Ladders ? Simple and Effective and Could Save Your Life One Day

One of mankind?s simplest but most useful inventions, the ladder- little more than a set of portable steps- is used throughout the world by everyone from DIY enthusiasts to fire fighters.

The ladder design has been improved over the years but never changes. The steps, or rungs, are suspended between two vertical bars called stiles. They can be wooden, metal, or pretty much anything durable. Aluminium is often used at is is a very lightweight metal. Rope ladders are less easy to climb but can be rolled up, making them perfect for military or camping applications. Some people with mild vertigo find climbing a ladder a scary experience and will not go high; whereas an experienced user can slide down a ladder without even touching a rung.

Ladders come in a fair variety, starting of course with the traditional fixed ladder. Extension ladders are very popular, basically several ladders attached together so that they can be unfixed and slide into one thick ladder for transport. Fire services famously employ these ladders to reach tall buildings, usually with hooks attached to the top to get a purchase on a window sill or roof top. Fire-fighters also affix these ladders to turntables allowing them to be swung around, and even mechanically extended. A slightly different version is the telescopic ladder that is several tubes that slide into each other. The step ladder is essentially two ladders hinged at the top, making an upside-down V shape, meaning that it supports itself without a surface to lean against. These are very useful for reaching high places and come in a hundred variants, but are most often used by warehouses or decorators.

Ladder safety has been improved since their invention, since they are very popular but many people fail to use them safely. A rigid ladder should be leaned at an angle of about fifteen degrees to the vertical. In other words, the distance from the foot of the ladder to the wall should be about one quarter of the height of the top of the ladder. When working with electrical wires ladders can be found that have fiberglass stiles which do not conduct electricity.

John Gibb is the owner of ladder resources

For more information on ladders check out http://www.ladders-resources3k.info

DIY Plumbing & Is It Advisable For Your Home

When it comes to DIY plumbing, everyone knows the basics. We all know how to unclog a toilet or clean out a drain pipe, but what if the problem is a little more complex? Most homeowners can handle the minor DIY plumbing projects, such as the aforementioned scenarios. But, what happens if those harsh drain cleaners are a worry to have sitting around the house or you worry about breathing with their strong smell in the air? Below are a few tips to some very simple DIY plumbing projects, which are followed by information on how to know when to hang up your hat and call a professional.

If you have children or pets in the house, harsh drain cleaners may not be the best products to have in your cabinet. Instead, using a new toilet plunger to unclog those stubborn drains is one of the best kept DIY plumbing secrets in existence. This process works perfectly on a single sink, but gets a little more tricky with double sinks. In the latter situation, you will need someone else to help you and you will need a total of two plungers. Your friend should use one plunger to secure the air from exiting out of the properly working side while you plunge on the sink that is clogged. Depending on the severity of the clog, this may take a few minutes and some strength in using the plunger, but it?s much safer than using harsh drain cleaners. When plunging a sink, you must take special care to not push so hard that you damage the sink. At the same time, you have to use enough force to unclog the drain. When using this DIY plumbing method, always use a new plunger.

If you are experiencing problems with your toilet, always turn the water off using the knob at the base before proceeding to work with the repair. This will prevent any overflowing or other situation that may hinder your repair efforts.

If water finds it?s way to the floor of your bathroom, a quick cleanup may make the difference in moisture that eventually leads to a weakened floor or not having any permanent damage. The best way to clean water out of your carpet is by using thick towels to soak up the moisture. Never leave water to dry on it?s own as this will almost certainly lead to rotting of the floor, which will eventually cause the structure of your floor to weaken.

When it comes to knowing whether or not to work on a DIY plumbing project or call a professional, it?s best to gauge a number of factors. Among them, your level of experience in repairing similar problems, the time that you have to dedicate to the project and your level of patience. Plumbing can be stressful, especially when it relates to your own home. If you are not comfortable in completing the project correctly or have complete confidence that you can repair a leak without further problems, it?s best to call a professional. The same is true if you do not have the time needed to correctly make DIY plumbing repairs or the patience needed to make them. Plumbing, like electricity, is essential for your home and family. When it comes to these, nothing but the best will do.

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.

Home Renovations and Improvements: What Do You Really Want to Do?

PLANNING is the first step toward successful renovation. You?re probably planning improvements all the time, and just don't realize it. For example, if you feel you don't have enough kitchen cabinets, or enough counter space, you've already started planning a kitchen renovation.

IF YOU AREN'T HAPPY with the arrangement of a room, or the number of rooms, you've begun a major improvement plan. Once you start visualising things the way you'd really like them, you've started planning improvements.

You've likely had some improvement projects in mind for a while - if only you knew how and where to start, and how much these ideas would cost. A good way to start is to inspect and evaluate the house like you've probably never done before - go over the house as if you were tomorrow's prospective buyer.

AWKWARD FLOOR PLAN? Does everyone trample the hall carpet on their way in and out of the house? Do you have to walk through the living room get to the basement?

WASTED SPACE? Can you gain an extra room in the basement or attic? Would the veranda look nicer closed in? Could you turn the garage into a play room or a workshop?

MINOR ANNOYANCES? Do doors open the wrong way? Are you missing plug-ins where you need them? Enough storage space? Having trouble heating some areas in cold weather?

YUCKY DECORATING? Does every room look as good as it could? Any rooms need paint, paper or a new floor covering? More or less lighting?

REPAIRS NEEDED? Broken shingles, cracked mortar, leaky plumbing? Walls and ceilings cracked? Electrical wiring in good shape? Are you getting the best possible performance from your heating system?

HOW MUCH WILL IT COST?

By the time you finish your inspection, you will have an overall improvement plan. It will probably be too extensive, and far too expensive to accomplish all at once. Decide what you expect the finished work to accomplish, and how you want it to look. Prioritise all your project ideas.

ARMED WITH THIS INFORMATION, you can intelligently approach a contractor to discuss the project, or you can start planning to do all or some of the work yourself.

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!

How to Repair Burn Marks on Roll Flooring: Q&A

Q: Hi Gil...

I have a home improvement chat question for you! ... one year ago we had new linoleum (the old fashioned rolled kind) put down in our kitchen... this lovely terra cotta color... oops, I mean colour... and it looks very lovely...

... one day, I turned on the wrong burner on the stove... by the time I noticed that I had full heat on a Pyrex pie plate it was too late... BANG! ... little bits of Pyrex flew everywhere... and do you know they actually left burn marks here and there all over the floor?

... is there a way to repair this?

Thanks, Aarifa

A: As your flooring is new, I?m guessing you have vinyl roll. The burn marks can be patched if you have, or can get some pieces of the same material. It's like patching wallpaper. Place a piece larger than a burn mark over the burn mark, match up the pattern and firmly tape down the patch. Using a sharp blade, cut through new and old together, well beyond the damaged area. Use a straight-edge to keep the blade vertical while cutting because leaning the blade may cause a gap in the patch.

Match pattern, tape and cut.

Glue and fit patch.

Match pattern, tape firmly and cut vertically.
Clean the cut-out, apply adhesive and set patch.

Remove both pieces, clean the floor in the cut-out area and then dry-fit the patch. If you've matched and cut accurately, apply adhesive to the floor with a notched glue packet (or a V-notched trowel if the area's large enough). Set the patch in place and firmly press it down, forcing excess glue toward the edges and wipe clean. Use a hand roller or rolling pin to work out any bubbles, and weight down the patch until the adhesive dries.

If you have clusters of burn marks, patch them in groups.

Good luck!

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!

What's Involved with Refinishing Hardwood Floors

Nothing brings back the luster, shine, and the natural beauty of wood flooring that like refinishing does, especially if the floor has deep scratches and dings. However, it is a big job, so deciding whether or not you want to be a real do-it-yourselfer and get at it yourself, or whether you want to hire a professional is important.

Do you have the time?

First off, the job will take several days, you will not only be working for many hours on filling cracks, sanding, buffing, and staining your floor, but you will also have to allow about 24 hours for each coat of finish to dry (this varies depending on the type of finish you opt for). So three days is a good estimate of the amount of time the job will take.

Equipment

Refinishing involves two major pieces of equipment ? a drum sander and a buffer. These large machines can be rented at most home stores, and are large enough that you will most likely need a truck to haul them home. Dealing with these alone is often enough to make some people opt for hiring a professional. There is also a small amount of other tools you will need including an orbital/palm sander.

The Work

Okay, so if you have decided that you have a few days to spend on your floors and that you can haul the equipment home, the last major detail you?ll want to consider is the work involved: sanding, buffing, cleaning, and finishing along with a few other smaller tasks.

Sanding and buffing floors is not an incredibly difficult job. However, the machines may take a little getting used to, especially the buffer. At times the buffer may seem like it has a mind of its own and you may have to work with it a bit, but this is typically not backbreaking work. However, the job of refinishing gets more difficult as you go along.

After you have sanded and buffed the floor, you will need to do a very thorough job of cleaning up. You will need to clean up the dust from the floor, walls, and ceiling. Once cleaning has been done (along with some other small tasks which may have needed to be done before sanding - things like sinking nails and filling cracks), it is time to finish the floors.

Applying stain to wood floors requires a lot of elbow grease, and you will be on your knees a lot. You will need to carefully cover the entire floor, section by section, being carefully to feather out any brush marks. Also, you will have to do this not just once, but twice ? so kneepads are a must! Once the second coat is done, you will have finally finished this job!

As you can see, there is a lot involved with refinishing your own floors, but if you do decide that you can handle it, perhaps you?ll get some satisfaction of a job well done on your new, beautifully rich wood floor.

Jennifer Hall is a writer and editor for A1 Wood Flooring, visit us for more DIY tips on wood flooring, a guide to refinishing hardwood floors, and information on hardwood flooring.

Wallpaper Choosing The Right Type

If you are brave enough, or foolish enough, to want to hang your own wallpapers, here is some advice for you on choosing the right TYPE of paper.

IMPORTANT NOTE!: A common myth about hanging wallpaper is that good paperhanging means you will 'not be able to see the line between each sheet', or the 'join' as it is sometimes called. I say this is a myth because there are so many variables in hanging paper that you simply cannot guarantee this. Without going in to all the variables, I will say that in MY experience, it is impossible for anyone to guarantee that the line between each sheet of paper will not show. (You heard it here first). - And I've hung a LOT of paper on walls. Some of the variables are: thickness of paper, quality of paper, wall surface, wall surface preparation, type of glue/paste, the skill of the paperhanger, temperature, humidity, type of work area. That's just a few. In a nutshell, you do your best, but don't beat yourself up over unsuccessful attempts to create invisible lines.

OK. Choosing the right TYPE of paper.

What are you going to do with the walls once they're papered? Are you going to paint them or are you going to have the paper itself as the final finish? Either way, opt for a good quality paper. Now, in the UK, good quality does not equate with PRICE, in my experience. There is one particular brand of wallpaper which is manufactured by a household name that is the same as the high street store name. The papers are quite expensive and usually floral. Personally, I've never successfully hung a Laura Ashley wallpaper, and personally, I do not like them at all. That's a personal view of course.

If you're going to paint over the paper, use a good quality Anaglypta or lining paper. How do you get good quality papers? What I do is to buy them only from Decorators' Merchants instead of the High Street stores or big DIY stores. That's not to say the High Street Stores or big DIY chains don't have good quallity papers - just that they do tend to sell a 'mixed bag'. Decorators' Merchants, who cater mainly for the professional decorator, on the whole, sell only good quality stuff and the cost is very reasonable. The Dulux and Crown Merchants are good, and so are Brewers Decorators' Merchants.

The thicker the better. Thicker papers will tear less, stretch less and the weight of them alone will assist you to get straighter lines. Yes, they will take up more paste, but that's minimal cost. For lining papers, go for 1200 grade, or even 1400. When it comes to hanging the paper on the wall, a thicker paper will 'butt up' against the last sheet soooo much better than a thing one.

If the paper you want is to be the final finish, again, I would always opt for a thicker paper, not tissue thin. Unless you're going to have vertical stripes, there will inevitably be some pattern matching to do, so don't buy a paper with a pattern so complex that it will be the devil's job to match up each sheet on the wall.

Measure your walls and buy enough to do the whole job in one go, with the same batch number for every roll. If you have to go back for more paper, having run out, you may not get the same 'batch number' and the colour can vary remarkably. SO BUY ALL YOU NEED IN ONE GO. If you buy from a Merchant, chances are you can return what you don't use as long as it's unopened and you have the receipt.

The only paper you can buy from anywhere with absolute impunity is good old woodchip. This was very popular in the '60s and '70s but it's still available and has its place, especially where you have walls which are 'all over the place'. If it is clear from the state of the walls that no way are you going to achieve anything like a straight line with any sheet, then maybe woodchip is your answer. You can overlap it without too bad a consequence, you do not have to pattern match, and of course, it's nearly always painted afterwards and you can cover up a whole multitude of decorating sin!

Wallpapering is never the 'easy option' so go easy on yourself and choose the right type of paper in the first instance.

GO THICK.
LESS PATTERN TO MATCH IS BETTER.
DON'T BUY CHEAP RUBBISH.

See later EzineArticles for my advice on how to paper a room.

Stephen Kaye is an Author and Businessman living in Devon, UK. He is the owner of Steve Kaye Painting and Decorating Services and sells a manual 'How To Set Up And Run Your Own Successful Painting And Decorating Business' for ?29.50. This is available as a .pdf, on CD, or in hard copy. Email him at kaye.steve@gmail.com for more information or visit http://www.tradeworldhq.com/decorating If you have Painting and Decorating questions, he may be able to assist you with these also.

Home Improvement

I am sure that most of us always look for some home improvements. In fact this idea oftentimes comes every day. However, most of us seldom focus their home improvements outside the home but rather inside, and the usual spot for home improvement by most people is the bathroom. For some reasons, the home improvement involved in the bathroom is really important since we spend much time in that place. So as such, the bathroom deserves to be the focus of some sorts of home improvements.

So in this article, I would mainly deal in some tips and techniques for home improvement with the particular focus in the bathroom.

For those who want to engage in their own home improvements particularly in the bathroom, it is important to consider that the windows and the mirrors are clean. As one element for home improvement, one important technique that most of the home improvement conscious applied is the blending of a 1/3 cup of white, clear vinegar and 1/4 cup rubbing alcohol for spraying the bathroom windows and mirrors to achieve a functional and good look.

In the place for tubs and shower stalls, as part of home improvement, you must apply a car wax to the shower walls and glass doors but not to the floor to seal the pours and to make the home improvement in the bathroom easier and for the water spots to keep away. This method for home improvement must be applied twice yearly. Also for home improvement with a particular focus on the bathroom, it is necessary to note that the showers must be clean once a week with an orange citrus-based cleaner. Simply spray the cleaner to the showers to dissolve all the dirt.

For the toilets, since you are engaging in some home improvements, you make sure that you pour one or two cups of white vinegar into the toilet once a month to eliminate the problem of having nasty rings around the toilet area. And as part of home improvement, you should also clean the toilet bowl to eliminate the rings by brushing all the affected areas with the use of the brush or pumice stone and of course with the solvent.

Furthermore, in home improvement with a particular focus on the bathroom, the sink is another important area to clean. So as a home improvement, you should pour one cup of baking soda followed by one cup of white vinegar down the drain and then flush with warm water after an hour to fizzle the dirt. This method of home improvement is effective for the tub; shower and kitchen sink as well.

Also, the faucet is another critical area for cleaning and as part of home improvement. As such it is important that the faucets are cleaned and this can be done with the use of the paper towel with white vinegar. In this area for home improvement you must make sure that after pouring the solvent, scrub the area by using a stiff bristled nylon toothbrush.

And lastly, since you are into some home improvements, you should also make sure that the mildew is cleaned by applying the peroxide and water on your bathroom ceiling to remove the dirt.

Add thousands to the price of your home with just a few home improvements - http://www.homeimprovementanddiytips.info

Home Heating Oil Tanks: FACT vs FICTION What You Really Need to Know!

This article is a follow-up to our February 2002 edition for Ontario residents, which discussed the dangers of leaking fuel oil tanks, how to avoid problems and how to handle spills and leaks.

Unprotected and neglected storage tanks can potentially ruin a life-long investment. More than one million Canadian homes are heated with oil and over the past few years, there have been a startling number of tank failures - and the trend will grow as traditional steel storage tanks continue to corrode.

Due to condensation, water and sludge accumulating at the bottom, the majority of steel fuel oil tanks rust from the inside out. This damage is not immediately apparent and often presents itself as a catastrophic tank failure. Leaks can also be due to improper maintenance, damp locations and physical damage. Fuel oil leaks have raised insurance claims by 50% over the past few years, with clean-ups often costing more than the property was worth.

New Regulations

The Technical Standards and Safety Authority (TSSA) in Ontario has instituted new regulations for heating oil storage tanks to counter oil spills. The rules would require that only licensed installers install and regularly inspection tanks. Tanks would have to be tagged and registered and oil deliveries be made only to tanks that have the registration tag. Therefore, the responsibility for tank maintenance has been divided among the owner, the installer and the oil company.

Insurance Rebates

Insurance companies and governments have recognized that without immediate attention to the problem, leak incidences from residential fuel oil tanks will increase and costs for clean-up will skyrocket. Several insurance companies are now offering refunds to their clients to encourage them to replace their furnace and storage tank systems. Manufacturers are also offering rebates to customers for furnace and tank replacements.

Better Fuel Oil Tanks

Manufacturers of storage tanks have improved their products and warranties. Several new tank products have been marketed during the last few years. Steel tanks have gone to a heavier gauge to mitigate the effect of corrosion and perhaps increase their lifespan. New technologies for non-metallic tanks have emerged so that internal corrosion ceases to be an issue. Glass fiber tanks, in single wall and double wall versions, and the polyethylene tank, secondarily contained in a galvanized steel container, are two examples of new designs which are both proven, tested and ULC listed for the storage of fuel oil.

FICTION: An oil spill won?t cost any more than the deductible amount of a homeowner?s insurance.

FACT: Some insurance policies specifically exclude pollution coverage for leaks or spills from residential heating oil tanks. Homeowners should contact their insurance broker, and review their policy to confirm whether they have pollution coverage, and whether there are any limitations to their coverage.

FICTION: If an oil tank has handles, it?s less than 20 years old.

FACT: The presence or absence of handles is not an accurate indication of age. Only the serial number on the tank ID plate, or a valid date stamp would provide a reliable indication of age.

FICTION: The government says now, that oil tanks have to be changed every 12 years.

FACT: An existing above ground fuel-oil tank is considered approved provided the tank was installed in accordance with the code at the time of installation. As long as the tank is not leaking, there is no age at which the government demands the tank must be replaced.

FICTION: All underground tanks have to be removed immediately.

FACT: New regulations require that all underground tanks to be registered with the Technical Standards and Safety Authority (TSSA) by May 1, 2002 or fuel oil will not be delivered to the tank. Underground tanks that are 25 years and older, or of an unknown age, and not specially protected from corrosion are required to be removed by October 1, 2006.

FICTION: If a tank has been inspected, there won?t be any trouble getting insurance.

FACT: Insurance companies often reject new applications for coverage of homes with tanks over ?X? years of age. Twenty years of age seems to be the most common denominator. Many insurance companies will not provide coverage for underground tanks under any circumstances

FICTION: Oil heating is smelly and expensive.

FACT: Oil furnaces, hot water tanks and storage tanks need not exhibit any odors when properly installed and maintained. Oil heating is a cost-effective alternative to natural gas.

A FEW MORE FACTS FOR ONTARIO RESIDENTS:

Homeowners are required to annually maintain their fuel oil appliances (boilers, furnaces, water heaters, etc.) by having a TSSA certified Oil Burner Technician service and clean the appliance.

Homeowners are required to have their fuel oil appliance installations safety inspected by their fuel oil supplier.

Fuel oil suppliers that find unsafe equipment are required to stop the delivery of fuel oil until the equipment is fixed.

The Technical Standards and Safety Authority (TSSA) is an independent, not-for-profit organization responsible for the delivery of a range of safety services. This includes the administration of Ontario's Technical Standards & Safety Act, 2000 within various industry sectors and the delivery of safety programs to the public.

WHO TO CONTACT:

* For more information on residential fuel oil tanks and Ontario laws governing them, contact:

Technical Standards and Safety Authority (TSSA)
Fuels Safety Division
3300 Bloor St. W.
4th Floor, West Tower
Toronto, ON M8X 2X4
(416) 325-1615
www.tssa.org

* To report spills or to obtain more information on spill cleanup procedures, contact:

Ministry of the Environment
Spills Action Centre (SAC)
1-800-268-6060 (24-hours)
or (416) 325-3500
www.ene.gov.on.ca

* In other provinces, check the government listings in the local telephone directory to locate the appropriate department.

* Licensed professional cleanup services, fuel suppliers and heating contractors can also provide assistance in most locations.

ON THE WEB:

* Visit www.esemag.com to learn more about environmental science and engineering. View photos of modern oil containment systems.

* Visit www.tssa.org to learn more about Ontario government regulations applicable to oil storage tanks.

* Visit www.sbag.web.com to learn more about a different kind of secondary containment retrofit.

* For information on other environmental topics visit the Ministry of the Environment web site at: www.ene.gov.on.ca

NOTE: Every reasonable effort has been made to ensure accuracy, however rules and regulations will vary in different locales and may change from time to time, often without notice. This information is for reference only and use of, or reliance upon this information is at the discretion of the reader. Consult with your applicable local authority regarding fuels and fuels safety.

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!

Are Ceramic Taps For DIY Plumbing?

Not every plumbing job needs a licensed plumber. In fact there are many small jobs that can easily be handled by the do it yourself plumber. When it comes to DIY plumbing are ceramic taps an option for you to install?

Well let's start by better understanding ceramic taps. It is only in the last few years that ceramic taps have appeared on the market. And each year they become increasingly popular.

There are no washers in these taps like in the old taps systems. Rather they use two close fitting ceramic discs instead of the washers. The one disc is in a fixed position and the other turns up to 90% with the handle. These two disc are aligned in the open position.

When it comes to obvious features it's the quarter turn verses the two and half turns of the washer system that stands out. The ceramic taps don't have the washers. Instead they have the two ceramic discs. The upper disc is controlled by the tap itself while the bottom disc is in a fixed position on the base of the tap itself.

There are lots of pros to installing ceramic over rubber washers. The ceramic discs are really hard and so they withstand a lot of punishment. They are very good at withstanding the erosion from the water over time. They still wear out but it just takes a lot longer. You'll know when it's time to replace by the drip.

A ceramic top requires little effort to turn because it is such low friction. You can actually turn it on with your pinky with little problem. So if you are older, have arthritis, there is any other reason you lack hand strength a ceramic tap will be a real treat.

What you have to remember is you don't have to turn the tap as far as you do on a washer based tap. If you do you turn it on too far too fast you'll get a real blast of water.

Installation of ceramic taps is no different than installation of traditional taps. There are some basic steps to follow to remove the old and install the new.

1. Turn the water off to the sink, shower, or tub where you'll be replacing the taps.

2. Turn the hot water tank off.

3. Pop off the cold and hot water tabs on top of the taps. They are usually plastic.

4. Use a screwdriver to remove the tap handles.

5. Use a wrench to remove the faucet.

6. Go underneath the sink and disconnect both water lines and unscrew the nuts that hold the taps into place.

7. Remove the entire fixture.

8. To install new tap set it's basically the reverse procedure. Follow the directions provided with your new ceramic taps.

DIY plumbing isn't that difficult if you know what you are up against. When you understand your options you can choose the best repair and get busy.

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

Time to Build that Deck You've Always Wanted?

Outdoor patios and decks are great summer projects. Imagine being able to come home from work, get a nice tall glass of something cold, and sit out on your deck or patio and enjoy the view. It isn?t as difficult as you might think, and probably less expensive than you anticipated.

With all of the things that cloud our life these days, computers, electronic gadgets, television, and cellphones, to name a few, it?s nice to create a place where quiet and beauty are the focus. It adds an escape that adds tranquility to an otherwise hectic lifestyle. You won?t know how you ever did without one once yours? is built.

In this article, I will help you explore a few different options for this type of home improvement. Decks and patios add value to your home, so besides the enjoyment you will get from this add-on, you will also reap the benefits of adding monetary value to your property.

Before you tackle this project, you need to plan it well. Don?t take the simple square deck approach. When most people think of a deck, they think of a flat, square platform on stilts. Today?s decks are much more than that. There are so many options, the planning stage will not only be the most important part of the project, but it will also be the most enjoyable.

Think of all of the activities your deck can be used for first. Sunbathing, cookouts and barbecues, entertaining guests, parties, and just relaxing and enjoying the view are some things that immediately come to mind. How much space will be required for you to get the full enjoyment out of your deck?

Are you going to place a hot tub out there? A barbecue grill? Patio furniture? Tables? An area for your favorite games and activities? An area closed off for your children? You will save a lot of money in the long run if you plan your deck for all the things you might use it for before you begin building it.

You can always add on to your deck later if your budget won?t allow you to build your dream deck all at one time. But if you have the option, do it right the first time. So make a list of what activities you want to have on your new deck. Draw out a rough sketch on paper that outlines the different areas you will be considering.

Consider the different possible shapes that would accommodate your different areas and that would enhance the beauty of both your deck and your home. Keep in mind, special shapes do require more work and possibly more expense. However, it might just be worth it so you have exactly the deck you want.

Once you have decided all of that, you will now need to attend to some details. First, of course is, will you be building it or will you be hiring a contractor? Next, what permits do you need from your city or county to build a deck attached to your home? What requirements come with those permits. Termite protection is one of the requirements in most places, for example.

If you are going to hire a contractor, they can most likely help you obtain all the necessary permits and they should already know what requirements will come into the process. If your contractor advises you not to go to the expense of obtaining a permit, tell them you won?t be needing their services. The headaches you will have down the road due to not having obtained the proper permits for building your deck are not worth the money you might save now.

Now you, or you and your contractor are going to have to decide on the materials your deck will be made of. Some are made of just treated lumber, others are made of redwood, still others are made of cedar or a variety of other woods.

The region you live in and your climate will probably have a lot to do with your choices. You want something that will last. If you choose the cheapest lumber, you have a cheap deck. You get what you pay for, so choosing the type of wood your deck will be built from is an important choice.

If you are going to build your deck yourself, you will still need permits and there are a lot of how to guides out there that can help you with each stage of the process.

Building it yourself will give you an enormous sense of pride and even more enjoyment knowing you built it. However, it requires skills you may not have. I don?t advise you to build your own deck if you are not familiar with building and carpentry in general.

I hope this article has helped you learn at least the basics of getting your deck project going. A beautiful deck is one of the greatest additions you will ever have for your home. Enjoy your new deck!

D. David Dugan has a website, http://homeimprovement.divinfo.com to help homeowners find all the information they need about remodeling, home repair, building decks and carports, room additions, and more. He also actively participates in an article directory at http://www.articlemotron.com that has current and up to date information on many topics.

Finding the Right Window Coverings

You cannot stand it. The same old dreary windows that do little to add life to your home. It is time for a change. But, where do you start? How do you keep from making an expensive or embarrassing mistake? In fact, how can you know what you really want?

Here are some tips to help you begin your window coverings makeover.

1.Start with one room at a time. There may be the temptation, especially when moving into a new home, to decorate all of the rooms at once. This takes far too much energy and can sap your creative juices, leaving the decorating flat and less interesting. It can also make decorating your home an overwhelming task. Go slow. Do one room at a time and then move on to the next one.

2.Assess, review your needs. With pen and paper in hand, jot down some notes about all of the windows in the room. Measure them and note their size and shape. Rough sketches will help. Are the windows too large? Too small? Odd sizes? Mismatched sizes? Is there too much light in the room? Not enough light? Do you want to block an unattractive view? Do you want to enjoy the beautiful view? Do you need privacy? Daytime privacy? Nighttime privacy? Or both? Do you want to liven up a dreary room? How do other family members feel about these needs? What is your budget for the windows?

3.Look for help, tips and ideas. Seek inspiration. One thing is for certain, no matter what the challenge or situation that you are facing with your windows, someone else has already dealt with the same situation. There is a way, or many ways, to attractively treat the windows in your room. You can find examples of how others have decorated their windows in magazines, window decorating books, window decorating websites and by talking with friends and relatives.

4.Make a plan. Using your list of needs, rank the needs in order of importance and then make a plan that addresses your needs in that order. There is a way to treat issue.

5.Address your window coverings in stages. This is especially if you are uncertain about your preferences or if you are working on a budget. Begin with the shades, silhouette blinds or shutters. Once these are selected and installed, move to swags or kitchen curtains, including the traverse or wrought iron curtain rods. Finally, add the finishing touches such as cornices, decorative tie backs and finishing drapery hardware.

6.Combine and contrast colors. Using color in your window treatment is an excellent way to put life and energy as well as set the tone and mood of a room. Experiment with mixing colors from opposite ends of the color spectrum.

7.Mix fabrics for texture. Fabric is composed of either natural or synthetic fibers and how they are woven, knitted or felted together. The type fiber and the weave or knitting will determine the texture of the material or fabric. Mixing fabrics and textures can be an excellent way to create interest and set the tone of your window treatments. For example, you may consider using velvet over organdy or silk over linen. Common fabrics for window treatments include brocade, cambric, canvas, chintz, cotton duck, crewel, damask, gingham, lace, linen, muslin, organdy, satin, silk, taffeta and velvet.

8.Mix patterns. Mixing patterns can also liven up and set the mood for a room. Here are some tips for mixing patterns.

a.Match the scale, of the pattern to the area where it is going to be used. For example, use larger patterns on the drapes or shower curtains, medium patterns on valances or cornices and small patterns on accent pieces.

b.Use geometric patterns with one another. For example, you can use stripes with checks, plaids or dots. c.Common colors in mixed patterns tie the two together. For example, blue stripes mixed with matching blue dots will tie the two patterns together.

9.Make small windows big. Make big windows smaller. One of your goals should be to make the room harmonious. Mismatched windows or windows of dissimilar size and shape can disrupt this harmony. You can make small windows appear larger by placing a heading such as a valance or cornice on the wall above the window and using curtains or drapes of similar length. Large windows can be treated with a series of blinds or drapes breaking up the expanse. Large cathedral windows can be treated by installing a traverse or curtain rods on the lower part of the window and leaving the upper portion untreated.

10.Let your window coverings evolve. Like a garden, the interior decoration of your home, including window treatments will be subject to change. Let your windows evolve as the interior of your home changes to reflect changes in your lifestyle or tastes. The first order for your windows is to provide privacy and light control. This will be accomplished with shades, blinds, miniblinds or shutters. Then you can begin creating mood with decorative treatments of color, design and texture. As you gain confidence and experience with decorating, you can change and expand your window treatments.

If you are tired of the same old boring drapery and country curtains, now is the time to make a change. Follow these steps. Look for tips and ideas in books, magazines and websites. You are on your way to a complete window make over.

Robert Carlton contributes many articles to the news section of http://www.curtains-drapes-coverings.com . Within his publication he is working on topics such as window coverings and interior design.

5 HiFi Listening Room Habits for Healthy Audiophiles

I?ve made major improvements to my music listening experience over the last year, some at no cost. The following distills the top five guidelines I?ve followed to optimize my enjoyment.

1. Rip your CD collection: The last CD I played through my Pioneer DV-47ai Universal Player sounded flat, thin and hard; the last album I played through Airtunes sounded dimensional, full-bodied and airy. What?s the difference? Could be the CD optical format is flawed and by ripping the album to a hard drive and then sending the tunes wirelessly to my Airport Express and DAC I?ve removed the CD?s bad influence on the sonics.

2. Focus on the two front channels: Although I have one AV system and set of loudspeakers for both home theater and music, I?ve sacrificed neither. My Vandersteen 1c front channels benefit from my Anthem MCA-2 stereo amplifier that is fed signals from my AV receiver for movies and video games and from my Rogue Audio 99 pre-amp for music whether from Airtunes, CD or vinyl. I overcome this AV hybrid hurdle with some interconnect splitters, in-line crossovers and the Rogue?s home theater bypass.

3. Buy Used: If you?ve ever salivated over a Musical Fidelity X-DAC v3 but coughed on its $1000 price tag, then Audiogon?s used and demo classified and auction marketplace has your cough drop. You can find almost any past or current hi-fi component on Audiogon for a fraction of the suggested retail price. I saved lots of cash on my Anthem MCA-2 amp and bought and sold my old Rogue 66 Pre-amp on Audiogon. Audiophiles are fickle and quick to sell components that just never synergize with their system or were replaced by the latest model.

4. Acoustic Treatments: The room you enjoy music and movies in is acoustically flawed. You can help your ailing room with DIY acoustic treatments that cost a fraction of their equivalent commercial products.

5. Measure Your Sonics: After installing your used stereo separates, ripping all your CDs and acoustically treating your early reflections you?ll want to measure your results. The measurements will point out problems in your room and peculiarities of your equipment. If you are lucky they?ll reveal the benefits of your equipment and acoustic treatments with flatter frequency responses and faster reverberation decays.

What factors enter into your buying and building decisions when you?re trying to better your listening experience for music and movies?

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.

An Armoire Reborn

Nearly all of us have that big, outdated and sadly unfashionable or no longer desirable solid wood armoire that was the ?it? thing in the late 80?s and early 90?s. Actually many of them can be found at your local second hand furniture shop. While its original purpose was as an Entertainment Unit, it is time to recreate and revitalize these relics, and what could be more useful than a self contained and wonderfully organized home office. Your old Armoires are perfect for keeping your work organized and away from the ?little fingers? of children and eliminating clutter from your home.

While we need to reinterpret the interior of the Armoire and reconfigure it for a computer monitor, pullout keyboard, fax machine, shelves and drawer; the exterior also needs a complete makeover. The majority of these units have a boxy design with a dated wood finish in pine or oak. A quick trip to your local hardware shop will provide a plethora of carved details that can easily be glued on to the exterior, such as a carved appliqu? for over the doors, carved wood rope mouldings for around the inset in the doors, a chunky crown moulding to cap off the top and of course, beautiful new chunky dark hardware. Then it is time to give the exterior a dramatic distressed finish perfect for both traditional and modern decors. The paint technique is actually very easy (believe it or not). First paint the exterior in a deep rich umber latex paint, once this has completely dried coat the exterior with a thick crackle medium and then top coat it in a lighter tan or rich cream tone (latex paint). The finished exterior has the effect of a family heirloom perfect for any d?cor and all of these materials are available at your local paint store.

While the exterior is classic and elegant, the interior is to be finished very modern, inspiring and of course, sexy! Paint the interior a dramatic gloss black, Sky Blue or Chinese Red. Then transform it so that it can be act as a home office with a counter and pull out tray added (available at local hardware stores). Add a dry erase board to the back and frame it with simple wood moulding. Then add chrome shelves for storage and chrome mesh trays to the inside of the doors. Let your imagination go wild on the interior. Make the interior as inspiring, sexy, glamourous and as wonderful as you are, don?t forget that the goal of this project is to motivate and inspire you to work, write and create. Make sure when beginning the interior to cut the appropriate holes in the bottom of the Armoire for your computer, fax and other electronic equipment, and if the budget allows, opt for a new flat screen monitor. Your newly transformed ?old? armoire will become the perfect home for your computer, fax and all business materials in order to keep your work organized and your home clutter free.

Distressing Tools and Materials
?Satin, acrylic basecoat paint
?Satin, acrylic topcoat paint
?Crackle Medium
?Satin, interior clear protector (optional)
?Fine grit sandpaper
?2 nylon/polyester paintbrushes
?Cotton cloths

STEPS
1.Apply basecoat color to surface, using 2 brush.
2.Allow basecoat to dry a minimum of four hours.
3.Using a wide brush apply the Crackle Medium. The heavier or thicker you apply the more dramatic the finish will appear.
4.Apply topcoat color to the entire piece of furniture.
5.Allow topcoat to dry a minimum of 24 hours.
6.Using fine grit sandpaper, sand lightly with the grain of the wood, thus removing the topcoat in some areas and revealing the basecoat even further on raised edges.
7.For a realistic worn look, sand areas such as knobs, handles and table tops more heavily.
8.Clean the surface and use as is. For better protection of the finish, apply a satin interior clear protector.

Great Design in essence is about the creation of an exquisite stage for the beauty and quality of life we all desire. From ultra urban to ornate opulence, Robin and his team have passionately and successfully designed it all. Robin?s interiors have graced the pages of magazines Worldwide. Robin has designed interiors for feature films, major retailers such as Home Depot (Style Ideas Magazine) and the Designer Showhouse. From smaller scale interior projects to full scale restorations and developments, Robin?s passionate and creative eye overseas all aspects. While fluent in all design trends and philosophies, Robin is most passionate about historic preservation and the creation of elegant, functional and memorable spaces that convey the best attributes of each owner while respecting and celebrating the architecture that encompasses them. Visit www.robindegroot.ca

Improve Your Home and Improve Your Life

A girl once said that there's no place like home and she couldn't have been more right. Our home is our castle, our fortress from the world, and a place where we can put up our feet to relax. Our home is such an important part of our lives and we all want to make them better and more comfortable to live in.

Home improvement can be defined as any enhancements or additions made to your home to make it bigger, more comfortable, or more aesthetically pleasing. Home improvements encompasses all projects, great or small. A project can be something as simple as repainting a wall a new color, or as grandiose as adding a new room to the house.

Whether it is out of necessity, or if you just feel like your tired of your surroundings and want to make a couple of changes , there is always something that can be done to make our homes that much more special. Doing so can make a tremendous positive impact on you and your family's daily lives.

Once you've decided to start a new project, there are several important decisions that will have to be made. First of all, you have to take in consideration the scope of the project to be undertaken. Decide whether it's something that you can do yourself, or if you're going to need to hire outside help.

Home improvement doesn't necessarily have to be earth shattering stuff. If it is at all possible to do the work yourself, then you might want to consider doing it and save yourself some money.

You can even ask some of your friends and family to come and help out. Chances are, a few of your good buddies would be more than happy to lend a hand with painting the house, or whatnot in exchange for a couple of cold ones.

However, there are some jobs that might require special skills or are simply too big to do yourself. In these cases you'll have to employ the services of a contractor.

Next and most importantly, is the planning and budgeting. Getting this wrong can end up giving you lots of headaches, so be sure to plan this out carefully.

When preparing a budget, first get an accurate price list of all the materials that you are going to use. Be sure to allot an amount for unexpected expenses. Something can and inevitably will go wrong when implementing your project so be certain to have some money set aside to cover any possible problems.

When looking for a contractor, be sure to ask plenty of different contractors for their estimated prices. The prices they offer can change depending on how booked they are, or how far they are from the building site. Keep looking around for the best offer.

More importantly, ask around about the contractor's history and legitimacy. Choose one with a good reputation for competence and honesty and ask them for customer references. Don't choose a contractor nicknamed Bob, The Homewrecker.

Be sure to have everything well planned out before sealing the deal with the contractor. Ensure that the contract contains all of the necessary information such as agreed upon price, a detailed description of what the project entails, and the completion date. Also, avoid making changes midway through the project as this will require additional payments.

A home improvement project will generally require a lot of time and space, so discuss your plans with everyone living in the house beforehand. Some of the more expansive projects will require everyone to move out for a while so it would be a good time to schedule a family vacation while the work is being done.

You might also have to move all of your stuff out during the job. If the garage isn't enough to fit all your stuff you can consider renting a temporary storage space.

After all the work is done you'll find that your home an even more wonderful place to live in. And once you see the work that you have done, you will be amazed how just a little work here and there will do wonders to improve the atmosphere of your house.

It won't even have to cost you that much money. It's up to the home owner how much money they will be investing towards the improvement of their abode.

After all all, there's no better way to show that you care than to reward yourself and your family with brighter and tidier surroundings. It will be like stepping into a beautiful new home.

Lee Dobbins writes for http://homeimprovement.unique-articles.com where you can get more articles on home improvement.

Conservatory Insulation Value Facts

With ever increasing heating costs, the insulation value or the ability of your new uPVC conservatory to retain heat during the colder months of the year is becoming an even more important factor to consider.

If you are considering adding a conservatory to your home during the warmer months of the year, it is possible that you may overlook the fact that you will have to heat it efficiently during the winter months in order that you can utilise it as a year round extension to your home.

Considering how you will heat the conservatory is one issue but the most important factor will be how efficient the conservatory will be in retaining this heat. There is little point in adding an expensive heating solution such as underfloor heating if your valuable heat is going to disappear through the glass, roof or frames of the conservatory.

This is particularly important at the lower end of the market where you can still buy a basic specification conservatory that does not include any type of heat retaining glass and the roof is glazed using 16mm or 25mm polycarbonate. These products may appear to be bargain price conservatories but the lack of good insulation properties could mean that they could be very expensive to heat during the colder months of the year or possibly 'off-limits' for this period.

In the UK insulation values or 'U' values are currently used to measure a product's heat transfer and the lower the 'U' value the better the insulation value, which means less of your valuable heating will be lost 'through' the product.

Target 'U' values for the three main elements of an energy efficient PVCU conservatory are likely to be:

• Glass Conservatory Roof = 1.1w m/2k
• Polycarbonate Conservatory Roof = 1.5w m/2k
• PVCU Frames = 1.8w m/2k
• Sealed Units = 1.1w m/2k

However, you do not need to get too concerned with the technical data when choosing your conservatory supplier. The requirements can be summarised into typical minimum specifications for each component that will provide similar 'U' values:

• Glass Conservatory Roof - should include a low E internal glass surface, even if you are selecting solar control glass for the exterior surface. Sealed units should preferably be argon gas filled for optimum insulation.

• Polycarbonate Conservatory Roof - 35mm thickness is more efficient than 16mm or 25mm thick.

• Sealed Units - should include heat retaining glass such as K glass as a minimum or even better, a soft-coat Low E glass. Units should preferably be Argon Gas filled for optimum performance.

The performance ratings of PVCU windows and doors are currently undergoing a change with an easier to understand rating system being introduced. The new window energy ratings are similar to those already found on many electrical items with a seven band A - G rating system, with A being the most energy efficient. This system is not a statutory requirement but is being voluntarily introduced to allow consumers to make informed decisions on the energy performance of competing products.

At the present time, Conservatories are not subject to building regulations in England and Wales, which means that unlike replacement windows and doors for your home, there are no enforced standards of insulation applicable.

However, since the purpose of adding a new conservatory to your property will doubtless be to increase your living space all year round it is ultimately very much in your interests to check the insulation value or energy performance rating of the components used in the manufacture of your new conservatory to ensure that it does not become a 'white elephant' during the colder months of the year.

There are bargain price PVCu conservatories in the market place, particularly in the DIY or self build conservatory field where prices are very competitive. The choice and difference in specification can prove daunting to the uninitiated and you will need to consider the performance of each product carefully, not just the cost.

The insulation value of your new conservatory is a very important point to consider at the planning stage, since there will be little you can do to make this permanent extension to your home more energy efficient once it has been installed.

This article written by Tony Wiggins who is a director of Trade Conservatories 2 U Ltd leading UK suppliers of self build conservatories. Visit Buy DIY Conservatories Online for detailed information and resources on all aspects of DIY and self build conservatories. You may reproduce this article providing you display the above links.