Tools for Repairs of Wrought Iron Railings

Wrought iron railings are in vogue since the seventeenth century. At that time, the metallurgy was just starting to shape as a science and the iron railings were regarded as work of art. The wrought iron railings are long lasting and corrosion resistant. Unfortunately, the wrought iron railings are not shock resistant and if anything falls on the railings, the railings are sure to break.

Breakage in one of railings would mar the look of entire staircase or the hand railing of the porch. If you know the repairs, you may be able to bring the railings to near original conditions

Tools for Repairs of wrought Iron Railings

Wrought iron railings can be repaired to near perfect conditions if you do it carefully. The repairs can never restore the railings to its original conditions. The tools for the repairs are available with any DIY enthusiast. You will require

1.Drilling Machine

2.Drill bits 1/4” and 3/8”

3.Riveting set

4.Hack saw

5.Glue Cement

6.Metal Cement

7.Wood working tools

8.Files

Repairs To Pipe Of Railings

Welding of the wrought iron railings is very difficult and even when you weld the railings, you are not sure when the welding would fail. A welded pipe may cause a serious accident when it breaks again. Hence, the broken pipes are never welded.

Instead, you may try to repair the broken pipe by reinforcement internally. The pipe should be taken out from the railings and taken to your DIY workshop. The inside of the pipe could be strengthened by a inserting steel pipe or turned wooden pole of internal diameter of pipe.

If the internal of wrought iron pipe is not smooth, the wooden pole may have to be turned further so that it fits the pipe without force or hammering the wood. If you try force, you will ruin the wrought iron pipe beyond repairs.

When the pipe or wooden pole fits the wrought pipe from inside, it gives strength to the wrought iron pipe. The ends can then be joined with help of glue or metal cement.

Remember that the strength comes from the pipe or wooden pole inserted inside the wrought iron railings. The glue helps in giving the look rather than the strength. If the wrought iron railing has more than two pieces, it needs careful fitting before application of glue or riveting. Make sure that the all the pieces come together and the internal pipe or wooden pole is not visible from outside.

Mounting Poles Or Base of Wrought Iron Railings

If the base of railings has cracked, or the eyelet of railing pipe needs repairs, it might be done by stitch welding. Many firms offer the repair service for this kind of work and offer guarantees. The failure of eyelets or the base is very infrequent and this is best left to the experts. Wrought iron welding or cast iron welding is a specialized job and if you try to do it in a DIY way, you will surely fail

Andrew Caxton is a reliable journalist who has published more articles on this issue for http://www.deck-porch-railings.com A website with tips about deck and porch' repair or improvement, with a detailed overview on wrought iron railings

Have You Neglected Your Bathroom?

The bathroom. We spend hours each day in there. We shower there. We shave there. We perform other bodily functions there. If you look at an average day we're in the bathroom several times at least. For a room that we spend so much time in how much effort do we put into decorating it? Almost none. Normally the bathroom is the very last place in the home to have any money spent on it. This is despite the fact that it may have visible water damage, a leaky sink with squeaky taps and a bath that is well past it's sell by date.

Most people will quite happily leave their bathroom in a state of disrepair until they hear that guests are arriving. Panic sets in! That grubby bathroom that you don't care about may now become public knowledge. Friends and family may get to see how you really live. But why let your life progress to the point of utter panic - and always at the last moment. Why not spend a little money and a little time and get your bathroom in order today?

You can choose to make this a DIY Project if you have any skills in that area. If not then don't take any chances by attempting the work yourself - hire a trained professional to complete your bathroom renovation for you. A word of warning though - make sure you educate yourself on the basic terminology and materials involved by reading a few home remodelling magazines or by asking friends who have completed similar redecorating projects themselves. You need to make sure the entire project is completed in as little time as possible - nothing worse than being stuck without a shower or toilet for days on end.

So where do you start? Well how about expanding the bathroom itself? Is there any square footage that's not being used to its full extent? Can you knock through an existing wall and lengthen or widen your bathroom? This is the chief complaint of many home owners - that their bathroom is simply too small. Any extra space you can add to the room will benefit the entire house both in terms of usability and in overall value.

If you have a large and bulky cabinet in your bathroom then replace it with a smaller model - normally these cabinets are just filled with crap you never use. If there are any shelves dotted around the room remove these also - again they're normally just used to hold old soap and shampoo that you liberated from that hotel room on holidays. The last step then is to make the most of your window space by replacing any old heavy curtains with small roller blinds - whatever style best suits your bathroom. Just maximize your window space by avoiding clutter.

Color is very important in any bathroom. 90% of bathrooms are decorated using cold colours such as blue and very pale creams. Most people use blues because most bathrooms tend to take on an aquatic feel of some kind. The problem is that overuse of blue as a base color can actually make a room feel cold. Why not experiment with warmer colors such as yellow, orange and terracotta? These can make even the dingiest bathroom feel very snug and cosy.

The important thing is to create the bathroom you've always wanted - with no pre-conceived notions. Let your imagination and creativity run wild and create a bathroom that is truly you!

This article was provided courtesy of BathRoomCentral.com where you can find lots more bathroom layout ideas and other hints and tips on bathroom remodelling.

Blinds Give Your Home a New Lease on Life

Decorating your home can be a fun adventure, but it does take time and effort to achieve the perfect look. When decorating you get to reflect your own personality within the home - whether it be through the paintings, the cushions, the linen or the bedding or even the window treatments like blinds and curtains. Window treatments along with blinds, curtains and shutters are perhaps one of the most important aspects of a room. This is because windows are the main source of light in a room and therefore the main focal point of a wall which attracts a lot of attention. Decorating with window treatments such as blinds will give each room in your house a very individual look.

You can find window treatments like blinds from many professional furnishings companies by shopping online. Online furnishings companies who specialize in window treatment products provide many beneficial features for home decorators who want to embark on some 'do it yourself' activities such as helpful information, discount window treatment such as blinds and curtains, and window coverings made in any fabric to complement your existing or planned decor. These sites offer a wide selection of window shades, vertical blinds, bamboo blinds and other options. In fact window treatments can even be fully customized to suit your specific room according to fabric density and window size.

Purchasing window treatments such as blinds online can potentially save you hundreds of dollars. Many online retailers offer discounted options by providing you with high quality fabrics for blinds and curtains at the low prices usually found in online furnishing stores. This is good news for customers considering that window treatments such as exterior shutters, curtain rods and vertical blinds for your home, can be very expensive, particularly if you combine this with other home decorating costs. Online shopping allows you to save dollars from every possible aspect of decorating.

Purchasing window treatments online also has many other benefits that you can take advantage of. By researching products and then purchasing them online you can gain easy access to the most popular products (those purchased most often), obtain quality images of sample colors, and receive discount prices. Some online stores also offer free insurance, free delivery and free installation. Shopping online also allows you to view fabrics and products from some of the top manufacturers in the window treatments industry but with products at well below retail prices.

Rachael Cansino is the owner of Regal Blinds which is a premier source of information about Blinds. For more information, go to: http://regalblinds.com

Keys To A Successful Home Renovation Project

Contemplating some home improvements? Whether it is a small project or a major renovation there are two primary keys to success:

1.Planning: Have you considered what disruption the project will have on you and your family?s day to day ability to function? As an example, laying some ceramic tile on the bathroom floor may take the bathroom out of service for two days. In a one bathroom home this could prove to be a major obstacle to any bathroom renovation. Kitchen renovation can also cause complexities if major appliances have to be temporarily moved, besides the necessity to make sure floor surfaces are not damaged while providing a temporary relocation, refrigerators need to be powered. Even a small project such as repainting a room can create major inconveniences because of furniture relocation and paint odors.

Always make a list of material and tools that you will require, before starting the project. Then make sure you know where the tools and material (the material that you believe you already have is) are, collect them, verify that they are useable and then place them all in a convenient location so that you can find them when you need them.

2.Knowledge: Whether you are going to do the project yourself or hire a contractor, knowledge is the second key to ensuring that the job will be completed to your satisfaction. Invest some time in learning about the materials that you are going to use and the tools needed to install them. Believe it or not the manufacturers of the materials and products that you are going to use know more about them than you do. If a manufacturer says allow the adhesive to cure for 24 hours before applying the grout, don?t apply the grout in 12 hours. If a manufacturer says that his flooring needs to acclimatize in your home for 72 hours before installation, don?t bring it home and immediately start installing it.

If you are hiring a contractor you must check his references and you must understand what material he is intending on using. There are vast differences in quality levels of materials. If a contractor says he will install an oak plank hardwood floor, there are many questions to ask about the grade, dimensions and finish of the material. Prices can vary from $2.00 to $15.00 a sq. ft.

Proper planning and knowledge will make a big difference in the overall success and satisfaction with your next home improvement or renovation project.

For additional information on all the aspects of home renovation visit Renovation Headquarters.

The Importance of a Plan When Building a Reptile Cage

Would you put together a model plane without looking at the finished plane picture or looking at the plans? Does a builder build a house without a plan?

The answer to these is pretty clearly no. A homemade snake or other reptile cage is so much simpler though, you say. I can just put it together as I go. Not so, my young apprentice. There are many pitfalls awaiting the inexperienced. Simple things you can miss. Silly mistakes you can make, and believe me, it is very easy to make them. There are a host of things that can make a simple cage take much longer than it should plus some possible costly mistakes.

If you have never kept a reptile, then before you even plan a reptile cage, you need to do some research on what sort of cage your retile will need. A snake will need cages of certain dimensions; lizards will need other dimensions and arboreal species yet another type of cage with different dimensions. It?s also helpful if you know how large your pet will get so you can plan ahead.

Another benefit of a plan is it helps you to think about your pet reptiles other needs such as heat mats, basking lights, UV lights, misting systems, substrates, decorations such as artificial walls, artificial trees and branches, and how these can be made and placed in the cage.

Once you have a clear idea of what you want the finished product to look like and how large it will be you are ready to plan how you are going to construct it. At this stage, having a plan, however rudimentary, is important. Once you have a plan in place you can think through the issues. In many cases it will allow you to remove the problem before you even start, as the plan often reveals an error or issue. Naturally, the more detailed the reptile cage plan, the more you can make allowance for possible issues. It can also eliminate waste and save money as you only purchase the correct amount of material.

Having a plan is useful as it allows you to see and understand how the cage will be constructed. You can work out how you may want to alter the plan if you feel the need to change.

And finally a plan is essential for the construction phase. What goes where, what is the order of construction, what size should this piece be and so on.

When building a reptile enclosure, if the plans are detailed enough you will constantly refer to them. This also helps minimise those costly errors.

Using a plan, whether is be yours, someone else?s or a purchased plan, will save you time, money and effort. It will produce a much better result for you and your pet.

Mark Chapple is the Author of How to build enclosures for reptiles. Find out how anyone can build reptile cages. Full color pictures, detailed diagrams and easy to follow, step-by-step instructions and what you need to know when constructing reptile enclosures. http://www.reptile-cage-plans.com

Proper Drainage For Retaining Walls

If you are construction a retaining wall that is higher than two feet, there are some things you should do to ensure that it does not shift.

The construction of a retaining wall is very dependent on the foundation that the wall is sitting on. In some areas a retaining wall can be built directly on the ground, in other areas a concrete footing should be installed. If the ground soil has been disturbed over the last few years, or is the type of soil that compacts easily a footing should be installed to prevent the retaining wall from sinking.

In all cases, drainage of some sort should be installed on the inside base of the wall. Water laden soil can be twice as heavy as dry soil. The water moves down through the soil looking for an exit route, as it is saturates the soil it will apply a tremendous amount of pressure on the backside of the retaining wall. As there is nothing on the front side of the wall to apply pressure, the wall may begin to move forward especially near the top.

Drainage can be installed using perforated drainage pipe running perpendicular to the wall, installed at the inside base. If you use drainage pipe, the water that has saturated the soil will eventually find its way to the pipe and be directed away from the wall. The important point here is to have an exit for that water. This can be done by connecting to the home drainage system or by providing a 90? exit, through the retaining wall at the lowest point. When installing the drainage pipe place a layer of crushed stone all around the pipe to a thickness of at least one inch, two is even better. This prevents the holes in the drainage pipe from becoming clogged with soil.

Providing adequate drainage is important whether you are constructing your retaining wall from pressure treated lumber, railway ties, rocks or even if you are using cast concrete blocks that interlock on an angle as they sit on top of one another.

For additional information on landscaping products for your home or other renovation projects, visit Renovation Headquarters.

DIY Plumbing Repair: Finding Out How to Do the Job

When you have plumbing problems, and need to get the plumbing fixed, you need DIY plumbing repair. However, if repairing your plumbing is not something that you know how to do yourself, you might be wondering how you can learn this. There are many places that you can learn how to fix your plumbing problems yourself and you will not have to rely on a contractor to come and do this job for you. More and more people everyday are starting to do their own DIY repairs from plumbing to everything else that might need it. But not everyone knows how to go about doing this. There are several places below that will be great for learning how to DIY.

1. Library

Going to your local library and looking for books that show you how to DIY plumbing repair will be a great big resource when you are learning DIY plumbing repair. You will find that there are many books on this subject at your local library, and you will be able to check them out and take them home to study them. When you study them, be sure that you take notes, especially on any problems that the books say you might encounter. This will ensure that you can get your plumbing fixed with little hassles, and you will have running water again in no time.

2. Online

Searching online for DIY plumbing repair will bring you to many places that you will be able to read up on fixing your plumbing problems. You will see that there are many website that explain this job in great detail, and then getting it done will be a breeze for you once you have read over the how tos that you find online. You might even come across an email address so that you can ask questions to the expert that is giving advice as well.

3. Plumber

Asking an experienced plumber about DIY plumbing repair is a great way to find the information that you need for doing this job yourself. Most plumbers are straight up about any problems that you might have, and you might even run a across a plumber that will walk and talk you through the process. If you have a good friend that is a plumber, ask him if he will come over and tell you what you need to do to fix the problem yourself. You will see that any plumber friend that you might have will be more than willing to help you learn the ropes of keeping up your own plumbing.

As you can see, there are many places that you can go to learn how to DIY plumbing repair. You will find that the picturers you find in the library books will make the instructions seem easier, and if you happen to have a plumber friend, well that is the way to go for the easiest DIY job that you can do.

Carl has been a professional plumber in a company he owns for more than 10 years not only is he experience in unclogging just about anything but also an expert in installing plumbing fixtures and installing new water lines. Carl will give you some helpful tips on plumbing installation when you visit http://www.alliedesolutions.com

DIY Gardening Is It Advisable?

If you have a green thumb, then you are probably thinking about doing some DIY gardening. Whether it?s preparing the perfectly landscaped lawn or growing some vegetables, gardening is a fun and easy way to produce something plentiful with a little hard work.

Even though most gardening projects can be done by anyone, there are several factors to consider before moving ahead with a DIY gardening venture. Many people suffer from allergies every day and in every season, but allergy sufferers are especially affected during the spring and summer months. As such, before beginning a DIY gardening project, take a moment to consider whether or not you have allergies. If you do, how severe are they? Working outside for prolonged periods of time and/or doing extended lawn work can reek havoc on allergies.

While on the subject of allergies, it is important to know whether or not you are allergic to bees before going ahead with a DIY gardening project. If you are going to be working around the yard or the garden, you will need to be especially mindful of these nuisance insects that could end up causing you a real problem if you are allergic.

Another important aspect of DIY gardening is dressing for your environment. It?s probably a good idea to wear long pants and a long sleeve shirt. This will help to prevent mosquito bites, which could be a health concern during certain locations and times of the year. You will also want to wear protective gloves on your hand and be especially careful of what you touch. If you reach into an area that isn?t completely visible because of weeds or shrubbery, there is always the possibility of a snake or spider. Both can cause harmful effects, so be careful when reaching into the grass or when working outdoors.

In addition to the above considerations, deciding whether or not DIY gardening is right for you will also depend on the project itself. If you are working on the landscape, planting flowers or simply planting a few seeds for a garden, you may not have a problem in completing the task yourself. But, if you are having a tree removed from your property, having the entire lawn replanted or have a very large area that needs cared for, DIY gardening may not be possible. There is nothing wrong with enlisting a little help along the way, especially if a professional landscaping business is nearby.

Find all types of home improvement contractors who specialize at installing carpet, doors, siding, roofing and much more. If you are a home improvement contractor or an author of home improvement articles, add your site or articles today.

Making Picture Frames With DIY Framing Tools

Imagine being able to frame your own photographs, prints, tapestries, and artwork as well as a professional. Picture framing is actually quite fun and easy to DIY. There are 5 easy steps to framing.

Step 1 - How to Cut Mats

Adding a colour border (the mat) around your artwork enhances the picture and provides a restful area between the image and the picture frame. The colour and size of the mat board must be decided first, as this will determine the overall dimensions of your picture frame. You start by calculating the external size of the mat.

To cut the mat use a good quality bevel mat cutter and ruler. There are several cutting systems to suit various budgets and skill levels, including the Mat Master Model 660 for the hobbyists, to the Mat Master 860B or 1060B for the keen home picture framer.

Mark the borders to be cut on the back of the mat board.

Make sure the mat will cover the edges of the artwork, by subtracting approx. 3mm or 1/8 from the image size (length & width). Cut the mat following the instructions for your mat cutter. Attach the picture to the mat using 2 small pieces of acid free tape on the top edge only.

Step 2 - How to Cut the Picture Frame

How much picture frame moulding material will I need? Carefully measure the picture and mat you wish to frame. Add an extra (3mm) for play to ensure the picture fits easily into the finished picture frame.

Add the length (L) and width (W) together, then multiply the total by 2 to give you the overall length. You also have to allow for the mitre cuts, so multiply the width (W2) of the moulding by 10 and add this to your total.

(L + W) x 2 + (W2 x 10) = TOTAL

Making the 45 degree mitre cut in your framing material is most important - your joining will only be as good as your cutting. Always use a good quality manual Mitre Saw? we recommend the Proman hand saw which is made in Sweden as the best on the market. Electric powered Drop Saws are not ideal for cutting small delicate picture frames.

Good Measure System helps to make measuring easy and eliminates many mistakes. Once you have cut the first mitre, slide the picture frame material along to the required length on the measuring scale, and set the stop. You are now ready to cut the first 2 pieces of your picture frame. Change the settings to cut the other 2 sides of the frame.

Cutting one side for a frame is easy.

Cutting the second side to be be the same as the first, is the hard part. With the FrameCo Ezy-Measure System you can cut accurately everytime.

Step 3 - How to Clamp Frames

How do you Clamp the Frame? Clamping the frame tightly is essential for good joining. You can use the a Cord Clamp, or the Steel Strap Clamp to secure the picture frame ready for joining.

The advantage of the Strap Clamp is that you can see all the four corners of the picture frame clamped together before joining. So alignment of the corners is easy.

All corners should match up evenly. Apply a little wood glue to all corners of the frame for added strength. Carefully tension the clamp making sure that the corners are aligned then secure the clamp tightly.

You are now ready for joining.

Step 4 - How to Join Frames

Most picture frames are joined with a V-Nail. This is the easiest method and it is what the professional picture framer uses. The FrameCo PushMaster joining tool, inserts V-Nails into the corner of the frame. Two V-Nails in each corner is usually all that is necessary.

The PushMaster can be used by hand alone on most picture frames, or you can tap the PushMaster with a mallet if the frame is hardwood. The PushMaster can be upgraded to the BenchMaster? which will insert V-Nails into the harderst of timbers.

V-nails: How do they work?

Upon entry, the sides of the V-Nail are deflected outwards. As it pulls back into its original shape, the join is pulled together. The little curl on the edge of the V-Nail locks the nail into the grain of the timber. Glue alone is not sufficient for strong stable joints, by adding a V-Nail you achieve a strong, tight joint. Which V-Nail size . . . You use a V-Nail about 1/2 the frame height.

Sizes are: 7mm - 1/4, 10mm - 3/8, 12mm - 1/2, 15mm - 5/8

Step 5 - How to Finish Frames

Take the empty picture frame to a glass merchant and have them cut a piece of glass for you. If you wish to cut glass yourself use a good quality oil filled cutter, or the Glass Cutter. Use only 2mm plain or non-reflective glass.

Fome Core is the ideal backing board as it is light weight, acid free and easy to cut. You can also use 3mm MDF or cardboard. Place the empty frame face down and insert the glass, then the matted picture and lastly the backing board.

Use the PushMaster to insert brads or flexipoints into the rear of your picture frame to hold everything in place.

Use Backing Nails for large frames or heavy items. Flexipoints are flexible and ideal for needlework or when you want to re move the picture, eg. photo frames.

To seal the artwork in the frame, tape over the brads/flexipoints using a good quality backing tape. This will prevent dust or insects getting into the picture.

To hang your picture, again use your PushMaster tool. Measure one third down the side of the picture frame from the top and mark that spot. Place a screw eye into the slot provided in the end of the Pushmaster tool, then screw the eye into the frame. Repeat on the other side and then attach wire from one side to the other.

You have now completed your picture framing project. More information about how to make picture frames can be viewed at http://www.clubframeco.com/5stepsIntroduction.html

FrameCo Framing Supplies designs and manufactures diy picture framing tools and export to many countries. We also supply picture frames conduct framing classes.

Limestone Tiles An Elegant Floor Of Natural Stone!

In the world of tile one of the latest entrants for new homes and renovations, is Limestone natural stone tile.

Limestone is a beautiful stone, generally available in light browns, beiges and yellow shades. Limestone tile is usually provided with a matt finish, which makes it safer to walk on if there is any liquid spilled. Limestone tile is installed using the same methods as one would use for any other natural stone such as granite or marble and the joints in between tiles should be filled with a grout. To avoid the possibility of permanent staining the limestone tiles should be sealed with a high quality, penetrating, sealer.

Limestone comes in a variety of square and rectangular sizes and is usually 3/16 to a ? of an inch thick. Limestone is cut using a wet saw with a diamond impregnated blade. It cuts fast and has a relatively smooth cut line which can be easily filed to a very smooth finish.

As with any natural stone, color matching can be a challenge and it is important that you purchase some extra tiles to ensure that the limestone tile was all cut from the same slab of material. The rule of thumb, if you are using a square grid pattern, is a minimum of 10% more than the calculated square footage of the area to be covered. If you are installing a diamond pattern the recommendation is 20% more than the calculated square footage of the area to be covered.

With all the good points about the product, there of course, has to be a negative. Limestone should not be used in kitchens or bathrooms. In many areas, building codes, do not allow the use of limestone in restaurant kitchens. Limestone is a very porous stone that cannot be easily sealed hence, the pores within the stone become a haven for bacteria growth. Not what a home owner wants for his family, or guests in a kitchen or bathroom.

For foyers, dining rooms and hallways limestone provides elegance and richness and blends in nicely with almost any choice of d?cor.

For additional information on flooring products for your home or other renovation projects, visit Renovation Headquarters.

Bamboo Flooring Basics

Bamboo makes an excellent flooring product. Although it is usually classified within the hardwood family, bamboo is not a hardwood ? it is a grass. The features and benefits that make it an excellent flooring product are:

• hardness
• durability
• beauty
• environmental friendliness

Strength and Durability

When looking at a cane of bamboo it may seem flimsy in appearance, yet its surface is actually 25 percent harder and it is just as strong as Red Oak the hardwood most often used in flooring. Its durability and impact resistance is unmatched as Bamboo has a harder surface than Rock Maple.

Installed bamboo contracts and expands 50 percent less than most other hardwoods making it a perfect floor in most environmental conditions.

Colors and Grains

Bamboo has two primary colors. Its natural color is a blonde hue that highlights the unique grain characteristics, and growth patterns. In order to create an amber tone bamboo, the product is smoked allowing the carbonization of the grains which then take on a caramel or amber hue throughout the cane.

Bamboo is milled both in the vertical and horizontal direction. When milled in the vertical direction the individual nodes (the characteristic joint in a bamboo cane) are not as bold providing a very even grain and coloration consistency. When milled horizontally the individual nodes, are highlighted creating an aesthetically enhanced grain pattern.

Environmental Qualities

Because bamboo is a grass not a tree, its growing cycle allows for harvesting every five years. Harvesting bamboo does not kill the plant it is the same process as cutting your grass, unlike the harvesting of a tree, which does kill the plant. Bamboo is considered the fastest growing plant in the world. It provides a yield more than 25 percent higher than any hardwood species.

An extremely hardy plant, bamboo grows in areas that have been overgrazed by animals and does not require modern day agricultural techniques to ensure its continuous survival.

By using bamboo as your flooring of choice, you are choosing one of the strongest and most durable products available that still provides you with a luxurious finished product that will last for decades and has the added benefit of being environmentally friendly.

For additional information on flooring products for your home or other renovation projects, visit Renovation Headquarters.

Chimney sweep

Living in a home, your house will require maintenance. No matter what type of furnace you have, chances are that you have a chimney of some type. The chimney should be cleaned every few years to prevent the build up of dust, particulars, and to prevent any failure in how the chimney works to protect your home. A chimney sweep is one that is experienced in cleaning and in maintaining a chimney. The chimney sweep in your local area is one that is going to service, clean and make any recommendations to you about the condition of your chimney.

How do you find a chimney sweep?

If you have a need for a chimney sweep, you can look in the yellow pages online or offline for good leads. Chimney sweeps, those are certified and trained, are also found in chimney sweep directories. Affiliations and memberships to unions and to trades that are specifically chimney sweep related are regional and national.

Your chimney is important to the over all function of your home. Poisonous gases that can be emitted from the fuels that are burned in your furnace are meant to escape the home through the chimney. When your chimney is clogged with soot, damages or dirt, the gases, smoke and fumes will enter into your home.

When you have too much soot in your chimney, you could find smoke through out your home. When smoke enters your home, your contents, walls, and everything in your home could become soot covered. This would require a lot of work to clean up. Many times an insurance company is going to pay to have your home cleaned, but it is an inconvenience you could avoid if you were to have your chimney cleaned every few years.

A chimney sweep often times is going to give you the best results in the summer months. Don?t wait until it gets cold outside to call in a chimney sweep, you will find they are very busy during that time of the year. A chimney sweeps is going to have more free time during the summer months when people are thinking about their furnace or using their heat.

A chimney sweeps is often times going to be a mason as well. Ask if your chimney sweep can repair the brick on your chimney or put up a new chimney if needed. If you find that your chimney has been struck by lightening, a chimney sweep can inspect the interior of the chimney, completing a chimney scan to tell if you have additional damages.

A chimney sweep will be able to provide you with an estimate of how much it will cost to inspect your chimney. A chimney sweep will also be able to provide you with an estimate of how much it would cost to clean out your chimney. If there is anything you do not understand about a chimney sweep, what they do, or if you really need their services, do not be afraid to ask the chimney sweep that you contact in your local area. You will find this is a very select group of people, that take their time and inspect all chimneys, as a chimney sweep knows just how vital their job and their services are for those who need a chimney.

http://www.chimneysweepsite.com

10 DIY Home Improvement Ideas

DIY Home Improvement Idea #1

Install handmade shelves. Rather than purchasing typical cookie-cutter shelves, consider visiting a local craft fair or woodworker for customized shelves. Everything from style, color, design and cutouts can be customized with handmade items. Shelves are ideal for storing tools in the garage or knick-knacks in the family room.

DIY Home Improvement Idea #2

Replace vinyl flooring or install new tiles. These days, convenience is everything. It?s easier than ever to replace vinyl flooring or install tiles with simple self-adhesive backing for easy placement. This will literally give you a new floor surface within a few hours.

DIY Home Improvement Idea #3

Install carpet. Before making a purchase, be sure to measure the area that you need to carpet. If you need to cut carpet, it?s not a problem and special cutting tools can be purchased at any home improvement store. Simply roll it out and secure it to the floor for an easy DIY home improvement project.

DIY Home Improvement Idea #4

Install a ceiling fan. Not only will this add beauty to the room, but it will also help to circulate the air. Just be careful during the installation process and when climbing up or down a ladder.

DIY Home Improvement Idea #5

If you are a big fan of wallpaper, then you already know that it can start to peel from time to time. It?s inevitable. At some point, wallpaper will need replacing and it?s arguably one of the easiest home improvement projects that you can do. Wallpaper is sold at any home improvement store and can be cut to fit any room in your home. During installation, be sure to smooth the paper as you go in order to avoid bubbled areas.

DIY Home Improvement Idea #6

If you like the idea of sitting out on the porch or deck and watching fireflies light up in the night, consider adding an outside addition to your home. Plans can be purchased online or at some home improvement stores, along with the materials needed to complete the job.

DIY Home Improvement Idea #7

Painting your home, either inside or out, is a very popular way of improving it?s overall appearance. Always be sure to read the instructions and use paint in a well-ventilated area.

DIY Home Improvement Idea #8

One of the more sensible DIY home improvement projects includes the installation of a dusk to dawn lighting system outside of the home. This type of lighting will automatically turn on if there is any movement outside of your home and is ideal for anyone, whether you live out in the country or in a larger area.

DIY Home Improvement Idea #9

As winter time rolls around, many people begin to consider replacing their windows to ensure that they are protected from the elements. Many people think of windows as simply something to look through but, in fact, they are much more than that. Windows can actually help to keep warm air inside your home and the cold air out during those harsh winter months, which will make it more comfortable for your family and also your wallet where heating costs are concerned.

DIY Home Improvement Idea #10

Install wall paneling. If you don?t like the idea of painting or simply prefer the look of paneling, a visit to your local home improvement store could be the answer to your next DIY home improvement project. Wall paneling is sold in sheets, is pre-cut and ready for installation. All you need to do is place it in the desired location and secure it.

Find all types of home improvement contractors who specialize at installing carpet, doors, siding, roofing and much more. If you are a home improvement contractor or an author of home improvement articles, add your site or articles today.

Landscape Remodelling Think Green

When we say; ?think green? we are not talking about the color of the pressure treated lumber that you will use for the deck in your landscaping project! A ?green? remodel is an environmentally friendly approach to any home renovation project. Thinking green not only improves the look of your home but it is a healthier home with less maintenance and lower utility costs. Plus you are contributing to a making our planet a better place for future generations.

As with all landscaping projects, good planning is the key to success and cost efficiencies. If you plan green, you will obtain a wide range of additional benefits that include, comfort and convenience coupled with beauty and efficiency and all of these will be structured on environmentally sound conservation policies with a view to increasing the health of you and your family.

Every landscaping project is made up of two aspects ? installation and maintenance. If you only consider the initial installation and not the ongoing maintenance you are not ?thinking green?. Always choose products and materials that have low levels of toxicity initially and require minimal maintenance in the future.

Consider the overall ecological impact of the landscaping plan. Does your plan:

• absorb, or retain storm water or will it create run-off?
• conserve water, use drip irrigation techniques?
• utilize materials and products that contain toxins that will leach into the ground, water table or air?
• utilize materials and products made of recycled materials?
• utilize materials that are harmless to the environment when disposed of?
• require a lot of maintenance?

As an example, the use of landscaping fabric to control the growth of weeds and grasses in gardens, decks, walkways and patios will increase the initial cost of the project. But in the long term you are avoiding the use of costly toxic materials and the time and effort involved in removing the unwanted plant growth.

When considering the cost of your project include future maintenance. A lot of products can have a lower initial cost but if maintenance is included and projected over the expected life of the item it may actually cost a lot more. In landscaping projects, products and materials usually have to stand up to extreme environmental conditions. From extreme swings in temperature to the sun?s UV rays, ice, rain, wind and snow are all factors that must be considered when choosing materials and products to complete your landscaping project.

For additional information on landscaping your home or other renovation projects, visit Renovation Headquarters.Find out more about patio design at www.PatioCoverIdea.com

DIY Plumbing Repair Down the Drain

One common plumbing problem that often occurs at the most inconvenient of times is a clogged drain. Many home owners are tempted to reach for a bottle of their favorite drain cleaner - they are easy to use, supposed to be quick, and you don't have to get your hands dirty. The problem with quick fixes - as with many things in life - is that the quick fix may not be the best.

Most drain cleaners these days will not damage your plumbing when properly used. The key is to make sure that you use them properly. If your home has a septic system, make sure that any cleaner specifies it is safe for use in septic systems. Different types of drain clog removers may target different types of problems and have different instructions, make sure you follow them to get the maximum effectiveness.

Sometimes a liquid cleaner will not be enough to take care of the problem. A number of years ago we received a lesson in what not to put down your food disposal - cantaloupe rinds. The disposal had no problem grinding them up, but a few feet down the drain they re-assembled into am impassable clog.

The first attempt was the faithful old plunger. A plunger works on the concept of hydraulic pressure (simply put, you cannot compress a liquid) to move the blockage. The problem with this approach in a kitchen or bathroom sink is that the drain may not be the only outlet - there are often multiple drains and/or overflow connections which make a plunger useless in these cases

The next step was to try and remove the sink trap. Once you get to this phase, you need to make sure you have a bucket and a few towels handy. If you had previously attempted to clear the clog using a chemical drain cleaner you need to be careful here as there may still be residue in the sink, pipes, or trap. Before removing the trap, make sure to drain as much of the sink water as you can.

Place the bucket under the trap and loosen the connection to the portion of the pipe leading down from the sink to the trap. By opening the down facing segment of the pipe first you should be able to confine the draining water to the bucket - if you remove the horizontal portion first you are likely to make quite a mess as the water drains in that direction. If the remainder of the water drains from the sink, you know your clog if further down the line. If the water does not drain, then you need to check the segment between the trap and the sink for obstruction. Usually a screwdriver or length of bent clothes hanger is sufficient to check and clear any blockages found.

Next check to see if there are any obstructions in the removed trap. Either take it to another sink and see if water flows through it unobstructed or use a length of clothes hanger to probe for (and remove) any blockage. If you found something blocking the trap, you should be all set. Re-install the trap and run the water. If you found no obstruction, it is time to search further.

So the sink and the trap are clear, what next?

This is where you may need tools that you might not have handy but it is definitely a job for the correct tool. Don't try to explore the pipe with anything that might potentially be dropped, break, or otherwise become lodged in your plumbing - the idea is to correct the problem, not cause bigger problems. The correct tool for the job at this time is usually a plumbers auger (also called a snake). This is a long, flexible, spring like contraption that is snaked down into the pipe. You can purchase a small, basic plumbers snake at any home superstore or plumbing supply store and they are fairly inexpensive (another example of a tool that pays for itself the first time you can use it instead of calling a plumber).

Push the auger into the pipe until you encounter a blockage. If you are using a manual auger, you may need to twist it (they usually have set screw and handle to help) to get around turns in the pipe. Once it reaches the clog, you twist it to auger into the blocking substance. If you have a fibrous clog, you will pull the auger back along with a portion of the clog - repeating as many times as necessary to remove it. For softer clogs (like grease) you may just force the auger through the clog and rely on water pressure later to help continue to remove the loosened clog.

If you are unsure that you have cleared the clog completely and you want to check before you re-assemble everything use a hose to run some water down the pipe. Run the water SLOWLY - you don't want to find out the hard way that the clog is still there. Keep your bucket underneath the pipe while testing. If it is cleared, re-assemble your sink/trap and run your water for a while - make sure that your drain is working normally - if it is slow, you may still have a partial blockage.

One other potential solution is the as seen on tv water blaster variety of drain cleaners. These gadgets are usually very inexpensive and typically consist of a small rubber nozzle with a hose fitting on one end. The concept is simple, you stick the nozzle into the drain, hook it up to a hose, and turn on the water. The water pressure first makes the nozzle swell to fill the drain or pipe opening and seal/hold it in place. Then the nozzle forces water into the pipe hopefully clearing the block by building up pressure behind it. If you listen, you will hear the clog clear and water flow rapidly down the pipes.

A couple problems to be aware of with these systems: If you have PVC drain fittings (as many sinks do), you better make sure you connections are good - if there are any minor leaks or loose fittings you are likely to end up with a sprinkler system under your sink. From personal experience there is one other problem you may run into. When you turn off the hose, the pressure that previously swelled the nozzle to hold it in place is gone - however there is still water and pressure in both the line and the nozzle. The results similar to shaking up a soda bottle and removing the cap - it makes a great funny story to tell you friends in hindsight, but it's not quite so funny when you are mopping up the kitchen.

Finally, if none of the above have worked, it is time to call in the professionals. As I have noted in previous articles, a good contractor is worth every penny they charge you. Most will not only help you out with your problem but will also suggest how you can prevent it in the future and if necessary point out problems that need to be addressed.

Ray Breitenbach writes for Simple Home Repairs. Please visit for more information on how to perform you own basic home repairs.

Installing A Receptacle In A Landscaping Project

Many landscaping projects require a 120 VAC circuit to power lighting and other electrical devices such as pumps for ponds.

The actual placement of a receptacle within your landscaping project needs to be thought out carefully as they are difficult to relocate if you place it wrong the first time.

Installing a receptacle outdoors means purchasing the materials that were designed for the application. Weatherproof utility boxes and outdoor receptacle covers are a necessity if you do not want the circuit to trip every time it rains. Powering the circuit through a GFCI (ground fault circuit interrupter) is mandatory for safety purposes. It is best if you can install the circuit directly to the main distribution panel powered through a GFCI breaker. If that is impracticable because of access, then the circuit can be powered from a GFCI receptacle. Note: Only one GFCI control device is required on any circuit. All receptacles and devices wired from the GFCI are protected by that one device. Multiple GFCI devices on the same circuit will cause false tripping.

Receptacles should never be placed horizontally, facing up or down, as water will penetrate the device and cause a short circuit. The proper position is vertical. The bottom of the receptacle should be a minimum of 6? above the ground and that includes any mulch that you use as a ground dressing.

When determining the best placement for the receptacle, keep in mind that you will be doing your day-to-day gardening around it. Keep it away from lawnmower paths!

It is also wise to consider where sprinkler heads are located and if possible situate the receptacle face away from the direct impact of sprinkler spray.

Placing receptacles in area that may be inundated with shrubs is not a wise move as someday you will want to be able to plug and unplug electrical devices.

Proper planning in any landscaping project is the key to success!

For additional information on landscaping projects for your home or other renovation projects, visit Renovation Headquarters.

Power Tools

Ever heard the saying ?women want babies, men want power tools!? ? it?s true. Most men would trade their remote controls just to have the coolest and most technologically advanced power tools there are in the market. in fact, I know of one man who would instantly trade his car in just to have the Bosch 1? SDS-plus BullDog Xtreme Rotary Hammer. BullDog Xtreme seems to have stolen the limelight from many other equally cool power tools from other power tool manufacturers. Even brands under the same power tool manufacturer dimmed in light of the launching of BullDog Xtreme.

Not to mention, some men happen to think that the Dewalt DW723 Miter Saw and the power tool stand are the best creation of man ever since beer was invented! A power tool like the Dewalt DW723 needs a sturdy stand that is versatile, stable and complete.

If you?re looking for a power tool like a drill that will fit into little nooks and crannies, let us tell you that the Panasonic 15.6 Volt drill/driver has been receiving rave reviews from the consumers. The batteries for this power tool can last a remarkably long time. The motor for this power tool is so versatile that it packs up to 390 inch-pounds of torque. It?s hard to find another power tool to match that, frankly speaking.

Speaking of drilling, for power tools addicts, you?ve just got to get the Paslode 900420X IM350-CT Impulse Cordless Framing Nailer. The Contractor?s Performance Pack comes with extra batteries, tools for charging the nailer in your car, 2 fuel cells, lube oil, degreaser cleaner and safety goggles too. This power tool pack is truly going to make your experience a very convenient one. Setting the power tool up is a no brainer and on top of that, this powerful power tool is extremely light ? weighing in at only 6.9 lbs. This power tool has an indicator light so that you?ll know when the battery is running low. The cycle rate rate is about 2 to 3 nails per second. Top performance power tool! With the Constructor?s Performance Pack, you don?t have to worry about running out of power because you can charge the power tool?s battery up and when one battery runs out, you can just stick the extra battery into the power tool and just keep on going.

For power tool lovers, you?ll also love the Makita 6347DQDE 18-Volt Cordless Driver-Drill kit. This power tool kit comes is a 2-speed driller that is as versatile as it comes. This power tool comes with 2-batteries (no extra charge), Phillips/slotted bit, charger and an Pack-and-Carry case. This power tool comes with 2 18-Volt Ni-MH batteries, therefore, you can expect a longer run time with this power tool. This power tool also comes with Industrial ?? keyless chuck with easy replacement of brushes.

Have fun with your power tools!

Dakota Caudilla, journalist, and website builder Dakota Caudilla lives in Texas. He is the owner and co-editor of http://www.really-cool-tools.com on which you will find a longer, more detailed version of this article.

Home Design When to Call in the Professionals

When you?re redesigning your home, the first question you need to ask yourself is whether you?re going to hire a professional or do it yourself. The answer depends on what you?re planning on doing.

There are plenty of things that you can do yourself quickly and easily: painting, putting up shelves and cupboards, all that kind of thing. Anything you can find in the DIY shop will come with instructions that should let anyone who is reasonably experienced in DIY put it up.

However, if you want to do something more complicated ? converting a room into a bathroom or a kitchen, or building an extension, for example ? then you?re going to need a professional.

When it comes to home design, however, it can be tough to know exactly who to hire. For basic things, you need a handyman, but for more complex projects you might need a builder. To do anything in the bathroom, you probably need a plumber. If you?re giving your whole house a makeover, you might even want to hire a professional designer, who will look at the overall picture and come up with ideas to make your house a better place to live in.

While pro designers can be expensive, they are usually worth the money ? you wouldn?t think it from the amateur jobs you see on some TV makeover shows, but they really do know what they?re doing. There are some cowboys out there, though, so make sure the person you?re used has all the relevant qualifications: it?s best to ask for references, as that means you can go and see for yourself houses that they have worked on previously, and see if you like them. Be careful on judging them simply because they?re not your taste, however ? remember that a good designer will reflect what the people asked for, not just force their own tastes on people.

John Gibb is the owner of Home-Design guides For more information on home design check out http://www.Home-Design-guides.Info

Home Decorating Tips How to Change a Rooms Dimension Using Wall Pictures

The Basic Role of Pictures

Wall art plays an important role in interior design as it helps create the ambience of a room. By cleverly placing wall pictures in certain ways, you can change and create a new look and feel in a room.

The role wall pictures play in interior design are:-

• pictures, mirrors or other ornamental accessories on walls help make the room look 'lived in' and they also inject your personality into the room;
• color pictures and prints help connect with the rooms accent;
• pictures help absorb noise in a room, otherwise a room with totally bare walls will sound empty and will have an echo;
• pictures and prints can help enhance or change a room's 'look and feel'.

How to Lengthen a Room

If you have a small room in your house, you can easily achieve the illusion of length. This can be done in two ways. If you like bold statements then simply paint a couple of horizontal lines in a bold color across the middle of the wall in which you want to lengthen. These lines then naturally create the illusion of increased length in the room. An alternative way to do this, and a more subtle way, is to use pictures.

By strategically placing art pictures or photographs with any kind of strong horizontal line in the print, can accomplish the illusion of length. For example, if you chose two or three long rectangular pictures with horizontal panoramic prints such as ocean & beach pictures, fields, or scenic mountain pictures, then this will help extend the length of the room naturally.

Two, three or more of these horizontal landscape pictures will give the maximum impact you are looking for to help lengthen a small room. Also bear in mind not to overdo the room with furniture. Too much clutter makes a room appear smaller.

How to Broaden a Narrow Room

If you have a room which is a bit on the narrow side, there is a simple strategy to make the room appear broader. All you need is a tin of paint, a wall mirror and a large colorful wall picture.

Get your tin of paint, which should preferably be a darker contrasting color to your other walls, and paint one of the walls with this darker paint. Find a colorful and lively large painting and hang it on the wall you have just painted - colorful flower pictures are ideal for this.

On the wall adjacent to your picture, hang a decorative large mirror. What has happened here is that the mirror reflects on the large picture, and the additional darker color on the wall has immediately given the room some much-needed depth. This combination will then make the room appear wider.

By adding these simple additions to your narrow room, you have instantly created a balance in the room's dimensions giving the sensation of additional space.

How to Heighten a Low Ceiling

Rooms with low ceilings give an oppressive feeling, whereas rooms with a high ceiling give a light and airy feel with a large amount of space. To overcome the problem of a low ceiling, there are a couple of interior design strategies to use.

First of all put down a darker floor covering, whether it be a wooden floor, carpet or lino. Paint the walls with a lighter color than the floor, or use light colored wallpaper. If you can, use white paint for the ceiling as this always gives the room maximum light and instantly draws the eyes upwards.

Hang up wall pictures with strong vertical lines as this then gives the impression of height. Use portrait prints such as vertical landscapes, i.e. lighthouses, trees, cityscapes, or floral prints such as flowers in a vertical vase or tall long stem roses. Therefore, by combining the dark floor, light walls and ceiling and portraits prints, all adds to the sense of height in a room.

Summary

Art pictures and prints play an important role in home decorating for several reasons. They do not only reflect and put your own personality into the room, but they can also help as a solution to change the look and feel of a room by giving the illusion of height, width and length. This can easily be achieved by combining wall pictures, contrasting colors and decorative mirrors.

Claire Bowes is a successful freelance writer and owner of Online Home Improvement Ideas.

Lighting Fixtures and Fittings Present the World in a Proper Light

Lighting fixtures and fittings have more of an effect on your home and your enjoyment of the time you spend there than you might realize. Proper lighting makes the difference between a harsh uninviting glare and cozy and intimate lighting. The challenge is balancing the lighting in order to have bright lights in areas that need it and lower lighting in areas that aren?t going to be used as workspaces.

Lighting has many purposes other than providing light. With the correct level of light or fixtures and fittings, light can be used to create a certain atmosphere within a room, to display a certain feature or piece of art within a room, or to enhance a particular work area with extra lighting will leaving the remainder of the room bathed in a soft glow. Lighting fixtures and fittings in addition to lighting levels go a long way in setting the tone for a room.

Soft warm lights with fixtures that look antiqued rather than modern will result in a very intimate space that is both appealing and inviting. Indirect or recessed lighting features are very effective at providing soft light within a room. Another great way to wash a room in soft light is the use of wall sconces. Lamps are another great way to provide warmer, softer lighting within a room. Lamps are also great for decorative touches Experts recommend using 3-way bulbs in lamps and dimmers and dimmer switches for the remainder of your lighting if all possible.

You want to be careful however, that you do not have too little light in areas where more lighting is needed. Dimmer switches as mentioned above will help with that as will installing tract lighting in areas where work is often done, whether this work is computer work, puzzles, models; anything that requires brighter lighting in order to achieve. Brighter lighting can be achieved through higher wattage bulbs, halogen bulbs, and fluorescents. Buying fixtures that accommodate these bulbs is important in the areas that you will be using brighter lighting.

Another thing to consider with light fixtures and fittings is energy consumption. Lighting your home accounts for a good portion of your monthly energy bill. Choosing bulbs that are Energy Star qualified will not only save money on lighting because they use less energy, they will also help you save on your cooling costs because they produce less heat.

Compare your lamps and light fixtures and fittings with others that offer the same overall look. Be sure to compare Energy Star qualified fixtures in your comparisons, keep in mind that using Energy Star qualified lighting will save you money each and every month on your electric bills. Another benefit for Energy Star bulbs is that you will not have to change them nearly as often as regular light bulbs. In fact most packages claim that their bulbs last on average 7 years.

Choosing the right fixtures and fittings for your home lighting effects so much more than the things you see, or don?t see. Selecting energy efficient lighting and fixtures will have an even greater impact on your pocket book. Take care to choose lighting that will set the mood you want in your home, provide adequate lighting in project areas, and will provide a nice comfy cushion for your wallet.

Allen Maccey is a writer and DIY enthusiast. He writes for House Hobby DIY in the Fixtures and Fittings section.

What's the Value in What You Can't See?

Just because you can?t physically see something, doesn?t mean it has less value.

Let?s take plumbing for example. You have pipes into and out of your house. They are either in the ground or in the walls. If you have had a ?shonky job? done and they start ?hammering? at you, the disturbance to your peace is enormous.

Every time someone uses the hand basin, shower, toilet, kitchen tap or does some washing, the noise can drive you batty very quickly. You can?t see these pipes but they make their presence felt, wouldn?t you agree?

What about when you turn on the kitchen tap and the water dribbles out? Don?t you get annoyed and frustrated? I sure do ? I feel as if it is a great waste of my time. I?ve been spoilt by 21st century technology

Have you ever had a pipe leak in the walls of your home? This happens too often because of another ?shonky job?. The interesting thing is that these ?shonky jobs? are often done by the DIY home owner trying to save some money. Sure, there are unscrupulous plumbers out there who will ?sign off? on a mates job rather than tell that mate he?s done a crook job.

But the expense when the job isn?t up to standards set by the authorities really costs you hard earned money. The DIY homeowner who built the house may have long gone after you have bought the house and you are the one left with all the expense of getting it repaired.

I guess the moral of the story here is due diligence before buying a home. Although this can?t always give you the info that you need to protect yourself because there was a licensed plumber on record as having signed off on the job. But it is still worth trying to protect your invested interest.

I?m not suggesting that a DIY homeowner shouldn?t try to save some expenses when building but there are other ways to do it. The DIY handyman could offer to work as the plumber?s assistant to do the job. All these sorts of ideas are worth negotiating with your chosen contractor.

These ?mates? jobs can work in reverse too. I oversaw the project of building my brand, sparkling Manor House in the Blue Mountains west of Sydney, NSW. Within the first week of moving in, we had an ?incident?. You see, I had a mate who was a plumber work colleague and he offered me ?mates rates? to install my dishwasher.

I had just spent the first week moving in and had just finished unpacking all the boxes. Needless to say, I was dog-tired when I went to bed and as was my habit, I started the dishwasher as I went upstairs to bed.

About 2am my Husband woke me up to say he could hear water running. Yep, you guessed it. The dishwasher had burst a connection and water was running so hard we heard it from upstairs at the other end of the house. Luckily I was able to turn the water off to the house and we spent the rest of the night trying to mop up enough water to stop it from saturating through the carpeted dinning room, family room, lounge room, rumpus room and my study. We couldn?t do it, of course, but luckily, I saved my books but sadly not my roll top desk.

And then it started raining. Not just drizzling, but it poured down.

It poured down for the next week. The carpet was saturated and it started to smell. Frankly, the house stank. And so did my opinion of my ?mate?.

So the value in what you can?t see is in the results you get when things go horribly wrong.

http://www.constructingprofits.com
Showing contractors how to make more money ~ working less hours!

Basement Apartment Thinking About Building One?

This article is intended for discussion purposes only and not as a code interpretation. For specific articles and conformance, please consult the Ontario Fire Code, Retrofit Section 9.8 of the Ontario Building Code.

We have prepared a list of some of the things you should be thinking about, if you?re considering construction of a self-contained apartment within your home. The regulatory information was current as of 1996, however may be subject to change at any time. Consult with your local Building Code Official or Fire Department for up-to-date regulations.

Most existing two-unit houses (built before Nov. 16, 1995) will be grandfathered (continue to be allowed) under the new legislation, provided they meet applicable municipal planning standards. As well, two unit houses should have met Fire Code requirements by July 14, 1996. In general, new apartments must comply with the Building Code, and existing apartments must comply with the Fire Code. Both new and existing apartments must comply with certain property and municipal zoning (planning) standards.

Get it in writing!

It would appear your best protection is to obtain a certificate of compliance from the local fire department for any property that might fall under the jurisdiction of the Fire Code, Section 9.8. You should obtain a building permit before starting any new construction. If you don?t obtain a permit, or a certificate of compliance, the dwelling unit could possibly be non-conforming, and therefore considered illegal.

Also, municipalities have the right to decide where they will allow homes to have additional dwelling units and can designate areas where they will not allow homes to have additional dwelling units. Units installed after November 16, 1995 without a permit are unprotected (even if they meet fire, safety & electrical standards) and the municipality could require removal of the unit.

What to consider when building your apartment:

* Walls/floors/ceilings should be covered with materials with a 30 minute fire rating (eg. drywall); or materials with a 15 minute fire rating and interconnected smoke alarms, throughout all dwellings in the house.

* New! Ontario, 1998: All homeowners must maintain smoke detectors on every elevation, even if the dwelling is not rented or sub-let. Check with your local, provincial or state authority to confirm requirements for smoke detectors in your area.

* Materials not rated for fire protection are not recommended, and usually require installation of a sprinkler system throughout all dwellings in the house.

* A private entrance must be provided, and the route must not involve entering another dwelling. A second means of exit must be provided, which can be another door or a window easily accessible and unobstructed.

Before renting an existing apartment in your home:

* If the apartment was built after Nov.16, 1995, was a permit issued?

* Is there a certificate of compliance in existence from Ontario Hydro? From the local fire department?

* Are there interconnected fire alarms?

* What size is the electrical service? Is there enough ampacity (capacity) to support two separate living units?

Before building an apartment within your home:

* Consult Section 9.8 of the Building Code, to determine the possibility and/or practicality of your project.

* Apply for a building permit.

* Consult with local fire and building officials, before actually starting construction, to ensure that your apartment will pass their inspections.

Beware:

* There are some private inspection firms who are attempting to capitalize on this opportunity by advertising themselves as basement apartment or fire code specialists. Don?t be fooled. Municipal Building & Fire Departments are the only organizations that have the authority to determine what constitutes code compliance.

What?s this going to cost?

* Building Permit Costs vary - check with local authority.

* Ontario Hydro Inspection $72.00

* Fire Dept. Code Inspection $142.00 (typical/average)

* The estimated cost to upgrade or correct an existing basement apartment can be as high as $15,000.00!

The regulatory information in this article was current as of 1996, however may be subject to change as any time. Consult with your local Building Code Official or Fire Department for up-to-date regulations.

Ontario Fire Marshall's Office: www.ofm.gov.on.ca

Copyright Gil Strachan - All rights reserved.

Gil Strachan is a professional home inspector, representing Electrospec Home Inspection Services in east-central Ontario, Canada since 1994. Visit http://www.allaroundthehouse.com to learn more about home inspections.

The Home Reference Book
You can probably find a home inspection for a little less than what we ask, but you probably won't find the Home Reference Book. A $60 value, this solutions-oriented reference tool comes free with every inspection we perform.
It's the first tool you should have around the house!

Weed Control Using Landscape Fabrics!

Choosing the correct landscape fabric for weed control can be a very time consuming and frustrating exercise, as anyone who has gone through the process will gladly confirm. The manufacturers of landscaping fabrics produce and publish specifications; however the major problem is that their largest market is construction. Hence, they produce their specifications with the construction market in mind. If you have an unlimited amount of time and a lot of patients you can read through all of the manufacturers? specifications and try to garner some useful comparison information that will be useful in weed control and prevention.

When choosing a fabric for landscaping, there are three primary areas to consider:

The strength of the fabric is relative to the amount of air and water flow that will permeate through the fabric. Stronger materials allow less water and air to flow through the fabric. When choosing a fabric for your landscaping project you should identify one that has adequate strength for the application, any additional strength is counter productive and will cost you more.

You want to choose a fabric that has a consistent and even dispersal of fibers. The mesh size should be as small as possible in order to prevent weedy grasses from penetrating the fabric?s openings. Weeds and grasses do not grow through the fabric they are attracted by any minute quantities of light that may penetrate the openings between the weave in the fabric or in separations that have occurred between pieces of fabric. Weeds can germinate in the smallest amount of soil and hence will grow on top of the fabric, if there are the tiniest amounts of earth, sending fine root hairs through the fabrics weave on a quest for nutrients and moisture from the soil. To prevent weed and grass growth appearing through the fiber?s weave consider the use of a spunbonded fabric because of its microscopic mesh size.

There is a fine balancing act with respect to the porosity of the landscaping fabric. You want the mesh to be fine enough to prevent weed and grass growth but you want the holes in the mesh to be large enough to provide sufficient water and air to enter the soil. The fabric?s ability to breath; to allow oxygen and moisture to pass through the fabric and aerate and water the soil so that the plants will be hardy and not starved of essential life sustaining material. It is this feature that separates the average landscaping fabrics from the superior ones. This is why the use of plastic sheeting as a weed deterrent does not work. It may prevent the growth of weeds and grasses but it also prevents air and water from entering the soil. A fabric that does not have good permeability will create the problems of water run off which will wash away any coverings such as bark or mulch that may be lying on the surface of the fabric.

For additional information on landscaping your home or other renovation projects, visit Renovation Headquarters.

Painting Think Green

When we say; ?think green? we are not talking about the color of the paint that you are planning to use on your kitchen walls! A ?green? remodel is an environmentally friendly approach to any home renovation project. Thinking green not only improves the look of your home but it is a healthier home with less maintenance and lower utility costs. Plus you are contributing to a making our planet a better place for future generations.

As with all remodel projects, good planning is the key to success and cost efficiencies. If you plan green, you will obtain a wide range of additional benefits that include, comfort and convenience coupled with beauty and efficiency and all of these will be structured on environmentally sound conservation policies with a view to increasing the health of you and your family.

Most people when tackling a painting project go to the paint store and collect a quantity of color swatches, go home and concentrate their decision on what paint to buy based on color. Little consideration is given to the type of paint, its gloss factor and to the surface preparation, both of which must be taken into account if you expect to end up with a quality finish. A professional painter will tell you that more than half of the time required on a painting project is used for surface preparation, primarily cleaning. Paints do not adhere well to dirt, dust and grime.

In thinking green you must consider the entire project from initial surface preparation to the final paint coat.

Often in order to clean the surface a simple solution of soap and water will remove all of the dirt and grime. For greasy areas increase the soap to water proportion. If your surfaces require something stronger look for the least toxic and choose a cleanser that in non-chlorinated and non-acid. Avoid cleaners with hazard warning labels such as ?Poison? or ?Danger?.

If sanding is necessary wear a dust mask, and eye protection.

For more information on ?Thinking Green? throughout all remodel and home renovation projects follow the links below.

For additional information on Think Green.

For additional information on home renovation projects, visit Renovation Headquarters.

Kitchen Remodel Major Appliances Stove Oven Cooktop Microwave

Undertaking a total kitchen remodel requires a lot of detailed planning and thought. If not planned out properly the project will take longer and cost more.

Prior to creating a new design for your kitchen, it is important to consider what you desire in major appliances for cooking.

The type and style of appliances will make a major difference to the overall design of your new kitchen. Although it may appear to be very obvious, for cooking you will require a group of heating elements, and at least one oven. This can be obtained as a stove or it can be obtained as a countertop grouping of elements and a wall mount oven. If a separate group of elements on the countertop and an independent oven is the route you are planning on taking, you then have to determine how many wall mount ovens you desire in your new kitchen.

Stoves, countertop cooktops, and ovens can be gas, (propane or natural gas) or electric. This is an important consideration as it may not be economical to bring gas piping or electrics to certain areas within the kitchen.

A stove or countertop cooktop will also require an exhaust fan. This is an important consideration, as a properly installed exhaust fan should be vented to the outside. (Non-vent exhaust fans do exist, using a carbon filter, however they do not vent the moisture that is created in a kitchen from cooking because of that can create condensation problems). Some manufacturers produce a downdraft cooktop, where an exhaust fan draws air downward and out through the bottom of the unit. These units require more space below the cooktop than a regular cooktop does and hence must be considered in cabinet design.

Countertop cooktops and wall mount ovens come in an assortment of sizes. It is important to choose the specific models that you are planning on buying in order to adjust the physical layout and sizing of cabinets and countertops within the new design. It is also important to note the power requirements so that adjustments to the kitchen?s electrical configuration or gas piping layout can be made to accommodate the appliances.

Most people no longer consider microwave ovens a kitchen luxury. The size and mounting of a microwave oven varies dramatically between models and manufacturers. Units are available to sit on countertops, be built into walls (using specially designed ventilation kits), and mount under kitchen cabinets.

If you are considering creating a ?gourmet? kitchen, the appliances that you can add to your collection are only limited by your imagination. Warming drawers, bread and pizza ovens, fryers, and woks are only a few of the specialty appliances that now exist for the gourmet kitchen.

Proper planning is the key to success in any kitchen remodel project!

For additional information on home renovation or improvement projects, visit Renovation Headquarters.

Fixing A Loose Tile Can Give Your Kitchen A Whole New Look

If your kitchen or bathroom is looking a little worse for wear, often just fixing up loose tiles can make all the difference; making it look like a brand new room.

Of course one of the first things you need to do is work out why the tiles have come loose in the first place; some causes are:

When initially layed the surface wasn?t in the correct condition; it must be: dry, clean, flat and firm.

A leak in the plumbing surrounding the tiles may cause a loss of adhesion. You?ll know if this is the case as it will be damp underneath.

The wrong or insufficient adhesive was used initially.

The grout used in the joints could be deteriorating allowing moisture in behind the tiles.

Once you?ve diagnosed the cause for the loose tiles, it then becomes a matter of fixing the problem and replacing the loose tiles.

Before repairing the tiles, speak to your local hardware store etc. to make sure you have the correct adhesive and grout etc.

When you?re ready to start, remove any plumbing fixtures that may be close to where you need to work (to avoid damage) and then remove the loose tile(s) making sure you don?t drop, chip or break them in anyway (getting a matching tile maybe next to impossible depending on their age etc)

Carefully scrape or sand the back of the tile(s) to remove any adhesive or dirt etc and do the same to the surface you removed the tile(s) from. Clean both surfaces with a strong detergent and rinse off well. If the surface is painted, remove any paint flakes etc. if it?s uneven, plaster it smooth with a suitable filler.

Roughen the surface with a sandpaper to allow for a better bond.

Once this is done, allow it all to dry properly.

Using the correct adhesive, spread it evenly over the area to be tiled.

Press the tile(s) into position, working from the bottom up. Make sure the replacement tiles match up with the existing tiles. Use spacers (you can use matches etc) to maintain an even joint. (eg space between the bottom of the tile and the sink etc.)

When the adhesive has dried, mix up the grout into a paste and then press it firmly into the joints with a putty knife. Make sure you sponge off any excess grout straight away; never allow the grout to dry on the face of the tiles otherwise it will set there permanently.

Once it is all dry, polish the area with a dry cloth.

By simply re-attaching those loose tiles, your once worn looking kitchen/bathroom etc will be a given a whole new look.

For further suggestions please visit V Brown at Homemade: Recipes, Remedies And How To Guides

DIY Heating and Plumbing: The Best Ways to Learn

If you are interested in doing DIY heating and plumbing, you first have to learn how to do the heating and plumbing yourself. There are many ways that you can teach yourself how to do this so that you will not have to hire contractors to do it for you, or you can go to school and learn how to do this the right way as well. Maybe a community college in your are will teach you how to do heating and plumbing for your home, and then you could also do it for other people as well if this were a career that you were interested in pursuing. However, not everyone has the time or the money to go to school to learn how to keep up their own home. There are other ways to learn to do these things yourself, and they are listed below.

Learning DIY heating and plumbing can be as easy as searching on the internet to find instructions to do what you need to do. You will find that there are several website that offer DIY information and instructions, and you will have to make sure that you are getting accurate information to be sure that you are doing the job correct. The best way to be sure of this is to go to a website that you know and trust for this information, and you will not go wrong. Be sure to print out the instructions, as well as any pictures that might be crucial to your getting the job done as well.

You can also go to the library to learn DIY heating and plumbing. You will find that there are many books available on this subject, and you will be able to pick and choose the ones that apply to your job that you need to get done. Be sure that you check them out or make photocopies of the instructions that you will need so that you can refer back to them while you are in the middle of the job.

You can ask someone that does this for a living the best to get a DIY heating and plumbing job done yourself. Make sure that you ask someone that is good at what they do, so that you get accurate advice and to ensure that you get the job done yourself the right way in the first place. Or otherwise, you might be calling back the professional to get the job done for you.

There are several ways that you can learn the techniques to DIY heating and plumbing. You will find that everything that you learn will be valuable to you at one time or another, and you will be so glad that you took the time to do this job yourself.

Carl has been a professional plumber in a company he owns for more than 10 years not only is he experience in unclogging just about anything but also an expert in installing plumbing fixtures and installing new water lines. Carl will give you some helpful tips on plumbing installation when you visit http://www.alliedesolutions.com

DIY Construction Frequently Asked Questions

Q: I am considering a DIY construction project by adding a new room to my home. Do I need a contractor?s license to build on to my current home?

A: No. Individuals who are adding on to their home are not required to obtain a contractor?s license, especially if you are doing all of the work yourself. If you have any questions, you can contact your local courthouse and the office that issues building permits.

Q: What about building permits for a DIY construction project? Do I need one for a room addition and how can I get one?

A: You will need a building permit before starting construction on any additions to your home. Failure to obtain the proper permits could subject you to fines, so be sure to take the time to stop by your local courthouse and inquire about obtaining a building permit. In order to officially request a permit for your DIY construction project, you will need to have the dimensions and materials that will be used in the construction of your home addition.

Q: I have never done any construction work, but I would like to try building on to my current home. Should I try to do the work myself or hire a contractor?

A: If you have never completed a similar task, a DIY construction project may not be best experimented with on your home. At the very least, you may want to consider hiring a contractor to supervise your work as you progress.

Q: Instead of hiring a contractor in the beginning of my DIY construction project, can I just complete the work and then call someone if I run into problems?

A: This is not advisable for several reasons. First of all, the time to find out there is a problem is not after all of the work has been done. This is not only going to end up costing you contractor fees, but you may also have to purchase new material to correct any mistakes that were made. Not hiring someone to supervise your DIY construction process in the beginning, if you are not familiar with construction, could cost you a pretty penny in the end. Secondly, you will save a lot of time by avoiding mistakes altogether rather than if you have to go back and correct them.

Q: If I decide to hire a contractor to supervise my work, how can I choose one that will be best suited for my project?

A: The best way to choose a contractor is to select someone that is familiar with the DIY construction project that you are currently working on. Preferably, the contractor would have completed this type of project recently and will have been in business for a number of years.

As Long Island Roofing Contractors, Roofer911.com takes great pride in maintaining customer satisfaction for all types of new roof installation and roof repair work for residential and commercial roofing accounts.

Planning Your DIY Project

Ready to start your first serious DIY project? Read through the checklist below to make sure you are well prepared to start - and finish! - the job:

1. Do an overview of the project, making sure that you understand all its requirements. Sometimes imagining that you have been hired to do the job may help you take a better perspective on what it will take to complete the task.

2. Be realistic about your expectations. If you are just a beginning DIYer, consider completing a few small projects (like putting up shelves or fixing a garden fence) before attempting a major one. Ideally, for your first big DIY project you should select an area where it will least affect your lifestyle if left unfinished - for example, your basement or outdoors. Don't attempt replumbing the house as your first project!

3. Know where to seek help if needed. Your sources might include DIY books and magazines, relevant web sites, and DIY-savvy friends and relatives. If you are about to venture into a completely new territory, you might find it helpful to hire a professional for a few hours and try to learn the essential techniques from them.

4. Make a list of materials you need - and buy them all BEFORE you start the project. This will minimize the need for frustrating runs to the store, allowing you to completely focus on the job.

There are many online tools available for estimating the quantity of materials (like paint or tiles) that you need for a project - make use of those to save time. Some useful online estimators can be found here: http://www.construction-resource.com/construction-calculator.php. (It is also a good time saving idea to add about 10% to your calculated material requirements to allow for waste.)

5. Make a realistic budget. Remember to budget for little things such as nails, screws, hinges etc. The little things, when combined, tend to add up to significant amounts that are often overlooked during the planning stage.

6. Make a schedule. Be sure to allow for unexpected delays or having to redo parts of the project. If you project is based outdoors, don't forget to take weather conditions into account. Consider how possible interruptions in the project are likely to affect your daily routines, and plan accordingly. For example, if your place has only one bathroom, you would want to finish any bathroom renovation project as quickly as possible.

As with material estimators, there are time estimates available online and in printed sources on how long it takes to complete certain tasks. Again, adding 10% to the suggested time requirement may save you unnecessary frustration.

Remember that every project is unique. Think where you are most likely to encounter problems, and allow extra time for figuring out solutions. Some problems are fixed pretty quickly - it is figuring out how to do it that can be time consuming.

7. Know what motivates you best and have a strategy on how to stay motivated. It is important to understand what motivational strategy works best for you, and use it consistently. Have a clear goal in mind all the time while you are on the project. Asking yourself two simple questions - what will happen if I do? and what will happen if I don't?- is one effective motivational technique. This is especially true in the case of DIY, where your actions or lack thereof are likely to have immediate - and tangible - results.

8. Last but not least - don't beat yourself when something does not go according to plan, especially if you are just starting out. This includes bad time estimates that tend to be the number one cause of frustration in DIYers. Remember that no job is exactly the same no matter how many times you do it, so you cannot possibly plan for everything. That said, your estimating and project management skills should improve over time.

Alan Woodbridge writes about DIY projects, home improvement, and personal motivation. He is a member of the team that runs DIYProjects.info: http://www.diyprojects.info

Upgrading Counter Tops

Butcher block

If you're planning a new kitchen or even just a face-lift, a new kitchen counter top can really make a big impact! There are quite a few different ways to improve your counter top surfaces.

1. Laminated plastics are available in many colors, patterns and designs. They can be used for counter tops, doors, drawers and many other surfacing applications. Rigid laminated plastic sheets are available in matte or glossy finishes. They are made from layers of paper, first impregnated with resin and then bonded together under pressure and high temperature. 1/16 thickness is used for flat work surfaces and 1/32 on vertical surfaces, such as the short wall between your backsplash and upper cabinets.

2. Most manufactured counter tops are made of high density particle board; however, regular particle board and plywood also make ideal bases for plastic laminates. High-pressure decorative laminates such as Arborite' brand are popular, and available in dozens of patterns, and hundreds of colors including woodgrains.

3. Unfinished countertops can be covered with laminates, ceramic tiles, cultured marble, real wood veneer; or you might elect to have a solid wood butcher block top.

4. Straight sections of manufactured countertops retail from approx. $10- per linear foot, with L and U-shaped tops being more expensive. The shape of your kitchen, and the age and squareness of the house will determine the degree of difficulty involved in fitting the counter top.

5. Pre-fabricated L-shaped tops are available, but you must have a perfectly square corner, or the top will be difficult to fit in place. And of course, U-shaped kitchens are the most difficult, given that you have two corners to match.

7. With U and L designs, it's most often advisable to have the kitchen angles measured, and the counter top manufactured to fit your kitchen. Also, there are variances in cabinet and counter top depths (front to rear) and if you're buying pre-fab, by the foot, you'll want to make sure of your depth measurement, as well as the length.

Copyright Gil Strachan - All rights reserved.

Gil Strachan is a professional home inspector, representing Electrospec Home Inspection Services in east-central Ontario, Canada since 1994. Visit http://www.allaroundthehouse.com to learn more about home inspections.

The Home Reference Book
You can probably find a home inspection for a little less than what we ask, but you probably won't find the Home Reference Book. A $60 value, this solutions-oriented reference tool comes free with every inspection we perform.
It's the first tool you should have around the house!

Clawfoot Bathtubs: A Classic Touch in Your Own Home

Flat TV?s, contemporary art, remote controlled curtains, and all things modern can be found everywhere in a typical American home. They may be pleasing to own but too much of it can make your house too ?modern? to look at and sometimes dull and boring.

You may remember the times when simple things were beautiful to look at. Today, many people are considering adding a touch of history in their homes. The warmth and homey look of a home isn?t found in modern appliances and fixtures. Even bathroom fixtures are now integrated with state-of-the-art technology. Home bathtubs are integrated with personal Jacuzzis with a large plasma TV and a floating remote control. These things can be great but it just lacks that classical, homey look that a home should have.

Whenever you visit your grand parent?s house, you will notice the inviting look of a simple yet very classic look inside their homes. No plasma television, no remote controlled curtains, simple kitchen fixtures and those great cookie jars. You may even notice that their bathroom is equipped with simple yet attractive fixtures.

Even the bathtub has its traditional look. If you want this in your own home, you may try and consider buying a clawfoot bathtub. A clawfoot bathtub is very popular for people who want to have that classic American look in their bathroom. It is very simple in design and very pleasing to look at.

There are different styles in a clawfoot bathtub. You should consider choosing one that will compliment your bathroom more. There are clawfoot bathtubs that are made from cast iron or acrylic. The style also varies from roll top, dual and dual slipper. You can also choose from different kinds of feet for your clawfoot bathtub like a ball & claw, lion paw, imperial pedestal and skirt.

Choosing what kind of clawfoot bathtub you want for your home is up to you. Basically, here are the things you should know about the two different kinds of materials used in the clawfoot bathtub.

If you are a strict traditionalist and want a clawfoot bathtub to have that original look, you may want to consider having a cast iron clawfoot bathtub. These bathtubs can be painted and repainted to match the d?cor in your bathroom. Cast iron clawfoot bathtubs are heavy and are not suited for people with bathrooms in the second floor of their house. And, since it is metal, it will not retain heat too long. One advantage of cast iron clawfoot bathtubs is that it can last a long time.

On the other hand, the acrylic clawfoot tubs are light weight and are easier to move and install. It is also perfect for upper story baths because of its weight. Acrylic clawfoot bathtubs are good insulators that can keep your water warm longer.

One disadvantage of acrylic is that it will break down if strong cleaning chemicals are used, like acetate.

You can also install different kinds of faucets for your clawfoot bathtub. Try experimenting or think about what designs you want your faucets to be in your clawfoot bathtub.

If you want your home to have that classical touch, you can start redecorating it in your bathroom. Having a clawfoot bathtub installed in your bathroom can have a pleasing effect with the things around it. With a clawfoot bathtub, you will surely have an enjoyable and relaxing experience while you are bathing.

Claire Bowes is a successful freelance writer and owner of Clawfoot Bathtubs where you will find further tips to spruce up your bathtub.

Smoke Detectors are Now Required by Law!

By now, everyone should have at least one smoke detector somewhere in the home; and most folks have at least one on every level, including the basement.

But did you know...

* Pushing the test button only verifies that there is battery (or AC) power present. It DOES NOT PROVE that the detector is capable of sensing smoke.

* To test a smoke detector, hold a lit candle 6 inches below it. If the alarm doesn't sound, blow out the candle and let the smoke drift into the detector. If it still doesn't sound, check the power source.

* Homes with wired-in detectors should have a battery-powered unit as a back-up.

* Rechargeable batteries are NOT recommended for smoke detectors.

* When installing a smoke detector, avoid dead-air spaces in corners and at the very ends of hallways. Centre your smoke detector on a ceiling, keeping it at least 6 inches from any wall. Locate a wall-mounted unit one foot below the ceiling.

* Smoke detectors should be kept away from drafts at vents, doors and windows.

* The tops of stairwells and any hallways leading to bedrooms are the recommended locations, the latter being the most critical, and the site recommended by the National Fire Code.

* Carefully (gently) vacuum your detectors annually.

About one quarter of all the homes we inspect have improperly located or non-functioning smoke detectors, or none at all!

CHECK YOUR SMOKE DETECTORS TODAY!

Copyright Gil Strachan - All rights reserved.

Gil Strachan is a professional home inspector, representing Electrospec Home Inspection Services in east-central Ontario, Canada since 1994. Visit http://www.allaroundthehouse.com to learn more about home inspections.

The Home Reference Book
You can probably find a home inspection for a little less than what we ask, but you probably won't find the Home Reference Book. A $60 value, this solutions-oriented reference tool comes free with every inspection we perform.
It's the first tool you should have around the house!