Bathroom Planning - A Great New Look Without The Headaches

Do you look at your current bathroom set up and wished you could just scrap it and start all over again incorporating all the features you have always wanted? Well for most people this sort of project is achievable as well as being affordable.

Maybe your bathroom remodeling could be as simple as just modernizing the existing fixtures by installing a new sunken bathtub or upgrading the vanity setup or even build a separate shower cubicle with multi-head showers. Whatever it is that you want changed in your bathroom you can generally accomplish it without having to extend the space. If, however, your bathroom planning entails an extension of the room itself it could be quite expensive, particularly as walls have to be demolished and rebuilt.

Whatever your aspirations may be, bathroom planning can be an enjoyable project. Most people consider the bathroom a very important room and without a well functioning, modern and appealing bathroom the value of your home could be depressed if you ever wanted to sell.

When you are undertaking your bathroom planning, the first thing you need to know is how much space you actually have to work with and whether this is enough to enable you to install all the fixtures and fittings on your wish list. You need to take accurate measurements of the dimensions of the existing room. You will find it beneficial to actually draw up an accurate plan of the current room with all the existing fixtures as well as their dimensions.

Once you know the dimensions, and if you have determined that the area is large enough to work with without having to extend the room, then you can then start to investigate the cost of tiles for both the floor and parts of the wall structure. Your next step should be to visit your local plumbing and bathroom shop to price the fixtures and fittings such as vanities, taps, shower-heads, bath tubs and shower structures.

As previously mentioned when bathroom planningAE9 one of the first things you have to decide is whether the existing bathroom space is sufficient for your preliminary plan. For instance if the existing area is not large enough to accommodate installing the large sized shower or spa bath that you have your heart set on then you will need to consider adding to the area. If your house is single story then a modest size extension could be quite inexpensive, however, if your current bathroom is situated on an upper floor then the cost is likely to escalate.

Now that you know what kind of space you have to work with, and if the decision has been made that you need to build an extension onto the room, you now need to address the issue of what fixtures and components (such as basins, toilets, tubs and showers) that you plan on installing. You will also have to decide things like the size and style of the new fixtures. One of the main features that you should be mindful of during your bathroom planning is to ensure that you take a consistent approach. If you are going to remodel then you should do the job properly - it is pointless to install a beautiful modern shower and have an old fashioned worn out bathtub.

If you need inspiration regarding your new bathroom it makes good sense to go online and check out some of the bathroom wholesale and retailers for ideas on fixture. You could also visit a few local display homes and see how they have built their bathrooms. Getting ideas and then putting them into practice is fun and with a little bit of imagination, some thoughtful planning and of course the obligatory hard work you can transform your current arrangement into something brilliantly functional and appealing to the eye.

For more ideas on Bathroom Planning and other bathrooom remodeling tips visit Modern Bathroom Ideas.

Rusted Handrail Holes In Concret

Laminate Hardwood Floor Installation - 7 Reasons For Laminate Floor Solutions

A laminate hardwood floor installation rips out all the high-maintenance management and warping woes that accompany real wood flooring projects. Flooring frustrations are replaced with easy-care, authentic wood looks and textures that are a snap to install. What are the seven main reasons behind the phenomenal growth in do-it-yourself laminate hardwood floor installations?

Reason 1. Laminate Hardwood Flooring Installations Happy Over Any Sub-Floor

Th16D0ere is no need for an expensive and time-consuming tearing up of the sub-floor. Glueless laminate hardwood floor installations can be done with confidence and success over virtually any existing type of flooring. This includes vinyl, tile, concrete and real wood strips. The only exceptions to the rule are carpeting and real hardwood on concrete.

Proper preparation of the sub-floor is vital, however. The surface needs to be absolutely smooth and even. Sand down all peaked joints and other bumps. Use a filler material for any holes or uneven areas. Make sure that the floor is spotless. Any bit of gravel trapped under your new floor, will eventually become an eyesore.

Reason 2. Laminate Hardwood Floor Installations A Long-Term Investment

With today's technology, the core and wear layers of laminate flooring are of a superb quality. Floors are treated to be highly moisture resistant. The aluminum oxide finish of the wear layer ensures maximum protection against scratches, fading, scuff marks, and stains. Many manufacturers include warranties of between 15 and 30 years. By choosing a quality decorating and interior design product for your floors, and following installation and maintenance instructions carefully, you will be ensured of stylish, elegant looks for years to come.

Reason 3. Care-Free, Calamity-Free Flooring For Your Family Home

No overloaded parent has time for finicky floor care day in and day out. With a laminate hardwood floor installation, you will lighten the cleaning load significantly. A mop and brushless vacuum take care of most chores. When necessary, a damp mop is used for a quick wipe. Flooring manufacturers supply dedicated cleaners for tougher spots. If there is a mishap with lipstick or paint, acetone nail polish remover should take care of it instantly. Always check with your flooring supplier to make sure that any cleaning process or solution complies with your warranty conditions. If you deviate from the guidelines, you may void your warranty.

Reason 4. Banish Allergies And Asthma With Laminate Flooring

If your kids suffer from dust-related allergies, new floors may offer the solution you are searching for. No matter how diligent you are with cleaning, carpeting remains a dust-trap. By replacing the flooring surfaces of your home with laminate hardwood floor installations, you will minimize your family's exposure to the offending, irritating particles. The hard, smooth surface is easy to keep spotless. There are no fibres that are reluctant to give up their share of dirt. A quick wipe with a damp mop takes care of the dust problem in a jiffy.

Reason 5. Easy-To-Install Project For Home Remodeling Rookies

Laminate hardwood floor installations are a snap with the latest click-'n-go engineering. No more sticky, messy, frustrating and apprehensive adhesive struggles. Even the most 'unhandy' amateur handyman can tackle these glueless flooring projects with confidence. There is no need to call in the services of a professional hardwood flooring contractor. You can successfully install a new, ready-to-use floor within about a day. As long as you make sure that you don't have problems with moisture in the sub-floor, and are able to follow the manufacturer's guidelines closely, you should be able to complete the installation on your own.

Reason 6. Tempting Authentic Real Hardwood Grains And Textures

From Pergo Flooring, to Armstrong Flooring and Bruce Hardwood Flooring now include every real wood grain under the sun. Shadings vary from light and airy to the rich, warm hues of the darker woods. Textures are as close to the real thing as possible. Planks are now even beveled to give the appearance of real wood planks. A laminate hardwood floor installation can now come with rustic, weathered looks.

Recently the ranges have been expanded to include a variety of realistic ceramic tile and stone tile finishes, complete with grout lines. Every type of decorating or interior design project is catered for, from old-world to contemporary. The flooring planks can be matte or may present a gleaming, shiny face to the world. Thanks to innovative technology, the days of plastic and fake-looking laminates are long gone.

Reason 7. Much To Do About Mishaps On Laminates

If you have kids and pets you will fall in love with laminates. No only will you have far fewer worries about crayon stains, puddles, and other potential flooring fiasco's, you will know that in the event of a major accident, a section of flooring can replaced with ease. As long as you keep an unopened box or two of flooring planks in storage, you will be equipped to re-do an area of flooring in no time. Whereas a damaged carpet has to be replaced completely, a laminate hardwood floor installation allows you to handle the inevitable family mishap with a smile.

Have a bit of decorating and interior design face-lift fun by joining the laminate hardwood floor installation crowd!

Awnings-and-Blinds.com - where you can grab your free copy of the Ultimate Laminate Flooring Buyer's Guide ebook. The author, Rika Susan also offers more info on flooring, awnings, blinds and other home remodeling issues in Harmonics Glueless Laminate Flooring and many other articles at http://www.Awnings-and-Blinds.com . Copyright of this article: 2007 Rika Susan. This article may be reprinted if the resource box an2B8d hyperlinks are left intact.

Fireplace Spark Guards - A Simple Solution To Protect Your Home

Fireplace safety should be a priority for every homeowner and no where is this more important than in protecting your area from sparks and burning embers with a fireplace spark guard. This article will explain what they are and what they can do to make your fireplace safe.

It's no secret that a majority of house fires are started from sparks coming out of a fireplace. At best they can burn holes in your carpets, rugs, furniture, or anything else nearby. At worst you could be looking at a complete disaster.

A fireplace spark guard wraps around the fireplace opening and prevents dangerous sparks from flying out.

You may be thinking that a spark guard is the same as a fireplace screen, but it isn't.

A fireplace spark guard is a moveable screen that is made from steel roads around the top and sides with a black mesh screen connected to it.

The guard will overlap the fireplace opening to prevent any sparks from coming out the sides. It will also include handles on both sides to help in moving it around.

Because the spark guard can be folded out completely flat instead of the normal curved screens you so often see, there are no embers flying out through the top of the screen.

The difference with guards and fireplace screens is that a fireplace screen is permanently attached to the fireplace. It hangs from a mounted track and slides open and shut.

You can find fireplace arrestors or guards in all types of sizes and styles that will accent any room decor as well as your fireplace.

You can choose ones made from steel, brass, aluminum, gold plated, etc. They can be found online through several different sites that offer up a wide variety of fireplace accessories.

Keep your family and your home safe around the fireplace by utilizing a good fireplace spark guard.

You can learn more about Fireplace Spark Guards as well as much more information on all types of fireplaces and fireplace accessories at http://www.FireplacesA-Z.com

Vertical 1 X 6 Siding On Porch
White 2 X 2 Stair Handrailing

Why Building Your Dream Home is a Better Investment Than Buying

Home Construction Loan -

Picture your Dream Home. Does it have a hot tub? A screening room? A subterranean garage for your collection of vintage roadsters? Everyone knows what their dream home looks like. So why do so few people actually build it? The truth is that building the home of your dreams often costs less than buying a house on the market. All it takes is good plans, an experienced contractor, and the right financing. Today, that means a construction loan.

In the past, the federal prime rate was so high that it made construction loans very expensive. People didn't want to pay large sums to borrow funds, so they would finance their home construction with a line of credit on an existing home or by spending their cash reserves. Problems often would occur if the funds ran out or if the project went over budget.

With lower rates now available, more and more people are turning to construction loans. Not only are they economical, they also provide built-in protection for your project to ensure it is completed on time and on budget.

Even with dropping home values, home construction nearly always costs less than purchasing a home on the market. This includes buying a lot or a "tear down" and building from the ground up, as well as adding improvements to your own home or a property purchased out of foreclosure. Borrowing money for these types of projects is better than draining your own funds because, as all good real estate investors know, using leverage increases the return on your investment and allows you to invest your money elsewhere. With a construction loan, borrowers only need to invest a minimum amount of funds into the project (generally 5-20% of total project cost) and can finance the rest. Simply put, using debt to finance the building makes your home an even greater investment.

They also offer safeguards that help keep your project on time and under budget. First, the bank issuing the loan works hard to ensure you are working with a reputable builder. Most banks require that the construction loan request include a contractor package that needs to be approved. If your builder has bad credit problems, past lawsuits or has received complaints to the licensing board, the bank will generally catch this information and reject your builder. Second, the bank issuing your loan watches the construction process from start to finish. Unlike loans that are issued as a lump sum, with a construction loan the bank requires that your approved contractor submit for draws to get reimbursed as each phase of work is completed. The bank even schedules site visits to ensure that the work is done in a satisfactory manner and on time. The bank is offering to do due diligence on your builder and project.

Upon completion of the construction phase, some loans seamlessly rolls to permanent mortgage which is why they are known as a "one time close". What will you have achieved by building your own home? Even more than the satisfaction of living in your dream home, the result and impact on your balance sheet can be dramatic. Upon completion, you will own a home valued at the full market price of a new home for the cost of the land purchase and construction, often as much as 25-30% less than the retail market value.

Elizabeth Braman is a commercial mortgage broker with Watermark Financial, Inc. She is an attorney with an MBA in finance. At Watermark Financial, Inc., we specialize in getting clients the best possible financing terms for their construction project. If you have questions or are considering building a home and would like to inquire about your specific project, please contact me at http://watermarkfinancialgroup.com

Nail Gun Safety Tips

Nail guns are highly useful tools for fastening wood and other materials together quickly and efficiently. They have made hand nailing virtually obsolete for professional builders and now for do it yourselfers as well.

The biggest advantage of nail guns is their ability to rapidly fire a fastener into the substrate and to do so repeatedly. In high speed applications like framing and roofing nails, the nail guns are usually set to fire a nail anytime the muzzle makes contact with the surface as long as the trigger is pulled. They can fire rapidly almost like an automatic weapon.

Last week, while doing a minor carpentry project in my barn, I was reminded of just how fast a large framing nail gun can deliver three inch framing nails.

While nailing in some bridging between floor joists, I was holding the bridging lumber with one hand and the nail gun the other. As I was building some overhead storage to get some of the clutter off the floor, I was standing on some of the soon to be stored clutter. Not exactly stable footing.

When using a nail gun with a contact trip, like most framing nail guns are set for, you have to have just the right touch to prevent the gun recoil from causing it to fire a second nail right on top of the first one. Normally this is easy as you just swing the gun and let it bounce off the work as the nail fires.

However, if you are trying to put a nail just where you want it,5B4 you can also compress the muzzle and then pull the trigger to fire the nail. This works well when you develop the right touch to let the gun recoil off the work piece. Experienced carpenters do it all the time.

However, if you happen to loose your balance just as you pull the trigger, I found it is possible to fire not just two but three nails into the same hole. Only the first one makes it in - the other two go off in random directions.

Fortunately this time, I mostly missed my body parts that were in line with the nail path and got by with just a minor scratch on my thumb. It did swell up nicely and still hurts a bit today.

So here are some nail gun safety tips to add to the list in the owners manual:

1. Understand the difference between sequential trip trigger and contact trip triggers. Be sure you are using the right one for the right work. The Bostich catalog has a good description of how each trigger works and when they should be used.

2. When trying to accurately place a fastener with a contact trip nail gun, be as sure of your target and the backdrop as you would if you were firing a pistol. There is always the possibility of a double shot that will not be contained by the wood. Keep body parts out of the possible line of fire.

3. When using a pneumatic nail gun, be alert to the added hazard of the air hose. Compressed air has its own hazards, but having an air hose stretched through5B4 a construction site adds to the already hazardous environment. Watching roofers with pneumatic nail guns always reminds me of the story about Mark Twain in the city: He said one day he saw a fellow on a ledge threatening to jump. A large crowd had gathered below but Mark Twain said he was the only one in the group with the presence of mind to throw him a rope and pull him down. The air hose always looks like someone has already thrown the roofers a rope.

4. When holding a work piece to be nailed, be aware that the force of the nail gun will drive through any obstacle in the wood like knots or other fasteners. The path through the wood is not always certain however. Nails have been know to come out the side of wood and in some cases even made a U turn and come back at the gun. Keep you hand at least the length of the fastener you are shooting away from the muzzle at all times when joining wood.

5. Don’t use rusty fasteners. Using old nails in a nail gun can not only damage the gun, but they can send rust and scale out toward the operator. Be sure to use new clean nails for safe operation.

6. Wear your safety glasses or face shield. Not only can the nail gun send errant nails your way, but the force of the nailing operating can splinter the substrate as well. And if you ignored number six above, rust and scale can be ejected as well. So protect your eyes. It is a lot easier to use a nail gun safely when yo5B4u can wee what you are working with.

7. Maintain the nail gun properly. Regular maintenance and lubrication will reduce the possibility of jams and misfires that require potentially dangerous repairs and unjamming procedures.

8. Read and follow all the manufactures safety rules and procedures. They have likely already been sued over something there

Mike Strawbridge is the owner of Straw Solutions Performance Improvement Coaching. He enjoys applying his experience and knowledge to help others create safer and more profitable work environments.

For more industrial product information, see==> http://www.induprod.com

Gutter Maintenance

Gutter maintenance is a terrific way to preserve your roof and save yourself some money down the line with repairs, which could have otherwise been avoided with a little maintenance. Think of gutter maintenance as a preventative medicine for the structure of your roof. Gutter maintenance is an important step to maintaining your roof, your home and your budget.

The first step in gutter maintenance is to remove any and all debris, including leaves, twigs or other objects from your roof. Using a regular broom, walk around your home and sweep away any visible debris. Avoid walking directly on the roof as this is both dangerous to you, and also to the structure of the roof itself. You can get to those hard-to-reach spots by using a ladder. If you have a fear of heights, call a contractor or ask a friend to help you.

Once your roof is clear of debris, move on to inspecting the gutters. It's inevitable that, everything from your roof, will probably make it's way into the gutters. Look for leaves, twigs, rocks or anything that could cause damage and remove it carefully without applying any pressure to the gutters. If you are using a ladder for this process, don't stretch to reach a certain spot. Climb down and move the ladder over, but never stretch beyond your reaching point as this could cause a serious fall.

Once you've completed this step of gutter maintenance, take a minute to examine the gutter fitting which connects to the downspout. Remove any debris to avoid clogging. If you do find any clogged areas, remove the debris immediately. The downspout should provide the water runoff with proper direction so that it drains away from your home. Water must be able to move freely through the gutter, the downspout and finally to the ground. If any part of the gutter or downspout becomes clogged, there is a potential for the weight of the water to cause damage.

Before finishing your gutter maintenance, make sure that you have checked the gutter supports and downspouts one last time. Once everything is cleaned, flush your gutters with water. Using a standard water hose, wash the roof and make sure that the water flows properly from the roof and through the gutters. This process is very important to make sure that everything is working properly. When completing this step, use a ladder if at all possible to avoid walking directly on the roof. As mentioned earlier, it is never a good idea to walk or stand on the roof itself. It is especially dangerous if the roof is wet, which will cause it to be slippery.

When you are completely through with your gutter maintenance, remove any debris from your lawn along with any tools or other hardware that you used. It is extremely important to perform gutter maintenance on a regular basis to avoid future problems. The earlier that a clogged gutter or other problem is noticed, the lesser chance of having to spend a lot of money on expensive repairs. Take the time to prevent future problems - you will be glad that you did.

As Northern Virginia Roofing Contractors, Roofer911.com takes great pride in maintaining customer satisfaction for all types of new roof installation and roof repair work for residential and commercial roofing accounts. Need home service articles? Find Local contractors in your area today.

Bulova Clocks

- An Asset to Home Improvement

We can’t have too many clocks in our house. They serve as our constant reminders of appointments, classes and family activities that we shouldn’t miss or be late for. We need clocks in order to tell us when to get up, when to start preparing breakfast, when to wake up our kids and when to shoo them to school. These clocks also alert us when it’s time for us to leave for work, when to pick up the kids and when they need to be sent to bed. And, as they grow up to be teens, these clocks remind us to find out where they are at a certain time. Because they h5B4ave become a big part of our lives, we don’t really notice our dependency on these gadgets until we lose them. In fact, it will be difficult to get on with our everyday routines without these important instruments. Time dictates most of our actions. And, not knowing the right time can definitely cause us to be disoriented and unable to function well. Because it is an indispensable part of our daily lives, we shouldn’t just pick any clock. We should find a reliable brand that is known for its accuracy and precision.

Reliable and Trendy

We can definitely rely on something that has survived the tests of time. Bulova clocks have been around since 1875 and this company is known for combining classical craftsmanship and modern innovation. In fact, it is known for the creation of the first clock radio, the first electric clock, and the Accutron timer mechanism that was used by NASA from the time when man took his first few steps on the moon up to the launch of the Skylab.

In picking a clock, one should also consider the functions that it can perform. It should also suit the location where you plan to put it. A tabletop clock for a bedroom must have an alarm as well as night time illumination. For people who love music and would like to be roused by their favorite station, a radio clock would be great. They can also opt for Bulova clocks that come with a picture frame if they want a more personalized touch. A chimin5B1g mantel clock, one the other hand, can help a person keep track of time. The intervals of the chime should be adjustable. That way, the owner of the house will have an idea how many minutes have passed by each time hear hears the chimes.

Not only should the clock answer to your needs, it should also match one’s room. The clock should be able to accentuate the motif of a person’s existing furnishings. Because Bulova clocks come in all shapes and sizes. They consist of a collection of tabletop clocks, mantel clocks, desk clocks and wall clocks. Each Bulova clock has a unique design that can definitely bring out the owner’s personality and a room’s look. Being a product of fine craftsmanship and ingenuity, Bulova clocks will definitely make decorating one’s home a lot of fun.

Looking for Bulova clocks? Visit ExecutiveGiftShoppe.com! You can also choose from a selection of atomic clocks and metal business card cases here. Stair Builder Help

Healthy Homes

The Best Unexpected Gift for a Healthier Home

House Remodeling
House Construction

We monitor our bodies condition all the time. We watch for pain and notice subtle changes in the way we feel. However, one of the most critical aspects of our health, our blood pressure, is silent and impossible to monitor without help. We are used to finding a blood pressure monitor inside the doctors office. We have all had the cuff of a blood pressure monitor strapped around our arm as the doctor or nurse pumps it up to check our blood pressure.

What many people do not understand is they can do exactly the same with a modern blood pressure monitor. Taking your blood pressure is a simple exercise. A blood pressure monitor is a simple device and getting the results is easy. Then if there is a problem, you can go to a medical practitioner for further tests.

People think they are not used to using the same equipment they see in the hospitals. Few of us have friends who own a blood pressure monitor unless their doctor has advised them. However, we have many medical related things in our houses. A thermometer is always part of our medical supplies. Who would think of being without one? We have other first aid supplies like gauze and bandages. So why not a blood pressure monitor?

In fact, the truth is, if you are over forty, you should regularly monitor your blood pressure and it is safe and easy with your own blood pressure monitor. Perhaps part of the apprehension of owning your own blood pressure monitor is that it looks a bit complicated when the doctor or nurse checks your pressure. However, with advances in technology and consideration of the user, these new home blood pressure monitors are easy to operate for everyone. Furthermore, there are many types of monitors to choose from, including automatic or manual blood pressure monitors, wrist bp monitors, specialty and even pediatric blood pressure monitors.

There are models that require you strap the cuff around your hand or wrist. The least expensive types need you to pump up the cuff with the bulb all of us have seen our doctors do. However, the results are electronically displayed just like on a calculator. Many of these models are small, lightweight, and battery powered. Some of the simplest models are worn around your wrist like an oversized wristwatch. There is absolutely nothing to do with this style of blood pressure monitor except to wear it.

In addition to blood pressure, some models even measure heart rate. Best of all, everyone can afford a quality home blood pressure monitor. Prices start from well under $50, but if you're searching for one that contains all the features to monitor your health, consider a premium model.

Quick Medical http://www.quickmedical.com has an extensive selection of home blood pressure monitors to choose from at guaranteed lowest prices. Or browse their extensive collection of health and fitness information designed to inform the consumer on many of today's most talked about health topics.

Life Cycle Of Indoor Black Molds and Associated Health Problems

Oceanside Building
Home Stair System

Molds are invisible organisms that reproduce by spreading spores. Molds, often called as mildew, are parts of environment and they play crucial role in maintaining the balance of ecosystem. Molds decompose organic materials to form simpler compounds and elements. They grow on dead leaves, trees, wood and collect their nutrition from these matters thus enabling recycling of nutrients around the ecosystem. Molds and mildews are the lowest level members of Food Pyramid.

Molds are practically everywhere inside and outside your home. Being microscopic organisms, molds are not visible to human eyes unless they colonize. Molds grow on almost any surface including uncovered food, dead organic matters etc. Water and humidity are necessary for molds to grow and amplify.

Lifecycle of Molds:

Spores get spread with air, dust particles, or any other container and start growing as soon as they get humid surface, food and right temperature. The Hyphae, a threadlike structure, secretes enzymes that decompose the contaminated organic material to obtain nutrition. Then the molds start growing mycelium - the main part of mold body.

Under suitable environmental conditions like light, air, water and nutrition black mold starts growing spores within the hyphael cells. The spores, after reaching maturity, are released in the air. 5B4Mold spores can remain inactive for years and wait for suitable environmental condition to grow.

When these spores start invading your home and spore count in air becomes higher than that of outdoor, chances of forming mold colony inside home become higher. Even if the spores get a small open watery surface in any dark place, they stuck on it, germinate and mold formation begins. Unlike spores and single mold body, mold colonies are visible to naked eye. Molds when infect a surface leave black stains and that is the reason molds are often referred as black mold.

Apart from the spots and discoloration of the surface, one can recognize the presence of molds from its pungent odor. This odor helps people spot the Molds if they had chosen a hidden place to grow in. Inspect places close to water source or where water can leak out making the surface wet.

Possible Health problems and remedies:

Living in a room with black molds could lead to health problems to human beings and pets. Higher spore count in the air cause breathing trouble, asthma and more serious health threats. Some species of molds are toxic; they produce mycotoxins which have adverse effects to human health. Both adults and children can suffer from various health problems including nausea, headache, fatigue, watery eyes, excessive sneezing, irritation of skin, eyes, lungs etc. Even dead mold bodies may lead to difficulties in breathing and skin ras520h.

The quantity of black molds and mildew that leads to health issues varies for different individuals. Being ubiquitous, molds are everywhere. But when they spread in great number inside a covered space problems begin. Black dots on walls, carpet, drywall and the typical musty odor signal considerable mold growth which can be removed with the help of mold cleaners.

The very first step is to open the windows and let air flow inside the rooms so that spores are taken out with air current. With adequate sunlight humidity decreases and the growth of molds is arrested. If the condition is worse, consult an inspector and professional mold controllers.

Black mold can grow in clean places too. Mold and mildews grow as soon as they get suitable conditions for life. Cleaning mold is a tedious job and it requires professional help.

How I Got A Robot To Vacuum The House

Like most people I really hated to vacuum the house. I thought anyone who enjoyed vacuuming was close to insanity. Well, I must be crazy too because I have started vacuuming every few days. Why? Because I purchased a robotic vacuum cleaner.

All you do is place it on the floor, turn it on, and push the clean button to start it off on its cleaning odyssey. It will circle a couple of times and then off it goes around the room seeking out dirt and dust. Whether the floor is carpets, hardwood, ceramic, or tiles – it does them all with equal enthusiasm.

It is not a toy or gimmick. Rather, it is part of a new generation of household equipment that will soon become common. They are products that can make decisions as to how best to accomplish a task. Not quite true artificial intelligence, but definitely smart enough to vacuum the rugs for you.

The two preeminent manufacturers of these vacuums are Electrolux* and Roomba*.

The Electrolux version is probably the most sophisticated. It incorporates eight ultrasonic sensors and some advanced computer reasoning. It sends out a sound beam that allows it to determine where all the objects are located in the room. It can even find its way back to the charger when the power levels begin to drop. Once charged, it will appear again to continue the cleaning. When it determines the room is clean it goes back to the charger, turns around, backs into it, and turns itself off. This robot vacuum has been available in Europe for a couple of years. It appears to be the most complex of these machines and comes with a $1795 price tag.

The robot vacuum cleaner I purchased is the Roomba, manufactured by the iRobot company. It is a simpler and much less expensive version and carries a price tag of approximately $249. Its round shape, bright colour, and flashing buttons give it a futuristic look. At three inches in height and one foot in diameter it looks like a miniature flying sauce as it scurries across the floor.

It uses a bump-and-turn method of operation. Once operational it goes in a straight until it bumps into something. Each time it encounters an obstacle it turns and goes off in an alternate direction. If an unusually dirty area is found the vacuum will circle until it is satisfied the area is sufficiently clean. This way dusty corners or debris such as cookie crumbs get extra attention.

These little whirling dervishes of the vacuum world can even deal with obstacles such as stairs, thresholds, and transitions between different flooring materials. When it encounters the top of a staircase it will come right to the edge, stop for a few seconds, make a reverse turn, and go off in another direction.

Since purchasing a robot vacuum cleaner I have gone from vacuuming once a week to every couple of days. The results of the increased cleaning frequency are quite visible. This little machine has put the shine back into my carpets.

The only disadvantages I have found are minor. For instance, the dust storage bin is small. The bin should be emptied after every few uses to prevent it from becoming full. Also the power brush can become clogged with small bits of debris. This is easily corrected though by disassembling the brush and cleaning the bristles. Roomba even provides a special comb for this job. It works quite well.

So, if like me you hate the thought of getting out the vacuum and pushing it around the room, then consider a robot vacuum cleaner to help you with this chore.

Ladies, do you know statistics show that 85% of household chores are done by women. So, if you ever want to get a man to “do” (initiate may be a better term) the vacuuming then perhaps consider introducing him to a robot vacuum cleaner. The first few times I used mine I sat for hours watching it operate. I was utterly fascinated by how it traversed the labyrinth of my main floor living areas. To the extent that I could hardly wait for it to recharge so that I could start it up again.

Here is an interesting idea. Since all men like gadgets, “ Why not get Dad one for fathers day ”. That way he won’t have any excuse for not being involved with the vacuuming. Besides, It will pay him back for the toaster he got you for your birthday last year.

* Electrolux is a registered trademarks of AB Electrolux of Sweden

* Roomba is a registered trademark of iRobot

Copyright 2005 by Donald Grummett. All right reserved. Service manager of MG Appliance Repair Services in Ottawa, Canada. In the trade over 30 years as a technician, business owner, and technical trainer. For more information about appliances including FAQ, Stain guide, Recycling, and Newsletter visit http://www.mgservices.ca

Protect Your Door

Push Plate - How to Protect a Door With One

You've seen them in restaurants - those plates that are added to doors in place of doorknobs. But why are they needed? And why would you want a push plate?

Having a push plate on your door can serve a few purposes. First, a push plate protects the finish on the door. If you have expensive doors, you don't want to s5B4tart seeing marks, smudges and messes on the door right away, you want them to last a long time, looking like the masterpieces you ordered in the first place.

But, the laying of hands on the same spot day in and day out to open a door can create a lot of wear and tear on the finish. Think about it, every time a hand is on the door, it leaves behind a little bit of a persons natural body oils, which are sinking into the wood, as their hand rubs across the door, either opening or closing it. They are also rubbing off the paint, finish, and over time you will start to see the effect. At first it may look like a little dirt smudge that won't come off, but eventually, you will realize that part of your door has been worn away by use, there is now a permanent blight on what used to be spotless and beautiful doors.

This is not even taking into account all the germs that are being left behind by those hands every time they open and close the door.

Eventually, the mess will be too much and you will always find your eyes looking at the wear. Replacing an expensive door can be very costly, especially if you have selected a pre-hung door, where the frame and the door have to be changed out to make it fit.

Refinishing isn't cheap either and can cost a lot of time and money you hadn't originally planned to put into the door.

Instead, you may want to go with the option of preventing these problems in the first place. You 5B4can do that by installing a push plate on each of the doors. A push plate is actually extremely easy to install. They come in a variety of finishes and can be purchased to match your home, whether you want a simple polished metal look to accent the room, or pieces that have been etched or cast to add a very classy, and protective, finish to the door.

When Selecting a Push Plate

You need to look closely at your door before selecting a push plate. You need to know if the push plate is going to fit well onto the door. If your door has indentations in the woods or moldings that stand out, it can affect the placement of the push plate.

Additionally, think of your décor before you select a push plate. They need to compliment your décor and match. If you have installed a push plate on another door in the room, you need to use a matching push plate on this door as well to keep the look consistent.

Author Jennifer Akre is an owner of different online niche stores that specialize in providing online consumers with not only useful and eye-catching products, but valuable information as well on how to nicely decorate and furnish your space, whether it be in your home or out on your deck or patio. There are many tips that are helpful for creating a space that others will envy and here she offers buying advice when purc33Ahasing lavish cabinet hardware, grand cabinet knobs, and magnificent drawer pulls.

Small Space Bathroom Remodeling

- Maximize the Space and Save

Is your bathroom small? Are you trying to figure out how to accomplish magic with small space bathroom remodeling? You’ll be amazed at what you can accomplish by using a few tips form the pros.

First off, you’re not alone. Many homes have small bathrooms and small space bathroom remodeling seems like a chore that won’t yield the desired results. In order to get the greatest appeal and function from your small space bathroom remodeling, you first have to combine the total area of your space with a little creativity.

Take Inventory

Before you begin the remodeling project, you’ll save time and money by taking inventory of primary aspects of the project. What is the main thing you want to accomplish with the bathroom remodel? Provide more usable space? Or, perhaps your small bathroom needs a makeover and you want to optimize the space while you’re at it. Maybe you’re simply updating the bathroom for a more stylish, trendy appeal. Focus on the primary reason for the remodel and try to envision the completed project delivering all your goals. By getting a clear vision of what you want, and working backwards from that point, you’ll ensure that every aspect is considered.

Small Space Bathroom R5B4emodeling

If you want more space consider the type: counter, storage, or floor. Next, evaluate the adjoining rooms or closets to see if by moving a wall a bit or eliminating a closet you can gain some space to help maximize your small space bathroom remodeling.

If that is not possible, consider reconfiguring the existing layout to accommodate more usable space. Moving the bathroom shower, sink, or commode, can improve floor space. While this will involve additional cost, the rewards can be a more functional and accommodating space. A contractor experienced in small space bathroom remodeling can offer valuable advice and services in this area.

Accessorize

Another source to check is the availability of items designed for the compact bathroom. The addition of wall shelving, baskets, racks and other storage items can greatly improve storage space without taking up floor space. A freestanding lavatory can also free up floor space.

This article was written by Gregg Hicks of http://www.reliableremodeler.com which provides Internet-based home improvement information and services. Offering homeowners a simple, quick, and free way to access, qualified home improv21Fement remodeling contractors.