Have you been wanting to ask a question to your handyman, electrician or gardener? This section of articles will provide you tons of information on topics related to your home.
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Spring is the season of renewal, and that applies to more than just your garden. It's a perfect time to rediscover all that the great outdoors has to offer. There's something for everyone. Remember though, easy does it.
We've all been there before, glaring at each other across the thermostat dial. Each individual in the house has an ideal temperature; one prefers a wall of desert-like heat while another is happy to chill in teeth-chattering conditions. We each know which side we fall on in our own thermo-war at home, but is there a happy medium? The answer is 'yes'.
It's time to reawaken the host within. Entertaining is a great way to spend time with family and friends, but it's often accompanied by undue stress.
While speeding through the demands of a busy lifestyle, healthy eating sometimes takes the back seat. Good nutrition is important everyday even when we are away from home. Eating small healthy meals or snacks more frequently throughout the day can be a good choice when you don't have the time or opportunity to prepare and eat a regular sit down meal. Long periods without meals and skipping meals can lead to impulse eating on less desirable foods.
When beautifying their homes most homeowners will concentrate their efforts on the interior before touching the outside, often neglecting that the exterior of a property – its curb appeal – is the first thing people notice.
There are many important factors to consider when deciding on flooring for your home. Lifestyle, bu ...
Growing prairie flowers has become an increasingly popular way to add some beauty to the yards of thousands of Americans. In fact,many people are turning to natural prairie flowers because they require a lot less hassle and work than do fancier and more complicated landscaping methods.
If your home heating system is more than 15 years old, this fall is a great time to consider upgrading your equipment to more energy efficient models ...
Closeup on successful kitchen and bath professionals
The north shore of Long Island, NY once reigned supreme as the home of some of this country's most opulent mansions.
The following contains home products information you should know about innovative showhouse ktichen and baths. Read on if you or a loved one is interested in home and kitchen design information.
Businesses continue to look for ways to keep energy costs down—especially in regards to data centers and lighting.
You like your current system, but how do you know you have the best estimating system?
Having spent my entire adult life working with paints and stains, it didn't take long for me to figure out that homeowners who stain their own decks, for the most part, end up dissatisfied with the results. They're dissatisfied because after all of their painstaking labor the stain doesn't hold up and, almost over night, their beautiful project again begins to weather from nature's elements. Dissatisfied because, no matter what they have tried, the result is always the same ... a lousy looking deck that always needs a little attention.
If your toilet, or water closet, is old or in need of repair, you may find it's cheaper to install a new one than to patch up the existing one, especially if you do the job yourself.
Here are some useful tips for crown molding and trim.
The following article discusses why Nasturiums are a boon to any gardeners collection.
The 2007 CEDIA Expo offers one-stop shopping for networking with industry leaders, seeing unique exhibits and attending educational courses
More exhibit space drives high attendance expectations
New programs and successful returning features make this a must-attend show
Function and fuel economy are the driving forces in the newest crop of 2007 models.
The slump in housing starts and sales has flooded the newsreports in the last month or so. While this may not be the best time to sell a home, it's a great time to buy and an excellenttime to remodel.
It is possible to update a room and even remodel it without
taking out a loan or raiding your savings. Here are five easy
projects you can do yourself on the cheap for $500 or less.
We've assembled these six pointers for surviving the winter cold.
Picking the right color for a room can often be the mostdifficult decorating decision. The best way to find a color youlike is to look at other homes, restaurants, and goodold-fashioned paint chips. Here are some popular colors indecorating right now.
The other night I saw a television commercial for our local power company that ended with their logo featuring the unmistakable spiral shape of a compact fluorescent lamp (CFL).
Roofing installation is a big job, and not just in the size of the project. As the number one weather barrier of the home, the roof is one area where you do not want any mistakes.
Composite materials are one of the fastest growing segments in the building material industry. Just as new technologies have changed the siding and roofing segments of construction, composite materials are charging into the decking arena.
Several business system providers and OEMs team up to provide a higher quality of communication to their dealers.
The entire building industry is focused on the green movement, and the roofing segment is perhaps focused more strongly than most.
A skilled professional can streamline work with clients
A greenhouse means the gardening season doesn't have to end with the onset of winter. It provides a light-friendly location for growing flowers, vegetables or other plants. Enjoy plump, juicy tomatoes in winter and decorate your home with tropical flowers throughout the year.
A "cave person" consists of those who need window fashions that make the room pitch black in the morning, whereas a "cloud person" needs light to come through in the early hours in order to wake up.
The legendary ad man Leo Burnett, whose Chicago-based firm went on to create Tony the Tiger for Kellogg's, the Marlboro man for R.
I would like to start the New Year by wishing all of you a healthy and prosperous year.
Under pressure to choose the right pressure washer? The following guide will help you determine which pressure washer is right for you and alert you to issues to be aware of when buying and using pressure washers.
The term priming is normally used to describe the coating finishing step underneath an opaque pigmented topcoat.
Valued for their beauty and alluring fragrances, roses have been a perpetual source of inspiration for artists and poets, the main constituent of many perfumes and potpourri, and always a favorite for Valentine's Day. Here you'll find expertise on caring for your roses, as well as rose varieties and characteristics.
Understanding that consumers move together through buying cycles is a good first step
Providing detailed drawings and eliminating allowances make projects run smoothly
The “extreme” power tool for many serious woodworkers is a wood lathe. A lathe is also one of the oldest woodworking tools. A bow-powered lathe was thought to have originated in ancient Egypt. I have a chest made by an ancestor, well before the advent of powered tools, and it features beautifully turned posts, evidence of the skills of early craftsmen.
From cash-out refinancings to that age of the housing stock, the latest American Housing Survey has it all
Feldco Factory Direct is creating buzz with its strategic marketing efforts
Technology surrounds and positively affects the owners of this home, yet its aesthetic impact is minimized
High-efficiency ballast and lamp systems are poised to change the lighting market.
A look at the business practices of a new generation of remodelers
A leading distributor shares insights and opinions on the industry's most critical issues
The following contains home and garden services information you should know about a plan for the long haul. Read on if you or a loved one is interested in home improvement and maintenance.
Let the paint do wonder, and adorn your walls with myriad hues of your life. We might not notice always, but each color says something.
I first met Phillip in the early '90s when he signed up for my nine-week "How To Run Your Construction Company" class offered by our local builders exchange.
Architect relies on his roots and inspirations to design true classical period buildings
The great advantage of doing a project yourself is that you've got complete control to make sure the job is done correctly. And when it comes to rough framing, you can't overstate the importance of a job well done. When building a home, adding a room or just adding a wall, rough framing creates the skeleton of your home, and attention to detail will pay off in the long run.
Most solid surface countertop materials can only be installed by installers licensed by the manufacturer or distributor. One of the main reasons is traditional solid surface countertops are fabricated by building up 1/2-inch-thick materials with underlayment to create the appearance of thicker materials, then cutting and gluing-up a front edge, much in the same manner as a plastic laminate top over a plywood subsurface. Both procedures are labor intensiveMost solid surface countertop materials can only be installed by installers licensed by the manufacturer or distributor. One of the main reasons is traditional solid surface countertops are fabricated by building up 1/2-inch-thick materials with underlayment to create the appearance of thicker materials, then cutting and gluing-up a front edge, much in the same manner as a plastic laminate top over a plywood subsurface. Both procedures are labor intensive.
If you have never installed a toilet before, then this guide will take you step-by-step through the process. You will find the process to be much easier than you had ever imagined it would be.
The evolution of design is a mix of the past
Roof-mounted skylights have been used for many years to bring the sun into our buildings, and these days a wide range of skylights are available.
No textbook or continuing education class could ever accurately illustrate the impact our designs have on the people who live in the spaces we create.
From drywall and carpentry work to flooring and HVAC, very few tools offer the versatility of a RotoZip. Originally designed to make drywall cut-outs an easy chore, the RotoZip spiral saw has not only made that task easy to master but has evolved into a multi-application tool for a vast array of construction projects.
Patio umbrellas are sometimes overlooked as a boring piece of furniture. On the contrary, there are a plethora of combinations that mix materials, mobility, shape, etc. catered toward your specific desires.
The adult female bagworm certainly doesn't look much like a moth, since she has no wings, eyes, legs, antennae or functional mouthparts.
Another popular addition to patio umbrellas is a little mood lighting. Whether your occasion calls for a romantic ambience, you're having a luau themed event, or you simply need some extra lighting on your deck or patio, these compact and cheerful lights make everyone happy.
How important is the appearance of your front yard when planning to sell your home? The fact is, the view of your front yard is the first impression buyers and drive-by visitors may see, either giving them reason to continue past it or enticing them to want to see more.
The following contains home and garden services information you should know about how to adapt and overcome a poor market. Read on if you or a loved one is interested in home improvement and maintenance.
My old college roommate is the type of guy who gets all the luck. I mean, if he slipped and fell, he'd probably land in a big pile of money. He was given a limited-edition Corvette as a graduation present, landed a well-paying job straight out of college and was settled into a nice, suburban home while most of his friends were still pounding the sidewalk trying to find their first “real” job.
Nowadays it pays to be aware of the choices available in the market in order to make the right decisions when it comes to improvements in the home. With the skyrocketing price of construction materials and services, it makes sense to know what options are available. Take, for example, the installation of precast concrete bulkhead stairway in your home's basement.
“To line with boards or paneling,” is how Mr. Webster describes wainscot. Doesn't sound very exciting, does it? Wainscot, however, can add excitement and set the theme of your home's decor. Wainscoting, in most instances, is finished off with a variety of moldings and is a great way of creating a true, “custom millwork” look to your home.
Renovations do not always translate to an increase in the value of your home. However, if you're planning to sell sometime in the future and want to ensure you get the most bang it is important to assess the value renovation.
We spend a lot of time thinking about the competition.
It's a good thing we can depend on pliers and wrenches, otherwise people would have a heck of a time taking things apart and putting them back together.
Michael A. Menn, AIA, CGR, CAPS, has built a career around award-winning remodeling design and impoving ndustry professionalism
Layering clothing provides extended performance of arc-rated clothing and minimizes burns due to heat transfer.
Bad news is everywhere these days; Builder confidence is down to its lowest level in more than 15 years, home sales are slow, inventories are up and foreclosures are mounting.
Technology will monitor the health and activities of homeowners
An electronics installer's operating procedures must mesh well with the builder's plan
Agrochemical products are playing an important role in boosting the production of crops as well as protecting crops from harmful insecticides and germicides. Agrochemical is a term used for broad range of chemical products that are used in agricultural sector.
This year the American Institute of Architects celebrates 150 years of service with continued emphasis on the importance of good design
After such a harsh winter, it's a little hard to believe that hot summer days are just around the corner. Just as it makes sense to buy a snow blower before the massive snow storm hits, it's also prudent to make sure your air conditioner is set to face the heat.
Keeping your cool this year may be easier if you give your air conditioning system a tune-up before the weather gets any warmer. All it takes is a few simple steps to make sure your air conditioning system is ready to properly cool your home.
Air exchangers use a central system, which means that the air in a house can be completely replaced several times per day. Now people with respiratory problems and allergies can feel the benefits of breathing fresh air indoors, all year round.
Such a consulting company is one that helps manufacturing and production firms when they have air emissions problems. Proth regulatory requirements and compliance with those requirements.
Although a band saw is rarely the first stationary power tool purchased for a shop, it is one of the most versatile.
An overview of the Bonsai Tree, its origins, and how they grow.
When I think of brick, I think of an old Ramones song, “Strength to Endure.” Because, let's face it, when it comes to making a solid choice for exterior walls, it's hard to argue with a decision to go with brick. And beyond its decades-lasting durability, brick is a highly energy-efficient material to cover your home. It also offers a wide range of colors and textures that let you build with a decorative flair.
Insulation has come a long way from the mud and grass “chinking” and crack fillers of our early ancestors. These days a wide range of insulation products and applications are available to totally envelope and insulate a building.
An orchid is a complex flower that has a variety of different types. In this article, you’ll learn more about orchids, their names, and their origins.
Working in my father's custom cabinet and furniture shop as a youngster, I stood and sanded for hours. I hated sanding then and I hate it now. Sanding is, however, a necessary evil for woodworkers, homeowners, do-it-yourselfers and auto finishers.
Attractive, versatile and creative, a wood fence system can be an excellent choice. You can expect years of protection, privacy and value. The sheer beauty of wood is the primary reason to select it as your fencing material. A properly designed, finely crafted and skillfully installed wood fence takes on an individual quality all its own — independent of its surroundings. Matched to the style of your house and grounds, it will enhance your home's appearance and add to its value. But as with any investment, it pays to do your homework.
Why is it so difficult to find good help in this industry? There are many factors that come into play.
Plants that add fun—whether through size, texture, or unusual color—have soared in popularity in recent years, and what plants could be more entertaining than the Asian elephant ears, whose bold, broad leaves seem so innocently joyful, so ridiculously oversize, that you're tempted to play hide-and-seek behind them in the borders? In my collection, none is more whimsical than Alocasia 'Hilo Beauty'.
Insulation, the material between the walls of our houses, is not a popular topic of conversation at parties these days, but it definitely undergoing metamorphosis within the building industry-- replacing the time-worn fiberglass materials commonly used while quietly earning "green points" towards environmental protection.
Easy-to-install, durable, less expensive … These characteristics are what make today's exterior trim manufactured from wood alternatives so popular among busy homeowners.
A hands on guide for planting and maintaining Amaryllis.
Even Americans who pledge allegiance by flying the flag at home aren't always practicing correct flag etiquette. Read the following article for all the rules and ettiquete about the American flag.
For a family that frequently holds large gatherings with business associates and family members — gatherings that can include as many as 150 people — a well-designed, well-lit kitchen is essential.
Remodelers shined bright at Qualified Remodeler's annual awards night
The story is that, at age 16, he was left in Ireland to finish school while the rest of the family immigrated to the United States.
Geoff Horen, CAPS; The Lifestyle Group, Indianapolis
A re-shuffle of the '07 Exterior 200 based on repeat, referral, and marketing lead sources offers a glimpse at the different models for success in the exterior contracting business
Learn how you can incorporate ancient architecture into a home.
Flowers are often the first thing that comes to mind when people think of gardening and the first thing people plan to grow when they want to beautify their surroundings. Flowers are marvelous because they come in a huge variety of sizes, colors, and shapes, and no matter where you live, at least one kind of flowering plant can grow there. Even the volcanic crater of Haleakala, on the island of Maui, is home to a flowering plant: the rare silver sword.
Ruby red and rosy pink stalks of rhubarb in the produce section are a sure sign that spring has arrived. Although technically a vegetable (genus Rheum, plant family Polygonaceae), and a close relation to sorrel, you’ll find it used primarily in desserts since you need to add sugar to overcome its assertive tartness.
Applying stains to an existing flooring can be a breeze, or it can be an uphill battle. It all depends on how you organize the staining process. Read on and know more.
Though the reason for picking this attractive apron sinks differs from person to person, the most promising primary fact is their durability and elegance.
Layering clothing provides extended performance of arc-rated clothing and minimizes burns due to heat transfer.
Current limiting fuses can reduce the amount of thermal energy produced during a fault.
The staircase in this home needed to be sculptural yet feel good at the same time.
My guess is most of you chose low profit, high satisfaction.
This armored scale (Unaspis euonymi) from Asia is a serious pest of euonymus throughout the United States and Canada, particularly the Japanese euonymus (Euonymus japonicus) and European euonymus (E europaeus), although it also attacks American bittersweet (Celastrus scandens), Japanese pachysandra (Pachysandra terminalis), Paxistima canbyi, and other plants.
There are many style options you can choose from to decorate your home in today's day and age, even options that one would never have considered back in the 20th century or even in the past few decades. This includes one style from the 20th century that seems to be regaining some popularity recently, and that style is art deco.
Artificial Christmas trees are becoming increasingly popular due to their convenience (no watering or cleaning up fallen needles) and the wide selections now available to fit everyone’s tastes and traditions - from ultra-realistic traditional Christmas trees to vibrant colored trees in pink and blue hues.
We recently returned from another EXPO in Louisville.
In this article, experts warn against E. coli on kitchen countertops. To better avoid exposure to this bacteria, quartz countertops would be a good idea.
Mishaps with ladders, gardening tools and lawn mowers alone cause hundreds of thousands of injuries a year that require medical attention, according to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission. Many of these household accidents are preventable.
Dorm rooms house three functions: sleeping, studying, and socializing. Study and sleep zones require tranquil, non-distracting environments with both ambience and focal lighting; while areas that serve a social function command more energetic themes and accessories.
When the electricity in your home fails (whether by lightning strike or brownout or some other reason), it is then that you may realize just how dependent our daily lives are on power. At best inconvenient, at worst dangerous and expensive, power failure can happen to almost anyone and can be difficult to predict. Fortunately, it is not difficult to prepare for such an event happening to you. Emergency backup generators are designed to prevent problems associated with an electrical outage.
The basic standby or backup power system consists of an alternate power source and an isolation device capable of switching between the two power sources to provide the required power to the designated loads. The key in determining these requirements is based on the essential loads.
Backyard gardening offers so many benefits it's hard to name them, but first is probably exercise. Gardening can provide exercise from the “easy-does-it” to a full workout, depending on how hard you want to work. The elderly can benefit from time spent gardening. Another benefit is simply an excuse to be out in the fresh air. Experts are quick to say both exercise and time spent outdoors can reduce stress, a common problem today.
If you're looking for an eye-catching addition to your backyard that can give you maximum usability all year long, consider a gazebo.
When I was a kid, one of my jobs was mowing my aunt's yard. My aunt loved flowers. She stuck a flower here, another there. I was perpetually in trouble for mowing over what I thought were weeds. My wife and I love flowers too, but for the most part, she has our flowers organized into beds and planters.
For many, the idea of owning a backyard pond has been the holy grail of gardening. The images a pond evokes can be stirring; a cool oasis of waterfalls, babbling brooks, bright waterlilies and darting fish, where the stress and cares of the day just melt away. Open the back door and enter another world, a private world apart, a backyard paradise.
How to make your backyard a fun, relaxing, and enjoyable place to spend your time.
The balcony is an extension of the home, and it is a place where many people sit and read the newspaper, enjoy beverages, and take in a bit of fresh air and sunshine. It is a space that can be decorated according to the season or for any reason, and if you enjoy spending time on your balcony, you can make it an impressive space where friends and family will also love to spend time.
Beautiful, long-lasting, and environmentally-friendly, bamboo flooring can enliven any interior with unique attractiveness as well as practicality. Here are some details to consider when thinking about bamboo flooring.
The following article offers some tips for growing and caring for bamboo.
Fire up the grill -- local laws permitting -- but do so safely. Thousands of fires occur each year due to barbecue related fires. People die. Others are injured. Property losses reach $35 million. Beginning this year, Santa Clara County placed a permanent ban on certain barbecuing on some multifamily housing balconies.Deadline Newsroom - For
Although many people might imagine the basement as little more than the unfinished storage area of a home, the basement can be much more than this. When finished and given some homey touches, the basement can become one of the focal activity areas of a home. There are many different options the homeowner can choose between when deciding how to finish the basement, depending on his or her preferences. Regardless of choice, the finished basement will add style to the home and add to the general living area.
Basement flooring options are numerous, each with advantages and disadvantages. Making the right choice for your basement flooring will not only give you years of use but can add to the resale value of your home.
An insulated basement can help reduce energy costs and increase your living space, as well as help increase the resale value of your home. Read on for basement insulation tips.
Basement dimensions vary from house to house; so planning is key. Carefully thinking through the project will result in a newly created space, which will be enjoyed for years to come. I recommend planning for now as well as the future, particularly if your children are small and your intention is to remain in the home for an extended period of time.
Whether your basement is a do-it yourself project or if you’re working with a builder, the project begins with insulation. Here are four easy steps to completing your basement renovation,
Many people use their basement as a family room, computer room, playroom, or a den. The proper basement windows can make your basement look warm and inviting by letting in as much air and light as possible. They should also be useful by keeping out would-be robbers, and keeping drafts and water from coming in. The proper basement window can make a huge difference, even in basement décor.
By using a trademarked LifeCentric design system, Choate Custom Homes in Milford, Mich.
Your bathroom exhaust fan is an important element of your home's ventilation system. Known as a form of intermittent ventilation, the bathroom fan will protect your home as well as the health of your family.
It is always a good investment to improve the look of your home especially your bathroom flooring. Replacing or renovating the bathroom floor is just one of those things that add to its value. One of the most common questions in terms of bathroom design concerns the choice of bathroom flooring. Which one is the better choice? By learning the application of a product along with its durability can help consumers to make a wise decision.
There are many different kinds of bathroom light fixtures available today to install in your bathroom. Deciding between the many choices out there can be fun and exciting, and you will love the way a new fixture looks in your bathroom! Read on to find the best bathroom lighting for your tastes!
Knowing what's in and what's out in bathroom design is important for homeowners deciding just where to spend their makeover dollars. An interior designer suggests they look at four key areas: the mirror, paint, hardware and lighting and shares his tips for making over a bathroom on a budget without sacrificing style.
Though Brooklyn offers a distinctive cultural and artistic scene that marvelously intermingles with the usual New York bustle, stress is an inevitable factor in everyday living. With the economy, local and even international, in a muddle some changes can do some good in alleviating stress.
Consider putting a stylish stool or chair in the bathroom for seniors to sit while they change their clothes, put on makeup or style their hair.
Bay windows capture the outside view better than most windows. They add brightness and beauty to the interior of your home.
The new "State of the Nation's Housing" report from Harvard University's Joint Center for Housing Studies is summer beach-reading for the truly housing impaired.
—Stone design and fabrication is one of the more complicated arts in kitchen and bath design.
Are you a guy who wants a cool room to wow your friends when they come over? Just follow these easy steps and this can be yours!
Teen girls want a bedroom that reflects their unique personality while displaying their favorite possessions. With knowledge of her interests, favorite colors, and style, it is possible to decorate a teen girl's bedroom and transform it into the well-decorated private space she has always wanted.
Can you recommend some plants that are particularly attractive to bees? I'm hoping to lure many bees toward my vegetable garden so they will also pollinate my veggie plants and help ensure a good harvest.
Did you know that a bee colony may have 40,000-60,000 bees present at a time in the late spring to summer? Or that a yellow jacket can sting repeatedly?
When I arrived at Dan's office, his door was closed.
During the years I owned my remodeling business, I remember one experience I had which gave me a lesson I never forgot and subsequently changed the way I trained and coached people in the art of selling from that day on.
Using compost as a natural, non-chemical fertilizer boosts the nutrient value of food grown in compost-enriched gardens. Read on for a definition of composting, benefits of composting, and where to find out more.
Your trees are your best friends in summer, cooling your home and spreading verdant shade across your yard. In fall, however, the love affair wanes as they dump a smothering carpet of leaves onto your lawn.
s global warming and climate change increasingly become a daily concern, more and more people are making environmentally conscious decisions especially when it comes to living green. Although the green movement is a fairly new concept, it has gained significant momentum in society and now affects our lifestyle, living space, landscaping, systems, and structure.
Wood flooring is even more prone to damage. Most woods tend to rot after a period of time. When the materials age, the layer of lacquer on top, which also acts as a protective covering, erodes away.
Every time a potential client walks through your doors, your showroom is on a job interview.
Above-ground pools are inexpensive ways to beat the heat in hot summer months. Most above-ground pools are surrounded with a free-standing deck that is typically between 3 and 4 feet high. Although the deck itself gets plenty of use, the space beneath the deck is usually wasted. Building a storage area beneath provides storage for pool, deck and garden supplies and equipment. Although the storage unit shown is built to suit the specific deck, the same construction can be used to create a storage unit for any deck, merely change the dimensions to suit.
Specialty, Design/Build and Full-Service remodelers cite many opportunities and challenges
There are two standard types of estimates from moving companies: binding and non-binding.
Black spot is the most serious and widespread disease of roses, thriving wherever there is adequate humidity and rainfall.
A versatile disinfectant found in laundry rooms countrywide, bleach is best known for its ability to whiten whites and leave toilets squeaky clean. Despite its widespread use, some people still have questions about its safety and its affect on the environment. To learn more about bleach, consider the following information from laundering expert, Dr. Laundry.
The practice of building retaining walls has been around for thousands of years. If you want to level a hilly area to enclose a decorative garden or construct a new driveway, you'll need retaining walls.
Last month I talked about how I really enjoy this time of year; a time of rejuvenation and optimism, and hopefully in 2008, a time of restitution for the outdoor power equipment industry.
You want to bring bold colour to your décor but can't quite take the plunge to paint rooms or even one wall with a vibrant hue? Then colour blocking - painting one or two colours in varying-sized 'blocks', stripes or shapes on a wall - may be your safest bet.
The following article offers a brief description of several popular books.
Brick patios, walks and garden terraces are some of the easiest-to-build home projects.
A spectacular room-addition solution for a topo-challenged home
The fun doesn't have to stop when the sun goes down if you spice up your yard, garden and home with low-voltage and sun-powered solar lighting products.
Given that our personal real estate is our most valuable asset it makes sense to maximize every square foot of your property. It's not surprising then to find that people are moving outdoors to create more space at home to relax and enjoy time with family and friends.
A good team with the right attitude can deliver profitable results
New testers are entering the field that provide new features, while keeping workers safe.
The Renewed American Home 2007 harkens back to yesteryear as it showcases future possibilities in kitchen design.
This common scale ( Coccus hesperidum ) attacks a wide range of houseplants, including anthuriums, citrus, dieffenbachia, ferns, orchids, and ornamental figs.
Knowing the client's budget upfront can reduce sticker shock down the road
Creating an opening between a kitchen and dining room can not only lighten your life, but may even spice it up as well. Not only does a bar pass-through make it easy to serve food from the kitchen to the dining room, but it also provides a small eating area the kids can use while you go about kitchen chores.
I 'm a big movie fan. I like action movies, monster movies, thrillers, comedies, dramas, westerns, you name it, and I've been collecting them since I was a kid. Over the years I managed to accrue a considerable pile of VHS tapes, and wouldn't you know it—now DVDs are the hot new thing, and VHS tapes are going the way of the dodo. So after all those years spent collecting movies, I'm now replacing the clunky old tapes with the new digital disc format. All of this movie fandom means that I've got a lot of movies but not a lot of places to put them. So I decided to build a case of shelves to house my movie collection.
New construction has been more susceptible to large scale moisture problems. The 1970s focus on improving energy efficiency lead to more airtight construction, but it also meant a larger temperature drop across the thickness of the wall. In addition, increasingly complex home designs opened the door to the potential for moisture intrusion.
Low, short garden walls can be built with a single wythe—that is, with only one horizontal row of bricks. But such walls are not strong. You can even push them over by hand. Double-wythe brick walls are much stronger, though if they are more than 2 feet high, they may not be strong enough to act as retaining walls.
Butcher-block kitchen countertops have traditionally been very popular and these days are often used as companion tops with other materials, such as solid-surface tops. In addition to their aesthetic appearance, they can receive hot pans without damage. You can make up your own butcher-block countertop, or the same technique can be used to create cutting boards, or a top for a roll-around cart.
In days past, most carpentry and trim or finish work was done with hand tools, and carpenter's carried their tools to the site in a handmade wooden box. My dad, a finish carpenter who specialized in trim work and cabinetry, had several boxes with a variety of tools—one box for his planes alone.
A good, solid workbench is a basic of any woodworking shop, and although workbenches come in many different styles, types and sizes, a “classic” workbench style has evolved.
Decks and patios are a major source of America's entertainment and relaxing enjoyment, but they can be hot in the summer sun. They can actually be dangerous if they reflect the sun's ultraviolet rays. And running your grill during a rainstorm that arrives the same time as your guests can be a real frustration. One answer is a sunroof over your patio or deck.
The age-old “shtick” about a rake handle smacking you in the face when you step on the teeth isn't funny. It's happened to me more than once.
A lockable display case can be used to store and display guns, trophies or treasured heirlooms.
Books, books and more books — we've had that problem for years. Books stored in boxes in the closet, books in the attic and some in the basement that eventually became ruined.
I've learned a lot since becoming a dad 6 years ago, like those timeless life-lessons you see in the movies. But I've also learned something else, maybe a little more mundane, but with no less effect on my everyday existence—kids have lots of stuff! And, this brings me to another point: So do we.
With the growing popularity of cordless power tools, it's extremely easy these days to accumulate a lot of portable tools, and when you add in quality corded tools, such as circular saws, routers, planers and air nailers, you can end up with a pretty hefty investment. These same tools are the first to “walk away” in a theft. Left lying around a shop or garage, they can also be somewhat dangerous for youngsters.
My four-year-old nephew, Owen, recently discovered the wonders of a playground slide. It was love at first site. He was totally stoked over the rollercoaster rush of zooming downhill like a human skee ball.
Porches have become increasingly popular, and an old-fashioned porch swing is reminiscent of the romance of yesteryear. You can build your own “classic” porch swing and match it to your décor.
I love building retaining walls. It's fun to be out in warm weather cutting big timbers and doing a project that sees quick, upward progress. However, the standard stack of horizontal 6-by-6's wasn't a design that worked for me, so when it came time to design a wall for my own yard, I went looking for something with a little more texture and style but with the same mass and power as a standard style wall. I found it, and all it took was standing those 6-by-6's on their head.
So many bench-top style tools are available today it's easy to accumulate several, including table saws, jointers, sanders, scroll saws, planers and others. With either purchased or shop-made individual stands, the tools can take up a lot of room.
If you are planning an addition to your home, or are going all the way and building a new home, a key area to focus on is the structural framing of the floors. Too often, floors have annoying squeaks or bounce, which can mar an otherwise quality job on the rest of the project. But a correctly built floor is a hallmark of good construction and can help support the long-term value and enjoyment of your home. Paying careful attention to the framing will help provide a solid and silent floor, plus reduce the risk of cracks in tiles, or gaps and bulges that show through carpet, linoleum or other floor coverings.
A wide variety of air-tools can be used in the shop to assemble projects ranging from small craft items to cabinets and furniture. In most instances, a sturdy workbench or table is needed as a work surface to assemble projects.
A carport, or lean-to shed, attached to an existing building such as a garage, barn, shed or the side of your house can provide economical shelter for vehicles, garden tractors, boats or other equipment. An attached carport is also fairly easy to construct against the side of another building, if you have enough height under the existing building eave.
In my life as a carpenter, author and business owner, I spend long hours at my desk banging away at my ToughBook keyboard. When it came time to upgrade my old hand-me-down writing surface, I already knew what I wanted in a new work space.
The trend toward creating outdoor living environments is catching on like a pile of Match Light briquettes. Patio and deck construction is in high demand, and the barbecue industry is hotter than ever on the tails of a record-breaking year in 2007.
Make the most of your wall space by installing space-saving shelves. Here is a guide for building and installing your own.
My mom wanted a patio. She wanted a nice, shady place beside her house to relax, read, sip lemonade and host the occasional barbecue. This meant Dad and I had a new project on our hands.
The following article offers tips for making your own rain barrel. If you're looking to conserve water for your lawn or garden, making a rain barrel to catch rain water in is a great way to do just that.
I built a table for the Primo XL and the weight of the grill alone is several hundred pounds. So instead of building the table out of 2 by 4s, I chose 2 by 6s and ran two 2 by 6 joists from front to back on 16” centers. The overall width of the table is 48 inches and the depth is 30 inches. This is how I built it.
Sloped site and noise pollution challenge the recreation of a European setting
Tired of moving the riding mower every time I wanted to get to the tiller and vice-versa, I originally designed this garden shed with doors on each end.
You have many options when it comes to fireplace design, like fuel types, locations, firebox liners, ventilation systems and masonry treatments.
If you've decided an island is the right addition to your kitchen, but don't have the money to shell out to hire someone to build it, or just like to build things yourself, read on. This article provides instructions and tips for building a kitchen island.
Third-generation dealer eyes new products and markets while strengthening an already stellar reputation for service.
Pergolas have been adding character, elegance and value to outdoor living spaces and gardens for years. These stylish wooden structures are practical projects that can be built in a single weekend. Spring is an ideal time to consider outdoor architectural upgrades, like a pergola, as your appreciation for the effort will increase as plants grow and flowers bloom around it.
Building a swing arbor is a fun weekend project that can really spruce up the landscape without requiring a lot of out-of-pocket expense.
Whether your clothes horse is a closet hog or you really don't have much closet space, following a few simple guidelines can make a big difference in how to get the most out of the closet space you do have.
Erik Listou, CGR, CAPS; Top Quality Remodeling, Inc., Golden, Colo.
Corporate recognition brings clients in the door; talent keeps them at the table
NAHB Custom Home Builder of the Year Paul Magleby knows how to satisfy clients, and make friends
Building roof designs are an important element in how your house will look from the curb, but they not only affect the appearance of your home. Good roof designs will help determine possible future expansions and can increase the energy efficiency of your home.
A couple of weeks ago, I had mountains of tools and boxes piled precariously on a couple of undersized shelves. I inadvertently managed to knock a large wooden box full of fasteners off the top shelf, and on the way down it plowed a deep groove in my shin.
Glued-laminated timber constitutes an ever-increasing percentage of the framing materials used in residential construction. In 2002, 65 percent of the approximately 338 million board-feet of glulam found its way into North American homes.
Glued-laminated timber constitutes an ever-increasing percentage of the framing materials used in residential construction. In 2002, 65 percent of the approximately 338 million board-feet of glulam found its way into North American homes.
At one time or another nearly every homeowner complains of not having enough space. If this sounds like a problem you're facing you may want to consider built-in furniture.
As you plan your next vacation, take five minutes to review these simple, yet often overlooked home safety practices that deter burglars from breaking into your house. Your home will appear to be lived in whether you are away for only a weekend or for weeks at a time.
Many homeowners and apartment dwellers are worried about their homes becoming a target of burglary today. This article provides tips for preventing your home from becoming a target of burglary.
Commercial mower engines are reaching new levels of efficiency at a time when it matters most.
When creating a butterfly garden, the possibilities of what to include in your butterfly garden design are endless. Below are some suggestions to help get you started. They are designed to spark the creative process of your mind and get you started on your way to creating a lovely butterfly garden.
When it comes to buying a dining room table, it is not only the cost or the look of the table that you need to consider. Furniture doesn't come cheap and rather than blowing up your money on that jazzy-looking dining table, take a step back and do your homework well.
Before investing in new living room furniture, you should ask yourself a few questions. Here, we'll guide you through assessing your living room space and how it will be used, so you can choose the proper seating.
When you buy a plant, make sure it is healthy. The leaves and branches should be a good color and shape, not discolored or distorted (unless the plant variety dictates this). There should be a good collection of roots, with not much loose potting mixture, but the plant should not be potbound.
Kitchen cabinet refacing will dramatically change the look of your kitchen. Add stylish cabinet hardware to give your kitchen design the finishing touch.
There are a lot of reasons why you would decide to refinish cabinets rather than have them replaced. You are assured that you can save money, time, and effort. You can also bring about the natural beauty of your kitchen cabinets.
A cabinet repainting carries a lot of benefits; that’s why you just need one. It is economical, practical, and brings the beauty of your kitchen cabinets. What’s more, you have plenty of contractors that you can choose from.
The following contains home security information you should know about cable trays. Read on if you or a loved one is interested in home improvement and security.
Cactus is one of those plants with so many versions, the story never ends. I’ve been to houses containing hundreds of these guys -- a hobby run amok.The only problem is you can love them too much.
Mold is and always has been a major contributor in buildingrelated illness. I have seen many clients who were ill as theresult of living with mold. However, one must not overlook thepossibility of other contributing factors such as cigarettesmoke, non mold related bio-allergens such as cat and dog dander,rat and mice allergens, and chemical contaminates such aspesticides or volatile organic compounds.
Regardless of if toxic mold can poison you with mycotoxins viainhalation, it is a fact observed by this inspector many timesthat mold can make some people very sick. Asthma attacks,allergies, and sinus infections from mold appear to be verycommon. Such conditions in turn can cause people to loose sleep,loose energy and concentration, miss work, and in general feel asif they were being poisoned by mycotoxins.
A green whole-house remodel that is large yet reads like a one-story cottage from the street
What steps have you taken to ensure that carbon monoxide, the toxic, odorless, colorless gas, does not become an unwanted guest in the spaces you consider safe? You may have taken precautions in one area, but all locations must be equally safe.
When it comes to cleaning and caring for items in and around our home, it's easy to think of cars and household appliances, but we tend to forget about our mattresses
Hurricane codes inspire design creativity, not frustration
Carpet and rugs are a huge part of our lives for the fact that they provide cushioning when we walk across a room and they sound proof rooms. They also make a room look great. That is why they come in so many different types, colors, and styles.
Discoloration is caused by one or a combination of culprits, but probably has nothing to do with the quality of the carpet itself. An accumulation of small particles in the interior air of your home may be at work, and only a professional carpet cleaning with enzyme-based agents may help.
Room additions add much more than space. They bring a new richness to the overall massing of a home. And perhaps most importantly, good room additions help an existing floor plan function better.
Casement windows are designed to give the home owner the maximum amount of fresh air and sunlight a window can give. Along with these advantages, casement windows offer the similar advantages of other style windows.
Losing control of cash flow can damage your hard-earned reputation
Caulk is one of the most versatile products on the market today. It has a wide range of uses including application to siding. This can be used for preparation for painting or sealing for insulation purposes.
There's nothing like new siding to dress up a home. Just like painting interior walls revitalizes the inside, residing revamps the home's exterior character and adds distinction. Furthermore, according to the latest annual survey by Remodeling Magazine, renovating the home's exterior with upscale siding provides the best financial return on investment. On average, homeowners can expect to recoup 103 percent of the siding construction cost when it comes time to sell—higher than most other home projects.
The next time you drive through an upscale neighborhood in your community, take the time to admire a few particular homes that seem to stand out from the crowd. Though you may not recognize it at the time, there's often a common reason why these properties catch your eye. More than likely, the homes incorporate exterior materials and designs that embrace the natural environment, creating a look that is a harmonious blend of architecture and nature.
Place a pile of photos of custom homes in front of architects and builders and ask them to begin critiquing what they see, and you won't have to ask them again.
Concrete decks make for beautiful, weather resistant additions to one’s home. Both functional and durable, cement decks, when properly installed, can last a homeowner for many years and offer a comfortable place to entertain and relax.
Our home environments are filled with a bothersome brew of irritants that can be hazardous to our health. This article offers effective ways to rid your home of allergens and pollutants.
For ages strength and style have made ceramic tile a great choice for flooring material. Available in a vast array of colors, patterns, sizes and finishes, ceramic tile has the design flexibility to indulge any decorator while offering the durability to stand up to the high demands of heavy foot traffic.
"We've come a long way, but want to go further," said CGC president Bob Onraet.
Chainsaws — the ultimate tool for some, the ultimate nightmare for others. Chainsaws are actually neither. Once considered the primary tool of professional loggers, ranchers and farmers, chainsaws became a popular homeowner tool when Robert McCulloch introduced the first lightweight model back in the late '60s. Since that time chainsaws have become increasingly popular with homeowners.
Designing and building your home to decrease moisture and mold intrusion is important, but even the best efforts can be wasted without proper maintenance. Maintaining your home's weather-resistive properties is a simple but effective method of protecting your investment for years to come.
While I don't travel as much as some people think, I do travel enough that I've pretty much grown to hate it.
If you’re the kind of person who checks under the hood before buying a new or used car, then why would you be less picky about the heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) systems in the home you are about to buy?
Designing a space with tight dimensions is a challenge for any designer.
The following contains home products information you should know about innovative showrooms. Read on if you or a loved one is interested in home and kitchen design information.
I was looking at a site called NAHB. Which stands for National Association of Home Builders. I enjoy being a member of this association. It allows me to meet with other builders to talk about the latest trends and to compare notes on who has the most difficult home-owners. Well, at least I am honest about it.
While homeowners willingly choose to undertake many kinds of home renovations, installation and/or repair of heating, ventilation, air conditioning and refrigeration equipment is usually considered an exceptional measure.
Your best bet in ensuring that your contractor holds up his end of the deal is to sign a contract with him. It should contain information about payment, materials, deadlines and guarantees.
There's a lot to be said for a metal roof's snazzy looks and top-notch performance. The right roof can liven the home's curb appeal and provide years of superior low-maintenance protection. Today's residential metal roofing comes in a wide variety of styles and designs.
Are there any better mental images than a warm summer’s day spent basking in the sun next to the cool blue water of your own swimming pool or watching your children splash and frolic about in the refreshing waters that make the summer heat tolerable?
New options in tiller design break new ground for the do-it-yourself gardener. Successful gardening depends on healthy soil. One of the best ways to maintain productive gardens and flowerbeds is to keep the soil well tilled.
As the winter approaches, you may turn to ice melting products to keep your walkways and driveways clear. It is important to understand the risks associated with certain common ice melters so you can make an informed decision about which to purchase.
You might be overwhelmed with the variety of choices on the market today. For help choosing a dish washing liquid, follow these steps.
In order to maximize the potential of your garden, you'll want to add some artwork to accentuate its features. In choosing garden art, there are four questions you'll want to ask yourself.
Back in the early 1970s, when concrete patios were much more common than raised wood decks, the choices for deck materials were few: redwood, cedar, maybe cypress.
In the early 1970s when concrete patios were much more common than raised wood decks, the choices for deck materials were few: redwood, cedar, maybe cypress. In that same decade, lumber dealers began stocking pressure-treated pine, suburban living became part of the American dream, and backyard decks began their tremendous growth in popularity.
Follow these simple tips for optimal performance
In this article, you'll find 10 Christmas decoration tips, including best practices for lights, wreaths, ornaments, and more.
More than 32 million homes will decorate real Christmas trees this season, according to the National Christmas Tree Association. And trees, along with other decorations, can pose safety hazards.
The 15th Annual Chrysalis Awards were presented on June 11th in Atlanta.
Circular saws are the most widely used cutting tools around, whether they're configured as a portable handheld model, a table saw, miter saw or radial arm saw.
The Skil Corporation invented portable circular saws just after World War II and, in fact, “Skilsaw” became synonymous with the tools. The new saws allowed carpenters to cut through a framing 2-by-4 much faster than with a handsaw and thus helped fuel the booming home-construction business of the time. Portable circular saws have come a long way from their beginning, although they still operate in the same manner.
The citrus mealybug ( Planococcus citri ) is a major greenhouse and houseplant pest. In subtropical climates, this sucking insect is also a problem outdoors.
Paint has been found on early Egyptian furniture and used for centuries to protect, decorate, and to hide crude joinery. Milk paint is one type from ancient origin that is very durable and has a distinctive look not easily replicated.
You may not realize that your clothes dryer does require regular cleaning and maintenance. Most people tend to think that it is a simple question. It is not.
The state of a sink is a big indicator of the cleanliness of any home so begin and end your weekly housekeeping with a clean sink. Keep your sink from being just a catch-all for dirty dishes and sponges and by following these steps to clean a sink.
Cleaning is an integral part of the painting exercise. Cleaning the surface (both before and after paining) properly is what set a professional painter and an armature house painter apart.
Freestanding radiators have been keeping us warm since the 1860s. They warm homemade pies, dry your wet gloves, and humidify the room when you place a pan of water on top of them.
When your bathroom starts to seem dingy and dull it never looks clean. You could waste your money on expensive cleansers and treatments for the bathroom. Or you might scrub your way to a sore elbow. Instead you might consider following these steps to brighten your bathroom and tiles. The steps for cleaning tiles work on all other surfaces except the mirrors in your bathroom.
When gas burners get dirty they can clog causing your food to cook unevenly. You might even begin to notice a smell of gas and delay in the burner lighting because of the clogged burners.
Cleaning a cooktop can be daunting especially if it's been a while since the last cleaning. If you follow these steps you can clean and maintain a cooktop so it no longer seems daunting.
Mitigation is vital in order to limit the effects of water damage. After all, the longer water is allowed to remain in a building, the greater the damage will be. Lack of mitigation services to flooded homes and other buildings can lead to secondary damages to the structure and contents from elevated humidity conditions, as well as potential microbial growth issues.
The introduction of vinyl siding in the building industry created more business than just an alternative to wood or brick. It opened up the opportunities for the manufacture of siding particular tools. It also added the expense of cleaning the siding. Even though brick and wood need to be cleaned on a regular basis to maintain its look, vinyl siding presents another “level” of cleaning unique to itself.
To help keep your kid's environment clean, soak hard plastic toys in a mixture made from 3/4 cup of bleach and 3.8 litres of water. Let the toys soak for ten minutes before rinsing and air drying.
Wrought iron patio furniture takes on a patina with age that makes it look classic and stylish. It doesn't have to be dirty or grungy, however. Instead you can clean wrought iron patio furniture so that the style lasts and lasts.
When you can find your room in the dark just through smell, it might be time for you to get moving and clean out your small space. Here are simple tips that can help you finish cleaning your room.
Sometimes called clematis leaf and stem spot, this fungal disease has been a problem for growers of large-flowered clematis cultivars for more than a century. Despite its devastating appearance, clematis wilt is rarely fatal.
There's a difference between offering the best technology and forcing it upon homeowners
Yearning for a sweltering swag of Clematis that mirrors your courtyard cascade? Rest assured, early summer is a great time to spur new growth for such a climbing creation.
There are very few gardens—even those on roof terraces and in city courtyards—that cannot accommodate at least one climber in a large pot. They are an excellent solution for an awkward spot, such as a gap in a border or a bare area of paving.
If you work long enough, you'll discover you really can't have too many drill bits. They're needed for numerous around-the-home, shop and contractor chores. Bits are available for drilling just about any material, including wood, the various metals, concrete, stone, tile and even glass. As you can guess, a wide variety of “bits” or tools for drilling are available for use with portable drills and drill presses.
The following article lists some things that should be taken into consideration when buying a coffee table book.
Spotlight on a Clonial Williamsburg-inspired kitchen design.
When painting the rooms in your home, choose your colors carefully. Learn about what associations humans tend to have with certain colors and how, when used in the home, they can affect the subconscious.
Picking a color scheme can be overwhelming but keep in mind, if you hate it, you can always repaint. Plan ahead for your design and you will be able to select the best color scheme to suit the mood and personality of your new home.
Brighter colors reflect homeowners' emergence from their cocoons; big-ticket items and kitchens are prime areas to differentiate with color
House on a steep, narrow lot blends European style with unique features that mesh with its rural setting
If replacing the countertop or cabinetry is not an option now, you may be able to make some other more cost-effective changes to make your kitchen unique and stylish. Even the most standard kitchen can get that custom-designed look with a few relatively low-cost renovations.
The Color Marketing Group is an international organization that forecasts and tracks color trends. For home remodelers, CMG can provide valuable input on consumer preferences in home color, products, and interior design.
If a basement is musty, if there are black, green or purple blotches on or behind the walls and ceiling tile, or if there is any kind of growth thriving under the carpets or rugs, then the home is probably living side-by-side with a colony of mold. This is a potential health danger for any family and also a legal liability for you and your clients.
If you chill your food in a Sub-Zero refrigerator, make your morning omelet on a Wolfe stove, or drive a pickup truck or SUV to work (even if your route isn't off road), then you may be the sort of consumer who would enjoy commercial-grade outdoor power equipment.
Although there are potentially hundreds of reasons why your home's central air conditioner may need to be repaired, there are a few reasons that are quite common. Here are the top five problems that may cause your air conditioning system to break down.
This article lists 10 common bugs from Pest Watch to swat away from your garden to help you beaufy your garden.
As a contractor for 15 years and now Engineered Wood specialist with APA The Engineered Wood Association for the last eight years, I have watched the use of engineered wood products progress from simple plywood and OSB sheathing applications to complete engineered building systems involving floor, wall and roof construction.
You know what you mean, but does your client hear what you're saying?
The following contains home products information you should know about community involvement. Read on if you or a loved one is interested in home and kitchen design information.
The following contains home products information you should know about community involvement. Read on if you or a loved one is interested in home and kitchen design information.
It has only been as of late that a few negatives about compact fluorescents bulbs (CFLs) have been voiced. While these concerns far from detract from the efficiency benefits of switching to compact fluorescent light bulbs, it is still good knowledge to have on hand when trying out these bulbs.
The following contains home products information you should know about kitchens as a live-in room. Read on if you or a loved one is interested in home and kitchen design information.
Your trees are your best friends in summer, cooling your home and spreading verdant shade across your yard. In fall, however, the love affair wanes as they dump a smothering carpet of leaves onto your lawn.
What's the most versatile tool in your shop? An air compressor and mating air tools can do an amazing amount of work around your home and shop. Regardless of whether your chores include woodworking, metalworking, mechanical jobs or even simple home chores, a compressor is the tool. Many chores can also be done at a lower cost than with comparable electric tools. The initial cost of the air tool is lower, and the average life-span is longer.
Not too long ago, the only acceptable place for concrete floors was a warehouse. Today, concrete has become a stylish alternative material for floors, countertops, patios, driveways and walkways. Finished concrete, such as stamped or stenciled concrete, can be scored in a variety of geometric patterns, and they can be dyed almost any color or combination of colors.
In today's challenging real estate market, homeowners are realizing how important that first look is when a prospective buyer visits their home.
Nonmetallic and metallic conduit and fittings now include additional labor-saving features.
Kenton Pass, CGR, CAPS, CGB has reordered his business several times, but his commitment to industry associations has been constant.
Many contractors shy away from increasing their hourly rates, but you shouldn't be afraid.
New landscaping techniques have evolved to reduce water and maintenance requirements while providing aesthetically pleasing landscapes. Landscaping concepts that reduce water requirements are called "xeriscape," a word that combines the Greek xeros, meaning dry, with landscape.
If you want to develop an efficient production process within your company, start by creating a culture of accountability among your installation crews
I've been cleaning out various corners of my office over the last few weeks.
Due diligence and a studied effort can save you thousands of dollars on the cost of a new roof, according to an independent analysis of the home topping home improvement. Consumer Checkbook has found ways to save on services like roofing. Find out how.
From the very beginning K-Designers has offered financing to its customers. CEO Larry Judson says been an indisputably important factor in their growth to $65 million in sales
By raising its own level of professionalism, Moen Machinery has successfully spent the last 60 years serving professional customers of all shapes and sizes.
Spring is an excellent time to consider simple, outdoor living enhancements like container water gardens. They add serenity and a unique, new look to home landscapes as reflections of water add another dimension of interest and movement to the surrounding space.
The move towards contemporary design is one of the hottest trends today. A minimalist space is characterized by a focus on essential shapes, materials, and surfaces.
— Staying "inside the box" has come to mean abiding by the status quo, avoiding risk and generally staying in the mainstream.
Design challenges come in all shapes and sizes, much like client wishlists do.
Electrical contractors see increasing opportunities in Voice-Data-Video work, though the economy is a worry.
Create extra space by converting your old closet into a cabinet.
It's no secret people like to enjoy the outdoors whenever possible.
With so many visible strikes from natural disasters grabbing the headlines, the insidious nature of a drought makes it easy to overlook. Here, you'll find a clear definition of drought, information on drought trends in the nation, and preventative measures.
In the era of global warming, many consumers are focusing on new ways to accomplish yard work while lowering its impact on the environment.
The differance between builders and architects and what you should know before hiring either one
Cottage Safety (NC)—Fire departments and safety officials are reminding cottagers that by following a few simple steps, your summer can be free of tragedy.
Never store your fire extinguisher on your boat over winter. If you do, check to ensure it is still fully charged when you return your boat to the water. If not, replace it.
One of the best ways to increase the resale value of your home is through the kitchen, and a great way to achieve dramatic results at a low cost is by replacing the old, outdated laminate countertops of the 1970s and 1980s. There are several new options on the market today that can give your kitchen the face-lift it deserves. Three such materials are concrete, tile and soapstone. All can be installed with relative ease by the average to skilled handyman.
Larger kitchens and a continued interest in customization are leading to a rather "natural" progression for kitchen countertops and islands.
As many of us know, the kitchen and bathroom are often at the top of a buyers lists when it comes to trends and upgrades. But, what you may not know is that there are a lot of options out there besides granite for beautifying counter space.
The votes are in … Qualified Remodeler readers have chosen the Safe Hands Bath as the "Remodelers' Choice" product for January. This product generated the highest amount of requests of any other product featured in the September issue.
Choosing carpet as the flooring for your home offers some unique advantages over other materials. The selection of styles is practically endless. New technology makes carpet easier than ever to care for.
Though you may have forgotten what's stored in your home's crawl space, it's important to know that air flows in and out of there, and can affect the overall health of your home. Crawlspaces are built directly above the ground, which means that rising moisture-laden air may lead to condensation and possible mold growth.
Randy Sealover, CGR; Mountain Country Builders, Inc., Flagstaff, Ariz.
Color is something that Feng Shui makes use of in attracting positive energy into our living space. When you are planning your home’s color schemes, you should pick accordingly to the kind of energy you need. This guide will assist you in choosing the best colors for you to come up with a harmonious home.
When we think of planting bulbs in the fall, we naturally think of putting them in the ground. Yet growing bulbs in containers isn't difficult, and offers tremendous design flexibility, especially when one uses the layered technique described here, with several varieties in the same pot.
While everyone longs for a spacious home environment, creating such space often presents a challenge. In this article, we'll detail the benefits of a spacious home, as well as offering tips to make this possible.
(NC)—For many gardeners, having songbirds visit is one of the benefits of having a garden in the first place. It's always a delight to see the variety of birds that drop by for a nibble or a rest.
T.J. Neil is a concrete craftsman who has taken his work to a new level of artistry. When many people think of concrete, they may envision a dull, lifeless sidewalk slab, but Neil sees the potential for a soaring eagle, a roaring bear, or even a 65-foot long dinosaur.
When it comes to kitchen cabinets, it's not merely about aesthetics these days.
A variety of wood joints are used in furniture and cabinetry construction. They can vary in strength, depending on the joint and the design of the piece. Some traditional methods have been used in the past to create super strong wood joints.
Wall color always has a lot to do with the warmth of a room. Bold colors with lots of warmth are getting even more popular - especially oranges, brick-reds and fuchsia.
Many homeowners have now become aware that the way they manage their households -- and landscapes -- can have a major effect on conserving precious resources. In this article, you'll learn how to create a "greener" garden.
Stamping concrete is an affordable way to imitate the look of natural stone or brick without having to pay for the real thing. Proprietary rubber patterns that create effects resembling natural stone, and preconfigured patterns such as brick or cobblestone, are commercially available, but sometimes look like what they are — artificial.
A hook is one of two essentials for crocheting. (The other being yarn, of course.) Choosing the proper crochet hook is essential to your comfort and the outcome of your design.
When I first started crocheting, choosing yarn wasn’t much more difficult than deciding which color to use. Aside from crochet thread, there were only a couple different sizes, and no interesting textures. Colors were either solid or variegated (meaning they contain multiple colors). As I’m sure you’ve seen, that’s not the case today. Just walk into the yarn aisle of your favorite craft store or any yarn shop, and you can literally spend hours sorting through the variety of colors and textures available.
What it takes to become a big dealer … without being crushed by overhead while you're growing.
If you're looking to dress up an ordinary room, think about installing crown molding (also spelled moulding). Very few additions make a visual impact like crown molding, which gives a subtle yet elegant design element to any space.
Popular in a wide variety of styles, colors and profiles, crown molding (also spelled moulding) can do wonders to make a room “pop.” However, some DIY'ers have trouble matching the mitered angles and installing the long trim boards along the ceiling. Many find the job frustrating or intimidating, and shy away from the installation.
Crown molding can add greatly to a room's overall décor, especially when it's installed correctly. But a molding installation with gaping corner joints only adds as much style as a ragged fedora. Although precision cutting and gluing inside miters can help the joint stick, the expansion and contraction of the molding material is a powerful force. Nine times out of ten, miter joints will open. To prevent this, many carpenters bypass cutting miters on inside corners in favor of coped joints.
Arbors at Stagecoach Village is a 23-home development on a 5-acre wooded site.
This home is built on a small lot in northeast Scottsdale, Ariz.
The toughest challenge for Alan Mascord Design Associates in Portland, Ore.
The architect, builder and designers teamed up to develop details utilizing materials such as beadboard, wainscoting, vintage tiles and lighting, random-width walnut flooring, board and batten and even old clinker bricks.
The owners desired cutting-edge materials used in a way that would create an industrial feel within the home.
Designing and building an upscale rustic timber frame home with all the necessary amenities in a small footprint was the key to this project by Goshen Timber Frames in Franklin, N.
Designed for the 2006 Seattle Street of Dreams, the objective was to design a luxurious residence that creates the ambience of a five-star resort spa retreat without ever leaving home.
While shower curtains are inexpensive and easy to replace, they are also not a very durable, efficient, or attractive option. Fixed custom shower doors add more function and come in many designs to complement your bathroom decor.
Are you like me and become annoyed when checking out of any store and the clerk doesn't acknowledge your presence? That you cannot even get a "Hi," and a "Thank you?" Why does it seem that too many people in all walks of life either cannot practice those common courtesies or perhaps are even oblivious to them? And, as this country increasingly becomes a service-oriented economy, I would consider that to be a major problem.
Energy use and global warming get a lot of attention these days (and they should!), but water conservation is an equally important environmental issue.
Energy-efficiency is a hot topic these days. The campaign is everywhere from hybrid cars to ex-vice presidents. But politics aside, one thing we can all get on board with: lower energy bills.
Building gross profits must be built upon relationships driven by variables other than price.
I am pleased to report that we received of number of comments about this article, all in support of these efforts to reclaim the nighttime skies.
Distributor Stihl Northwest held its annual dealer meeting at Skamania Lodge in Stevenson, WA, on February 24.
The following contains home and garden services information you should know about a strategy for unloading slow-moving inventory. Read on if you or a loved one is interested in home improvement and maintenance.
A leading distributor shares insights and opinions on the industry's most critical issues
In a survey conducted by Yard & Garden magazine, dealers share what marketing techniques get the best results for the best price.
A leading distributor shares insights and opinions on the industry's most critical issues
By understanding how a weed grows and knowing a few prevention tips, you’ll be on your way to having a healthier, more weed free lawn.
Decks aren't just for summer anymore. These days, comfortable “outdoor living spaces” allow homeowners to enjoy the outdoors year round. Complete with such amenities as heat lamps, overhead sunshades and built-in seating, a summer-only deck quickly becomes an all-season outdoor living space with all the sophistication, look and feel of an inside room.
Decks are simple frame construction that most any DIY'er will find easy and fun to build. Design and planning are the most important step to an enjoyable and successful project. Make sure that you spend an appropriate amount of time designing your deck for its intended purpose, area and environment. Proper planning will help the project go smoothly and you will have a well-built deck that will last for many years.
Decks are such a hot item for today's home. There seems to be no limit to the new innovations, helpful accessories and decorative accents that are hitting store shelves. Here's a look at a few of the latest.
Decks are some of the most popular homeowner projects. They can be a small extension off a family room, bedroom or dining area; or they can be a spacious “outdoor” room large enough for a party.
Today’s decks need the same basic upkeep, whether they are constructed of cedar or pine softwoods, exotic hardwoods or the newly engineered sawdust and recycled plastic composite timbers. In this article, you'll learn about deck care basics.
As the housing market struggles, many homeowners are electing to put off the buying and selling process until the market improves.
Are you about to build a deck drainage system? If so, read the following article for a few good materials on the market.
The deck had been previously stained about three years before with a synthetic coating that had held up pretty well. The first step was cleaning the deck.
For those individuals interested n deck building, remodeling methods, there are a number of techniques that can be implemented in order to make the building deck stairs and easier home improvement task entirely.
The following contains construction services information you should know about decking done right. Read on if you or a loved one is interested in hiring or performing construction services or projects.
Sharing a room with a sbiling isn't uncommon, especially if they're the same gender; however, if they are opposite gender, this can be difficult. In this article, you'll learn how to decorate a split-gender room.
Many colleges are known for throwing parties all year long. Although there are many parties that go on throughout the year Halloween is one of the top parties to have. If you or someone you know is throwing a Halloween dorm room party, you can make this project a lot of fun!
I don’t know about you, but I love TV reality shows that deal with decorating and makeovers. They tell you things your friends and family wouldn’t dare say unless you pressed them to give you their opinions, risking hurting your feelings.
Just be sure to not use anything like jingle bells that could rust as the Clear Spheres dehydrate and release water. Place the Insta-Snow star on a plate, outside in the snow or cold or float in water. If using an LED light, first place a lit votive candle on top of the ice to melt a small indentation in the ice to hold the light.
In the world of interior decorating, few design elements are as versatile as the rug. Rugs are at home everywhere - from humble, country kitchens to grand, neo-classical entryways. Rugs bring warmth, comfort, and color to bare floors and add new life to lackluster rooms and hallways. Whether you're decorating a brand new home, or remodeling your lived-in bungalow, rugs are an easy, affordable way to add charm, character, and style to any room.
Christmas is fast approaching and its spirit is now felt anywhere you go. People used to décor their houses with Christmas lights, lanterns and the like. But is it simple to décor a house? What if what you’ve got is a log home, can you do any décor that pleases you?
Making the most of the Western home decorating is a fantastic approach to compliment your log home with ruggid and outdoorsy style. Providing a combination of animal hides and antler furniture as well as natural, this decorating scheme can improve your log home. By decorating with Western decorating in your log home, you can make it seem like a ranch no matter where it is.
With the popularity of home improvement shows such as Trading Spaces and Changing Rooms, do-it-yourselfers and novices interested in home improvement are becoming more interested and adventurous when it comes to interior design. The wide variety of materials available at home stores makes it that much easier to change the feel and decor of your homes¹ spaces. Perhaps the easiest and most cost-effective way to make a dramatic change in your room is with the walls. Follow these simple instructions to create beautiful, eye-catching wall treatments.
In days past, trim carpenters, or those that did the inside finishing or moulding, were mostly old guys who had graduated from framing to the more intricate cuts. These days with a wider variety of pre-formed trim or moulding, better tools, and skills learned quickly through magazines and other readily available information sources, excellent trim carpenters can be any age, and male or female. Today, more than 75 percent of moulding jobs are done by do-it-yourselfers.
Joe Logar Sr., CR; AAA Services of Central Florida, Largo, Fla.
Incorporating carpets into the interior of your homes can really create a nice environment. However the same place can turn into a sty and actually turn away your guests if the carpets are not maintained.
Has it finally happened? Are the days when mom-and-pops could make it in this business a thing of the past? It seems like everyone's after big numbers and bigger dealers.
A good uninterruptable power supply system is key to good business.
It's generally easier and more exhilarating to tear something apart than to build it up. Demolition is often the first step of a remodeling project, the phase when you're bringing the worksite back to a blank canvas.
Becoming a green builder or designer doesn't have to be intimidating, if you take a few minutes to learn how easy it can be
The following contains home products information you should know about how a design center presents a kitchen as a theater. Read on if you or a loved one is interested in home and kitchen design information.
Hillside site's rebuilt home rights the wrongs of the demolished home by maximizing the dramatic views of Los Angeles
The following contains home products information you should know about designing and building. Read on if you or a loved one is interested in home and kitchen design information.
Several years ago, a Southern California builder spoke with me about the prevalence of Asian home buyers there.
With a longer living, aging population, universal design opportunities only get bigger
As architects we were bombarded in college about "form following function.
Spotlight on creative, problem-solving kitchens and baths
—According to various cultural legends, when a phoenix is consumed by flames and dies, it rises again from the ashes more beautiful and powerful than before.
Designers are always trying to top their best work — but the latest edition of the Cambria Lifestyles Contest asked them to be literal about it.
The total cost for your bathroom remodel will depend on many factors, including how extensive the project is, where you live, what types of materials you're using, and whether you're doing any portions of the work yourself. Taking the time to plan your bathroom remodel carefully and then not changing your mind on layout or materials once construction begins will save you money.
Many homeowners dream of having a kitchen pantry that is well organized and attractive; it is possible to learn how to design a kitchen pantry so that the pantry is a storage area that offers a well thought out and planned storage place. In addition to beautifying one’s home, a well organized and clutter-free kitchen pantry is a practical use of space: a homeowner can readily store nonperishable items and other household necessities in an easily accessible kitchen pantry.
The first and one of the most important steps in designing a sprinkler system is to gather information. A mistake at this point in the process will affect everything else, so accuracy and care are important.
Home office design requires knowing if your client will be paying bills, retreating from family or running a full-time business in the space.
A proper wine cellar allows homeowners to carefully cradle their tasty investments
Home office design requires knowing if your client will be paying bills, retreating from family or running a full-time business in the space
The pathway to happy clients begins with great design.
New green products and practices make communication among designers essential
Once the layout of the home is decided, you can then move on to designing the interior of the home. Again, it's good to have an idea of what you like before going to interior showrooms.
Details create a deck's personality. The manner in which the deck is trimmed—railings, steps, seating benches, flower planters, and multi-levels—can all create a one-of-a-kind deck.
Start by creating a culture of accountability among your installation crews.
Decorative railings, grain and color options, and hidden fasteners give designers more choices
It's no secret life can be stressful. Between fighting traffic, working long hours and paying the next stack of bills, everyone deserves a quiet place to escape. When the frustration reaches a fever pitch, and you're ready to climb the walls, get outside where there are none.
Cutting costs and targeting new markets help Georgia dealer withstand drought and position itself for more prosperous times ahead.
All gardening begins with soil preparation. Shovels, spades, forks, and hoes are tools used to shape beds, loosen the earth, mix in soil amendments, and prepare seed beds.
As technology continues to evolve, kitchen designers may be preparing to add Jetsons-style electronic gadgetry into their next floorplan.
Dimmable ballasts represent a lighting solution that delivers greater energy efficiency and environmental responsibility.
Square Plates have perpetually been a bold way of uttering your appreciation in dinnerware, and have perpetually drawn out some other responses from citizenry. Well for most part, they show a energizing and out of the box way of recalling and living. They have an liquid feel to them, yet at the like time, they are so out there.
With an endless number of possible arrangements, it's no wonder dishwasher loading is a hotly contested topic. Of course, it's true that the way a dishwasher is loaded can dramatically affect how clean dishes will come out, but equally important is the dishwasher detergent used.
(NC)—With an endless number of possible arrangements, it's no wonder dishwasher loading is a hotly contested topic. Of course, it's true that the way a dishwasher is loaded can dramatically affect how clean dishes will come out, but equally important is the dishwasher detergent used.
It's time to reawaken the host within. Entertaining is a great way to spend time with family and friends, but it's often accompanied by undue stress.
By the time a clump of bearded iris is three to five years old, it has usually become so congested that flowering begins to decrease. At this point it's time to dig, divide, and replant the clump, an operation best carried out in July or August.
Before you begin, make sure you have the following tools close at hand: a sharp spade or shovel, hand pruners, a sharp hand or reciprocating saw, and wet burlap in which to wrap the root balls or nursery pots in which to replant the divisions. Remember, the best time to divide clumping bamboo, such as the Fargesia 'Rufa' shown here, is early spring (March to May, depending on location), before the bamboo shoots.
In terms of the numbers sold and planted each year, the daylily is probably America's most popular perennial. One of the quickest and easiest ways to obtain more plants (or to restore the floriferousness of an overgrown clump) is by division of a mature plant—one of the most basic horticultural skills, and one that every serious gardener should have under his or her belt.
Acoustic ceilings earn their name from the sound-absorbent tiles that “soften” the surface of the ceiling to deaden reverberating noise. This also helps block sound transmission to other rooms. But noise reduction isn't the only advantage acoustic tile offers as a ceiling material.
Closet space is one of the most under utilized but totally upgradeable spaces in our homes—particularly linen and hall closets.
Have you ever wished that you could have beautifully installed crown molding and trim in your home but you simply cannot afford the cost of hiring a professional? Of course, the best solution would be to do it yourself. Almost every do-it-yourselfer becomes intimidated though, because there is so much confusion about how to cut the perfect-fitting compound miter joint.
Take a look at your deck; is it time for a redo? The amount of redo required depends on the condition of your deck.
Here's something that happens in remodeling projects all the time: You (or the electrician) installs a light fixture or receptacle in the wrong location. It's easy enough to get him to move it, but having an electrician repair drywall is like getting a demolition laborer to cut dovetail joints—it ain't gonna happen. So that leaves you with a light switch in the right place and a hole in the wrong one.
A place to sit and relax can add greatly to the enjoyment of your backyard, garden or flower beds.
Sealed glue containers will usually last about a year, but glue in open containers has a shorter shelf life.
A friend of ours here at the EHT headquarters decided he wanted a new hardwood floor, but wasn't excited about the hassle of installation or the high-price of contracting the labor. The solution was laminate hardwoods.
I live in the rural outskirts of Birmingham, Alabama, in a sleepy country town where most of our Sunday afternoons are spent sitting outside, visiting with friends and family.
Plastic laminate is one of the most durable, beautiful and easy-to-care-for materials for kitchen, bath or bar countertops. Plastic laminate is also fairly easy for do-it-yourselfers to work, and the variety of colors and patterns available is almost unbelievable. For instance Formica Brand Laminate has added 25 new designs for 2003. These include artful renderings, subtle pallets and fine textures that evoke the delicate detail found in handmade paper, woven textiles, brushed watercolor, tooled leather and polished stone. The collection now totals 91 unique designs.
Over the years I've worked in a number of shops, including an old unheated, drafty barn. I managed to build furniture and cabinets during the winter months, but even with a contractor's kerosene heater, it was still miserable. A properly heated shop or garage can not only provide more comfort, but safety as well. If you're not concentrating on your work because you're cold, or your hands won't work properly because of the cold, it can create a dangerous situation. And, some tools and materials should not be allowed to freeze.
Garages, woodshops and workshops are perennially starved for space and organization—and mine is one of them. It's forever jam-packed with tools, materials and work surfaces that collect clutter.
If you've not yet upgraded your thermostat to a programmable unit, then you're behind the times like parachute pants. You're probably throwing away money on unnecessarily high energy bills. And you aren't doing Mother Earth any favors, either.
Replacing old single-pane glass windows with new double-insulated windows can provide one of the greatest energy savings for your home. Modern windows feature two or three panes of glass with an insulating air space between. The higher-quality windows also have an inert gas such as argon between the glass panes, offering an even greater insulating factor.
I hadn't paid any attention to the sidewalk that goes from my neighbor Andy's RV parking area to the backyard, until he made a couple of trips over it with the backhoe. Oops! Now, to their credit, this sidewalk was not done right the first time and wouldn't hold up to a big ol' boy on a bicycle, let alone a backyard-seeking backhoe. It was just too thin, especially along the edges.
Have you noticed some homes appear more serene than others; seem to blend in with their environment? Where the setting incorporates designs and materials that embrace the natural environment, and create a harmonious blend of architecture and nature? This concept can be especially important when choosing your home's exterior siding.
I was concluding a keynote when someone raised their hand.
Current trends continue and door products are bigger and better than ever
For shared spaces roughly the size of Mariah Carey's shoe closet, it's ironic that college students spend massive amounts of money on decor and gadgets for their dorm rooms.
Dovetail joints are extremely strong and attractive joints, and are traditionally used on boxes, chests, quality furniture and cabinet drawers. Several types of dovetail joints can be created including: through or open dovetail; lapped or half-blind flush; half-blind rabbeted and secret-miter dovetail.
Over the years all of us have accumulated an enormous amount of stuff -- some of it is near and dear to our heart and the rest, well, we might classify it as just cumbersome stuff. But somehow when we downsize in the square foot of our home, figuring out what to take and what to leave behind can be a painful process.
Successful dealers offer advice on what it takes to draw and retain customers.
Window and door trim and molding can set the design of your home both inside and out.
Drill bits are indispensable tools for the professional contractor as well as the DIY homeowner, and new technologies are giving these toolbox staples more cutting power than ever before. In this article EHT explores a wide range of bit types, their various applications, and the latest technology to increase cutting efficiency.
Drywall surrounds us and for good reasons. It is an inexpensive wall covering that goes up quickly. It is neutral and can be covered with paint, wall paper or wood paneling easily. Other benefits include some sound proofing and insulation value.
Now drywall is the most commonly used building material for interior walls, and with the right techniques and a little practice, you can install it yourself without contracting the work.
Experts say only clear ducts of vermin infestations, clogging levels of dust or debris, and substantial amounts of mold. This article elaborates on duct-cleaning guidelines from the Environmental Protection Agency and various health officials.
Once the seedlings have four true leaves, nick off the lowest leaves (at this point the cotyledons, or seed leaves) and transplant them to larger cups, burying the stem to within an inch of the lowest leaves.
Northeast Equipment Dealers Association (NEDA) launches technician apprenticeship program to help draw young talent to the industry.
Outwardly similar in some aspects, earwigs and silverfish are insects which seem to put off most people.
Are you lookin for furniture with Eastern inspired designs? If so, read the following article for information on a few vendors and their products.
The eastern mole (Scalopus aquaticus) can be found from Ontario to Florida. Of the seven species of moles present in the United States, it is the most widespread, and the one that is most likely to disrupt lawns and landscapes with its tunneling.
Does your garage look like a war zone? Are your shelves strewn with tools and piles of miscellaneous gadgets? Are your long-handled garden tools haphazardly leaning in a corner, just waiting to spill everywhere as soon as you reach for a rake? Do you spend more time searching for your tools than you actually spend using them on a project? If this sounds like your situation, it's time to get organized.
Here's a look at a few simple homemade tools and jigs that can prove useful on all sorts of DIY projects. A “jig” is an accessory used in woodworking or metalworking that controls the movement or location of a tool. Most jigs are templates or guides to boost the performance of a tool, often custom-built to add precision or ease-of-use to a particular job.
Is the flooring in your home ethical? Now that Al Gore got our attention with his "Inconvenient Truth" documentary about the effects of global warming, we realize that we can look for green in everything we buy and that green can begin with us.
Going green doesn't mean sacrificing style. You can easily incorporate eco-friendly and stylish products into your home décor.
Although there are many eco-friendly floor paints on the market, the savvy do-it-yourselfer can easily do this. With a little time and some basic natural ingredients, you'll have a simple eco-friendly floor paint that is good for the environment.
The following article introduces a company that produces custom rugs. They are made from recyclable material for an eco-friendly product.
Electrical contractors are concerned about the economy, yet, three-quarters expect their company to see growth in 2008.
Ask an experienced gardener what the first thing he or she does when expecting a visit from fellow gardeners and time is short, and you'll probably get the answer, "Edge the beds."
Tips on how to combine, use, and display patterns in home decor.
Three conditions need to be in existence for the formation of a hurricane: pre existing disturbance of thunderstorms, warm ocean temperatures up to 80 degrees to a depth of approximately 150 feet, and light upper level winds that speed throughout the depth of the atmosphere.
Efficient hand tools combine quality, ergonomics and multi-function capabilities into a convenient package.
By following a few simple tips for your electric fan, you will gain additional energy savings during the winter. You will be surprised how a little goes a long way in this case.
You buy local produce. Could you be ready to "green" your lawn with an emission-free (not to mention whisper-quiet) lawn mower? Today's electric mowers have a number of advantages over gas-powered ones.
Give employees personal responsibility to create positive work flow
The downside of ion exchange systems is the amount of increased sodium which goes into the water supply and is not recommended for people with cardiovascular or other health problems.
A how to guide for ensuring that emergency lighting installations pass inspections the first time.
The following contains home security information you should know about emergency lighting. Read on if you or a loved one is interested in home improvement and security.
New materials are changing the landscape of enclosures and switchboxes.
Improved technologies enable manufacturers to develop more energy efficient products.
In cold and warm seasons you can lose a substantial amount of heating and air-conditioning through your windows. If you're interested in saving money on your energy costs, there are ways to make your windows more energy efficient
Auto manufacturers are on the move to create vans and trucks that use less—and cleaner—fuel.
After you have turned the key on a finished remodeling job, and paid off your subs and yards, what really makes the project green is its energy efficiency.
Summer is here. This is the season when people go to the cottage to unwind and relax in the pleasures of nature. Making your cottage as energy efficient and environmentally friendly as possible is a great way to help ensure you can enjoy the great outdoors for years to come. Here are a few ways to make your experience at the cottage more environmentally friendly:
In this article, we'll tell you how to reduce your energy costs, increasing the efficiency of your current heating system by converting to a new mid or high efficiency natural gas system.
Energy efficient homes are homes where the thermal losses (or gains in the case of air conditioning) of comfort conditioning have been minimized. Energy Efficient Homes can be identified only if a properly qualified specialist carries out an energy audit or a BER analysis.
The windows of your house can be attractive and functional, but can be a major source of energy loss. The modern energy efficient windows now available remain attractive and functional, but can also save you money.
Because of the benefits associated with green living and the increasing shift in the real estate market, many families and individuals now look for green homes.
The votes are in … Qualified Remodeler readers have chosen Tempra as the 'Remodelers' Choice' product for August. This product generated the most requests of any other product featured in the May issue.
Start off small with simple projects. A good place to start is to evaluate your home's efficiency. When it comes to residential water conservation, auditing one of the most wasteful areas in the home is the first step to improvement: the bathroom.
The Partnership for Advancing Technology in Housing, PATH, recently released its recommendations on the top remodeling technologies to make existing homes more durable, stronger and more resource efficient. This article presents the top ten technologies.
The votes are in … Qualified Remodeler readers have chosen Rheem's tankless water heaters as the "Remodelers' Choice" products for February. These products generated the highest amount of requests of any other product featured in the October issue.
Engineered hardwood flooring and laminate are confused easily, but differ in aesthetics, performance and construction. While engineered hardwood flooring comes in prefinished and unfinished hardwood of several domestic and exotic species, laminate is made of HDF (high density fiberboard)--not real wood.
Not only will you enjoy the healing effects of natural light, but also the benefits of more room for your family, the perfect environment in which to grow plants and enjoy an unobstructed view of the great outdoors. And for the more practical homeowner, a sunroom is one of the best ways to increase a home's value and help cut energy costs through passive solar heating as well.
Spring ephemeral woodland wildflowers can inspire chlorophyll addiction, even in recalcitrant non-gardeners.
Contractors use estimating software to enhance their business.
Fertilized females overwinter on the stems and leaves of host plants. In early spring, when new leaves emerge, they lay yellow elliptical eggs and die. The eggs hatch over a two- to three-week period.
The beauty of evergreens lie in their name - they add year-round colour and life to gardens and yards.
Frey & Son Homes developed its distinctive features and processes over time, and continues to evolve by moving into new markets
Distributor teams with its dealers to make STIHL® TIMBERSPORTS® a true STIHL Experience for customers.
The following contains home products information you should know about tapping the luxury market. Read on if you or a loved one is interested in home and kitchen design information.
One limiting factor for a great number of home improvement and specialty remodeling companies is a lack of ability to find qualified, hard-working installers and installation crews.
DreamMaker Bath & Kitchen's Amy Brown offers advice on making the right choice
Renovating the exterior of your home should be a positive experience. This article will suggest things to keep in mind when looking for an exterior construction contractor for your home.
The unique characteristics of wood make it suitable for a variety of exterior building applications. Without protection from sun and moisture, however, wood weathers and eventually deteriorates. Finishes are used to enhance appearance and dimensional stability, and to prevent deterioration. Recent research conducted by the Forest Products Laboratory indicates that failure to properly treat exterior wood can reduce the average life of the wood by 20 percent.
A shutter literally shuts out intruders as well as the rain, wind, and dust from entering a home or building. They're a functional aspect of window treatment and add both character and aesthetic value to a home's exterior.
Painting the exterior of your home the right way can boost the value of your home, add a positive new color scheme or slather on a protective coat of loving care. Paint wrong and, well, the opposite is true -- your home value could suffer, neighbors could scream at the sight and you may have to repaint sooner than planned.
Choosing and using exterior paint is not as simple as choosing the best rated paint, but also considering regional differences, cost savings, preparations and more. Do it right the first time and give your home a great new look while increasing its value.
From siding and decking to fences and furniture, homeowners expect a lot from wood. It's one material that can be used for nearly anything related to the home, but requires some tender loving care to keep it looking as good as new.
I love to cook outdoors. Not only do I like to grill for family and friends, but I smoke a wide variety of meats, such as brisket, ribs and chickens, sometimes for a full neighborhood party.
The ultimate “extreme” in woodworking is building a project from wood you personally cut from a tree, dried, planed and then worked. I know, I've done it for many years, and it is the most satisfying form of woodworking.
A guide to the process of polishing granite along with a list of techniques and tools needed.
While compensation structure varies widely, designer/salespeople are consistently working long hours for less than stellar pay, with the salary gap between the sexes particularly evident.
Taming a feral yard isn't easy—especially in the fall, when the garden and surrounding area are bursting at the seams with summer growth. But there are several pieces of equipment that can help any homeowner process an overabundance of plant material with efficiency and ease.
In autumn, if you have deciduous trees in your yard, then you also have a front-row seat for their seasonal strip tease. First the leaves fall one by one, twirling and pirouetting with grace. Pretty. Inspiring. Almost poetic. Then, as if some sort of flag were dropped, leaves race to the ground with manic glee. Your lawn is transformed from a flawless green carpet to a multicolored mass of undulating shapes where your lawn furniture used to be.
In addition to the remodeling projects and staging that you’re preparing inside the home, remember that the very first impression a prospective buyer gets is the moment they drive up. A lackluster lawn can cost you in the end.
Of these, the CEDIA Expo holds the most promise for excitement.
One of the easiest ways to propagate perennials is by taking root cuttings, and the best time to take root cuttings is from early fall to early winter.
In cold-winter areas, do this simple fall prep to ensure roses make it through the winter unharmed. Read on and know more.
The large web nests are the most conspicuous sign of webworm activity. Inside the translucent enclosures, the caterpillars skeletonize leaves. Only the larger veins and midribs are left uneaten.
The following contains industrial and manufacturing information you should know on a family showroom that caters to diverse clientele. Read on if you or a loved one is interested in maintenance supplies news and information.
With cooler temperatures just around the corner, families will soon begin their regular tussle for control of the thermostat .
Alpine Exteriors has grown from a $300,000 startup in Chicago in 2000 to a $9.4 million firm operating in several states today
I'm a big fan of anything that saves me time and increases quality. The first backyard decks and front porches I laid out were the standard affair of strings pulled from the foundation, tied to stakes, and criss-crossed all over the place so I could locate and dig post holes before setting them and framing the deck on top. Now I do it reverse order.
The following contains home products information you should know about how a faucet-centered kitchen takes top honors. Read on if you or a loved one is interested in home and kitchen design information.
The age-old art of applying faux finishes has been “discovered” by today's homeowners. Faux finishes offer great ways of brightening an otherwise drab room, without a lot of expense.
By most accounts, Dave Faxon is a pretty conservative person.
Manufacturers and contractors can work together to save time and money.
My wife recently asked; "What makes you feel good?" I smiled, and replied, "Well dear, after 17 years of marriage, you ought to know that by now.
If you are trying to grow a successful garden, you will need good fertilizer. The following article talks about some things to consider when buying fertilizer.
Compost is supposed to rot … houses are not. Unfortunately, wood rots. Unless kept dry and in the right environment, wood, being a natural material, eventually decays. How long it takes and how badly it rots depends on a lot of factors.
Many birch trees are predisposed for infestation and poor health from the second they are planted next to your white gazebo or koi pond.
We've all been there before, glaring at each other across the thermostat dial. Each individual in the house has an ideal temperature; one prefers a wall of desert-like heat while another is happy to chill in teeth-chattering conditions. We each know which side we fall on in our own thermo-war at home, but is there a happy medium? The answer is 'yes'.
Whether you're a pack rat or serial purger, having a paper management system to deal with document overload can help you deal with the influx more efficiently. Here are some guidelines. Read on and know more.
Putting a piece of paper in a file folder is easy; finding it again is the hard part. This article will discuss ways to effectively organize your files, for easy use and location.
While chlorine purifies the water in your shower by eliminating bacteria, it can also lead to long-term health problems for humans. This article suggests shower accessories which will help limit your exposure to dangerous chemicals.
Home renovation can sometimes be costly, and with any purchase or investment, homeowners want the best bang for their buck when it comes to renovatin.
There's plenty consumer complaints to go around in the general contractor business, but there are many more kudos for competent contractors. Find out how to weed out the bad general contractors and make your way to one who will do the job well and leave you a happy customer.
Tubular skylights have become a popular choice for many homeowners. To find a tubular skylight, read the following article.
Are you looking for a mortgage loan? If so, read the following article for some search tips.
A dirty kitchen is daunting. An entire house desperate for a clean is enough to make most of us reach not for the broom but for the front door! Little and often has to be the maxim of a good cleaning regimen. However busy your day, you can always find ten minutes somewhere.
VE Plus brings 21st Century technology to the renovation of a historic visual arts gallery.
Have you ever observed someone wearing a nice suit and tie with a raggedy pair of shoes? Have you ever talked to a well-coiffed relative (say your father-in-law, for instance) whose nose is, well, not exactly well-groomed? Do I have your attention? The point is that finishing touches, and a lack thereof, can detract from an otherwise beautiful home.
How one life safety code specialist is setting the standard for school alarm installations.
What would fall be without football? And what would football season be without the mouth-watering, smoky aroma of hot dogs and hamburgers sizzling on the grille? You know the kind: big fist-sized patties of ground beef that may just stop your heart, franks seared to perfection (just a little bit black), racks of ribs, juicy quarters of chickens, flame-broiled vegetables … I find myself daydreaming.
Fuel oil and natural gas prices have soared, and with them so has the popularity of alternative fuels. Wood stove, pellet stove and fireplace use are all on the rise, and with each of these comes a hidden danger that every dedicated “wood burner” needs to keep in mind: Burning wood creates creosote, and if left untreated creosote can cause fires.
How employee-owned Dave Fox Remodeling, Inc. retooled for outstanding timeliness
Closeup on successful kitchen and bath professionals
Green Living is a popular movement developing in the wake of growing fears about the changing of our environment. Here are a few helpful hints for those wanting to go green for the first time.
Conduit fittings come in a variety of types for specific applications.
Gardening and woodworking have a lot in common. Both are enjoyable, relaxing hobbies that can add value to your home and can also be money savers. Building projects for your gardening hobbies can double your enjoyment and provide gardening tools you can use for years. The five projects shown are all fairly simple to build, and I constructed them from scraps lying around my workshop.
I'll give you fair warning—woodworking lathes are addictive. Although they appear daunting to first-time users, lathes are fun and can be used to create a wide range of projects. Lathes are commonly used for small projects such as bowls, platters, even pens, as well as furniture parts and cabinetry. Several techniques are used, with two basic turning methods, spindle turning and faceplate turning. The five projects included use both methods as well as duplicate turning, and something quite different.
Everybody knows that plumbing can be a messy, smelly and altogether nasty job. Nobody wants to do it except plumbers, who make good money doing the work nobody else wants to undertake.
Expert advice on acquiring and maintaining a fleet of vehicles
After a flood, chances are, you'll have to call in the appropriate expert or two or three to clean up, wring out or otherwise return your home to its proper arid state. Left unattended, rainstorm and flood-related problems pose an insidious threat to the structural integrity of your home.
Flooring can be one of the easiest ways to give your home a new and improved look. But it can be expensive, which is why it's important to choose wisely so that you don't get stuck with something you'll soon rip out.
If you've ever gone shopping for a floral centerpiece, you probably found yourself staring at the price tag in disbelief. High prices aside, they are still beautiful creations that make any table setting appealing. Before you splurge and purchase a floral centerpiece, why not try your hand at the craft?
A good friend of mine converted his unfinished basement into his own personal sports bar. Football and rugby memorabilia covered almost every square inch of the bare block walls, and the ceiling joists were spider-webbed with extension cords that power his multiple neon beer signs, three television sets and a stack of stereo components.
Lightweight containers hold heavy loads Staff Fiberglass reinforced containers for work-in-process,...
John DeShazo, CGR, GMB, CAPS, owner of FBN Construction Company, Boston
Today's cabinets offer more color, style and range-of-function as practicality gains with remodeling clients
Planting the right annuals can add a great deal of fragrance to your garden.
If you are now thinking about modern living, start with a frameless shower. Give yourself a relaxing bath. Purchasing and installation is easy. Europe and the United States are the first producers and exporters of the modern Frameless Shower.
The following contains home products information you should know about friends, family, bad hires, and remodeling. Read on if you or a loved one is interested in home remodel and design information.
Vance Outdoor Power offers the perfect blend of upscale presentation and down-home charm to beat the box stores at their own game.
A Wisconsin dealer sells the family business to a savvy landscaper who will take it back to its roots.
Ben Morey, CAPS, CGR; Morey Construction, Inc., Signal Hills, Calif.
Jim Petrucci had a problem: Too many windows. A homeowner in Hartland, Michigan, Petrucci had plans for a new nursery, but he felt that the room he had in mind was overexposed to the elements.
To ensure safety and efficiency for your HVAC during the winter months, it's important to get a heating tune-up. After that's accomplished, all you have to do is be sure you're not wasting additional energy.
Diversification and structure enable Ohio dealer to keep customers coming back for more.
The remodeling market will fare well in '08 despite housing and economic challenges.
The old adage "if it isn't broken, don't fix it" should not apply when it comes to your household heating system.
Gabbeh rugs are relatively new-to-the-U.S. oriental rug that bridge many decor styles.
The term galley kitchen refers to a set of parallel appliances, counters, and cabinets common in smaller living spaces. Kitchen remodelers need to know how to make the best use of galley kitchen space without spending a fortune on new appliances and cabinets.
If your garage door is 10 years old or older, you may need a new one or an added entrapment protection system to keep your family and visitors out of harms way.Deadline Newsroom - Even garages get their day, well, actually 30 of them.June is Garage Door Safety Month, but that doesn't mean you should relegate one month to the topic.The idea is
If your garage door is 10 years or older, you may need a new one or an added entrapment protection system to keep your family and visitors safe. Here are some safety regulations and tips when using a garage door.
Today's homeowners want security and functionality when using their garage door. We are looking for peace of mind when we are at home and this is why we do not make any compromises.
Your garage could be the pride and joy of your life, spotless and clear from any stain; that is, until someone comes along with a bad car and leaks oil all over the floor - which becomes little more than a grimy black pond.
Your garbage disposal may start to smell when food debris builds up. It may be a lingering odor or an overpowering stench, but a good dose of cleaning can clear the air.
Whatever the type of garden, the hardest thing to get right is the basic structure and space allowance. It is something that frightens most gardeners—casting worries that a plant will get too big or interfere with the foundation of the house. Use these 5 tips for creating beds that have adequate space for your plants to grow.
For those seeking rare and unusual plants including the newest introductions of daylilies, hosta, peonies, and iris, specialty mail-order catalogs and Web sites can obviously list a wider selection and are practically a necessity for the serious gardener.
In this article, an expert offers detailed advice on creating a color scheme for your garden. Learn about how color relationships can affect the look of your home garden and how to make your colors look good together.
We've all heard the expression "you can't see the forest for the trees." Though it refers to one's perspective on life, it does apply to the horticultural arts as well. At its best, gardening is a tasteful intensification of nature.
The plants a gardener chooses, and the way they are arranged together, affect the mood of a garden. By making definite but limited color choices, it is possible to create a range of moods, and mastering the art of exploiting color to provide an aura of calm, subtlety, excitement, drama or sophistication enriches every gardener’s experience.
Corn gluten meal, a yellow powder that is a by-product of the wet milling process, has long been used as an additive to animal feed.
This article discusses Daffodils, durable plants that resist pests.
The following contains home and garden services information you should know about how to properly care for your garden. Read on if you or a loved one is interested in home improvement and maintenance.
Small children and young animals tend to put everything into their mouths, so it is wise to know what plants could present a hazard.
Organic Compost is designed for in-ground gardens. Scotts Pro Blends Organic compost is a professional-quality blend of compost and manure, containing essential organic matter from composted leaves and yard clippings.
There is nothing quite like a water fountain to make your garden seem peaceful and idyllic. After considering the questions in this article, you should be well prepared to decide among the many types of garden fountains.
Plant spikes are a simple solution for indoor plants. Insert a spike into the soil in your pot and the spike slowly dissolves, feeding your plant for up to 2 months.
(NC)—Spring is the season of renewal, and that applies to more than just your garden. It's a perfect time to rediscover all that the great outdoors has to offer. There's something for everyone. Remember though, easy does it.
Its gardening season. And any gardener in Canada can share at least one story of challenge and triumph when trying to grow their favourite vegetable. Christian Children's Fund of Canada (CCFC), an international children's charity, says there are a lot of lessons gardeners here can learn from those who plant in some of the world's more difficult agricultural environments.
(NC)—Raking, lifting, digging, kneeling, planting — this is enough activity to challenge any athlete. Gardening and yard work may not be Olympic sports, but they are strenuous physical activities. In fact, Ontario chiropractors report that working in the garden is among the most common causes of neck and back pain they treat during the warm weather season.
The proverbial green thumb is admired by many of us who don't have one. As the neighbours' gardens and flowers start to bloom, green thumb envy is inevitable. Sure, it takes some skill and talent to grow a magnificent garden, but it's not impossible to develop a green thumb in time for gardening season this summer.
Light changes according to the time of day, the season and the climate; in the process, it alters our perception of color. Knowledgeable and creative gardeners take the variable nature of light into account when planning their plantings and make use of this phenomenon to make their gardens more beautiful and atmospheric.
(NC)—You are what you eat – and that's as true for flowers as it is for people. Getting the right nutrients to your plants is every bit as important as watering and ensuring that they get the right amount of sun. You can't always control how much sunlight your garden gets, but improving your plant's health is simply a matter making the commitment to feed your garden regularly.
For avid gardeners, the arrival of spring is prime time to resume your hobby with the potential of yielding great results, and for others, hitting the dirt may seem daunting at best. In this article, experts offer key tips for beginning gardeners.
If you live on either the East or West Coast, business may still be brisk, and 2008 may be looking good.
When the ringing of the phone yanked me out of a perfectly good dream early Sunday morning, my first inclination was to ignore it.
Whether we live in a large home or small, it seems that we all need more space. You can create space for storage by looking in places you may not have thought of before.
I brought seven pots of geraniums into the house the other night, which reminded me of a woman I knew in my childhood. Her daughter was a good friend of mine and I often visited them. When I did, I noticed geraniums blooming on the sill of a bay window in the old farm home.
The following contains home products information you should know about five fundamentals for going back to the basics. Read on if you or a loved one is interested in home and kitchen design information.
Here are some helpful hints and policies when doing loop impedance testing.
Getting rid of shop clutter helps reduce waste, improve efficiency, and create a culture of discipline and pride.
Getting rid of shop clutter helps reduce waste, improve efficiency, and create a culture of discipline and pride.
To submit nominations quickly and easily online, visit yardngarden.
A leading distributor shares insights and opinions on the industry's most critical issues
Getting quotes from contractors to repair your home's flaws can sometimes be frustrating. It is always important to understand exactly what is included in the price so that the quotes can be properly compared.
If the grass is always greener on the other side of the fence, it may be time to rethink your lawn-care strategy. Brown, patchy or weed-ridden lawns are often the result of improper care. You too can have lush, green grass by employing some lawn care fundamentals.
A guide on how to match your personal protective equipment to your electrical measurement environment.
If the grass is always greener on the other side of the fence, it may be time to rethink your lawn-care strategy. Brown, patchy or weed-ridden lawns are often the result of improper care. You too can have lush, green grass by employing some lawn care fundamentals. A real estate agent will emphasize the added benefit of curb appeal when selling your home so follow these need-to-know tips to get your lawn in tip-top shape this summer.
Contractors can profit by offering energy-saving wireless home control systems.
Unless your taste leans entirely toward modern chrome, a lot of your furniture is wood. If you're like most of us, it's a mix of family heirlooms and hand-me-downs, resale shop finds and retail store fill-ins. Some of these may be affordable unfinished pieces you picked up to fill a need; others may be fine reproductions that have seen better days. You can pull together the look of a whole room by finishing, refinishing, restoring or reconditioning these pieces, and it's a lot cheaper than buying new.
If you haven’t gotten around to sprucing up your yard this summer, now is the time. Nurseries and home centers want to get rid of their spring stock, and they’re practically giving it away.
It is essential for artwork or decorative pieces that hang above the mantel to make a statement, but there are those who would prefer not to spend thousands on an expensive painting and others seeking variations on the norm — something that will set their fireplace, the focal point of the room, apart.
When faced with old, damaged plaster walls, one technique to dress up the room is to install drywall over the existing plaster. A drywall overlay gives the walls a smooth, fresh surface that's ready for new paint, paper or trim.
Jockimo Advanced Architectural Products provides innovative glass and mirror installations as well as interactive floors to brighten any style of home.
Sinks with Colored Glass are pretty looking and comes out of eye-catching colors. Most usual colors will include red, green and blue. With little addition of metal oxides to the melting glass, they get good range of colors matching your desired.
Summer is just around the corner, and this is the time of year when we really ramp up our lawn activities– watering, fertilizing, mowing, etc.
Referrals are the strongest business leads we can get.
Due to depleting natural resources, toxins, and other polluting qualities, the way homes and buildings are constructed will soon be changing. In this article, you’ll learn why architecture is going green.
Green may not be your favorite decorating color, but the concept of making your home environmentally green is growing in popularity as more homeowners realize that they can also save a little more green in their wallets. Find out some cheap and easy ways to make your already existing home and make it a little greener.
A couple of years ago, musicmeister and pianist extraordinaire Bruce Hornsby had one of his biggest hits with "Gonna Be Some Changes Made.
Although showers laden with ceramic tile look great, leaks are an inevitable fact of life. You can't assume your shower floor is waterproof just because you see no visible signs of tile or grout damage.
A spectacular restoration of a 115-year-old neoclassical mansion marries the best of old and new design
Pacific lot's shape and association rules challenge the architect in a quest for the right floor plan
This decision is nearly as hard as granite itself. Granite is a decorative stone that is mined around the world and is one of the toughest materials found.
Everyone knows the process of mowing grass can be a time-consuming, two-phase operation. Once the grass is mowed, the work's still not over. If you're sick of spending your weekend collecting grass clippings, you're not alone. Faced with the longstanding question of how to deal with the clippings left behind after a long afternoon of mowing, the California Integrated Waste Management Board (CIWMB) offers a fresh approach -- do nothing.
The two-story great room in this classically designed European country manor house is warm and cozy.
Celebrating its 25th anniversary, the 2008 New American Home combines centuries-old southern plantation details with the latest in environmental amenities.
Community Associations Institute (CAI) has launched an interactive, Net-based initiative, Community Green to help HOA communities turn global thinking into local action through environmental awareness and activism by community association leaders and the 60 million people who live in HOA communities. Here are outlined the basic principles of this initiative, and tips for developing green habits in your condo home.
Cultivate an organic food source and grow vegetables and herbs in your garden or in a container. Not only is this a practical approach, but the plants will complement your overall garden and ease the pressure on your bottom line.
An environmentally thoughtful, high-performance home is one that incorporates a green combination of technology, construction, design and maintenance elements-all of which will provide a healthier indoor life for its residents, and will significantly lower its impact on the planet's environment.
"Ethical" flooring choices are those that are friendly to the environment, such as reclaimed wood, linoleum, cork or bamboo surfaces. These types of surfaces are also coveted for their exquisite beauty, texture and form.
With a few simple steps, homeowners can turn a kitchen or bathroom renovation into a green renovation. Here are some upgrades that remodelers say can significantly reduce utility bills while looking great for years to come.
Everyone is increasingly interested in building green-but what exactly does that mean?
To really shrink your households' carbon footprint, going green must be more of a lifestyle than a trend-induced fad. Here are some green steps you may have overlooked
In an effort to fully support the company's aggressive growth initiative, Shindaiwa Inc.
The business of Tanaka Kogyo has been transferred to Nikko Tanaka Engineering Co.
So you've made the environmentally conscious choice to be green this year… but how will this decision impact your entertaining? Don't fret, it doesn't mean bland food and recycled napkins - green can be glamorous. In fact, green choices can actually enhance your guests' experience - starting with the two rooms guest will be sure to see, the kitchen and the powder room.
The next time that light bulb goes on over your head, make sure it isn't an incandescent bulb, turn it off when you are done and recycle it properly. There may be more to eco-friendly lighting than you think.
The following contains home products information you should know about eco-friendly design showcase. Read on if you or a loved one is interested in home and kitchen design information.
Green roofs are not only beautiful to look at but are also environmentally friendly. Here we provide information on different types of green roofs, the benefits they offer, and what you should include in your green roof.
If you want to go green but cannot afford to build a new home, you can make rooms in your home green. In the following article, you’ll learn how to create green nurseries, kitchens, bathrooms, and bedrooms.
Wood framing is yesterday's building method. Today, concrete is sustainable—and today concrete is king. “In both residential and commercial buildings, structures built with concrete to the roof offer long lasting benefits to home owners and owners of commercial structures,” says Todd Blyth at Nudura.
Energy efficiency and cutting-edge technology mark the main attractions of the New American Home 2007.
Whitefly feeding results in yellowed or mottled leaves and reduced plant vigor. Leaves may shrivel up and drop prematurely. Excreted honeydew collects dust and supports the growth of black, sooty mold fungi. Adults flying above foliage indicate a likely infestation.
Once a year, most Canadians turn their homes upside down scrubbing, sweeping and dusting up a storm. This spring and summer, thanks to The Home Depot, Canadians have the opportunity to clean green with a wide selection of environmentally responsible products.
Plants don’t freeze to death over winter. I know this goes against popular thinking. We’ll hear it scores of times this spring, as those azaleas or shrubs or whatever refuse to wake up. “It froze out.” No it didn’t, and understanding this is the key to preventing the winter kill of next season.
For many of us, the growing season is winding down. We’re busy clearing and buttoning up our barren beds.
Within the group of native plants suitable for groundcover, my favorite is actually a pachysandra. It is not, however, the one usually seen, Pachysandra terminalis, which is a native of Japan. Rather, it is a congener of that plant–the term botanists apply to any plants that share a genetic heritage but developed in parallel yet different ways after the continents split apart.
Telecommunications grounding has been around for awhile, but the need to ground data centers is on the rise.
Keeping up-to-date on the latest products can help improve 'grounding integrity.'
The following article talks about how you can tell if your Evergreen is healthy and, if not, how to save it.
Do you ever wish that your lawn was as beautiful and green as your neighbor's? If you think the grass is really greener "on the other side", it may be time to take better care of your lawn. Here's how to grow grass that will be green and healthy.
Rapid growth can cause more problems than you ever imagined.
The Dalbergia Sissoo tree is native to India, Nepal, and Pakistan. It is also known as Sisu, Sheesham, or Indian Rosewood. Sissoo is the premier timber species of the rosewood genus. It is valuable as a fuel and cooking wood, and for shade and shelter.
The hardest part of growing tomatoes is the waiting for the first juicy red ripe tomato of the summer. It is well worth the wait, to enjoy the fruits of your labors and earn bragging rights with your neighbors and fellow tomato growers.
Creating a pond in your yard might be something you have wanted to do for a long time but were afraid you might not have the time or expertise to care for a water feature.
According to contractors surveyed by ECP, 2007 will be a healthy year for electrical contracting firms—and the electrical industry as a whole.
We treasure our homes as a safe and cozy place where we can relax with family and friends. But there may be invisible hazards hidden behind your walls or lurking unseen outdoors that threaten your safety and that of your loved ones. It's always a good idea to find out just how safe your home is from electrical hazards.
Cable trays are available in six basic types, each with its own characteristics and intended applications.
IT WASN'T JUST the golden-rayed, chocolate-centered Rudbeckia fulgida 'Goldsturm' adorning the cover that drew me to this new book.
Room size and room traffic volume are important factors to consider when purchasing a sofa.
Guttering is an often overlooked, but very essential building product. Degraded or missing guttering can cause serious damage to landscaping, allow rainwater to get into basements and crawlspaces, and ruin fascia boards and siding. Guttering repair and/or installation is fairly easy, however, it usually requires ladder work, which many folks just don't like. Ladder work can be dangerous if you don't work carefully and safely.
The drilling chore is done much quicker and easier with a rotary percussion hammer drill. This type of drill has the same basic three-jaw chuck as a rotary drill. The drill also has an electro-mechanical hammering system.
A hammer, in the form of a rock, was probably mankind's first “tool.” Today hammers are still just as important.
Better parts management will also improve shop operations.
As people age, their housing needs to adapt to their changing needs. Renovating or managing a house for people who wish to age at home requires designs that anticipate mobility issues that homeowners and their guests might encounter.
You might be starting to hear about radon levels in homes. Being informed and aware is an important first step in understanding the potential risks associated with exposure to radon. While radon is not uncommon in the air we breathe, the push to seal up houses to save heating and energy costs is putting this indoor air pollutant on the map as one of those things you need to know about.
Drywall has taken over. From residential to commercial buildings, gypsum board, commonly called drywall or Sheetrock (which is actually a brand name of USG Corporation), has generally replaced plaster-and-lath walls because it is comparatively easier and faster to install. While properly hanging and finishing drywall takes practice, even a DIY'er can work with the material. It's readily available, reasonably priced, and can be worked with common hand tools.
Both hard and soft water have their good and bad points, so it would be wrong to assume that hard water is 'bad' and soft water is 'good'.
Hardwood flooring offers a luxury of choice and an ease of integration with interior design. Along with the advantages of appearance, hardwood continues to be a choice in flooring that can add structural strength to a residence or office.
Any good HVAC contractor worth their salt will tell you that there are two main ingredients to selecting a heating/cooling system that does its job. First of all, they should explain that the new equipment must be sized properly in order to provide the right level of comfort in your home.
Using solar panels not only can be beneficial to the environment, but also can be beneficial for your finances. In this article, you’ll acquire an understanding of solar power and the benefits of using solar equipment to power your home.
Why spend time and energy scrubbing something when you can blast it clean? The high-pressure water of a power washer can spay clean your home, your tractor, your driveway—you name it. Pressure washers transform a standard garden hose into a lean, mean cleaning machine.
When beautifying their homes most homeowners will concentrate their efforts on the interior before touching the outside, often neglecting that the exterior of a property – its curb appeal – is the first thing people notice.
In order to remodel a high-rise kitchen, develop ideas by following the steps taken in this example of a kitchen remodel.
A fashion designer creates an outside bath experience in Potomac, Md.
Partnering with educated technology providers creates positive experiences for clients
who will build your home? How will you sort through the countless builders in your area in order to come up with the one to build your home? It's going to be a stressful process, as a lot weighs on this decision. But follow these few suggestions and you'll be much more educated on the process of how to hire a house builder.
An 1867 home with a contemporary-minded client challenged the team at Classic Remodeling, Johns Island, S.C.
Much like the famous Hollywood sign, the private, 1928-era English Gothic-revival mansion known as the Greystone Estate subtly overlooks Los Angeles.
Painting is often one a homeowner association's most frequent and expensive repairs, and failure to paint properly has dire consequences. Painting contractors that specialize in new construction often have extremely low profit margins, so beware of corners being cut.
While some HOAs resist the financial burden of routine bark mulch applications, doing without it is much more expensive for several reasons.
All the shopping, decking the halls and visions of sugar plums can cause homeowners to lose focus and overlook issues that can turn a season of joy into a season of oops. The American Society of Homeowners (ASHI) says it doesn't have to be that way and offers a Top 10 list to remind busy homeowners that just a few minutes a day can help keep the ghost of deferred maintenance away.
Here are some tips to follow to best enjoy the plants you get—and to pass along with the plants you give.
Theoretically, a Neighborhood Watch can put more eyes on the street in a concentrated high-density area than in a single-family development with the same footprint. The key to any security effort is based on a simple premise -- if you don't make yourself a target, chances are, you won't be a victim.
The holiday season includes more people carting more stuff around in their car and getting more deliveries left at their door than any other time of the year. And that poses a unique security dilemma for high-density living, where a cast of hundreds can work for you or against you.
Soon your home will be filled with guests. Right now, it's filled with clutter -- the overwhelming, "where-do-I-even-begin" kind of mess.
A good place to start when preparing to build a house is by reading your local community's Home Builder Guide. All Home Builder Guides should answer some basic questions.
Lighting is an important décor element in your home and depending on the kind of bulbs and fixtures you choose, you can make a room warm and cozy or bright and luminous - or anything in between. There are many ways you can use lighting in a room to ensure you get the exact look you are going for. Here are some "bright" ideas you can use when looking for your lighting and design solutions.
This environmentally-conscious consumer brand awareness has led to the latest trend in home décor – the growth in production of all things "green".
Every homeowner eventually wants to make a change, but if you're like many people you haven't a clue where to begin. If you're ready to sell your home or are just ready for a makeover, read on to see if the hottest trends are suitable for your home.
Rates of homeownership are higher than ever and with approximately 160,000 new homes expected to be built in 2009, the rates will continue to climb as more and more families realize the dream of home ownership, according to the Canadian Mortgage and Housing Corporation.
How do you dress home up in a way that will make a statement without blowing your decorating budget? Add impact with a wallpaper mural. Easy-to-install wallpaper murals are flexible and eye-catching, plus they are cost-effective and do-it-yourself friendly.
It goes without saying that downturns in the economy and the housing market go hand-in-hand, along with a general decline in consumer spending. Historically, this has meant two things for homeowners looking to invest wisely and make smart financial choices - spend more time at home, and improve their living space while doing so.
If you, or someone you love, is beginning to age and needs a more appropriate home to fit his/her needs, then there are a few adjustments you can make. By doing this, you'll ensure that the individual will be more comfortable and, most importantly, safe.
I recently read two news stories that deal with the commotion surrounding local governing bodies that dictate which design elements should be included in newly constructed homes within their jurisdictions.
You've seen them everywhere – “green” roofing options, “green” heating and cooling choices, “green” appliances, “green” flooring and even “green” paint. More and more Canadians are choosing environmentally friendly decorating options to highlight their personal style while creating homes that care about the planet.
Home maintenance is a year-round activity, but warmer weather means more time outdoors and presents an opportunity to inspect the exterior of your home and perform annual maintenance.
Curb appeal is the first impression buyers get when they see the home, and the right fence can add value to your home and become an attractive selling-point for potential buyers. There are many different variations of fences, but the style depends on your needs and tastes; here are a few common styles.
Weekly home and garden rail, with standing features such as How To and Psychology of Color -- and more.
With the number of homes on the market these days, the opportunities can seems endless and home-hunting should be a breeze. But some have learned that finding the right home can be difficult with such a great selection. If you're venturing out to find a new home, you should learn that there are plenty of things to consider before buying property.
With spring in full bloom, it's a great time to consider ways to "green" your home and reduce your carbon footprint. Having a "green" conscience is much more practical and inexpensive than you may think.
If you can't complete this project on your own, you will need to find a contractor. Be sure to interview a few and choose the one with the best track record. The lowest quote does not necessarily equal the best deal either, so be wary of low-priced proposals.
Home improvement projects can improve the look and value of your home dramatically. Though in some cases, using a home improvement project as a way to increase the value of your home can actually backfire and cost you money. So how will you be able to tell if the project that you have planned will add to the value of your home or decrease the value of your home?
Home improvements can add value to your home, but probably not as much as you'd expect if you complete them shortly before you sell your home. Here's why.
You can easily clean up bad indoor air quality at home with just a few lifestyle changes and adjustments in your air quality management. According to the American Lung Association, here's how.
Whether you are shopping for a previously-owned house or a brand new house, an inspection provides insight to the condition of the home you are buying. If you are putting your house on the market, an inspection helps hasten the sale and can generate a higher price.
There are a variety of reasons and a wide range of costs that you will encounter to have your house inspected. The normal house inspection can average 4 to 5 hours but can sometimes be as short as 5 minutes.
Did you know that recently it has been reported that there are approximately 130,000 break-ins a year reported to police? However, some of these crimes remained unreported. Property crime losses ranged from little or nothing of value to materials costing hundreds of thousands of dollars.
Where a home is located will often dictate some of the home maintenance chores you can expect to perform. Find out what problems are common to regions across the U.S. and plan ahead for home maintenance.
Things get crazy around the holidays. All the shopping, decking the halls and visions of sugar plums can cause homeowners to lose focus and overlook issues that can turn a season of joy into a season of oops.
This article provides various home improvement tips; including advice on how to clean your mirrors, avoid the usual mess under bird feeders, and getting the best out of your yard sale.
Tips on how to improve your home from the inside out.
Media servers offer ultimate flexibility for homeowners and opportunities to builders.
If the housing crisis is keeping you in your current home longer than you expected, maybe it's time to get your house in order. The National Association of Professional Organizers says that organized people save time and money and live with reduced stress and frustration levels.
Chances are you are staying in your home a little longer then expected. Why not use the wait to get your house in order? You'll feel better about whatever is causing the delay.
A guide to the responsibility of home ownership. The article also talks about factors such as borrowers and lenders.
This professional guide will teach you how to add oomph to the already exciting interiors of your home. In this first part of the two-part series, we’ll be talking about painting walls, ceilings, and floors. Windows, doors and other things have been kept aside for the second part of the series. Let’s start our journey with painting walls.
When you buy a house to flip, it’s like buying a beat up antique at a garage sale. You got the house for a bargain because it needs work that the seller isn’t motivated to do. By cleaning up the joint, fixing whatever’s broken, and perhaps doing a few renovations, you can bring the property up to market standards and sell it for its full market value. In the following article, I walk you through the types of renovations you can make.
The better your project designer is at blending color and light with form and function, the more successful your home renovation will be. Here, we'll offer pointers for finding the best renovation project designer.
As the green building and remodeling movement reaches critical mass, many remodelers and contractors have taken a practical approach and have chosen to focus on energy efficiency as a good first step in that direction.
When you're going away on your annual cottage vacation you want to rest - and rest easy too. You want peace of mind that your home is as safe as it can be from burglary or other damage.
Now that you've settled into your dream home, isn't it time to start thinking about the security of your home? For many homeowners, security is an afterthought but this year one out of every six homes will be burglarized and burglars only need about sixty seconds to break into a home, that's according to crime reports from the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
One inevitable fact that any home improvement business owner is familiar with is the rising cost of set, qualified leads.
As homeowners downsize to condos, flats, or lofts, they're most likely searching for ways to control clutter. Read on for creative and inexpensive home storage solutions.
Always a highlight for those attending the NAHB Custom Builder Symposium, 2007's home tour wowed custom builders once again
Today's sagging economy may make you hesitant to tackle large home improvement projects. But what about smaller, yet significant, upgrades? "Don't fixate on each improvement's immediate payback," advises Josh Garskof, Money Magazine contributing writer. "When you get around to selling after the market improves, you'll probably recoup most (though not all) of the costs."
Ever wonder what the difference is between an upgrade and an option?
Imagine a house full of theme music, where every room carries the same tune as you move about the home. Imagine never missing a moment of the DVD your family is watching, because the video feeds throughout the house, allowing you to watch it while you make a sandwich in the kitchen.
Energy performance expert Michael Lotesto aims to build an $8 million contracting business in weather-challenged Midwest with little or no advertising budget.
The following contains home products information you should know about how to earn profits. Read on if you or a loved one is interested in home and kitchen design information.
If this winter turns out to be as robust as the past summer, then we can all expect to do a good bit of shivering and shaking in the next few months. And it's likely to cost people more to heat their homes this year. Although everyone can benefit from weatherproofing and insulation, many people are taking their cost-savings initiatives a step further—looking for alternative forms of home heating.
Hot tubs are a great way to relax, renew your spirits and escape from your cares and worries, however, there are certain precautions you should take before relaxing in a hot tub.
Not long ago when I traveled on business, I can remember that after a long plane flight I would dread the “hotel bed” – and even worse, the lumpy, hard pillows and unwashed bedspreads (the variety my mother told me never to put my face on when we traveled).
How to decorate and/or remodel your home for the fall season.
In investment circles, the secret to success is cliché — buy low, sell high. This same principle applies to flipping houses. To succeed, you buy a house 25 to 50 percent below market value, repair and renovate the property to make it a more attractive purchase, and then turn around and sell it at market value. That three-step process — buy, fix, and sell — certainly sounds easy enough, but each step carries with it a host of unique challenges, as I point out in the following sections.
Flipping sounds easy. You can flip a pancake. You can flip a coin. Without too much effort, you can even flip out. Flipping a house, on the other hand, requires a level of knowledge, expertise, and stick-to-it-ism unrivaled by any of these mindless tasks. It requires access to cash, and lots of it. It demands time, energy, vision, attention to detail, and the ability and desire to network with everyone from buyers and sellers to real estate professionals, contractors, and lenders.
Design blends a variety of building materials that welcome in the sun, wind and the unbelievable view
Having the right house painting equipment for the job is very important in order to do a good job. There are many aspects of painting that go beyond simply having the right paint and brushes. You need to be aware of the painting equipment you are using, as well as the preparation that is involved when painting both the inside and outside of your house. Since the paint is visible in and outside of your home you have to make sure you do a good job when painting your house, as by not doing so your home will not look good. A good paint job can liven up your home and make it look cleaner as well as more attractive. You have to remember to get the right painting equipment for the job itself, as well as equipment for when you clean up the job.
Now that spring has arrived, many people are in good spirits and making the effort to embark on more physical activities. If you're interested in something new and are looking for a way to help save money and improve your home, here's a task for you.
In the wake of winter's major meltdown, and with spring's rainy season at your doorsteps, excessive household moisture exposure and water damage could cause mold to take hold in your home. Follow these five simple tips to stave off mold.
We enjoy the way sunshine lights up our lives indoors, but light's ultraviolet rays may be destructive inside our homes. They sneak into our home as sunlight but will eventually fade our floors, furniture, upholstery and drapery fabrics.
If you give your plants the light, water, humidity, fertilizer and good soil mix they need, they're bound to thrive. The National Gardening Association says most plants you'll find grown by commercial growers come with a tag full of handy information, telling you how much water the particular plant likes and how much light it needs.
Houston's first LEED home surpasses performance and design expectations
Toxic black mold is the most feared of all molds because ofnumerous news reports, newspaper articles, and magazine articlesattributing possible brain damage, infant deaths, expensiveproperty damage, and other horrible consequences of the growth tothis type of mold in residential settings.
The following contains home and garden services information you should know about how much to charge for pick-up and delivery. Read on if you or a loved one is interested in home improvement and maintenance.
DIY home improvement can be hard and time-consuming work. Priming a surface before applying paint offers a host of benefits like a truer paint color, stain- and odor-blocking and time and money savings from reducing the number of top coats. Here are tips that will take the guess-work out of priming and painting.
The following contains home services information you should know about how to bend drywall. Read on if you or a loved one is interested in improvement and maintenance tips for the home.
Here are step-by-step instructions for building a wooden stool for your home bar or kitchen diner. It's always handy to have extra seating for when you're entertaining guests. This barstool has a simple backless design and can easily be moved around the home to wherever you need a spare seat. Building this wood bar stool is a fairly straightforward project that can be done with hand tools.
A look at some important factors to consider when building or buying a bed.
A basic wooden ladder can be very simple and easy to construct, and should only take you a couple of hours. However, ladders are dangerous at the best of times, so it is important that you build one that is sturdy and reliable. Do the job correctly from the start, and your ladder will be safe to use.
There are two different classes of stairs. The first class is a mill-made stair, which is usually fabricated in a mill shop and shipped to the job site as a kit, ready for assembly and installation. The second class, a carpenter-built stair, is just that — a stair built on site by a carpenter. This type of fabrication is less expensive and allows the stair to be covered with carpet. A carpenter-built stair can be dressed up with a hardwood or paint-grade skirt board. And simple wall-mounted railing is a popular option to complete either type of stair.
The following article offers a do-it-yourself guide to replacing electrical plates.
The process of hiring a decking contractor seems daunting to homeowners who have little experience in construction or homebuilding. These homeowners need to break down the contractor hiring and oversight process into simple steps to ensure affordability and quality work.
Whether you are building a new kitchen, or remodeling an existing one, you'll need to give careful ...
It's tough to be your floor. Children and pets track dirt all over it. It can be scuffed by shoes, spilled on, and because of gravity, anything in the air will eventually end up on the floor. It is a constant battle to keep the floors of your home clean and sanitary.
Here are tips of how to keep your shower walls clean. Careffly take the steps and get yourself clean shower walls.
When installing baseboards, crown molding ("moulding") and chair rails, it's tempting to cut 45-degree miters at the corners and hope for a sure fit. The problem is that most walls aren't square. Joining two 45-cut molding pieces may give you a square joint, but a square joint may not work for your crazy corner.
The following article offers some tips for makeing the most out of your garage space.
Distressing furniture gives it an old look with rustic charm. It's something you can easily do as a weekend project at a fraction of the cost of buying it already distressed. Follow these steps to distress furniture.
Espaliered plants can be high maintenance. Plant selection, your degree of patience, skill, and creativity should be carefully considered before accepting the challenge.
Easy to work with but tricky to finish, pine has its advantages and disadvantages as a wood for building furniture. On the plus side, it's easy to find at most big-box stores, it's relatively inexpensive, and it's easy to shape and cut. On the down side, staining it can be somewhat difficult.
The following article talks about the durable creeping jenny plant.
If you want to grow orchids all year, you need to keep in mind the needs of your orchids coupled with the changing weather. In this article, you’ll get month-by-month instructions for growing orchids.
Garage sales are a great opportunity to clean out your basement, closets and other storages areas while also bringing some extra cash to your family.
Need toxic black mold or stachybotrys toxic mold testinginformation or mold inspector information. Certified Floridabased mold assessor and inspection firm serving Broward Dade andPalm Beach County including Miami and Ft Lauderdale. ConductionFlorida mold testing IAQ testing for commercial and home housemold and indoor air quality problems. Florida mold inspection.
The room is emptied, the under floor prepared, the material purchased, delivered and you are ready to start. Don't rush; take your time. A laminate floor can provide years of comfort and strength, ready to stand up to real family abuse.
Small does not mean dull. Most patio designs, regardless of size can be a nice break from the indoors. Using a simple 10' x 10' space, you can have an area for sitting, entertaining, or even a water fountain.
Patio roofs can add style, elegance and are a major attraction to your cement patio. The assortment of covers includes tin, metal, steel, copper, and rubber roofing.
The choice of siding depends on where you live. The snow storms in the US Northeast are much more severe than a hot day in Arizona.The siding of choice in the Northeast US is aluminum and treated lumber. It is treated to help reduce the disintegration and rotting of wood.
Skylights are a terrific addition to most living spaces, especially if they open. The natural light they let stream in is better than anything that comes out of a bulb, the air they allow to circulate is fabulous, and—if you're lucky—you get a nice view in the process.
The vinyl siding market is growing in leaps and bounds. However, installing vinyl siding can be a major undertaking for the uninitiated, and the best way to learn is hands-on experience. For most homeowners, a professional installation is recommended. Don't hesitate to ask potential installers for license and certifications. Many manufacturers certify the contractors according to proper installation techniques. Also, ask for references and the names and numbers of satisfied customers.
With guests on the way I already knew what my instructions were: Knock the spider webs off of the entry door and make sure the powder bath was presentable. My lovely young bride was not amused when I suggested that we install a magazine rack to distract would-be critics from the shortcomings of this diminutive water closet.
A how-to guide for creating a fresh perspective in a drab room with dramatic drapes.
It's not nearly as difficult to keep your plant healthy and strong as you might think it is.
Pests can drive a gardener batty. If insects and other pests have been attacking your garden making your plants ill or even killing them, there is something you can do. Follow these instructions and you can kill garden pests easily.
Home lighting does much more than simply help you see. It determines how others will see your home. Interior lighting sets the mood of the room, serving as an important feature of the décor. The right lighting scheme should strike a balance between form and function, and a little planning can go a long way when choosing the best design for your bath and kitchen area.
Home lighting does much more than simply help you see. It determines how others will see your home. Interior lighting sets the mood of the room, serving as an important feature of the décor. The right lighting scheme should strike a balance between form and function, and a little planning can go a long way when choosing the best design for your bath and kitchen area.
If your soil is rocky, hard or to wet for normal growth of the plants, the construction of raised beds is an option. Mound the dirt to six to eight inches high and two to three feet wide, to create a platform of loose soil for the plants.
Bamboo is happiest in moderately acidic loamy soil. They need at least five or more hours of direct sunlight a day, plenty of water, and fertilizer. Young plants like a light shade and a windbreak.
The common field cedars grow best on soil that is less than ideal for other trees, they like the good drainage of the limestone base and full sun of the Midwest and upper Southern regions of the United States.
Sometimes a good sanding and a coat of paint is all a piece of old or dated furniture needs to bring it back to life. Whether it was a hand-me-down from a relative or a garage sale find, you can bring back life to your furniture. Follow these steps to learn how to paint distressed furniture.
Whether you wish to plant a new lawn or just repair an existing one, sod is an excellent choice. For help with lawn care, especially sod, read the following article.
To retain the rich warm look of your wooden furniture, taking care of it is essential. The care varies with the kind of furniture - from oiled wood to varnished wood, to old furniture finished with wax or French polish, to carved pieces and furniture with clean lines.
Before undertaking any painting job, you need to do certain preparation, and as they say, when it comes to painting a house, a well-prepared wall is the battle half won.
Finding a stain on your favorite leather handbag or coat doesn't have to be devastating. If you act fast using the right materials, you can remove stains from leather without damaging the texture or the shine of your leather. Follow these steps and you can remove the stains.
Window and door replacements are among the most common home remodeling projects.
It never ceases to amaze me that something as rough as sandpaper can render raw wood flooring so perfectly smooth and in plane.
Ever since I was a little kid, there was something pleasantly hypnotic about a home heated with a freestanding wood-burning stove, something that spoke to me. While I couldn't verbalize it then, what I later realized was that I liked the direct, physical, easy-to-understand connection between a warm house and the natural world.
Hand planes are the epitome of fine woodworking. Extreme woodworkers use them, and serious collectors collect them. I'm both.
Woolen blankets are a warm comfort on a cool night. But the special care wool needs may deter you from bringing wool blankets into your home. Learn these steps on how to wash woolen blankets.
Here are some strategies to help prevent stray or ghost voltages.
Replacing outdated incandescent and fluorescent lamps produces dramatic energy savings.
Clients must realize a simple change order is actually quite complicated
Plants that were originally rooted in water seem to do well in hydroculture. You can substitute a more decorative outer pot for the plain ones that come in kits, but make sure it s not a lot bigger than the inner pot.
The following contains business services information you should know about competitive bidding. Read on if you or a loved one is interested in running a productive, successful business.
The following contains home products information you should know about ideal digital kitchen designs. Read on if you or a loved one is interested in home and kitchen design information.
A how to guide for judging the quality of your garden soil and improving it.
Event explores the growing popularity of home electronics and how builders, architects, designers and electronic systems contractors can capitalize
Flywheel energy storage technology is becoming an alternative to battery power.
By following a few simple tips and guidelines, you can work to better your family's respiratory health. Here's a room-by-room checklist for homeowners looking to achieve energry efficiency and better air quality in their homes.
In this article, homeowners will find tips on transforming their bathrooms into retreats. In-home spas are a great option for homeowners who are looking for a reprieve from the chaos of life, and who have a little more money to spend.
Financing, furnishing, fixtures and flooring. While these are important considerations for new home owners, many Canadians overlook the indoor air quality of their home before moving day – a significant oversight considering people spend more than 90 per cent of their time indoors! Indoor air quality is about five times more polluted than the outdoors with over 500 pollutants in common bui...
You can easily clean up bad indoor air quality at home with just a few lifestyle changes and adjustments in your air quality management. According to the American Lung Association, here's how.
To help create this transition Sico high-quality exterior paint and high-end stains that can help homeowners effortlessly match and complement their inside and outside decors.
Water fountains are not limited just as elegant beauty items, bringing the nature from the outside to the inside. There is a deeper relationship between indoor fountains and health too.
Plants are just as popular as furniture when one is deciding on furniture and soft furnishings. Aside from the aesthetic value plants provide your home with, there are also health benefits - grade school science class tells us that plants cleanse the air through utilizing the carbon dioxide and producing.
So, you have got your walls, ceiling and floor painted, right? But something is missing, it’s not quite looking like your dream, as yet. This article is intended to start from where we left in the last one. Once you are through painting your room, the way it is suggested here, you definitely will have your dream (home) filled with your own colors. For those of you, who have just joined and is not with us from article I, I’ll advice you to take time out and read the previous one first before moving further.
There are too many noteworthy developments in the custom home market and I can't pick just one to write about.
Late last month some good news came from the government.
Celebrity Interior Designer Will Smith (HGTV) gives some excellent and fairly inexpensive advice to those wishing to update their bathroom spaces; Pay attention to mirrors, paint, hardware and lighting.
This native insect found throughout North America feeds on at least 88 species of deciduous trees, from apple to willow. The overwintering adult, a dark-spotted white moth, lays a cluster of several hundred eggs on the underside of a tree leaf, covering it with a woolly layer of scales.
Color, durability and easy installation are keys trends for today's new offerings
As soon as you can get back into your home after a flood or rain driven storm, give your home a once over to determine what professionals you'll need to help dry out. Working from the ground up, here are the major problem areas the experts say warrant inspection and some tips on how to correct the problem.
Installing a new garage door and opener may seem daunting at first, but if you take your time and do the job step-by-step, it's a good weekend project. It will take from nine to 12 hours for most doors, then another two to four hours for the opener.
That's right inside. It may sound crazy, but unexpected, out-of-the-ordinary challenges are what make it Extreme How-To. After researching and talking to a number of professionals, I'd had enough of being told, "You're crazy." That's all I ever need to hear to help me decide whether or not to take on a particular project. And that's how it all started.
Nothing transforms a space like natural light and fresh air. The beauty it brings into your surroundings is a quality that no artificial light source can imitate.
Summertime means hot temperatures and even hotter houses. Many homes, particularly those with western exposures and little shade, absorb the sun's heat during the summer months and heat up like an oven on high.
Getting you, your family and your friends in and out of the house is not the only thing an exterior door is about. When you install a door you want it to swing smoothly, latch tight, seal out the weather and be secure.
Robert Frost wrote, “Good fences make good neighbors,” and the Minor family of Birmingham, Alabama, decided to be good neighbors. They selected an ornamental steel fence to follow the property line of their new home.
Most homeowners dream of relaxing on their front porch and watching the world go by. Tina and Brett Mealer had the same dream, so they decided to transform their ho-hum, bare-basics porch into a showpiece.
Is your basement nothing more than an unfinished storage area? That's the case with many homeowners who consider their basement to lack the warmth and coziness to make it a comfortable living space. When it comes to cold basements, you can blame the floor.
When I first saw the stack of material in the garage I thought, “You've got to be kidding!” But I didn't want to discourage the homeowner who was very proud of his internet purchase. I'm glad I kept my mouth shut for once. In the end, I was both surprised and happy with the finished product.
Laminate flooring is made of several layers. At the core is the thickest layer, which is a high-density fiberboard. Under the core is a back layer that adds stability and acts as a moisture barrier, which is very important to prevent cupping.
Technology has affected almost every aspect of the daily life of modern man. This being said, it would seem that some menial tasks have been overlooked, like installing a doorknob. However, the hand of technology has simplified even this job.
Not many years ago we were marveling at marble vanity and granite kitchen countertops in those put-on-the-booties tour houses. Today the availability of quarried, dimensional stone has brought new meaning to hard surfaces in many more homes.
Part One of this two-part series focused on fast and reliable framing techniques for building a sundeck. As with all framing, that process sets the stage for the finish work, which for a deck includes the decking, handrail posts and handrails. But, this is no light-duty trim-out. Rather, this is structural detailing whose primary role is to provide safety. Secondarily, it's job is to look good.
Give your house the classic look of hardwood with laminate flooring that fastens together seamlessly, without the mess of glue. The floorboards simply snap together using a tongue-and-groove system. The interlocking planks create a strong, tight joint that secures the flooring from wall to wall. The result is a sharp, new upgrade to the room — the look of real wood with the many advantages of laminate.
Pella manufactures great quality windows that are fairly easy to install. Following are some tips on installing Pella windows.
The beauty of a slate floor comes from the striking stone texture and earthy color tones of the tiles, which are cut from natural rock.
Quality tile installation means money in a builder's pocket
Decorating does not have to involve a lot of time or expense when you follow simlpe decorating tips.
One of the most fundamental ways to green up your home and save on energy bills is properly insulating your home. This in turn is great for the total environment, because most heat comes from fossil fuels. Traditionally, insulation has struggled with three main obstacles: formaldehyde, low r-value, and air gaps.
IntelliSense by Toro Irrigation is a timer that transforms standard landscape irrigation systems into highly efficient products.
By using the services of an interior designer you receive the benefit of their expertise to help you refine your selections and avoid costly mistakes. The right decorator with great money saving tips can go along way in getting you the “look of celebrities” for a lot less money.
If you're in the market to change the look of your home, you don't always have to go for the brand new stuff. In fact, sometimes old decor adds a classy touch, and using recycled glass in a home isn't just beautiful, it also helps save the environment.
You have two options, either leave a monotonous life in a monotonous home (read white walls) or add colours both to your interior and to your life. If remaining in the black and white had been nature’s idea of our existence, there would not have been colorful butterflies, mesmerizing flowers and scenic locations.
If you’re trying to sell your home, you should consider remodeling. In this article, we'll offer interior remodeling advice to those trying to sell their homes in a down market.
Avoid spending high dollar for custom-made interior window shutters. You can obtain affordable interior shutter panels, finish, and install them yourself. Find tips on measuring, selecting, and ordering quality stock-size interior shutters.
There they are, those formidable appliances that make your kitchen into a room custom-made for food preparation and storage. Your major appliances are capable of producing the most exquisite gourmet meals or the most horrible, burned disasters; of yielding fresh, glistening produce or slimy bags of who knows what?
Apidra is a rapid-acting insulin that can be used either within 15 minutes before or within 20 minutes after starting a meal, to safely and effectively lower blood sugar levels, which can “spike” after a meal.
Capitalize on the opportunity to showcase work directly to prospective clients
Strategies for advancing your business through practical reinvestment
Has green gone wild? It certainly has on the demand side of the equation.
For many firms, the idea of working smarter is often credited as the key to their success — even more so than working harder.
A technician's nonbillable time costs you more money than you may realize.
For years, the most relevant colors for kitchen and bath design firms have been black and red.
Eco-friendly power protection brings new backup power alternatives to electrical contractors.
It's not enough to have an idea. You need research to support its implementation
Buyers respond positively to relaxed and confident sales reps
While I'm fortunate to work in a wonderful industry doing something I truly love, that's never stopped me from pursuing a host of other interests — from writing books and taking ballet to training therapy dogs and working as a crisis counselor.
Jigsaws, also called bayonet saws, are the type of tools that get a lot of use in the home workshop. They're lightweight, easy to use and extremely versatile. To some degree, a jigsaw can perform the duties of a band saw, a scroll saw and even a circular saw.
Fall can be the perfect time for dividing and moving plants and bulbs, but be careful -- transplanting some plants can be damaging and even fatal.
The following contains home and garden services information you should know about growing your vegetables and shrubs. Read on if you or a loved one is interested in home improvement and maintenance.
When doing wood working there are many instances in which solid wood pieces are needed in widths wider than those that are available to make a cabinet side or a table top. Or, in the case of butcher blocks, wood pieces need to be glued together to create thickness rather than width. In each instance, smaller pieces of wood must be joined to make wider pieces. Several tactics can be used, depending on the desired end result of the piece you are constructing.
Practical advice that can help turn a "small shop" into a mid-sized retail operation—without breaking your bank.
Practical advice that can help turn a "small shop" into a mid-sized retail operation—without breaking your bank.
The 2007 Kitchen/Bath Industry Show presents new products and professional courses for both novice and veteran attendees
Indeed, the show will feature an array of product displays and demonstrations, as well as a mix of NKBA professional development courses, conference sessions and ample networking opportunities.
—Whether it be cuisine from Charlie Trotter, the finest of blues music or a shopping spree along the Magnificent Mile, the city of Chicago offers attractions that entice millions of people to visit each year.
Make sure you are aware of the danger signs that may indicate your business is in trouble.
Add light pollution to the many issues affecting the industry and another area in which electrical contractors can help 'clean up.'
Getting rid of a money-losing department may not be the best solution—in fact, it could cost you.
Preventing PVC conduit from 'floating' in a trench can be a tricky proposition based on current products and procedures, but this new PVC product makes it possible.
Firestopping can be a tricky business, but following these guidelines can help keep everyone from getting burned.
Waterfront property can be a mixed blessing. Sure there's plenty of fun in the sun to be had, but there's plenty of maintenance required as well. One of the biggest challenges: erosion.
Reduce the number of allergens roaming through the air of your home with these simple suggestions.
The romance of building a log home in the wilderness has long been the dream of many: A place, hacked out of the wilds by your own hands, in the traditional American pioneering spirit. Granted, much more is involved these days than simply cutting down a few trees and stacking the logs together.
The objective for this classically designed European country manor house was to create a true gourmet kitchen that not only provided the space and convenience for entertaining, preparing and serving meals to large groups, but also remained conducive to a more intimate setting for a couple or small family gathering.
Neifield, who serves as president of Northfield Sales Co.
If you are tired of the scenery in your kitchen and/or bathroom, maybe it is time for a makeover. Here are a few creative, cost effective ways to make a new style statement.
An ideal and relatively easy way to spruce up any kitchen is to add the compliment of backsplash décor or kitchen backsplash tiles between the top of the kitchen countertop to the underside of the wall cabinets.
While a total renovation project can be very costly, you can replace your countertops for cheaper and feel as though you have a brand new kitchen. This article will help you find a durable, stain-resistant countertop surface that will also bring style, elegance and beauty to your kitchen.
The homeowners also wanted the main kitchen, as well as the summer kitchen, butler's pantry, wet bar and bathrooms, to have as much storage as possible.
Designing a kitchen can be one of the most frustrating tasks when building a home. No matter how impossible it seems, you can design your dream kitchen in just a few steps.
Having the right kitchen floor design will complete the overall look and feel of a home kitchen. When it comes to kitchen floor design the homeowner has a number of fantastic options to choose from.
Kitchen appliances and gadgets make cooking easier and more efficient for busy families everywhere
Kitchen islands are freestanding spaces in your kitchen that offer additional work and storage space.
Spotlight on creative, problem-solving kitchens and baths
The phrase "dream kitchen" is tossed about a lot these days, and usually conjures up images of exquisite cabinetry and countertops in rich colors, intermingled with the latest in technologically advanced appliances.
A good range hood should be powerful enough to reduce greasy buildup on cabinets and kitchen appliances, and strong enough to pull out contaminants that occur naturally while cooking. In this article, experts will tell you how to check your range hood for quality and efficiency.
Cooking is fun, but it also requires certain precautions. You may think that the biggest danger in the kitchen is serving a meal that has guests roaring hysterically with laughter on their way home (“Can you believe he called that fiasco dinner?”). As humiliating as that can be, home cooks should be aware of other perils as well, so they can take the proper precautions and cook with no worries.
Creating a new look in the kitchen doesn't have to mean starting from scratch and emptying out your bank account. Smart updates that are affordable and easy to implement can breathe new life into your tired kitchen.
Clients seek utility and functionality along with a broad mix of colors, finishes and features
This column is not a board meeting, but I'd like to make a motion anyway.
The following article describes a new kind of knee pad to make gardening more comfortable.
There is a range of retail stores supplying different kind’s special knitting products, knitting needles, and designer patterns and knitting books among other products. Various online stores also specializing in supplying high-quality knitting yarn, accessories and patterns.
How to correctly identify plants so to improve landscaping aesthetics.
A guide to new products from Lacoste. The article discusses available items, patterns, and cost.
These are items of great use in construction and day to day work in house holds and industries. There are many stores selling these items at affordable costs depending on model and size.
Ladybugs are harmless; they will bite or sting only if they have to. They are just looking for a warm place to sleep for the winter. They are extremely beneficial in the garden; they eat whiteflies, mealybugs, scales, mites and other softbodied insects.
Overcoming strict development codes and neighbor control gives homeowners maximum lake views
Laminate floors are perfect for active rooms in the home and especially practical in homes with children and animals. Laminate flooring combines realistic designs with strong, durable and water-resistant finishes.
Including landscape architects at the early stages of design will minimize challenges
Landscape lighting used to be simple. A few recessed fixtures lining the front path, a couple of downlights tucked in the trees, and you were done. Not anymore. When it comes to the great outdoors, homeowners have seen the light.
If you have a green thumb and your garden is the envy of neighbors and passers-by alike, perhaps it is time you set yourself up in the landscaping business! Why not earn good money doing something you very dearly love and are very good at? In case you are not exactly sure about how to go about setting up your own business, then here are some helpful suggestions and guidelines for you.
In late 2003, retired brothers Jim and Bob Blakeman were looking for something to do.
March is the ideal time to begin the process of selective pruning to produce balance, symmetry, direct growth or rejuvenate sparse or overgrown shrubs. Regular pruning will improve the overall appearance of nearly all woody plants since few grow with perfect shapes and even when selected appropriately for their allotted space, most benefit from an occasional trim to look their best.
Renovating or redecorating a room is as much about style as it is about functionality. That's why many homeowners are looking to update the most unlikely of rooms in their home - the laundry room.
For a quick laundry room upgrade, consider the following ideas that not only will make your laundry room look like a million dollars, they will add some much-valued conveniences.
Growing a great green lawn can be a great big pain in the neck. From seeding to fertilizing to mowing, it seems like there's and endless list of repetitive chores associated with maintaining a nice, verdant bed of grass. Well, aeration is yet another chore that is often unduly overlooked — but a practice that may pay off in boosting the overall health of your lawn, thereby saving some labor headaches in the future.
Over time, and with heavy foot heavy traffic, the soil underneath lawns compacts and causes turf to deteriorate. One of the more beneficial cultural practices you can perform on a lawn is core aeration, and in most cases, aeration in conjunction with over-seeding.
More Canadians are looking for natural and healthy alternatives to cosmetic pesticides for keeping weeds away.
Even if you installed Astroturf you'd still have "lawn" problems, because some of them are not associated with the grass itself, but an expanse of earth devoted to a single task. Here are some helpful lawn care tips, including how to care for and prevent crab grass.
Most all lawn care items fall into one of the following categories: Establishment, Mowing or Watering. In this article, we will follow the example of a new lawn being established and cared for over the course of a season and list the things that may need to be done. We can't cover every single lawn care item here due to lack of time and space, but this should provide a good overview. Let's start with establishing turfgrass.
A well-groomed, head-turning lawn calls for more than just freshly mowed grass. Attention to detail goes a long way toward a lawn achieving a “great” look over a “good” look. Using an edger to clean up a lawn's perimeter enhances its overall appeal and neatness, resulting in garden edges and footpaths with a crisp and clean appearance.
Mowing is an integral part of maintaining a healthy lawn, and if done correctly, allows a lawn to grow thicker and fuller throughout the season. Keeping your lawn in the best shape can be as easy as following a few important guidelines.
Most of us have a love-hate relationship with our lawn. We love the way it looks when it is trimmed, but hate the time and effort it take to make it look good. Lawn care can be a lot more enjoyable if you select the correct mower for your needs.
Mowing may seem like a chore, but with the right equipment you can get a manicured lawn without too much effort. If your lawn mower is so heavy that you can hardly push it, with an engine so loud your neighbours complain every time you turn it on, it might be time to invest in a new mower.
Spring forward and fall back are routines that Canadians are quite familiar with. So too is the routine to get out when the forsythia is in bloom and give your lawn it's kick start spring feeding. Follow that up with a fall feeding when the leaves start to drop and old man winter is peaking from around the corner.
Gulf Coast state governments are adopting codes that can protect against future hurricane devastation, but only if home builders do their part
Last month I was sitting in an office meeting when my mind drifted back to high school.
Leather faux technique uses a very rich palette; the color range can be anything from sandy brown to deep blue. Faux finishes comes, even in green and red colors, rich mahogany reds.
LEDs are poised to take over your home's lighting chores. Here's what you should know about this new bright technology designed to also lighten the load on your wallet.
With their mild, subtle flavor, leeks are an elegant addition to fall and winter menus. A relative of the common onion, leeks do not form bulbs but long, tender white shanks that are perfect for savory soups, stews, and side dishes. Though not difficult to raise, leeks require a rather lengthy growing season—anywhere from 75 to 145 days, depending on the variety. Furthermore, leek seedlings can be hard to find at garden centers and nurseries, forcing would-be leek growers to raise their own.
While the rest of the world is doing its spring cleaning, I am standing in line at the service center to drop off my vacuum cleaner.
We've all heard the phrase "A need-to-know basis," right? Well, I would like to suggest that when it comes to staying abreast of the latest products available in the electrical contracting industry, every industry professional—be it a manufacturer, contractor or distributor—needs to know as much as they can in order to stay competitive.
Controls are the heart of a good daylighting system and the benefits are many. Here are some tips and myths about daylighting.
Members of the NAHB Lead-Based Paint Task Force met with EPA in November of 2006 to discuss the proposed new rule affecting remodelers and present the results of a study looking at lead-dust generation commissioned by the NAHB.
I would like to see the new Expo come closer to Wisconsin.
I'm a kitchen designer and a freelance writer on design topics.
Ever-advancing lighting control technology offers homeowners convenience, security, energy efficiency and ease of use.
Jaclo Industries steps into the world of luxury showering with its Dream Light rain canopy.
Today's lighting controls offer a variety of different solutions to boost energy savings.
I would like to start my second year providing insight into the design side of remodeling by talking about a design subject near and dear to my heart — lighting design.
In the last three months I have received a lot of feedback on my previous articles about lighting.
Cindy Knutson-Lycholat, CGR, CR, CAPS started in the remodeling business with her father in 1977. Today she's built a big legacy of her own.
Adored and spurned by gardeners, lily of the valley (Convallaria spp.) is the most familiar member of the family that bears its name (Convallariaceae). The fragrant, nodding flowers are celebrated in song and rhyme; the plant has religious as well as secular significance.
Ever wondered how cell phones and laptops keep getting more compact and lighter in weight? Part of the answer comes from the breakthrough lithium-ion battery technology. These compact rechargeable batteries provide maximum power and longer runtime without adding the extra weight.
Innovation in countertops means equal parts function, style and imagination.
Part two: Building sustainable housing requires products that will last for decades
The following contains home products information you should know about a showroom distinguished by location and service. Read on if you or a loved one is interested in home and kitchen design information.
In today's siding market, homeowners want the authentic look of traditional materials with the benefit of engineered substitutes.
It's easy to spot the low-maintenance roses of yesterday. They're the ones that are still here, planted by some long-gone gardener, growing and blooming even as new families—and interest in gardening—come and go.
In today's siding market, homeowners want the authentic look of traditional materials with the benefit of engineered substitutes
Secret rooms, a man cave, a life management center and suites for everyone are in this understated yet elegant Northwest retreat
Depending on where you live in the US, your power bill can be a real burden on your monthly expenses. That' s before I learned the key tips to lowering my power bill to save money and go greener.
Outdoor entertaining is a growing trend, and market studies show that more and more consumers are looking for luxury products to help beautify their exterior living spaces, from built-in barbeques to garden furniture to accessories, and wood stains are no exception.
For those individuals interested in having luxury homes built to their preferences, there are luxury home plans available to help in designed the ultimate luxury home. Home building plans help consumers define all of the elements of a home, both inside and out; thus such plans literally take the guess work out of luxury home building and make a builder’s job far easier.
Implementing new and improved technologies can differentiate design/build firms
(NC)—Spring forward and fall back are routines that Canadians are quite familiar with. So too is the routine to get out when the forsythia is in bloom and give your lawn it's kick start spring feeding. Follow that up with a fall feeding when the leaves start to drop and old man winter is peaking from around the corner.
With the recent pesticide ban in Ontario, homeowners may find that some of the products they have used in the past are no longer available. However the desire to have a thick healthy lawn and lush beautiful garden remains the desire of many.
How to implement new and improved technologies to differentiate design/build firms
(NC)—With the recent pesticide ban in Ontario, homeowners may find that some of the products they have used in the past are no longer available. However the desire to have a thick healthy lawn and lush beautiful garden remains the desire of many. Weeds in the lawn and pests in the garden are the two most common problems lawn and garden enthusiasts face.
Steep terrain in an earthquake zone adds to the challenges of building this modern home with views to die for
The first piece of information you need before you can begin laying out the pieces and parts is to know exactly where you want the finished shelf to go—left, right, up and down—and what its proportions are.
Just as your home makes a statement about who you are and what you value, so do the patios, walkways and driveways that connect your home to the outside world. They deserve the same attention to detail as the home itself. Perhaps the most important decision you will make in planning your home's paved venues is the selection of the right paving product.
With the housing industry tightening up and the phone ringing less frequently, remodelers need to learn new business and marketing techniques so that they can develop more work from the customers they do have.
"Antiquing” is a special cabinet or furniture finishing technique that can enhance the look of a bland surface by artificially aging the wood.
Zen garden can be large and sweeping, consisting of acres, or the size of a notebook, small enough for your desktop. The following instructions will be for a larger scale garden; you can make your Zen garden any size or shape according to these steps. The materials can be purchased at your local hardware store.
Drapes and window covers can take a bland room and make it spectacular. With a little fabric and creativity you can create drapes that make your room sophisticated or funky, whatever suits the room.
Frame-and-panel doors are a tradition with many classic furniture styles as well as cabinets. Frame-and-panel doors offer several advantages including their beauty. But, more important, they are less prone to warp and twist than solid doors. With the inset panel “loose” in the frame, they more readily adjust to changing humidity, heat and cold conditions.
Saving money at home is easy when you stop paying for overpriced cleaners and laundry tools and start making them the way your grandparents and great-grandparents did.
A router is not only an extremely versatile shop tool, it can almost do magic. Routers can be hand-held, or permanently fixed in a router table for any number of chores. They may have fixed bases, which are ideal for edge routing, or they may have a plunge-style base.
The first step in making rustic log furniture is selecting the appropriate logs for your project.
A guide to correcting defects in construction projects
It's not hard to make beautiful, therapeutic candles that you'll be proud to show or give as a gift. Follow these easy instructions and enjoy the beauty of natural, clean-burning soy candles.
Teamwork, focus and long-term planning help build a lucrative dealership in the heart of NASCAR country.
I've managed to rationalize my desire by telling myself that the ones I already have are cheap and inaccurate.
Today's commercial and residential network environments present a variety of voice, data and video communications requirements, which can stretch the capabilities of technical staff.
Stephen Robinson, CGB, CGR, GMB, CAPS; R.E. Construction & Maintenance Services, New Castle, Ind.
One of the best things about window treatments that don’t require any, or very little, sewing — we call ’em low-sew draperies and curtains — is you can frequently change them because they’re so quick, easy, and inexpensive to make. For example, are you tired of those red velvet swags hanging in your living room? No problem! Pull them down in two minutes and replace them with a pastel-striped valance and a set of sheer curtains. When you’ve only invested a few hours and a few bucks in window treatments, you won’t feel so married to them, and that freedom can liberate your designing impulses.
Door manufacturers offer new styles and functionality to match what's hot and what soon will be
Knowing why leads are lost is the first step toward maximizing your marketing efforts
Our policy is to take a deposit on every piece of residential equipment with a serial number from trimmers to compact tractors.
The following contains home products information you should know about marketing and sales. Read on if you or a loved one is interested in home and kitchen design information.
The following contains home and garden services information you should know about remodel marketing by the numbers. Read on if you or a loved one is interested in home improvement and maintenance.
Webber adds, "In fact, 'Texas Zen' were the words the clients used to describe the style they were looking to achieve.
The master suite for this home in Winter Park, Fla.
To convert this un-cared for bedroom into a master suite, we had to junk all the horsehair plaster, crumbling lath and decrepit knob-and-tube wiring. We then stripped the structural walls of the house back to the block, installed new studs, updated electrical, insulation, HVAC chases, windows and drywall. Once back to a blank slate, we could connect all the dots and make it pretty.
Ask David O'Neil and he will tell you that all the world is a stage.
Master remodelers from across the country take top honors for creative problem solving in the latest edition of the Master Design Awards.
Educated at the University of Washington when minimalist architecture was popular, Miles Yanick, architect of Bainbridge Island, Wash.
Exchanging vows on your wedding day isn't the only time in your life you'll be saying “I do” to a long-term commitment. When selecting building products for the construction of a new home, or the renovation of a cherished older home, consumers make a long-term commitment to the products that will shelter their families for many years.
With the home furnishings marketplace generally in the doldrums, there is a group of decorative fabric suppliers that are understanding the industry.
A good sleep is critical to having a productive life; since this is the time your body rests and renews itself for a fresh day of activity. Where you sleep is just as important as how much you sleep. This is where the importance of buying a good mattress comes in.
Residential air conditioning systems should always be installed and maintained by a qualified, licensed, and well-trained technician who will ensure and can verify that the system has been sized and matched properly.
Voles, also known as meadow or field mice, have stocky, furry bodies, short legs, and short tails. There are 23 species of voles in the United States, but the two of greatest consequence to gardeners are the meadow and pine voles.
The following contains home products information you should know about media room and home theater. Read on if you or a loved one is interested in home and kitchen design information.
Media servers offer ultimate flexibility for homeowners and opportunities to builders
Mexican bean beetle (Epilachna varivestis), a member of the ladybug family, attacks many kinds of beans—bush, pole, and lima—as well as cowpeas and soybeans. Native to the Southwest and Mexico, it is now found throughout much of the United States.
Adult beetles overwinter in weedy areas. They emerge over several weeks in mid- to late spring when air temperatures reach 50°F. After one to two weeks of feeding, females lay clusters of 40–60 yellow eggs on the undersides of leaves.
In a market dominated by zero-turns of all shapes and sizes, intermediate walk mowers settle into their own little niche.
For some dealers, restricted by geographic boundaries and limited marketing budgets, increasing sales to existing customers is the most feasible way to grow. The trick is selecting the right products that enable you to offer your customers "more" while also providing a nice return on your investment.
Before applying the geometric shapes to the blinds, begin spray painting the first area you want to paint with your chosen colour.
Are you having trouble with water damage in your home? If so, read the following article for damage prevention and repair tips.
An 1860s building is restored for use as a high-end hat store and loft apartment
The following contains home products information you should know about how a mix of influences shape a new showroom. Read on if you or a loved one is interested in home and kitchen design information.
In 2005, Hensley Custom Building Group in Cincinnati contracted to purchase 80 lots over seven years in Cincinnati's newest upscale community.
In an increasingly busy world, it can sometimes be a challenge to stay connected.
Natural light and materials transform homes into pieces of art
The Design Showcase, presented at this year's K/BIS, focused on the best techno gadgets, storage solutions and creature comforts that modern-day living has to offer.
Moisture is always a concern in home remodeling today.
The leading cause of health problems associated with mold is thecommon mold allergy. Many who believe they are being poisoned bytoxic molds are actually experiencing a mold allergy.
A few basic tips on how to look for mold and moisture problems around the house.
When a mold inspector takes bulk, tape, carpet/dust, or swabsamples, spore numbers are not compared quantitatively to outdoorlevels. Thus, the number of spores in these types of samplesoften are not as meaningful as the numbers found in air samples.
A mortise is basically a slot cut in a piece of stock. A tenon is a reduced tongue on the end of the stock that is cut to fit into the mortise.
When the ground-hugging blanket of vivid blue scilla bulbs appears and crocus flowers push up their tiny heads, we know that spring is here. Soon the unfolding cascade of flowers will arrive to delight us.
A Red Emperor tulip opened outside the window. It's bright and brave — one of the first to show in spring. Sometimes spring bulbs appear in strange places where they were never planted. But they herald that spring has finally come.
Professional household goods movers are required to assume liability for the cargo they transport.
(NC)—Summer is a popular time for Canadians to pick up and move. While moving is definitely a major undertaking, it can also be a great excuse to organize our belongings and decide what to keep and what to give away.
Every landscape has at least one plant that needs moving. Perhaps it is crowding other plants or too close to the house or has overgrown and looks out of scale.Early spring is the plant-moving season, when established plants may be safely relocated. Spring’s cool, wet days are perfect for the job.
How mining your customer base, getting referrals and boosting your service will increase your top and bottom lines
The simple beauty of multitasking tools began with the premise that one power head is enough. Numerous attachments transform a single power head into a versatile quick-change yard-care artist.
Murals are the perfect way to show your personality through interior design
Nominations for the Custom Builder of the Year are due Aug. 8, 2008
A guide to some home decoration products from National Geographic. The items include interesting designs and decorations for the home and garden.
Today's master baths create personal spa spaces filled with natural materials, integrated technology and luxurious amenities.
As electrical contractors join the security ranks, there is much to know and learn about the industry.
Showcasing the lastest products to be seen at this year's NECA Convention and Trade Show.
All home improvement business owners are well aware that acquiring leads is the key to running a successful operation.
New can mean cutting-edge technology -- with computers, cell phones and houses as well.
I think we can all agree that drill/drivers are indispensable tools. Almost anyone perusing the articles of EHT is likely well versed in what they can do and how to use them, so this article will bypass the basics and focus on what's new on store shelves. And most of these late-model advances share a common theme: more performance in a smaller, lighter package thanks largely to advances in battery technology.
Today's decking products offer homeowners many choices that save work, are friendlier to the environment and allow the homeowner to customize a deck for professional results.
What's Available, What's Affordable and What's Avoidable? Installing a new floor can be a serious undertaking, but the right product and guidelines will help you tackle the project with relative ease. Floors can account for about a third of a room; their visual impact is important and should be considered when creating the perfect space.
Concrete has been used in construction since the Romans invented it about 2,000 years ago. Although it's been a widely used material for driveways and sidewalks, it's often seen as a dull and unremarkable option for homeowners in search of a distinctive look for their property.
Oftentimes I'll catch snippets of conversations between remodelers, and I am surprised at what I hear.
Bay area dealer unleashes strategy to strengthen its brand in a dynamic, affluent, competitive market.
The following contains home and garden services information you should know about how to fight mosquitoes. Read on if you or a loved one is interested in home improvement and maintenance.
The following contains home products information you should know about the new year with old habits. Read on if you or a loved one is interested in home and kitchen design information.
Speaking of smoother roads, they haven't been the best in Wisconsin, or anywhere in the snowbelt states for that matter.
As you may recall, last month I extolled the virtues of taking a running inventory of your firm's business model.
Building an outdoor sun deck is one of the most popular DIY projects, providing a breezy outdoor retreat that adds to the overall value and décor of the home. The materials that cover these decks, whether real wood or composite, are ever evolving due to a growing demand for durability, low maintenance, and a desire to lower the environmental impact. Easy installation is another key factor, for the time-conscious contractor as well as the weekend warrior. Here's a look at some of the latest materials and how they can impact your next project.
Designers are finding that a little ingenuity can lead to smaller kitchens full of style—and room to spare.
A desire for privacy was the motivation to have the family room physically separated from the open living room and kitchen area to facilitate use by the owners' two college-aged daughters.
When I was a little kid I wanted to be a baseball player.
Size doesn't limit vision of Rhode Island remodeler
Investments in technology, service, merchandising and people help Noble Power Equipment remain vibrant.
The votes are in … Qualified Remodeler readers have chosen Wicanders Oak Cork Flooring as the 'Remodelers' Choice' product for May. This product generated the highest amount of requests of any other product featured in the January issue.
A custom aquarium can be the perfect finishing touch in a high-end home.
The ocotillo (Fouquieria splendens) has become the darling of Southwestern gardeners shooting for a bold look. We love its upright architectural structure, the zigzag lightning of its branching pattern, and the flaming orange-red of its flowers, which lure hummingbirds north out of Mexico in the spring.
In this edition of EHT's new Spotlight column, we're testing Skil's latest multi-finishing sander, the Octo. Over the last couple of months, I've used the Octo to build a new bookshelf and refinish a set of kitchen cabinets. These projects gave me an excellent opportunity to try out the features that make the Octo so unique—its ability to be configured with eight different sanding profiles.
How a 1910 church was converted and born again as a home designed for entertaining
"Deja new" describes the three-story Idea House in Oriental, NC, which celebrates modern and Old World design, incorporating seamlessly blended elements of each.
A perfect storm involving an immovable deadline, a narrow lot, a new setback ordinance and other challenges make this project's success especially rewarding
One Rhode Island company prides itself on being able to cut through the red tape of coastal remodeling.
Cramming all the electronics into this 100-year-old house was a feat of creativity and cooperation
Are you tired of your messy garage and stained garage floor? Many Americans have garages that are an absolute disaster. The garage floors are cracked and stained, and their version of garage storage consists of the old pantry cabinet they pulled out of the neighbors' trash. New and innovative garage flooring products now make it possible to do a complete garage makeover in about a day.
Before making your next contact, spend time evaluating the history of the account and things you missed during your initial interaction that cost you the sale.
Every gardening pro and green thumb novice knows the value of owning a reliable potting table. These simple but effective benches help to organize and consolidate garden work so that it's easy, fun and convenient.
How an outside pro is paving the way for a new generation at Schroeder Design/Build
Tile and stone can add uniqueness and flair to today's home designs
Organic gardening can very well pass up as a hobby for starters. This can be true if you are the type of person who has the passion for gardening. This may not be everybody's cup of tea. So consider yourself lucky if you are among those who can grow green things out of the blue.
In many instances your home's unused areas can be organized with purchased shelves, racks, cabinetry, even stand-alone storage closets. But you can also make any number of cubbies yourself.
Whether you're moving down the block or to another state, the same preparations apply. Moving does not have to be a dreaded chore, but instead can be an opportunity to take inventory of your possessions and your life.
If you could add it all together, how much time would you have wasted over the years searching your workshop for “just the right tool” for a particular project? For many folks, the answer would likely be a matter of days, rather than hours.
To better organize the space in your childrens' rooms, eliminate clutter and provide the kids with a room they'll want to spend time in.
The porosity of the grout absorbs dirt, moisture and contaminants like germs and bacteria. And dirty grout can give your tile a dingy appearance and even lead to unpleasant odors. Grout can also deteriorate over time, crumbling and breaking apart, requiring a repair.
A model of an outdated kitchen makeover, turning a 1960s-styled kitchen into a modern and multipurpose kitchen.
Accessories are a great way to add a touch of colour or interest to your outdoor room. Whether you're adding something new or layering onto existing items, accessories serve as an inexpensive way to make your existing décor look brand new again.
Chances are your deck or patio décor includes a variety of surfaces such as wood, wicker, metal and plastic, all which may have become weathered from summer sun and winter storage. Armed with your creativity and a few cans of spray paint, you can give all these surfaces a fresh, stylish, up-to-date appearance.
While the grip may be tight on your wallet, there are ways to unleash your creative juices and make improvements to your home in a snap. Revitalize and refresh the look of your outdoor living space with these fast, easy and inexpensive projects.
If you're looking for a relaxing way to enjoy your backyard, try using an outdoor fireplace. Outdoor fireplaces are safe and can be used for a number of different reasons.
When the real estate market is tight and homeowners still need more living space, many turn their sights outdoors.
People are looking at outdoor spaces differently and want to turn them into something they can use year-round. Outdoor kitchens, complete with built in BBQs, sinks, cook tops, refrigerators and cabinetry have become all the rage.
Appliances designed specifically for outdoors can add functionality and good looks for homeowners to enjoy
The outdoor living space by Denmark Construction in Youngsville, N.
Remember when outdoor spaces were merely used as places for the roll-out barbecue grill, a haven for swing-sets and a place to contain dogs and kids?
There's nothing like a breath of fresh air or the feeling of sunshine on your face. Whether it's summer, winter, fall or spring, most homeowners want a relaxing spot to enjoy the outdoors—and one that's not too far from home. Today's decks and patios can provide that sought-after restful retreat.
Use of lawns and gardens are maximized through appropriate use of above mentioned patio items. You may use them during summers as well as spring seasons but seasons hardly matter for breeze in the outdoors.
Outdoor speakers blend in and sound great, while lighting systems enhance the outdoor atmosphere
This summer, many Canadians may be considering staying closer to home and enjoying more time with family and friends right in their own backyard.
The outdoor water fountains are perfect for adding to a decking or patio space with the tabletop or floor standing styles which can be placed into the area and provide a subtle and soothing background sound for all to enjoy.
Remodeling a kitchen can be a huge undertaking, but when it's done right, it's a project that can pay off with years of satisfaction.
When a plant like outgrows its pot, the roots get crowded and can't convey sufficient nutrients and moisture to the foliage. The plant becomes leggy, refuses to bloom, and may even start to lose its leaves. In short, it needs a new home.
Looking for more storage space? Look up! One often unused storage area is the loft or “attic” over your garage. In some instances of attached garages, opening this area may also provide easier access to the house attic.
Knowing your overhead costs will reinforce the need to keep production on a steady pace
A reader recently shared his experience regarding his client's desire to share ownership rights to some of his drawings.
Riggs Construction & Design, Kirkwood, Mo., markets packaged projects to help ease remodeling fears
Dirty work shouldn't ruin your body. The right tools and technique make digging more comfortable. Here are a few tips for perfecting your form.
Want to paint some of, or all of, the rooms in your home but you're unsure of which colors to choose? Here are a list of colors, as well as what emotions and/or qualities are associated with each color?
Painting a room is easily the number one do-it-yourself home project. This is because the color scheme of a room is the most dominant attribute of the living space, providing mood and character and defining the decorative concept that ties together all other interior elements, from flooring to furniture.
Painting your basement or garage floor can make them look tidy and pleasing to the eyes again. The correct and applicable material for this job is epoxy paint or coating. You can do it yourself and it may be taxing at the start but if you are equipped with the right technique, you can be sure of a good result done lightly and efficiently.
While painting projects can be fun, they can be messy. In this article, you’ll learn the tools you need for cleanup, as well as other painting fundamentals.
Cabinets are usually the most prominent feature of a kitchen and greatly determine the room's overall décor. Peeling paint, nicks and scratches, or a dull, dirty finish can plague older cabinets and really sap the pizzazz out of the living space. On the other hand, a fresh coat of paint can do wonders for cabinets and breathe new life into the kitchen. A repainting project can also save tons of money when compared to full cabinet replacement, which can easily total several thousands of dollars.
Putting a fresh coat of paint on your home will prolong the life of its skin, pump up the value, and revive its curb appeal, all important additions, especially when it's time to sell. The benefits you get assume, of course, the job of slathering on the latex or oil-based paint is professionally performed.
Cats are notorious plant nibblers and soil diggers. But, with
some careful plant selection, placement, and creativity, you can
keep your cat from ruining your plants, and keep your cat safe
from potentially harmful plant varieties.
Don't rely solely on technology; use your common sense
During slow times, wisely utilizing a realtor will increase sales
Clever marketing and diversification keep 4 Seasons Equipment on a path of growth.
Remodeler and builder, Scott Sevon, CGR, CAPS, GMB is a natural networker.
When budgets get tight, and clients are looking for places to cut back on expenses, do you know the first place they look? According to our research, they cut back on landscaping first.
The following contains home products information you should know about customizing shines in a new showroom. Read on if you or a loved one is interested in home and kitchen design information.
The source of nearly all of our energy is the sun. While we might use wind, oil, and rivers to help empower our world, all of those sources of energy are also made possible through the sun. Because it won't stop burning anytime soon, we can effectively consider it an infinite source of energy, and better yet, it's completely free for absolutely anyone to use.
Concrete is one of mankind's greatest inventions. Very durable, it can also be aesthetically pleasing. Concrete is also often a major building material in and around homes. Over time, however, concrete can deteriorate. Patching and repairing concrete can be easy or difficult, depending on the project and the amount of deterioration.
This neglected space transforms into a kitchen worthy of high-end entertaining
With good reason, the financial markets hang on any utterance from Ben Bernanke, the current chairman of the Federal Reserve.
So, what, exactly are perennials? They’re long-lived herbaceous (non-woody) plants — flowers and herbs, mainly. How long they last depends on the plant and the conditions in your garden. But these plants certainly last longer than annuals.
With pesticide bans in place across the country, lawn and garden enthusiasts may find that some of the products they have used in the past are no longer available. Gardeners are looking to the internet and published literature for "home brewed" alternative pest control solutions.
With pesticide bans in place across the country, lawn and garden enthusiasts may find that some of the products they have used in the past are no longer available. Gardeners are looking to the internet and published literature for “home brewed” alternative pest control solutions. “What many people don't realize is that these homemade pesticides could pose risks to both your health and the environment around you” according to Glenn Martin, Senior Marketing Manager, Sustainability and Healthy Lawns for Scotts Canada.
This article offers advice on finding a skilled contractor to install a photovoltaic solar system on your home.
A good hammer will always be the first choice for driving a nail, but when it comes to firing a lot of nails for large projects, a nail gun can really speed up the process.
If a hot tub or spa in your home or backyard sounds like the perfect way to spend quality time with your family, take the time to do a little research before you buy. Find out what designs and options are out there and most importantly - think about why you want a spa or hot tub.
Increasingly, kitchens will become the gathering place for informal dinners, cooking shared with guests, dining areas integrated with work areas. In this article, an expert will offer tips for designing a modern kitchen.
The word “mesmerizing” has been used to describe the feeling of walking through model home after model home.
Fertilizers are chemical compound supplying essential nutrients to the plants and ideally proves to be plant growth regulators. It is supposed to provide essential nutrients that are required for the plant growth, which are not provided by the soil.
Light stands—the setups that pair seed trays to light bulbs—may be homemade or store-bought. There are simple and elaborate versions within each category. If you go the homemade route, you could simply suspend a woodworker's shop light over a tabletop, build a frame out of plastic piping, or improvise with a baker's rack or shelved unit.
Bountiful and beautiful when massed in clusters, stately and classic when planted with a single variety–container gardens are the ultimate canvas for garden experimentation.
In small gardens especially, careful selection and planning of herbs are needed to fit them in successfully.
Hostas are bold-leaved perennials very well suited to the shade garden. They are herbaceous perennials, meaning that their foliage dies back in fall and emerges new in spring.
Alkaline soils are usually fast-draining and low in nutrients, so they are improved by adding organic matter in the form of well-rotted manure and garden compost, to increase the humus content of the soil.
As many homeowners look for ways to improve the curb appeal and value of their property, interlocking-paver fixtures such as driveways, patios and retaining walls are becoming increasingly popular. With the increased popularity, contractors and DIY'ers are quickly realizing that compaction is an essential, yet often overlooked, step in ensuring quality in paver structures.
With the simplicity of the platform bed comes versatility and easy maintenance. Whether you are looking to replace your existing bed or looking for an entirely new bedroom set, this bed is perfect for the occasion. Being so transitional, the platform bed can blend into any set that you already have or that you are looking to purchase.
Does opening your pool mean stagnant water spilling from your cover into your pool, and do layers of leaves and insects mask the water surface? Well, it doesn't have to, just follow these basic steps.
Less is more when it comes to pools, at least when you're referring to depth. Industry experts say a trend in pool construction is leaning to smaller and shallower pools.
This article discusses how creating a pool house is easier than you think, along with how one should be orginized.
If you’ve ever flown over suburban areas, you would no doubt notice the number of backyards graced by all manner of water recreation. And now that spring ushers in warmer days, our thoughts wander to a backyard oasis, prompting us to look into some of the latest trends in pool designs.
If you're preparing your home to sell and it has popcorn ceilings, the mark of an older home, you'd be wise to consider getting an estimate to have it removed before putting your home on the market. To give you an idea, here is a look at what's involved with pulling the popcorn off the ceiling.
Conveying the right attitude in business can help to maintain customer satisfaction.
If you want to make perfect baked potatoes every time, the first step is to choose the right potatos. Read on for more potato baking tips.
Most gardeners force bulbs for bloom in the dead of winter, and in the way that pleasures are best when anticipated a little beforehand, that is very nice. Even pipping bulbs with their snouts just showing are exciting on display, for the promise that is in them.
You're not exactly the most organized individual when it comes to pretty much everything. While it may take a major overhaul to clean up your act, why not start small with a handy potting table?
Concrete floors are a major component of many buildings, from homes and garages to shops and sheds. Pouring a concrete floor is hard work, and it takes skill, strength and tools.
Harley-Davidson is one of the most revered brands in the world.
Sanding is messy but necessary work. Just about any project that involves wood requires sanding, like it or not. For big jobs, like refinishing floors, you'll need to rent a large walk-behind drum and disc sander.
Power washing your home is not that hard, and it can add years to your paint job. Here, we'll guide you through the process of power washing.
One Florida contractor applies a lighting control system and personal experience to his own home.
Achieving high levels of customer satisfaction means putting your company in the best possible position to limit negative outcomes
A fresh coat of paint is one of the most inexpensive ways to freshen-up your home's exterior. But whether you plan to paint wood, masonry, metal or even plastic, preparing the surface before applying the topcoat is the first critical phase of the project. It may be a dreary procedure, but taking the time to correctly prep the job will pay off in smooth, durable coverage sure to last for years.
If you start your furnace early in the season, it will help you avoid being left in the cold when the chilly weather arrives.
As the gardening season comes to a close, it's time to prepare your roses for the cold, harsh winter months.
With the warm weather approaching, now is the perfect time to get your garden ready for the spring and summer season. The lawn and garden team at Canadian Tire have the following tips to help ensure your garden gets a natural and healthy start this season.
Any professional painter will tell you that proper preparation of the walls before getting started painting is absolutely essential. A clean, smooth wall will be easier to paint, will use less paint, and will give you a nicer finish. Fortunately, preparing a wall for painting is very simple, and the time you spend in preparation will ensure a quality paint job and the protection of your home, as well as provide for the safety of yourself and others.
Electrical problems are the cause of more than 40,000 home fires in the United States each year. On average, these fires claim close to 350 lives, injure 1,400 and result in $700 million in damages according to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission.
Today, as outdoor temperatures drop and people across the nation take measures to keep themselves and their loved ones warm this winter, builders should alert both current and prospective homeowners with steps to reduce the risks associated with home fires. The following provides some tips for both outside and inside the property.
Warm-weather pests are more than just a nuisance - they present potential health risks for you and your family. For example, cockroaches and pantry pests carry harmful bacteria that can contaminate food products.
Have you noticed that items on your shelves seem to stick whenever they have been sitting on the shelf for more than a few days or months?
To prevent your plants from becoming damaged over the winter, you can follow some simple maintenance guidelines for your landscape this fall.
NAHB emphasizes educational programs to maximize the return on investment for show attendees
The following contains home security information you should know about pricing problems in tech shortage. Read on if you or a loved one is interested in home improvement and security.
A fair market price can earn more money in the least amount of time. This article shows how proper pricing leads to a successful sale.
Painting seems easy to the average Joe, and that's what makes it hands-down the most popular DIY home project. The truth is, almost anyone can throw paint on a substrate, but professionals achieve a top-notch finish by sticking to some tried and true guidelines. For starters, don't skimp on prepping the surface, always use a primer (see sidebar), and invest in some quality equipment.
Installing tongue-and-groove floors—engineered, pre-finished or bare wood—is among the most popular DIY projects, and for good reason.
Not all dealers have what it takes to serve the commercial market.
All of which should ignite the imagination of product specifiers.
Compared to earlier generations, today's crop of digital clamp meters are a small, light fleet.
Using proper safety equipment and tools can save lives and minimize injuries.
Specialty and multifunction electrical testers offer something for every application.
Today's emergency lighting products meet a variety of needs and applications.
With new customized software solutions contractors can improve all aspects of their business.
Conduit manufacturers offer an array of choices for a variety of applications.
Submetering can offer a win-win situation for all parties involved.
New wire pulling devices protect wire & ease installation.
Manufacturers of all stripes submitted nearly 160 products for the contest, about 100 companies submitted products, more than 20 judges reviewed the products and nearly 100 people attended the 3rd Annual Innovation Awards ceremony in San Francisco.
Faux painting adds drama to the surface, it is applied on; it makes the surface look attractive, layered and rich in texture. People can’t stop but stare admiringly at a beautifully done faux finish.
For those new to laying tile, the temptation is to pick the straightest wall and start laying the floor along it. While that may work with other flooring materials, tiles must begin from the center of the room. This gives you plenty of space to work outward to the walls and ensure a symmetrical pattern.
What do you know about your business's future?
When Carl's Mower & Saw decided to focus more on profitability and less on volume growth, business actually skyrocketed.
The following contains home products information you should know about how progress biling keeps clients happy. Read on if you or a loved one is interested in home and kitchen design information.
Most baptisias in the United States are propagated from seed. But since they are promiscuous (at least with other baptisias) and seed blocks are rarely isolated, expect variance from seed-sown plants.
Cape primrose (Streptocarpus), rex begonia, and snake plant (Sanseviera) are a few houseplants that can be propagated by cutting segments of their broad leaves.
The best time to take root cuttings is from early fall to early winter, when the plants have built up nutrient reserves for next year's growth and are going dormant. Not every perennial lends itself to this method, however.
At Wave Hill in the Bronx, we find that taking softwood cuttings of the specimens in our own collection is an easy way to increase our stock without damaging the parent plants. For us, the best time to take softwood cuttings is from the end of May through mid-June, when the foliage is fully expanded but the stems are still pliable.
Finding a generator can be difficult, and finding a particular kind of generator can be all the more difficult. This article is designed to provide you with the information necessary for determining for yourself what option is best for you.
This article offers tips for preventing against home burglary, through use of quality locks, security systems, and general safe practices.
One builder shares its struggle to reclaim a stolen design element
No other fruit is as tasty, as perishable, and as easy to grow as the raspberry. This alone should be grounds to have a patch of one's own. Given sunlight and some well-drained soil, all that raspberries require, beyond weeding and a little fertilizer, is periodic pruning.
Steps for pruning shrub roses
If you have to prune, and want to prune, do it immediately after flowering. The new shoots that are made after pruning then have time to grow, ripen and produce flower buds for the following year.
"Limbing up" refers to a pruning technique that will transform a shrub into something that more resembles a small tree. Sometimes it is called "tree forming" or "pruning to a standard."
The correction of power quality problems can range from simple fixes like redistributing equipment or rewiring and upgrading the electrical system within a facility, to installing larger power conditioners, UPS systems, power factor systems, or harmonic filters.
A new coat of paint can do wonders for a dull, drab room. But sometimes you want to go a step further. Applying a knockdown texture to the wallboard before painting can help deaden sound, hide any imperfections in the drywall and, more important, provide a warm and rustic feel to the room, similar to Spanish-style stucco.
Quality separates a good couch from a bad one. It will tell you whether it will last as long as it can. With these simple tips, you will be able to find the couch that best fits you.
Ceramic tile and natural stone products are in high demand in both commercial and residential construction.
Consumers in the market for a premium countertop surface are discovering early in their search that quartz, and not granite, has become the highest rated and most popular option available.
Do your homework, know the technology, and your clients will thank you for it
Considering the purchase of a new home can be an exciting experience. Once you've seen the models and make it clear to the builder's representative that you have interest in a particular floor plan design, he or she will want to take you to where the plan you have in mind is being built or planned in the new home neighborhood.
Proper cable management is key to network survival.
If, for some unknown reason, you had to pick only one stationary power tool for your workshop, a radial arm saw would be the wise choice. No other stationary power tool can perform as many chores. Woodworking consists of six basic cuts; crosscutting, bevel crosscutting, ripping, bevel ripping, mitering and bevel mitering. The radial arm saw will make all of these cuts efficiently and precisely. With attachments and accessories the radial arm saw can also be used as a boring machine, router, sander (either drum or disk) and buffer/polisher. It can also do jointing and shaping chores, as well as make dadoes.
Have you ever noticed that no matter how warm your house is, if your feet are cold then you feel cold all over? Even if the air in your house hovers around the 70-degree mark, that warm air is attempting to heat everything surrounding it to that temperature. These surrounding elements include your floors, walls and ceilings, all of which are colder than the air temperature and draw heat away from your body.
Replacing decking is a job well within the skill level of almost every do-it-yourselfer because, in most cases, it does not require digging or placing posts, or beam and joist calculations. “Redecking is basically a board-for-board replacement,” says Dennis. “The only trick is remembering what goes on top of what.”
Radon is a colourless, odourless and tasteless radioactive gas that is formed by the breakdown of uranium found in soil, rock and groundwater which escapes into the outdoor air.
Homeowners choose furniture based on many different reasons. Some base their decision on price, while others want uniqueness and exclusivity.
A popular and economical choice for kitchen countertops is plastic laminate, available in many attractive colors and designs.
Both professionals and DIY'ers love the reciprocating saw. These things are often used for dismantling or demolishing some sort of structure, and the primal thrill that comes with “tearing stuff up” speaks to a lot of people; recips are simply fun to use.
Both professionals and DIY'ers love the reciprocating saw. These things are often used for dismantling or demolishing some sort of structure, and the primal thrill that comes with “tearing stuff up” speaks to a lot of people; recips are simply fun to use.
Recycling is an important action for protecting our natural resources, and an easy way to lower the impact you have on the earth.
Consumers wanting a beautiful-looking home while also doing their part to protect the environment have myriad options for decorating their kitchen. Those looking to replace or install their counter tops should know that recycled glass surfaces are in.
Recycling has been around for some time, but these days a greater
number of people are taking a more serious approach to their
recycling. With all the talk of global warming and greenhouse
emissions, people are starting to think about how they can
minimize the effects of these conditions on the environment. The
greatest help has come from raising awareness, through the
education of our primary school students, with environmental
sustainability and recycling being hot topics taught in our
classrooms.
The whole idea of winter gardening tends to rely a great deal too much on picturesque dustings of snow and delicate traceries of frost clinging to the remains of the ornamental grasses. Boston's winter climate being rather short on dustings and traceries (floods and dumpings are more like it), I look for other ways to keep the garden going during the three coldest months.
Designing with light is an easy and affordable way to change the mood, look, and functionality of any room in your home.
Have you ever had a job that was too good to be true? Listen to our story.
As enjoyable as a cool and comfortable home may be, too much indoor activity can create a noisy environment. Sound can travel from room to room and may be disruptive for those in the home.
I recently finished adding a deck to my house. I've noticed part of my handrail is warping. I used treated wood, 2-by-4 and spindles for the handrail. Is there anything I can do to prevent or limit the warping?
Are you concerned about paying costly energy bills to keep your home air conditioned during the summer? It is possible to keep your cool without remortgaging your house. The key is using energy wisely. Here are a few ways to keep your air conditioning equipment running efficiently while reducing your cooling costs.
Keeping utility costs down doesn't have to be a high-energy task, especially if you prepare for the cold weather. The Consumer Energy Center Organization offers numerous tips to prevent your heating dollars from being wasted.
Last summer we bought a rental house that was built in the ‘50s. The carpet was thrashed and needed to be replaced, but we were hoping that the hardwood floors underneath were in good enough condition to refinish.
Evaluate business in 2007 to guarantee success in 2008
Don't store surplus in the original dish it was cooked or served in because it's likely to be less than half full, and this is a waste of prime fridge real estate. Downsize into a more appropriate container. Then label each with a piece of masking tape bearing the leftovers'name and date, to limit later uncertainty.
A bedroom remodel is fairly fundamental. Most everyone has done something to the bedroom to make it their own, whether it's as simple as a new paint job and hanging a new light fixture, or as complex as blowing out a closet or wall to make a master suite of an entire floor.
If you are looking for a brand new look to your home or living
area, but you lack the funds to paint the walls or replace the
fixtures, its time for you to take a look and see what throws and
pillows can do for you! Throws and pillows are a great way to
give a drab old room a bright, fun new look, and you'll find
that this is also a look that is easily and economically
replaced, as well.
Many kitchen and bath designers can relate to the time-crunch that a busy work life can create.
As a builder and part owner of a house plan company, I naturally love when people invest their money in buying a home plan from www.theplancollection.com to build a new home.
Winter is a good time for attic work. I should know, I started this attic project in the summer, and it was well over a hundred degrees for much of the project as the sun bore down mercilessly.
Follow this example of home remodeling when considering to do home renovations on an old house.
They say that the three “Rs”—repair, rehab, and remodel—will help preserve the value of the home, a family’s most important asset.
Allergies can hit any time, especially when remodeling or rebuilding projects are underway. Here are some things you can do when rebuilding to help relieve your allergies, as well as your family members allergies.
Profiting from remodeling activity takes discipline. Building wealth from remodeling requires discipline and a plan.
Did you forget to check pockets in a rush to complete the laundry? Crayons melt in the heat of the dryer and then stick to your clothes and the sides of the dryer drum. You cannot ignore these dryer stains and just toss in the next load. Instead you have to remove the crayon from the dryer by following these steps.
Lipstick stains are among the trickiest to be removed, typically because of the deep dyes involved in the production of the cosmetic, but there are a few tips and tricks you can use to nix that nasty stain.
I have found several different methods that work in removing mascara from clothing. All different makers of mascara have different ingredients in them, so you may find if one method does not work, move on to the next until you are successful!
Preparing for a dinner party can be busy and nerve-wracking enough without discovering that your glasses are covered with spots. Prevent this irritation from ruining your evening or distracting your guests by removing spots on glassware and preventing them from coming back to be a problem.
Time after time William Moulton faces the same problem: ugly interior plaster walls that he's charged with fixing. Molton, a professional remodeler and owner of Better Built Construction, often spruces up the walls with a sheetrock overlay, but many times he needs to retain the textured look of the original plaster.
Whether you're planning to aerate your lawn, put in a retaining wall, grind a stump, instal a deck or create your own garden pond and waterfall, renting equipment can save you money. Most professional contractors are fully aware that they can save money by renting items that they use less than 70 percent of the time. But many homeowners and do-it-yourselfers still don't realize that they don't need to fill a shopping cart full of home-improvement tools every time they embark on a new project.
With the following simple steps you will be able to repair broken chair rungs. You can turn a cheap, old chair into an expensive antique.
Many a homeowner has ripped up old carpeting to discover a beautiful, if sometimes marred or worn, solid wood floor. The question then becomes whether to restore or recover. Repairing and refinishing either hardwood or softwood solid wood floors is doable for the Extreme How-To'er. But, doing the job requires time, work and specialized tools. The tools can be rented, although even renting is not cheap, and the tools are heavy and awkward to handle.
If you want a really nice paint finish in your room, you have to start with clean, smooth walls. Repairing any holes is an essential part of prep work, and is actually fairly easy to do.
No matter how much you enjoy doing home repairs and improvements, you probably have other things you'd rather do. That's why when faced with most tasks, I'm looking for how I can do a quality job in the most cost-effective and efficient manner possible.
Decks take a lot of abuse. Due to their very nature, we expect them to withstand brutal attacks from direct sunlight and driving rainwater. And, if not properly preserved and maintained, a wood deck will eventually require a major facelift, as shown in this article.
When you see more grass clippings coming out the top of your walk-behind's deck than are going into the catch bag, it's safe to say it's time for a new mower. At least those were my initial thoughts, when chunks of rusted-out metal started flinging off my six-year-old push mower.
I'm what you call a generalist when it comes to remodeling activities: If it's made of wood or you nail/screw it down, I pretty much build or install it. This means when the call comes to do a roof, I usually say yes.
Replacing drawer slides is one of those annoying “must do's” that spring up from time to time when the old drawer hardware wears out. The result is a drawer that sticks—or collapses—inside or out of the cabinet, spilling its contents all over the place.
Transplanting or repotting a spiny cactus can be daunting. Gloves offer little protection, as spines often poke right through them, and tongs can damage the plant's skin or break its spines. But several kinds of everyday material make for excellent cacti-grippers.
Investing in interns and colleges will feed the increasing demand for residential architecture
CRAN, CORA and local chapters are giving residential architects a strong voice
Ceramic tile allows the flexibility to create one-of-a-kind designs for walls, floors and countertops. The wide range of tile styles, shapes and colors means the look of the final layout is limited only by creativity. However, tile has one annoying drawback: grout. Due to its porous nature, tile grout can be the “Achilles' Heel” of a ceramic floor. This porosity allows grout to absorb moisture and contaminants, such as soil and germs, which can lead to a dirty, dingy appearance and unpleasant odors.
Creative incentive programs keep employess happy and motivated
Change is in the air as remodelers seek to grow, improve operations, and increase profits.
The upholstered seat of your dining room chairs is the part most likely to wear and show its age. If you want to spruce up some worn seats or just want to redecorate your dining room, consider reupholstering the chair seats by following these steps.
As I'm writing this, my neighborhood is suffering an ugly case of “yellow” fever. Thankfully, I don't mean the African virus. The yellow I'm referring to is the dull, dry, dormant yellow-brown grass that's carpeting everyone's lawns. If you live anywhere like Alabama, winter has a bad habit of sucking the vibrant colors out of your surroundings and replacing them with drab and dreary grays, browns, whites … and yellows.
Builders who embrace radiant technology offer a green, healthy and comfortable way to heat homes
Home technology shouldn't be ignored as more design/builders turn to retrofit applications
Rock gardeners use a variety of settings to grow and display plants, including planters, pots, and handmade troughs. Some lucky gardeners are able to develop rock gardens among natural rocky outcrops and boulders already existing on their properties.
Many people dream of having a romantic bedroom, and that dream can become a reality with a few simple decorating techniques and tips. If you would love a bedroom that looks and feels like a haven for romance, consider the following steps for decorating a bedroom that dreams are made of.
Sooner or later they will come a time when you will need to consider the maintenance coating of your external roofing, due to its deterioration from errosion, corrosion, or enviromental impact. Roof coatings do not last forever and when it comes round to tackling this task, unless you have some knowledge or experience.
If you're collecting dripping water in a pot beneath your roof, you may want to inspect the roof flashing. Anywhere surfaces intersect on a roof is a prime spot for water seepage. Flashing provides the extra protection these spots need. These problem areas include the edges of skylights and chimneys, soil stacks, vent fans and roof valleys, as well as the intersection of the roof deck and dormer walls.
Some might think that that roof rafter framing is a lost art. With the advances in house building, there are faster ways to roof houses. However, if you want to have an area under the roof that you can use for other things, you may decide you want to learn roof framing. When you do an online search of roof framing, you will find several different options on how you can frame your roof.
Roof framing is one of those carpenter skills that appears quite complicated, and indeed, some roof designs are difficult.
Strength and style: Everybody wants some — and when it comes to roofing — everyone can have it. The durability and longevity of a metal roof is probably the biggest selling point for using metal as a roofing material. But the striking appearance of today's metal roofs is what makes the decision even easier. Choose from multiple styles, colors and textures to settle on a new metal roof that enhances the visual style of your home and withstands hail, fire, earthquakes and hurricane-force winds.
Almost everything wears out, but not everything has to wear out your wallet. Roof repairs can be performed within a budget, and are not only advisable, but necessary for maintaining the integrity of your home.
Sometimes, roof vents are called roof fans, exhaust fans, or attic vents. There are a number of different types and designs of roof vents, from passive flat vents to electrically operated exhaust fans to solar powered attic vents, but essentially each performs the same job – balancing the hot and cold airflow through your home. Each roof vent type has its own advantages, but the main point is that properly installed roof vents can save the homeowner money in terms of cooling the home as well as creating a more comfortable environment within the house.
Gone are the days when an eagle’s eye view revealed a sea of identical monochromatic roofs in new home neighborhoods.
Roofing practices have changed a lot over the past 25 years, mostly due to ever-changing technology and materials. Fiberglass shingles, used often in residential buildings, are thinner and stiffer than asphalt shingles and can telegraph every imperfection. While these materials are often more durable and efficient than previous ones, they require more careful attention to detail during installation.
If you own a home long enough, sooner or later you1ll have to consider reroofing. If you suspect problems, make a thorough inspection of your roof. Asphalt or composition shingles will usually last from 20 to 40 years, depending on local climate, the quality of the shingles, quality of installation and with regular maintenance. If your roof is over 20 years old, it should be inspected yearly. Overall age is a good indicator of whether or not reroofing is needed. Several signs can also indicate deterioration and forthcoming problems. Incidentally, when purchasing a home, a roof inspection is one of the most important things you can do.
Sometimes you need to experience the wrong way of doing something to appreciate the right way of doing it.
I have several roses, both climbers and teas, that have many nice leaves but no flowers. Why, and what is the remedy?The lack of flowers may be from improper pruning, shoots arising from the understock, too much shade, too much fertilizer, or severe winterkill.
From cabinet making to creating custom trim, routers are among the most sophisticated woodworking machines in carpentry. Handheld routers, both plunge-style and fixed-base, are popular among both professionals and DIY'ers for their ease of use and wide versatility.
The votes are in … QR readers have chosen the Wrap N' Snap as the 'Remodelers' Choice' product for April. This product generated the highest amount of requests of any other product featured in the December issue.
The votes are in … Qualified Remodeler readers have chosen the Two Seater walk-in tub as the 'Remodelers' Choice' product for January. This product generated the highest amount of requests of any other product featured in the September issue.
A long-time electrical professional shares some ideas to make your job easier and safer.
Did you know that May is National Electrical Safety Month? Of course, every month should be about electrical safety, but it gets some special treatment in May.
Cost-effective ways to convert sales into relationships
Office administrators can be your secret weapon for turning a prospect into a client
Look out for the danger signs that could lead to your company's eventual demise.
For 25 years the name Statewide served its owners well. Then came the do- not-call list and threats of a do-not-knock law. A new brand was the first step in a new direction.
A look at some home décor products for your children. The eco-friendly wall coverings are removable and repositionable to suit your decoration needs.
Given the fact that the “R word” is being used more frequently now about the American economy, we figured it was timely to provide a list of ways in which going green can save you cold hard cash.
Kitchens are the social gathering spot for the family and guests and new technology is turning it into the home's command center. Remodeling kitchens is a value added proposition because a large portion, if not all and sometimes more of the remodeling cost becomes added home value.
It's important for all of us to do what we can to preserve this valuable natural resource. A few small changes can make a big difference - and you can save some money too.
Scented-leafed geraniums, more properly known by their genus name of Pelargonium, are tender perennials with divided or oval leaves, shrubby stems, and foliage that release a fragrance when cut or rubbed. In this article, a geranium expert discusses the history, uses, and pleasures of the flower's scented leaves.
The Jacobsen Commercial Grounds Care lines—Bunton, BOB-CAT, Ryan, Steiner and Brouwer—are now under the ownership of the newly created Commercial Grounds Care Inc.
Routers are a way of life for some woodworkers. They are probably the most fun woodworking tool, and the tasks they can perform are greatly varied. One of the most common router uses for the homeowner is edging plastic laminates on countertops and other projects.
Ahhhh, the romance of a screened porch—lemonade and cool comfort for those hot summer days and a hammock or chaise lounge for slumbering those warm nights away. And it's all outside where you can still enjoy Mother Nature without the hassle of insects.
Moisture is the biggest culprit to the longevity of your home. In the form of rainwater and ground seepage, it can ruin foundations, windows and doors, masonry and cement, siding and roofs. Excess moisture can also create serious mold problems, and is quite common in basements and crawlspaces.
Empty second homes are an easy target for burglars who don't want an audience when they break in. Here's how not to set the stage for a criminal performance.
The Association of Bay Area Governments' "Ways to Reduce Damage to and Injury from the Contents of Your Home" explains how to lessen the chance household objects will turn on you during a quake. Get some tips on how to keep your things secure in the event of an earthquake.
Back when our house was built there was little cause for giving much thought to securing a garage. In fact, so slight was the concern that the door to the backyard had a single pane of glass and a basic handle set, which is a sweet set-up for today's thieves.
For a gardener weary of winter, the countdown to spring is a tale told on the backs of seed packets. That magical last day of expected frost may be months away, and even a future in which the soil can easily be worked is a distant hope.
A SOFT PATCH OF LAWN provides a needed place for families and pets to sit and play as well as an agreeable foil to colorful borders. If your old lawn is worn and weedy, or you are putting in a new lawn, autumn is a perfect time of year to sow grass seed.
Lighting retrofits prove helpful to the bottom line, lower energy costs, better worker productivity and the overall economy.
The value of one gem of an idea makes a trip to the builders' show worth the effort
A window covering selection should be selected for both function
and style. Blinds, shutters, drapes, curtains, and shades all
have different qualities the affect the final decision. Discover
the best window treatment for your home.
Real estate agents, builders and homebuyers alike realize that first impressions make a difference. Installing a distinctive entrance door made from oak, mahogany or walnut hardwood may be the easiest and most cost effective way to boost your home's curb appeal. A more attractive front entrance is likely to increase the perceived value of any home.
Making sure a software package designed for electrical contractors meets the unique needs of your business.
Engineered wood products have been a mainstay in the wood industry for many years, but their uses have become wider as more and more products have been introduced.
Manufacturers develop new products and redesign existing fittings.
A leading distributor shares insights and opinions on the industry's most critical issues
The nomination process for this year's Dealers in Excellence Awards is in the home stretch.
A cool, peaceful retreat from the summer heat, a gazebo is a stylish feature of many of today's lawns. Gazebos can provide shelter for an outdoor hot tub, function as a poolside picnic area, an exercise room or simply a relaxing way to enjoy the outdoors. In a yard or garden a gazebo is a picturesque setting for dinner parties and weddings, providing a distinctive and elegant look to the landscape.
The following contains home services information you should know about how service is paramount. Read on if you or a loved one is interested in home improvement and maintenance.
Remodeler Randall Hall, CGR, CR, CAPS is among many who present "Funk Chart" to clients
Hammocks come in two main forms, free standing and tie-ups. Free standing hammocks attach to a metal pole base and can be used anywhere. Tie-ups are more inexpensive but need to be tied between two trees or posts.
You don’t need a fabulous kitchen to prepare fabulous food. But a well-designed workplace sure makes cooking easier and more pleasurable.
Tips on how to jumpstart your green remodeling program in your home or business
Not even a pair of earthquakes could keep Shindaiwa from unveiling an aggressive five-year growth plan at its first-ever worldwide distributor meeting on Hawaii's Big Island.
If your idea of Asian design is as simple as a smiling Buddha, it's time to get with it! A new vers...
When it comes to exemplifying poor leadership, here's one situation at a company retreat.
Sunday May 4, 2003, produced one of the most destructive weather systems in recent memory. This weather system produced strong tornadoes in eight states: Arkansas, Kansas, Mississippi, Missouri, Nebraska, Oklahoma, South Dakota, and Tennessee.
The following contains home and garden services information you should know about the Sheffield financial dealer meeting. Read on if you or a loved one is interested in home improvement and maintenance.
One of the best ways for homeowners to add value to their properties and stay comfortable at home is a shower remodel project. Bathroom renovations require patience, time, and money from homeowners who need to research myriad choices before tearing up their showers.
When talking to kitchen and bath designers today about what consumers are looking for, the response is often "they want it all.
The following contains home services information you should know about a showroom geared for design professionals. Read on if you or a loved one is interested in home design and building.
The following contains home services information you should know about a showroom that offers smoky mountain high appeal. Read on if you or a loved one is interested in home design and building.
The following contains home products information you should know about innovative showrooms Read on if you or a loved one is interested in home and kitchen design information.
Narrow margins and flat demand make managing for profitability quite a challenge. Here's what you can do about it.
Regardless of the type and material, siding requires maintenance and occasional repairs. Some of these are simple, others a bit more complicated.
An array of colors, styles and materials offer many choices
It's often said, you shouldn't judge a book by its cover. Of course, while true, people still do judge by the cover, so you'll want to put a great deal of thought into what covers your home. A building's exterior walls are its most evident and defining features, and you'll want them to make a great first impression.
Every designer want to create something unique and special.
It has been said that windows are the lights to the soul of the home. Taking this a step further, the personality of the home radiates through the windows to the outside world. For this reason, it is vital to have window treatments that truly reflect those who dwell inside.
Are you on the hunt for a silk Persian rug? If so, there are a few aspects that you are going to want to be concerned with. The main reason that this is so important is because you want to be aware of a rug’s actual worth, and never get tricked into paying more for a rug than it is actually worth.
The following contains home and garden services information you should know about a silver-haired tsunami. Read on if you or a loved one is interested in qualified remodeler information.
The biggest problem that can arise with any of the home remodeling project is the time constraints. You will have complete plans to renovate your bathroom, reinvent your bedroom and even the transformation of your kitchen.
Working with stone is an age-old craft that is very satisfying. Many stone buildings, walls, walks and fences are centuries old and can be easily replicated.
You might have heard this in science class: Heat rises. And a source of heat at your feet is a great way to stay warm during winter.
Want a quick project to spruce up your bath, kitchen, bar or powder room? Consider installing a new sink. Today's sinks are crafted to not only suit your needs, but also your fancy. And there are so many design choices, ranging from farmhouse to funky, that the possibilities for updating your space are endless.
How to determine if the mini skid loader is the right product to add to your showroom
There's no rule that says that you have to paint your ceiling white. But judging by the way most people stick with white, you’d think it was the law. That’s a shame, because a colorful ceiling can make a big difference in a room.
Often, many homeowners look beyond what is available and end up unnecessarily breaking the bank. Though home additions can add value to your home and enhance quality of living.
After you've given your home's major systems the once over for damage from flood or rain-driven storms, don't forget to inspect or have inspected your home's smaller components because any problems left unresolved will only worsen with time. Here's what to inspect and how to handle any problems you find.
While the boom of the past few years may have leveled off a bit, the kitchen and bath industry continues to be strong and vibrant.
Smart homes not only are a cost efficient addition to your home, but they are time savers as well. Here is an explanation of a smart home, as well as why they’re so efficient.
One of the big trends in remodeling, particularly among GenXers, is making a personal statement. When remodeling your kitchen, make sure your personal statements will not date the kitchen quickly and alienate future buyers when you sell.
A good soaker hose can be a gardener's friend. These hoses can act as a garden irrigation system for much less than a formal system would cost.
Soffits are the Rodney Dangerfield of home construction—they're mostly unseen and often the last detail to get attention. They're just plain unglamorous. They are, however, extremely important to the longevity and comfort of your home.
Deciding to have an organic garden means doing two things: avoiding harmful chemicals and improving the soil. For many, banning chemicals comes as a no-brainer.
The votes are in … Qualified Remodeler readers have chosen Hot2o as the 'Remodelers' Choice' product for July. This product generated the highest amount of requests of any other product featured in the April issue.
This article offers expert advice to homeowners on the benefits of using solar power energy. Among other things, using solar panels can eliminate higher-priced tiers of electric usage.
There are some companies that also provide with prepared photovoltaic units, but these are too costly and they take away the fun and excitement one gets on constructing one on their own.
San Jose-based builders Pinn Brothers are building certified green homes with integrated solar roofs and not passing the cost on to the buyer. By taking advantage of volume purchasing and state and local incentives, Pinn Brothers is making "going green" affordable.
With the right instructions and background many home repairs are quite simple, and that goes for soldering copper tube, too. Soldered joints are the most reliable for your plumbing, and it's not as difficult to do as you might think.
A long time ago, well before I began writing about residential construction, and well before I learned about the professional home improvement business, I innocently dropped a dime on a window installation firm.
The annual survey of Electrical Contracting Products readers often provides keen insight into the issues and concerns of those in the electrical industry.
The following contains home electronics information you should know about a sounding board. Read on if you or a loved one is interested in consumer advice and staying electronics savvy.
Noise-abating products can be most cost-effective during a home's construction, although production homebuilders do not routinely exceed the local codes required for energy efficiency in interior walls to include any kind of noise abatement materials.
Want to add a little extra spark to your Fourth of July celebration and make your guests "ooo" and "ahhh" over something more than the fireworks? Try decorating with flowers.
Although they have always provided soothing comfort for bathers with sore muscles and joints, hot tubs and spas have now become entertainment centers.
With today's spiraling cost of gasoline and stricter security procedures when traveling, relaxing in a backyard spa or hot tub is looking better than ever.
The clock is ticking. Do you know where your leads are?
This nearly microscopic arachnid is the principal mite pest of indoor plants. Sometimes called red spider (Tetranychus urticae), the tiny, half-millimeter, yellow, green, or orange mites suck sap out of plant cells.
A large, flat site allows this home to spread its wings, while maximizing the environmental advantages of natural light
Every homeowner wants a cozy, comfortable home. And every homeowner wants the ability to maintain that comfort at a reasonable cost. That's why all building codes require minimum insulation R-values for specific climate zones.
Extreme do-it-yourselfers looking to build a really effective fence should consider the option of a spray-in-place concrete fence. These concrete partitions are durable, economic to construct and cost almost nothing to maintain. And while some springy interlopers might be able to vault over the top of these tough-as-nails fences, they will practically need a bulldozer to plow through one.
Following another long Canadian winter, many homeowners are happily attacking spring cleaning tasks around the house. The cleaning doesn't have to stop at airing out the house, tidying up the ideas with Direct Energy, suggests devoting a little of your spring energy towards some preventative plumbing maintenance as well.
Spring cleaning is a great for taking a much closer look at what you have, what you need and don't need, as well as making sure that your home is a healthy home.
Spring is here and that means it is time for all things green, and some not so green, to start growing. Do you have a plan of action and everything you need to plant, cut and grow? Like most everything, a job begun well is already half finished. Here are a few tips to get your yard ready for the season.
The days are longer, the snow has melted and you can smell it in the air - spring is finally here! It's time to get outside and prep your garden for the season ahead. The tips below from The Home Depot can help you get your garden back in shape and ready for spring in no time:
Checkout Lane column about lawn sprinkler systems.
Clearly communicating expectations and sharing input helps ease the process
If you've ever used an exterior stain on an outdoor project, you know it can be messy. Applying wood stain typically requires multiple steps, including rolling or brushing on the stain, wiping it in, cleaning up brushes and storing leftover stain.
Staining your front door is a simple process that can achieve elaborate results. Three easy stages - Preparing, Staining, and Applying a top-coat - will allow you to increase both the aesthetics and value of your home.
In the kitchen sink market, single-bowl sinks make a comeback, while high-arc faucets and stainless stand strong.
Stairway chairlifts for the handicapped are meant to give them more independence and help them lead a healthy and dynamic lifestyle. These devices can be installed both in residences and commercial buildings.
NFPA 70E 2004 provides a detailed reference for facilities to meet the requirements of electrical workplace safety.
Electrical contractors have a golden opportunity to expand their business and profits by offering backup power generators.
Owning a standby generator can be an important part of owning your own home. They can be extremely useful during a power outage or a blackout. Read on to find out more information on owning your own home standby generator.
Admiring the night sky can be even more enjoyable indoors with the use of StarMurals.
If you believe the experts, as I do, business for home builders will be better at the end of this year than it is now.
Worried about mold in your home? Armed with a checklist, caulk gun and a common-sense plan, homeowners can overcome the hysteria about mold and protect their most valuable asset at the same time.
The economic climate may be uncertain, the stock market may be volatile and housing may be slumping, but kitchen and bath dealers seem surprisingly upbeat on the eve of the industry's biggest trade show.
In a changing market, dealers are committed to staying the course, though many are tweaking their businesses by refining product mix, marketing more creatively and building stronger relationships with allied professionals, a KBDN survey reveals.
Being both client and designer creates unique design opportunities
Here's natural recommendation for killing germs and viruses. It is simple and cheap. Read the following article and get some ideas on that.
It's as old as time, but as popular as ever. Stone is rapidly making its way into homes as perhaps one of the fastest growing decorating trends. The European Old World look brings with it not only a luxurious style but also an ease and comfort that gives a home personality.
The following article discusses the benefits of stone mulch versus regular mulch.
The following article talks about what you can do to prevent the spread of weeds in your garden.
Charles Sanders II, S&S Remodeling, New Iberia, La.
Whether you have an old gas stove that looks like it belonged to your grandma or a fancy space-age-looking glass cook-top, your stovetop may be the cooking appliance you use the most. Right under it, or sometimes over it, or possibly off to the side, is your oven, which you’ll probably use almost as much for baking, roasting, and warming up leftovers.
String trimmers are available in both gas- and electric-powered options. You can purchase gas-powered string trimmers in both two- and four-cycle engine models.
Innovative products and services had helped make Pounds an influential name in citrus farming circles.
Yards are like people, they come in all shapes and sizes. Some folks are fit, others are flabby. Some yards are flat, others are hilly or sloped. And, like people, some yards could use a little work. When necessary to create a level surface on a slope, building a retaining wall has been the answer for thousands of years. These walls literally retain the earth to create flat, appealing lawns and stepped areas of land.
Builders who install structured wires set themselves up for future profit, gain marketing strength and give clients technological flexibility.
Builders who install structured wire set themselves up for future profit, gain marketing strength and give clients technological flexibility
While the third time may be the charm for most people, it was actually the fourth time around that did the trick for Mick De Giulio.
The landscape of the American single family home is changing rapidly. For many years the classic te...
The market for flooring materials is vast and has been expanding by leaps and bounds ever since mankind decided that bare dirt underfoot just didn't jibe with the interior décor.
Multi-purpose measurement tools help utilities increase service and protect revenue.
One person's junk is another one's treasure. Whether a follow-up to spring-cleaning or to raise funds for a worthy cause, garage sales can benefit both buyers and sellers. Through its Shelter Foundation, Royal LePage Real Estate Services will hold a Canada-wide garage sale on May 23, 2009. Follow these helpful tips to ensure a successful sale.
Spring forward and fall back are routines that Canadians are quite familiar with. So too is the routine to get out when the forsythia is in bloom and give your lawn it's kick start spring feeding. Follow that up with a fall feeding when the leaves start to drop and old man winter is peaking from around the corner.
Confidence and setting ground rules in an initial meeting will ensure a productive design/build process from beginning to end
Creating the ultimate master suite requires close attention to clients' lifestyles
Do you love the colors of summer gardens? In this article, an expert provides summer gardening tips, including suggestions for the season's optimal color arrangements.
Although furnaces are turned off and most of us have migrated to outdoor balconies or decks, fire never takes a summer vacation. Follow these seven tips to avoid tragedy: 1. Help children understand how to escape a fire, without scaring them.
Summer Safety Checklist: (NC)—Although furnaces are turned off and most of us have migrated to outdoor balconies or decks, fire never takes a summer vacation. Follow these seven tips to avoid tragedy: 1. Help children understand how to escape a fire, without scaring them.
Are you trying to throw the perfect Super Bowl party? If so, read the following article for usefull tips and advice.
The following contains home products information you should know about consumer kitchen purchases. Read on if you or a loved one is interested in home and kitchen design information.
Climatologists expect more severe, longer lasting heatwaves to bake the nation in more locations due to higher temperatures world wide -- a result of global warming. Here, we advise you on ways to get informed about heat conditions in your area, and suggest emergency measures to take during a heatwave.
During the hot and hazy days of the summer, there's nothing better than a dip in a swimming pool. But if you're overwhelmed by the cost of a swimming pool, remember that you don't have to pay for the whole thing all at once.
After constructing a pool or moving into a house with a pool, the maintenance routine of your pool begins. Swimming pool cleaning and maintenance is essential to enjoying your swimming pool for a long time, as well as keeping it safe and hygienic for children. Upon breakdown of key parts in the swimming pool operations, repairs are often established to rectify the problem.
To reduce the risk of drowning, pool owners should adopt several layers of protection, including physical barriers, such as a fence with self-closing gates, to prevent unsupervised access by young children. In addition, parents should heed the following tips presented in this article to help prevent drowning deaths.
Switchgear products offer electrical industry professionals a wealth of environmental and cost-saving possibilities.
Downtown San Antonio dealership focuses on improving business systems as they ready themselves for the next phase of a third-generation company.
Looking to spice up your table? Here are 10 tips that are sure to take your table from ordinary to extraordinary.
If you're serious about woodworking, then you're well versed in the wonders of a table saw. And if you're new to woodworking, or interested in picking it up as a hobby, then you'll find that a table saw is one of the most versatile woodworking tools available.
I've always felt that the holidays were a perfect time to take stock.
Improvements in lamp and ballast technology can yield significant energy savings for high-bay lighting applications.
Before we head into the winter months when people start taking longer showers or baths to warm up on a cold winter day, stop and think about how your water is getting heated and if you could be saving money. Heating water accounts for about 25 percent of all the energy used in a home, and a growing trend is to go tankless and save between 20 to 30 percent in the energy used to heat water.
In this article you will find a simple guide to hosting an elegant, thoughtfully planned out tea party--for various occasions.
After complaining to Joe, your leadman, that the last job didn't hold margin and make the profits you'd projected because it took too much time and the cost for materials was too high, you come to the epiphany that your leadman has hands-on know-how but only a rudimentary understanding of how to control costs.
After a long school year, teachers have earned that summer vacation, so why not send them off in style? A beach bag filled lotion, towel, good book, and a few refreshments will help start their summer off right.
Lots of teachers –especially those who are just starting out—are strapped for cash and for time. So why not help them out with both by providing them with a little home cooking.
Technology has had a dramatic impact on the kitchen and bath industry for the past several decades in terms of product function.
Basic electronics systems can add value to a home and convenience to homeowners' lifestyles
Ever wanted to try fuse applied? It's one of the hottest techniques being used by quilters. It's an easy, almost instant way to create fabulous designs for everything from quick crafts to art quilts.
Recognize when a client's design requires your creativity
The term "interior design" no longer carries boundaries as textile suppliers are developing products to design exterior environments.
Im going to give you a valuable "tip" today that will pay you not only for the time you spent reading this article, but provide you with thousands of dollars of ongoing value if you implement what is noted here.
Attitude is the first step in achieving real business change.
Fiber optics can offer significant benefits in cost, security and ease of use.
Remodelers in some markets are reporting softness in new business.
Gardening is the practice of growing plants, vegetable, fruits or foliage. It also refers to the human activity of producing edible foods and using plants to beautify the environment.
Once thought as a simple necessity, lighting has become recognized for its ability to raise property values and enhance overall home and office aesthetics through the continuous merging of style, function and cost-effectiveness.
Merchandising accessories upfront and continually changing displays make the most of this dealership's 1,200-square-foot showroom.
Choosing a new floor material is not as easy as it sounds—especially for a kitchen. The floor must look good, be low maintenance and stand the test of time.
Darius Baker, CR, remodels only kitchens and baths. And his business thrives on the focus.
According to Jim Gibson of distributor Stihl Southwest, Clark Wilson Sr.
Be careful of that 'dream' big job as it can put you out of business.
Take responsibility for problems and come up with quick solutions to keep your clients from losing the faith
Employees and owners must embrace a business's operating systems to make them successful
A co-worker of mine commented at lunch the other day that he and his wife are waiting for mortgage rates to bottom out before refinancing their home.
There's no arguing the fact that there's a massive shortage of skilled technical staff in this industry.
Most people are familiar with the old slogan, "Let your fingers do the walking.
The green movement affects all parts of a home, and architects are positioned to influence green design
There are eight basic gardening principles that a gardener should follow to achieve a garden that is pleasing to the senses and provides a pleasant outdoor living space.
The tiles at ASCER's 25th annual Cevisama have it all: texture, color and customization.
Because energy is necessary and we live in a world that requires energy, it's important that we have energy.
Benefits of impact-resistant windows go beyond the obvious and include security, health and financial advantages
Exterior shutters can be either functional or non-functional.
Functional shutters swing open and closed to block light and
allow ventilation in the home. Movable shutters are constructed
from exterior grade wood. Non-functional shutters are adhered
directly to the house. These shutters can be PVC, plastic, or
vinyl. Which is best for you?
Most varieties of grass seed need to be planted either in the fall or spring, depending upon whether it is considered a warm- or cool-season grass.
Living green is the first step to designing and building green
Becoming a green builder requires a companywide buy-in to the green building process
When I was younger, one of my favorite things to do was play in the backyard.
The topic is complex, issues remain to be resolved, but compliance needn't be daunting
Each person in the design/build process represents an opportunity for future business
When you get up late, you miss your breakfast. And you don't care! It is a dangerous move because breakfast is the most important meal of the day! Here is a registered dietitian sharing the top five reasons why breakfast is indeed the most important meal of the day!
There's not much glamour in gutter systems, but when properly installed, they do a great job of directing roof runoff away from your home. Flowing gutters drain hundreds of gallons of water away from the foundation. This keeps basements and crawlspaces dry, protects siding and windows from harmful backsplash, and prevents staining and rotting the walls of your house. So, while they may not be flashy, gutters are an important feature of the home, which require a balance of practicality and aesthetics.
An overview of whether or not to insulate and how to choose the best insulation for the job.
Regardless of whether you are working on a fixer-upper, getting your present home ready to sell, or renovating a rental property, a kitchen redo is one of the most important and popular remodeling jobs. As any real estate dealer will tell you, a kitchen can sell or prevent the sale of a home.
Laminate flooring has remained one of the fastest growing home improvement trends for the last two decades. In fact, sometime in the next year, laminate flooring is projected to outsell wood flooring.
From organization to ornamentation, cabinets are among the most noticeable and useful features of your kitchen and bathroom. Cabinets determine both the style and day-to-day functionality of the room, but these benefits can carry a hefty price tag. Cabinets are as much a financial investment as they are a statement of taste, and putting a great deal of thought into their design will pay off in the long run.
No thanks to that stubborn force of gravity, we earthlings are stuck on the ground. This means that to reach a lot of overhead work, like window cleaning, house painting, or roof and gutter repair, we need to drag out the ladder. But these days, many ladders go far beyond just side rails and rungs. Some models can be configured as a versatile workstation or accessorized with tools to make the job easier.
It's important to have a clear understanding of low bay lighting systems and how trends will affect decisions you make on your projects.
Hey, some of you have been ignoring our great deck how-tos because you think you can't build a deck over your patio slab. Check this out: My uncle kept bugging me about building a deck in his backyard. I tried to explain to my uncle that he didn't have enough elevation at the door to build a deck over his patio.
The same stuff used as a stopper in your bottle of wine made its first appearance as a construction material more than a hundred years ago. Cork was first used in construction because of its sound-absorbent properties. It was first used for wine stoppers because of its resistance to decomposition in the presence of liquids.
Today's multipurpose media rooms must be designed with function in mind
The benefits of fiberglass are pushing a new trend in the window and door market, and this article provides a guide to the new material option.
Below are the five most widely used methods of taking mold sporesamples from the air during mold inspections. They are used byscientists, industrial hygienists, and mold inspectors.
Builder sets diminish the importance of architects and what they bring to residential design
Bamboo is a naturally beautiful and durable alternative to the limited global supply of hardwood. In fact, bamboo is actually not a wood at all, but rather, a variety of grass. From a design standpoint bamboo radiates a tropical and exotic feeling, at a time when an increasing number of people are looking for something to bring a more worldly style into the home.
After great strides in quality and appearance, vinyl siding now claims about one third of the exterior-cladding market for new homes. Although some people still simply prefer real wood, few critics complain about the durability of today's vinyl products. Unlike wood siding, vinyl siding doesn't warp, crack or rot over time.
Understanding dynamic lighting keypads and touch screens, along with available control topologies.
The top-selling square for woodworking and remodeling projects is Swanson's Speed® Square. Often copied but never surpassed, Speed Square is actually a trademarked brand name of Swanson's original triangular design.
Clarifying what qualifies for a punch list will smooth out your client relationship
For a beginning architect, it quickly becomes obvious that making ends meet doing only residential design is tough.
Underbilling can severely harm the profitability of your service department—and your company.
Until recently it was very hard for some remodelers to remember a time when leads for jobs were not in plentiful supply.
With countless options for hauling materials and powering attachments, knowing your customers and the services they're demanding can help you choose the right workhorse for the task at hand.
For many years, design professionals planning a kitchen or bath project would ask themselves several questions.
The following contains home products information you should know about the rise in green profits. Read on if you or a loved one is interested in qualified remodeler information.
How-to tips for creating effective sales presentations
In an industry with increasingly shorter margins, dealers are confronting the challenge to cut underperforming lines as well as the ties that held them in place.
If your sales leads are decreasing, it's more important than ever to develop an effective marketing pipeline.
At some point over the last 18 months — a period when the Federal Reserve began gently tapping on the breaks of the economy in order to stave off inflation — the froth came off the housing market.
The international headquarters for APA — The Engineered Wood Association, in Tacoma, Washington, underwent an extensive exterior makeover recently as 25 year-old panel siding was replaced with engineered wood lap siding.
Hot water systems are ideal in saving water as well as enabling a person to obtain hot water instantly. These systems are available in stores that sell electronic appliances. People can easily purchase them and have them installed in their homes.
During the not-so-distant past, when production housing boomed like never before, there were years when nearly 2 million homes were built annually in this country.
I use a printed day timer, and at the top of each page of the daily calendar, there is a quote for the day.
"So, how many of these appointments have you already gone on?" I asked.
The following contains home and garden services information you should know about how to properly care for your yard and garden. Read on if you or a loved one is interested in home improvement and maintenance.
Contractor and suppliers band together to create buzz in a slow housing market
One of my wife's favorite television shows airs on one of the major home improvement cable networks.
It's one thing to tour a custom home with potential home buyers.
There are big dealers and small dealers. If you're somewhere in the middle without a plan for growth, your business's demise could be more imminent than you think.
From deck-building to intricate finish carpentry, one of the most useful electric saws is a miter saw. If you've ever used a slow-going miter box and handsaw combo, then you probably get my drift. In fact, a miter saw is the single most important tool a finish carpenter will use, providing the critical angles to build inside and outside corners on virtually any project.
A beautifully tiled shower or unique kitchen backsplash can revitalize a room, and truthfully, it is a look you can achieve by following a few relatively simple steps. While it may be a little trickier than installing tile on the floor, tiling a wall can still be a do-it-yourself project. All it takes is some time, patience, and a willingness to understand the basics of installing tile.
Tiles are used in homes and business premises as flooring options; they have a high sheen and luster, and are very desirable for their elegant finishing. The types of tiles are varied and wide, including slate, natural stone, granite, sandstone, limestone, quarry’s, terracotta, ceramic walls, ceramic floors and marble. Tiling equipment and supplies help to achieve effective tiling.
The owners wanted a place to escape from the city and enjoy the tranquility of the mountains and stream that meanders through the property.
Lately, almost every day, I receive an e-mail, see a news report or read an article about the slowing housing market and how it's affecting the economy.
The following contains home products information you should know about broadening your offerings. Read on if you or a loved one is interested in home and kitchen design information.
Homebuilders can't go wrong by choosing environmentally responsible materials. With such a choice: carbon footprints are reduced; sustainability is addressed; a healthier indoor environment is assured; lifestyle costs are reduced; the upgraded quality is certain —and when it all adds up over the long run, a very promising return-on-investment is virtually guaranteed.
The cool, wet months of the fall are the ideal conditions to prepare your lawn and garden for the cold months ahead.
If your property is of a certain size (an acre or more), a riding lawn mower is probably sitting in your garage—or topping your wish list.
Organic gardening is the way of growing vegetables and fruits with the use of things only found in nature. Read this article and know more.
Playing golf is becoming more more popular around the world. However, some golfers simply do not have the right way to enjoy the game. Following are some simple tips to keep you in the game all season long.
While speeding through the demands of a busy lifestyle, healthy eating sometimes takes the back seat. Good nutrition is important everyday even when we are away from home. Eating small healthy meals or snacks more frequently throughout the day can be a good choice when you don't have the time or opportunity to prepare and eat a regular sit down meal. Long periods without meals and skipping meals can lead to impulse eating on less desirable foods.
Tips and tricks from laundering expert Dr. Laundry (NC)—After months of wearing dark, drab clothes, many Canadians fling open their closets to welcome the bright, white clothes of summer. This summer, keep your whites from becoming gray and dingy with the tips and tricks outlined below.
Put a piece of wood in Patrick Spielman's hands and magic happens. First he¹ll handle the piece, then he'll evaluate how it can best be used.
Getting the right nutrients to your plants is every bit as important as watering and ensuring that they get the right amount of sun. You can't always control how much sunlight your garden gets, but improving your plant's health is simply a matter making the commitment to feed your garden regularly.
(NC)—If the grass is always greener on the other side of the fence, it may be time to rethink your lawn-care strategy. Brown, patchy or weed-ridden lawns are often the result of improper care. You too can have lush, green grass by employing some lawn care fundamentals.
Many people do not follow simple procedures that could help deter burglars from attempting to break into your house. For example, many people let their absences be obvious and/or do not remember to lock doors and windows, both of which are signals to experienced thieves.
A guide to purchasing pre-foreclosure homes. It talks about foreclosure procedures and other home ownership factors.
These days, I know how much truth there is in that adage of theirs.
Surrounded by "the big four," this Oklahoma City dealer prefers to trade punches in his fight against the box stores.
Twenty percent of all toilets leak are what can raise homeowners’ water and wastewater bills. This article will instruct you on how to check for toilet leaks, among other malfunctions.
Busy lives and a short growing season conspire to create a mess that, by summer's end, makes any prospect of returning the car to the garage downright laughable. Of course, cars don't really need to be garaged anymore. But every tool shed benefits from an annual cleaning, ideally done between the fall of the last leaf and the fall of the first snowflake.
Because paint brushes come in different shapes and sizes, it can be confusing choosing the right paint brush for your project’s needs. In this article, you’ll learn which tools to use for basic painting and decorative painting projects.
The following article explains the importance of haveing a toolbox or drawer for basic everyday tools at hand.
Choosing the right communication tools will make business run smoothly for everyone
Lead generation is No. 1 challenge — and opportunity — for exterior specialty contractors
For the many homeowners who want to update their décor, Sue Rainville, director of marketing for leading window fashions manufacturer Hunter Douglas, spots the trends and offers easy tips to bring them home.
Before getting started, it's important to review several rules of thumb for proper vinyl siding installation to ensure a job well done.
A commitment to innovation and style led to the dramatic renovations that won top honors in NARI's 2007 CotY Award competition.
During a typical mold investigation, one of our first steps is aninterview the client to determine specific details in regards toany known mold problems, any health complaints, or any knownchanges or defects at the subject property that may have resultedin mold or moisture problems.
Results of our reader survey point to success and optimism, with only a little bit of trepidation and trouble
The word standard in a horticultural context doesn't mean regular, or usual; rather, it refers to a plant, either woody or herbaceous, that has been trained to have a single, treelike stem.
A long-slung ranch moves up, out and into a French-country style
Selling a home takes preparation. In fact, experts agree that property appearance and condition play a big role in the home sale process. However, homeowners are often hesitant to renovate since they may not recoup the value in the sale price.
Legacy Custom Building & Remodeling, Phoenix, might be the most connected large remodeler in the U.S. and it's improving their efficiency and profitability.
David Crane, CGR; Crane Builders, LLC, Nashville, Tenn.
In this article, a gardening expert provides tips for transplanting trees and shrubs in the spring. Tree types covered include deciduous, evergreen, and container-grown nursery stock.
A guide to help builders communicate with custom clients
Trees can become tangled into each other and into other things. Because of this, it is important to check out different tree trimmers and how they can make the job of tree trimming easier. This is not only important for safety reasons, but for tree care. Trees have to be trimmed to stay healthy.
Even if you have a small garden, you should always try to make space for at least one or two trees. Their height, form and structure are just as important in a small, confined space as in a larger one.
Trimming out a room is now one of the hottest projects for the do-it-yourself market. Thanks to TV shows, magazines and various websites, homeowners are realizing that installing trim themselves is a very do-able project that can dramatically add to a room's finished look, accenting an otherwise lackluster ceiling, wall or window. In addition to traditional crown molding and window and door casing, homeowners can also consider trim options such as fireplace mantels, cornices, medallions and more.
The toilet is one plumbing fixture that everyone needs to work well. The toilet must fill, the toilet must flush, and if everything is in proper working order, the toilet will do these things with minimal noise and hassle.
The Sky Factory based in Fairfield, Iowa, takes on the challenge of creating illusions of real outside environments in indoor settings with its Sky Ceilings decorative panels.
It has been said that "a thing of beauty is a joy forever," and this year — perhaps more than at any other time — that sentiment reflects the designs showcased in the 43rd annual National Kitchen & Bath Association Design Competition.
Get your clients in a relaxed social setting, and they will be more likely to open up
The following contains home services information you should know about turnover. Read on if you or a loved one is interested in home design and building.
In the 30 years I have been a practicing architect, including 16 as a remodeler, there are two truths I have learned along the way.
Look for tiny, pale stipples on the leaves where the mites have sucked out the plant sap. Heavily infested plants will be covered with fine webbing. Unchecked, mite infestations can lead to bronzing of foliage and premature leaf drop.
Mailboxes are ideal for sending and receiving letters because they are secure and easy to maintain. Most mailboxes such as apartment mailboxes have locks, which ensure that a person’s letters or bills are safe.
A blocked or clogged toilet is not pleasant, but is a fairly common problem. Fortunately, it is usually a problem that can be easily remedied by yourself, without having to call a professional plumber. There are several different methods that can be used separately or in conjunction with each other to clear your blocked toilet and get it draining smoothly again.
It's a simple fact—heat goes up. With that in mind, it seems the most effective heating system would be the floor. New products available today allow the floor to provide very efficient heat. And, don't think radiant floor heating is new. It is probably one of the oldest known methods of central heating.
When viewing a framed house before the wall coverings are installed, the building often seems complicated and to some, a daunting project. House framing actually consists of several separate “projects” assembled into one to create the finished home.
What’s in a name? For gardeners, plenty. Gardening is a blend of horticulture and botany, common names and high science, and the names can get a bit confusing. Whether you’re looking at plant anatomy or simply want to know what to call a plant, understanding a bit about naming can help you wade through the aisles, ask better questions, and treat your plants right.
One of the first steps to the successful application of a battery is to make sure the battery is correctly sized for the load it will be required to handle; without this crucial step, it is very likely that your battery will be undersized for the application.
What is the first and foremost element of shelter? That which protects us from the elements – our roof -- is no doubt one of our homes’ important structural considerations, and understanding just how your roof is supposed to perform is a timely lesson in homeownership.
The following contains home products information you should know about universal design. Read on if you or a loved one is interested in home and kitchen design information.
The following article describes unsecured tenant loans. It talks about different services available to get a loan.
Portland-area dealer strives to remain a "people business" in order to hold its ground in an increasingly "big business" environment.
Both pro builders and do-it-yourselfers would agree—the two “must-have” power tools for any workshop are a quality drill/driver and a hand-held circular saw. With the appropriate blade, circular saws are capable of cutting wood, steel, masonry and ceramic tile. They can be used for crosscutting, ripping, mitering and beveling boards or plywood. They can even be used for cutting wood joints such as rabbets or dadoes, making them one of the most versatile saws around.
Tankless water heaters have been in use all over the world for fifty years, largely because of smaller homes and higher energy costs outside the United States. In fact, tank water heaters are only used in the U.S. As natural gas and LP prices rise (as they have for the past decade) it will cost consumers more to heat water. Imagine cutting water heating costs by 50 to 70 percent – think tankless water heaters.
People moving into new or brand-new homes or building them often decide that’s the ideal time to opt for some extra touches that add value and beauty to homes.
First-time renovators may feel a bit of anxiety - it's understandable, as there are many elements to consider. What's your dream for the space? What's doable within your budget? And what will actually add value to your home long-term?
A striking addition imparts a fresh image to a 1970s California tract home
Space is inevitably an issue for cottage kitchen renovations. In fact, it's not uncommon for cottage owners to reluctantly compromise the main living space with an oddly placed appliance.
Carpet steam cleaning is essential but many people have little knowledge about this crucial aspect of cleaning. Details about the importance, reasons of upholstery cleaning and other information of professional upholstery cleaning services will be introduced in this article.
Most facilities benefit from the protection of a UPS (uninterruptible power supply) system that kicks in with battery power when line power is interrupted.
Have you ever thought about having a themed room in your home? Egyptian theme decor can provide you with a talking point for thewhole neighborhood. If you have never given thought to a themedroom just consider this for a few moments. Are you happy withyour guest room? With the way it is decorated and the image ofyou that it projects?
The following contains home products information you should know about innovation in design and product application. Read on if you or a loved one is interested in home and kitchen design information.
Learning to use a sewing machine may seem daunting, but the key is to break it down into small, easy steps. To learn how to use a sewing machine, read the following article.
Designing and building your home to decrease moisture and mold intrusion is important, but even the best efforts can be wasted without proper maintenance. Maintaining your home's weather-resistive properties is a simple but effective method of protecting your investment for years to come.
Challenges include building directly adjacent to the ocean with strong wind pressures, taking advantage of the ocean views, constructing in a harsh environment, and providing a large open space for family gatherings.
Site layout was an important part of the project to accommodate the owners' desire for the mountain views to be seen from almost every room.
Vacation homes feature the best of everything, and are designed for family and friends to enjoy it all . . . together
Many insects find their food by sight. Some then communicate the find to their kin, at which point you get an infestation. The cabbage white butterfly, for example, seems to locate its favorites—broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, cauliflower, collard, horseradish, kale and kohlrabi—by the distinctive blue-green leaf color.
The following contains home and garden services information you should know about veiled assasins. Read on if you or a loved one is interested in home improvement and maintenance.
There are many There are many different colours of Venetian blinds available to choose from. The colours available for Venetian blinds include metallic hues which give blinds a modern appearance to any room.colours of Venetian blinds available to choose from The colours available ...
The following contains home products information you should know about award-winning kitchen and baths. Read on if you or a loved one is interested in home and kitchen design information.
There are three very good reasons why air compressors are so popular among professionals and DIY'ers alike; they're versatile, economical and powerful. An air compressor provides a single power source for a wide variety of tools that tackle everything from woodworking and metalworking to painting and mechanical work.
Vertical Blinds are the most stylish and decoration for the home. These days’ vertical blinds are considered to be the necessity for the home décor or the office decor.
Viburnum xbodnantense is the result of a cross between two Asian species, V. farreri, from northern China, and V. grandiflorum, from the Himalayan region. (Although the plant was first raised at the Edinburgh Botanic Garden in 1933, it didn't receive its official name until two years later, from a similar plant growing at the garden of Bodnant in Wales, hence the specific epithet.)
This year in the NFC, the Giants proved that focus, determination and an unwillingness to buy into the word "impossible" are powerful tools indeed.
If you're looking to add elegant vintage character to your home, vintage chandeliers could be just the thing for you. Read on for a guide to these chandeliers and where best to find them.
Today, special durable vinyl siding or fencing is making it easy for homeowners to hang up the paintbrush and still have the look of a fresh coat of paint on their house, fence or deck because of the protective acrylic capstock. Historically, vinyl building products have not been supplied in deep dark colors because they tended to fade and change color and that's [because] the capstocks were made out of polyvinyl chloride
As the first of the Baby Boomers gets set to retire, kitchen designers have found requests for products and designs suited for this age group are increasing.
Thinking of buying an AC, and our nerves start sensing the cool breeze, but our mind reminds of the huge bill that would generate after using it..But nothing to panic as the market is flooded with number of choice which offers power efficient devices, and one such mind blowing device is brought to at your service by Voltas.
The day you realize your walkway or patio is starting to look like an obstacle course is the time to think about replacing it.
We know that fountains have a relaxing effect on us as adults, but have you ever considered the benefits for children? The tranquil sound of running water can bring calm to a child’s room, and the water can also help with dust and allergens.
Installing wall tile is basically the same procedure as installing floor tile. And it offers the same advantages: flexibility of design; a wide range of colors, materials and patterns; and if installed correctly, years of durability.Installing wall tile is basically the same procedure as installing floor tile. And it offers the same advantages: flexibility of design; a wide range of colors, materials and patterns; and if installed correctly, years of durability.
The following contains home products information you should know about a warehouse transformed into a specialty showroom. Read on if you or a loved one is interested in home and kitchen design information.
The 3 AM tip-toed scamper to the bathroom can be avoided! Not with a prescription, but with the increased comfort of warm, radiant-heated floors. The concept of radiant heat has been around since the Ancient Romans, but allowing heat to rise naturally to create even warmth in a room is finally starting to gain in popularity for today's homeowners.
There are several steps you should take to wash and reshape your sweaters in order to keep them looking brand new and at their best. The first and most important tip to always remember is to never, ever put a sweater in your dryer! Proper care requires a special wash technique and reshaping which I will explain to you now.
Designs and products that promote health and well-being by conserving water.
Ancient Egyptian and Persian gardens always contained pools, as they were considered to be sanctuaries from the harsh conditions of the desert.
Steel pipe nipples can sometimes break inside the threaded ports on top of a water heater. In this article, we'll tell you how to repair your water heater's broken pipe nipples.
A beautiful wood deck can contribute directly to your home's value and to your family's quality of life, and whether the deck is 200 square feet or 2,000 square feet, many people are passionately proud of their decks.
The following article offers several tips and tricks for improving water and air quality in the home.
Research has proved that people who live in moldy and damp houses are likely to have higher risks of getting depressed. This is as a result of the overwhelming feeling of lack of control over physical health issues and housing environment problems related to being exposed to the mold.
Ask Dave Walton: (NC)—There are a number of simple measures homeowners can take around the house to consume less energy during the hot summer months. Smart dishwashing – use your dishwasher overnight instead of during peak hours (peak hours are approx.6 a.m. – 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. – 8 p.m.) This takes stress off the grid at peak times, and cuts down on costs.
It's nice to be recognized sometimes, isn't it? That was the recurring thought I had as I prepared to leave the NECA Show in Boston last month.
Seasonal properties are especially vulnerable because of their isolated locations and infrequent habitation. And because most seasonal properties are located in rural areas, environmental hazards such as extreme weather can cause expensive damage.
During both heating and air conditioning periods, air leaks cost you more than you may think. In fact, you could save as much as 30% off your energy bill through the use of weatherstripping.
Homeowners frequently take the time to ensure that their home is as weather resistant as it can be; acts like window weatherstripping and/or door weatherstripping help homeowners to significantly lower heating and cooling expenses.
A welder quite often isn't the most sought after tool by many do-it-yourselfers. A welder can, however, be a very handy and important tool for the contractor or those wishing to repair or build metal projects around the home. Welders are a necessity around the farm and ranch, as well as for those doing auto repair work. Welding and welders may seem daunting to the first timer and, indeed, welding can be challenging, requiring learned skills.
Spring is the season of renewal, and that applies to more than just your garden. It's a perfect time to rediscover all that the great outdoors has to offer. There's something for everyone. Remember though, easy does it.
Dale Magie has recognized the fact that wholegoods margins are slim.
Understanding how certified lumber can benefit both you and your clients begins with knowing what 'certified' really means
What is the most relevant style of residential architecture today? Is it modern architecture, Old-World, Tudor, Mediterranean or neo-traditional design? I believe all of these styles, and more, are relevant because of the care you take to replicate yet reinvent them at the same time.
Buckley was making two points with this ironic remark.
Here is your guide to overcoming any confusion in regard to new testing standards.
There are more than 5,000 species of Texas Wild flowers that
offer unlimited viewing pleasure to Texans and visitors, and a
challenge to botanists who strive to name and classify all of
them.
A positive attitude will affect prospects, your business and its employees
At American Siding & Windows, finance has been a key driver for many years
Builders who don't include technology in their homes are overlooking profit opportunities, such as turning bonus rooms into home theaters.
In our area of south central Virginia, we are experiencing both problems.
Let's take the housing market collapse and the credit crunch out of the equation.
Dealers must earn a certain amount of money so they can make the necessary investments in their businesses to improve and grow.
Depending on your climate conditions, a whole house fan might be a shrewd move for your home cooling system. A whole house fan harnesses nature's own cooling ability, creating a breeze inside the house much like a refreshing breath of air on a hot summer day.
September 11 will always remain in our memories as a horrifically fateful day.
The following contains home products information you should know about wicker furniture. Read on if you or a loved one is interested in home and kitchen design information.
It is no wonder that your wife and kids are waiting for the weekend to happen not only because they wanted you to have a rest but most importantly to be with you and get some precious family time together.
Cleaning a window may sound like a fairly simple process, and really, it is. However, if you do not clean your windows properly, you will end up with streaks, spots, and windows that still look dirty. Another common mistake that most people make is to use soap and water on their windows, especially the outside.
Window screens are designed to keep bugs out, not children in; however, each year, children fall through an unsafe window. Here is a list of tips to keep your children safe in your home.
A window screen covers the opening of an open window. There are many kinds and colors of window screens to choose from.
Architectural trim can define a home's interior decor. Beyond the basic structure, trim and molding make a dramatic impact on the style of the living quarters. Doors and windows are perfect candidates for a trim upgrade when remodeling a home. And most of today's home-improvement stores offer a wide variety of the most popular trim and molding profiles for doors and windows.
Homeowners still look for energy efficency, while upgrading to bigger, more practical windows
Window shopping – your favorite pastime? How about shopping for real windows?
Here's the short list of winter blackout preparation tips to get you started. Contact your utility company and local emergency planning office for more detailed steps you should take based on your household's needs.
It's hard to believe any plant could be alive under this heavy ice and snow. Rest assured, there's one under the storms having a good time.Wintergreen is most common in the Northwest.
With the arrival of fall and cold weather, it is essential to keep your deck protected through the dormant months. Decks, after all, are a valuable outdoor addition well worth protecting.
It's that time again. The wind has a chilly bite. Brown and yellow leaves crunch underfoot. Goodbye Popsicles, hello icicles. Winter is approaching, and it has a long, cold stay planned for the upcoming months.
In addition to caulking your windows, raking leaves and cleaning out gutters, homeowners should consider winterizing their home's plumbing system. Here are some ways to make sure you don’t get caught in the cold.
When is a shed a shed, and not a shop or a barn? Sometimes the answer to that question is a technical one and determines whether or not you need a building permit. Most of the time however, it's up to you. Location, purpose and size of your outbuilding determine the fit and finish, but one thing I try to do if possible is get some lights in there.
Maybe the concept of installing a home computer network seems a little far-fetched, but for those of you who already own multiple in-house computers, this may be a helpful move.
When we look around today, many—maybe most—tool handles available are made from something other than wood. As a rule, if you bend or break a steel handle, you can immediately discard the tool. However, such breakage is nearly impossible under most conditions of use.
There are many benefits associated with applying wood or concrete stains. Perhaps you will consider applying new color stains after you are more aware of what you stand to gain.
Wooden planters can add a nice touch to the outside of your home. To make one yourself, follow the simple steps in this article.
Refinishing is fun. With a little refinishing, a piece of “junk” purchased at a flea market might turn into a beautiful piece of furniture. Anything from furniture and interior trim to doors and windows can be stripped and refinished.
From basic home repairs to fine furniture making, a number of wood tools can be a great helpmate on the job site or in the shop. The following are some of the latest tools you may want to add to your own woodworking collection.
For a project like this to succeed, a business owner must "position" the project so that the project itself is seen as a positive event to all employees.
Concrete is one of the most versatile building materials. It can be used for anything from entire buildings to portions of buildings, sidewalks, patios, post holes, steps and even decorative projects. Concrete work is also easy to learn, although it can be back-breaking.
t's probably safe to say that copper water lines are in the majority of American homes and for good reasons. Copper is relatively easy to work with, it is accepted by plumbing codes, does not impart any objectionable odors or flavors to water, and it resists mineral deposits found in most domestic water supplies. Copper pipe is also easy to modify or repair. While PVC pipe is less expensive, it's typically used for waste and venting, or in premanufactured homes.
Chances are if your home is more than 30 years old, you have some steel piping. This steel piping may be for plumbing supply lines or a gas piping system.
If your motto is “repair, not replace,” good wood filler should have a place of honor in your supply closet. It is indispensable for restoring damaged areas in wood to like-new condition and for filling wood grain so that woodwork or furniture will take stain evenly.
Long, hot summers and cold, rainy winters can give exterior wood a heavy dose of weather damage. This includes your wood deck, as well as any fences, gates, trellises, sunshades or other structures made of wood. Moisture intrusion, hot and cold cycles, and even the ultraviolet rays of the sun can contribute to an ugly wood surface that can be repaired and maintained with a little work and the right products. Not only will a wood-finish overhaul eliminate much of the damage already done, it will protect against further damage down the road.
Woody plants consist of shrubs, some vines, and trees. Though I come to this.
Fireplace Xtrordinair's Xtreme is a fire viewing appliance--a new way to display and see what it means today to start a fire in the home. Here you will find information on Xtreme, including its benefits for the environment and tips for installation, care and maintenance.
Knowing the variables that can affect your taxable income, including efficient-home credits and relatives who work for your business, is key to good tax management
Alternative fuels and the continued reduction of emissions were among the major topics discussed by industry leaders at the Outdoor Power Equipment Institute's 55th Annual Meeting held June 22-23 in Palm Beach, FL.
A sound system can be the difference between staying in business or failing.