Repair Hard Drive Technology - Sometimes Its Not What it Seems

To repair hard drive technology you must have part step-by-step logic and part intuition. In this article, we are going to discuss a problem that misleads many because of the message that it displays. The error points to a faulty hard drive but it is really something else.

First, the computer boots and when it reaches the point where it displays, "Scanning IDE drives" and suddenly an unexpected error occurs: "No drive is connected to the FastTrak controller. The BIOS is not installed." Since your computer was working up to this point, you might say that the hard drive has died. After all the computer says that no drive is connected but you know that the drive is connect because it was working earlier.

In this particular situation, there is one clue to the source of the problem. The mention of the FastTrak controller is the clue. FastTrak is a SATA RAID controller made by Promise Technology. The probability that you have a RAID configuration is low in this case. I say this because of the second clue: This BIOS is not installed message. This tells me that the BIOS for RAID devices has not been installed so you have a simple IDE or SATA configuration.

Finally, the problem exists because you have no RAID drives plugged into your motherboard but your system setup has the RAID controller enabled. Just enter your BIOS setup and disable the Promise RAID controller and everything should begin to work properly. Every now and then a problem will surface like this one that will mislead the beginning computer owner. Hopefully, articles like this one and others will lead you down the path to your desired solution.

To get more information on hard drive repair or to get expert help on hard drive data recovery options, click here: repair hard drive.

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Types of Bathroom Sinks

Bathroom sinks come in many shapes and sizes designed to complement any bathroom size and style. Listed below are the most common bathroom sink styles.

Self Rimming Sinks

Also called countertop sinks, these sinks are come in a variety of sizes, shapes, and hole configurations. They are mounted from above the counter with a visible rim that fits in the hole of the counter top. When ordering this type of sink, be sure to take into consideration whether your faucet requires a single hole, 4 center set or 8 widespread configuration and be sure to order the sink in the same corresponding configuration.

Undermount Sinks

Also known as undercounter sinks, are installed from underneath a solid surface counter top, such as granite, stone or manmade material and does not have a rim. To install this style of sink you may need a mounting kit.

Pedestal Sinks

These are freestanding sinks that sit on their own bases. They are usually generously sized for everyday use and are beautifully styled. Pedestal sinks are perfect for small bathrooms and powder room because they save space but they dont offer any underneath storage space. When selecting a pedestal sink, be sure to consider the finish of the exposed plumbing items underneath.

Vessel Style Sinks

Also known as above-counter sinks, vessel sinks can be mounted on ornate stands that brilliantly hold their own in your bathroom design. This style offers new exciting shapes, designs and colors, and stands freely on cabinets to make a big fashion statement. Wall-mount faucets work well with this style sink, however some manufacturers offer a tempered glass faucet stand which butts up to the glass vessels and hides the base of deck-mount faucets. Some vessels are manufactured with an overflow but most are without an overflow, so a grid drain must be installed to prevent accidental over filling.

Console Sinks

Console Sinks combine the style of a pedestal while at the same time providing larger counter areas. The sink and countertop are one. Because of the larger counter area, console sinks come complete with either (2) or (4) legs for support. This style offers a lot of choices in size and style of sink; oval, rectangular, square and round, and you can choose a single or double bowl. They are easy to clean and offer extra counter space. Standard sizes are available and custom orders can be placed.

Wall Hung Sinks

Installed on the wall, they save both floor and cabinet space. Like Pedestal lavatories, they are very popular in smaller bathrooms. They can be installed at any height and are usually offered with an optional towel bar.

Visit Faucet.com for a wide variety of quality bathroom sinks. Call and speak with one of our product specialists to find the right bathroom sink for your home.

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Copper Sinks Make a Great Addition to Your Kitchen

Kitchen sinks that are in demand today are mostly made out of ceramic, porcelain or stainless steel. But today with the advancing time, more and more people are opting for copper sinks. Copper sinks aren't a new invention and have been used for centuries throughout ancient times. Copper sinks are considered voguish by many people and even today they have their place amongst ultra-modern home improvement designs.

The most amazing thing about copper sinks is that they are made by hand. These copper sinks are made by proficient craftsmen who are famed for their skillful craftsmanship. These people own a unique craftsmanship which is hardly seen in other commercially manufactured sinks. Moreover copper sinks get more beautiful with time and this enhances their beauty.

So if you are willing to plan an upgrade for your kitchen a copper sink will be the best choice. Either a traditional under-the-counter sink or a large farmhouse sink, these copper sinks are enough to enhance the dcor of your kitchen. But it is advisable to inquire a bit about copper before opting for a copper sink. Copper is available in different qualities and a poor quality copper can cause stains which are difficult to maintain. So make sure that you chose the right quality of copper sink for your kitchen so that it not only enhances the beauty of your kitchen but also becomes a matter of envy for your neighbors.

One amazing quality of copper is that it has antibacterial properties. So compared to the traditional stainless steel sinks which are a breeding place for bacteria, copper sinks have a tendency to produce compounds which actually kill the bacteria. This becomes a boon and helps keep your kitchen sink germ free. But some manufacturers remove this anti-bacterial coating hence it is advisable to be extra careful while purchasing a copper kitchen sink.

It is a myth that copper is very difficult to maintain hence many people refrain from buying copper sinks. This isn't the truth however. Contrary to the belief copper sinks tend to stay luminous and attractive for a long period of time. Chemical compounds in copper turn to a golden brown with age which looks even better. Moreover copper is very easy to clean. You can use a mild soap and some water. There is no need to use any harsh detergent over copper.

The use of copper sinks has actually changed the belief of people and the ways they use for their kitchen dcor. Copper sinks are now available in several shapes, colors ands varieties. Some even have intricate hammerings and carvings. Basically copper sinks cost according to the type pf copper utilized during the time of manufacture. Some copper sinks are available without the advantageous anti-bacterial coating. Generally one should avoid buying such sinks to prevent any health hazards. It is advisable to buy copper sinks which have their anti-bacterial sheath intact.

Looking for copper sinks? Check our complete guide to copper sinks when buying.

Building Projects With Treated Wood - Home Remodeling Ideas

Building with treated wood and the idea that this project will last forever because of the wood you used is not necessarily true. Over the years I have seen contractors and homeowners use treated wood for projects like building decks with this idea in mind.

I just met with a homeowner that was asking me about vinyl fencing. The homeowner approached me with some facts about vinyl fencing. She started to explain to me how long a vinyl fence would last verses a wood fence. I reminded her that the vinyl posts usually slip over metal or wood building materials.

She proceeded to inform me that treated wood will last a lot longer than wood used when building a wooden fence. It took me a while to change her mind and reprogram her with a few picture this from my website. I know this is hard to imagine but wood rots and steel rust.

All you end up with is a vinyl fence that is in pretty good shape if taken care of properly laying down in your yard with broken or rusted fence posts.

Do you know that some people use treated wood for countertops and food preparation areas when building certain projects like an outdoor barbecue? Do you know people build outdoor furniture with treated wood and then sit in it with a chance of toxic chemicals entering into your body? This is where Redwood comes in as a natural building product or other nice looking woods. Redwood is classified as a softwood and if used for a countertop and a barbecue kitchen area you will have to protect it from heavy pans and people using the countertop for a cutting board.

Do not use treated wood for a projects that will be used for food preparation later.

It's a good idea to wash your hands after handling treated lumber. It's a really good idea to wash your hands after using treated lumber if you are going to eat something or make something for another person or yourself.

For all the homeowners and building contractors that use treated wood and bury it in dirt. Or build a low lying deck right above the ground I would like to share something with you. I have been repairing and replacing your work for over 30 years now. You guys keep me busy and I want to thank you for all the years you guys have been in business.

I still can't believe the amount of work I see being done using treated wood with the illusion that it will last longer than regular construction standard wood. I don't know how else to put it except to say treated wood will rot fast in the right conditions.

Treated wood does need to be protected from rain, snow, heat and other elements of the weather. It cannot sit in the dirt or lay in water for long periods of time without slowly disintegrating. Oh yeah one more thing termites will eat sections of the wood that is not completely treated.

Use treated wood properly when building and inform other people about some of the stuff you learned in this article. Reread this article later and save it for the future.

Greg Vanden Berge is working on the internet to promote the education for creating simple to follow guides and home building books to help professional building contractors as well as the weekend warriors. He is currently working on more Building and Remodeling Library and adding useful content to help solve problems created by the lack of construction knowledge in the building industry.

Visit us and get more information on building and remodeling your homes and Vista Structural Home Repairs

Windows Create Opportunity For Increased Value, Energy Savings

Replacing old, drafty windows won't just improve your home's appearance, it could also save you money. Windows are an important part of the form and function of your home. They're one of the most noticeable exterior features of your home, and are probably the first thing that catches the eye a prospective buyer passing through your neighborhood. Also, they contribute to the interior beauty of your home by providing natural light to certain areas.

In addition to their aesthetic qualities, they can also have an impact on your energy bill.

Windows are an important part of your home's style and function. They contribute to the energy efficiency and decor of your home. The articles below will help you select and install new windows, repair or replace a broken ones, and decorate yours with stylish window treatments.

According to EnergyStar, the U.S. government organization tasked with assessing product energy efficiency, homeowners spend half their average yearly power bill on heating and cooling. Old drafty windows do a terrible job of keeping warm air inside during the winter and cool air inside in the summer, and could potentially cost you hundreds of dollars in additional energy consumption.

Determining the condition of your current windows should be step one of any replacement project. Inspect existing frames, sills and surrounding exterior siding for any possible damage. Also ensure they are working properly by opening and closing them.

Choosing what type of window material you want to use is the next step. Solid wood frames are the traditional favorite, but also are expensive, don't age well and require lots of maintenance. Vinyl frames are cheaper, but usually only come in white and tend to fade over time. Aluminum frames provide longevity, but are the most expensive.

Glass type and window design should be your next consideration. Certain areas of your home, like near a bathtub, stairs or window seat, will require tempered glass, which is more expensive. Also, large windows and ones with elaborate grids or designs will also add to the overall cost of your project. Be sure to factor all of this in when setting a budget for your project.

After making these decisions, you may decide to hire a contractor for the project. Shop around for price quotes, inquire into prospective contractors' work reputations, and if decide to do it yourself, make sure to read lots of books and instructional materials so you know what you're doing before you start your project.

A new set of windows can give your house a major facelift, improving its market value and energy efficiency, but only if you make the right decisions. Be informed and be aware and your new windows will prove to be a worthwhile investment.

For more information on Replacing Old Windows visit our new website http://www.dreamhomeimprovementguide.com

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Building a Deck Steps and Handrailing Video

Stair building tips for installing lights and decking, handrail tips and some deck advice.

For more helpful home improvement information visit: http://www.gregvan.com

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The Importance of Having a Software Champion in Construction Software Selection

With any major business enhancement endeavor, honest and full commitment to the cause is critical. As such, whenever a company decides to undertake the large effort of evaluating and selecting software solutions, somebody has to be in charge of that effort, in order to effectively and successfully arrive at the best possible outcome.

There is no doubt that many construction companies have perhaps made construction software selections without going through a lot of evaluation, testing, company process improvements, business-practices modifications, and the like; but it is unlikely that such a lack of true commitment could result in the very best and most advantageous software package. Such lack of effort would result in nothing more than one might grab out on the Internet as shareware or freeware.

Of course, much depends on the size and stature of the construction company at hand. If the company is a five or ten person crew who handles residential home remodeling, perhaps an Internet software solution would suffice.

However, if the construction company is of significant size and stature; say with 100 or more employees, including Administrative, Public Relations, Legal, Accounting, Engineering, IT, and other sub-organizations typical within sizeable businesses; then the proper selection of Construction Management Software certainly becomes a much more profound and significant undertaking.

In construction companies of significant size and stature, software selection touches all of those sub-organizations in various ways:

• The Administrative department needs to have a particular set of data and reports geared for those responsible for steering the entire business.
• Public Relations needs to know up to the minute project operations and community impact or interference.
• Legal needs to be kept up to date on any potential project related issues which could lead to litigation.
• Accounting needs real-time data for ongoing actual project costs and profit/loss impacts.
• Engineering needs to be able to access project data to ensure adherence to plans and specifications.
• IT needs to tie together all the functionality and all the business processes, procedures, data equipment/technology, and the like.
• And, of course, there could be other sub-organizations, depending on the particular business structure.

So, it becomes clear why commitment is so critical for such construction companies when engaged in Construction Management Software solutions. And, it becomes clear that such construction companies must select or hire someone who can take charge of the project and carry out the necessary steps to get it done.

Such an individual should certainly have a strong understanding of general computing; the technology, the theory, the inner-workings of software, and the like. In addition, a software selection project champion should possess excellent people skills, since much interaction with a variety of levels of personnel will be required throughout the software selection process. Also, the ideal project leader will need to be able to bring together the right vendors, suppliers, third-party experts, internal resources, and the like.

Of course, such an individual must also possess the commitment and drive necessary to wrap their arms around the big picture; to know how the software selection process will impact the overall business, and to know enough about the business processes to comfortably and accurately blend the Construction Management Software with the construction company structures.

David Kraft is a freelance author that specializes in the field of construction management software. He writes articles that are aimed at helping construction professionals choose the right software for their business, which is often a difficult decision. Please check out his construction software site for more information.

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Keep Up With the Jones's With Great Home Improvement Loans

It is not uncommon to find someone today that is interested in remodeling their home, and with home improvement loans you have the opportunity to do what you have always envisioned. There is always one home on the block that seems to be the trendsetter. They are the first to have that stylish kitchen, or the first to do a game room. Everyone else seems to be the ones trying to keep up with the Jones's, all scrambling to follow in these makeover projects. When you consider these loans, you too can be a trendsetter rather than a follower in the crowd.

Time For That New Pool

Everyone knows that getting an in ground pool in your backyard is a costly endeavor, but when you have taken out home improvement loans you are not only getting the job done you are positioning yourself as the lead party thrower on the block in the summertime. Projects such as these can be very stressful when you are dealing with the financial aspects of the job, with these loans you are no longer in a position to worry about where the money is going to come from. You will not have to worry if you will run out of money halfway through the project, leaving everything in shambles including your pocketbook. This is a great way to be at the top of the envy list with your neighbors, and have the enjoyment of that pool for yourself and your family.

Complete Remodeling

When you take out home improvement loans, you have the luxury of considering complete remodeling of your home. Not only will you be able to repaint, you can do many other great design enhancements as well. This can include new interior archways and other various wall enhancements. You can actually start that family room or game room that the kids have been bugging you for, and you will have a place for the kids to retreat and interact. Whatever the project that you have in mind, you can plan and make arrangements without concern that you will not have enough money to see the job through to the end. This is a great way to invest in your home, and bring the value of the property up in the even that you look to sell in the future. Not only will the value of the property go up, you will have the opportunity to raise your credit rating with the repayment of the loan. This will surely help with any subsequent loans that you may apply for in the future.

These Loans Are Not Hard To Find

When you are shopping for home improvement loans, you will not have to search far to find the help you need today. Lenders of these loans are positioned virtually everywhere, and have vast experience dealing with just about any project that you will bring to them. With handy online tools such as rate calculators, and flexible loan packages available you could be seeing the job started before you know it.

Paul Rogers writes general finance and loan articles for the Loans UK Online website at http://www.loansukonline.co.uk

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Pellet Stove Inserts For Your Home

Heating your home during the long winter months can be very expensive as you are paying a lot for your electricity or gas. However, there is now a cheaper alternative to the traditional home heating systems - pellet stove inserts. Pellet stoves or freestanding pellet stoves as some people call them use pressed sawdust pellets as fuel. Those that have used these stoves say they will dramatically lower your energy bill during the cold winter months. In addition to being more economical they are a great deal more efficient than traditional heating systems.

There are differences however between a pellet stove and the pellet stove that takes inserts. The major difference is between each type of stove is the look of each. Pellet stove are chosen more often than the insert stoves simply because when installed they give more of an authentic look. Pellet stoves are freestanding stoves that give the look and feel of old fashioned pot bellied stoves. If you have recently purchased an old Victorian home a pellet stove would be an excellent addition to the kitchen or the living room, tucked away in the corner.

Pellet stoves that take inserts are slightly different and they often resemble a fireplace rather than a stove. This type of stove is usually placed in the living room. The installation of these stoves is a little more complex and time consuming and is usually done in a remodelling process or during the construction phase of a house. These stoves come equipped with thermostats so that the temperature can be controlled inside the home. When you adjust the thermostat, a machine in the stove feeds pellets into the fire to keep it going. This is a great alternative to other stoves that you have to constantly stand over and feed the fire. With the pellet stove you are free to do other things around the house.

For more information on heating and air conditioning and other related topics, visit Homeclimate at http://www.homeclimate.biz

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Is Innovative Design Alive and Well in Residential Construction?

Too many construction experts, builders and contractors in the residential building sector are just not catering to what America truly needs, more than ever, in these economically turbulent times. America needs a fresh approach to custom building construction, particularly at the middle class residential level.

Ambiance, serenity, subdued lighting, water works, movie rooms, libraries, luxury comfort, outdoor entertainment construction, all driven by ingenuity, imagination, recreational focus and overall; a dedicated perseverance to bring imaginatively fun projects into the home atmosphere. Where are these dedicated professionals that are so fervently devoting their professional lives to the simple pleasures of the middle class populace?

Believe it or not... these individuals are rare. Money is not the objective of the pioneering spirit. To create in the homeowner a satiated and renewed mind state within ones sanctuary should be the builders collective goal. We can and do with relative frequency ease the troubled mind with simply the introduction of a tranquil, personally unique and safe home environment. Trust me... this is not a materialistic paradigm. To create environments that breed unity excitement, originality and cohesiveness, seek and ye shall find.

Look for ads in your local telephone book that lack all the sales hype... look for THE pioneering spirit and visionary when selecting your builder. Seek a designer. Seek something beyond unique. Seek imagination and intuitiveness in your selected builder. Look for the listener in a crowd of sellers. Look for an empathetic ear to your personal needs within the home environment. Most of all look for the unique and creative in an industry sorely in need of a return to its spontaneously creative roots. There are such enigmas in a world of hammers and nails.

The builders love of creativity and giving back to each individual we meet has been our virtue. Adding beauty where there was none thereto before to behold is the essence of our pioneering spirit and drives every ounce of creativity that burgeons forth. Bridled imagination mostly governed by strident intellect has been servicing the housing needs of the middle class for far too long. Housing "molds" built with the same lack of foresight as the "strip mining" operations of the planet... are a blight on the collective conscience and more importantly the cultural landscape of such a technologically advanced society as our own. Originality is obscure. The mundane thrives. There can be no resonance of the pioneering spirit from the "cardboard box" status quo. We challenge all builders dedicated to personal perfection to learn the unique perspective of valuing your work as an artform before our collective building methodology devalues our contribution to such an essentially human industry.

Bill Dolbierre, http://baselinebuilders.net

Seeking to create innovation and a unique perspective during the development of every building project we undertake to make the home environment the optimum experience.

Natural Lighting - Homeowner Tips

One of the benefits of designing in a rooflight into a new property, or installing one in a home or business premise renovation, is that you will be able to enjoy natural light. This will help save energy used for lighting and provide evenly distributed natural light that enhances the rooms below the rooflight.

On a flat or low-pitched roof, the rooflight will probably be a roof lantern with sidelights. The sidelights can be permanently fixed, or be opened to provide ventilation. This can be done either through a manually operated crank rod, or more easily with an electric motor that can be switched to open or close on demand, automatically at set times, or when a rain sensor activates it when it detects rain, mist or dew.

Pitched rooflights come in various shapes that include pyramid, domed, hexagon, octagon, or just plain square. However, the most usual design is rectangular with a hipped or gable end.

Historically, a single glazed rooflight could make the space below it uncomfortably cold in winter months and with inadequate sealing, cold winds and draughts would blow through providing unwanted winter ventilation. As a result, in some cases, the rooflight was reduced in size, or removed completely and boarded over, as the lack of weather proofing and the difficulty of maintenance made them uneconomic and expensive to maintain.

However, modern sealing and double glazing provide much greater thermal efficiency and reduced heating costs. The use of durable hardwood timber for the frames and modern paints to paint them, has also makes the rooflight more owner friendly. Because of its position, the rooflight is exposed to more rain, frost and sunlight than any other painted part of the home. This constant weathering meant that in past times, annual repainting was often required in a difficult to reach position, leading to more expense. However, by using microporous paints and stains, today's frames enjoy outstanding protection against the elements even in harsh northern climates and coastal locations.

It's the introduction of modern construction methods like these that have lead to a renaissance in the use of rooflights in domestic and industrial architecture. What's more, old leaky and draughty rooflights can be replaced with a modern roof lantern that will need little maintenance and provide a more comfortable environment in the space below it.

Moreover, designers and architects also have the opportunity to specify anti-glare coatings or tints for the glazing, or even self-cleaning glass, although these will add to the cost of the rooflight.

In a conservation area or on a listed building, there is often a requirement to meet specified design features. These can usually be met, depending on the age of the property, by including Georgian wire sidelights, Victorian styled stained glass or other glass treatments as appropriate. It only takes a little ingenuity to achieve this and planning officials will generally be pleased as there is little compromise in the period design. Once again, modern construction will mean that the roof lantern will be longer lasting and require less maintenance than what it replaced.

So if you are planning to install a rooflight there are no longer a great number of negative reasons that should put you off. Instead you can look forward to enjoying more natural interior light and a design feature that will be the envy of friends and visitors.

Christopher Cooper's background encompassed training in architecture and traditional boat building, both of these skills being put to good use in developing his roof lanterns business. Starting in 1985 roof lanterns and skylights became a regular item in the order book and whilst these initial projects were 'one offs' it quickly became apparent that there was an increasing need for a standard design which would enable more efficient production. This reduced manufacturing costs, and the savings were reflected in the price to consumer and trade customers. Today he is one of the largest suppliers of roof lanterns in the UK.

The History And Health Benefits Of Hot Tubs

For many years, hot tubs and home spas were the exclusive luxuries of the wealthy. They were expensive to buy, expensive to operate and not very reliable. With the onset of better manufacturing and better materials, and lower prices, however, the popularity of hot tubs and home spas began to soar.

Spas Throughout History

History gives us many examples of spas being used as integral parts of life for many civilizations. The Romans are perhaps the most famous for their bathhouses, which became centers of social life and a common daily activity for the elite classes. Other cultures made use of spa-like hot baths as well, including the ancient peoples of China and Japan.

What did these civilizations know that others didnt? Setting aside technological differences, some of the earliest spa enthusiasts appreciated the health benefits of using hot water to relax the body, open the pores of the skin, and generally promote better health. Cleanliness was considered healthful and a sign of prosperity after all, you had to be pretty well off to afford the bath facilities themselves and to have the leisure time to partake of their benefits.

Hot Tub Hydrotherapy

As medical science has advanced, there has been an increased awareness of the benefits of hot tub hydrotherapy. Many medical conditions, injuries and other health problems can be eased or improved with regular hydrotherapy treatments.

For example, people with arthritis, multiple sclerosis, paralysis and other conditions that involve deteriorating range of motion benefit from time spent in a hot tub. The warm water helps ease aches and pains, while loosening joints and making them easier to move and keep mobile.

Joint problems, chronic back pain and other painful conditions resulting from injuries are also helped with regular hot tub hydrotherapy. Those seeking stress relief, general relaxation, and quiet opportunities for conversation commonly experience significant hot tub benefits as well.

Modern Spa and Hot Tub Hydrotherapy

Modern technology, materials and production processes make it possible to design and build home spas and hot tubs with highly specialized hydrotherapy features. These features are typically based on a combination of seating position, jet position and jet function. Lets look at each of these aspects in turn.

Seating Position Traditional hot tub seating was bench-style, typically in a round shape and at a uniform depth so that everyone sat at the same level in the tub. This made it challenging for people of different heights to fully benefit from hot tub therapy.

With the development of molded fiberglass spa shells came the development of different shapes and sizes of seats. Manufacturers began to include lounge seats, where the bather reclines in the water, as well as seats to accommodate bathers of different heights. Some also included deeper seats, designed to fully immerse the bather and allow placement of jets in specific positions for specific benefits.

Jet Position Moldable shell manufacturing made it possible for the first time to place jets in nearly any position within the tub. Manufacturers began experimenting with placing jets in places where they would focus on specific areas of the body, such as the back, neck, shoulders, arms and legs.

The earliest jets were single-action nozzles with limited ability to adjust where they were aimed or the intensity of the jet action. This made it difficult to use them in positions where they would affect more tender areas of the body, such as wrists, forearms, ankles, feet and knees. As manufacturers developed more advanced jets with a wider variety of functionality, though, the technology of hydrotherapy advanced significantly.

Jet Function Modern hot tubs and spas can be customized with a surprising variety of jets that range from multi-purpose to highly specialized. Buyers often are able to select exactly which jets to install in specific locations within their hot tub or home spa.

The most common types of jets available today include:

Swirl jets water swirls in a circular pattern, with a massaging action that covers a wide area

Whirlpool jets a large, round jet that concentrates pressure in a specific area

Mini jets smaller than standard jets, they are often grouped together in clusters, especially in massage and therapy seats

Pillow jets combines massaging action for the neck with a pillow designed to let the bather rest their head without going under water

Shoulder jets positioned above the water line to focus attention of specific parts of the shoulder

Moving massage jets this oval-shaped jet moves back and forth in a sweeping motion to provide pulsating therapy

The benefits of different jet types have grown substantially with the development of independent seating control. In older spas and hot tubs, one set of controls ran all of the therapy jets, but independent seating control allows each bather to control the strength and intensity of therapy in their own individual seat.

Hydrotherapy for Fitness

The latest technology in hydrotherapy involves using jetted tubs for fitness purposes. This new generation of home spas is elongated in shape and allows the bather to choose traditional spas functions or switch over to functions that allow for a vigorous workout. They are commonly referred to as swim spas.

A swim spa has powerful jets that set up a strong resistance current that allows the user to swim as if in a full sized lap pool. The elongated shape allows even the tallest people to stretch out into a full-length stroke and the center depth is such that even a full arm extension will not bump into the bottom of the spa.

Adjustable current jets make it possible to adjust workout intensity depending on the users fitness level, and increase intensity over time as the level of fitness improves.

Summary

Spas and hot tubs have been around in one form or another for centuries, but only in the last few decades have technology, materials and manufacturing improved to the point where a home spa is affordable enough and reliable enough to be within reach of most people.

Hot tub hydrotherapy is one of the most popular and effective ways to treat a wide variety of medical conditions, injuries, or simply promote relaxation and stress relief. Once you have experienced the benefits of a home spa or hot tub, you will wonder how you ever lived without one!

Julie Ann-Amos is a freelance writer for Hot Tubs 'N Home Spas.com, providing consumer information onportable hot tubs and home spas. She has reviewed dozens ofhot tubs and home spas and contributed articles on choosinghot tub spa enclosures and gazebos.

Copyright 2005 Hot-Tubs-N-Home-Spas.com

Permission is granted to publish this article on your site only if the author's byline is included and all 3 links are hyperlinked.

Problems With Building Contractors

Sometimes as contractors we get in a hurry and we just want to finish the job. We told the homeowner we would be done in three months, at the same time the homeowner keeps adding new work to the list.

I ran into a problem like this on one job where the contractor was in a hurry to finish the flooring and chose to go right over the existing floor that was out of level. He told the homeowner he didn't have time to repair that section of the floor. He was installing half-inch plywood over 1 x 6 diagonal floor sheeting to strengthen up the floor.

This floor was going to require quite a bit of attention from the contractor and his crew. The homeowner should have hired another contractor to repair the floor while the original contractor finished the house remodel. When your contractor gives you that much grief about any work, you need to start thinking about hiring another contractor or at least finding one to complete the task your original contractor has no interest in.

I felt sorry for the homeowner because this was not what he wanted and he was upset with the contractor but the job was done. This is my warning to any contractor, handyman or home repair specialists. When installing a new plywood floor over an existing floor to strengthen it up, use some common sense and repair the floor correctly or don't do the job at all.

I wrote this article for contractors to have a little more sympathy for the homeowners you are working for because sometimes they can't see the whole picture like you can. I also wrote this article for homeowners to listen to your contractor carefully when he is explaining a potential problem that you can't visualize further down the road. Any contractor with over 15 years experience remodeling homes has a pretty good idea what's going to happen next.

Greg Vanden Berge is working on the internet to promote the education for creating simple to follow guides and home building books to help professional building contractors as well as the weekend warriors. He is currently working on more building stairs books and adding useful content to help solve problems created by the lack of construction knowledge in the building industry.

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Building Stairs With Old Concrete - Remodeling Ideas

What a great idea using your old side walk or driveway to build a nice stairway for your front or back yard. Using the old concrete instead of sending it to the landfill. Wow talk about earth friendly. Who would have thought that using recycled concrete would create a beautiful center piece in your landscaping plans.

That's enough about that lets get to the nuts and bolts of building the stairs. I came across the idea by visiting one of our favorite breakfast stops in Fallbrook. I had been walking down these stairs for quite a while when it dawned on me that the stairs where kind of jagged. When I took a closer look I couldn't figure it out, What kind of building materials did they use.

Then I realized it was recycled concrete in other words someone's old side walk. They even used the old concrete to make some nice planter boxes and retaining walls. The whole area really looks nice. The landscaping created natural look with a old world look to it.

How do I build the stairs using recycled concrete? Simply put first thing you need to do is get some recycled concrete. If you are going to be tearing up a old sidewalk, driveway or patio then you won't have to look far.

If not you can contact some local general or demolition contractors. They would love to have someone haul away their concrete. The reason for this is they have to pay around five hundred dollars for every ten tons hauled away from the jobs they are working on.

The more recycled concrete you need the easier it will be to get it. If you need a lot you will be able to contact a concrete recycling plant and get the phone number to a local contractor that hauls broken up concrete to their plants. These people can drop off a large load if you have a large area to drop it.

Remember that most contractors don't want to be bothered because they are busy working or planning on working. The easier you can make it on the contractor the more likely you will get what you want from them. They usually aren't interested in doing extra work just to make you happy. You can get a lot by being courteous from most people.

Now that you have the concrete you can start building. The concrete will be stacked on top of the other concrete to form the steps. Depending on how long of a stairway you are building you will have to level the dirt and stack the recycled concrete to make the stairs.

Greg Vanden Berge is working on the internet to promote the education for creating simple to follow guides and home building books to help professional building contractors as well as the weekend warriors. He is currently working on more building stairs books and adding useful content to help solve problems created by the lack of construction knowledge in the building industry

Visit us now for more great Home Remodeling Tips

Dangers For Basement Waterproofing - Carlsbad Construction

One of the most fundamental elements of any good drainage system for protecting your home's foundation walls from water damage are footer drains, which act as conduits to move excess groundwater away from your basement. Footer drains are not a new modern concept, and have been around for many years. Still, the materials used to construct footer drains today are superior to those used years ago, which deteriorate and become ineffective over the years. Traditionally, basement waterproofing footer drains were made using clay tile, which worked well at the time. But if your house is several decades old, these clay footer drain tiles may be losing their effectiveness.

The problem with clay tile pipes and drains is that they can deteriorate over time, and develop cracks, breaks and slips that allows sediment and tree roots into the system. When enough roots and dirt have clogged a clay footer drain, it can become completely blocked and no longer allow the conveyance of water out away from your foundation. And if this happens, it's only a matter of time until excess groundwater builds up around your basement walls and begins to cause problems like water damage, mold, mildew, cracking and leaking. Any of these can end up being much more expensive to fix than simply fixing your current clay footer drain tiles.

That's not to suggest that you will necessarily have to replace your clay footer drains with modern PVC pipe drains in order to solve your basement waterproofing problem. on the contrary, in many cases your clay footer drains can be serviced by simply tapping into one corner of the drainage system and cleaning the drain itself. This is possible with either a drain snake auger or a high-pressure water jetting system, which can blast obstructions out of the drain and allow water to flow freely through it again.

If, however, your clay footer drain tiles are severely cracked, broken or slipped out of place, it may be necessary to replace some or all of your foundation drainage system. This can involve an extensive amount of work, since a complete excavation of your foundation is necessary to reach the footer drains themselves. And if your basement walls have been significantly damaged by hydrostatic pressure already, it may be necessary to also replace the blocks themselves, as well. As you can tell, it's better to service your existing clay footer drains to work properly before the damage becomes irreversible.

The advantage of having modern, perforated PVC pipe footer drains is that the materials are vastly more durable than clay and last longer without the need to clean them out as often. While newly constructed homes are now built using modern drainage materials, older homes that were built before PVC pipe may have to be serviced more often to ensure that there is no flooding or water damage in your basement. By having your clay footer drain tiles serviced regularly by professional drain cleaners, you can ensure that costly water damage and flooding issues won't be in your future.

Lorain County Sewer and Drain makes Olmstead Falls basement waterproofing easy and affordable. Visit our site today to learn more about basement waterproofing.

Stair Stringer Fire Blocking

Advice on Repairing Your Home

Repair jobs which require special knowledge and skill should be done only by a qualified person. Others can be performed by the householder who is handy with tools. Perhaps the majority will find the making of small repairs and improvements enjoyable and have some degree of skill in this direction.

If you are making additions to your home, such as a steam shower installation, you might want help there too. A steam shower could present difficulties if you don't know how to build a steam shower. You should probably know a little bit about wiring and plumbing, for example.

An easy do it yourself project would be to build a patio of some sort. These are more difficult to screw up, and if you do happen to mess something up, it is less likely to be fatal. In this case, you would mostly only be working with paint, cement, and wood on the ground level. Don't attempt anything more complex like a balcony until you have a little more experience.

Another simple addition would be something like a hot tub installation. Although hot tubs do require a bit of electricity, hot tubs and spas are far less complicated because all of the wiring goes to the control panel, and you don't need to mess with your pilot light as you would with the steam shower.

If you don't feel that it is necessary to add anything to your home, then any project you choose to undertake is probably feasible for an inexperienced individual. Painting obviously isn't too complicated. If you already have a balcony and only need to replace a few planks of wood, you will most likely be able to follow the plan of the rest of the balcony. Things like this generally don't require assistance or qualified supervision.

It is highly advisable to seek help when replacing a regular bathroom mirror with an antique bathroom vanity. You'll need to fiddle with wiring, so bathroom vanity installation could be dangerous. When installing bathroom vanity units, it might be a good idea to have an electrician do the part dealing with wiring.

There are many simple things you can do to your house that won't require you to hire somebody, and will go a long way in making your house look fancy. You can polish your own wood floors, or if you have carpeting, you can rent or even buy a carpet shampooing machine or a steam cleaner. It is hard work, but it is cheaper than hiring workers to come and do it for you.

You can also use these machines on most cloth furniture like couches and chairs if it seems like a simple vacuum job won't do the trick. For wood furniture, you can sand down the rough spots and refinish them with varnish and wood polish. It really doesn't take all that long and it's safe to do on your own as long as you are in a well ventilated area, and protect your eyes and skin.

Allison Ryan is a freelance marketing writer from San Diego, CA. She specializes in home improvement, remodeling, and interior design. For the perfect steam shower or bathroom vanity for your home, please visit http://www.mybath.biz/.

Your Royal Stairway - How to Achieve One

More often than not, most items found in your home serve primarily the purpose of decoration. Take your vases, paintings, and carvings, among others, as examples. However, some items serve for particular functions but may also serve as a decoration. Take your crystal chandelier (it is primarily to give light to your home but also serves as dcor to your ceilings) and your antique mirror for instance.

One thing that is not actually furniture which can be both useful and decorative in function is the stairway. Oftentimes, they serve as pathways from one level of our house to the next. Obviously, this is really a great help in houses with two or more floors. There are also houses which opt to put a stairway's platform in direct vision of a person entering the house from a front door. It gives out this appealing impression. Given this, it is therefore necessary that a stairway is not only sturdy and secure (for purposes of safety) but also must demonstrate "grandiosity" in its own right. Usually, this is attributed to the entire design of the stairway, but can also be tracked down to the specific stair parts, too. You have to remember that even the smallest detail, in this case part, can affect the totality of a whole structure to function and serve its purpose. This goes the same for the stairway and its stair parts.

A stairway may be built in different fashions. It can be helical, straight, or sectioned with a balcony. These final structures usually depend more or less on the materials used for the stair parts. Colossal mansions and castles usually have marble staircases of regal grace and elegance. Suburban homes have staircases of wood. For high buildings and skyscrapers, they have cemented or stone-made staircases. There are also some which have more than two or more materials mixed.

Some stair parts may be made of wood, while the others with cement or steel or other materials. For example, the steps are made of cement, the balusters from steel and the handrail from wood. However, when a staircase is made of marble, it is almost always the only material used for its stair parts, too. Oftentimes, the color of these stairways is usually the same with the rest of the house. This is because a stairway is a part of the entirety of the structure of the house.

There are various designs and materials of stair parts which when combined properly may produce a great look for the stairways. The general consideration is on the structure of your home. Also, consideration is also given to your budget to achieve the one which you like and is fit for your home. Most construction stores and depots offer various stair parts with affordable and reasonable prices.

Stairways, just like any general structures, rely greatly on their stair parts to achieve the final look to be visually stimulating to your guests and visitors and also for its solidity. Be certain that you only get what is best for your stairway to produce the effect of a royal pathway, to the next floor that is.

For more information about Stair Parts feel free to visit http://www.elegantstairsandwoodfloors.com

Eliza Maledevic Ayson writes for Jump2top.com - SEO Company

Spray Foam Insulation Lets You Go Green

The unique challenge of our times is conservation. Everything, from public busses to private homes, is feeling the pressure to go green. In some cases, it's easily accomplished. In others, it's not as easy. And in all aspects of life, the focus has shifted to renewable, eco-friendly resources.

They say every little bit helps. Why not do your part to make your home or business more environmentally helpful? By using eco-safe, agriculturally based spray foam insulation, you can.

There are a variety of insulation options but some are much greener than others. If you're concerned with your home using renewable, energy efficient materials, then using a foam insulation spray could be your solution.

In addition to other benefits you get from using a foam insulator in your home or business, the product is also environmentally friendly. It's made up mainly of renewable resources and the means of application is Earth friendly. It is free of ozone depleting components, and the application solution is water based.

Unlike similar petroleum based products, the greener spray foam has the highest oxygen index, and zero fuel contribution. There are few products that can boast such qualities. The properties of the insulation also help to make your home energy efficient.

You can apply this insulation anywhere you need it, around joints, joists, frames and other building support structures and still get a tight seal. You won't get any air pockets or little crevices where air can leak in or out. This sort of air tight sealing ability helps to keep your heating and cooling units working efficiently. Also, it allows you to get a smaller unit because it doesn't have to work so hard. It's been shown to reduce heating and cooling costs by 40%. That's effectiveness you can see.

Not only is spray foam insulation green, it's versatile. It functions well as a barrier to airborne sound and comes with one of the highest fire resistances available in similar products. Pest and rodents won't do any damage because the insulator has no nutritional value to them. It's water resistant, and flexible enough to allow some movement of the building structure. Finally, it produces no toxic vapors after it's applied. You can even rent or buy the equipment and install it yourself.

With concerns about the environment on everyone's minds, it helps that you can find products to help in your conservation efforts. You can get greener cars, recycle your trash and electronics, and buy energy efficient appliances. Why not make your home or business part of the solution? Renewable resources benefit all of us.

The best thing about spray foam insulation is that you can put it anywhere. It doesn't matter if you're starting fresh on your building, or replacing worn out or useless materials. The spray foam can be applied to existing structures with the same effectiveness it has on new structures.
If going green is a priority for your house or office, applying spray foam insulation is another way to help your environment.

With concerns for the environment growing daily, it's good to know there are more ways that we can be eco-responsible. For your home or business, you can apply spray foam insulation, renewable and energy efficient product. Visit Apex Foam today to see their foam selection. http://www.apexfoam.com

Kitchen Cart Ideas

Preventing Damage to Septic Tanks - Home Repair Advice

Septic tanks, like all other products, need periodic maintenance to function properly. And if something goes wrong anywhere in the septic system, the costs can be huge. Apart from periodic maintenance and inspection, it is also necessary that we use our drainage lines properly. This article discusses the basics of septic tanks and some typical things that we shouldn't do if we want to increase the life of the septic system.

Let's first see how septic tanks function properly for so long without maintenance. Whenever something goes out through the drainage lines in our homes, it goes to the septic tank initially. Visualize of it as a gigantic tank that is usually made of concrete though very old ones are probably made of steel. The drainage lines enter the tank through an inlet tee near the top, while there is another outlet tee at the other end from where liquids leaves the tank and goes to the drain field into the soil.

Upon water entering via the inlet tee, the solid materials often sink to the bottom of the tank make a sludge. Some solids that don't sink inside the water gather at the surface along with grease and oily liquids forming scum. Since the outlet tee is at a certain height, solids from the sludge usually don't pass on to the drain field. Likewise, the tees keep sludge and dirt away from the out and inlet.

Bacteria within the septic tank help to liquify the solids, ensuring that they don't build up too much. This is the manner in which septic tanks continue functioning well - unless damage occurs to them, which it usually does eventually. The issues most often happen when debris reaches the out or inlet. So the only way to keep the system running smoothly is by pumping the waste out of the tank before the sludge or scum become overgrown in volume.

Nevertheless, you still need to be careful in your routine life to increase the performance of septic tanks. Firstly, the drain field should not be damp with rainwater; if it is already overloaded with water from other sources, it would not be able to efficiently absorb the water coming from the septic tank. Likewise, make sure that your internal draining lines are not putting an unnecessary amount of water into the septic tank. A common reason for this can be leaking faucets or overrunning showers. So fix these problems whenever you come across them.

Secondly, do not plant trees close to septic tanks as the roots may grow into the equipment and cause problems. And don't throw all sorts of garbage into your drainage system. Diapers, condoms, napkins aren't usually broken down into liquids by bacteria and would quickly pile up the level of sludge inside the septic tank. Additionally, ensure you do not use chemical cleaning agents in substantial volumes; these cleaners typically eliminate bacteria inside the tanks and hinder the processing of liquefying solids. And most importantly, never drain grease or other oily liquids; these would gather inside tanks as scum and may even harm the soil and drain field if they escape through the outlet.

Take all these precautionary steps and you will rarely face problems with the septic system.

Scott Rodgers is a plumbing professional who has worked with septic tanks for many years. If you want more information on septic tanks or a qualified plumber to help you repair damage to your tank, visit http://www.eLocalPlumbers.com

Minimum Access In Crawlspace

Cost Effective Roofing - Poway Home Remodeling

Modern roofs are much more than coverings to keep out the elements; they are an investment and can be a costly expense if not well cared for. Roofs of the past let hot summer air and the winter cold into the uppermost regions of a facility or private home. As facility managers looks for ways to reduce overhead and maintenance costs, roofing is becoming a focal point for those who need to manage the health of their buildings as well as their energy costs.

Choose the Material for your Climate

There has been a marked increase in roofing manufacturers since 1970 till now there are about 500. New energy efficient roofs have taken the place of the old chemically based sheets of shingles. Not only do they save energy but they last anywhere from ten to forty years longer than their predecessors. With proper maintenance a new, energy efficient roof can protect a business for up to fifty years!

Not only do you have a wide variety of materials to choose from, there are many different roofing materials to serve different needs. Those in climates with long, hot summers might want to choose a new tile roof that draws hot air in at the eave level and expels it at the ridge, using hot air's natural cycle of rising to keep the building cool. Chemical roofs were once the norm but now roofs are more complex-cool roofs, metal roofs, even green roofs are becoming more common. Cool metal roofing would be more efficient for tropical climates and save up to forty percent on energy costs. Old asphalt roofs trapped heat whereas metal reflects it. These cool metal roofs can also reduce the temperature of a neighborhood by about twelve degrees!

How Modern Roofing Works

A roof that keeps hot air away from the building can save thousands on indoor climate control. The temperatures on a roof can reach 150-190 degrees and new energy saving materials can keep that heat away from the interior of the building. During the replacement cycle that all roofs have, replacing old school roofing with new energy saving materials and extras can save a significant amount of money. By keeping the hot air moving away from the roof, the air conditioning unit doesn't have to work as hard, extending its life and saving on maintenance costs.

Extras Will Save More than they Cost

Extras that can be added onto an existing roof, such as sky lights and vents, can also extend the life of a building. Tinted skylights will reflect harmful UV rays while making use of natural lighting while un-tinted skylights can allow in the warmth of the winter sun. Many facility managers are staggering both types of skylights and adding interior shields in order to take advantage of natural light in all seasons and solar warmth during the cold season.

Regular inspections, especially before or after severe weather incidents will extend the life of your roof while the cost of such inspections are actually investments in your roof's longevity and efficiency. Inspections can catch a few loose shingles or tiles before they turn into costly repairs.

Rialto Management Corp. manages properties in New York city. For more information about NYC building management or New York City building management please visit their website.

Rusted Electrical Box Exterior

Popular Alternative to Boring Windows

Considering the popularity of mini Tiffany stained glass windows, it is clear that there are all manner of individuals who are more than happy to utilize these types of products in their homes. With so much emphasis on beautifying your home and creating an aesthetic value, it is easy to see that there is no end in sight of individuals making the effort to create a beautiful effect in their home. With mini Tiffany stained glass windows available, it is easy enough to install these types of products and create a tremendous level of beauty for the home itself.

With so many people from around the world making this effort, the popularity of mini Tiffany stained glass windows continues to rise well into the modern day. While the practice of installing this product in the past was fairly common, in recent years, there has been less and less emphasis on this type of effort overall. Largely due to the perceived expense of stained glass windows, there are less and less individuals utilizing this type of product until recently.

With so many new manufacturing processes in place, the cost of these products has come down substantially, making it a simple matter to install and not have to worry overly much about the installation process or the cost of the product. With the low prices in place, the popularity of these products has shot up considerably. Whatever it is you might require, you can very likely get it at a much lower price than you might suspect.

With so much effort to beautify the home, there are all manner of individuals who are trying their best to install the popular products and make their home more attractive than their neighbors. With this focus on beautification in the modern day, it is clear that there is no end of individuals who are concerned with the looks of their home and the belief that mini Tiffany stained glass windows can increase the aesthetic value.

Anyone who is proud of their home and enjoys the aesthetic value that they can build into their house would be well served to utilize mini Tiffany stained glass windows for those areas of the home that are available for this purpose. With so many individuals looking to improve the looks of their home, it is only natural that so many of them would turn to stained glass windows in order to provide what they need.

With the use of mini Tiffany stained glass windows, it is a simple matter to install this type of product and create a completely different look for your home. With all this effort involved, you can ensure that there is no stone left unturned in the effort to beautify your home. From windows around the front of your home all the way around to the back, the addition of stained glass windows can not only beautify your home but create amazing displays of color inside the home as well.

As the popularity continues to rise for these types of products there are all manner of individuals who are happy to utilize the beautifying effect that mini Tiffany stained glass windows offers, allowing them to create a large range of colors and lighting in their home when the sun shines through these particular windows. With stained glass windows in place, there is no end of the exciting and dramatic changes that occur to the beauty of the home as well as the lighting of the interior.

With more and more individuals looking to use stained glass windows to spruce up their home, it is not hard to see that there is no end in sight for the ongoing effort to beautify otherwise bland homes with the use of mini Tiffany stained glass windows. Simply by installing these types of products, the homes themselves can increase their curb appeal and the level of enjoyment that people have when viewing them. Anyone who might be concerned with the beauty of their home would be well served by utilizing stained glass windows in order to complete the aesthetic appeal of their greatest investment.

Shop our large selection of Tiffany Lamps and Windows Mini Tiffany Stained Glass Windows all at affordable prices.

And for all your lighting needs from lamps to windows go to lotsoflamps.com

Bathroom Remodeling Contractors

Well here's the age old question, how do we go about finding a decent bathroom remodeling contractor.

Here's some things you will be looking for in a contractor.

1. Is Your Contractor Fair and Honest?

2. Does Your Contractor Have Experience Remodeling and Designing Bathrooms?

3. Can You Actually Find a Contractor Who Will Complete the Job in a Timely Manner?

4. Do You Think the Workers Will Be Able to Clean the Job up Daily?

5. Will the Contractor Show up on Time?

6. Is the Contractor Going to Work At Least Eight Hours a Day?

7. Does the Contractor's Crew Have Experience?

8. Is Your Contractor and His Crew Courteous?

If you find a contractor for your bathroom remodeling project that has answered yes to all questions above, hire that person immediately. Most contractors can sincerely answer yes to half of the questions above. If you're looking for the ultimate bathroom remodeling contractor, you could be searching for quite a while, you're looking for some one that is competent and you feel comfortable with.

When hiring a contractor, look for someone who has your interest in mind first and not theirs. Find someone who is willing to help with the designed process of your bathroom and the remodeling. If you find a contractor to be arrogant or controlling, there is a good chance, your bathroom might not turn out the way you envision it.

When hiring a contractor for your bathroom remodeling project or any home improvement project, the most important thing to keep in mind is, whether or not you feel comfortable with this person or not. Never hire a contractor you're not comfortable with.

If a contractor is referred to you by someone you trust, this does not guarantee you will be happy with the bathroom remodel. Most referrals that I have gotten over the years are like rolling the dice, I believe I would have done just as good picking a name out of a hat.

Greg Vanden Berge is working on the internet to promote the education for creating simple to follow guides and home building books to help professional building contractors as well as the weekend warriors. He is currently working on more building stairs and adding useful content to help solve problems created by the lack of construction knowledge in the building industry.

Cut Hip Rafter Damage

Can You Use Old Concrete To Build A Stairway

What a great idea using your old side walk or driveway to build a nice stairway for your front or back yard. Using the old concrete instead of sending it to the landfill. Wow talk about earth friendly. Who would have thought that using recycled concrete would create a beautiful center piece in your landscaping plans.

That's enough about that lets get to the nuts and bolts of building the stairs. I came across the idea by visiting one of our favorite breakfast stops in Fallbrook. I had been walking down these stairs for quite a while when it dawned on me that the stairs where kind of jagged. When I took a closer look I couldn't figure it out, What kind of building materials did they use.

Then I realized it was recycled concrete in other words someone's old side walk. They even used the old concrete to make some nice planter boxes and retaining walls. The whole area really looks nice. The landscaping created natural look with a old world look to it.

How do I build the stairs using recycled concrete? Simply put first thing you need to do is get some recycled concrete. If you are going to be tearing up a old sidewalk, driveway or patio then you won't have to look far.

If not you can contact some local general or demolition contractors. They would love to have someone haul away their concrete. The reason for this is they have to pay around five hundred dollars for every ten tons hauled away from the jobs they are working on.

The more recycled concrete you need the easier it will be to get it. If you need a lot you will be able to contact a concrete recycling plant and get the phone number to a local contractor that hauls broken up concrete to their plants. These people can drop off a large load if you have a large area to drop it.

Remember that most contractors don't want to be bothered because they are busy working or planning on working. The easier you can make it on the contractor the more likely you will get what you want from them. They usually aren't interested in doing extra work just to make you happy. You can get a lot by being courteous from most people.

Now that you have the concrete you can start building. The concrete will be stacked on top of the other concrete to form the steps. Depending on how long of a stairway you are building you will have to level the dirt and stack the recycled concrete to make the stairs.

Greg Vanden Berge is working on the internet to promote the education for creating simple to follow guides and home building books to help professional building contractors as well as the weekend warriors. He is currently working on more building stairs books and adding useful content to help solve problems created by the lack of construction knowledge in the building industry.

Visit us now for more great Home Remodeling Tips

What Causes Attic Odors And Stra
Hip And Gable Roof

HVAC Home Improvement Tax Credits

HVAC home improvement tax credits are back by popular demand, or should I say, unpopular demand.In 2005, the Bush administration implemented the federal tax credit for energy efficiency.This tax credit covers a broad spectrum of home improvements, but for the sake of this writing,we are concentrating on the HVAC, home improvement tax credits that allow homeowners to take advantage of direct tax credits for replacing older inefficient heating and air conditioning systems with higher efficiency, Energy Star rated appliances.

The original 2005 program ran through and expired at the end of December, 2007.Home improvements made during 2008 were not eligible for this program, but, in light of the ever increasing economic downturn nearing the close of last year, on October 3, 2008, President Bush signed into law the "Emergency Economic Stabilization Act of 2008."This bill extended tax credits for energy efficient Home Heating & Cooling System improvements. Tax credits for these residential products, which had expired at the end of 2007, will again be available for improvements made during 2009.

The following Tax Credits available for these HVAC improvements include:

$300- Split System Air Conditioning- 15 SEER Minimum
$300- Air Source Heat Pumps- 9HSPF or 15 SEER Minimum
$150-Gas, Oil, Propane Furnace or Hot Water Boiler- 95% AFUE Minimum
$50- Advanced Main Air Circulating Fan- < 2% furnace total energy use

What this means to you the taxpayer, by purchasing.For example, a qualifying air conditioning unit, along with a qualifying gas furnace, where the additional advanced Main Air circulating fan, which in layman's terms "variable speed drive", you would qualify for up to a $500 tax credit that you can apply to your 2009 federal income tax filing.

If you're considering upgrading you're heating and air-conditioning system, 2009 will be a great year for that, and these additional tax credits will allow you to upgrade your homes energy efficiency.It is important to note, that not all ENERGY STAR qualified homes and products qualify for a tax credit. Tax credits are available for a number of products at the highest efficiency levels, which can cost more than standard products.ENERGY STAR distinguishes energy efficient products which, although they may cost more to purchase than standard models, will pay you back in lower energy bills within a reasonable amount of time, even without a tax credit.

These tax credits are not automatic.You must submit a form that authenticates your specific qualifying brand and model numbers.Your HVAC contractor or supplier should furnish these documents.Qualifying brands and models can be found at the U.S. Government Energy Star Website.

Jay Boyd owns his own heating and air conditioning store Home Air Direct where he helps the do-it-yourselfer save money. His blog site Ask Boyd contains numerous tips and stories involving the HVAC industry.

Wall Spacing For Home Building

Remodeling and building homes over the years I have seen all sorts of stud spacing measurements in bearing and non-bearing walls.

How far should we space a framing stud in a bearing wall?

Most plans will give you this information. If you have a structural shear wall the plans will tell you what size of lumber to use at the plywood breaks. The normal spacing on a bearing wall will be 16 inches on center unless otherwise noted on the building plans. This is the most common spacing for studs in a wall.

How far can we space framing studs in a nonbearing wall?

I have seen studs spaced as far as 24 inches on center in a nonbearing wall. Over the years looking at the building code books I have found this to be acceptable for most framing applications. Do not confuse a nonbearing walls with a structural shear walls because there is no weight sitting on the shear wall.

Interior structural shear walls will require 16 inch on center spacing or less depending on the structural engineer and your local building department.

What are the disadvantages of spacing the studs 24 inches on center?

Using half-inch drywall with 24 inch on center stud spacing can give the wall a week or spongy feel. I have been in houses that have 24 inch on center's stud spacing and can actually push the wall and see it move. Using 5/8 drywall will solve this problem in your walls.

What are the advantages of spacing the studs 24 inches on center?

The only advantage in spacing the studs farther apart is the fact you will be able to save a few dollars on the overall cost of building or remodeling your house. I personally do not recommend this process because the savings is miniscule compared to the overall cost of building the entire house.

If you look on a measuring tape between 19 and 20 inches you will usually find a little diamond. This little diamond is another measurement for laying out eight-foot walls or floors. So instead of using 16 inch on center layout you can use 19 1/4 for stud spacing. This will save you an additional stud in your wall or floor joist every 8 feet.

I have been writing more articles on home construction problems trying to help contractors and homeowners build safer stronger houses.

Greg Vanden Berge is working on the internet to promote the education for creating simple to follow guides and home building books to help professional building contractors as

well as the weekend warriors. He is currently working on more Building and Remodeling Library and adding useful content to help solve problems created by the lack of construction knowledge in the building industry.

Visit us and get more information on building and remodeling your homes in San Marcos Home Building

2 Layers Of Old Composition

Harvesting Rainwater - Home Advice

The so-called "green" harvesting of roof-shed rainwater with above-ground rain barrels or catch tanks reduces the watershed that currently overloads some of our municipal sewer and storm-water drainage systems. Still, could we do the same thing by installing underground cisterns similar to those used during the 1800's and early 1900's?

Description of theearlier cisterns

Many older homes and estates today still have the remnants of their early underground rainwater cisterns. These fairly large round, water-tight, root-free, 500-to-5000-gallon cisterns were madefrom brick, stone, rock, plaster,concrete, or combinations of these materials. They were each capped withan above-ground manhole-typeof openinglarge enough totake a big bucket. Thisopeningallowed the cisternto be periodically cleaned-out and repaired by the owner or by a third-party service.

The tin or zinc-plated guttering used on the house eaves then, whichcarriedthe rainwaterdown to the cisterns, were open and not covered. So,quite a bitofwind-blown tree leaves andseeds,and other debriscould maketheir into the cisterns. For that reason, the suction end of theiron plumbingwas located above the cistern floor, where the debris would eventually settle.

This relatively clean, soft,outsidewater supplywas plumbed directly tothe long-handle hand-pumps installed at the kitchen and bathroom sinks and thebathtubin the main house. Itwas also plumbed to the hand-pump in a small building behind the house that served as a summer kitchen and a place to wash laundry, to can garden produce, and to butcher chickens and hogs. This water supply remained relatively cool and unfrozen the year around. Generally, it was used for cooking, washing dishes, cleaning, canning, butchering, and bathing. But it could be drunk, too, after boiling it.

Modern cisterns

Modern cisterns operate much like the ones described above. However,instead of being built into the ground from scratch, they are buried prefabricated ones instead. That is, these cisternscould beprefabricated concrete receptacles, orthey could be large prefabricated heavy-duty plastic tanks capped withfairly large screw-on tops, similar to the ones seen on certain lawn-treatment trucks.

Also,today'saluminum, steel, plastic, or coppereave gutterswill haveporous or solidcoverings. Thus, the amount of debris entering the cisterns from the rooftops will be minimal. Yet, the fine sand-like material shed by asphalt or composite shingles willneed to be filtered out earlyduring the harvesting process; else, it will eventually have to be removed from the buried cistern. Theplumbing for the moderncisternwill beheavy plastic pipe. Of course, the pump itself will probably be an electric one, its size and accessories will depend on how the harvested water is used.

More-than-likely, becausemost of us alreadyhavereliable purified municipal indoor drinking and bathing water supplies, this cistern water will be used for outdoor purposes, like, for the sprinkling of lawns and gardens, for filling fish ponds and small treated swimming pools,for watering trees and animals, and for washing vehicles, driveways, patios, decks,andhouses.The following three advantages ofthe modernburied cistern system suggest this technology will work well today: 1) theyare hidden from view and out-of-the-way by being underground, 2) theydo not foster the production ofalgae or mosquitoes in the summer time, and 3) theyhelp conserve themunicipal storm-drainage systemsand drinking water supplies.

Further information on cisterns

Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia Cistern http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cistern

Author contact: j__l__d@sbcglobal.net

Fixings Squeaky Stairs - Home Repairs

Oh yes the common problem of squeaking stairs in an older house. This could become very frustrating and annoying as you walk up and down the stairs. There seems to be one or two stair treads that are always squeaking. That annoying sound as you walk as softly as you can on your way down to the kitchen in the middle of the night to grab a quick snack.

The number one cause of squeaking stairs is when the nails used to fasten the stair tread to the stair strainers has worked its way loose. Over time as the lumber shrinks in the stair treads and the stairs stringers. You will start to develop a separation or a gap between the stair tread and the stair strainer.

The stair stringer can shrink as much as 3/8 of an inch in just a few years. I was building a home and went to measure the stair stringer that was 11 1/2 inches wide originally. Then I measured it after two months outside in the summer sun it now measured 11 1/16". I was amazed that the lumber could shrink that much in such a short period of time.

As the stair stringer shrinks it starts to pull away from the plywood or hardwood stair tread. As it starts to separate from the stair tread the nail will stay in its original position until the stair tread starts to put pressure on the nail eventually lifting it up a little bit higher than its original position.

As you step on the stair tread the squeaking sound you hear is the nail rubbing against the stair tread. There are a few ways to fix a squeaking stair tread. If you have access to under the stairway you can apply some adhesive along with a 10 inch 2 x 4 under the stair tread and attach it to the stair stringer.

First apply adhesive to two sides of the 2 x 4. The adhesive will be used to glue the stair tread to the stair stringer. You can use screws to screw the new 2 x 4 onto the side of the stair stringer.

If you cannot access the underside of the stairs and you have carpeting you can actually locate the stair stringer and drive a 2 inch screw through the carpeting in to the stair stringer. This will pull the stair tread down and will not allow it to rub up against the nail making that awful sound of a squeaking stair case.

If you have a finished wood stair tread you will not be able to screw through it into the stair stringer without damaging the finish on tread itself. It will be easier to access the stair stringer from below somehow and apply the 2 x 4 with the adhesive to stop the stair squeak.

You can apply these methods to as many stair treads that are squeaking without taking apart the entire staircase and rebuilding it.

Greg Vanden Berge is working on the internet to promote the education for creating simple to follow guides and home building books to help professional building contractors as well as the weekend warriors. He is currently working on more building stairs books and adding useful content to help solve problems created by the lack of construction knowledge in the building industry.

Stair Building

Corner Roof Fascia Damage

Resources For Professional Contractors

It is often said in the marketing world that it costs far less to retain an existing client than to acquire a new one. Past clients not only provide the opportunity for repeat business, they can also be excellent sources of referrals for future contracts. Even if you rely mainly on word-of-mouth to acquire new clients, you do not have to leave it up to chance and hope that clients will recommend your services. There are a few ways to keep your name at the forefront of clients' minds so that you get a call when they are ready to embark on a new construction or remodeling project. Here are a few ideas to help you do just that:

Make a positive impression that lasts. Clients must have confidence in you before they will recommend your services to friends and family, so building repeat and referral business starts at your first conversation. Whether you are on the phone with a client, at a meeting or on the job site, professionalism should be displayed in your demeanor, quality of work and in the way you interact with other people. Whether dealing with the client, a subcontractor or the neighbor from next door, always be conscious of how your words and behavior could be perceived.

Use follow-up to keep your name on clients' minds. Even satisfied clients can lose your contact information, particularly when their projects are spaced out over time. Since repeat business hinges on positive relationships, staying in touch can mean the difference between loyal clients and clients who forget your name. One way to stay in touch is sending periodic cards to your client list for major holidays or their birthdays. A regular e-mail newsletter is another way to maintain contact unobtrusively. Be sure to maintain a friendly, professional tone and practice moderation in the frequency of such communication, staying in touch without bombarding clients with too much information.

Give the kind of business cards that stick around. Consider stocking up on magnetic business cards or promotional items such as magnetic mini-calendars showing your business name and contact information. Such items provide another means of keeping your name in front of clients, helping them remember your name, what you do and how to contact you. Whereas a paper business card will most likely go into a client's wallet or the trash, a magnetic calendar may stay on the refrigerator all year long. You may consider sending promotional items to your client list as freebies together with holiday or birthday cards as suggested above.

Make it personal. Clients will be more inclined to call you again if they feel you truly care about their needs. When you send a card, letter or e-mail to a client, try to include a note that makes the message personal. Personalizing a message may involve taking more detailed notes about clients from your first meeting. Perhaps in conversation with a client, he or she mentioned an interest in remodeling a bathroom in the coming year. A well-timed follow up stating that you would love to provide a quote for the bathroom project will show the client that you are attentive to his or her needs, and your meticulous follow-up could give you just the edge needed to win the job.

Relationship marketing is a field in and of itself, and there are plenty of companies that would be happy to implement some of these ideas for you if you do not wish to do so yourself. Making a positive impression and staying in touch with your client base can help you acquire repeat business and new clients on an ongoing basis.

Maria Polidoro is the CEO of Ace Tool Online, a New York based authorized dealer for virtually all major hand and power tool manufacturers. Ace Tool offers a comprehensive electric power tool selection including Milwaukee tools, Festool power tools, Amana tools and Champion Tool. Please visit Ace Tool Online for more information and great prices on power tools.

Cost Effective Roofing Ideas

Modern roofs are much more than coverings to keep out the elements; they are an investment and can be a costly expense if not well cared for. Roofs of the past let hot summer air and the winter cold into the uppermost regions of a facility or private home. As facility managers looks for ways to reduce overhead and maintenance costs, roofing is becoming a focal point for those who need to manage the health of their buildings as well as their energy costs.

Choose the Material for your Climate

There has been a marked increase in roofing manufacturers since 1970 till now there are about 500. New energy efficient roofs have taken the place of the old chemically based sheets of shingles. Not only do they save energy but they last anywhere from ten to forty years longer than their predecessors. With proper maintenance a new, energy efficient roof can protect a business for up to fifty years!

Not only do you have a wide variety of materials to choose from, there are many different roofing materials to serve different needs. Those in climates with long, hot summers might want to choose a new tile roof that draws hot air in at the eave level and expels it at the ridge, using hot air's natural cycle of rising to keep the building cool. Chemical roofs were once the norm but now roofs are more complex-cool roofs, metal roofs, even green roofs are becoming more common. Cool metal roofing would be more efficient for tropical climates and save up to forty percent on energy costs. Old asphalt roofs trapped heat whereas metal reflects it. These cool metal roofs can also reduce the temperature of a neighborhood by about twelve degrees!

How Modern Roofing Works

A roof that keeps hot air away from the building can save thousands on indoor climate control. The temperatures on a roof can reach 150-190 degrees and new energy saving materials can keep that heat away from the interior of the building. During the replacement cycle that all roofs have, replacing old school roofing with new energy saving materials and extras can save a significant amount of money. By keeping the hot air moving away from the roof, the air conditioning unit doesn't have to work as hard, extending its life and saving on maintenance costs.

Extras Will Save More than they Cost

Extras that can be added onto an existing roof, such as sky lights and vents, can also extend the life of a building. Tinted skylights will reflect harmful UV rays while making use of natural lighting while un-tinted skylights can allow in the warmth of the winter sun. Many facility managers are staggering both types of skylights and adding interior shields in order to take advantage of natural light in all seasons and solar warmth during the cold season.

Regular inspections, especially before or after severe weather incidents will extend the life of your roof while the cost of such inspections are actually investments in your roof's longevity and efficiency. Inspections can catch a few loose shingles or tiles before they turn into costly repairs.

Rialto Management Corp. manages properties in New York city. For more information about NYC building management or New York City building management please visit their website.

Stopped Losing Your Car Keys

Wood Rot Problems In Your House

Let me give you some advice right now," All Wood Rots Eventually". I have heard it all when it comes to this wood or that wood lasting this long or that long........ Hello....... All wood is going to rot at some period of it's life.

With that out of the way we can focus on some wood seems to last a little longer under certain conditions.

Teak is a wood that has a lot of natural oil in it. But you won't frame a house with it. Teak is used on boats and expensive outdoor furniture. It is a excellent wood to use when building a ship. The woods natural oils seem to create a protective barrier around it allowing it to last a long time even at sea. Great wood for the outdoors...

Oak is a excellent choice for almost every wood finish inside your home. It is used for kitchen cabinets, entertainment centers, flooring, trim and furniture. Oak is a hard wood and can take a lot of abuse from almost anything except water. I have seen a nice piece of furniture get stained from just setting one glass on it for ten minutes. Great Wood For Inside Your Home.

Poplar is also a great choice for inside your house. This wood is used by many finish carpenters for making cabinets and other built ins for your house. It is also popular not poplar for wood trim . Most of the poplar that is used inside of your home will eventually get painted. So that makes poplar a inexpensive choice of wood for homeowners that want a nice painted finish on their interior wood projects. Great Wood For Inside Your Home.

Douglas Fir is the most common source of lumber used on the west coast of the United States. This is a extremely durable wood product. On the East Coast they use southern pine and the nominal thickness is usually two inches by four inches for a 2 x 4 . With Douglas Fir a 2 x 4 is one inch and a half by three and one half inches to support the same weight structurally. In my opinion one of the best home framing materials.

Douglas Fir can and has been for a long time now. A great source for clear finish materials used inside of the house. You will see a nice orange or brown looking piece of wood stained naturally in some older home. This is Douglas Fir. It can be a bit pricy but really gives a log cabin look to your home.

Redwood is a great choice for inside or outside your home. I love Redwood it has a nice look to it stained naturally. Redwood is used for a lot of siding, fences, decks and out door furniture. The main problem with Redwood is that is is soft and will get scratched easily. Now for the facts about Redwood. It does rot and termites will eat it.

Wood myth number one eliminated. I have heard stories about wood that termites won't eat. Well Redwood is not one of them. I have seen termites tearing this stuff up. Don't get caught up in the hype that this or that wood will last for 5 years or 50 years. Under the right conditions almost all woods will rot at a accelerated rate.

For more information on wood damage, check out wood repair at http://gregvan.com/wood_repair.htm

Copyright 2008 Greg Vanden Berge All Rights Reserved

Greg Vanden Berge is working on the internet to promote the education for creating simple to follow guides and home building books to help professional building contractors as well as the weekend warriors. He is currently working on more building stairs books and adding useful content to help solve problems created by the lack of construction knowledge in the building industry. Few Home Remodeling Rules

2 X 4 Bottom Plate Dry Rot