Hiring an Architect

If your dream home project has been in your head for a long time and now you are ready to move on it, the first thing you have to do is find an architect or designer who will put the plans together.Many have a difficult time finding the right person and knowing how to approach them.This process can be easier than you think if you prepare yourself with the right information.

Before going out to interview potential architect/designers, prepare yourself with the following information.This will allow you to better communicate the direction you want the designer to take.

• Size, Appearance and Function
  What square footage are you looking for?Indicate the style of design you prefer such as, Victorian, contemporary, ranch style or territorial.What will be the function of the space you are going to create?Do you entertain a lot?Does your life style call for a formal dining room?Do you need customized space like a hobby room or computer/media room?Do you have art pieces that need room to display?


• Your Budget
  Much of the design parameters will be governed by how much money you are planning to spend.Keep in mind that kitchens and bathrooms are considerably more expensive than other rooms.High-end fixtures, flooring and counter tops are also budget busters for many.Try to give the architect a range of costs you feel would be acceptable and within your means.It is useless to have a project design that is beyond your ability to fund the building costs.


• Materials
  Be ready to explain your preferences in building materials.Some people want to use a lot of stone and brick. Others cannot live without wood flooring.Think about what materials you want in your surroundings and be ready to relate that information to whoever you are interviewing.


• Time Frame
  When do you want to start and when do you expect the work to be finished?You need to know how quickly the design work can start and any time constraints you might have driven by business obligations, children's school year or vacation plans.

Armed with this information, you will be able to answer questions posed to you and provide answers that will be needed for the architect to suggest a good design andrealistic fees for the work.Be mindful that you will be spending a considerable amount of time with this person, so be sure they are easy to talk to and have an understanding of your needs and dreams.

Before committing to anyone in your selection process, be sure to ask the following questions:

How long have you been in business?

• Does your fee include job visits?If so, how many?


• Is your firm fully insured?


• How many people do you employ?


• Do you have a valid license?


• Do you use consultants?Who are they and how are they paid?


• Can you provide me with references?


• May I see some projects you have completed similar to mine?


• What do you estimate the costs of my project to be?

With these answers you will now be comfortable and confident with who ever you choose to do the design work.

After 30 years experience in custom home building, Bill Trimble is offering valuable information for the owner-builder as well as those proceeding with a licensed contractor. Information can be found in his book Screw It! I'll Be My Own Contractor. Go to http://www.maricopapublishing.com

The Beauty of Cedar Deck Railing

The Importance of Good Railings For Your Home

Stair railings are a necessary component of stairs that lead either to the upper or lower level of your home. This is the legal description of stair railings. They are, however, more than just that in your home. They offer protection from family members and guests accidentally falling off the stairs as well as being very complimentary to the overall dcor of your home. Cedar deck railing is very popular for outdoor decks while wood or vinyls are both used inside the home.

If you're building or remodeling your home, you'll be amazed when you see the many different designs, styles and materials there are available for railings for deck stairs and staircases inside the home. The style you choose will depend on your personal taste and preference. There are simple and plain designs for a casual or country design, while artistic and elegant designs can be used for a real touch of style and class. Long staircases have always been popular in homes and continue to be popular. With the ever-popular decks being built all the time, you'll want to take the time to decide which style of railing you want on your deck. Although a little more costly than most woods, cedar deck railing always looks great, especially with proper treatment. The most important thing when choosing deck railing is to use a material that can withstand the elements of weather, which can be very hard on certain materials.

Building Safe Railings

Besides as home dcor, the main reason for stair railings is to prevent people from falling off the stairs and injuring themselves. Make sure the handrail and baluster are both sturdy enough to withstand the amount of weight that they'll encounter. Another safety factor is the space between the balusters, which should not be more than 4 inches. Certain laws are in effect regarding stairways and railings. Any size larger than 4 inches may cause a problem with a small child slipping through or being stuck and being injured.

Materials For Stair Railings

Many different materials can be used for building your stair railings including wood, vinyl, composites and metal. Aluminum railings can have different finishes such as powder coated, brushed silky look or brightly polished. They all look great and are a matter of personal preference. Wrought iron, brass, bronze or cast iron are all used to make metallic railings, which are also popular. Many people choose to mix and match materials. For instance, they'll use wood on the floor and vinyl cap rails on cedar deck railings. The most important thing to remember is to use the materials that will last the longest and withstand the most perils like weather, rotting or insects.

Adam Peters is the author of many resources on stair railings related topics published at http://www.deck-porch-railings.com - Read additional info on wood railings or cedar deck railing

Famous Interior Designers Series - Jean Royere

One of the all-time greatest French designers, Jean Royere succeeded in establishing his individuality by creating and implementing unique designs for interior space. Born in 1902 in France, Jean Royere had started showing his skills as an interior decorator at the age of 29, shortly after resigning from a trading firm. He then began to work with Pierre Gouffe in 1931. From there, he rose to fame with his unique unconventional approach to interior design. Jean found immediate success in 1934 when he designed the new layout of the Brasserie Carlton on the Champs Elysees.

In all his designs Jean Royere employed traditional artisan techniques and often his designs are personal and innovative, though unimaginative. He had opened his own gallery in 1942 at 184, Rue du Faubourg-Saint-Honore for the purpose of exhibiting his collections. He later opened branch offices in Cairo, Beirut, Peru and Iran in 1946, 1947, 1953 and 1958 respectively. His works in the Middle East helped him earn large commissions which also gave him the opportunity to work with the royalty and the heads of various states. Royere's royal patrons included King Farouk of Egypt, King Hussein of Jordan and the Shah of Iran, all of whom where impressed by his creations and hence entrusted Jean with the interior design of their palaces.

Jean Royere had different innovative interior furniture design concepts in his mind and his products often combine bright colours, organic forms and precious materials. Some of his commercial works include the Sheet Stool, designed using ebonized wood and goat-fur upholstery, the Bar cart in brass and ebonized wood, and the adjustable floor lamp designed in 1956. He had his initial designs of chairs with perforated metal backs and seats, for the Exposition Internationale des Arts et Techniques in 1937 and these had served as the precursors of his related future designs.

Jean's works are often being exhibited at various exhibitions and art galleries. Some of the unusual works of Jean which were exhibited in the Sonnabend Gallery in New York included the rare 'Flaque' low table, the 'Ours Polaire' sofa, the 'Starlette' bed, a 'visiteur du soir' model settee, and a huge collection of lighting fixtures such as the 'Persian', the 'Eiffel Tower' and the 'Mushroom'.

Following decoration and furnishing for the French delegation in Helsinki in 1951, he also found time to undertake and complete interior decoration for residences of his family members, spread across Saint-Tropez, Auray, Marly and the Baleric Islands. Leaving Paris in 1980, Jean spent his final years in the United States. Before leaving for US, Jean donated his entire collection of archives to the Museum of the Decorative Arts of Paris. Royere died in 1981 in US, after enjoying a flourishing career from 1931 to 1970.

Now more than ever interior decorating and design is available to the masses. Home Staging Consultants in Manchester are available in the north of the UK to help you sell your home more effectively. To achieve a stunningly original living space Interior Architects in Leeds offer a professional service.

Construction Cleanup Contractors

Working a construction job is a lot of work, with a lot of materials coming to and from the job. Metal pipes, nails, rebar, cuttings from two by fours, and worse all accumulate at a construction site. Getting them cleaned up is the job of a Construction Cleanup Contractor.

It used to be that you could clean up a construction site by showing up with a pickup truck and drive everything to the landfill. In today's more environmentally conscious age, that's no longer an easily attainable option. Construction cleanup contractors are well versed in the environmental, recycling and disposal requirements of construction materials in their jurisdiction.

In particular, a number of construction materials need special disposal. Copper pipe, and anything with lead in it (such as solder) need to be carefully policed to avoid contaminating any groundwater near the area. Likewise, fiberglass stocks (in particular, fiberglass insulation) and treated and tempered glass need special disposal permits to meet with environmental regulations. Your construction cleanup contractor will know how to do this.

A well run construction site has several phases of a project, from laying the foundation, all the way to finishing the interior walls. At each phase of the construction process are waste materials that need to be removed and placed off site for recycling or disposal. A construction cleanup contractor will help you with this critical part of the job, including improving your worksite safety and reducing the environmental impact of your construction job.

If you're considering becoming a construction cleanup contractor, the definitive book on the market to help you get started is Construction Cleanup: A Guide to an Exciting & Profitable Cleaning Specialty (Paperback), by Don Aslett. It's available from Amazon, and goes into great depth, covering what to clean, how to clean it, what stages of a project require which items of cleaning equipment, where to find construction cleanup jobs, how to bid on them, and over 16 pages of checklists for each phase of a construction job, so that when you do it, you leave no stone unturned, and turn your customers into repeat customers. Aslett is also the author of the Cleaning Encyclopedia, which is an alphabetical listing of how to clean just about anything - from industrial spills to getting cat urine out of carpet; in the final phases of a construction cleanup contractor's job, you'll want to know how to get the smells of paint and the like out of a job site, and the Cleaning Encyclopedia will help considerably.

In conclusion, whether you're building a home, or are looking to be a contractor constructing homes, knowing the phone number of a good construction cleanup contractor is an important part of managing any large project. Even better, if you're looking for a job with lifetime earning potential and the ability to be your own boss, working as a contractor, becoming a construction cleanup contractor is a pretty lucrative business to get into.

For more options on construction cleanup visit http://constructionfactsrus.com/

Provide Protection For Your Entrance With a Porch Enclosure

A porch enclosure is usually an enclosure built around the main entrance of the home to protect it from the elements of weather. It usually has one or two entrances and a square or curved top. Quite often such an enclosure is built between two offsets on the front of the house, but it can also be a bay extending out from the house. The size of the enclosed porch depends on how you plan to use it. You will need to have a larger porch if you want to place chairs there so you can enjoy the outdoor scenery without having to go outdoors.

Generally an enclosed porch is a fabricated unit made of glass panels. The doors are specially made to fit in the aluminum rails. There are many different designs in shapes and sizes of these on the market and you can have one custom designed to meet your needs.

Some of the benefits of using such an enclosure for a porch include:

* keeping snow and ice away from the direct entrance to your home, which will in turn keep moisture from seeping in
* preventing water from leaking in through the door in times of heavy rain
* added security for the home
* serving as a buffer that prevents heat from escaping during the winter
* offering ventilation during the summer

When you have an enclosure around the entrance, you can have a wooden door instead of having to opt for a steel door. If you do have a steel door, the protection of such a porch will ease your concerns about the warranty on the door. The addition of a porch will add a touch of class to the home and increase its resale value.

It is not hard to install such an enclosure after you have the exterior of the home complete. The glass panels are designed so that they fasten together to form a wall and the doors are mounted to this base. Some of the enclosures also have the ability to adjust to uneven walls and floors so that nothing will look out of place.

For more information on porch railings, screened porches and related topics, visit AboutPorches.com

How Garage Remodeling Will Fix Your Storage Problems

Garage remodeling is probably the quickest way to add much needed space to your home. If youre considering any sort of home repair this may just be the one that should be first on your list. If youre not using your garage for an area to park your car, then expanding the living space of your home can be quite easily achieved by making this change. As well, youll feel like your home and life are much more organized when you stop storing everything in this area.

If youre thinking of adding a studio, a home office, or a workshop to your home, then of course you need to look no further than the garage. You can even use this area as a home gym, or as an extra living room designated for special events or entertainment purposes. But, dont think that this means that you cannot still store things in this area, or even that you have to sacrifice your parking area. It all really depends on how you go about with your remodeling plans and what your household wants and needs might be.

Since a lot of garages are attached to the house, they can benefit from the exact comfort as the home, which include heating and cooling, phone wiring, as well as plumbing. Youll just need a little imagination, a set budget and a plan.

If you worry that by remodeling your garage, youre losing too much precious storage area, have no fear because you can always build a small storage space behind your garage which can be used to house your tools, sporting equipment, and other items.

Furthermore, when you remodel your garage you should think about adding an addition above your garage. You can add a room for work space and even for living space above the existing garage, which will give you more space as well as increase the your homes value without making major changes to your floor plan.

Do you feel the need to remodel your garage but dont know exactly what you need or want? Then you should consider the following ideas.

How about transforming your garage into a laundry room if youve been performing your laundry duties in the basement. By building a laundry in your garage youll do away with the need to go trounce up and down the stairs a million times a day.

Are you a musician, or just want to be one? A music studio can be a superb choice for your remodeling plans if you or your kids show some talent in this direction. After all, where do you think all of those garage bands got their start? Youll want to consider soundproofing your garage walls so as to avoid your neighbors complaints.

Heres an idea! Change it into a gym. If youve got equipment but you dont have enough space to use it in the house, simply move it into the garage where youll have plenty of space for your daily workouts and. An added benefit is that you wont be bothered by anyone. However you choose to use your new space, hopefully youll enjoy it.

The columnist Leroy Calstard is very excited about issues related to woodworking workbench. His observations on garage workbench can be discovered on http://www.insidewoodworking.com in addition to other websites.

Where You Can Find Porch Ideas?

Porch ideas can come from anywhere. With the many online sites offering pictures and information about porches, you can easily get an idea for building a porch or remodeling your existing porch. Home improvement magazines are also another source you can use in your search. While there may be many different kinds of porches that catch your eye, you have to really look into each one of them to make sure that the design will complement that of the exterior of your home. You also have to ensure that you have the required amount of space to use one of these ideas.

One of the main thing that will determine which of the many ideas you have for building a porch is the amount of money you have available for such a project. It is a good idea to purchase all your materials first so that you have everything you need. There is nothing worse than thinking you have enough materials only to find that you run out halfway through the project and have to wait until you can afford it to buy the rest of what you need. This will make your home look unsightly during the waiting period.

You also have to make sure that the ideas for porches that you really like are practical for the area in which you live. Some porches are well suited for windy areas, whereas others are not. If you live on the coast and het frequent high winds and rain, then a porch that consists mainly of glass may not be a good idea unless it is an enclosure between two offsets on your home.

The purpose for which you want to use the porch will also affect your ideas. If you want this to be a space where you can sit and enjoy the sunshine, then you may want to look for an open design. If you want to have it as a protection for the entrance to your home, you may want to consider having closet space inside so that it serves as a mudroom.

For more information onfront porch designs, different types of porches and related topics, visit AboutPorches.com

If it Doesn't Make Sense to Sell it Might Be a Good Idea to Remodel

Money. It is becoming the most commonly used word in today's economy. How much? Can I afford it? What is the wisest use of the dollars I have? All words being used around the kitchen table as American citizens are struggling to cope with the failures of every facet of the finances that control our economy. As we see our tax dollars being gobbled up for bailing out those who did not use financial prudence or responsibility as CEO's on Wall Street, the banking industry, and the automobile companies, protecting what little money or investments we have is the average citizen's main concern.

Homeowner's are in a special quandary. Their homes are usually the largest investment that they own. The uncertainty of the housing market combined with the banking industry's lack of moving forward to use their bail out money to make loans available leaves homeowners with precious few choices. Many are opting for renovating their existing homes rather than trying to sell; thereby accomplishing two things: living in a home better suited for their needs while waiting for the housing market to stabilize and/or once again becoming a seller's market. Others are left with the option of either renovating in order to compete with the millions of homes for sale or lose most or all of their equity and simply selling for the best price they can get.

A quick look at several of HGTV's most popular renovation gives us the right answer. It is always worthwhile to upgrade your largest investment: your home. These shows also give a proper perspective on how much to spend where in order to get your money back when you do decide to sell. Any renovation, large or small, that adds value to your selling price can be accomplished with the right guidance from a reputable builder who will keep you on track of doing what must be done at a cost that will give you a profit, sometimes even double the amount you spent, when you sell.

To get the biggest bang for your buck, upgraded kitchens and bathrooms are first on the list. Functional and luxurious kitchens and bathrooms steal the show and, just like first impressions coloring what follows behind, the homeowner who wisely spends his money in these areas is certain to get a huge return on every dollar spent. Flooring and curb appeal are number two and three to grab the buyer's attention. Cosmetic changes, like paint and wallpaper; even knocking out a wall to make a room larger also add to the first impression eye appeal so necessary to entice a buyer to purchase your particular home.

However, first things first. Decide what you need to renovate and the budget you can afford. Then do your research and find a reputable builder in your area. The Internet can help you search and narrow down your choices. Your most important key to look for is to make certain the builder is insured and certified. Second, look for a builder with longevity. Any builder who has been in business for 10, 20 even 30 years tells you that they intend to stay in business; and, had happy clients along the way. Another key sign of a quality builder is the fact that they have a website that you can peruse as long and as often as you choose before you ever make contact. This allows you to compare other contractors and make a judgment of whom you want to call. A quality home builder will have a website easy for you to navigate while giving you the information you need to make your decision.

In northern Florida, Davis & Associates Builders Inc owned and operated by Fred Davis, offers quality built homes and renovations at either a guaranteed price or a cost plus basis. Free Estimates available for Contracting needs, please feel free to contact us 24/7 JaxBuild.com

Are You Looking For Eco-Friendly Bathroom Remodeling Ideas?

Creating Eco-Friendly Bathroom Designs Are Easier Than You Might Think!

Are you looking for some great bathroom remodeling ideas that are eco-friendly? If so, you will be happy to know that there are many options for you to explore that will allow you to have a bathroom that looks great while also reducing your carbon footprint.

Here are a few of the secrets that bathroom re-modelers use when exploring eco-friendly bathroom designs.

Considering the Furniture

When creating an eco-friendly bathroom design, you should be certain to give thought to the furniture you will include in your space. This includes items such as...

* Bathroom Cabinetry
* Vanity Units
* Bath Panels and Shelving

You can make these items more eco-friendly by choosing those that are made from materials such as sustainable timber, wheat board and bamboo. In fact, bamboo is an excellent material to use in bathrooms because it holds well against moisture and humidity.

In addition to considering the material used to make the bathroom furniture, you should also take a closer look at the sealants and finishes used on the pieces. Ideally, your bathroom furniture should be made with natural, water-based ingredients such as plant oil or other materials that do not contain chemical additives.

Picking the Right Lighting

When it comes to bathroom designs, achieving the right lighting is critical. After all, most people use mirrors in their bathrooms to help them while shaving, putting on makeup and styling their hair. Therefore, you want to have the best light possible to make yourself look good when you get ready to start the day.

By keeping a few eco-friendly bathroom remodeling ideas in mind, you can get great lighting while also lowering your impact on the earth.

Finding ways to let natural daylight into your bathroom is one of the best ways to get great lighting, while reducing your need to use electricity. So, wherever possible, add skylights or solar tubes to your bathroom in order to allow more light to come in.

With the help of bathroom designer software, you can play around with different natural lighting options and come up with a design that works best for you. Where lighting is necessary, choose fluorescent bulbs rather than traditional bulbs. Not only will this help the environment, it will also help you save on your energy bill!

Decorating Your Bathroom

As you explore bathroom remodeling ideas, don't forget about the little things that you add to your space in order to give it character. Soft items such as towels and bathrobes serve a function while also helping to pull together bathroom dcor. Even these items are available in eco-friendly designs. Look for those that are made with...

* Bamboo
* Certified Organic Cotton
* Hemp

You should also look for items that are unbleached and have been dyed with vegetable colorings rather than chemical additives.

Of course, you should also look for water-efficient showerheads, faucets and toilets to save on the amount of water you consume. Just remember to include these items as you create your bathroom designs and you will surely be thrilled with the results!

James Mahoney is the owner of two sites on home design, Bathroom Designers Ideas.com and Kitchen Designers Ideas.com. He has written many articles on both bathroom and kitchen design. Learn about bathroom design ideas and trends by visiting his site at http://www.BathroomDesignersIdeas.com

Sheer Curtains

To highlight big windows and soften the sun's rays, a sheer curtain is your best option. Sheers have been used for many years. Besides their practical use, sheers will also add character to your room.

This lightweight curtain can be used alone or with another heavier fabric. The usage depends on the amount of sunlight you want to let into the room, for instance, if you want a warm room with lots of sunlight flooding in, you would use only the sheer curtain. If you decided to go only with sheer, you could make them three times the width of your window. The gathers will give you your privacy.

You could also get a little creative and leave the top part of your window open. You will still have your privacy but at the same time, the sunlight entering from the top of the window will brighten up your room dramatically.

Sheer curtains are the perfect choice if you have indoor plants, especially orchids. This curtain will protect your plants from the sun's rays yet give them enough sunlight to keep them alive.

Sheers are cheap to buy and relatively easy to maintain. Most of them are made of synthetic materials and unless otherwise stated, you can wash them just as you would wash lace curtains.

If your sheers are dirty, soak them overnight (not more than 12 hours) in warm soap water with a couple of spoonfuls of borax or ammonia. After this, rinse them thoroughly to get rid of the soap and hang them out to dry. If you have organdy sheers don not wash them at home. They are very delicate and detergents will harm them. You will have to dry-clean them.

Curtains provides detailed information about curtains, window curtains, kitchen curtains, beaded curtains and more. Curtains is the sister site of Candle Chandeliers.

What Types of Doors Can Be Availed From the Market?

If you want to perfect the beginning as well as the end of your home improvement project, you need to focus on each and every installation. Choosing what suits your requirements is what you must keep in your mind while starting your home improvement projects. Among the few important factors that play an important role in a home improvement project, doors are what can either enhance or destroy the look of your house. Many of us are not aware of the types of doors and the qualities upon which these types are differentiated. We need to know all about it if we want to precede with efficient home improvement projects.

You can select the types of doors that sound good to your taste and most of the available door's types can also be customized. For example, if you need a panel door, which consists of wood panels, stiles and rails panels, you can either get a solid wood panel door, plywood panel door or a panel door made up of glass. However, you won't find all such types of doors for everywhere in the market unless you are savvy of such details. You can also ask the manufacturer for your requirements. Besides just panel doors, solid core doors, hollow mental insulated doors, hollow core wood door, stable doors, trap doors French doors can also be customized to set your requirements.

Therefore, if you are interested in exploring different types of doors that are not only feasible enough to provide your required facilities but also give your home a fine classy look. You must always perform a detailed research in the market before buying any types of doors. Pay visit to different door shops, collect ideas and order your desired type of doors. Qualities of all these types of doors, however, differ with money but you can be able to select the best out of the most by using your expertise.

For more details on door types and their qualities, visit http://www.theyarelocal.com/articles/home_improvement_tips/doors/index.php

Are Bathroom in Basement Remodels For You?

Are you thinking about expanding your home, but out of space on your main floors? If that's the case, it might be time to do something about your unfinished basement area. A small office, a guest room, a personal gym, or even an entertainment room might do the trick, but if you want to spend time down there, there's something else you'll need. A basement bathroom will keep you from having to run up and down stairs all the time, and it'll also add value to your home. End lines at the bathroom door by performing a bathroom in basement remodel.

There are a few things to keep in mind before you get that renovation started, however. You'll need a project plan with your intended schedule, budget, cost estimates, and work you want done. Keep this updated throughout the process of building your basement bathroom in order to get the best and most predictable results. Start by looking for ideas on your basement bathroom remodel. Home improvement stores, online articles and sites, and magazines are all a good place to start when you decide what you want your finished basement to look like. Think about color, lighting, space set up, and more. The better your plan is, the more likely you are to end up with a bathroom you love.

You'll also need to think about ceiling height, available space, moisture in the basement, basement temperature, and stability of the basement itself. Windows and lighting will be important if you don't want your bathroom in basement remodel to end up like a cave. You'll also have to consider ventilation to keep air moving in the house. An enclosed bathroom with no air movement could end up seeming musty and unpleasant. Remember to decide early on if you want a full or a half bath.

If you're thinking about doing the work yourself, you'll need to know a few things. Most people need basic carpentry and wiring skills to put up walls and get light fixtures working. You'll also have to have a good amount of plumbing experience if you plan on installing the toilet, sink, and tub or shower on your own. However, you don't have to do everything on your own. Calling a professional in for part or all of the work on your bathroom in basement remodel is a smart idea if you're not one yourself.

It may be a good idea to call a professional plumber for the piping, if you don't have the experience and knowledge to do it yourself. In some cases, you may also need to have a pro oversee or sign off on work that you've done yourself. That way, you'll be legal and up to local code. If you know how to frame, wire, and hang drywall (choose moisture resistant board for basements), but aren't sure about plumbing, calling a pro might be the best method you can use. It'll certainly save you some frustration and effort in the long run. Your bathroom in basement remodel can be a real success. All you have to do is have a good plan.

Thomas Johnsen is the Author and Leading Expert on Bathrooms in Basements and the creator of the publication Bathroom in Basement 101. Visit the site now to find the easy-to-understand step-by-step guides on basement bathroom construction available online today.

Be Your Own General Contractor - A Good Choice For You?

We speak with many homeowners building their own homes who would like to save money by becoming their own general contractor. While it may be possible to save between 10% - 20% of project costs, it's important to take into account all of the responsibilities and the enormous investment of time. Think of being your own general contractor as being the president of your company. You will be required to to help. Home Project Managers cost less than a general contractor and can help you through parts of the project where you feel inexperienced.

Be available when needed and be on the job site as required, for an undetermined amount of time every day

Have more than an average understanding of general construction and home building

Set a construction schedule and meet strict deadlines

Juggle multiple tasks

Manage groups of people with different schedules and communication skills

Effectively work with the subcontractors

Check and sign off on the work performed by each subcontractor

Ensure that the crew is following safety procedures

Be able to solve problems that arise

Handle any schedule or material delays

Manage the financial aspects of the project, including budgeting, purchasing, and paying subcontractors.

As you can imagine, it's a big responsibility, and if not done correctly, it can cost you more time and money than if you had hired a professional general contractor to oversee your project. General contractors have established relationships with subcontractors and material suppliers, giving them leverage that the average homeowner does not. Also, in some cases, being your own general contractor can make it difficult to find financing, as lenders want to be assured the work is being done by qualified professionals.

Having such an enormous part in building your new home and being your own general contractor can certainly be a rewarding experience. If you want to be fully involved in building your home but are unsure whether you have what it takes, you might consider hiring a Home Project Manager

No doubt, the decision to be your own general contractor is a complex one. Know what is involved before undertaking such a big project and make the best decision for you.

About the Author: Jeremy Bonin, a principal partner of Bonin Architects & Associates (http://www.boninarchitects.com), is an award-winning green architect and the author of TIMBER FRAMES: Designing Your Custom Home. With a special interest in sustainable design and green homes, structural insulated panels (SIPs), as well as timber frame construction, Jeremy incorporates renewable energy practices where possible, including geo-thermal, solar, radiant heat, and energy-efficient foundation systems.

Glass Block Shower Sizes For Design and Installation Success

Understanding how to develop the right size shower base and shower walls with glass blocks does not need to be some mysterious process. If you'll follow the steps in this article you'll have an easy to clean, structurally sound, and unique shower you can enjoy in your home or commercial property for years to come.

Step 1) What type of glass block shower do you want?

There are basically two types of showers you can use - a shower without a door, and a shower with a door. Here's an overview of where to use both:

A) Showers without a door (walk in and roll in showers) - Door-less showers have become hot in bathroom design over the last 5 years. The two most popular types of these showers are walk in and roll in showers. The biggest advantage of walk in showers is you can eliminate the cost of the shower door and having to bend over to clean around the door's framing system. The roll in shower also does not have a door, but also eliminates the curb around the base that someone has to step over to get into the shower. This makes the shower much more accessible to those with special needs. The roll in shower base is gradually sloped in towards the drain. The biggest disadvantages of the doorless showers is their bases (or platforms) need to be sized larger.

B) Showers with a door (neo angle or corner showers) - Most showers have doors to prevent water from splashing out. A popular type of shower enclosure is a neo angle variety that is placed in the corner of a bathroom to conserve space. The advantage of a shower enclosure system with a door is that it can fit into tighter spaces (these showers can be as small as 32" or 36").

Step 2) What type of glass block shower base do you want? How do you size this base and design it out at your project site?

There are two generic types of shower bases available for block - (1) the preformed base and (2) the custom concrete base.

The preformed base is created and sized before it is brought to the job site and can be made out of acrylic, cultured marble, or other solid surface materials. It is generally thought to cost less than a custom base, which is often true, but not always. The biggest advantage of these types of systems is they are built as one solid unit to minimize the concern about water leakage through the base. The biggest disadvantage is their size cannot be adjusted at the job site. Pittsburgh Corning makes an acrylic right or left hand entry walk in glass block shower base measuring 72" x 51", a Neo Angle shower measuring 51" x 51", a Square corner shower measuring 48" x 48" and even an acrylic shower base 60" x 32" that can be used to convert a small existing tub space into a new contemporary shower!

The custom concrete or mud set pan base is sized at the new home, remodeling, or commercial building site. Since glass block cannot be cut like tile, you'll need to use layout cards that correspond to the size of the block units to make sure the custom base you'll make will match up with the specific block sizes for your design. Most of the layout cards are approximately 4" wide (3 7/8" is the exact size) to accommodate for the most common thickness of block used for showers. The other base thickness is 3 1/8" wide, although design options with this thickness series are more limited.

Step 3) Choosing the right sizes, shapes, and colors to make your glass block shower cool and unique.

There are a wide selection of block sizes, patterns, shapes, colors and even artistically designed murals available for your shower. Here's a brief overview of your options:

o Sizes and thicknesses of glass blocks for showers - Glass masonry units are made is both metric and American sizes. Most of the blocks available in the United States are American sized. The American sized blocks are available in 4" x 8", 6" x 6", 6" x 8", 8" x 8", and 12" x 12". Specialty shapes can help you turn corners, make 45 degree neo angle showers, create rounded or radius walls if you're looking to make a walk in or roll in shower, or finish off the end of the shower wall with a smooth bullnose look. The blocks have nominal sizes meaning the actual size of the block units is " smaller allowing for a mortar joint to adhere the block to one another (an 8" x 8" block actually measures 7 " x 7 "). The blocks for showers are 3" and 4" thick. Thinner block (3 1/8") are more cost effective, but shower design options are much more limited in this thickness of block.

o Patterns, designs and colored glass blocks - Blocks come in a multitude of patterns providing different levels of privacy, style, and design options. The block are now available in standard and custom colors, tints, and artistically decorated murals to match any interior design style. Check out a comprehensive block web site to see the possibilities.

Step 4) How tall should you make your glass block shower? What do you need to do to make it structurally sound? Most block showers are built on a curb (with the exception of the roll in shower) which is 4" to 5" in height. Since many shower heads are placed 84" above the finished floor consider building your glass block wall 80" tall (this will make the size of your glass block wall + the size of your base equal to the height of your shower head). To make the glass shower walls structurally sound they should be tied into side walls with anchors every third coursing of block (usually this is every 24").

Step 5) Don't worry about any of the first 4 steps and call a glass block shower supplier and installation professional - If you really don't want to figure out what size, shape, and shower base is best call a block specialty company who offers design, supply and installation services. This type of company will usually come to your home or business (without a charge), measure your shower space, figure out the possible types of bases and showers for you, and install it with a guarantee.

Mike Foti is President of Columbus Glass Block, Cleveland Glass Block and Mid America Glass Block of Cincinnati, Dayton, and Akron and Vice President Eastern Glass Block of New Jersey and New York. These companies are nationwide suppliers, glass block shower designers, and installation contractors of glass block windows, showers, walls, and specialty colored glass blocks. Mike can be reached at the following:

Tel. 614-252-5888 Nationwide 877-668-5888

mfotigb@aol.com

http://www.columbusglassblock.com/products-showers.aspx - glass block shower bases & systems

http://www.columbusglassblock.com/learning-center.aspx#LC5 - installing glass block shower walls