Silk Flower Secrets: DIY Tips that the Pros Use

Silk flowers, while reasonably maintenance free, will not maintain their maximum beauty and long-term potential without some degree of care. Routine dusting of your silk plants will go a long way to maintaining their fresh appearance for a very long time if that dusting is done properly.

How you go about dusting your silk flowers is the most important thing in long-term maintenance. Poor technique can do far more harm than good and result in a floral arrangement with a dull, lifeless look that is neither appealing nor easy to repair. Common household dusting equipment such as paper towels and spray cleaners are the absolute worst things you can apply to your silk flowers. They leave behind residues such as lint and grind dirt and dust into the flower, which dulls the colors and leaves them looking lifeless.

There are many commercial preparations available for the purposes of cleaning and preserving your silk flowers. I have tried many of them. However, I would recommend two techniques in place of the commercial preparative route. There is not anything wrong with the commercial cleaners, but if you are trying to avoid aerosols and other allergy and asthma inducing sources, then these two techniques are ideal.

The first one is to spray your floral arrangement with a light application of common hairspray. There are many non-aerosol varieties. I look for two main factors when selecting a hairspray for this purpose: cost and fragrance. The cost should be as low as possible since you are not using this product for any other purpose and you should avoid anything with a fragrance to avoid any contaminants and potential allergens. I recommend doing this outdoors to let the any fumes disperse quickly.

The second method, which is the one I use most often, is to use compressed air to remove any dust from the floral arrangement. Compressed air can come from many sources: canister or air compressor. If you are using a compressor (as I do) make sure you have a pressure regulator so the air velocity is not very high and that you use an oil trap. Nothing will ruin your floral arrangement faster than the equivalent of a 100 mph wind and a light coating of oil.

Proper cleaning at regular intervals will keep your silk flowers and floral arrangements looking their best for years.

Larry D. Yablow is a proud contributor to Ganderstone Galleries. Specializing in handmade and custom silk flowers, silk floral arrangements and unique home decor for all occasions, they strive to use allergen-free products in everything they make. See some of Larry's custom design work at Ganderstone Galleries.

DIY Painting Tips

Whether you are planning a DIY painting project on the interior or exterior of your home, you will want to be prepared for every aspect that the job will have to offer. First off, you will want to wear comfortable clothes that allow for ease of movement. Flexible shoes are a must, but they should also have good traction for when you climb on and off of the ladder used to reach those high spaces.

If your DIY painting project involves the interior of your home, you will want to make sure that each room is well ventilated with windows open and as much air circulating as possible. Some individuals can have a very negative reaction to paint, so be very mindful of any noticeable changes in health as you paint.

When working on a DIY painting project on the interior of your home, always make sure to cover all furniture and carpet with plastic in order to avoid paint splashing or coming into contact with a surface that it was not intended for. You may also want to place tape along the border of your walls to ensure a clean stopping point for the paint. If, for example, your wall features decorative wood strips, you will not want to paint over these. By placing a piece of tape in a way that the paint will evenly stop at the point the strip begins, your DIY painting job will be much easier.

If you aren?t sure what color you want to use for your DIY painting project, most home improvement stores offer convenient paint samples that allow you to view a variety of colors on painting tiles. This will give you an accurate idea as to how your DIY painting project will look once it is completed. Select stores may provide you with small paint samples to take home with you, but almost every one will offer an in-store display of finished samples.

One of the most important tips to completing a DIY painting project is to read the instructions carefully before mixing your paint. Read the manufacturer?s recommendations and/or any accompanying warning label regarding the paint and it?s use.

If you are painting the exterior of your home, ventilation will not be as much of a problem because you will be using the paint outdoors. The most common tips to exterior DIY painting is to take extra care when securing the ladder, climbing up or down it and always wear protective gloves to keep the paint off of your hands.

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.

Do It Yourself? You'd Better Think It Through!

So! You want to do your own concrete cutting, huh?

My only piece of advice is: Sub it out. Professional concrete cutters make our lives so much simpler, and save us valuable time and money at the same time. Professional concrete cutters are set up to handle any size concrete sawing job, and even the small concrete cuts can cause big problems for an un-experienced worker. Concrete cutting isn't something you want to hand off to an apprentice with a rescue saw and a particle mask because you will scare him away forever.

Most people will agree that concrete cutting saws that use diamond blades will make short work of cured concrete and rebar, but few will argue that the best way to make a doorway, window or an opening in a concrete wall is to form it correctly while the wall is being poured. Unfortunately even experienced carpenters can make mistakes. The most common reasons for cutting a freshly poured foundation are to widen existing openings; cut for forgotten doorways, windows, add utility penetrations and to add forgotten beam pockets. Home renovations and additions have their own set of conditions, many times limiting access to the cuts. What's the best way to deal with this? Call a professional!

I wish I could tell you how many times New Hampshire Concrete Cutting has had to ?bail out? both contractors and homeowners who have started concrete cuts and cannot finish them, says Robert Short General Manager of New Hampshire Concrete Cutting located in Manchester, NH. Everyone runs to Home Depot to rent the equipment and spends an enormous amount of time trying to perform concrete cutting just to waste time, money and make a giant mess and then they call us to finish up anyway.

When they finally break down and call us they?ll either admit right away something like ?I was a moron and I tried it myself? or they?ll be too embarrassed and blame it on the neighbor or their brother-in-law.? ?We use the right equipment and our men are trained to do the job quickly and correctly.? Bob's company uses track mounted diamond wall saws made by a manufacturer called Dimas USA, which can cut up to 27 inches deep when they are equipped with an enormous 60? diameter blade. Generally only a 30? blade is used to cut 12? deep from one side of a concrete foundation.

Titanium tracks mounted to the concrete wall are used to guide the large concrete cutting saw with the diamond blade along the wall for a perfectly plumb and smooth cut. The concrete saw glides along each track, cutting deeper on each of several passes until the diamond blade completely penetrates the wall. Water keeps the blades cool and helps control dust during the cutting process. Even with this state of the art setup it can still take two to four hours to cut and drop a residential doorway opening.

Remember, safety is a priority in the concrete cutting field. If you decide to do it yourself, just plan on getting hurt. Noise levels from the saws and hammers are extremely intense, dust containment is critical, eye protection is crucial, and tipping out and dropping a 2,500 pound doorway cutout can be quite the difficult task. If you do rent the equipment and try to do the concrete cutting yourself don?t say we didn?t warn you. Good Luck!

? 2006 New Hampshire Concrete Cutting and Core Drilling, All Rights Reserved

New Hampshire Concrete Cutting and Core Drilling provides concrete cutting and core drilling services to the contractor and homeowner in New Hampshire or NH. Visit our website at http://www.affordableconcretecutting.net for more information on concrete cutting and core drilling.

Drywall Compound Dust You Need To Know!

If you are contemplating a home renovation project that involves drywall taping then there is something that you need to be aware of and pay strict attention to.

The compound used to cover drywall joints creates a very fine and highly abrasive dust when dry and then sanded. Have you ever seen a professional drywall taper using a power sander? I doubt it. If you use a power sander to level drywall compound the dust will definitely find its way into the motor windings and bearings and you can write the tool off in a matter of minutes.

Not using power tools to sand drywall compound may seem obvious, but there are other motors in your home that can also be affected by the drywall compound dust.

If you have a central air furnace or air conditioning system the dust will be sucked into the return air vents and although a lot of the dust will get trapped in the filter a portion will make it through the filter to the fan motor and the bearings on any pulleys that may be within the system. Other motors or bearings that can be easily affected are located in bathroom and kitchen exhaust fans.

In the case of central air conditioning systems the dust will land on the coils and be washed down into the condensation drain lines where it will solidify and eventually block the free flow of the water.

Window air conditioners will draw the dust through the exhaust portion of the unit and clog filters and damage motors and bearings.

Using a home vacuum rather than an industrial vac to clean up the drywall compound dust will damage any of the moving parts and the motor.

If drywall compound dust lands on fine furniture or hardwood floors be extremely cautious in the methods that you use to clean up as the dust will leave scratch marks on lacquer or polyurethane finishes. The same situation applies to products made from acrylics such as bathtubs and bathtub and shower enclosures.

Last, but by no means least, you should always wear a dust mask and goggles when sanding drywall compound.

For additional information on renovation projects, visit Renovation Headquarters.

Tips for Bathroom Design

You might be building a home and designing an entirely new bathroom. Maybe you're remodeling and adding a new bathroom or changing an existing bathroom. In any case, you have a certain amount of room to work with. Here are some ideas.

First, list the items you absolutely need in your bathroom. This list includes, of course, the toilet and the sink. If it's a full bathroom, you'll need to decide on a bath and shower or a shower stall.

Next are the items you would like to include. Often people want a cabinet under the sink, though if you have a small space you might prefer a pedestal. Plan on a mirror over the sink, with our without a medicine chest. Lighting is important. A fan can be helpful for keeping moisure out. You'll probably want a space for shelves of some kind.

At this point, you might want to consider asking a professional to help with design. If you feel you can do it on your own, here are some tips.

Measure your bathroom well. Choose items that you think you'd like in your bathroom and get the measurements. Some suggest drawing a plan to scale, but for those of us who are less visual, it can be helpful to cut paper to the actual size of the footprint of the item. Place these items in the bathroom, arranging them to where you think you would like them. This is a good way to see how well things fit. Don't forget that you need space between things.

If everything fits well, there are a few more considerations. You might be limited by plumbing or electricity. Window placement makes a difference, too, unless you have no qualms about showering in from of a window.

If things don't fit well, play with the design a bit (if space, electrical, and plumbing allow.) See if you can come up with more efficient use of space and still enjoy the design.

If there's just no room, you'll have to decide what you can do without. For example, you can use a pedestal sink, which takes less space than a full cabinet. Conversely, you can use a cabinet but don't include shelves. Some towels and toilet paper can be stored in the cabinet, with the excess supplies in a convenient storage area elsewhere in your house.

A little imagination and a lot of measuring can help your dream bathroom work for you. When you find a bathroom design that works, it's time to put the pieces together. It's a lot of work, but it can be worth it.

http://bathroomsdesignsi.com Everything you need to know about bathroom designs.

Economically Design Your Own Landscape Lighting

Adding exterior home lighting for safety, security and aesthetics can be a huge undertaking, consisting of meetings with lighting and landscape designers. You'll also need to check local codes to see if your county or town requires a permit, and you'll need an inspector to check for underground plumbing or wires. All this before a single trench is dug across your yard or through your flower garden, and the final price may be more than some are willing to spend. Solar lights allow you to do the job yourself and the flexibility to move the lights if your not happy with the initial placement, and at a fraction of the cost.

Creating a Lighting Plan

You'll need to start with a plan. Walk your property in daylight and sketch out your yard and home on graph paper. Be sure to include landscaping and walkways, and make a note of high sun or shade areas. Solar lights require 6 to 8 hours of sunlight to fully recharge the batteries. Next, walk your property again after sunset noting areas that require lighting for safety such as steps and curbs. Also look for dark spots in corners or behind large bushes that require light for security. Now that you have your basic plan in place you can start being creative.

Lighting Technique

Lighting should be soft and subtle, and the source should be hidden whenever possible. Bright points of light blind the viewer, and the glare makes the rest of the yard look darker. Use fewer lights than you think you need to start, you can always add more later. Tier lights direct light downward on the ground or shrubs and minimize glare, making them ideal for lighting walks and steps. Alternate lights from side to side to avoid the runway look. Don't overdue it. You should be able to affectively light a 25' walk with 3 to 5 lights. An effective way of lighting a dark corner or behind a large bush is called grazing. A spot light is placed low to the ground about 6 to 8 inches from a wall or object and the beam is either aimed up, or at an oblique angle to the wall. This is especially effective on a textured wall such as stone, brick, or stucco. You can also create a great affect called Silhouetting by aiming the light away from the building, aimed at a tree or bush. By outlining the object with illumination it shows shape but not color or texture. Placing a light in front of a tree or bush aimed at a vertical surface, castes a striking shadow. Moving the light closer or further away from the object effects the size of the shadow it casts. Up-cast shadows do not occur in nature and are not only dramatic but unusual. Using solar lights made to look like rocks are a great way to create Up-cast shadows.

Solar Freedom

Solar lights give you the freedom to quickly and easily place your lights where you want them, and the ability to experiment and move them to achieve the look and feel you want. They will automatically come on at night, and the NI-CD Batteries and long lasting LED bulbs provide years of maintenance free enjoyment. Another advantage to solar lights used for gardens, is the fact that they can be easily taken down and stored in winter months, and put back in place the following spring.

Be Creative

Each landscape has it's own needs and possibilities when dealing with lighting. Use the above techniques to experiment and create your own interesting textures and shadows. Remember the best lighting simulates moonlight not daylight. When your lights create a moonlit glow they'll look better than floodlights.

http://www.importsandgifts.com offers a great selection of solar lights and solar figurines.
David Squire is an independent author.

Heat Pumps

Q. I've been thinking about buying a heat pump to replace my aging forced-air oil furnace. How do they work, and are they really as efficient as advertised?

A. If you're shopping for a new home or looking for ways to trim costs, heat pumps can provide both heating and cooling, and in some cases, hot water heating.

In areas where natural gas is not available, heat pumps are a popular alternative, but using only a heat pump for all your heating needs wouldn't be economical, or even possible. Most heat pumps use electricity as a power source, and most of them just don't cut the mustard in very cold weather. Suplementary heat such as gas, oil, electric and wood are used when the temperature falls below about 5C, or 42F. However, if you already have a heating system and you're considering air-conditioning, a heat pump can be an economical way to heat or cool the house for most of the year.

Summer cooling will add to your annual energy bill! Heat pumps warm the house in cooler weather and cool it in warm weather. They are powered by electricity. If you add a heat pump or convert from another system, and you didn't have air conditioning before, you're going to find your electricity bills higher than before.

How Do They Work? Most heat pumps are air-to-air and use a fluid medium to absorb heat from the air at one location and transfer it to the air at another. Refridgerators and air conditioners are both examples of one-way heat pumps. But the cycle is reversible, and heat pumps can be used almost year-round to move heat either way. However, they can only extract heat from outdoor air down to a point where they are no longer economical; and at some lower point, most don't work at all. Ground and water source heat pumps are more efficient, but several times more expensive, and not suitable for all locations. Bi-valent heat pumps use a gas or oil-fired heater to pre-heat the outdoor coil, so that the heat-pump can continue to operate more efficiently in colder weather.

What's the bottom line?

There are many factors to consider before purchasing any heating or cooling system. Carefully weigh the ancicipated savings against the cost of the new installation. What kind of system do you already have, how old and how efficient is it, and will it be compatible, economical and convenient to use with a heat pump? What kind of energy sources are available in your area, and how reliable are they? Will you have to open finished walls and ceilings to install duct work?

Do your homework first!

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!

The Power Of Color In Home Decorating

We all have a favorite color right? Indeed this has become almost a cultural question for many of us. We're asked it at some interviews and it's even a question that could be used on a first date to break the ice. The question is this - have you ever wondered why a color is your favorite color or what impact it might have on your personality or even on your life?

Let's have a look at how each color can impact your home decorating projects - both positively and negatively.

Color can motivate us, change how we view something and even change our moods.

White has been the color of purity for thousands of years. It's a color also associated with sterility which is why it's used so often in bathrooms for example.

Black is a very powerful color and changes the whole feel of a room. Decorating a room entirely in black is not a good idea as prolonged exposure to it can lead to depression.

Blue can be used in any room as long as it's contrasted with another color. Overuse of blue can make a room look and feel very cold. If you have a home office then blue might be a color to consider as studies show that people in blue rooms are actually more productive.

Brown is a very earthy color and its tones suggest comfort and warmth so it is often used in living rooms and studies in many homes. A luxurious color that should be used sparingly as too much brown in any room can make it feel enclosed and dreary.

Gray is a conservative color that can give a room a very 'clean' and formal feel to it. This color should be used very sparingly in decorating or painting projects as it can make rooms feel very 'boring' very quickly.

Yellow is a very powerful color. It suggests warmth, richness and happiness and can have a magical effect on a room. A room painted entirely in yellow is not, however, a good idea. Such is the power of this color that it can cause headaches and nausea when used too much.

Pink is a very effeminate color so should only be used in rooms where the desired effect is to be very feminine. Using pink whimsically throughout a room can quickly make it look gaudy, tacky and cheap.

Green is a very fresh color to use in almost any room. It especially suits bathrooms and childrens rooms because of the feeling of nature it gives. Green can have a very calming effect so is also a color that could possibly be used, sparingly, in bedrooms.

Orange is vibrant and alive. It's an exciting color that stimulates the mind. You can use orange in any room that you would like to have an energetic feel to it.

Red is one of the most powerful colors you can use. It suggests strength, passion and even has aggressive overtones to it. Ideas for the use of red include dining rooms and kitchens as the color red has been known to stimulate the appetite.

So now you have a better idea of just how strong the impact of some colors can be. Go forth and decorate with peace of mind!

This article was provided courtesy of HomeDecorating101.Info. If you're looking for more ideas on home decorating including Italian decorating ideas then why not check out our site?

Wet Rooms Great But What Do They Really Mean?

Wetrooms are the new buzz word for modern bathrooms and they sound fantastic ? but what do they really mean?

A modern wetroom is when the shower or wet area is integrated with the main bathroom instead of being in a boxed off space in a corner. The big difference is the level floor. A wetroom has no step or tray or lip for the shower area ? clever subtle infloor gradients ensure water drains away and doesn?t flow out right across the entire floor.

Advantages
There are two great advantages from this ? the first is safety. Being able to shower without having to open a door and step up into a small enclosed space is a lot easier for everyone.

The second advantage ? and this is a really big one ? is that a wetroom totally changes the look for the bathroom and really can transform a standard functional room into a magnificent feature for the home. Wetrooms can be designed without any door or screen giving an extraordinary open plan look to a bathroom. Some people like to incorporate shower screens in wetrooms to stop any risk at all of splashing, and here again with wetrooms a whole new concept can be introduced. Because of the great level floor design, it means that screens don?t need to meet or shut or fit tightly at the bottom to a square shower tray, so they can be curved or in different shapes and styles to add additional statement to the overall look.

Costs
Installing a wetroom isn?t as difficult or as costly as many people think. To get a good wetroom, you obviously need to ensure you are installing a reputable system but this doesn?t mean top of the range pricing.

For instance, wetroom floor formers such as the Aqua Dec are designed specifically to be cost effective and very easy to install. The Aqua Dec is available in a variety of different sizes and can be used with timber, concrete or floating floors ? pretty well anywhere really. It has an integral gradient and can be finished with tiling, vinyl, ceramics or porcelains to ensure a fantastic look for the new bathroom without breaking the bank.

I believe wetrooms will be around for a long time because not only are they great looking, safe to use and add considerable value to a home, but they have one added feature that is very appealing to everyone ? they are really easy to clean!

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For more information about wetrooms and the Aqua Dec wet room floor former, call or visit Impey UK.

Reviving Your Bedroom Furniture

It is a fact of life that things age. Over time, just about everything breaks down, and signs of this breaking down will begin to appear. This is as true with furniture as it is with anything else. Paint chips and cracks, wood becomes scratched or dented, surfaces become dirty. All of these things are the inevitable result of time on furniture.

Beyond the simple cosmetic problems though, time also has another dramatic effect on furniture. In short, it becomes too familiar and boring. This can, at times, be even more problematic than the physical effects of time. After all, aging can be covered up, or altogether ignored, but being bored with your bedroom furniture is something which is much more difficult to just ignore. Luckily, there are a number of ways in which you can solve both of these problems that are easy and quick!

Now, the steps you will need to take depend on a number of different factors. For instance, if your bedroom is full of bright colors and loud accessories, then redoing some of your bedroom furniture in muted tones may not be the best plan to follow. However you can often push the limits of your bedroom?s color schemes a bit without going over the line. The condition of the piece you will be working with also plays a large part in what you will be able to do with it, as well as the materials the piece is made from. These are all things you should keep in mind as you are setting out your course of action.

One of the most interesting changes you can make to a piece of bedroom furniture is to antique or distress it. This term actually refers to any of a vast number of techniques that essentially have one goal: making a piece of furniture appear to be older than it actually is. This is very useful when working with a piece of furniture which has already begun to show signs of wear and tear on its surface, as in many cases those signs will actually work in favor of the effect.

There are many ways to achieve an antiqued appearance. One of the easiest methods is by using a few painting tricks. First, make sure your piece is clean and sand some of the edges a bit to give it a softer look. Then, start off by applying a light colored coat of paint. Usually, you should use a beige color for this, or something similar, but the exact color can vary, depending on the color scheme of your bedroom. Then, once the first coat is dry, go back and apply another coat, using a darker color of paint. Usually a shade of deep brown is best for this, but again the exact color can vary to meet you color scheme. Before the new coat dries, wipe most of it off. What remains will give your bedroom furniture an excellent aged look.

Copyright ? Jared Winston, 2006. All Rights Reserved.

If home design and decor interests you then be sure to stop by Restful Home, a site that discusses everything from home decor to less discussed touches such as copper kitchen accessories.

DIY Bathroom Plumbing Sewer and Septic Odor

One common problem many homeowners run into is a sewer or septic odor in their bathroom. It may not be strong, it may not be constant, and it may only occur occasionally but it can be annoying and/or embarrassing when it does happen. Often the first inclination of the homeowner is to attempt to use a cleaner or deodorizing agent to stop the odor. While this may mask the problem, it usually will not address it. One important note for homeowners with septic systems - be careful of what chemicals you put down your drains - bleach and other cleaners can harm the normal operation of your septic system - check with a professional first.

Every drain in your home plumbing system should have a trap installed as part of the line. This is simply a curved section of pipe that traps water in it. If you look under your sink you should see an example of a trap. This will usually be a straight portion of pipe from the sink connected to a curved section that dips down and then back up before connecting to another horizontal section where the water exits. If you were to look inside your wall you would see a T section where the pipe goes down to your septic/sewer and up to an external vent.

The purpose of the trap is not to capture jewelry or other object dropped down the drain as many think but to hold water to prevent sewer/septic gas (and odor) from entering your bathroom. Every time you use the sink, shower, or tub some water collects in the trap blocking the gases and odor. If a component of your bathroom is not used frequently (i.e, the bath in a guest bathroom) then the water can evaporate and allow some gases to escape back into the bathroom. The good news is that this is very simple to prevent and/or fix. The solution: pour water down the drain. If you keep the trap full of water by running the water periodically you should not have any problems with odor. If this was the cause of your problem then the odor should dissipate in a short period of time once there is water in the trap.

Another possible cause for odor is the build up of slime, mold, hair, etc in the tailpiece (the portion of pipe that comes out the bottom of your sink) or overflow of your sink. The popup stopper in many bathroom sinks and tubs can also build up this gunk. Use a small flashlight to check and see if you do have any buildup. If you do, clean the buildup out (remember to use a cleaner that is safe for your sewer or septic system) and see if that addresses your odor problem.

If the odor persists, it could indicate a more serious problem and you may want to consult a professional - they will have the tools to correctly diagnose and fix your problem.

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

DIY Window Replacement Project Tips

Windows provide us with a view of the outside world while bringing the beauty of sunshine into our home. Windows, however, are much more than just a view. In fact, they help to shield us from the harsh weather that mother nature often sees fit to serve up, including rain, sleet, snow, hail and harsh temperatures during winter and summer. Because they work so very hard for us, we have to take the time to recognize the signs of a needed DIY window replacement. If we protect our windows they, in turn, will continue to protect us.

When the inevitable time comes that your windows need replacing, the first thing to do is to decide whether to purchase a wood or vinyl DIY window replacement. Typically, window replacements can be matched to fit the current look of your home and, best of all, many current products are expected to last for up to 20 years and often are accompanied by a warranty.

When it comes to DIY window replacement installation, it is pertinent that special attention be paid to any small cracks around the window that may be present. If they are there, energy costs may be higher as a result. The reason is because the outside air will be able to enter the home through these cracks, which will cause the heating or air conditioning unit to work harder in order to maintain the home?s temperature. In order to prevent this from occurring, homeowners must carefully inspect each DIY window replacement carefully. The best way to remedy a crack is through the use of caulking and weather stripping, which will help to eliminate the problem.

The best place to find all of your weather protective products is through the local home improvement store at which you purchased the window replacement. If you are not comfortable undertaking a DIY window replacement project, there are contractors in every area that are experienced in everyday installation and can often help your project get completed with minimal inconvenience to you. At the very least, you can hire a contractor or window installation professional who can help to supervise your work. Their fee may be considerably less if they are simply onsite and supervising someone else?s work, but this is something that each individual DIY window replacement scenario will determine.

When selecting a professional, whether it be for installation or supervision, make sure that they are experienced in window replacement and have completed similar projects with success. In addition, try to hire someone who has been in business for several years and has a positive reputation with the local Better Business Bureau. Even with a DIY window replacement project, it never hurts to have professional supervision.

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.

Elegant Holiday Christmas Tree Ornaments Beautiful Baubles

Hands-on time: Less than two hours per dozen.
Total time: Plus 48 hours for paint to cure.
Skill: Easy to moderate.
Cost estimate: Less than $10.00 for a dozen.
Materials & tools:

Clear or frosted glass balls in assorted shapes and sizes
Vitrail and Porcelaine 150 paints by P?b?o
Copper leafing and adhesive size by Renaissance Foil, Detla
Micro beads
Assorted beads
Decorative wire in 22 to 25 gauge
Assorted colourful and white rice papers
Mod Podge by Plaid
Sparkle Glaze by Delta
Iridescent flakes, rhinestones, tassels, gold string and Fun wool for decorative accents
Applicator bottles (small plastic bottles with a nozzle tips)
Basic tools needed; wire cutter, scissors, painter?s tape, a sea sponge and assorted paintbrushes, and metal glue
*(all above items are available at arts and craft supply stores)

This year, deck the halls with beautiful ball creations in medleys of rich colours and styles. Make your own holiday ornaments to add among your cherished oldies and to treasure for years to come. Decorating the home with impressive ornaments has never been easier to achieve, utilizing only a handful of basic craft supplies. Glass ball ornaments with sophistication from eclectic to elegant designs are painted with brilliant colours and magnificently decorated with copper leafing, rice paper, beads, tassels and ritzed up with glitz.

Aside from decorating a traditional Christmas tree, ball ornaments make distinguished decorations to beautify an entrance, a hallway, or to grace a mantel. Mixtures of solid colours or striped balls are simply splendid displayed in tall vases, large bowls or incorporated into a spectacular centerpiece.

If you live in a small space, decorating with ornaments is a fantastic way to add wonderment to your d?cor without incorporating a huge tree. Smaller glass versions are perfect to jazz up tabletop trees and to create stylist floral arrangements.

Preparing the base of the glass ornaments: Prepare the glass surface for painting by washing the balls thoroughly with soap and water and wipe dry.

Attach a decorative string to the metal cap tips that come with the glass balls. It makes it easier to handle the balls while painting and practical to hang them for drying on an ornament stand or a coat rack with pegs. Paint the surfaces of the glass balls with a soft bristle paintbrush using Vitrail paints in your choice of colours from emerald, red violet to turquoise blues. I used a rich palette of crimson, brown, and burnt amber. Since these are decorative items only, I used Vitrail solvent based paints because the colours are brilliant and they don?t need to be heat set. Once painted hang the balls to air-dry. They will dry within hours and be ready to decorate within a 48 hour period. Use a solvent base cleaner to clean your brushes well.

Eclectic paper collage; Painted glass balls are garlanded with assorted scraps of colourful and white rice papers. Use paper bits and pieces leftover from other holiday projects. Apply a coat of Mod Podge over the surface of the ball. Randomly apply and layer tiny paper pieces around the ball, leaving some areas exposed in order to see its colour. To secure the paper composition into place, apply a top coat of Mod Podge and let dry. Once dry apply a coat of sparkle glaze to make them glitter and glow.

Renaissance: Apply vertical stripes evenly spaced all around the ball with a fine point paintbrush using Porcelaine 150, Vermeil gold. For a majestic look apply rhinestones garnishes over the dried gold stripes using metal glue.

Baroque: Apply narrow painter?s tape to create two stripes on the bottom half of a glass ball. Apply adhesive sizing with soft paintbrush to the area between the tape stripes. Set the ball a side to allow the adhesive to become dry and tacky to the touch (15-60 minutes). Place and press copper leaf over the adhesive medium to adhere to the ball. Use a clean soft brush to secure the leafing into place and to remove excess pieces. Top off with a wire length fastened around the cap, bead the ends and add a tassel.

Old world: Apply adhesive sizing randomly around the ball and follow the leafing steps as above. The leafing will only stick to the areas where the medium was applied. Apply a length of Terrifically Tacky Tape around the center of the ball. For a gleaming touch, sprinkle iridescent flakes over the tape and gently pat it.

Glistening swirl: Simply dab a colour of Vitrail paint around a glass ball using a sea sponge. Once dry, apply a band of rice paper with a swirl pattern at the center of the ball with Mod Podge. Apply glitter glaze around the ball. Wrap a piece of coloured wire around the cap of the ball and decorate the ends with beads.

Beaded Rococo: Pour assorted metallic Porcelaine 150 paints into applicator bottles, one for each different colour. Using one colour at a time, squeeze the bottle to release paint along the sides of the ball, letting some of the colours overlap and some areas free of drippings. Let it dry and set for 48 hours. Garnish the ball with a band of colourful micro beads using Terrifically Tacky Tape. For an elaborate cap finish use fuzzy wool and bead accents.

Give older ornaments a renewed look by sprucing them up using the same supplies in order to blend in with your new ornaments. Each year make and add new styles of ornaments to your collection. Make extra ornaments to give as gifts to friends, teachers and relatives.

Variations; Ribbons and fabric remnants make fabulous ornament embellishments. For a dazzling look use sequins, glitter glues, and old jewellery odds and ends. Modern and minimalist styles of ornaments can be made utilizing materials such as clay, foils, tinsel, wire, and mesh. For special effects make basic geometric shapes using textured or snow paints. For fine details or to inscribe your dinner guests names onto a personalized ornament use Porcelaine liners or markers by P?b?o.

Copyright MaddyLane Designs ? 2006

maddy@maddylane.com

www.maddylane.com

Madeleine better known as Maddy is an artist and freelance d?cor designer/stylist with 25 years designing experience and many creative ventures to her credit. Maddy is the force and soul of MaddyLane Designs. From her Hudson home studio workshop, she creates innovative, savvy yet accessible DIY home decorative projects for her trade clientele and her syndicated column.

Her DIY d?cor projects are published weekly in the Wednesday edition of the Montreal Gazette in the Art & Life section. Her work is also featured in Canadian magazines. Her various projects advocate the latest in home decorating trends. Her innovative contributions also extend to demonstrations and lectures at trade shows and special events. Maddy?s creativity goes beyond current lifestyle trends, inspiring people to transform ordinary every-day objects into trendy decorative accents for the home. Her inventive passion started at an early age, and when on to work as a fashion designer and illustrator for many years. Her artistic touch has also graced children?s books, unique giftware products, Christmas decorations.

Why You Must Acoustically Treat Your HiFi Room

Holy crap! My DIY acoustic panels (following Jon Risch?s recipe, my own how to experience coming soon) have improved my listening experience like nothing else. You have got to try these. I wish you could borrow mine. For the price of two sets of Black Diamond Racing Cones you can change your whole music listening experience for the better. This is the most noteworthy upgrade I have ever made.

So, what am I hearing that?s got me so excited? Clarity. Attack. Depth. Smoothness. Scale.

The acoustic panels broke through the ?wall of sound? type recordings that have never sounded great on my system. Last night I listened to the Decemberists? Picaresque. The opening track, ?The Infanta,? features massive instrument congestion, I think the whole song is a crescendo. Without the panels the mix of multiple acoustic guitars, constant and heavy bass guitar organ and drums, tom and snare drums, cello, electric guitar, piano, organ, tambourine and male and female voices sounded like a mush of music where I would hear hints of greatness that would then be obscured by all the other instruments. With the acoustic panels in place the song comes alive. The drums congeal into a single kit, pulling the extra wide cymbals back to a realistic size and relative distance. Acoustic rhythm guitars gain body and string strumming textures like I?ve never heard before. I can imagine the Decemberists? tambourine slapper standing in front of my right speaker keeping my head bobbing.

These improvements are so pronounced because the acoustic panels have absorbed a wide bandwidth of first reflections from behind the speakers and two points on each of the side walls. The first reflections arrive at your ear within a small enough time window that your brain confuses these delayed reflections as part of the direct sound and blurs the two together. So, your stereo imaging suffers. From the blur, it loses back to front depth, singers and drums fight to occupy the same space, guitar and bass stack on top of each other and lose their body and scale. The panels can also help room interactions that can obscure and exaggerate certain frequencies changing the timbre and scale of the instruments. Cymbals crash outside of the stereo image?s stage, distracting you from the musical presentation.

You need the acoustic panels to shape and smooth your music listening experience. The less acoustic anomalies your brain has to track the more it can suspend its disbelief and let you experience the music emotionally.

For under $100 and a little DIY elbow grease you can treat your listening room and fall in love with your music collection again. You will be so involved in discovering your music again that the only reason you?ll stop listening is from your spouse?s reminder that it?s midnight and she needs to go to bed.

Father, Husband and Geek. My geeky interests have not changed since I was a kid. I still love comic books, anime, role-playing games, console video games, indie rock, imported toys and mecha models, bad American and great British sitcoms, and all the tech that let?s me experience these hobbies to their fullest. Now that I?m married with children, I?ve had to strike a balance between supporting and pleasing my family and feeding my geekery hunger. Lucky for me, my wife is very accomodating and even geeks out with me on occasion (the ladies love Joss Whedon?s Firefly). My two year old likes anything that moves on the front projection screen and makes noise, so far she is easy to please. Geekwithfamily.com exists to enrich the lives of fellow geeks and the friends and family who put up with them.

DIY Homes In The UK

Over the last 7 years or so we have gone through a barrage of different DIY programmes on TV, representing the countries need to be different within our homes. There was a time when, keeping up with your neighbours was the thing and wanting to have the ?in colour scheme? or bathroom suite was the way to live our lives, but the DIY show revolution, gave us the confidence to be different from our neighbours and show our own personality through our home.

But after the ?zillionth ? show (if there is such a word,) there was obviously going to come a time when the ideas ran out and we the public got bored with seeing the same things done with just a shade different here or there. But rather than giving up the ghost, there seems to be an upsurge in DIY houses, yes forget about the small jobs within an existing house, the British have now taken a bigger interest than ever in DIY, by building their own home.

Being pushed on from new TV programmes that show what is possible for the same money, as a ready-made home, has stimulated the entrepreneurial minds of many of the British public. Knowing that if they do it right, their home would immediately be worth more than they paid for it the day they moved in and have a home where every part of it was part of them.

Of course there are many countries out there, where building their own home is a common as fish and chips, but the ?Brits? have up until recently left this mainly to the bold and brave, within a small island where land is more at premium than others and where new families don?t necessarily want a house next to their parents.

The positive point I see with the new TV programmes and magazine articles is showing the downfalls of taking on such ambitious projects. In most cases it ends up costing more than the initial budget and taking longer. Trying to get workmen to do what you want, keeping the quality of build together, dealing with weather issues, getting deliveries on time and even points you did not consider are all part of the trials of building your own home. But rather than putting people off, there is almost a feeling that this enormous challenge actually encourages a normally boring ?9 to 5er? to get off their butt and do something with their lives. They can then not only show off their new beautiful home but feel good inside about the personal challenge they overcome to get there. They really do want their home to be their castle, built from sweat and tears.

Understanding that you can build your home from more than bricks, is doesn?t have to be square, it doesn?t have to conform to normal popular building practices, so long as it is safe and conforms to planning permission, really does open the mind to what can be achieved. The cost of the project is only market driven by the cost of the land. Then materials drive the rest of the project costs and labour costs, rather than house prices, which do mean if you get everything, right a very good investment opportunity. However DIY does not mean do everything yourself. Having professional support through the design stage and management of the project might seem expensive but could save you much more in lost time and correct building procedures in the long run. Because if you get this project wrong, a dream home can become a nightmare building site.

Mark is wbmaster for Home And Contents Insurance and Distance Learning and Spanish Car Hire

Air Conditioner Maintenance: Don't Forget It

If you are like everybody else in the world, you will want your air conditioner to last as long as possible. These units can be very expensive to replace, so proper air conditioner maintenance is a must. By caring for your unit properly, you will be able to keep it for as long as possible. This will surely save you a couple thousands of dollars throughout the course of your life.

While trying to keep your air conditioner in tip top condition, there are a couple of tips that you will want to follow. They are as follows:

1. Make sure that you check all of the hoses for leaks at least twice a year. The best times to do this is before you turn your unit on for the summer, and just before you are ready to turn it off for the winter. By doing this you will be able to catch onto any problems before they get to be too serious for repair.

2. It is important to keep the outside compressor as clean as possible. Of course it is going to get dirty because of natural occurrences, but by spraying it off with a hose every so often, you will be able to keep it looking new for longer.

3. Have the ductwork cleaned by a professional every couple of years. This maintenance may not seem like a big deal, but it can extend the life of your air conditioner.

4. During the winter months, make sure that you keep the compressor covered. By doing this you will protect it from cold weather as well as harsh conditions such as snow and sleet. When you are buying your air conditioner, ask the installation company if they also have a cover that you can buy. If they do, you should purchase one on the spot. This way you will always have a cover that fits your unit without hassle.

Air conditioner maintenance is very important if you want your unit to last a long time.

Lee Dobbins writes for http://www.homediy101.com where you can get more home repair and do it yourself tips along with articles on air conditioning maintenance and repair.

Wet Basements

Technological advances in the last 15 years now allow most modern basements to be made into comfortable, livable space. However, all basements are vulnerable to some water penetration during their lifespans.

Drainage tile, damp-proofing, and moisture barriers all assist in preventing moisture from entering the structure through the foundation walls. Even with all these in place, if the area experiences an unusually high level of precipitation and the ground becomes saturated with water, the tile system may not be able to handle the volume and the hydrostatic pressure that builds up along the foundation wall may force some of the water through hairline cracks and/or pores in the foundation walls. Older homes that may not have the advantages of modern technology and those that have more porous types of foundations (block, brick, stone) may be even more vulnerable.

Rain gutters reduce basement dampness.

Much of this can be prevented by ensuring proper evestroughing and downspouting systems and by ensuring the slope or grade of the lot is directed downwards away from the structure. In most cases you will be able to spot previous moisture or water penetration, however it is possible that a basement which has not leaked in the past may in the future if the conditions for leakage occur...

Another potential source for water in a basement is from a drain backing up. This type of situation is generally unpredictable unless there is evidence of a previous occurance. Indications of potential problems are homes in older areas of a town or city, where the municipal system is smaller and where the home owners' drains may be somewhat restricted by soil, tree roots, or accumulation of debris. Large deciduous type trees located in the path of a drain system should be considered as a potential problem.

Although a backed-up drain may appear to be a serious problem, the inconvenience of water coming into the basement can typically be prevented by the simple installation of a device called a backflow preventer or check valve. This device allows water to flow down the drain, but will not allow it to back up. Drains that have completely collapsed or are seriously blocked or deteriorated may need to be excavated and replaced.

If you do have water in your basement, I suggest that you research the circumstances thoroughly and have an unbiased professional diagnose the situation before taking any remedial action or beginning any work.

DID YOU KNOW?

Did you know that basement leaks are the number-one major complaint from new home owners? According to Ontario New Home Warranty Program (Tarion) statistics, the average basement develops two leaks in the first two years after completion. The notable areas are cracks, form tie holes, and honeycombing.

In this day and age, we regard a dry basement as a reasonable expectation, but unfortunately, practice doesn't always follow design. Building a dry basement requires an effective drainage system and wall assemblies that are more or less water resistant. Now, what's under and around your house, barring any great re-constructive projects, is likely there to stay. So, the only realistic and cost-effective means of control that we have as homeowners (especially in older homes, without drainage systems) is to control run-off from on and around the house.

Poor grading promotes basement dampness.What's surprising, is that something as innocuous-looking as a low-lying flower bed can often be the major contributor to a wet-basement problem. Take a long, hard look around the house. Are the eves all fitted with evestroughing, and do the troughs drain freely into downspouts and discharge at least two meters away from the house? Has the backfill around the foundation settled? Any other low-lying areas? Watch where the water goes during a rain storm, or spring melt. If water drains from the street or other areas, towards your house, consider landscaping features which can guide the water away.

Different types of water ingress:

PERSISTENT: Occuring frequently throughout the year. Persistant leakage will almost always leave noticeable signs and clues, whether the basement is finished or not.

What to look for: Staining on the first 6-12 inches up from the slab, bubbling or peeling paint, effluorescence (white salts), damp musty smells.

SEASONAL: Generally occuring only at time of peak rainfall or other surface run-off, usually in the spring or fall. Seasonal leakage is more difficult to identify unless the leak is actively occuring. What to look for: Stains on finished surfaces or stored items, rust on the bottom of appliances, raised storage.

ONE-TIME ONLY: Occuring only when very specific conditions exist. This type of leak may occur once in the life of the basement, or may occur every few years when the appropriate conditions exist. One-time leaks (somewhat of a misnomer as they can, and frequently do, occur more than once) are the hardest to identify, again unless an active leak is occuring at the time of observation.

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!

DIY Bathroom Plumbing

Have been thinking about remodeling your bathroom? Wondering if it's a project you can handle yourself? Why not start with DIY bathroom plumbing and before you know it you'll be redoing the entire bathroom all by yourself.

You've got to start with a plan. What is it you want to do with your bathroom? DO you want to complete strip it out? Change out the fixtures? Or do you want to give it just a partial facelift? Once you decide you need to move fore ward to budget. For this article lets assume you are going to redo the entire bathroom from top to bottom.

A budget of $4000 wouldn't be unrealistic. Here's a rough list of what you might need to buy. Realize that the investment of $4000 is going to increase the value of your home substantially more.

Shower kit and door $800
Tub $450
Shower faucet $200
Vanity & Top $800
Faucet for Vanity $100
Toilet $200
Water Resistant Drywall $50
Floor Tile $200
Grout $20
Pre-hung door $80
Light Fixture $100
Mirror $100
Paint and Wallpaper $100
Rough Plumbing $800

Total $4000

If you are going to need some serious movement of existing sewer and water lines then you'll need to hire a plumber and that will be an additional cost however if all the new pieces are going in the same place as the old ones lived you should be able to avert this cost. It's very room dependent.

When it comes to starting your project safety needs to come first. That means you need to take all the precautions - wearing gloves, goggles for your eyes, a mask, or any other safety equipment that is necessary. Now lets get started:

1. Spread out the builder's paper to help trap all the demolition material. It's not 100% but it sure does help keep things in one place.

2. If you are tearing out walls now is the time to get busy. Nothing neat here just fly at it.

3. Next you will need to pull the fixtures - tub, sink, and toilet. Dismantle it all!

4. Once you have everything stripped out of the room it's time to do your cleanup.

5. The sub floor will be the first to go in and then any replacement dry wall.

6. Once that's been taken care of it is time to start the fixture installations. The tub and shower installation can be a big one so you may need some additional help.

7. After all the fixtures are in place you'll have the finishing touches such as lighting, flooring, and paint and wall paper.

How much plumbing changes you will need to make will depend on what is occurring in your bathroom. If fixtures are in the same place as the old ones your biggest plumbing job will be hooking up the new taps and the toilet. But if you moved things around you may have to redo some basic plumbing. You can attempt this yourself if you like or hire an experienced plumber. There are some great books and online resources that can help you complete this.

DIY bathroom plumbing doesn't have to be that difficult as long as you follow the directions. And with so many terrific resources around finding step by step help shouldn't be difficult at all. And won't you feel great when that bathroom is finished and you can take full credit for the transformation?

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