Home Accessories : Tips and Info

Best Way To Tackle Cleaning

2009-06-30T20:09:00.000-07:00

Do you have one of those really big, filthy, completely disorganized cleaning jobs to get after? It it that one client you really dislike? Worse yet, is it your house?

Either way, you can tackle it quickly and efficiently is you are organized and know "how" to approach cleaning a big job, room by room and through each room. Here's how!

First, make a checklist. Put on there everything you need to do. If it looks to long just keep adding items. Take it with you in your pocket to every room and a pencil, too. The idea is to cross off everything you finish so you get a great sense of accomplishement as you move through the house. It also reminds you of things you might forget so you never have to go backwards.

Always start at one end of the house and work your way to the other. If its multiple stories start at the top and work your way down. If its one level, start in the bedrooms and work you way to the kitchen.

In each room, always clean top to bottom. Start at the ceilings with cobwebs and spider webs and work your way down the walls, windows and to the floors.

Wash walls, windows and then vacuum. After vacuuming dust. When you dust, start at the top and work down.

Be mobile and prepared. Take all your cleaning tools with you into each room. Avoid unnecessary trips back and forth.

Unplug the phone and turn off the T.V.

Eliminate clutter as you go, too. An uncluttered home looks better than one that is dust-free but strewn with odds and ends.

A house that smells fresh will give the impression of cleanliness. Leave baking soda on carpeting for the night to absorb musty odors, vacuum in the morning. Place natural soy candles scented with oils around the house. Lightly scented but not overpowereing cleaners will give your house that special "nose sparkle" clean, fresh scent.

Keep a big mat on both front and back porches to cut down on tracked in dirt.

Keep a basket in the kitchen for the mail, newspaper, car keys to help with clutter.

Keep a hamper in every bathroom and in each child's room.

Check your checklist off at this point and your finished!!

Benefits Of Round Hot Tub

2009-06-20T20:08:00.000-07:00

From hydrotherapy, to family bonding, to tax benefits and amplify in home value, the benefits of owning a hot tub are plentiful. Simple bathing in water is one of the most ancient methods of enjoying its curative benefits. Today we are able to mingle fresh, heated water with our bodies to produce a result that is sheer magic. This union permits the alchemy of water to wield its full power in healing our bodies on many levels, namely, physical, emotional, and spiritual. Thanks to hot tubs, we have the comfort of benefiting from hydrotherapy in our own home and backyard, all year long. Water massage and hydrotherapy are helpful in many cases of physical ailments. Soaking in a Thermo Spas hot tub let you and your body to relax and loosens muscles. The hot, swirling water embraces you i.e. massaging your neck, shoulders, arms, back, thighs, calves, and feet. Medical or physical conditions that can help from hydrotherapy comprise Arthritis, Insomnia, Diabetes, and Headaches to name just a few.

More about the round hot tub

Many doctors recommend hydrotherapy for a variety of ailments, injuries, and pain. As a result, there are numerous ways of tax incentives available when purchasing a hot tub as a result of a doctor’s recommendation. The health advantages of hydrotherapy go well beyond helping those with physical ailments. Soaking in the warm, soothing waters of a Thermo Spas hot tub is also proven to be therapeutic for those who are simply stressed out or in need of some providing relaxation! Numerous independent studies have proven that a warm water massage stimulates the produce of endorphins, the body’s natural feel-good chemical. A soothing and relaxing soak in a hot tub can assist counteract stress and its effects on the human body. It is the ideal antidote to a hectic and stressful lifestyle.

Benefits from round hot tub

Thermo Spas hot tubs also give your family and friends with a great place to re-connect and it becomes the gathering place in your home. A hot tub can be an outstanding communication tool between parents and children. The neutral environment removes barriers and stimulates discussion with teens. And the joy of owning a Thermo Spas hot tub not only brings smile to one’s face, but also adds sparkle to any relationship. Whether it’s to relax from the complexities of everyday life or to rejuvenate sore muscles and joints caused by sports or everyday activity, hydrotherapy can help you feel better and that too natural.

Better Have File Cabinets Than Clutter

2009-06-10T19:58:00.000-07:00

If you have tried locating a misplaced piece of paper for hours and have not succeeded or if you have scoured the stack of files locating one single document and was frustrated, this article is for you.

The most common error for misplacing an object is dropping it at a place that is convenient during the time. A regular space for keeping important objects and documents makes it easier for anyone to locate them when the need to remember them arises.

This is why filing cabinets are special tools for safekeeping that when used regularly is the best way to track documents and important objects not only at work but also at home. A good filing system can save you hours and even money, without which would otherwise have been frustrating.

Filing cabinets are constant fixtures in any workplace that requires safekeeping and tracking of documents despite the rise in the electronic data keeping systems. Choosing one will require more than just deciding on the number drawers. There are subtle differences in filing cabinets that are adapted to particular requirements.

The two main types of filing cabinets

The vertical file cabinet is the traditional type where you can have anywhere from two to five drawers. The drawers are designed to fit the legal sized files and are stored facing the front of the drawers. Vertical file cabinets are space savers that make them the preferred choice in offices where rents are at a premium.

The other option, although not as commonly used are the lateral type files cabinet. These file cabinet types are much wider than standard designs. The files can be stored side to side or front to back. The design is not as deep as the vertical file cabinets that it can also be used as a wall partition or a wall divider. The lateral file cabinets have more versatility in terms of file storage and takes up less wall space.

The quality of the file cabinet is also one area that is to be given good attention. The best way to examine the quality of the file cabinet is the suspension system. A good file cabinet has strong suspensions that enable it to carry weights and still close and open smoothly. Some file cabinets have built in safety features that allow only the opening of one drawer at a time. Usually safety feature includes counterweights or internal locking devices. File cabinets that do not have this feature can accidentally tip over when all the drawers at the upper part are open.

Good file cabinets have to be built to take some abuse. It is important then that file cabinets be made of quality and thicker metals so that it protects the internal parts preventing it to be easily damaged.

Because of the valuable material that could be stored in a file cabinet, many are made to be fire and impact resistant. Fire resistant cabinet can maintain inside temperatures less than 350 degrees (most paper burns upward of 350 degrees Fahrenheit) enough to prevent the burning of its content even when outside temperature rises to 1700 degrees.

File cabinets depending on the feature, design, materials and number of drawers are priced starting from $20 to about $1,800 dollars for the top of the line option.

File cabinets also come today in designs and color that are veering away from the traditional types. Newer file cabinets can no longer be the ugly steely types of cabinets. They can come in a variety of decorative colors, materials and designs that can be blended with your furnishings.

Bamboo Wood Flooring Guide

2009-05-30T19:57:00.000-07:00

As an alternative to traditional hardwoods, bamboo wood flooring is a fast growing and trendy idea. It is quickly becoming the flooring choice for many contemporary homeowners. Bamboo flooring is naturally dent resistant and so wears extremely well.

What is interesting about bamboo is that it is not actually a wood, it is a fast-growing grass that has been used for centuries in building. Bamboo reaches maturity in 3 to 5 years and cutting the stalks after 3 does not harm the rest of the plant which makes bamboo a great renewable resource. Most other hardwoods take 50 to 100 years, bamboo never more than 5. Bamboo flooring is similar to oak in dent resistance with much more dimensional stability than other wood flooring types.

Bamboo flooring comes with both horizontal and vertical grain, it has a slightly different appearance than typical hardwood. Usually it is either a light golden color or a darker amber shade depending on the finish. The first is the bamboos natural color, the second is natural looking but achieved using a process called carbonization. Both are very attractive.

The installation of bamboo wood flooring is similar to traditional wood flooring. It can be nailed using a nail gun, glued to sub flooring, or floated, installed over plywood, OSB, particleboard, or over a properly installed radiant floor heating system. Bamboo flooring is manufactured at 6 to 9 percent moisture content so moisture equilibration is typically not required. Some installers report problems using regular floor nailers and instead use pneumatic nail guns.

If you're looking for something different from your hardwood flooring, give bamboo a shot. The wood is rich and smooth and looks great in every type of home. Let your home start a new tradition with bamboo instead of oak or pine, go for something less common and stand out.

Air Purifier: Breathe Fresh Air

2009-05-20T19:52:00.000-07:00

Air purifier, as the name suggests, cleans the air, which we breathe in. We all are aware of the ever-increasing amount of pollution around us and its adverse affects our health. An air purifier reduces the amount of dirt and germs in the air around us and gives us better quality of life.

Functioning of an Air Purifier
The air may contain various substances that cause irritation to your internal or external organs. The examples of ailments caused by impure air are: asthma, bronchitis, and irritation in eyes, nose or skin. The main job of the air purifier is to remove all the harmful and allergy-causing substances from the air. These are present in the air in the form of dust particles, unsafe smoke from vehicles or other sources and pollen from plants etc.

Kinds of Air purifiers
Different air purifiers use different systems for air purification. They may use either charcoal absorbents or mechanical filters. The other variants include electronic purifier and Ultra Violet Air Purifier. Ionic Filtration is yet another technique but its use is controversial, as some people believe that it emits negative ions. Buy the air purifier that has HEPA filters, as the concerned authorities certify these filters.

Be Sure, Before You Procure
While purchasing an air purifier, you must consider whether your problem actually requires an air purifier. If the answer is yes, then you can study various features of each model and choose the one which best suits your needs. Do not go for a very cheap model as they tend be very less effective. To compare the efficiency of different models, you can look for its CADR or Clean Air Delivery Rating.

Besides purifying the air around us, electronic air purifiers are easy to install and do not involve complex wiring. They take up less power and hence marginal electric charges. There running noise is also negligible.

The only clear disadvantage of an air purifier is its high cost. However, just like other consumer durables, its prices are likely to fall, as the demand rises. Another shortcoming is that its collection plates in an electronic air purifier need regular cleaning.

Besides household use, many industries, where hygiene is important, also use air purifiers. Try using it and see the difference for yourself. The industrial and household demand for air purifier is rising significantly. Go for an air purifier and enjoy clean air.

Adjustable king size bed - How and why you should choose one!

2009-05-10T19:48:00.000-07:00

The reason a person gets an adjustable king size bed is because they usually are smooth and has a habit of quiet operation utilizing the finest German motor technology. An adjustable king size bed allows you to adjust the contour of the mattress to various positions for comfort and even enjoyment. Some may need them due to medical conditions and that's alright. Do not be mistaken as an adjustable king size bed is not a hospital bed. Users of adjustable king size bed will begin to imagine the exquisite comfort as they lie on it, and begin to adjust their adjustable king size bed when they want to watch a movie, read a book, eat some snacks, or even to finish their work a notebook at the end of each day. The bonus of having an adjustable king size bed is that no one will need to place a bunch of pillows just to be comfortable. After all, your adjustable king size bed is at your command at a touch of a remote control.

Having said that, your adjustable king size bed still needs you to adjust the contour of the mattress for your own comfort, enjoyment or for medical needs. Once you get used to your adjustable king size bed, it becomes easy to operate, quietly adjustable and some brands of adjustable king size bed that is made with German technology really has a long life-span. An adjustable king size bed provides exceptional support for pressure-point relief and comfort. This is perfect for those who prefer a firm, supportive mattress or a more plush, supportive night's sleep. Another important medical benefit of your adjustable king size bed is that it can help to increase comfort and body circulation through 7 zones of comfort in with the help of a hand held control only!

Currently, the market offers adjustable king size beds with these features. As power failures are a major concern for many situations, manufacturers of adjustable king size bed also take into consideration the effects of that towards their adjustable king size bed products. Therefore, some manufacturers have included a feature for power reserve with remote battery module that allows bed to be lowered in the event of power failure. As comfort seems to be the feature that requires ongoing improvements, manufacturers have also innovated to make adjustable king size bed units that come with ergonomic remote control hand wand with back-lit, raised rubber buttons for more responsive feel, and enhanced night viewing. Talk about innovation indeed!

For those who are stressed out, they can seek refuge from their adjustable king size bed because some comes with two recessed body massage motors that can be adjusted to two variable speed for therapeutic body massage. This brings the ability of an adjustable king size bed to aid in the improvement of relaxation of tired muscles, circulation aid and many more to a whole new level. Most adjustable king size bed requires no lubrication because motors permanently lubricated. That's what I call convenience!

We all know that we tend to doze off after sometime of massage, and therefore, adjustable king size bed manufacturers include a special 30-minute massage timer that automatically turns off after the preset time elapses. This gives you further peace of mind.
If these are not enough to make you want to run out to buy one, perhaps you already have your very own unit of adjustable king size bed!

Adjustable Beds and How to Buy them and Other Bedding

2009-04-29T19:45:00.001-07:00

The bed specialists will be able to offer you some prime niche info on issues such as getting the lowest price on twin mattress bunk beds and how to acquire the right merchandise guarantee while buying a bed, such bed assistance will surely make sure you order the best products for your needs.

Now if you should seek data on bunk bed frames it may possibly be better to use the information in a bed website in order to initiate contact with a bed specialist, by doing this you will doubtless get access to a fair amount of bed help for free.

If you are wise bed knowledge can easily be sourced pretty quickly, take your time whilst carrying out your bed research and you will not go wrong, if you will want specialized information on products such as black iron beds then try and discover a mixture of specialist bed write ups.

For the most part interior design research can easily lead you to far too many bed items, a good number of bed websites will often have a ton of products, this might often be remarkably overwhelming, heavy duty bed frames, bunk bed kits, so many items to choose from, it could then be difficult to select which item to buy.

For consumers searching for products such as iron canopy twin beds or bed quilts, you would be wise speaking to a mixture of home furnishing experts in advance of your search, you might be shopping for a special product like a wooden futon bunk bed or even wood working plan loft bed yet because of a lack of advice choose the wrong item.

If you are mostly shopping for heavy duty bed frames or adjustable tempur pedic beds, undoubtedly these types of items may not turn out to be commonly available on a large number of portals, be sure that you use your browser favorites function as you carry out this variety of bed targeted search, your precious info should be treated with the utmost of care.

It could very well be you buy a and a little later find that the bed merchant you got it from did not supply the goods at the lowest price, to be certain that this never comes about some other time make sure you carry out an online price review or check a reasonable variety of bed merchants first, it may be a king air bed is being sold for a certain price on one internet store however is being marketed for twenty percent lower on another, some great deals can be found if you look around.

Due to the technology of the internet, access to a whole lot of bed info can give you guidance on some great products, should you then require a specialized bed such as a twin mattress, you may possibly be better off researching in a home furnishing or bed directory, such websites will contain categories therefore locating a king size air bed, loft bunk or possibly a futon bunk will not be a hassle.

A Look At A Few Popular Decorating Styles

2009-02-28T20:24:00.000-08:00

A Look At A Few Popular Decorating Styles Popular decorating styles are always changing. Is your home up to date on the latest fashion trends and decorating tips?

Popular decorating styles are fun, interesting and they just add something to talk about to the rest of the home. If you are considering a redo of your living room, your kitchen, your bedroom or virtually any other room in or outside of your home, consider some of today’s more popular choices. You are sure to find one, or two, that you really love to use.

Traditional: We have to start with the traditional look because it just does not go out of style. Here, the look is furniture that comes from the Kings and Queens of yesteryear, early American trends and a wide range of other formal styled items. You are looking for traditional to come through in the upholstery, in the window treatments and even in the accents that are placed around the room. Traditional is a style that is highly expensive to pull off with exceptional quality furnishings.

Shabby Elegance: Who’s to say that this is not one of the best methods of decorating. The look is that of chic, something that features light toned wall and furniture colorings, old china pattern looks, warm yet comfortable pieces that create a sense of relaxation when you look at them.

Contemporary: Modern contemporary looks have always been in style in the last decade. These looks are influenced by pieces that are bold and bright, different and unique and are functional yet are also more of a piece of art as well. You will find straight, clean lines in the furnishings and walls here.

Art Deco: This popular decorating style is one that seems quite a bit like the modern contemporary yet it has a more flowing look to it. The lines are not as straight, but rather are curved.

Rustic: The look for the log cabin is not gone. In a rustic Southwestern feel, you will have woods used of various types. It will have a laid back feel with warm throws and soft, comfortable furniture. The color scheme here is that of warm, rich colors that complement the woods.

French Country: This is a very popular choice in decorating styles. Here, you will have many bright colors and will have that feel of whimsical dreaming. Wood finishes are done with fruitwoods and cherry. Art work with color is on the walls.

One of these popular decorating styles will work perfectly in your home. There are plenty to select from to help you to transform the look for your home into something that is amazing.

A Wealth Of Window Design Solutions

2009-02-20T20:23:00.000-08:00

The style, shape and function of a home's windows can underscore a home's elegance, coziness or cutting-edge style. The following are some of today's most exciting formats and treatments:

Adding Elegance

Palladian or arched windows are graceful and elegant, but hard to cover. Fortunately, Hunter Douglas offers a variety of styles to cover unusually shaped windows. For instance, Duetteฎ honeycomb shades come in an arch shape, designed to lift and lower smoothly from top to bottom on "perfect" and "imperfect" arches, allowing for privacy, light control and easy window cleaning.

Lighten and Brighten

Skylights can lighten a room, make a space feel larger and bring a quirky element to an otherwise dull area. When left bare, skylights often allow in too much light and sun that can fade furniture and overheat a room. Duette with Skyriseฎ is the perfect solution, softening the light and providing energy efficiency. Hardware with rails on all four sides keeps the shade in place safely and securely. What's more, this option is offered with an easy, affordable, battery-operated remote-control system to open and close hard-to-reach shades.

Cutting-edge Sliders

Floor-to-ceiling windows add a dimension of excitement to any structure, while sliding glass doors are modeled after Japan's rice paper shoji screens. Homeowners love the extra light but often get flustered when it comes to how to dress them. Duette with Vertiglide defeats that design problem with honeycomb fabric that is oriented vertically with the shade operating sideways. When open, it folds back to a mere six inches no matter how wide the treatment. It can be manually operated or motorized.

Bay Views

A bay window is typically a center window and two angled side windows. It offers lots of light for a book nook or dining alcove. Ideal for trio windows is a Top-Down/Bottom-Up design where the shade opens from the top or the bottom or both ways for privacy as well as a view.

European Allure

French doors have been popular for decades and slim, trim Duette honeycomb shades don't add a lot of bulk or noisy rattling when these European imports are opened and closed.

Sidelight Windows

Those ubiquitous narrow windows found on one or both sides of a door beg for a window fashion solution such as the new Duette Operable Sidelight.

From the tiniest sliver of a window to arches, angles, octagons and trapezoids, virtually all window shapes and types can be beautifully dressed with Duette honeycomb shades.

About Indian wholesale sculpture, statue, handicraft and home decor items

2009-02-10T20:23:00.000-08:00

India is a place of different kinds of handicraft and handcrafted statues and sculptures from the ancient age. Centuries old temples and civilizations are founded in India with a unique sample of handicraft reflecting artistic beauty. Specially the temples in South India bears this great old history of Indian handicraft, as you can see different types of hand curving statues and sculptures in the wall of these temples. All these old temples especially in chennai, kerala, hariyana attracts the people through the beauty of statues and figures made on the wall. For example dancing lady which is normally known as "Nartaki", "Nataraj","Laxmi","Ganesh or ganesha","Shiva and parbati", Shri Krishna and Radha Ji", "Goutam Buddha" are as religious god statues. Different animal figures are also made, like running horse, lion, tiger etc. The centuries old temples and other historic items prove the capacity of the artisans about making statues and sculptures for home decoration and expressing the social life story of that time. In the old ages the King's made those temples and different handicraft in their kingdom. They inspire the artists to make such stone curving items on the body of temple. They mainly make the statues based on the holy story from Hindu community. A great example is Nataraj. Nataraj is a style of God Shiva. Shiva as destructor as well as creator of the civilization. We inspired from this old culture to make the statues and sculptures as home decoration items. We also just follow the styles of those kings life style. They make statues for home and garden decor; even on those days the people make decoration on the wall of there home. Mainly stone is used on that time to make home, temple everything. So what they do is, they make different statue, sculpture of different god and goddess of Hindu religion on the wall by curving the stone. So we also make this handcrafted statues and sculptures in brass, bronze and stone. Actually "Art" refers to a huge range of human activity. It is a way or medium to express the emotion, nature and lifestyle. We can say that art exist from the first day of human civilization starts. The concept of home decoration through statue and sculptures is also a long days story. We can see the samples of different hand crafted statues, wall decoration in centuries old civilization like Nalanda, Mahenzodaro and Harappa. On that time people use the stonewall of their home and temples to make different decorative statues. The use of Brass and bronze is also a long history. The historians find a lot useful story and proof from this wall decoration. This artistic works is also represents the culture of those peoples. So, finally what we can say that, the history of handicraft in India is very long. Even one greater sample of handicraft is Taj mahal itself. Today it is considered as the best wonders all over the world. So we can easily say that Indian handicraft has a long golden story from the centuries.

We,Chatterjee Fashions is an India (State: West Bengal) based wholesale handicraft, ladies handbags, fashion jewelry and Bedaed Jewelry export unit. We are engaged in todays fashion requirements as well as all old tradition's in our handicraft items and introduce these cultural home improvement items and fashions to rest of the world. We wholesale fashion jewelry, Ladies fashion Handbags, statues, sculptures, wall hangings, different home and garden decor items made of brass, bronze and stone by taking inspirations from India's centuries-old traditions. The dancing lady, God Shiva in Nataraj style, Buddha statue are some of the examples which we took from our ancient Indian history. We make the handicrafts in western style also to fulfill the new millennium requirement. So the customers can get the most antique look collectibles as well as the modern sculpture range. We manufacture different kinds of Statue, sculptures, and wall hangings, chandeliers mainly used for home, garden and office decoration. Material we used for these handicraft items are mainly brass, bronze and stone and sometimes we give them a antique look also. We wholesale and retail these all items from our Indian office. We are mainly engaged in exporting these fashion and handicraft items to all over the world at most cheap rate and provide a replacement warranty in all our goods. Due to bulk manufacturing unit, we can offer the best rate to our customers for all the items. Starting from different religious statues like Goddess Laxmi, Shri Krishna, Buddha we have a lot of Indian and western style statue and sculptures. Like soldier statue, different animal figure, western and Indian lady figure, abstract figures, different sculptures in western style. Our concern is always try to provide our customers a complete solution in art and craft items, to fulfill there need of getting unique antique and collectibles for office and home interior decoration.Originating from India, our products do travel across the middle and upper class fashion concern peoples, fashion boutiques, retail and wholesale outlets of all the fashion conscious markets in the entire World. The collection features over enormous styles of great pieces of wholesale statues. We feel proud our self for our good service to ustomers and the reason for success is the strong commercial aspect of the collection selling unusual, individual pieces of statues and handicrafts at a good price. The intricacy and exclusivity of our designer collections are highlighted by the classy expressions of each statue and sculpture. Alluring the elite class, every statue and sculpture of ours is made out of the best materials and finishing. ighlighting the Indian traditions and the richness of cultural ethnicity, we want to introduce the items to all over the world. This Website has many items on continual display and you can order irectly via this site or by contacting us. We accept all major Credit cards Like Master Card, Visa, American express, and Dinner Club etc. securely via Paypal. Goods will be delivered via air Mail within 10 to 12 days, anywhere in the Entire World. In case any damage occurs while in transit, we assure our customers a full replacement of the goods. Wholesale discounts, very low Minimum order for Wholesalers, personalized pre and post purchase supports are the added advantages to our valued customers.The entire team is working very hard to introduce the Indian Art and craft to rest of the world.

A Thermostat That Speaks To A Consumer's Needs

2009-01-30T19:43:00.000-08:00

If you have a question about how to make your home more comfortable, you may want to ask your thermostat. An innovative, programmable "talking" thermostat has been designed to make it easier for you to control your home comfort systems.

The EZ Talk feature of the "Talking Thermostat" from the Colemanฎ brand of York, a Johnson Controls Company, audibly guides homeowners through every step of programming a heating/cooling system thermostat. A Coleman Heating and Air Conditioning dealer can even customize the prerecorded messages in either a male or female voice.

If service is required, the thermostat can say the name and contact information of the dealer or contractor who installed the equipment. This provides homeowners with an easy, one-touch dealer locator that takes the guesswork out of who to call and saves time.

Separate weekday and weekend schedules allow you to set four different time/temperature settings each day, while a manual override feature makes it possible to change these settings. The thermostat is designed to protect your home comfort system with a number of alerts:

• A low-battery warning informs you when it is time to change the batteries, helping to maintain the efficiency of the system.

• In the event of a power outage, the backup battery saves the schedule and saves the homeowner from resetting the schedule.

• The Talking Thermostat automatically turns on the heat at 40 degrees, even if the batteries are dead or not installed. This is a great feature for vacation homes or when you are on vacation or away from your house for a long time.

• The Talking Thermostat reminds you when it is time to clean or replace a filter.

• Another alert reminds you to perform annual maintenance and routine service to keep the system performing at optimum efficiency.

The user-friendly Talking Thermostat from Coleman Heating and Air Conditioning offers a number of additional features that will appeal to homeowners/tenants, including an easy-to-read, lighted LCD display that shows current temperature, set points and the heating or cooling mode of operation.

Above Ground Pools: For Ultimate Swimming

2009-01-20T19:43:00.000-08:00

Nothing can beat the heat of summer like the cool, refreshing waters of a swimming pool. The cold water of swimming pool is a haven in the scorching heat of summer. You never want to get out of the swimming pool. The pool becomes irresistible.

Swimming pools are basically made for recreational swimming and competitive swimming activities. A personal swimming pool definitely adds style and value to your home.

Swimming pools are mainly of two types: in ground swimming pools and above ground swimming pools. In ground swimming pools are permanent structures requiring excavation and professional installation; above ground swimming pools are becoming more popular these days, as they are easily installed.

Above ground swimming pools
The above ground swimming pools are the best option for recreational swimming as they have very low construction costs. The basic advantage of these pools is that they are easy-to-build. Above ground pools are made up of prefabricated kits. These kits can be put together by a keen DIY enthusiast to make a pool. But most people like to have it installed by the professionals as the pool then comes with a guarantee.

A professional will install the pool quite systematically for you. Firstly, the ground is leveled to provide a flat building surface. Then the installers assemble the base track. The track supports the outer wall made of plastic, metal or even wood. Then the plumbing is laid after the sand and is spread in the pool area. Finally, the vinyl liner over the pool walls is secured, smoothened and fastened into place and the pool is filled with water. Now the pumping system and filtering system are hooked up and the pool is ready for swimming.

Types of above ground pools
An above ground swimming pools is an owner’s delight. They can be placed anywhere. They are easy-to-build and easy-to-use pools. There are basically two types of above ground swimming pools, hard-sided pools and inflatable pools with soft sides.

Hard-sided pools
Hard-sided pools are available in several varieties of depths and sizes. These hard-sided pools are generally oval or round in shape with a sheet metal frame. For stabilization, one piece of flexible metal wall with a sheet metal rail is attached to the top. The top rail is attached to the inserted vinyl liner so that the water is contained. A metal-sided pool is difficult to assemble, as it requires more elaborate ground preparation.

Soft-sided pools
Soft-sided pools have become increasingly popular over the last decade. These above ground pools are available in both rectangular and round shapes, with the rectangular shape being more popular. These pools also have metal frames, and are available in a variety of depths and sizes. These pools are known for their strength and durability and are cheaper than hard-sided pools. They are a great way to have a customized pool as they can be built in large sizes.

Soft-sided pools can be placed on almost any surface. They can be placed on dirt, grass, sand, concrete and even gravel. The pools have tolerance up to 3” out of line on each level. The liner material which is used in these pools is similar to that used in bullet proof vests. This makes the liner puncture resistant and durable. Soft-sided pools can be assembled within a few hours.

Both hard-sided and soft-sided pools require an electric pump to circulate the water. They also require filters and ladders. Filters are needed to ensure that the water is clean and ladders, so that one can get in and out of the pool safely.

Both pools also require an automatic chlorinator, pool heater and a pool cleaner. A swimming pool slide and pool lights make great accessories to improve your swimming experience. Above ground swimming pools are cheaper compared to in-ground swimming pools. A small above ground swimming pool costs up to $1500 and a large one can cost up to $10,000. Above ground pools are easier-to-install, however, these pools have disadvantages as well. They are not very attractive and will require some landscaping to help them blend in to your garden. They are also less durable as compared to in-ground pools.

However, above ground swimming pools are popular pools and are purchased by a large number of people. They provide many happy days full of enjoyment and easy relaxation, a great investment for your home.

A New Way To Spray Makes Painting Easier

2009-01-13T20:20:00.000-08:00

Painting can be an easy, economical way to spruce up your home, inside and out. Each year, millions of Americans put a new coat on their homes, touch up furniture, paint fences or decks. Apart from being tedious, it can be messy, take forever to complete and, in many cases, may not result in the smooth, professional finish you were hoping to achieve.

A new painting technology overcomes all this and at the same time saves you time and money. Touted as "The New Way to Spray," High Volume/Low Pressure (HVLP) spray-painting systems make large or detail jobs faster, easier, more precise and more controlled than the traditional paintbrush, electric gun or compressor system. Manufacturers say HVLP users find painting friendlier and more enjoyable due to its efficiency in application and control-and no previous spraying experience is required.

The preferred choice of many Europeans, HVLP systems, from companies such as Earlex, Inc., use one-third less paint to do the job because of exceptional paint transfer efficiency, minimal over-spray, almost zero bounce back and less waste common with other methods.

These versatile systems let users spray any surface, from siding to decking, doors, walls and ceilings, furniture, wicker, fences, sheds, kitchen/bathroom tile-even flowerpots. The gun rarely clogs and cleanup is "faster than a paintbrush."

HVLP systems are paint-friendly and can be used with latex, lacquer, varnish, enamel, oils, acrylic, eggshell, fence and deck stain, polyurethane, shellac and automobile paint. The best systems have lightweight guns that don't vibrate in your hand and are generally quiet and easy to use. Proper protective clothing, such as a face mask and eye mask, are recommended.

Setup is simple. After filling the spray gun with paint, connect the hose and turn it on. With the Earlex system, a turbine motor feeds a high volume of air through the gun at low pressure. The airflow forces the paint from the cup to the nozzle, where it atomizes the paint into fine particles. The air jacket around the paint ensures that overspray is minimal and gives the user optimum control of the spray.

With most systems, paint volume is adjustable with spray patterns as fine as one inch, up to 12 inches wide. For best results, users should spray 10 to 12 inches from the object using a horizontal and then a vertical spray pattern. Round spray patterns are also available with some systems.

About Clean Air And Air Conditioners

2009-01-10T19:42:00.000-08:00

When it’s scorching hot outside, air conditioners can really work wonders in keeping you cool! You need not be surprised if you find people darting through the street merely to rush into an air-conditioned room. But remember, that cooling yourself is not the last thing; staying healthy and fresh is what should be uppermost in your mind. This is exactly what a good air conditioner should do for you, because apart from cooling the room, an air conditioner also filters the air flowing into it. A quality air conditioning machine has a proper set up which thoroughly filters the outside air and allows only the clean air to enter.

What you need, is an air conditioner that comes with an inbuilt air filter. The air conditioners available in the market are not quite capable of draining out everything harmful for you. So if you are really concerned that a regular inhaling of dust, fumes and smoke can affect your health in the long run, you should go for a high quality air conditioner, which has a proper air cleaner in it.

This type of air conditioning machine in your home or office becomes all the more useful if you or any one in your family happen to suffer from allergies or chronic breathing problems. Having a good air conditioner is not enough, so remember to let your doors and windows open from time to time and purge the impure air out of your room. Your house keeping style should also be taken care of.

To make sure that your air conditioner lasts long and your air filtration set up functions properly, you will have to pay a regular attention to the maintenance of your machine. Don’t defer your maintenance job until your machine finally stops working, or the inside air stops being so pure as it used to be. In fact, experts in this field will suggest you to change your filter every month to ensure the best functioning. But alas! Some people do not bother to budge for even years!

Make it a point to clean and change the filter regularly. This way your air conditioner will drain out the bad air and allow only the clean and filtered air to flow in. So if you want clean air to flow through your home, your only option is to maintain your conditioner regularly. A filter, which is poorly maintained, is unable to clean air properly and decreases the cooling capacity of the machine. On top of that, it uses up more energy, and ultimately leads to a shorter longevity of the air conditioner.

A Huge Range Of Bathroom Vanities To Complete Your Bathroom's New Look!

2009-01-01T19:41:00.000-08:00

These days bathroom vanities come in an enormous variety of styles, for bathrooms of all different themes. If your bathroom's in need of a makeover, adding a stylish new bathroom vanity set could make work wonders at improving it's appearance. Modern bathroom vanities are not just built to look pretty, they are designed to be functional as well. A vanity unit can be custom built to make the best use of even the smallest bathrooms. For instance, vanities with a built-in base cabinet beneath the sink can provide valuable storage space to keep countertops clutter free, or a specially made unit could be fitted to a spare corner.

There are so many stores selling bathroom vanities online that it's easy to browse a massive selection of designs, all from the comfort of your home or office. The difficulty you might have is choosing which one would be just perfect for your bathroom's image! It helps to have a general idea of the theme of your room. For instance, are your other bathroom fixtures traditional, contemporary or antique in look? Furniture style vanities are very popular, and come with a choice of decorative touches to add a touch of class to any bathroom, from arched skirts to Queen Ann legs. Think about the finish of the wood. Do you prefer glazed, painted or laminated finishes?

Bathroom vanity tops also come in a range of durable and attractive materials, from granite to marble. Don't forget to pay attention to smaller details such as the design of the hardware. Try to coordinate it with your faucets and the handles on your shower doors and bathroom cabinets, for instance. Choices include chrome, copper and brass. The positioning of your bathroom's vanity lights and mirrors is also important, as this can have an influence over the look and feel of the whole room. There are lots of helpful hints and ideas available on the internet to give you inspiration for transforming your bathroom.

Well chosen bathroom vanities can become an attractive centerpiece and focal point of a room, instantly adding style and function without too much expense or effort.

100,000 Dust Mites in 1 Square Meter of Carpet

2008-12-30T18:56:00.000-08:00

Leading allergists agree that wood floors are the perfect choice for a healthy home. According to the American Lung Association wood floors in your bedroom and other main living areas can drastically improve air quality. This is not surprising when a large American company that recycles old carpet has stated that most used carpeting it receives for processing contains at least 35% of its weight in household dirt.

A report by the Healthy Flooring Network draw’s information from several reports and experiments carried out by leading health groups worldwide. It draws broad conclusions on the role fitted carpets play in determining the total allergen load in the home and the importance of this on the severity of allergic disease.

Detailed studies in the UK have found that 50-70% of asthma suffers are allergic to house dust mites. With up to 100,000 dust mites living in just one square metre of carpet and it being reported that 98% of UK homes have fitted carpets it is clear to understand why the UK has the highest prevalence of asthma symptoms in 13-14 year olds in the world at 19.8%, along with the second highest prevalence of eczema.

Carpets that are treated have themselves come in for huge criticisms. When tested 3 out of 4 carpets that were listed as being treated against dust mites contain chemicals of a hazardous nature. Theses chemicals included organotins, phthalates, permethrin, triclosan, brominated flame retardants and formaldehyde. The World Health Organisation has recommended that they are substituted with less hazardous alternatives.

One study showed that the mite allergen concentration in dust from carpets could be 6-14 times higher than that from wood & laminate flooring.

Exposure to the mites in the first, crucial year of life can trigger a lifelong allergy. There is no cure, only prevention - controlling house dust mite populations - focusing on dust control, to reduce the concentration of dust-borne allergens in the living environment by controlling both allergen production and the dust which transports it.

House dust mites are not just restricted to carpets there are nearly universal in occurrence, a typical bed mattress may have contain anything from 100,000 to 10 million mites. Ten percent of the weight of a two year old pillow may be composed of dead mites and their droppings

Pet Allergens

Pets are the second most important cause of domestic allergy and over 50% of asthmatic children are sensitised to allergens of cats and/or dogs. Once again the presence of fitted carpets is particularly strongly associated with high pet allergen levels. Even when a pet is removed from a house the allergen levels can remain significantly high.

Points to Note

• Carpets can contain the largest reservoir in total amount of mite allergens in the house
• The presence of carpets in a home can dramatically increase the total mite allergen load compared to having laminate or wood flooring.
• Up to 100,000 mites may live in one square metre of carpet.
• Carpets can harbour 6-14 times more dust mite allergens than laminate or wood flooring.
• The presence of fitted carpets is particularly strongly associated with high pet allergen levels.

How can we help reduce the number of dust mites?

• Replace feather and down pillows with synthetic fillings.
• Enclose the mattress top and sides with a plastic cover, thoroughly vacuuming mattress pillows and the base of the bed. Dampen and wipe the plastic mattress cover daily.
• Change and wash pillowcases, sheets, and under blankets, and vacuum the bed base and around the covered mattress weekly.
• Use nylon blankets rather than woollen or cotton ones.
• Frequently wash all bedding (blankets, mattress pads and comforters) in hot water (60oC weekly). Also wash curtains.
• Frequent vacuuming as a dust control measure is more likely to aggravate allergic asthmatic conditions because conventional vacuums are inefficient - dust collection by conventional vacuums results in a significant increase in air borne dust concentrations. Vacuuming is best accomplished by cleaners that trap dust in a liquid medium such as water rather than a dust bag.
• Replace carpets with wood, tile, linoleum or vinyl floor coverings. (If you have carpets, vacuum every day.)

12 Considerations When Choosing Contemporary Lighting

2008-12-20T18:56:00.000-08:00

Use this 12 item checklist when planning your contemporary lighting updates.

When redecorating a room, or even an entire house, contemporary lighting is a major concern. Dimly lit areas are uninviting and even depressing since human beings naturally crave the light. Some rooms, of course, invite subdued lighting ... a bedroom doesn't need glaring light whereas a dramatic entryway or living room might be stunning with bold, dramatic spotlight.

The older the home, the greater the challenge when planning for modern lighting. Here are twelve issues to contemplate when planning your lighting update.

1. Consider your natural lighting first. In what direction are your windows facing? Northern light is usually cooler and whiter whereas daylight from southern-facing windows will be warmer and yellower. This is perfect for plants, but not as satisfactory to artists, who prefer the truer white of the north. Northern light is a more even hue and is more shadow-free, which isn't as comfortable in a relaxing den.

2. How is the light affected by your architecture and landscaping? Do you have trees that shade the light, or bushes that block the lower parts of the windows and decrease the over-all quantity of illumination? Does a roofline cast a shadow in an important area of a room? Can you increase the quality and quantity of accessible light without spending a fortune?

3. What activities take place in your rooms? Do some of them require more light than others? A desk that hosts homework or needlework requires strong and steady light that covers the entire work area. However, someone relaxing on a recliner and watching TV at the end of a busy day does not want this kind of focused brightness.

4. Do you need variable lighting? You might require a bright light focused on a dining room table while it is being set and dinner is served. However, once all diners are seated and have loaded their plates, a softer lighting is more appropriate and a dimmer switch will nicely provide for multiple intensities.

5. Are there details in your room upon which you wish to focus attention? Perhaps you own a spectacular fireplace or exceptional art? In that case, spot lighting might be appropriate. There might be other necessary, but not-so-attractive areas, that you might wish to downplay by muting the light. Or you might own a spectacular view that is especially enchanting at night. In that case, lights reflecting from the windows will make it more difficult, or even impossible, to see out.

6. Can you add light to a room by changing your decorating scheme? We recently brightened a dark-paneled den by painting all the woodwork and cabinets a creamy white and adding 2" white wood blinds. With this relatively simple change, the entire room has taken on an entirely new appearance and brightened dramatically.

7. How do your window treatments affect the light? Some homes with heavy drapes are either "on" or "off": that is, either the drapes are closed, making the room dark and frequently gloomy, or they are open and sunlight isn't filtered in any way. Blinds or certain shades can diffuse light while still allowing a large percentage of it to access and brighten a room.

8. Decorating features in your home may add light or take it away. For instance, a mirror will add a sense of spaciousness and illumination whereas outside shutters or awnings may block the sun's rays. It might be wonderful to shut out harsh sunlight on a 95 degree summer day, but in the middle of winter we want every sliver of light we can grab.

9. What about the natural traffic pattern of your room? A floor lamp placed so that people must detour around it isn't the wisest use of your light sources. Is an off/on switch conveniently located near all entrances? Groping around on the wall in the dark isn't favored by most people. If this is your situation, a simple sensor that turns on lights when a human enters a room is a clever solution.

10. Which areas are underlit and which are overlit? In my bedroom, for example, there is an exceedingly bright overhead light as part of a ceiling fan. It is great when finding an appropriate color of socks to wear in the morning, but completely unsuitable for reading in bed before going to sleep. A pool table needs strong lighting whereas a romantic seating area in a garden room does not.

11. What kind of lighting does your room need? Fluorescent fixtures might be perfect above a kitchen island but would be repulsive directly above an eating area. Schools and other institutions might welcome such unflattering lighting, but incandescent lighting might be more appropriate at home.

12. What is the condition of your wiring? Old and outdated wiring often cannot accommodate sleek new lighting systems without some work. Updating wiring can be expensive and disruptive, but it is also the opportunity to add new switches and cause updates for new computers, high speed Internet connections or high-tech TV or sound systems.

If you consider all these situations before spending a single penny updating to more contemporary lighting, your end result is certain to be more satisfying to everyone who lives in your home.

5 Swimming Pool Cover Tips

2008-12-10T19:37:00.000-08:00

5 Things to look for when choosing a swimming pool cover

Swimming pool covers come in a variety of shapes, sizes, and general types. There are solar swimming pool covers that work to keep the water warm as well as warm the water using the suns heat. Safety pool covers do just what it says it does, it keeps the swimming pool safe from unwanted entry of the humans or animals. In ground and above ground winter swimming pool covers, keep dirt, debris, and animals out of your pool during the winter season. It also prevents growth on the inside of your swimming pool that can be caused by the winter elements.

Here are a few things you should look for when shopping for a pool cover for your above ground or in ground swimming pool.

1. Find a swimming pool cover that is strong and sturdy. The cover should not only keep your swimming pool clean, it should add safety as well for humans and animals alike. It should prevent accidental drowning and dirt and debris from entering the pool.

2. Make sure the swimming pool cover conforms to state and local law requirements. Some areas require that a certain size and depth of pool be covered when not in use. There are specific requirements that these covers must meet. Check with your local authorities to ensure that your swimming pool cover meets the requirements needed.

3. Make sure your chosen swimming pool cover comes with a good manufacturer’s warranty. In general, the swimming pool cover should come with a warranty of longer than 2 years. It should definitely have a full 2-year warranty for all defects and longer for limited warranties. You only want a pool cover that can be trusted and is safe with a full warranty for a lengthy amount of time. you also need to be sure the company stands behind their products.

4. Make sure the pool cover has a good overlap length. You should buy a size that is a little larger than your pool. This will enable you to securely anchor the swimming pool cover without having to worry about not being able to cover your pool completely.

5. Make sure the swimming pool cover comes with enough parts to securely anchor the cover without worry of slippage. Most larger swimming pool covers come with a strap or anchor for every four feet of cover. You definitely want a good amount of anchoring so the cover will continue to be secure each time you use it.

There you have it! The top 5 things you should look for when you are buying a swimming pool cover for any size pool and for any material type. You can purchase quality swimming pool covers at your local swimming pool supply store or at any department store that sells swimming pool gear and supplies. Carefully read all instructions provided by the manufacturer and ensure that the cover meets all requirements in your local area. Always think safety first when you own a swimming pool.

10 Ways to Survive Builing or Remodeling Your Home

2008-12-10T18:55:00.000-08:00

Remodeling or building your home can be a very stressful experience. Here are 10 ways to take a humorous and lighthearted look at this expensive and often frustrating time.

1. Think of the project as a new diet.
Who doesn’t want to lose at least five pounds? This is one way to do it. Between running to stores all day and evening long, meeting with contractors, inspecting the work, searching the Western world for the perfect light fixture, who has time to eat? Provided you don’t sabotage this new, unorthodox diet plan, with McDonalds drive through, you’re good for losing five pounds. If you are a masochistic type who does some of the work yourself – whether it be painting, laying tile, landscaping the yard – you can count on another five to ten pounds of weight loss. Just think, you may be miserable, frustrated, exhausted, nd down right cynical about the good of the humankind, but your
jeans will fit nicely!

2. Write checks as aerobic exercise.
These workouts are great for toning the wrist and fingers. Usually done in hectic spurts as you race out the door in the morning while the contractors are breathing down your neck and your kids are beating each other with the lunch boxes you just prepared, the stress and frantic activity are sure to raise your heartbeat for a good hour. Grumbling under your breath that the plumber, electrician, or you name it, isn’t really worth this much money adds greater intensity and calorie burn to this little publicized exercise regime.

3. Save money through shopping burnout
Yes, even the most die-hard shopper will come to dread setting foot in any store. This affliction starts innocently enough as you go to look for light fixtures. How hard can it be? Hard! Either the light you want is being shipped from Yugoslavia and won’t arrive until your youngest child buys his own home, or you just can’t find the one you want. You’ll shop every lighting and electrical store you know. You’ll search Home Depot. You’ll haunt hardware stores. And then there’s plumbing fixtures. Sink centers, faucet handles, finishes, special orders. What’s all that about? And the cost. You’d think you were outfitting the palace for a former third world dictator. Of course, there’s carpet, tile, hardwood, stairs, siding, windows. Enough already. And you thought it was a pain picking mints and sweet
table treats for your wedding.

After your 1000th trip to Home Depot (or Lowes or Menards or whatever), in addition to all the other trips you’ve made for items that shouldn’t count as shopping (toilet seats, for example), you’ve had it. Your friends won’t be able to bribe you to check out the latest sale at Bloomingdales. You’ll think it will be better when you can pick out “fun” things like paint, wall paper, drapes, fabric, furniture – but don’t bet on it. At this point, the pressure to make your home look like something other than an empty rat maze will counteract any joy in shopping. Spending this much money has never been such a miserable experience. As a result, when your home becomes half-way presentable, you’ll refuse to shop again – even for groceries – for at least six months. The money you save during this shopping hiatus will be sufficient for you to resume this previously pleasurable past time
once more without guilt.

4. Impress your friends with obscure facts.
Only someone that has built or remodeled their home can explain the fluid dynamics of a proper toilet water swirl. Or cite the International Building Code that calls for no more than 6’ between electrical outlets. Or brag that triple glazed windows are really the wave of the future for light emitting device technology. See what I mean? :)

5. Pride yourself on your new creative skills.
You’ll discover a creative side that you never knew existed. Like how to wash dishes in the bath tub. And how to make a full course meal for a family of four using nothing more than a toaster and hot plate. Or how to fit an entire family in a house smaller than your first apartment. They say that necessity is the mother of invention. That’s probably true, but I also think that the only thing that separates modern and pioneer life is just one kitchen or bath remodeling project.

6. Yell at someone other than your kids – and not feel guilty.
Honestly, as a modern woman trying to juggle the running of our homes, possibly a job, and the future Olympic soccer aspirations of our children, you have the primal need to yell. At someone. Anyone. Often our spouse and children suffer from this need of ours to release pent up negative energy generated from nothing more than some miniature human leaving smelly gym shoes on the kitchen table. (Ok, that probably deserves a bit of yelling – we eat at this table!) But when you remodel your house, you have a whole cast of characters – and believe me, they’re characters – that often deserve a good scream from time to time. Like when they tell you that they tore out the fireplace because they didn’t think it looked right. Or when they show you a mistake made three weeks ago that now requires half the house to be torn down in order to fix. Yelling isn’t immature or a result of too much estrogen, it’s therapy.

7. Throw out (finally) your significant other’s treasured [fill in the blank] from his bachelor days.
You know what I mean. It could be the semi-nude poster he won’t get rid of. Or his collection of exotic beer cans. Or all of his Sports Illustrated magazines since the Chicago Bears last won the Superbowl. Now is the perfect time to get rid of it. If you need to move out of your house while the remodeling is done, or you are moving to a new home, such an opportune time may never occur again. Say it won’t fit in the rental house. It’s either this or his golf clubs. Gently remind him that the sentimental item really serves as a reminder of his advancing years. Anything. Get rid of it. It will be one positive you can remind yourself of when the stress of remodeling makes you feel that this project was the biggest mistake of your life.

8. Grow closer to your family through forced bathroom sharing.
The saying goes that absence makes the heart grow fonder. Perhaps that wise pundit had to share a closet sized bathroom with three kids and a spouse. In reality, there’s no greater way to create intimacy in a family than by all trying to get ready for the morning in the same 7’x 5’ space. You’ll learn new exciting things about your children – like toilet paper is purely optional for little boys. You’ll discover that there is no bond quite like the one created when the entire family brushes their teeth together over the same sink. You’ll realize why the older generation of your relatives only washed their hair once a week instead of facing communal bathroom time. But most importantly, you’ll no longer need to yell at your kids to hurry up for school – they’re standing right next to you.

9. Earn free flights from all of your purchases.
In what is admittedly (and somewhat sheepishly) the only practical survival tip on this list, get an airline mileage credit card. Charge everything on it – lights, plumbing fixtures, windows, doors, lumber, carpet. The windows alone can get you close to one free trip. Whether you decide to share your miles with anyone else in the family or to escape on your own to a world of quiet solitude and, preferably, an open bar, is entirely up to you.

10. Hire some good looking contractors and feel like you’re 15 years old again.
Hey, guys get a whole chain of restaurants and bars where the main attraction is busty waitresses in tight t-shirts (Hooters). Why can’t us gals have some eye candy once in a while? Besides, it’s a productivity tool. You’ll be more likely to inspect the job or meet the architect if some young, fit, good-looking men are there – especially in the summer months when shirts tend to become optional. For example, we once hired a roofing crew of male model wannabees for a house we built. My husband called them the “Beefcake Roofers.” They created quite a stir in the neighborhood that summer. Let me tell you, it made rushing to stop by the house to go over notes with the trades first thing in the morning a bit more interesting … and much more fun!

Finally, remember, the end result of your new house will be worth the aggravation of the process. Plus, think of all the good stories you can tell!

10 ways to cut your electric bill

2008-11-30T18:54:00.000-08:00

One of the major concerns in the world today is depletion of energy. As concerned citizens all of us must make a concerted effort to be conscious citizens and save electricity. Electricity has become integral to life but imagine having to live without power.

Conservation of electricity benefits you personally as you will pay lower bills. Consider:

1. Doing an energy audit. This will tell you how and when you use energy and where the wastage lies. You will be able to make an “energy savings plan” by pinpointing exactly how you can cut back on energy consumption. Some ideas may be as simple as don’t leave the coffee machine on at all times.

2. Think about resetting the thermostat ten degrees lower during the night. If you can do this for say approximately eight hours a day you will save 10% on electricity without sacrificing comfort. Insulate the home in winter by drawing shut the drapes.

3. Check all insulation in the house. If you increase attic insulation to around 12 inches the electricity consumption will reduce by 20 percent.

4. Plant more trees around the house these will cool the house in summer and insulate the house in winter. Studies show that a green cover benefits in many ways.

5. Have all electricity wires and outlets checked for leakage. Check all fuses and appliances.

6. Fluorescent light bulbs are energy efficient. They use 75% less energy than ordinary light bulbs. These have a longer life and contribute to great savings.

7. Use energy efficient appliances. These use less energy and believe it or not a high efficiency refrigerator uses less electricity than a light bulb.

8. When you are away even for a few hours or days you should turn off and unplug all electrical appliances and turn settings on the thermostat, water heater, and refrigerator to the lowest setting.

9. Ensure that you use a water-saving shower head. Water heating costs for a family can be lowered by at least US$ 250 a year.

10. Weatherize your home. This helps reduce heating bills by 20% and cooling by at least 10 percent. Even when building a home or decorating it use weather friendly materials—those that are not good conductors of heat and cold. Install windows and glass panes in the roof in such away that you use sunlight to light up the rooms during day light hours. Make an effort to switch off lights and fans when leaving a room. Ensure that the filters in air conditioners and heaters are always cleaned and free of clog and dust.

If you live an energy efficient lifestyle you will see the numbers on the energy bill actually reducing. The power to cut energy costs is well within your control. It is as simple as only washing full loads and that to in cold water. Use the hot wash option only for very dirty clothes. Cook food only just before you are ready to eat that way you can save reheating costs as well as refrigerating costs of storing the food. Turn the thermostat of the refrigerator to minimum in cold or cool weather. Switch off freezers if they are not in use. Small contributions can all add up to significant amounts of power saved. And, power saved means money in the bank.

10 Power Tool Safety Tips

2008-11-20T18:52:00.000-08:00

Power tools are indispensable for professionals and those who tackle DIY home improvement jobs. They are favored as they help users to save time and they also make the job easier. However, they need to be handled carefully otherwise they can lead to injury. Mishaps usually occur due to negligence, boredom, and overconfidence. By keeping the following 10 safety issues in mind, it is possible to work satisfactorily and safely with power tools.

1. Safety glasses: These prevent dust, debris, wood shavings, shards from fiberglass, etc from getting into the eyes. Safety glasses are one of the most basic pieces of safety equipment that must be used when working with power tools.

2. Protection for the ears: Power tools can generate a lot of noise, which may sound louder in the cloistered environment of a workshop; in order to minimize damage to the ears, it is advisable to wear earplugs.

3. Knowing the right tools for the job: It is important to know the right tools for the job in order to avoid injury to oneself and damage to the materials. To this end, it is advisable to thoroughly read the instruction manuals provided with the equipment and get familiar with the recommended safety precautions.

4. Correct method of using tools: Tools should not be carried by their cords; tools that are not in use should be disconnected; and while handling a tool connected to a power source, fingers should be kept away from the on/off switch.

5. The right clothes: Long hair should be tied and loose clothing should be avoided. Ideally, clothing that covers the entire body should be worn and heavy gloves should be used in order to avoid sharp implements and splinters from hurting the hands. Masks prevent inhalation of harmful minute particles of the material that is being worked upon. Steel-toed work boots and hard hats can also be worn.

6. Tool inspection: Power tools should not be employed in wet environments and should never be dipped in water; they should be checked periodically for exposed wiring, damaged plugs, and loose plug pins. Nicked cords can be taped but if a cut appears to be deep, a cord should be replaced. Tools that are damaged or those that sound and feel different when used should be checked and repaired.

7. Cleanliness in the work area: This should be maintained because accumulated dust particles in the air can ignite with a spark. Of course, flammable liquids should be kept covered and away from the place where power tools are being used. An uncluttered work area also makes it easy to maneuver the power tool; often distractions caused by a tangled cord can result in an accident.

8. Care with particular tools: Miter saws and table saws should be used with a quick-release clamp and a wood push-through, respectively. Extra care should be taken while using nail guns and power belt sanders.

9. Keep tools in place: Power tools should be returned to their cabinets after use to prevent them from being used by an unauthorized and incapable person.

10. Lighting: It is important to use proper lighting while working with power tools, particularly when working in the basement and garage where lighting may not be satisfactory.

10 Things You Must Know When Building or Renovating

2008-11-13T18:53:00.000-08:00

There are many sad cases of home renovations not going as planned - often going way over budget or schedule, or unforseen complications popping up unexpectedly and ruining even up to years of work.

Most of these situations would never have gone so awry with some careful planning and early decision making sooner in the renovation process. Below are a few issues that it is vital to think about before you begin your home renovation.

10 Things to Think About BEFORE Beginning Work

Prepare a budget

Be aware of council regulations

Find a tradesperson

Know your start and completion dates

Selecting Products

Prepare plans

Purchasing products

What should I purchase myself?

What services are available to my property?

What sort of hot water unit do I need?

Prepare a budget

Before you start shopping for your new bathroom or kitchen you must know your spending limits. Whether you are getting a loan or paying cash, you need to work out how much your project is going to cost. Some businesses also offer finance solutions for approved customers.

Be aware of council regulations

Find out all the information you can before you arrange tradesperson. If your home is heritage listed you will need to meet strict council regulations. Many renovations must be approved by the council before work can commence. Contact your local council for more details.

Finding a tradesperson

Speak with family and friends who have done renovations or built a home. It is important to find a tradesperson that you can communicate with. Make sure you understand everything they are telling you. Book a tradesperson well ahead of time, as they can be booked for months in advance. Ensure that your tradesperson is licensed. Your product warranties are only valid if installed by a licensed tradesperson. In Australia, Trades@call provide professional, reliable tradespeople for most jobs, and all workmanship is guaranteed.

Know your start and completion dates

Communicate with your tradesperson and come to an agreement of realistic start and completion dates for your project. If you have a specific date that the job must be finished by, for example you have relatives coming to stay, let your tradesperson know. Keep in mind that unexpected problems can hold up your project, no matter how well you have planned it.

Selecting Products

It may take a few shopping trips for you to decide on the products that give you the look you desire and are also practical for your needs. Browse through a print or online catalogue. Once you have decided on a style (modern, heritage or easy living) this will narrow down your product choices. Be aware of any size restrictions of the room. Print out or write down product specifications and measure up your bathroom. You may use the online bathroom planner at the Bourne Bathroom and Kitchen Centre website to layout the products you have chosen.

Talk to your tradesperson about your choices. If the tradesperson tells you that a product you have chosen is unsuitable, find out why. It may just be that extra work is required that they don't want to do. Remember, it is your home and you need to be satisfied once the job is complete.

Prepare plans

It is important that you draw up plans of your bathroom or kitchen. Discuss the plans with your tradesperson. Let him know what sort of products you would like, so he will know what work needs to be done. For example if you have chosen an inwall cistern, the tradesperson will need to know so he can set up the plumbing correctly before the tiling is done. It is best to have specifications of all of the products you have chosen so the tradesperson knows exactly what work is required.

Purchasing products

When selecting products, find out how long it will take for delivery. Some goods such as tapware and toilets will be in stock, while others such as spas and vanity units are custom made and can take up to 1 month to order in. Often these custom made products are non-refundable so confirm your product choices with your tradesperson before ordering. Find out from your tradesperson which products they will required first. Generally, the first products needed are the shower base, bath or spa and mixers if they are being installed on the wall.

As an owner builder, what should I purchase myself?

If you are owner building, make sure you purchase all of the main products for your bathroom, kitchen and laundry. This will ensure that you make all of the decisions and achieve the result you want. There will be things you will not think about when placing an order, such as different handle types on a vanity unit, the pump position of your spa, that you will need to decide on. It is important to make these decisions yourself as they will affect the overall result of your project. Smaller fittings for plumbing can be purchased by your tradesperson.

What services are available to my property?

It is important to know whether you need gas or electric appliances (hot water unit, cooking appliances). If you live further out from the city, you may need LPG appliances. If you currently have electric appliances and you want to change to gas, speak with your tradesperson to determine if this is going to be cost effective and worthwhile in the long run. If you are building a new home, decide on the appliances you want before building begins, as the plumbing will need to be roughed in based on your product selection.

What sort of Hot Water Unit do I need?

There is a wide range of hot water units available and it can be quite daunting to try and choose one. If you are replacing an existing unit your choices can be limited, so speak with your tradesperson. The instantaneous hot water units are popular at the moment, but they use a larger gas line than the standard storage units. This can mean major plumbing changes which can be quite costly, though in the long run the instantaneous systems are cost efficient. See the Bourne Hot Water Selection Guide for more detail.

Many of these points seem somewhat obvious, but the problem arises when you start taking things for granted. When you don't make sure that all your bases are covered, you may find that you have invested a lot of time, effort and money in a home renovation that you may end up unhappy with.

10 Home Decorating Ideas To Quickly Update Any Room

2008-11-13T18:43:00.000-08:00

Not all home decorating ideas require a heavy investment of time and money. If you're looking for a few affordable home interior decorating ideas to freshen up a room over a weekend, try these ten:

1. Rearrange The Furniture- Pull your furniture away from the walls. Try positioning it at intriguing angles. For example, a sofa arranged diagonally across a narrow living room will make the room look wider.

2. Paint A Wall- Paint one wall your favorite color and make it the focal point. Hang interesting art on that wall and move a nice piece of furniture there. (Note: Make sure that the color is one that is shared with several other objects and fabrics in the room.)

3. Bring In Plants- Greenery always adds a breath of fresh air to a room. If you don't have a green thumb, try silk plants and trees. The quality has gotten so good that its hard to distinguish them from the real thing.

4. Lay An Area Rug- An area rug is a wonderful way of defining a conversation area. Try one that complements the room. Lay it at an angle beneath your coffee table.

5. Hang Pictures or Mirror- Hang pictures that reflect your personality. Try frames that are more ornate. When hanging a mirror, try and position it so that it reflects and nice view or an interesting architectural element.

6. Group Figurines- Pull out your favorite collectibles. Show off your personality. Find a display area and group related objects together, in sets of three or five. Try and vary the shapes.

7. Add Decorative Pillows- The good news about decorative pillows is that they are an easy way to add textures and patterns to a room. Still better, they can be changed to jazz up a sofa or chair before your room is ready for a major makeover.

8. Replace Lamps- Lamps are probably the one thing in your home that will give others a clue that your room is outdated. Seek out new and fresh lamps that make a statement.

9. Add A Throw Or Afghan- Similar to decorative pillows, throws and afghans add texture to your furniture. They come in all kinds of natural and man made fabrics. Find a pattern and style that you like.

10. Eliminate Clutter- Clutter has a way of eliminating the desired mood and effect of any room. Find storage spaces for papers, toys, and other items that take from the personality of a room.

The Proper Way to Set Up Your Bedroom

2008-09-30T20:06:00.000-07:00

You spend more time in your bedroom than anywhere else, so it's important to keep this space free of clutter and as well designed as possible. Depending on what you use your bedroom for, you'll need to plan accordingly. Here are some helpful tips on deciding what bedroom furniture will best suit your living area.

First, decide what's most important to you in this space. Will it primarily be designated for sleeping? If this is the case, you may want to consider a setup that works off of that simplicity. Many people find that keeping the bedroom devoted entirely to a good night's rest results in increased quality of sleep. Recent research has shown that doing work in bed has a negative effect on the sleep cycle, because the stress from all of that information invades the brain even after the work is put away. Likewise, do you want the drone of a TV constantly in the background? You may prefer to leave the television in the living room, and limit the bedroom to more intellectual pursuits such as reading.

Perhaps you live in a small apartment, however, with limited space in the areas outside of the bedroom. In this case, the best move from a design standpoint may be to include a desk inside of the bedroom. Remember, though: with this added desk you'll also need to keep a chair handy, and this will take even more space. You could always save some room with a fold up chair, but if you're going to do a lot of work, this probably isn't feasible. After all, they aren't the most comfortable.

What about all of your clothing? If there's a ton of closet space, your needs will probably be satisfied by only one small dresser. If, on the other hand, you're living in a room without closets, you'll need to purchase furniture to handle your clothing. Depending on how much you have, this can range from a minimum of furnishings to an entire storage system, with armoires and full size dressers.

Once you’ve decided on what furniture you'll be putting in your bedroom, it's time to think about the layout. Look where the windows are in the room. You'll want to maximize the available sunlight, so avoid putting furniture in front of the glass. There is a certain design aesthetic that differs with each person, so take the time to explore the different options. Shift the bed to the other side of the room, and lay down for a moment to see whether it feels like it's in the right position.

The way you design your bedroom is a reflection on yourself. Considering that some of the most intimate moments in our lives take place in this space, you should spend a correspondingly appropriate amount of time taking the necessary steps to ensure that your space says the right thing about you. You may spend a little extra money and time in the process, but considering that you spend hours upon hours in this room, isn't it worth it?

Looking for Stylish designer leather sofa? Look no further. Beyond Furniture take pride in having unique furniture that takes peoples breath away. Having a house full of furniture from the Beyond Furniture range spells pure class.

Installing an Aluminum Awning

2008-09-25T20:04:00.000-07:00

Aluminum Awnings are an affordable way to shade your patio or cover your carport. The maintenance free qualities of aluminum make this type of awning one of the most popular choices in patio covers. Learn how easy it would be to make this your next do-it-yourself project.

Many awning companies sell do-it-yourself awning kits. If you use the tips you learn here along with the instructions provided with your kit it should be a fairly easy project.

You will start by placing the gutter and hanger on a few saw horses. Place a tape measure on the gutter and make a pencil mark at every foot. Do the same with the hanger. These marks will be used later to keep the panels running square.

Next you should install the hanger on your home using 1 1/2" hex head screws. On the top side of the hanger, next to the home, run a bead of silicone. You will later install flashing over this and seal again, this is just added insurance against leaks.

Preparing the gutter is the next step. Start by coming in 18" from each end of the gutter and place a mark for your end brackets. You will need to do a little math to evenly space the rest of your brackets. Attach each bracket to the gutter with one self tapping screw placed near an inside corner. This makes it easier to go back and drill the holes to insert the nuts and bolts.

Before you attach the posts to the post brackets it is best to cut them down to size. This step again involves a little math. Place the gutter as close to it's permanent location as you can. Measure out from the home and eyeball it square. This is as exact as you need to be at this time. Using your level and some wood blocks as shims level the gutter on the saw horses. Most of the time one end of the gutter will be closer to the ground than the other. Start at that end and go to the hanger. Measure the distance to the ground. You are going to want at least a half inch per foot of slope to your awning. If your hanger is 9' off the ground and the projection of your awning is 12' your first post should be 8' 6". This will give your awning a 6" slope. Measure from the ground to the gutter where your first post will be. Go to the second post and measure, the difference in measurements will be added to the 8' 6" when you cut your second post. Do this until all of the posts are cut to the correct length.

When the posts are cut they can be attached to the post brackets on the gutter. You can do this the same way as the brackets to gutter. Hold the posts in place with a self tapping screw while you drill holes and insert the bolts.

That is the end of the ground work, it is time to get the ladders. You will need a panel and two ladders set up at one end of the awning. Two people will carry the panel up the ladders and attach it to the hanger. The person on the outside ladder will just be holding the panel. When the panel is attached to the hanger that person hands one end of the gutter up to the person holding the panel. He will then work his way down the gutter lifting it into the air. When the gutter is standing up the panel can be attached. One person is still holding the gutter up by the post at the opposite end. The person on the gutter ladder will now move the ladder to the opposite end of the awning, climb up and hold the gutter. The hanger person will move his ladder and attach his end of the second panel. The gutter person will do the same and the awning will now stand by itself.

Depending on the length of the awning you will need at least one panel in the center to keep the gutter in line. Longer awnings will need several single panels. You can now start at either end and lock several panels together. Making sure they stay on the foot marks attach each end with one screw only. When you have about 5 panels up make sure the awning is square. The gutter can be shifted back a forth until the ends of all of the panels are straight. You can now insert the second screw into each one and finish installing the panels.

At some point you will need to anchor the awning. If it is a breezy day you may want to do this when half the panels are in place. On a calm day you can install all of the panels and then anchor it. Awnings can be anchored to concrete or into the dirt. A safety stake, or ground anchor is used when mounting into the dirt. Concrete should also be used around the ground anchor.

When the panels are installed and the awning anchored it is time to custom fit the side fascias. The side fascias will normally be several inches longer than necessary so that the ends can both be custom cut at a miter. You should try to make the fascia fit tight at the back of the gutter and flush with the home.

By now you should have used up all of your parts except the flashing and a handful of screws. The flashing goes on top of the awning and gets sealed to the home. You should use plenty of screws and attach the flashing to the home first. You will then insert a screw through the flashing into the top of each panel lock. Silicone should be used to seal the flashing to the home.

I hope this was helpful. My name is Dennis and maybe these links will help you even more. Please visit www.shadebuilder.com for additional awning installation information. This page shows an aluminum awning being installed. www.shadebuilder.com/awning_installation