Home Safety For Seniors

'Tis the season for slips and falls! Icy sidewalks, snowy paths..... and inside the house?

Here is a check list of safety precautions for the older members of the family. If your frail elderly mother is moving in with you, or Grandad is coming to stay it is a good idea to go through the house and check for hazards and add a few safety features before they come.

Front path and steps

• Make sure that the paths to the house are even, no major cracks, roots or rocks.
• Keep steps and paths clear of snow and ice.
• Check the stairs - no holes or uneven concrete.
• Hand rails, both sides if possible.
• Path and front entrance well lit. Movement-detector lights work well.

Entrance, Hallways and Stairs

• Declutter - make sure that shoes are put away and outdoor clothes hung up. If there are children, teach them to put their toys away.
• Lighting - halls and stairs should be well lit. A night light in the hall between bedroom and bathroom is vital.
• Take up any loose mats that could be a tripping hazard.
• Check that stair rails are secure.

Bedrooms

• No loose mats or rugs
• Make room around the bed, especially if your elderly Mom or Dad uses a walker.
• Have an easy to reach lamp by the bed. If it is awkward to reach the lamp, a sound activated ("clap-on - clap-off") lamp will help.
• A phone beside the bed.
• For folks stiff with arthritis or others who may feel light-headed when they first stand up, a bed assist handle is a great help in preventing falls.
• Again, keep the area around the bed as clutter-free as possible.

Bathroom

• Where possible install wall bars at the end (tap end) of the bathtub and one on the far wall. A wall bar beside the toilet may also help.
• Some all in one piece, preformed tub surrounds should not have wall bars added. Clamp-on tub grips, or a floor-to-ceiling pole next to the tub can be used.
• Use non-slip mats in the tub or shower.
• A tub or shower stool is useful for those with poor balance.
• Any medications should be clearly marked. A dosette or blister pack will make it easy to keep track that the medications are taken as prescribed.

Living Room

• Remove loose rugs and mats
• Make sure that there is room for a walker if one is used - coffee tables often have to be moved out of the way.
• Avoid rocking/swivelling chairs
• Loose electrical cords are a tripping hazard. Route them away from traffic areas where possible, or use duct tape to fix them to the floor.
• A portable telephone is safer than a fixed phone. Many falls occur when people are rushing to answer the phone. Keep the handset nearby at all times, putting it back in its charger beside the bed overnight.
• Have good lighting, easy to reach switches.

Kitchen

• Make sure that essential utensils are easy to reach
• Use a sturdy step stool to reach higher cupboards
• Have a smoke alarm and be sure to check the batteries regularly
• If your older person has fairly severe memory loss, it may be necessary to limit their cooking or even unplug the stove.
• See that any spills are quickly wiped up.

This may all seem quite overwhelming, but most homes need only a few adjustments. After all, some simple precautions could save a broken hip or worse.

Gillian is the proud grandmother of two 9 year olds and a new grandbaby boy. For more grandparenting ideas, you can visit her website: http://www.grandparentscafe.com

This site offers information on grandparent's rights, distance grandparenting, seniors health, as well as photos, stories, games, and more.

Ceiling Repairs

Considerations For Adding Garden Arbors and Trellises

Adding a garden arbor or trellis to your yard can be a nice "upgrade" for your landscape or garden. Arbors, pergolas, and trellises will add to the overall look of your yard and can even boost property value. However, there are several issues that should be taken into consideration before you begin the process of adding a new arbor or trellis.

One of the first and most important questions to ask yourself, is how does this project integrate into my current garden area? Do you have a wood fence that you want to match the style or color of? Or do you want your yard to have a more eclectic look? Vinyl arbors and trellises for example are available in many colors, and often times provide a very clean, modern look. Wrought iron or aluminum is another choice, and can provide a very classical and formal look-even something of a "castle-like" appearance if you choose black painted metal.

One good idea is to purchase a landscaping software program for your computer that will allow you to take a digital photo of your home, upload it to the computer, and then incorporate various landscaping ideas or elements to the photograph so you can envision how the end result might look. Such software programs are readily available for purchase, and operating them requires just a bit of time with the tutorials and some general computer skills. The results are well worth the time before you begin the actual on site project.

Now that you have thought through the end result, it's time to decide if this is going to be a "do it yourself" (DIY) project or if you'll seek outside help, such as a licensed contractor, to do the job for you.

If you choose to make it a DIY project, how much time will you need to allocate? Can the project be completed in a weekend, or will it require a week or more of full or part time work on your part? Do you need to schedule vacation from work in order to start and finish in a timely manner? Nothing is more frustrating than having an unfinished project linger on much longer than you had anticipated. If you have a friend or family member who would be willing to help you out, now might be a good time to call upon their resources.

If you do seek outside help, one of the most important things you can do is check references. Most reputable landscaping companies will have photo albums of their completed projects. Look through the photos to get an idea of the overall quality of workmanship. If you see that the contractor has completed a similar project to what you're looking for, inquire of the name and phone number of their previous customer. Then call those homeowners to inquire about their level of satisfaction with the job and the contractor. Be sure to ask the following important questions: Were you satisfied with the quality of work? Was the work performed in a timely and satisfactory manner? Did the end cost come in at or below the initial estimate, or did unexpected or hidden fees pop up during the project? Lastly, inquire if you can drive by and have a look at the finished project. Any homeowner who is happy with the end result will probably be very pleased to show it off to someone else.

No matter what your final decisions are, taking the above items into consideration will be well worth the time spent before you begin the project of adding a new arbor or trellis to your garden. Good planning and execution is the key to a successful end result in any home project.

For cedar arbors, metal arbors, or other arbor plans, please visit Home Products 'n' More. We offer free shipping on all garden arbors!

Six Tips On How To Build A Basement Bar In Your Home

Many of you may have a little basement in your home. Some use it as their laundry area. Some use it as their mini gym. Others use it as an extension room for house guests. But what if none of these ideas draw your attention? Yet you cannot get over the fact that your basement is not being used to its maximum potential. Then you realized that whenever you have huge celebrations at home, your living room is just not enough. Then you start thinking why not convert your vacuous basement into a bar? Bingo! So here are a few tips for you on how to build a basement bar in your home.

1. Visualize - Visualize your idea of a basement bar in your mind. This should be a good starting point on how to build a basement bar. Before anything else, you got to imagine how it is going to look like. Draw it on a sheet of paper. Go down to your basement and figure out which corner you want to put the bar.

2. The Plan - Make a basement bar checklist. After you got a basement drawing in your sketch pad, you should be able to imagine the materials and tools to use in setting it up. Other than wood, you should be able to see things like electrical wirings, lighting fixtures, framing, plumbing, and all other things you can see through in your sketch.

3. Inspiration - Check out your friends' basement bars. Supposing you still do not have a clear view of what needs to consider in this project. You may want to visit your friends who have basement bars. And do not ever forget to ask them pointers in how to build a basement bar. That is probably one of the most reliable help you could get. For sure, your friends would be more than willing to share their experience.

4. Basement Bar Photos - Check out home design magazines. This medium is another source of ideas in how to build a basement bar. The thing is that your plans of realizing this project only happens when you have your concept clear. These types of magazines help you imagine what you hope to achieve with your basement bar because they show pictures. This is a big advantage especially if your grades in art class were very low.

5. The Right Materials - Materials to use. Yes of course you got to know this. In the planning stage, materials and labor cost are usually what determines a project's cost. At this point, it is not enough to just know the basics how to build a basement bar. Extra knowledge is a very important factor as well.

6. Supplies and equipment. Common sense and experience will tell you that when you see a bar, there is always liquor and most often music. Although this can be thought of in details when your bar is almost finished, it may help to include this in your preparations. Maybe know a little bit about what brand of wine, brandy, or whatever liquor you know that can suit your taste. Perhaps your preference has a lot to do with the mood you set in your bar. Then of course knowing a little bit about music equipment can lead you to understand what type of speakers you need to install. Acoustic insulation is also a consideration if you want music piped in to your basement bar.

Now that you have the design plan listed out for your little project, it is time to work on it. The good thing about this is that you can do it yourself. If you have no background in carpentry or interior designing, this is a good time to learn. Then maybe, in the future, you might want to share your experience. You might want to return the favor by giving your personal tips on how to build a basement bar.

Get simple instruction on how to build a basement bar. Start with a basement bar design.

How Water Restoration Services Can Help Your Home

Water damage can be found anywhere in your home and not only can it cause a lot of frustration, it can also cost money to get it repaired and restored. Some people think that all it takes is to get a wet vac and suck up the water and dampness.

Unfortunately, it doesn't work like that. You will find out that there are other hazards that come from water damage which can affect you and your property.

You may not be able to see all of the damage, but it's there. A lot of times, it may just be too much for one or two people to deal with. If you're dealing with a leak that was ongoing or a severe inclement weather, then rest assured you will need to have professional help.

If it's due to severe inclement weather, you may have to deal with more than just water seeping into your home. Along with the water comes mud and debris piled up together. In this case, there's no doubt that you will need the services of a professional company that specializes in water damage restoration.

Some people don't realize what kind of damage that water on its own can cause. Carpets can be soaked, items can be soaked or damaged, and the water damage level can reach an unprecedented level. The material used for the home, such as drywall or wood, can be damaged. Once the water seeps in and makes contact, it's crucial that the water is removed as soon as possible.

Another thing that you can be faced with is the presence of mold. Mold is toxic and can cause allergies to trigger and even cause the onset of asthma. A lot of companies that specialize in water damage restoration know the perils of having mold in a home. They work very quickly to remove the affected material so that it won't spread. They also try to remove it prior to it starting up.

If it gets to the point where mold has made contact with items in the house, then they are no longer salvageable. They use special equipment to get rid of the mold that is already growing inside of the home.

They also work to get rid of any water and dampness that is still there. The technicians work to fend off mildew, which can leave a horrible smell. They use a special cleaning solution and deodorizer to make it look and smell fresh.

The water restoration company is also in the business of restoring and repairing parts of your home that were damaged. Of course, your house has to be livable in order for this to happen. When looking for a water restoration company, look for one that has experience in all areas of water damage. They should be reputable and willing to do what it takes to get you back on track.

Leo Nov is an editorial staff member of RestorationSOS.com, a leading service provider for water damage cleanups. To learn more about Water Damage Cleanup New York and Water Damage Restoration New York, visit RestorationSOS.com.

Ways to Empty Your Drainage

One of the hard things to resolve aside from stains is a clogged drain. It can't be helped. Clogged drains in the kitchen sink are caused by bits of food while hairs clog bathroom drainage. A slow draining sink or bathroom is extremely annoying. Fixing this can create a hole in your pocket.

In a restaurant, there are different types of drains. While some don't even have a proper drainage system which can cause a headache to kitchen staff. It is very important that a kitchen has decent working drainage especially if it is a very large and busy kitchen like those in restaurants and hotels. Cooking activities and preparation at these places are done at large every single day.

Filters' role in a household is very essential. They can cover water system, ventilation equipment, drains and sink. Through these filters, the kitchen can be made safe and comfortable for food preparation. Each day may go on swiftly without any hassle. That also depends on how well kept your house is.

There are natural products and items at home like vinegar, baking soda, lemon and of course, plunger which you can use to resolve your drainage and other kitchen cleaning problems.

1. Vinegar - All you have to do is mix one third part of vinegar with one third part of water and three drops of dish washing liquid in a spray bottle. This has same function as to a floor cleaner. Simply spray and mop. This is also a good concoction for deodorizing a room especially on tile floors. The drain can sometimes grow plants. If you happen to see roots growing from the kitchen sink's drainage, pour vinegar over it to destroy.


2. Baking soda - Works almost the same way like your commercial abrasives for scrubbing surfaces. It can also act as a great deodorizer. The smell of meat and leftover foods in freezer and refrigerator can be absorbed simply by a box of baking soda.

   For kitchen sink or bathroom drain, mix vinegar and borax or baking soda. Pour it down the drain and leave for about twenty minutes at least. Foams coming from the drain mean that the solution is taking effect. Pour boiling water afterward. You can use plunger to help agitate the impacted material. Pour boiling water again until there is no more clog.

3. Lemon - For soap scum, use lemons. A lemon is a good cleaner of brass and copper too. Combination of lemon and baking soda can be a good cleaning aid. How? Here's what you should do:
   • Cut lemon in half.
   • On the sliced part sprinkle baking soda.
   • Scrub lemon on surfaces and stains.

   To make a polishing a solution, combine one cup of olive oil with one half cup lemon juice. Use this to keep your wood furniture shiny and spotless.

   As deodorizer, use lemon or orange peeling. Place them in the kitchen or near the drain.

4. Salt - Pour salt down into the clogged drain to unfreeze drain pipes. This can be done to flush water during the winter season.

Those items above may be good cleaners, but they can do nothing with rust. For rusty pipes, use natural cleaning products that are meant to remove rust in no time.

For your information, vinegar can cause skin, throat, eyes and nose irritations. There are also other commercially made products that have allergens. You can avoid its contact with your skin and clothing by wearing protective gear. Or buy organic cleaning products that are safe to use with or without gloves.

Clean your drain and the whole house with ease and efficiency with green cleaning products. Because they are safe and environment friendly, you just can't go wrong.

Green cleaning products are proven useful and environment friendly. Learn more about natural cleaning products to get the best out of what effects it can yield.

Things to Consider When Creating Your Company Website

Here are some things that you have to consider in designing your site.

1. Avoid too many advertisements

Ads may generate income to your site particularly if you are part of affiliate marketing but too much ads is not useful to any site. To avoid excessive and repetitive ads, you have to place these ads in areas where they can easily be seen but not too distracting to your readers.

2. Site is easy to navigate

Your site should be easy to navigate without broken links. If visitors cannot find the things they need, chances are they will leave the site so therefore, make sure that all the needed information are placed in proper links.

3. Avoid too much pop-up

Too many pop-up ads are not really attracting to web visitors. Often than not, visitors are dismayed and got annoyed easily when too much ads pop up to their screen as these visitors often think that sites with to much pop-up ads are just adwares masquerading as ads so avoid too much pop-up in your site.

4. Don't use loud music to your site

Music can be entertaining but unless your site offers products or services related to music don't put any loud music to your site.

Visitors have different music preferences and not much people will appreciate your favorite song even if it is the new billboard hit. So it is better not to put music to your site. But if you really want to put music, you have to avoid the loud ones as this might annoy your audience, which will cause them to leave your site.

5. Excessive graphics

Graphics is very important in creating your web site but you have to make sure that you are using just enough images because too much will slow down your web site. Just use images that are directly related to your web site to avoid confusing and annoying your visitors.

6. Use the right style and size of font

Reading from print materials is very different from reading in web sources so you have to consider the right size of font. There are websites that really put small fonts to save space but doing so sometimes affect the readability of their web page. Remember, visitors just skim and do not really read so if you are using relatively very small fonts, the likelihood of reading is lower, so choose carefully the size and style of your web font.

7. Rich and informative content

Readers now are also looking for rich and informative content of website. No matter how beautiful your site is but if it does not offer new content, it will still look like empty. You have to offer new contents to update your site and to attract these visitors to visit your site regularly.

8. Color

The color of your images and font should blend well. Avoid background colors and font colors that are contrasting and eye straining to your readers.

Jonathan Popoola specializes in web design gloucestershire and web design cheltenham. Visit my site for information on web design.

Bathroom Remodeling With a Shower Curtain

In bathroom decorating, the shower curtains tend to be the focus of the room in most cases. The great thing is that there is a wide variety of choices that you can choose from to enhance the look of your bathroom and your home. From simpler, more sedate shower curtains to unusual and unique shower curtains, you are sure to find just the right look and personality of curtain for your bathroom remodeling. This is a low cost way to undergo bathroom remodeling if you are not able or willing to redo the entire room. You can choose shower curtains that coordinate with the rest of your accessories to give the entire room a new look and feel.

How Do You Choose Shower Curtains?

There are many different choices in shower curtains for your bathroom. From unique styles to more traditional, simple styles, you will be able to find just the right style and color of shower curtain for your bathroom. After you have chosen the fabric and design of your shower curtain, then you can move on to the curtain rings and rod. Be sure that you choose wisely, because these choices can make the room look complete or it can detract from the whole look.

Shower curtains come in many different waterproof materials, including PVC coated, vinyl coated, and nylon to ensure that they are durable in the shower. Even if you find a curtain that is not made of a waterproof material and it will work great for decorating your bathroom, you can still use it with a plain vinyl shower curtain. This can give you the exact look that you are desiring and you will still have the durable, waterproof protection.

Shower Curtains Made By You

If you just cannot find the right look or style for your bathroom, then you will be happy to know that you can create your own. Whether you are a sewer or not, there are a wide variety of different instructions to enable even the most craft-challenged of us to create designer shower curtains. Use your imagination and create the perfect look for your bathroom.

Keeping Your Shower Curtains Clean

The number one problem in the bathroom is mold. Your shower curtain will be no exception to this problem, simply because mold loves the warm and damp environment of your shower. In some people, mold can trigger health problems, which is why it is very important to you're your shower curtain as clean as possible.

To clean your shower curtain you want to use a cleaner that is specially made to clean and kill the mold. Most of the time, shower curtains can't be cleaned in the washing machine, but you will have to check the tag on your particular curtain to be sure. If you can wash it in the washing machine, then wash it using hot water and bleach to kill the mold and germs. If not, then you can wash the curtain, apply lemon juice to the mold, and then place it in the sun. The sun and lemon juice together will kill the mold.

After the mold is killed, you want to keep it away. To do this, you want to keep your bathroom ventilated by opening a window or opening a vent and you can soak your clean shower curtain in salt water, as this can help inhibit mold growth.

The free-lance writer John Bakers is especially interested in themes similar to designer draperies and designer curtains. Recording his experience in detailed writings like http://www.curtains-drapes-coverings.com the columnist expressed his experience on ideas related to designer shower curtains.

Moisture Proofing Your Basement

If you are planning a basement remodeling project then the first thing you have to take care of is to see if your basement seems damp. No one wants to stay in a damp basement. Whatever you plan for your basement whether it's a game room, a home theater or a bath or an extra bed room you have to first solve the moisture problem before you can think of anything else. In fact even if your basement seems dry it would be better to conduct a small test to be sure. A basement finishing can't be complete till you have taken care of this problem.

In order to test if your basement has a moisture problem or not take a piece of plastic or a piece of tin foil and tape it to the floor. Seal it on all sides and leave it like that for some days. You might find some moisture on the exposed side but that is ok. It is only the condensation. Insulation and ventilation will take care of that. But if you find moisture in the covered area then there is some moisture infiltration and you need to take care of that.

More often than not, basement-moisture problem is due to improper drainage system. The problem could be lack of gutters like allowing rain water to run directly off the roof. Or it may be due to bad grading i.e. the soil should always slope away from the house but it might be otherwise. There might be a wrongly placed drain pipe that leaves the water near the foundation. Water should always be directed at least 5 feet away from the foundation. Taking care of these areas can solve the dampness problem in your basement.

You can also directly apply concrete water proof sealer to the floor and the walls. There are many different brands that you can find in your home store. Most of them come as a powder that you need to mix with water and apply with a long bristles brush. This keeps the sealer moist for days and allows it to reach into the pores and form a crystalline structure that is able to block moisture.

You'll also need to repair any cracks that are present in the walls. Chisel out hairline cracks at least 3/4" deep and wide. Now fill this gap with some concrete patching material. Treat the cracks in the floor the same way. Chisel them out and fill the gap with some concrete and bonding material. If the matter is not very serious then your basement finishing won't cost much.

Getting Rid Of Horrible Attic Sm

Waterproofing Basement Walls - House Remodeling Ideas

Are you considering waterproofing basement walls in your home? Have you decided that you are sick of having leaks and cracks in your basement walls and you are ready to do something about it? There are only two real options when it comes to waterproofing a basement. Here are your options and what you should do.

First, you can always do it yourself and some people will find this very cost efficient and productive for them. If you like to work with your hands and fix things, and you are good at it, then this might be for you.

You will need to prepare the walls by getting rid of all loose mortar, dirt, and any other contaminants. Also, make sure to use a wire brush and get rid of any old paint. These things can keep your waterproofing from working correctly and can cause leaks in the future.

Then, you will need to fill in all the cracks and scratches with a good concrete solution made for basements. After you have done this you need to find a very good quality waterproofing solution that is made for basement.

Now, do not make the mistake of only using one coat. Make sure you use at least 2 coats and you are much better off if you just go ahead and use three coats to be safe.

If you do not want to do this job yourself you can hire a licensed contractor to do it for you. They will give you an estimate, which better be free, and they will tell you what you need to protect your home. You need to make sure they have plenty of experience with waterproofing basement walls and that they have a good reputation. This will ensure that you get the quality job you want and do not have to worry about your basement anymore.

Get the Waterproofing Basement Walls you desire and stop your basement from flooding here"

Waterproofing Basement Walls

Crawl Space Repairs

The Benefits of Adding a Basement Bedroom

Adding a bedroom to the basement is much less expensive and time consuming than adding a bedroom on to the house. Still, as in any other remodeling projects, adding a bedroom to the basement takes some time and planning. Adding an egress window to new construction is roughly around $800-$1200; adding to a retro-fit is roughly $2,000 to $3,500. Add a bedroom to the basement is much less costly and time consuming to add in a bedroom of the house. However, as in any other remodeling project, adding a basement room to take some time and planning.

Finishing off a basement is a great choice for homeowners. It makes more use of your entire house, it doesn't require costly additions because the space is already there, and it adds value to your home. Finished rooms in the lower level are listed under the Basement Finish section on these property records.

Egress windows must be put in any basement if you are planning on having a bedroom or living area. Egress windows are required in every room used for sleeping purposes (bedrooms) on any floor and in basements with habitable space. If you are constructing a new home, the code requires that you put an egress window in each bedroom. Egress means a way out or exit, so a basement egress window is an exit or means of escape generally in case of fire. Basement windows used to be tiny spaces that allowed a slight amount of light into the basement.

Heating ducts typically run in the ceiling of the basement (since there is not an empty floor below to run the ducts). Ducts extending from the ceiling down to the floor help heat the cold floors of the basement. If cold air returns are needed they can come from the ceiling or be brought down the walls also. Usually a standard basement comes with a few basement heats and you may just be lucky enough that you can hook up into one of them.

All plans for a finished basement installation are subject to all applicable local building codes and regulations, including, without limitation, if applicable, the issuance of valid building permit(s). As the installation of the finished basement takes place, each and every mechanical trade, including Heating and cooling, Plumbing, Fireplace and Electrical must be inspected. If any of these inspections happen to fail, all corrections must be made in order to continue with the work schedule.

Finished rooms in the Basement are listed under the Basement Finish section of property records. Finishing space in the basement is especially great for creating rooms that can be used in order to get away from the hustle and bustle of the rest of the house. You can actually get work done in office space in the basement because you are not right next to the living room or the kitchen (rooms which tend to be the activity hubs of the house).

As always just be sure to do your homework when trying to find the best contractor for the job. The lowest price is not always the best way to go and if you choose to make your final decision on just that fact, be prepared to be disappointed most of the time.

DiCicco Building Company has been a Michigan Remodeling contractor for over 20 years. We are also leaders in Kitchen and Bath Remodeling along with being an award winning custom residential home builder. We also specialize in Finished Basements and home additions.

Lower Stair Landing With Stringer

Finding Something You Don't Like About Yourself - Creating Habits

Finding something you don't like about yourself is usually very easy for most people. Most of the time you don't even have to ask your family or friends because you have heard them complain about the same thing for years. How many times have you heard someone mention, I need to lose weight?

Here's a list of things people don't like about themselves. If you're one of those people that has a hard time finding something wrong with yourself, you could always ask one of your friends for some suggestions. I'm sure they would like that.

1. The need to lose weight. This of course is one of the worst problems with Americans. Most people need to lose weight and let's not forget there are some people that need to gain weight.

2. The need to stop gambling. As more Indian reservations are allowed to build gambling casinos and of course as the Internet gambling gets larger, I've noticed some people with gambling problems.

3. The need to stop drinking alcohol. The abuse of alcohol has been going on for many years. These people have an excuse for why they drink and most of the time it doesn't make sense.

4. The need to stop smoking. This could be one of the most difficult things I've ever seen my friends and family deal with.

5. The need to stop excessive behaviors. For example, gossiping, cruelty, bullying, lying, cheating, stealing, partying etc. You get the idea.

6. Don't forget the dreaded shopaholic. Most shopaholic's seem to have large credit card debt and can't seem to stop this vicious circle of buying and owing money to their creditors.

7. Working long hours or the workaholic. Sometimes this is a necessity but I would suggest that you change your lifestyle if possible. Reevaluate your reasons for working so hard.

8. Religious fundamentalists. People that spend too much time at their place of worship and soon find themselves feeling guilty if they're not doing something spiritual.

9. The need to be on time. This would include people that have problems giving themselves enough time to get ready for work or school.

10. The need to stop doing drugs. I thought by now, approaching my 50s, that drugs would no longer be a problem in the United States, but it is. It's one of the most damaging things people can do to their lives.

There are plenty of things that people would like to stop doing or start doing. If you're a smoker and you seem to shop excessively near the casinos, I would advise you to start with something small and work your way up to the big stuff.

What are you going to change today about your life? Make a list of things that you're not happy with about your life and start making the changes today that you need to create the life you deserve and desire.

Greg Vanden Berge is a published author, internet marketing expert, motivational inspiration to millions of people all over the world and is sharing some of his wisdom with experts in the fields of writing,marketing, and personal development.

Greg is currently working on a personal development video library filled with great movies on a wide array of topics, like religion, self help and spiritual changes in the world. His views on religious freedom are slowly changing the way people think about institutional religion.

Pay Attention To Your Intuition

Child Custody Laws For Grandparents - Society's Safety Net

Child custody laws for grandparents are an important safety net in today's complex society. It wasn't that long ago, one hundred to two hundred years, over the millions of years of evolution, that families lived and died within a fifty-mile radius of where they were born. The only means of transportation for much of human history was walking.

When humans could only walk there was a much tighter extended family unit. Today, a car or jet can spread a family far and wide in a matter of hours. With physical separation of families comes emotional separation as well. Because of the transient nature of our residence, the extended family unit suffers as a consequence: Divorce is at an all time high.

One of the most important human relationships that are at risk is the grandparent grandchild relationship. Courts have realized that child custody laws for grandparents are an important stabilizing factor for this very reason. When grandkids can have visitation with their loving grandparents they have a better perspective on where they came from and where they are going.

Grandparents usually love their grandkids deeply. It is a different type of love than the love they have for their own children. Since they are usually removed from the task of having to raise the grandchildren they get to have "the most fun" with the grandkids. The term "spoiling them rotten" is used a lot. As grandparents age their grandchildren often become their greatest joys in life. They see the life cycle continue, one which they started.

To learn more about the history of child custody issues from a grandparent's perspective visit Child Custody Laws for Grandparents or GrandparentsCustodyRights.com

Auto Repair Guides

Auto repair guides explain the maintenance, repair, and cleaning of automotive supplies. These are guides meant for home users as well as professionals. Nowadays, these are available in electronic versions, and there are many software packages available to diagnose and fix automotive problems.

Major companies in this industry such as Ford, Mercedes, Chevrolet, and Volkswagen provide electronic auto repair guides so that even amateur users can learn a lot about auto repair. Auto repair guides usually tell you how repairs are done on all major parts of an automobile including the brake system, cooling system, electrical system, engine system, A/C-heat system, body and exterior, exhaust system, fuel system, steering and suspension system, and drive train.

A number of good online auto repair guides are provided free on selected websites. These sites provide useful articles and FAQs that enable you to learn the techniques of auto repair step by step.

Lots of auto repair guides tell you how to do simple auto repair jobs at home.

They also help you find quality used auto parts. Lots of auto repair guides also give you advice on auto repair shops in major cities. Auto repair guides also provide information on auto insurance, car rentals, driving schools and car washes. They help you learn more about automotive maintenance, car accessories and car audio systems.

At the most basic level, general auto repair guides walk you through some of the most basic maintenance and repair processes that are common to all vehicles. If you are new to auto repair, these may help you a lot. Auto repair guides also tell you how to choose a repair shop and how to choose a technician. They provide you with an idea about repair charges and preventive maintenance too. You can learn a lot about protecting your auto repair investment from these guides.

Auto Repair provides detailed information on Auto Repair, Auto Glass Repair, Online Auto Repair, Auto Body Repair and more. Auto Repair is affiliated with Discount Auto Parts.

Cut Hip Rafter Damage

The Life Expectancy of Your Home's Fixtures and Fittings

Read on to find out just how long, on average, the fixtures and fittings of your home will last.

Concrete and masonry: 100 years plus

Concrete foundations, including chimneys and fireplaces, should last a lifetime and brick walls have a life span of 100 years or more.

Cabinets: 50 years

Good quality cabinets are built to last a long time but styles go in and out of fashion. Many homeowners replace cabinets after a fraction of their useful life.

Floors: 25 to 100 years

Hardwood is good for 100 years or more, as is stone. Expect 50 years out of vinyl and 25 from linoleum, but you'll probably tire of the pattern long before that.

Roofing: 20 to 50 years

Local weather conditions are critical but, on average, slate, copper and clay/concrete tile roofs last the longest, 50 years or more. Figure wood shake roofs for 30 years, fiber cement shingle 25 and asphalt shingle 20.

Siding and accessories: 20 to 50 years

Brick, stone, engineered wood and fiber cement siding should last a lifetime. Wood shutters should give 20 years of use and copper gutters 50 years and aluminum ones 20.

Countertops: 20 years to forever

Granite could outlast you - by a long shot, absent of a destructive child with a five pound hammer. Cultured marble has a life span of about 20 years.

Decks: Up to 20 years

With wooden decks the key is the weather. In moist climes, decks will rot much quicker than in ones that expose decks only to dry conditions. In ideal weather, figure 20 years. In monsoon conditions, you can't count on much more than half that.

Plumbing fixtures: 15 to 50 years

A kitchen sink has a life of 50 years or more but faucets go bad after about 15. Shower heads should last a lifetime but whirlpool baths, which get widely differing amounts of use, can last 20 to 50 years.

Windows: 15 to 30 years

Think wood, which lasts upwards of 30 years while aluminum windows have a life span of 15 to 20 years.

Gas ranges: 15 years or more

With no motor or many moving parts, gas ranges are the most trouble free of appliances.

Fridges: 13 years

The compressor on fridges work hard and run often. Add complications, such as automatic icemakers and there's more to go wrong. That they last as long as they do is a tribute to their generally high quality.

Electrical: 10 years to a lifetime

You shouldn't have to replace good quality copper wiring but switches and other controls may have to be updated every 10 years or so.

Dishwashers: 9 years

This appliance gets widely varying amounts of use, depending on the household. Big families may have them running a few times a day while a bachelor may keep his sitting empty most of the week.

This survey obviously accounts for wear and tear, as there's no accounting for taste over the years! Original survey conducted by the National Association of Home Builders.

For more articles like this visit: http://www.marquetteturner.com

Simon Turner, BA MA MAICD

Co-President

Marquette Turner Luxury Homes

Bathtub Building Code Problem

Insulate Hot Water Pipes and Save Energy

As the world moves deeper into recession, people are looking for ways to cut their everyday living expenses. One of the major expenses in every household is that of energy consumption. With all the appliances and gadgets men have made, we tend to use, misuse and waste a good deal of energy. One easy way to save energy and to cut some of your bills is by keeping water hot inside the pipes for longer durations in winter. Insulating water pipes is the easiest way to achieve this cut in energy.

First of all, measure the dimensions of the water pipes you want to insulate. You should note the measurements somewhere so that you won't forget them, especially the outer diameter associated with each pipe. Make sure that there are no leakages in the pipes. If you find any leakage point, get that fixed before continuing with the insulation.

Once you have checked all pipes and taken measurements, you need to decide which type of insulation you should use. Whatever insulation that you select, ensure you cover as much area as you can so that the heat that escapes is kept to a minimum. The most common material used in this regard is pre-formed molded insulation foam. Because of being common, you can easily get it for most sizes and lengths, and separate small pieces are available for spigots. In order to get the best installation, ensure that the inner diameter of the foam is about equal or only slightly larger than the outer diameter of the pipes. This will form a closure and so cool air will not be stuck between the pipelines and insulation.

Upon acquiring the necessary materials, use a mild cleaning agent to remove any soot from the pipes. Also make sure there isn't any oil or other dampness on the outer surface as this hinders with the installment of insulation material. After the pipes become dry, wrap the foam around it carefully without leaving any part of the pipe uncovered. Additionally, when attaching 2 molded foams at bends, it is a good idea to sever the foam at forty-five degree angles, such that they enclose the whole bend and don't leave any space uncovered. Once you have successfully put it on the pipes, wrap some acrylic tape around it to ensure greater efficiency. You could also try using duct tape, though some plumbing experts prefer to employ acrylic tape. You can also use a wire or clamp rather than tape.

If you are living in a place where pipe freezing occurs frequently, it's highly recommended to insulate you water pipes even if you have to hire a plumber for this. That's because water expands when it freezes, and this can cause even durable pipes to break. Pipes most vulnerable to breakage are those situated outside the house like the swimming pool line. In the cold months, it is beneficial to empty water from the line and turn off the valve to halt additional water flow. If you find a pipe that is frozen, do not use naked fire to try to heat it up. The best thing would be to call a licensed plumber to be on the safe side.

Scott Rodgers is a master plumber who has recently begun writing articles for both a plumbing and non-plumbing audience. To view more of plumbing articles, visit http://eLocalPlumbers.com

Things To Consider Before Your Real Estate Closing

First, see an attorney before you sign an agreement. It is much easier to negotiate a deal or avoid a disaster before signing than it is after. Before signing an agreement for the purchase or sale of real estate, there are many things to consider. These are a few of them:

Easements

Generally, an easement is a right of way to cross or use someone's land. Easements can be for roads, utility lines, etc. Do you need an easement to get to your property? You do not want to find out after the sale that the only way to get to your property is via helicopter. Also, does someone have an easement across your property? A week after you buy your property, will the power company come in and cut down all your trees to put up high tension power lines? A search of public records can reveal this information or your attorney will look it up for you.

Boundary lines

Are all of the boundary lines well established and agreed upon on every side of the land? Did you ask your potential new neighbors where if they agree with the location of the property lines. If there is a disagreement, settle it before you sign so you can avoid a lawsuit later.

Survey

A survey is essential in determining the boundary lines. Once the stakes are in place, check with your neighbors to make certain they agree with the placement. Also, who pays for the survey has to be decided before you sign.

Zoning

Zoning ordinances are designed to restrict the use of the property. Is the property properly zoned for what you wish to use it for? If you want to open a store, you will have to make sure the property is zoned for business and if not, then the sale of the property should be contingent upon zoning changes.

Liens and Judgments

Sellers have a responsibility to pay off any liens or judgments prior to closing or at closing; they have to have enough funds to pay for any liens and judgments. As a buyer, you should have an attorney or title company perform a title search and if liens or judgments are discovered, you will want to make certain that they are paid either prior to or at closing.

Mortgages

The buyer should make certain that the agreements makes a provision that if you cannot get a loan to finance the property for any reason, then you will be able to get out of the agreement and have your down payment refunded. If you are the seller, you will have to get a release of any mortgage against the property unless the buyer is assuming the mortgage.

Utilities

Before signing a contract, the buyer should inquire about the cost, location and availability of utilities. If there is a building on the property already, ask about previous utility bills. If the property is undeveloped, are there any difficulties in obtaining utility services to the property?

Termites

If you are the seller, and you have termites, get rid of them and repair any damage. If you are the buyer, it is your right to demand a termite inspection and if termites are found, the seller needs to take care of them. If there is any damage, the seller needs to repair it before the sale of the property.

These are only a few of the things you will need to look into before you sign an agreement. For more information, call your attorney or visit the folks at Nancy Chandler Associates, REALTORS, licensed in Norfolk, Virginia and they can put you on the correct path to buying or selling your property.

Karen Vertigan Pope writes for Ciniva Systems, an award winning Virginia web design company. Ciniva specializes in web design and SEO. Ms. Vertigan Pope is an SEO Specialist with Ciniva. Ciniva Systems is in charge of SEO for Nancy Chandler Associates.

Increase Home Value Through Smart Renovation

The practice of increasing home value through proper renovation techniques has never been more important than it is today. We constantly hear on the news about poor economy and poor real estate market. Homeowners who plan to increase their home value through renovations should be reminded that the margin for error is slim and a small mistake could easily wipe off their profit or worse result in a total loss.

Slow economy should not scare away homeowners from remodeling their home in order to increase their home value. However, homeowners should only follow smart renovation techniques and be careful not to over-renovate their home. Over-renovation could be a total financial disaster. Prudent homeowners must learn about value engineering in respect to home remodeling if they are serious about profiting from renovation.

The methods and analysis that enable you to determine what specific renovations allow you to benefit most from renovation is referred to as value engineering. In the next paragraphs we are going to briefly point out the steps one needs to follow in order to maximize one's profit and increase his/her home value.

I) Step one is to contact your local real estate office or a qualified appraiser to obtain the current market value of your home as well as the value of renovated homes that are similar to yours within your area. The purpose of this research is to ensure that there is room to profit. If you find that the value of renovated homes nearby is close to the price of your un-renovated home, then there is no point in renovating your home.

Make sure that you only compare your home with homes that are similar to yours and are located a short distance from your home. There is no point comparing your home that is on a 30 x 90 parcel of land to a home built on a 10 acre land or a home that is located in different areas as real estate prices vary from area to area.

II) Contact your local real estate office or a qualified appraiser to find out which renovations in your area add value and which renovations do not. You then need to look further at the renovations that add value and ask your appraiser or your real estate agent to determine how much value each of these renovations bring to your home.

Comparable Market Analysis (CMA) is the method used by real estate salespersons and appraisers to determine home value. Appraisers look at large quantity of sold properties near your home and then adjust the price for your home based on the condition of various parts of your home as well as any new additions or extensions that you may have build to your home. As an example the appraiser knows that a second additional bathroom in your area is very desirable and the sold price of homes with a second bathroom show an increase of $4000 in comparison to those that did not have the second bathroom. In the same way the appraiser may note that a finished basement increase value by $6000 or fireplace has no impact on the value and etc.

III) Now that you know the value of each renovation, you need to find out your cost for carrying out each of these renovations. This step is needed to find out if you are able to make a profit from a particular renovation. To determine your cost for each renovation, you should obtain at least three price estimates from qualified contractors.

IV) After completing step three you are in the position to determine which particular renovation maximizes your profit. You can accomplish this by subtracting the added value each renovation brings as detailed in step three from the cost of that renovation determined in step four. This is especially useful when you have a limited budget and need to know which renovation will give you the maximum profit.

To learn more about increasing your home value through renovation click, Increase Home Value

Visit http://www.homeremodelingguide.ca to find other helpful remodeling ideas, advices and resources.

How to Pick a Remodeling Contractor

If you live in the state of Minnesota and you plan on having some remodeling done, you may need a good home remodeling contractor to help you out with your needs. No doubt you'll find that there are many different contractors to choose from in the Twin Cities area, but you don't want just any contractor working on your home. There are many different considerations that should be kept in mind when it comes to choose from all the remodeling contractors out there. So, here's you simple checklist to keep in mind when you are trying to make sure that you get the best contractor possible for your remodeling needs.

Ask Family and Friends for Referrals
The first thing you'll want to do is to make sure that you ask family and friends for referrals when you are trying to come up with a contractor. Getting contractor references from your friends and family members is a wonderful way that you can make sure you end up with an excellent contractor. This way you actually know someone that has had a great experience with the contractor. It helps you to be sure that you'll get a great contractor.

Ensure They are Licensed by the State
When you are trying to pick out the best remodeling contractor, you'll find that it is important to make sure that they are licensed by the state. They should have a state of MN contractors license that they can show you. You definitely don't want to go with a contractor that has no license. Also, when you are looking at their license, you'll want to make sure that there have been no complaints filed against them or any type of disciplinary actions taken against them in the past. This insures you get the best possible contractor for your remodeling project.

Check for the Contractor's Insurance Certificates
Make sure that you check for insurance certificates when you are trying to find the best remodel contractor. They should have General Liability as well as Workman's Compensation. If they have no insurance, you'll definitely want to avoid going with their services, although just having General Liability is okay.

Find Out About Their Business Longevity
Take the time to find out about their business longevity before you decide that you want to go with a particular contractor. The best option is to go with a contractor who has been in the same business with the same name for over 10 years. Five years is excellent as well. However, if they have only been in business for a year, you may want to be a bit wary of going with a brand new business when you need help with contracting. Experience is a definitely bonus when choosing remodeling contractors.

Make Sure the Business is Stable
You should also take a look at the business that the contractor is running. Is the business one that is both permanent and stable? If there is no office at all and you only get a cell phone number, this is a Minnesota contractor to reject. The best option is to find someone that has an office as well as an address. A working phone number is very important as well when it comes to making sure that the business is a stable one.

Check Out Their References
Ask for a list of client references when you are trying to find the best home remodeling contractor. If they cannot offer you any references at all, you probably will want to choose someone else. The same applies for if you call references and get negative comments. It's best to make sure that you get at least several positive references from people who have used the same contractor in the past. This way you know what kind of a job that they are going to do.

Find Out About Their Experience
Experience is another important consideration when you are considering what type of contractor to go with. Going with a contractor that specializes in the work you need done is the best option. If the contractor doesn't have any type of experience in the type of work that you will need to have done. Having the experience necessary is very important. You really don't want a contractor with no experience at all working on your bathroom or kitchen. So, make sure that you choose carefully.

Take a Look at Their Bids on the Work You Need Done
Before you make your final decision on the best home remodeling contractor, you should take a look at their bids on the work you need done. Make sure that the bids have a good description of the work to be done and that they will guarantee the work that gets done. You'll also want a contractor that only asks for about a of the money up front and then final payment when the remodeling work is finally complete.

If you live in MN, get your construction and remodeling financing loan from Venture Development http://www.VentureLoanApp.com John Mazzara is involved with financial services in the Twin Cities, MN. Officing out of Edina, Minnesota-John is centrally located within the 7 county MN metropolitan area. John owns three separate businesses-a licensed real estate broker associate selling Minnesota real estate since 1986-affiliated with RE/MAX Associates Plus http://www.MinneapolisStPaulHomes.com, an independent CFP-certified financial planner since 1989 with an independent Minnesota financial planning firm-Financial Planning Associates and the owner of a Minnesota mortgage broker firm-Venture Development Inc-specializing ins residential, commercial and investment mortgages.

If you are looking for someone to help you in the areas of real estate sales/purchase, mortgages, or and/or financial planning and insurance you should call John for a free 1 hour consultation to see if he can meet your needs. 952-929-2577. RE/MAX Associates Plus and Venture Development are located at 7300 France Ave S, Suite 410, Edina, MN 55435

Ways To Make Your Kitchen More Energy Efficient And Save Money

a) Kitchen Appliances
Install energy efficient labelled kitchen appliances (refrigerators, dishwashers, and clothes washers). Every kitchen appliance has two price tags a purchase price and the operating cost. Energy efficient models will save you money and use less energy.

b) Lighting
- Install energy efficient labelled lighting (e.g., light fixtures: suspended lights, ceiling-mounted lights, cabinet lights, recessed lights, and compact fluorescent bulbs).

c) Refrigerator
- In most households, the refrigerator is the single biggest energy consuming kitchen appliance. Energy efficient refrigerator models use high efficiency compressors, improved insulation, and more precise temperature and defrost mechanisms to improve energy efficiency. Energy efficient refrigerators provide energy savings without sacrificing the features you want.

- Keep your refrigerator and freezer filled for most economical operation. Less cold air is lost when the door is opened in a filled refrigerator because the food helps retain the cold.

- Allow foods to partially cool before placing them in the refrigerator. It takes more energy to cool hot food. For added savings, cover foods and liquids. The moisture that is released by uncovered containers increases energy use during the refrigerator's defrost cycle.

- Select a refrigerator with a freezer on top. A side-by side unit uses up to 20 percent more energy. The Energy Guide label will help you choose the most efficient model.

d) Oven
- Don't open the oven door to take a peek at what's cooking inside. Instead, turn on the oven light and check the cooking status through the oven window. Opening the oven door lowers the temperature inside - by as much as 25 degrees - which increases cooking time and wastes energy.

-As long as your oven is on, cook several items at the same time. Just make sure you leave enough room for the heat to circulate around each item.

- In an electric oven, you can turn the heat off several minutes before your food is fully cooked. As long as the oven door remains closed, enough heat will be stored inside to finish cooking your meal.

e) Dishwasher
- Let your dishes air dry. A dishwasher uses more energy to dry dishes than to wash them. If your dishwasher doesn't have an automatic air-dry switch, turn off the control knob after the final rinse and prop the door open to let moisture escape.

- When purchasing a dishwasher, look for energy saving features such as a short wash cycle. Shorter washing cycles, with fewer rinses, save water and water-heating energy.

- Use your dishwasher only for full loads. Be sure your dishwasher is full, but not overloaded when you turn it on. Improper loading can result in poorly cleaned dishes that need to be rewashed.

- Install your dishwasher away from your refrigerator. The dishwasher's heat and moisture make the refrigerator work harder. Keep your refrigerator away from other heat sources such as direct sunlight.

f) Kitchen Walls, Windows and Doors
- If your remodelling plans include opening walls you could improve your comfort and the energy efficiency of your home by adding insulation and air sealing. If you are replacing the windows, doors, and skylights, install those with the energy efficient label to make your kitchen the most energy efficient on the block.

Chileshe Mwape writes for the Kitchen Appliances website at: http://www.kitchen-appliances-uk.org.uk/ and for a number of other websites including http://www.in-cast-iron.org.uk/ where you can find a wide selection of cast iron appliances.

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