodeling are done to renovate the exterior and interior of your home. At the same time, it helps you add some extra space some times. Planned remodeling can effectively increase living space. Adding a roof over an open place or constructing a door at a suitable position can allow you make full use of available area.

To keep your home in good shape you need to repair your home at a regular interval. All the homeowners go for home improvement at least once in a year or two. Home remodeling not only keeps your home in right condition, but makes it attractive and good-looking as well.

Apart from thorough home improvement and remodeling, you may need to repair small constructional problems through out the year. Leaks, small cracks, wiring defects etc. should be addressed as soon as they are detected. Otherwise the small problem can lead to serious damages later on.

Home improvement is a wide and extended process; it's not all about repairing concrete walls and applying paints. Properly planned home improvement makes your home look esthetically correct. Apart from constructional retouch, residential remodeling adds a theme to your home.

Hence, while remodeling your home, you need to consider every facets of the building. Constructional defects, paints, windows, window sidings and shutters, furniture, garden and garden furniture, patio and deck, awnings and canopies, curtains and upholsteries, electrical wiring, plumbing works, functionalities and safety and security - all the areas should be thoroughly checked for any scope for improvement.

Make sure your home reflects your taste and culture. Choose the color schemes according to your likings. The room for the kids should be designed and decorated with pictures of cartoons, animals and birds painted on the walls. And in the patio or porch, decorate the ceiling with hanging plants.

Hundreds of thousands home remodeling tips are available to help homeowners make their homes look better. For decorative part of home improvement, you need to consult exterior and interior designers. For constructional works, you have to look for local home remodeling contractors

Residential contractors also help homeowners repair constructional and wiring defects. Since home improvement or remodeling is not a regular process and generally done once in years, you should be careful while choosing the home improvement contractors and designers. Consult local business directories or search the internet and hire reputed professionals to get best result.

Charles Mathews is a free lancer who has a written several article on home improvement contractors and home remodeling contractors. For more information he recommends you to visit: http://www.realreferences.com/

How to Evoke Passion in Your Writing

How to evoke emotion from your reader

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

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

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

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

Ask yourself these things about your character:

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

And so on and so forth.

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

How to write with Passion

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

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

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

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

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

Bath Vanity Options For Larger Bathrooms

The bathroom is often an area of the home that is not heavily decorated, yet the right decor can create a bathroom that is pleasant and reflects your personal style just as much as any room in your home. The centerpiece of the room is typically the vanity. The right unit can be found to provide the best combination of storage and design.

Whether you are working on a bathroom from the ground up or remodeling an existing bathroom, be aware of the variety of vanity options available. Vanities designed for smaller bathrooms can look out of place in a larger setting. Make sure that you have a clear picture of the room layout and your dimensions when shopping for your particular unit.

Consider how many people will use the bathroom. If the room will only be used by one person, there are many possibilities. An ornate single vanity serves the needs of one person while providing a large amount of storage space and a nice design aesthetic to the room. This extra counter space will add the space necessary to warm up a straightening iron or lay out a shaving kit. If you are interested in a more minimalist look and storage is not a concern for you then choose a vanity without cabinet space. These are usually very clean in design and give a bathroom a very sleek and contemporary look.

If the bathroom is being shared by two people, a double sink vanity may be the best option for you. Double units come in a wide variety of styles, antique to contemporary, and everything in between. A double vanity provides you with plenty of counter and storage space for both users.

Another important decision is whether you want a free-standing or a wall mounted unit. This is really dependent on taste, but is an important part of bathroom design. A very popular look currently involves a wall-hung sink combined with a floating vanity. You can get really creative.

Most retailers will offer you the opportunity to select your wood finish. Dark woods remain popular; add a glaze to give it a contemporary look. One of the hottest finishes at the moment is a dark cocoa color, which appears nearly black and has an opaque finish. Choose from antique, traditional, or contemporary styles. Mix and match aspects of each in your bathroom to make it your own creation.

When deciding on your color palate, try matching the vanity accents to the colors in the room. It's much easier to change the accents and drawer pulls later than it is to repaint the entire bathroom. Fixtures come in many finishes and can either match the look of the bathroom or completely alter it. Popular fixtures come in nickel, brushed chrome, satin nickel, antique brass, and more.

Whatever choices you make, your bathroom should be a beautiful addition to your home, an extension of your personal style, and a functional room for everyday use. There are a lot of options to consider in a large bathroom, but with a little shopping and some creativity you'll find the perfect vanity to complete your master bathroom.

Julia Ritzenthaler is Owner of boutique multiple online furniture stores, For more information about unique bathroom vanity ideas, visit us online or email us with your questions at uniquevanities@msn.com.

Storing Towels in Your Bathroom

Bathroom towel racks are one of the most commonly used means of adding extra storage space to a bathroom. They are relatively simple to install, and can help to keep your bathroom looking tidy and stylish.

The most basic racks come in two different designs. The first is not actually a rack, but rather a single horizontal shelf that can be used to store folded towels. However because it is a shelf, it does not offer the ability to hang towels. For that, you need a railed towel rack.

Railed towel racks are similar to towel shelves, but because they contain rails they can be used to hang towels vertically as well as store them horizontally.

More expensive designs tend to have an arrangement of two or more railed shelves, in addition to an under hanging rail bar or set of hooks. These provide extra storage space, as well as hanging space, and are therefore far more functional that shelves or single railed racks.

Although these are physically larger than the other alternatives, their extra functionality tends to make them the preferred option for homeowners.

Installing A Towel Rack In Your Bathroom

Towel racks require a bit more skill to install than regular towel hooks, although the basic principle remains the same. You must first decide where on the wall you would like to install your rack, making sure there is enough clearance space around the rack.

If you are installing a railed rack, you also need to ensure that there is enough vertical space for your hanging towels. This can easily be done by holding a towel at the location you are thinking of installing your rack, and making sure that it does not touch the floor and is a reasonable distance away from it.

After deciding on your location it is important to scan that area with a metal detector to check for electrical wiring or pipes in the wall. Once you are certain there is nothing there, place your rack on the wall using a spirit level to ensure it is completely level. You can then screw in your rack into the wall.

Depending on the size of your rack, you may have to use wall plugs in addition to the screws. These will provide extra grip to the screws, and prevent the rack from ripping them out the wall under heavy loads.

This whole process shouldn't take more than 10-15 minutes, after which you will have added some valuable storage space to your bathroom!

To find out more out choosing the right towel hook or rack, please see my website:
Bathroom Towel Hooks & Towel Racks And Hooks For The Home

How Retailers Avoid Price Comparisons

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Building a Shower Pan - In Six Layers by My Count

Building a shower pan is usually left to the pros. That's because you must get the construction right or the shower will leak. A leaky shower is a potential disaster. Now there are tile ready plastic pans that you can use as a base to lay tile on. But the traditional masonry shower pan works great and still is the most common way to get a tile shower built. It's tricky to build, but it's just built in layers from the bottom up.

You see a tile shower floor contains a hidden ingredient. The tile you see on the floor is not waterproof. Neither is the grout. Water goes right through grout and through tile even, so that's why the pan is more than you see. Here's how it's built from the ground up.

The ground being the base which may be concrete or a subfloor. Whatever it is, it must be stable and not bouncy. Often that first layer is a layer of cement board with maybe some tar paper over it. The paper is to keep the masonry that comes next in place until it dries. Meanwhile you have the drain in place and a special drain it is. The drain has two layers of drain holes. The top of the drain is set at the height of the finished floor.

Over the first layer goes a layer of masonry. Now it's a special formula and it's not too watery, but just right. This layer is sloped toward the drain, to the lower drain holes of the special drain actually. That's a secret ingredient. The water that seeps through the floor is heading for the lower drain holes.

Over the first masonry layer goes the next layer. That's in the form of a special thick vinyl sheet. That's what stops the water for good and moves it to the drain holes below the surface of the floor. And how do the drain holes stay open if they're below the surface? It's another trick.

Then over the vinyl membrane goes another layer of mortar. This layer is sloped to the drain too, but such that the finished floor will be at just the right height. This is the base for the tile. Over this base you lay the tile and slope up right to the drain which you see in the shower floor when it's finished. Grout the tile and you're done.

It takes six layers in a tile shower to build the shower pan. A shower built properly will last for many years. The real key is getting the drain in right and getting that vinyl membrane put in just right and sealed so it's really waterproof. This is a lot easier to understand if you can see it done at least once. Building a shower pan isn't complicated, but it's a bit tricky.

You can get access to video tutorials showing the professional tricks to building a shower pan including how to tile shower walls and put in accessories too.

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

The Basics of Plastering

In figuring for plastering it is not customary to deduct for doors and windows, unless of very large size. It is considered better practice, however, to deduct them and figure accordingly, so that it is possible to use the same figures for getting quantities of material.

Plastering is usually done on spruce lath, which comes 1/4 x 11/2 inches, and made in 4 foot lengths. As studding is spaced 16 inches apart this makes three spans, and all laths should be nailed to the studs at both ends. To cover 100 square yards will take about 1500 laths, and 10 lbs. of three penny nails.

The plaster is usually applied in three coats, known as the scratch, brown and white coats. The first is applied directly to the lath, and consists of lime, sand and hair. Its surface is scratched with a stick to give good adhesion for the brown coats, which contains less hair, but is otherwise very similar.

The white or finishing coat is usually composed of lime putty and fine beach sand in equal parts, to which plaster of Paris is added to make it hard and smooth. For 100 square yards, allow 10 to 12 bushels of lime, 2 bushels of hair, 1 1/2 cubic yards of sand and 100 lbs. plaster of Paris. If a sand-finished effect is desired, the plaster of Paris is omitted and cubic yard of sand added. The surface is finished with a wooden float, so as to bring out the sand and produce a rough surface.

Other types of plaster exist, based on the use of gypsum in the place of lime. They set more rapidly than lime plaster, and care must be taken to use them as directed by the manufacturers. Metal lath and plaster board are also much used in place of wood lath for reproduction corner guards.

They increase the expense slightly, but reduce the fire risk. Whatever method is used, the plaster should be run back of dados and baseboards, as the open spaces add greatly to the fire risk. This is in fact required by the building codes of most cities.

One man will lath about 100 yards in an eight-hour day, openings not deducted. With metal lath he can do from 100 to 150 yards, though if the plan has many corners his speed is greatly reduced. It has been estimated that a plasterer with one helper can do about 150 yards of the first two coats in a day, and about 90 yards of finishing coal.

Cornices and ornamental pediment add greatly to the cost, but are now far less common than they were a few years ago. Most ornaments are cast in the shop, while moldings are generally run on the job. When work of this kind is to be done, stock models should be used as far as possible. These are furnished by a number of manufacturers and can be ordered from their catalogues.

When plaster board is used in place of wood lath, the first or scratch coat may be omitted. This greatly reduces the labor of plastering, but the plaster often tends to crack at the joints between the boards.

For work that must be done quickly, a new type of gypsum board is now on the market, requiring no plastering, but finished ready for paint or paper. It is preferable to use paper, as with point it is hard to hide the joints. This material is only about 3/8 inch thick, while lath and plaster is 7/8 inch. It can be applied with practically no waste.

There are also a number of makes of wall board, generally some sort of wood pulp composition. These shrink badly after application, and if they are papered the paper always cracks at the joints. The manufacturers recommend covering the joints with wooden corner protectors or strips, but this greatly limits the possible treatments, and makes an agreeable effect almost impossible.

The gypsum board mentioned in the preceding paragraph is far preferable, and the cost is not much greater. Both types of wall board are made 4 feet wide, and almost any even number of feet in length.

They are very easy to apply, and if 20% is added to the cost of the material it will usually cover the labor of nailing on. This, of course, is only for plain work, with few corners, and does not include wood strips or other woodwork.

Sarah Martin is a freelance marketing writer based out of San Diego, CA. She specializes in home improvement, remodeling, and working with ornamental pediment. For the best in hardwood moulding and wooden corner protectors, please visit http://www.ferche.com/.

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