London Bathroom Fitters - Repairs In A Bathroom

A bathroom - what does it mean for each of us? The place, where we usually brush our teeth and take a shower, or something more than that? A lot of designers assure that judging by one's bathroom it is possible to find out practically everything about a man and his/her tastes. The times when it was regarded from the point of view of its direct use are far behind. Nowadays, bathrooms sometimes occupy a whole room with a window allowing us to enjoy sunshine and look at the stars during exhilarating and relaxing water procedures.

Aesthetics and functionality.
It is good when a detached house is designed taking into account the tastes of its master. In this case it is possible to locate a bathroom anywhere. In multifamily houses, unfortunately, one has to orient to what is offered by a developer, and it is not recommended to introduce global changes, besides, for that it is necessary to collect a great deal of documents. Therefore, being involved in design of a bathroom one can come across both ungainly forms and abstract sizes. And this can really become a big problem - for all the necessary elements should be placed in such a way that they not only fit the given room and function normally, as well as look aesthetically.

Retro-materials in a new perspective.
Unfortunately, only few recollect a saying that everything old is new again. A shower partition with high lighting and a small ship floating between the glasses made of glass blocks - why not a new life for an old material? The same can be said about tiles of a medium size. Earlier its choice was so scarce that the design of all bathrooms looked similar. Now with a large variety of choice a lot of people keep away from an ordinary tile format. But in fact the problem is not because of the size but the way it was presented on the walls. At present with the help of wonderful decors, borders, panels, as well as in combination with other materials and original author's idea it is possible to achieve an interesting result.

Selecting a bathtub, You can recollect retro-objects. If the style of the bathroom allows on the whole, then a galvanised bathtub from the last century can become not only functional as well as a very stylish supplement of the interior.

Though, of course, if a bathroom is in the Empire style or the style of Turkish baths, it will be too much of liberty. Here a real "hamam" is needed. Well, if the worst comes to the worst, an ideally white bathtub in the classic style will do.

And a few more words about retro. Walls in the bathroom were decorated with mosaic already by Tsar Herod. Nowadays this tendency is 7CBalso quite topical. A mosaic floor and walls with a sense of proportion and an appropriate taste of masters, will help to create an unhacked and bright interior.

New ideas.
If you are still not content with old standards and traditional materials - improvise on any topics. Oriental style and traditional English one, luxurious imperial and Japanese minimalism, ocean coast and a countryside landscape - choose any fantasy for your bathroom.

But one shouldn't forget that a bathroom is the place where we start and finish our day. And the way we started it in the morning influences our mood, our working rhythm. In the evening in a spacious bathroom it is pleasant to wash away tiredness and feel happy in a cozy home. As regards a boiler, and a washing machine as well as other accessories, it is always possible to find another more convenient place for them.

Arthur Prudent is a developer of Builders London: bathroom, kitchen installation - web site offering all aspects of builders services. London bathroom fitters: repairs in a bathroom

Fit Your Landscaping Design To Your Home And Existing Lawn

You've decided you're finished with a plain green lawn and want to move on to a beautifully landscaped yard full of flowering plants and attractive gardens. While you are still in the planning stages of your new lawn, take at look at what you already have. This will be a starting place for which direction you need to go with your landscaping design.

First, take into consideration the style and look of your home. Try to find plants and trees that will complement its style. For instance, if you live in a large Victorian style house, a Japanese style garden with small compact bushes and tress might look slightly out of place. Pair your large house with large shade trees, old fashioned climbing roses on arbors and other plants that will fit the style of your home. Not that you can't mix in a few small trees and shrubs, but a large house with small, compact plants doesn't look balanced just as a small house might look over powered by several large trees and climbing vines or bushes.

Next, take into consideration the color scheme of your house. Pick plants that will c1C84omplement your existing color scheme. For instance, if you live in a cream color house with a red door, you might want to pick a few plants that will bloom in a color similar to that of your door. This will emphasize the red and draw your garden and home together. Of course, you might be planning on refacing your home with new vinyl siding or a new paint color when you add your landscaping. If so, you can go with about any color scheme you wish.

Next, when you plan your landscaping design, try to work with what you already have in the way your land lays. For instance, if you want to integrate a water feature with a waterfall, you will want to pick a spot in your yard where you already have a natural hill. This will make your water feature installation much easier and will also make the feature look more natural and more like it belongs in your yard.

Also, choose your plants carefully based on the amount of sunlight you have in your yard. If you have a shady yard, don't try to grow roses, geraniums or any other plant that requires direct sunlight. Instead choose plants like ferns, hostas and azaleas. If you have a yard that gets a lot of sun, don't try to grow ferns. They will fry in the hot direct sunlight. However, if your yard does get a lot of sunlight, you have the opportunity to grow a variety of beautifully flowering plants that will keep your garden colorful all summer long.

When planning your landscape design, be sure to take into consideration how the design will look with your house and existing lawn. Try to match you landscape, home and natural lay of the land so that your garden and home will look like they naturally fit together.

Still looking for the perfect landscape? Try visiting http://www.landscapediscussion.com, a website that specializes in providing landscape advice, tips and resources including information on landscaping design.

Buying a Sunroom Kit

If you love sunshine then you will love a sunroom. A sunroom can give you sunshine most of the year and gives you access to outside while you stay cozy and warm inside. This is very important during long winter months as people can lose vitamin D when they don't get enough sunshine and if you're thinking of installing a sunroom then the easiest way to go is with a kit.

You do have two choices when buying a kit. You can have it installed or install it yourself, but if you're doing it yourself it is better to know for sure what you're doing because this could lead to a great source of heat loss if it's not installed properly. It can also reduce the value of your home. So if you have any doubts it is better to have it instal5B4led by a professional.

Kits for sunrooms come in many shapes and sizes and you have to research really well before you make up your mind. You also have to decide the best location for your sunroom because installing it in the wrong place can cost you money on your utility bills during the winter months. You need to install it in a location where you do not get full sun but enough that will keep sunshine in the winter months and not too much in the summer.

You have to give a lot of consideration to the kits available. Some of them are basic kits that offer aluminum frames and plastic windows and these are not too difficult to put together. You can usually convert this type to a screened in porch during the summer. Then there are more complicated kits that are preassembled before you get it. It is very important to choose the right kits to get the best that the market has to offer and the one that is most suitable to you.

For lots of helpful information on sunrooms and related topics, visit DIY Home Advice Guide at http://www.diyhomeadvice.com

Tips to Paint Your Bathroom

Believe it or not - it is possible to give your bathroom a total makeover easily and yes, without adding too much expense too. Here are some really simple and inexpensive tips to get your bathroom redecorated by just painting it:

This is not a difficult job, and we will simplify it even more for you with easy to understand steps. Your first step is to get all your tools, namely a roller with pan, some roller covers, a bucket to help you rinse your paintbrushes and of course - two or three paint brushes as well! You will also need a couple of old newspapers, a stick for stirring and some cleaning cloths. Last but not the least; you need your favorite paint ready to start with.

Your second step is to remove everything from the room such as electrical holders, switches and all wall fixtures. This does not exempt curtain rods, or shower curtain rods, wall hangings, curtains, shades, and blinds, so do not leave them out.

Once you have done the removal bit, start cleaning the walls well by removing cobwebs or debris that is stuck around the walls. Wiping the walls with water and soap is also a good idea but remember to rinse properly and thoroughly.

When your walls are indeed spotlessly clean and quite dry as well, you can start with taping the wall edges. This means that whenever you spot that the wall meets any object like an electrical fixture or a tile or a rack, you have to put tape carefully around its edges.

Start your painting bout by stirring it well with a stirring stick that you would have bought from your store.

Then, you just have to dip your brush and start painting. Begin with the wall edges first. Once you complete your colorful border for the bathroom, you can let the paint dry. The drying bit would take about four hours so you can rest a while indeed. After the paint dries, put the second coat and let it dry for another four hours. Once the borders are dry, put paint on a roller pan and then a roller cover over the pan so that you can roll is a couple of times to remove any excess paint by squeezing it out.

After you remove the excess paint, start painting. After the whole wall is painted, remove the roller cover. If you want to clean the roller covers, go ahead. If you are not keen about cleaning it, toss it off and get a new one for next use, as these are cheap anyway. Remember, you have to wait for four hours before you go on with the next coat of paint on your bathroom walls. Two coats of paint would be fine for the bathroom. When the painting is complete, do not take off the tape at once. It is ideal to wait for a day or two because even when paint is dry, a couple of days are required for it to get set. Once it is set, go ahead, remove the tape and enjoy a completely new color theme of your newly painted bathroom!

http://fixsor.com/articles/tips_to_paint_your_bathroom_

Discount Kitchen Sinks

Finding big discounts on kitchen sinks is now easier than it was before. A number of kitchen stores have already put up information about their products online. Buyers just need to surf the web to find the most attractive discounts.

Part of the online marketing strategy used by manufacturers is to show a picture of the product in its best form and highlight the price discounts they are offering on these products. Apart from this, some manufacturers also offer big discounts on their shipping rates. Some even deliver for free.

However, to really find the best deals, it would be best to consult with kitchen experts. Some of these kitchen experts have online sites where buyers can take a look at their credentials. Contacting them may cost a little, but they can surely guide the buyer in choosing the store that offers the best discounts without compromising quality. This is especially helpful when the kitchen owner is undergoing a full kitchen-remodeling project.

To save more, buyers can consider choosing only discounted components of their kitchen sink. Instead of obtaining a whole new sink, owners can save more by trying to see if there are still reusable components. In doing this, they may want to consult resurfacing professionals that specialize in repairing kitchen sink finishes. They might be helpful in cutting costs, as they can determine which of the kitchen sink parts really need to be replaced. They can also refer the buyer to the best places where they can buy these parts at discounted prices.

Garage sales can also be a source of big discounts for kitchen sinks. Although slightly used, the materials found here can be cheaper than commercialized products by 85%. For instance, a brand new aluminum steel kitchen sink in the U.S., which originally costs $110, can be bought for $30 or less in garage sales.

In any case, buyers should remember that the sink they will choose should naturally match the kitchen where it will be installed.

Kitchen Sinks provides detailed information on Kitchen Sinks, Stainless Steel Kitchen Sinks, Copper Kitchen Sinks, Vintage Kitchen Sinks and more. Kitchen Sinks is affiliated with Discount Kitchen Cabinets.

Awnings Can Also Reduce Utility Bills

Installing a patio awning for shade and protection is almost as good as adding a room to your home. When you have installed your awnings, you will find that your 16D0patio really is what you intended it to be when you dreamed about the idyllic spot. An awning prevents the sun hit that certain spot in the sky and flood the patio in bright, brilliant , yet unpleasant sunlight for it to remain comfortable. This is really where a patio awning comes in. You can also enjoy the comforts of having a unique patio and lights that let you sit outside after dark.

Protection

Some awning fabrics are made with as many as five layers of material, meaning more durability, strength, and protection from the sun, rain, snow, and wind. A great benefit to a door awning is the protection from rain. Another not so obvious benefit for a door awning is the indoor protection. A minor but important benefit is reduced utility bills.

If you plan for an awning, the main objective is more protection from outdoor elements so you can enjoy privacy and protection in the spring, summer, fall, and even winter months. A deck awning still provides protection from the elements but it is primarily designed to block out solar heat. Awnings are great, whether for a business, your home, or some other use, to enhance appearance while providing protection from outside elements.

Retractable

The retractable type of awning is the most versatile of all awnings. When choosing an awning, you can go with a design whereby the awning is out all the time or if you can choose a retractable awning that can be pulled back when you want to enjoy sunlight and open air. A great benefit of both the standard and retractable awning is that they can enhance the design of any architectural building. A retractable awning is not limiting your opportunities and makes entertainment with family and friends far more successful.

Aluminum

You would expect to find a caravan awning made with a steel or aluminum frame, which provides strength and durability. Another advantage with aluminum is that it can be painted, providing you a chance to show your personality and creativity. Professionals agree that if you want the best for your money when it comes to a metal awning, aluminum wins. An aluminum awning will also help increase the value of your home as the aluminum awning is rust-proof and is suitable even for light snow-loads

Keith George always writes about valuable news & reviews. A related resource is Retractable Awnings Further information can be found at Your Home

Home Mold Test Kits

Sanding Hardwood Floors

There are certain hardwoods that are vulnerable to weather and climate changes. Some woods contract or shorten when it is hot. Others expand when there is moisture. When this happens, the floor becomes uneven. If left unchecked, it could ruin the look of the room and even become hazardous enough to cause accidents.

You do not have to take out the planks and replace them. The more practical solution is to sand them. Sanding your floor is a project that needs your dedication and time, whether you do it yourself or hire a contractor for it.

Sanding It All Away

For the initial sanding, you will need to use the coarsest sandpaper- the 20 grit. There is a sanding machine that you can use to make the whole ordeal easier and faster.

For efficiency, you will need to sand the floor at a 45 degree angle to the grain. It may take several rounds before the surface evens. It really depends on the precision of the tongue-and-grove milling of the hardwood.

Another technique is pushing and pulling the sander as it moves. The pressure is strong as it moves forward. You will need to lift the sander at an angle and apply pressure as it moves back. Continue this method until the diagonal scratches are not visible anymore. You must be careful that the traces of the sandpaper are eliminated. The slightest pattern will show after you apply a coating.

The process may take a long time. Be prepared to change the sandpaper form time to time. Stock up on 20, 36, 60, 80, and 100 grit sandpaper. For wood that is coated with aluminum oxide, use a commercially available softening solution before sanding. It may be hard to sand if you do not do this. Sandpaper also contains aluminum oxide so scratching the two surfaces against each other will take more force.

Hardwood Floors provides detailed information on Hardwood Floors, Engineered Hardwood Floors, Solid Hardwood Floors, Long-strip Hardwood Floors and more. Hardwood Floors is affiliated with Install Hardwood Flooring.

Old Wood Window Damaged

Awnings Can Also Reduce Utility Bills

Installing a patio awning for shade and protection is almost as good as adding a room to your home. When you have installed your awnings, you will find that your 16D0patio really is what you intended it to be when you dreamed about the idyllic spot. An awning prevents the sun hit that certain spot in the sky and flood the patio in bright, brilliant , yet unpleasant sunlight for it to remain comfortable. This is really where a patio awning comes in. You can also enjoy the comforts of having a unique patio and lights that let you sit outside after dark.

Protection

Some awning fabrics are made with as many as five layers of material, meaning more durability, strength, and protection from the sun, rain, snow, and wind. A great benefit to a door awning is the protection from rain. Another not so obvious benefit for a door awning is the indoor protection. A minor but important benefit is reduced utility bills.

If you plan for an awning, the main objective is more protection from outdoor elements so you can enjoy privacy and protection in the spring, summer, fall, and even winter months. A deck awning still provides protection from the elements but it is primarily designed to block out solar heat. Awnings are great, whether for a business, your home, or some other use, to enhance appearance while providing protection from outside elements.

Retractable

The retractable type of awning is the most versatile of all awnings. When choosing an awning, you can go with a design whereby the awning is out all the time or if you can choose a retractable awning that can be pulled back when you want to enjoy sunlight and open air. A great benefit of both the standard and retractable awning is that they can enhance the design of any architectural building. A retractable awning is not limiting your opportunities and makes entertainment with family and friends far more successful.

Aluminum

You would expect to find a caravan awning made with a steel or aluminum frame, which provides strength and durability. Another advantage with aluminum is that it can be painted, providing you a chance to show your personality and creativity. Professionals agree that if you want the best for your money when it comes to a metal awning, aluminum wins. An aluminum awning will also help increase the value of your home as the aluminum awning is rust-proof and is suitable even for light snow-loads

Keith George always writes about valuable news & reviews. A related resource is Retractable Awnings Further information can be found at Your Home

Home Mold Test Kits

Let A Whirlpool Bath Take Your Stress And Pain Away

Hydrotherapy is a wonderful way to relax the body and mind, and it has beneficial effects on a number of health ailments. Today there are more affordable options of hydrotherapy available than ever before and you can enjoy all the benefits in your home with a modern whirlpool bath.

Enjoy the H5B4ealth Benefits of Hydrotherapy

A whirlpool bath uses the principles of hydrotherapy to help ease stress, respiratory ailments and aching muscles and joints. In a whirlpool bath, jets of water and air create streams of bubbles that ripple their way around the body, providing a soothing, massage effect.

Also the water jets are positioned to give the main muscle groups the most effective treatment and as you lay in the bath, you can vary the intensity with a simple dial or switch control.

Whirlpool baths come in a variety of shapes and sizes to fit different sizes of bathroom. The choices of whirlpool baths available include conventional, straight-sided baths, corner baths, offset baths, baths large enough for two people and compact seated version that you can walk into.

The Ultimate Relaxing Sensory Experience - A session in a whirlpool bath can give you a wonderfully relaxing experience and some baths add to this experience with atmospheric underwater LED lights. Turn on the lights and as the whirling water illuminates, a wonderfully magical and soothing effect is created. Soft, moving lights such as these provide an incredible sensory experience just perfect for relaxation. Add a few drops of essential oil to your water and you can heighten the experience even more. As you lie back in a whirlpool bath, resting your head on a padded 5B4waterproof pillow will help you position your body in the water jets. It will also give you extra comfort so you can get the most from your hydrotherapy session.

Built With Safety in Mind - Good whirlpool baths will have been designed and built with safety in mind. Here are some of the things to look out for when you are choosing your bath:

Does the bath have a water level safety sensor? If the water level is below the water jets the water level safety sensor will prevent the jets from turning on. This feature protects the electrical water pump and keeps it working at its optimum.

Does it have a thermostatic control? Many whirlpools have a built-in thermostatic valve that will keep the circulating water at a consistent temperature and avoid sudden fluctuations. This is a useful feature for those with more sensitive skin such as the elderly and young children.

Is there a Residual Current Device (RCD)? This device detects any imbalance of electrical currents. If it does detect an imbalance, the RCD will automatically switch the electric off, protecting both the bather and the bath. When it comes to hygiene, regular use of a whirlpool bath cleanser will extend the life of your bath and keep it working at its best. When you choose your bath, remember to ask your whirlpool specialist what is the best cleanser to use.

Finally, whirlpool baths do offer wonderful healing benefits, but as with all methods of healing4C1, if you are receiving treatment from your doctor you should seek advice about the benefits for you. Hydrotherapy, including the use of whirlpool baths, may not be suitable for pregnant women and those receiving treatment for kidney ailments or high blood pressure. It's always best to check first and then you can relax in total peace of mind, knowing that the whirling waters are good for you.

Andy Tub is a retired bathroom plumber based in North West England. From his Wigan home he writes of his passion for bathroom installations, including new bathroom furniture and bathroom technologies

Metal Apartment Stairs

Bathroom Design Tips - Going Vintage

Even with the rise of contemporary and other modern interior designs, a lot of people still enjoy going fC2Bor the vintage look. There is that certain aura of calmness and prestige that comes with vintage bathrooms. You may be surprised to know that you can easily and cheaply get the items you need in the most common places. Here are some tried and proven tips.

Vintage bathrooms are usually influenced by the 1920s and 1930s era. Colors and shades are usually light with hints of black or navy blue. Tiles are porcelain or marble with smooth finishes of white and other pale colors like sky blue and light green. Halfway up the walls, apply square tiles. Vintage bathroom floors have a mosaic design wherein a bold color interior would be bordered. You can find these kinds of tiles at your local shop or get them at cheaper prices in garage sales.

Built-ins are very popular vintage pieces since the period wanted everything fresh and clean-looking. Most decorations you have to place in your bathroom may need to be both aesthetic and practical. Hidden medicine cabinets are ideal pieces as well as towel bars built into the sink. Towel bars are heated via hot water or electricity so you can easily find the perfect one in your local hardware shop. Your towel bar may be built-in the sink or independent.

When choosing bathroom lights, you should pick frosted glass and metals since these effectively create a vintage atmosphere. Antique sconces and ceiling lights are great as well which you can get at antique stores or flea markets. Hanging lamps are good also. Skylights were popular back then so experiment if it compliments your overall theme. As for lighting, a standalone bathroom lamp is good plus yellow or fluorescent ceiling light. Light bulbs were very popular during the era so feel free to use these.

A vintage bathtub is one of the main items that your bathroom needs. There are clawfoot and pedestal tubs made of cast iron or acrylic. These are quality pieces that you can order from special vintage manufacturers. A vintage sink is also important so try to have some space available for a vessel or pedestal sink. A vintage toilet preferably white is an excellent addition to the tub and sink. Stainless steel fixtures are common and look well with white shades. You may choose to keep your current toilet or invest in novelty toilet seats.

For bathroom design ideas, visit http://www.bathroomdesignideas101.com

Home Mold Test Kits

99644

61103

Five Tips In Minimizing The Cost Of Finishing A Basement

You have saved enough money to hopefully build a new house. You also hope to have it built with a very spacious basement. You know that it will be used for a lot of things. Perhaps spending your time with friends there or use it as a recreation area. For what it's worth, a basement is a place in your house that can be valuable. But you are also aware that your budget must be well spent.

A great deal of estimating the cost is needed. Or else you might end up having only about thirty percent (30%) of the basement done. So here are a few design tips to help you save and minimize the cost of finishing a basement.

- When doing your cost estimate, allow a fair percentage from your budget to allocate for the cost of finishing a basement. Do a list of those things you want to use your basement for. You know that by planning this out well, your basement could be one of the best places in your home. Later on you will realize that what you have invested is all worth.

- Design your basement windows to fit other purposes. It's a given that the window is used for ventilation. Since the basement is an underground facility, the room temperature will be a little bit different. The opening of your windows should not only allow more air to come in but also daylight. Basements are usually dark even at daytime. The more daylight, the less electricity. Having this anticipated will not only save you the cost of finishing a basement now but also when it is in use.

- Fashion your plumbing system and ducts to give head room. The clearance of the ceiling height in basements is usually low. This is because this is where the end ducts and pipes pass. You can still have enough for the cost of finishing a basement if you have it designed in a way that it would be easier to clad or hide. This idea can also be an advantage if in the future you hope to renovate your basement again.

- Use the right materials for your basement. It pays to know what attributes to the condition in a basement. For example, since a basement's floor can have a lot of moisture, consider using tiles. Not only is it practical, it prevents accidents from slippery floors. Moisture in tiles is easy to mop off.

- Lastly, try not to see your basement as a basement. Most household owners see their basement as a last priority in their list. If you can do away with this attitude, you have a good chance to save cost of finishing a basement. Some households have beautiful and functional basements because they never treat it as one. A basement is basically just a room under your house. Therefore it is a room that you can use. And while you have this thought, consider having a basement design that you don't have to spend so much on.

Actually, the last tip is the best tip. There are a lot of ways to use your basement for. You can use it as a mini-bar, a small gym, a guest room, or what have you. In areas where light cannot penetrate deeply, some people use it as a theatre area. The cost of finishing a basement is not really that costly. It's just another extra room in the house. So while you're still saving for this new house, include another room in your budget.

Do you need an estimation of the cost of finishing a basement? Consult the experts for your basement remodeling idea from start to finish.

Do It Yourself Home Help

Home Remodeling Trends - Concrete Kitchen Countertops

The popularity of concrete kitchen countertops is on the rise, relegating granite and other more common kitchen surfaces to design has-beens. There is no other kitchen surface material as unique and customizable as concrete. Unlimited by color, size and shape, concrete kitchen countertops provide freedom of design, artistic potential and architectural versatility.

Featured in high end homes and restaurants, concrete surfaces appeal to the consumer looking for a one-of-a-kind product. Concrete is the most unique and personal countertop option because it is handcrafted for each client.

Unlike granite, a concrete kitchen countertop is built on site to create a seamless and monolithic surface. This enables the fabricator to work within each kitchen's unique design idiosyncrasies. The fabrication process takes from one to two weeks from start to finish with the end result being a beautiful, custom, handmade and individual product.

Concrete kitchen surfaces exhibit subtle variations in color and texture, which most people feel, contribute to its beauty. Each slab is hand cast so none will be identical. The color options are unlimited, so each concrete surface can be made to enhance the overall design and color scheme of the kitchen.

The two finishes available are the hard trowelled look and the ground look. The hard trowelled look has variations in the finish caused by the trowelling process while the ground look is achieved by grinding the trowelled surface to expose the aggregate.

Concrete kitchen countertops are giving granite a run for its money as the premiere kitchen surface material. From old world elegance to modern sophistication, concrete surfaces work with every design inspiration and are the most luxurious kitchen countertop choice available.

Joy Brown is the owner of Artisan Concrete, Ltd., a decorative concrete company specializing in the348 creation of concrete countertops, floors and elements.

If you found this article on decorative concrete informative and would like to learn more, please visit http://www.artisanconcreteltd.com to receive a FREE consultation or call Joy directly at 719-207-0486.

Home Buying Problems

Bathroom Remodeling Information and Ideas

When homeowners decide to do home improvement, they think the bathroom. This is the place where one can get away from all the stresses in life. By redesigning your bathroom cabinets, sinks, bath tubs or even the floor, you can turn your bathroom into a newly designed retreat where relaxation and unwinding is the ultimate experience.

The bathroom is the most used room in the house so it should seem that it is the most remodeled room. After a certain periodEA1 of time owning a home, the bathroom becomes the most boring even if nothing has been done since you moved in. Most likely your bathroom is the standard white sink, white tub, and white toilet. Now there are many bathroom renovations ideas to choose from such as a spa bath, fog free mirrors, a warming bathroom floor to name a few. Install a new shower faucet with an anti-scald pressure regulator - remove the scenario where someone flushes the toilet and out comes scalding water from your shower faucet.

Replace crumbling tile in the shower stall with a maintenance free shower surround. Grab bars in the shower, new water-saver toilet and/or a new whirlpool tub. You can go from a small bathroom remodeling design project to a major bathroom renovation. The size of the project will depend on the size of your budget and the amount of inconvenience you want to have. Remodeling a bathroom can be expensive. The average cost of a full renovation of a bathroom when hiring a contractor is about the same as the cost of a small car. By doing part or all of the remodeling work yourself, you can save thousands of dollars. While making a decision about bathroom remodeling, remember that in most recent years homeowners were able to recoup approximately 85% of their costs upon sale of their home. This recovery is when a professional remodels the bathroom.

Some professionals consider small projects consisting of replacing the tub with a new tub or a shower unit. If this is what you are considering for your bathroom, you will need to include the flooring in your plans. Most new tubs or shower units will not cover where the old flooring conformed to the old tub. This work will involve removing fixtures (toilet, etc.) which will cause labor costs to rise. A project like this is okay but most homeowners usually consider a medium to large remodeling project for the bathroom. For these projects you want to plan very carefully so you will be happy with what you end up with after the project is completed. You will want to make sure that you have extra facilities to use while the remodeling is in progress.

Your plans should include the fixture placement, i.e. do you keep the old layout or create a new one? What type of lighting do you want? Do you want task lighting at every functional area or general lighting throughout the bathroom? Do you want a bathroom heating system to keep you warm when you get out of the shower (i.e. floor warming system)? Do you want greenery or how about a HiFi television for your bathroom? Fog free mirrors? No more waiting for steam to clear before you can see yourself! Plan carefully and within your budget! When the project is completed, enjoy the new room you designed for you and your family!

K Hoyng is the web master and operator of http://www.quickcash2u.com which is a good source of information for remodeling and much more information. Visit this site at http://www.quickcash2u.com/BathroomRemodeling.html

Wood Repair

Living Green Your Home

In modern times, many of us have taken a step back and examined the way we've been living. How much gas do we consume? Are we wasting water? Our health has risen in our concern lately, too. The impact of poor food choices and living with too much work and not enough exercise has sapped us of energy and left our bodies tired.

So, some of us have made a change. We've traded in gas guzzling SUVs for fuel efficient hybrids. Maybe you've even started carpooling. You water your yard only every other day to keep from wasting water, especially during the summer heat. You've left fast foods with the calories and cholesterol problems they present behind and gone green and gourmet.

Today you're exercising, eating right and feeling proud about all you're doing to keep yourself and the earth healthier. But do you realize that your home might be more damaging than your car ever was?

Wasted Resources

There are many areas in a home that cause waste. A dripping fauc5A4et or toilet that runs can waste gallons of water a day - more than you probably use watering the lawn. Leaving on the lights wastes electricity. This not only impacts your electric bill, but has an upstream cost as well. However that electricity is being produced, more of the natural resource involved is consumed.

Another area that many simply don't think of as being damaging is home improvements. As home owners, there are constantly small things we do around the house to make the home more appealing and more comfortable. For example, one extremely popular choice today is to change the flooring in various rooms.

There are many flooring options available, but almost all have more impact than you might think. Carpets are often created from synthetic materials which are produced in the same manufacturing units we criticize for pollution. Hardwood flooring is beautiful but causes the destruction of hardwood trees - some of which take over one hundred years to grow to full maturity. The hardwood flooring also uses chemicals and adhesives that are damaging to the atmosphere.

Even tile can cause harm. Stone must be harvested from the earth, sometimes brutally, and the same is true for many tile materials. There is one flooring option, other than bare dirt, that has the environment in mind. Bamboo flooring is similar in appearance to hardwoods, but ecofriendly.

Green Flooring

5B1Bamboo flooring is created in planks, much like hardwood, but bamboo is not the same as a large hardwood tree. Bamboo is actually a weed. Not only that, but it is a fast growing weed. Farmers in Asia have been battling bamboo for years as it threatens to retake valuable farmlands, and have been burning the pieces they cut down.

Of course burning bonfires of anything is unhealthy for the atmosphere, so fortunately there is another use. Bamboo flooring is created using these weeds. The flooring is beautiful and very durable - perhaps more so than traditional hardwoods. You're living green, isn't time your home reflected your sense of pride as well?

Discover a wide variety of green flooring options at http://www.bambooflooring.biz

Skylights

Team Building & Multiple Intelligences

Team building and multiple intelligences, to many people, have as much similarity as a company dinner and an i.q. test. if you are new to multiple intelligence, the following is a brief explanation:

The Theory of Multiple Intelligences

The Theory of Multiple Intelligences surfaced in 1983 when Dr. Howard Gardners renowned book titled, Frames of Mind: The Theory of Multiple Intelligences was published. Within the next 10 years, educators world wide embraced the theory as a basis to identify talents in the children they work with.

Before that, most people perceived people to be intelligent if they score high in an I.Q. test or other psychometric tests, or are good with logical thinking, mathematical, musical and perhaps, linguistic skills. In his book, which has been described to have caused paradigm shifts, Dr. Gardner identified 7 distinct types of intelligence:

1. Linguistic Intelligence

The talent to learn and use languages, it includes the ability to effectively use language to express oneself rhetorically or poetically, using language as a primary means to remember things. Poets, writers and translators are people with high linguistic intelligence.

2. Logical-Mathematical Intelligence

The capacity to analyse problems logically, performs mathematical operations, and scientifically investigate issues. Scientists and mathematicians are some examples of people with high logical-mathematical intelligence.

3. Musical Intelligence

Skills in the performing arts, composition, and appreciation of music. It also includes the capacity to recognize and compose musical pitches, tones, and rhythms. Examples of people with high musical intelligence are: musicians, composers and singers.

4. Bodily-Kinesthetic Intelligence

The use of one's whole body or parts of the body to solve problems. It is the ability to use mental abilities to coordinate bodily movements. Some examples of people with high bodily-kinesthetic intelligence are carpenters, seamstresses and chefs.

5. Spatial Intelligence

The potential to recognize and use the patterns of wide space and more confined areas. Designers and architects are people with high spatial intelligence.

6. Interpersonal Intelligence

The capacity to understand the intentions, motivations and desires of other people. People with well developed interpersonal intelligence tend to work effectively with others. Some examples are educators, religious and political leaders and salespeople.

7. Intra-personal

The capacity to understand oneself, to appreciate one's feelings, fears and motivations. People with high intra-personal intelligence have a good idea of what they want to do in life, what they can and cannot do and when to get help. Some examples are high achievers and entrepreneurs.

Brief History of team building

No one can be sure how the term team building was formed or when team building first started. The term team building is probably the combination of the words team and building, which means building a team. team building could have started as early as the 1930s, when Professor Elton Mayos research in The Hawthorne Experiments (1927 to 1932) concluded that the need for recognition, security and sense of belonging has a greater effect on workers' morale and productivity than other working conditions.

Today, team building can mean different things to different organisations. To some it may simply mean building cohesion among participants, while to others it may mean improving communication and sharing of information between departments.

So How Does Multiple Intelligence Help team building?

Multiple intelligence has been widely applied to children, particularly in the early detection of talents and gifts in children. So does the theory of multiple intelligence still hold true among adults? Are we able to apply the theory to adults? We began to ask these questions a few years ago when we were helping clients with their team building exercises.

Over the years, we have successfully conducted team building sessions for many corporations, using multiple intelligence in our games, to bring out strengths of different people in different situations, creating an environment to promote mutual respect, understanding and patience with adult participants.

Organisation may define team building in different ways, yet one very basic reason for team building is to get the participants to acknowledge the importance of teamwork and appreciate that people are different.

Dr. Sandy E. Kulkin, founder of Institute for The Motivational Living, Inc, USA (the worlds largest publisher of DISC personality profiling system) once said, People are different, but they are predictably different. Dr. Sandy is an expert in human behaviour and he develops courses, trains and certifies professional trainers in behavioural analysis for personal and business settings. He is a firm believer that in order for us to be better able to work with one another, we need to understand why people behave in the way they do and how they look at things differently from us.

Thus in our view, if we can help participants realise that people are different and see these differences as strengths in the other person, we will be able to help them learn to celebrate the differences, thereby creating mutual respect.

Understanding multiple intelligence helps broaden our perspectives of the people around us. In the context of team building, it uncovers the types of intelligence fellow team mates possess, which may never surface within the office setting. This brings about better understanding among the participants.

Exposing participants to multiple intelligence during team building also creates an environment in which participants share their knowledge in the type of intelligence that they possess with their fellow colleagues; it helps participants to be patient with one another as they take turns to learn from one another.

It can also be a humbling experience when we realise that there are other types of intelligence which may not be well developed in us. Introducing multiple intelligence during team building can also help participants become conscious that if we work as a team, we will be well-equipped to tackle different issues and problems as people who are more developed in different areas of intelligence tend to look at different aspects of an issue. These people will also be better at solving different challenges that the team face.

Here are some of Dr. Howard Gardner's books on Multiple Intelligence:

The Arts and Human Development (1973)
Art, Mind, and Brain: A Cognitive Approach to Creativity (1982)
Frames of Mind: The Theory of Multiple Intelligence (1983)
The Unschooled Mind: How Children Think and How Schools Should Teach (1991)
Multiple Intelligences: The Theory in Practice (1993)
Changing the World: A Framework for the Study of Creativity(1994)
Intelligence: Multiple Perspectives (1996)
Intelligence Reframed - Multiple Intelligences for the 21st Century (1999)

The article was contributed by Alvin Quah, a certified behavioral analyst(in business consulting perspectives), who is registered with the Institute for The Motivational Living, Inc, USA. He can be contacted through the website: Team Building Singapore

Using Steel For A Stair Handrail

List Building and Organic Choice

What if you were able to develop a much more efficient and targeted email marketing campaign based on your approach to list building?

I think its possible and the end result may be a more satisfied group of customers and site visitors and an improved bottom line.

If your website has multiple product lines you may be able to segment your email marketing campaign to reflect the actual interests of your site visitor. The truth is you may be surprised at how this can help you pinpoint areas of interest by your motivated site visitor while minimizing potential inbox clutter for your customers.

Lets say, for the sake of example, you have a company that sells lotions, shampoos and conditioners. You could work to develop list-building techniques using a broad range appeal, but for a more focused approach to email marketing you can develop a separate list service for each broad category.

In this case you may have one list for shampoos, another for lotions and a third for conditioners. It may be that you have site visitors who have an interest in all three, but there will also be some that are interested in one specific product line. You have the ability to keep them happier by developing a means of alerting them to sales and product information related specifically to a product line of their choosing.

If, hypothetically, the product line is shampoos then you provide an opt in link that allows the site visitor to sign up for information about shampoos only.

This list building procedure allows you to better grow your email-marketing list in an organized, yet laser focused manner.

This may seem like more work than you may want to do, but the truth is this gives you greater control and flexibility in satisfying the informational needs of those on your list.

By targeting your online list building efforts you are letting your customers know you are aware of the value of their time and are willing to do what it takes to ensure they are only contacted when there are sales, coupon code offers or new information about the product line they chose.

You can use phrasing like, Click to be alerted to special sales of this product.

Some visitors may want to be included in every list you have available, but for those who may have limited interest in most products, but large interest in a particular product, a more focused approach could help you retain these individuals as consumers of your product line.

In list building it is appropriate to get specific and stay focused.

Scott Lindsay is a web developer and entrepreneur. He is the founder of HighPowerSites and many other web projects. Get your own website online in just 5 minutes with HighPowerSites.com at: http://www.highpowersites.com Start your own ebook business with BooksWealth at: http://www.bookswealth.com

Front Home Stucco Planter

Building Customer Loyalty

The following tips can apply to virtually any profession or industry. If you think that these are self-evident, then I challenge you to take a personal assessment. Print this page and keep the list on your desk for one week. Place a checkmark next to each item when you conduct an activity that fulfills one of these objectives. Can you check all of these items in one week? Are you actively practicing the commitment that you desire from your customers?

If you want loyalty, you have to give it

Makes a list of your most important customers or clients. For your general customers or clients, demonstrate your commitment in general terms and especially when they need you. For the most important customers, demonstrate your commitment and let them know how much you appreciate them. Sometimes loyalty takes sacrifice.

Communicate

Building a lasting relationship requires communication. Communication means listening to your customer or client, as well as conveying your own message. One sided communication is a speech, mutual communication is a conversation. Communicate when things are going well and when there are problems. When things are going as expected, bring it to their attention. When there are problems, provide the scope of the challenge and your solutions, preferably before the customer even knows that the problems exists. This builds credibility, confidence and trust.

Understand Your Customer's Goals

The products or services that you provide are only meaningful in the context of your customer's objectives. What you do is intended achieve financial or strategic objectives, or fulfill a need. Understand and communicate your value from the perspective of the customer. Be aware of changes that may affect the customer requirements and your perceived value so you can adjust accordingly.

Be Consistent

One of the best ways to manage expectations is to be consistent. Be consistent with your quality, your responsiveness and delivery of goods or services. Establish a routine schedule for communication with your most important customers, so you can call "just to talk" and check the pulse of the relationship.

Build Credibility

There are two easy ways to build credibility. First, do what you say you are going to do. If you leave a message to call back or make a commitment for follow-up, then call when you said you would call. Even if you do not have all the answers, call when you commit to call back. The second way to build credibility is to take time to get the best answer. Sometimes you may not know the best response to a situation or request. Ask for time to research and come back with the most accurate answer or information that you can obtain. Taking time for accuracy can be far more beneficial to your customer than a quickly but incorrect reply.

Cracker Jack Surprise

Give your customers something more than expected. Don't tell them in advance, just do something to demonstrate your appreciation. It can be as simple as a greeting card, email or small token to show your appreciation. Loyalty is a relationship, and it should be nurtured as you would care for a friend. Do not take it for granted.

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Words of Wisdom

"An ounce of loyalty is worth a pound of cleverness." - Elbert Hubbard

"Unless commitment is made, there are only promises and hopes... but no plans." - Peter Drucker

"The quality of a person's life is in direct proportion to their commitment to excellence, regardless of their chosen field of endeavor." - Vince Lombardi

______________________________________________________

About the Author:

John Mehrmann is a freelance writer and President of Executive Blueprints Inc., an organization devoted to improving business practices and developing human capital. http://www.ExecutiveBlueprints.com provides resource materials for trainers, sample Case Studies, educational articles and references to local affiliates for consulting and executive coaching.

http://www.InstituteforAdvancedLeadership.com provides self-paced tutorials for personal development and tools for trainers. Presentation materials, reference guides and exercises are available for continuous development.

You may distribute this article freely, print it, sell it, or include it as part of a package as long as it is intact, unchanged and delivered in the original format with acknowledgement to Executive Blueprints Inc.

Solar Energy Use In Home Design

5 Fantastic Ideas For Kids' Birthday Cake

The most vital birthday cake idea for your kid is choosing a party cake concept that will fit with the party theme he or she likes to have. For starters, have a sheet cake that is simply topped and decorated all over with your kids' most beloved figures or toys.

You need not settle for the standard circular, rectangular or square cake. You can hide any small disasters in the cake form you produced by piecing it together to form something totally unique. You can shape it up like your kid's favorite animal, cartoon character or action figure.

Some example of fantastic kids' birthday cake ideas:

1. Construction birthday party cake

Is your child a lover of construction vehicles and motor vehicles then this cake idea will be a big hit. You can top it with several tiny toys shaped like bulldozers and dump trucks shoving mountains of chocolate chips or candies. You can also have the cake itself to look like a frosted dump truck loaded with candies and chocolates.

2. Train birthday party cake

Your kid cannot go over with anything connected with trains? Then it would be terrific idea to present him with a birthday cake topped with a miniature train with candy trimmings and running on tracks made of licorice. You can also make a big enough train made from several frosted and brightly colored loaf cakes. Line up these loaf cakes to form train cars. Adorn with candies and chocolate bars for windows.

3. Luau party cake

Is your kid a lover of all things Hawaiian? Then you can present her with a totally luau kid birthday cake made of a simple sheet or round cake festooned with silk flowers for leis. You can also have several cupcakes decorated with frosted flowers and stringed together with long brightly colored marshmallows or licorice. The product would appear like a "cupcake lei."

4. Doll birthday cake

As a base, bake your cake placed in a glass bowl that's oven safe or a special 3D pan shaped like a sports ball. This will make your cake turn out a perfectly round ball shape. You can top it up with your kids' favorite doll.

5. A fabulous castle cake is also a spectacular idea of a kid's birthday cake fit for a princess.

To learn more birthday cake ideas, visit http://www.birthdaycakeideas101.com

Log Home Designs

Green Home Remodeling

Americans are now spending up to 160 billion each year on remodeling their homes and businesses. A fraction of this money has been focused on what is known as "green construction". Green construction or remodeling is using energy saving, recycled products, and is experiencing nothing less than a renaissance or rebirth. You can help restore a significant portion of the world's ecosystems by using "green construction". Such a practice can also help create a healthier indoor environment for your family.

Green remodeling is simple, but many homeowners interested in green building and remodeling have no idea what it involves and are therefore confused and intimidated. They think it consists not only of excessive expenses, but difficulty in getting the appropriate green products. Some also have misconceptions about the aesthetics of a green house. Some concern themselves about the misconception that they will appear to be living like hippies of the 1970's. But it is merely a process through which you can redefine the way you live, a clean slate on which you can express your visions, dreams, and principles. The process offers a vehicle through which you can manifest and integrate your core values into your sacred space.

The hardest part for a homeowner is deciding just how "green" they want their rooms or homes to be. When it comes to green remodeling, you don't have to do everything green, but anything you do will help. Are you updating an antiquated home? Have you outlived the functionality of your current design? Are you adding more space because of a change in lifestyle? Are you simply tired of your interiors and want something new?

The most important thing to remember is to pick and choose among the many options; design features and green building products that will best serve your interests. If you are purchasing new materials you can choose organic, low-impact, and healthy products such as bamboo flooring, natural fiber carpeting, natural plasters, low VOC paints and stains, as well as non-synthetic, natural furnishings and accessories, such as bedding, linens, and cleaning products.

You can use products made with high levels of salvaged (natural stone, lumber), recycled (fly ash in concrete), or agricultural byproducts (wheatboard and linoleum) content. These types of products reduce resource demand and help keep waste out of landfills. Choose products that are durable and low-maintenance; these are desirable because they need to be refinished and replaced less often, they save you money and save energy.

Try to use products that are locally or regionally produced. Local products support the local economy and may have lower levels of embodied energy, meaning that they require less energy and fewer resources during the production process (including the acquisition of primary material, manufacturing and handling), and especially in transportation.

There is no such thing as a right or wrong set of products. Building green is a thinking process, not a contest to see how many green things you as a homeowner can incorporate into your home. Do what you can within your budget and motivation.

As for the cost of taking on green remodeling, some green building elements may cost more, but many eventually will cost less. You will benefit from their use in energy saving costs for a long time to come, therefore making them a savings to you over the years to come. When it is part of the initial process of setting goals for the project, it becomes matter-of-fact. Many have found that the real cost is in the learning curve, not in the actual implementation of the building process.

The outward and even interior appearances of most green buildings don't look any different than other conventional buildings. The majority of green element differences can be seen only as improved energy efficiency and air quality, which are all built within the structure of the home.

Most recycled products look the same as their conventional counterparts. Most materials have a high recycled content and are non-toxic. Some examples include: recycled red oak and bamboo floors (both consist of water base finish), recycled tile floors, recycled exterior doors, and natural plaster with integrated color. Paint manufacturers are now offering paints low in volatile organic compounds (VOCs) at typically less than .00 per gallon. For kitchens, you can also find Silestone countertops (which has a high recycled content and is anti-microbial), and you can even find formaldehyde-free cabinets.

Recycling as much material as possible from an existing house demolition and incorporating it into your remodeling project will also save you money. Green products are now becoming increasingly affordable as major manufacturers compete and develop new lines to meet the green-building demand.

You can help restore a significant portion of the world's ecosystems by using "green construction". Just think about changing the world - one room at a time.

About The Author:
Emerson Lockwood write on topics related to remodeling, Home Improvement and Home Financing. You can see more of his home remodeling articles at the Super Home Ideas website: http://www.SuperHomeIdeas.com

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