Many homes can have the potential to contain materials made with asbestos. Many wonder if their home is at risk. Generally, homes that are older will have a much greater risk of having asbestos in them than newer homes.
Many fireplaces that run on gas need accessories such as artificial ashes and embers. Both of these items can sometimes contain asbestos.

Wood burning stoves require special walls and floors be installed surrounding them. This is to reduce the risk of fire from occurring. Asbestos was a special fibre in that it was impossible to light on fire. Therefore, many walls and floors built around wood burning stoves used materials having asbestos in them. This would include asbestos paper, millboard and cement sheets. Furnaces that burn either oil or coal may have insulation made from asbestos.

From 1930 to 1950, many homes had insulation installed that was made with asbestos fibres. Many kinds of attic and wall insulation contain asbestos. Some floor coverings may also contain asbestos. These are primarily vinyl tiles. Asbestos was also used in the coating applied to the back of the vinyl tiles that helped them adhere to the floor.

If you suspect that your home may contain asbestos, it is important not to panic. The best action you can take is to leave the suspected material alone provided it remains in good condition. If the material is in good condition, it will not release any asbestos. This makes it important to regularly inspect these suspected materials for damage. Visually inspect the material but do not handle it. Damage signs would include abrasions, tears or water damage. If damage is suspected, limit access of anyone to this area of the home.

Consult with professionals who can come in and advice you on what to do. Never attempt to remove the asbestos material on your own. This could cost you your life one day.
If you have suffered from mesothelioma because of working with asbestos you may wish to talk to a professional about mesothelioma compensation, and what you need to do moving forward.

A home improvement loan offers a means of improving and enhancing your home. Whether you plan to live in the same home for many years or want to sell it in only a few years obtaining a home improvement loan can make this possible. This type of loan will not only make your house look more aesthetically pleasing but it will also add to the value of it.  Think of it like this, the investment will pay for itself in terms of appearance, appeal and property value. It is a win-win situation for every homeowner.

How to Get a Home Improvement Loan

Now that you know what a home improvement loan is the next thing you will want to know is how to go about getting one. Let us look at that now.

Option 1:

The first option and the one that probably comes to mind first is to visit the financial institution you deal with and apply for. Before you do this you must do an assessment of the work that would need to be done and then you would need to request that amount of money. Often known as a home improvement mortgage refinance, if you do this then you would refinance your mortgage at a fixed rate. You would then pay off your mortgage and the extra money could be used to renovate your residence. In most cases the repayment schedule would be either in the range of 20 to 30 years or else would be for the term of the mortgage.

Option 2:

Another option is to take out a home equity loan. In this instance you would be borrowing against the equity that you already have in your home. You would then receive a lump sum of money to make improvements to your house. If you get the loan at a fixed rate then it will be easier to repay. The downside to this is that if you do not make your payments as expected then you run the risk of losing your house.

Home Improvement Loans – What to Think About

When it comes to applying for a home improvement loan there are certain pieces of information that you must be aware of:

•  Your Credit Rating Matters

The first thing you need to bear in mind before you apply for a loan to improve the look of your home is that the interest rate will be dependent upon whatever your credit rating is. The better your rate the more competitive the interest rate will you be able to get. On the other hand if you have had credit problems in the past and are a credit challenged individual then the interest rate you will be charged will be higher.

• Competition for Loans

The good news is that because home improvement loans have increased in popularity the competition between financial institutions to get business from customers looking for these types of loans has led to more options for prospective borrowers.  There are numerous online lending services that have joined the throng of brick and mortar banks and credit unions which makes it easier and easier for those looking for approval for a home improvement loan to receive it.

Home improvement loans are not the same as mortgages and you do not have to go to the same lender to apply for one. If you own a piece of property and you are over a specific stipulated age limit then you qualify to apply for such a loan. Visit as many different financial institutions as you like or as you feel you need to.

•  Shop Around for the Loan

Shopping around can take time but it is well worth it in terms of money saved. Find out what your bank has to offer for a home improvement loan.  Keeping that quote in mind go across the street or down the street to find out what another financial institution has to offer you. Get a few quotes and then compare them. To know how much the loan is going to cost you it helps to get a few quotes and then have a source of comparison.

If you wish to buy a house that needs a great deal of repairs (in other words, a fixer-upper) and you do not have the funds at your disposal to do so then you can find yourself caught in a real conundrum. Your financial institution is not going to be very eager to extend home improvement loans to you until all of the work is done but on the other hand the work cannot be done until you are able to buy the house. This is a catch-22 that is bound to aggravate even the most peaceful and patient soul!

The solution to your problem is HUD’s 203(k) Rehabilitation Program. Under this program you are able to buy or refinance a house and included in the mortgage is the cost required to make repairs and/or do upgrades to the property. This FHA insured 203(k) loan can be obtained through approved mortgage lenders throughout the country. It is open to be to those wishing to become homeowners who plan to reside at the property in question.

To be eligible for the 203(k) loan the owner/occupant is required to put down a down payment of roughly 3.5 percent of the acquisition and expected repair expenses for the dwelling.

What to Do

The steps involved in securing a 203(k) loan are as follows:

• Find a home in need of repair that you wish to purchase and then set up a sales contract after a feasibility analysis of the property has been completed with a real estate agent. The contract that is drawn up will be contingent on the approval of the loan and based upon the required improvements that need to be made and are deemed as such by the mortgage lender and/or the FHA.
• The potential home-buyer then needs to choose an FHA-approved 203(k) lender. From there arrangements must be made for a detailed proposal to be drawn up of the required work that needs to be done. The proposal must include a cost estimate for each repair that is required to be made.
•  An appraisal is then completed. It is done to determine how much the property will be valued at following the repairs and renovation work.
• The borrower is required to pass the credit worthiness test of the lender’s. If he or she passes the test then the finance loan will close at the price needed to purchase or refinance the property as well as to repair it. The loan amount will also include a contingency reserve of 10 to 20 percent of the total for the remodeling expenses. This reserve is in place to cover any additional work that may need to take place that was not included in the initial proposal.
• At the closing of the sale the seller of the property receives his or her money and the funds that are left over are placed into an escrow account to pay for all of the repairs that the fixer-upper needs to be inhabitable.
• Once the loan has closed the mortgage payments begin to be due and the remodeling phase can then get underway. The homeowner can make the decision to have up to a maximum of six mortgage payments (PITI) put into the cost of rehabilitating the property if he or she does not plan to reside there while the construction is underway. However it cannot exceed the anticipated time span that it takes to complete the repair project.
• The funds held in escrow are released to the homeowner during the remodeling/repair phase by way of a series of draw requests for work that has been done. To ensure that every stage of the project has been completed properly 10 percent of each draw is held back. The money is given out once the borrower lets the lender know that the work is finished. The lender then must ensure that there are no liens on the property. Once that is done then everything can proceed from there.

If you are interested in the 203(k) Rehabilitation Program then check the 203(k) Lenders List to find a lender in your community. It can be found on the web. Please note that the interest rate as well as the discount points on the loan is something that can be negotiated between the borrower and the lender. They are not written in stone as there is room for discussion.

Hunter Douglas has become a household name for all your home decorating needs, but this is especially true of window blinds.  They are the number one window blinds manufacturer in the United States, and with good reason.

The company has been around for more than 60 years and is the leader in custom made window treatments.  In 1985, Hunter Douglas engineered a honeycomb style shade that was energy efficient and the first of its kind.  While this may have been what was needed to launch them into the popularity they enjoy today, this idea of being ahead of the times has continued.  Even now they use their patented honeycomb shade to produce one of the most energy efficient window blinds on the market.

Hunter Douglas window blinds are designed to be much more than simply stylish.  They provide variable light control and the ability to control your privacy.  Their blinds are unrivaled in blocking out the heat, cold and unwanted sun from your home.  These window blinds also have the added bonus of being available nearly anywhere window shades are sold.  You don’t even need to go to a store, you can do all your shopping right online if you wish.

One of the nicest things is the expertise you get when working with Hunter Douglas.  Whether you are searching online or at a store, there is no need to spend all day hunting and searching for exactly what you need.  You will be able to sort right to what your looking for and work on your custom order from there.  And now only can you get your custom made Hunter Douglas window blinds, you can decorate and coordinate the rest of your home as well.  With any style, model or color you could possibly imagine at your disposal, your options are truly limitless.

But how do you know you are getting genuine Hunter Douglas window blinds?  Unfortunately we do live in a world with unscrupulous people, who are looking to pocket some quick cash.  There have been cases of unsuspecting customers thinking they found the deal of a lifetime on genuine Hunter Douglas only to discover later they were cheap knock offs.  If at all possible go to a Hunter Douglas Gallery store, they will have the best discounts anyway.  If there isn’t a gallery store in your area, look up the company you wish to buy from on the Hunter Douglas website.

They have a list of all stores that buy and sell their product.  Finally, when the blinds are being installed, check the bottom of them for a small Hunter Douglas label. You should also be given a Hunter Douglas certificate after the installation.  All these things will ensure that you get the quality product you deserve.

There are a lot of reasons that homeowners love to use stone for kitchen countertops. There are a lot of advantages to having stone as your counter choice. Whether your counter is a single slab or individual tiles, you can be sure that every piece of your counter will be 100% unique.

Be sure to take time and choose the kind of stone countertop that works best for you. Luckily most kinds of stone are very low maintenance but some require a bit of special care. There are also a variety of different looks to choose from like high-gloss, matte, or polished. This article will discuss some of the advantages and variables when it comes to choosing a stone countertop.

Granite is largely considered to be the most durable type of natural stone. The only harder stone known to man is the diamond, and that is not feasible for use as a countertop. Granite does not chip, crack, scratch, warp, and it can easily withstand heat.

However, you still need to be cautious because granite countertops have been known to break dishes that are set down too hard. This kind of stone is available in a variety of colors and a durable polish but the stone is porous so it needs to be resealed once a year.

Soapstone is another popular choice for kitchen countertops. It is made up mineral talc, which means that it is very easy to maintain. Soapstone will withstand acids and any stains can be sanded out of the stone. The stone is not perfect in its look, but is still very beautiful. If you want a greater shine, many homeowners report success with mineral oil.

Probably the most well known natural stone countertop is marble. Marble has long been the standard in upscale homes and all bakers’ kitchens since it is the top choice for rolling out dough. Marble is very porous, much more so than granite, so you need to reseal it frequently or the stone will stain. If it also not as hard as other stone choices so using it in large sections is not a very good idea.

Slate has often been used for roof and floors but is often overlooked for counters. Its dark gray, green, and purple tones are very lovely for any room. It is very durable and most scratches and stains can be rubbed away with a damp cloth, or buffed out with steel wool. Mineral oil can be used to bring out the color and shine.

Quartz is a very uncommon but unique choice for a kitchen countertop. Although some will call it an engineered stone it is made of natural quartz that is then mixed with epoxy resin binders. This makes for a very durable and hard surface.  If it not absorbent so it will not stain easily.

Usually you can simply wipe away any potentially staining material and this is all the maintenance that is required.

Sometimes DIY home improvement projects can be overwhelming and it may be necessary top cal in reinforcements. If you are planning to start a home remodeling project that is structural and/or aesthetic then you might want to consider hiring a home remodeling contractor. When it comes to choosing a home remodeling contractor it is important that you do careful research to select the one that is most appropriate for your needs.

Choosing a home remodeling contractor should always include checking references and making sure that he is a member of a business association. Look for a contractor whom you can easily communicate with and one who will be able to do the project within a price range that you can afford.

As a general rule of thumb, always speak to at least three remodeling contractors to find out what their separate bids are. Explain to each one what you want to do. Be honest and realistic about your expectations for the project and encourage them to be the same with you regarding the price for the project and the amount of time it will take to complete it from start to finish. Do not use price only as the determining factor for which contractor you choose. Remember that other factors are equally as important.

Take the time to find out if a remodeling contractor you are considering is a member of either the National Association of the Remodeling Industry (NARI) or a member of the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB). Both of these associations are committed to professionalism and excellence and are made up of remodeling contractors, product manufacturers and other relevant specialists in the industry.

Those who join the NARI must become certified and are expected to complete a number of certification classes and examinations before they can be approved for membership. Once approved, members must abide by a standard code of ethics.

You then need to delve deeper into the remodeling contractor’s business by finding out everything you can about it. Take the time to ensure that the contractor in question runs a valid business. Visit his place of business and make sure that the phone number is in working order. Check with the local government to verify that he is fully licensed.  Also make sure that his license is up-to-date. There is a great deal to think about when choosing a home remodeling contractor so make sure that you cover all of the bases. Do not be satisfied simply to see the contractor’s business card. You must investigate for yourself to verify that everything you have been told is true!

Visit local government sites to  find information about the contractor’s license. It is wise to look up not just the city government but also the country and state as well. You are always better safe than sorry!

Reviewing all of the contractor’s documentation is important as well. Verify that he is insured and has worker’s compensation. It is also essential that the contractor has liability insurance as well as property damage insurance.

Before you proceed any further you should check with any consumer protection agencies in your area as well as the Better Business Bureau to make sure that there are no penalties or fines against the contractor. You should also check for any complaints that have not been dealt with as of yet.

When you meet with the remodeling contractor, explain to him in detail what you want to do with your home. Show him any drawings or plans that can help to better describe the project. Be as detail oriented as possible when you talk with him. Assess the communication between the two of you. Ask yourself if you think you could work with this remodeling contractor or not.

Asking questions is vital to choosing a home remodeling contractor. Some sample questions include:

• What experience do you have working on similar projects?
• Will you work on one project at a time or be doing more than one simultaneously?
• Do you work alone or will you bring a crew with you?
• Will other subcontractors be a part of the overall project?
• What is your operation policy?
• How much time do you anticipate the project will take to complete?
• What licenses and insurances do you have?
• What about certifications and permits?
• How much will the project cost in total?

Checking references when choosing a home remodeling contractor is very wise. Ask for references from previous clients. A remodeling contractor who is hardworking and honest should be happy to supply you with these. Be as thorough as possible.

When it comes to negotiating the contract make sure that all relevant information is included in the contract. Be aware that it is fairly standard practice for a home remodeling contractor to request 10 to 33 percent of the estimated cost in advance. A reputable and trustworthy contractor will have no problem agreeing to the terms that are put in place to protect both parties.

For many home remodel or repair jobs, the result of hard work and money spent is visible. For instance, when a kitchen is remodeled, you would expect to see beautiful new cabinets, countertops, and flooring. For the bathroom, a new bathtub/shower, vanity with sink, fixtures, and light fixture would installed. However, other types of projects still require money and effort but nothing is seen such as with plumbing and wiring.

Another hidden improvement or repair within the home that is often overlooked but actually critical is air quality. Interestingly, studies have been conducted for years and they all show that interior air is actually unhealthier than air outside. Therefore, when it comes time to remodel the home or make changes, air quality is something that should be considered. The good news is that achieving good air quality is not that difficult once you know how.

Obviously, the home should be not only a comfortable place to go after work or school, but a clean and healthy sanctuary as well. Today, more and more families are paying more attention to good diet and exercise so making improvements to the home that includes healthier air quality makes perfect sense. Unfortunately, many air pollutants are odorless and unseen yet they are breathed in, causing people to become sick. Of course some air pollutants are worse than others are as in the case of radon or carbon monoxide, which can be fatal.

For this reason, the first step in improvement indoor air quality would be to purchase a portable air tester. That way, anything dangerous could be ruled out. From there, the focus could be on reducing particulates in the air that should not be inhaled. Many air pollutants are the result of things brought into the home from people but also pets, as well as plants. Think of pet dander as a primary example. If you have cats, dogs, birds, and even some reptiles, the skin sheds microscopic flakes of skin onto carpeting, bed linens, clothing, etc. In addition to being skin irritants, dander can also affect the lungs and eyes.

Then, while plants look beautiful and actually help add oxygen into the air, plants are also a common allergen in the form of pollen. In addition, even if you dust on a regular basis, if the leaves of the plants are not dusted along with furniture, it accumulates. As a person, pet, or even a breeze moves the leaves, the dust falls onto the floor and filters into the air. Again, when breathed in, the lungs can become irritated, leading to coughing, wheezing, and other upper respiratory problems.

Two other common pollutants that diminish indoor air quality include mold and smoking. The bottom line is that regardless of what things are lingering in your home, as a part of your home improvement or repair project, take this time to make changes to improve the air you breathe. If look around, you will find a number of air filtration systems. Depending on your budget and the setup you want, you could go with a permanent system that actually installs with your existing duct work or choose a portable system.

For instance, IQAir is one of the top air filtration systems on the market. This company started out making purification systems for operating rooms and high-tech electronics companies. Now, the company also makes products designed specifically for the home setting. With this, mold spores inside the home would be reduced, pet danger brought under control, and other common air pollutants eliminated.

When choosing home improvements projects for the home, in addition to paying attention to the walls and floors, be sure to look up. Most people overlook the value that ceilings play in the overall appearance of a room and the home as a whole. In fact, making changes to ceilings is actually exciting in that you have so many opportunities and many projects can be done by you.

Let us say that you have a home with a transitional style, one that is a perfect balance of old and new. Now, you want to create something unique in a particular room, some type of project that would stand out while maintaining the integrity of the transitional style. For this, we will use the dining room as a great example although based on the actual material chosen you could enhance ceilings in virtually any room.

Today, you could visit your local home improvement store and in the tile or ceiling area, find a multitude of material options. For instance, you could buy copper or tin squares that could easily be installed to create a new ceiling. In fact, you should look at what Armstrong is now offering. This company has developed one of the easiest yet most elegant ceiling tile systems on the market. Once the entire ceiling is done, the entire room looks rich and sophisticated.

Now, if you had a kitchen or dining room with a Tuscan theme, to complement the oak cabinetry, tile floor, tile countertops, and splashes of bright red, yellow, orange, black found in roosters or flowers, you could choose copper or tin tiles to install. For this, you could to with a simple tile that has an understated look or tiles that have been punched with a specific design or pattern for a little more drama.

Another option is to stucco your ceilings, which looks beautiful in any room. Typically, people will choose stucco to replace outdated ceiling material such as popcorn used in the 1970s. If this is your situation, the most important thing is first to determine if your popcorn ceiling contains asbestos. This cancer-causing material was commonly used in the late 1960s to the mid-1970s in ceilings of this type and what happens is that once the material is disturbed, the small fibers become airborne, breathed in, and then people become very ill and die.

You can contact specialists that would take samples. If the ceiling were proven to contain asbestos, you would have only two options. The first would be to leave it alone and choose a different home improvement project. The second would be to hire a professional who is trained and licensed to remove asbestos material. If the ceiling had asbestos, never try to remove it on your own in that it is truly very dangerous.

Now, if you find that your ceiling has no asbestos, then you would scrape the popcorn material off and using stucco material that would then be applied onto the ceiling in sweeping motions using a trowel. Another great material is wall mud, a material that dries hard, and can then be painted. Regardless, with the transformed ceiling, all the other elements of the room would have a completely different look.

When you begin your search in earnest for window blinds you will eventually get to the point where you need to make a decision on what brand of window blinds you will buy. There are many cheap window blinds that are imported and sold at various retail outlets.

Then you will find several of the major name brands of window blinds to choose from. Obviously Hunter Douglas blinds are a major player in the window blinds and window treatments market. Another well recognized name in window blinds is Levolor blinds.

You may be old enough to remember Levolor blinds commercial spots that promoted the quality and craftsmanship of their product versus the cheap blinds on the market. The advertisements often ended with the consumer lifting up the bottom line to make sure that they were Levolor blinds.

Levolor still makes a very good product and has expanded their product base to include all types, sizes, and colors of window blinds. Finding Levolor blinds is not difficult as most of the major home improvement warehouses like Home Depot and Lowe’s stock them. There are also several online vendors who carry a full line of Levolor blinds.

Recently Levolor blinds have led the way in trying to control energy costs for homeowners. Cellular shades and blinds from Levolor have been proven to save energy costs both in the summer and in the winter. The technology behind cellular shades and blinds is a unique honeycomb construction that acts as an insulator to either cold or warm air and creates a protective barrier against both. He honeycomb construction also protects against ultraviolet rays of the sun.

Again you will find many window blinds manufacturers that try to reproduce the quality and craftsmanship of Levolor blinds. If you are looking for a quality window treatment for your home you could do a lot worse than Levolor blinds. Installing blinds is one of the most inexpensive home improvements you can make and you wont be disappointed in the Levolor brand.

Original clawfoot bathtubs are still found in many older homes, being a feature that people love. This particular type of bathtub was made different from the way tubs are made today and its charming design made it a popular choice. For instance, the clawfoot bathtub from its original era was made from cast iron on which a beautiful porcelain finish was applied. Because authentic clawfoot bathtubs are old, if the top surface were to chip or crack, the iron beneath would show. When choosing repair projects for the home, having a professional restore this type of tub would be an excellent choice.

If you do not yet have a clawfoot bathtub but you want an original for your home, you can avoid paying the high cost of an authentic tub. For starters, avoid buying a clawfoot bathtub in pristine condition. Instead, consider looking at special salvage companies that go into old hotels and Victorian homes to save these wonderful fixtures. By choosing to buy a clawfoot tub this way, you would definitely save money. Unfortunately, this also means ending up with a bathtub that has experienced some type of damage.

Remember, the clawfoot bathtub was most often found in old farmhouses, Cape Cod homes, Victorian homes, and fabulous hotels from the past. However, today people are choosing the clawfoot bathtub over a modern style regardless of the type of home. After all, these bathtubs have character and class that you simply cannot get with any other style. In other words, it is common to find an authentic clawfoot bathtub in a contemporary style home, looking as if it belonged there.

Some people wanting a tub of this type will choose a reproduction piece. With this, the clawfoot bathtub would look like an original but at a much lower price and without the genuine cast iron foundation. If you have decided you want an authentic tub or you have one that needs repair, the best option would be to use the services of a professional.

This person would actually move the clawfoot bathtub to a controlled environment, followed by sandblasting the top porcelain surface completely off. Once removed, only cast iron would show. Then with a special grinding pad, the cast iron would be sanded smooth in preparation for the new porcelain topcoat. Once the cast iron is smooth, new porcelain would be added. In addition, to create color lead free paint would be applied. When dry, the clawfoot bathtub would be buffed to a gorgeous shine, new faucets added, and the tub delivered to your home for pure enjoyment.

Keep in mind that the repair and restoration of a clawfoot bathtub is something you could do but you need to be prepared to take your time so the outcome is perfect. For starters, you would need to rent a sandblasting machine, as well as any other tools and supplies needed for the job. To ensure the repair and restoration is perfect, we suggest you look at a number of reputable videos online, giving you a visual of each step of the process.

If you decide to repair and restore your own clawfoot bathtub, you need to remember one very important thing. When this type of tub was originally made, paint made with lead was used. As we know today, lead is toxic and dangerous. Therefore, make sure to wear protective eyewear, gloves, and a face mask to avoid inhaling the chemicals and fibers during the repair and restoration process.

If you look at homes built in the early 1900s, many have special features that you rarely find in homes built today. For instance, many of the earlier homes have rich and real hardwood floors, unique built-ins, stain glass windows, and glass block windows. These special features give the home a unique character that is hard to beat, even with today’s technologies, materials, and new design options.

Because the charm found in homes from this era are so special, we are starting to see a new trend develop whereby some of the more adventurous builders and DIY home improvements homeowners are now incorporating these very features into newly built homes. While it is exciting to see old, charming elements added to new construction, the price to have a contractor do the work would be high. An alternative would be a do-it-yourself project. If you want something special and unique for your own home, we will show you how to install a glass block window, becoming the envy of family and friends.

Creating a Beautiful Glass Block Window

Although you could create a glass block window in any room of the home, the bathroom is a popular choice. For one thing, this type of window makes it possible to allow filtered sunlight into the room without needing window treatments but while having complete privacy. Of course, in addition to the room’s window, a glass block divider could also be installed between the toilet area and bathtub/shower. With this, a unique element would be added to the room but also, a wall for privacy.

Regardless if you decide to create only the window, the divider, or both, the easiest way to accomplish this is by purchasing preformed panels. These panels have all the glass blocks already in place and connected, which is great but the one downfall is that these readymade windows come in limited sizes. Therefore, if you want to create a different size window other than what you could buy preformed or perhaps your window is an odd size, you could purchase individual glass blocks and create your own.

To design a glass block window using preformed panels, you will need to purchase the panels of glass blocks, wood shims, expanding foam insulation, temporary stock blocks, mortar, and 6d finishing nails, caulk, primer, and paint, if wanted. Along with these supplies, you will also need a utility knife.

To start, the window sash needs to be removed by taking out the parting stops. Along with the sash, any weights, pulleys, or cords would also be removed. In some cases, the interior casing, which is the trim that goes around the window, could stay intact.

Next, tapered wood shims would be placed on the windowsill and from inside the home, set the glass block panels into position.

If you have trouble pushing the panel through the window opening because of the stops or trim from the old window on the outside, simply fasten a few of the temporary stop blocks into place.

Then, the wood shims would be adjusted so they end up at the block assembly level.

Next, place the shims at the sides and top for security while making sure the face of the panel sits flush to the inside edge of the window frame. With this, fitting the trim or wood later in the project would be easier.

To create a seal for the glass block panel, spray expanding foam insulation on the panel, allowing it to dry according to the manufacturer’s recommendation. Once dry, any excess foam would be trimmed off using the utility knife. Now you need to go outside and with the mortar, fill the gap at the bottom between the glass block panel and the windowsill.

This would need to set for about 30 minutes, after which time you would remove the shims. From there, use additional mortar to fill in the gaps where the wood shims had been placed.

For trim around the top and sides of the window on the outside, fill them with cedar 1 stock cut according to size. To secure the new trim, 62 galvanized steel finishing nails would be used. Once that step is done, all the edges where the trim meets the window frame and glass block panel would be caulked.

For the final step, any exposed wood needs to be primed for painting and then painted. In fact, the mortar joints found between the blocks could also be primed and painted, making it appear as if a professional contractor had installed your new glass block window.

A GFCI receptacle is an important piece of electrical equipment because it guards against the concern over getting an electrical shock. These receptacles need to be installed in all areas of a home that receive any level of wetness of dampness.

This would include bathroom, kitchens, basements, garages and laundry rooms. If you have never install a GFCI before it should take you roughly an hour to do so. If you have done it before then it will take you in the range of 30 to 45 minutes to complete from start to finish.

Test your GFCI Receptacles

To ensure that a GFCI is working properly and is offering the protection that it needs to offer it should be tested on a monthly basis. To do this press the TEST button and then the RESET button once a month to ensure that it is operating properly. What you are looking for is to see if the indicator light will go off and then come back on again. If it does not then try to reset the GFCI. If it cannot be reset then you need to replace the entire receptacle.

Tools Required

The tools required to install a GFCI receptacle include:

• Phillips head screwdriver
• Slotted screwdriver
• Wire stripper
•  Voltage Tester

Steps to Take to Do the Installation of your GFCI Receptacle

Here are the steps required to install a GFCI receptacle. Read them over carefully and make sure you understand what is required of you before you tackle each step.

 1.

• Turn off the power.
• To turn off the power do so at the fuse or the circuit breaker.
• Take off the wall plate.
• Use the tester to ensure that the power is off.

 2.

• Remove the outlet found there by carefully removing the mounting screws.
• With a gentle hand pull the switch out of the wall box.
• If you are replacing a GFCI then you need to label the black and white wires that are found on the Line and Load terminals.
• Disconnect the wires.

 3.

• Prepare the wires to connect to the new GFCI by ensuring that they are straight.
• If need be cut the wires to make them straight.
• Remove the insulation in order that ¾ of an inch of the copper conductor is visible.

 4.

• To identify the line wires you must carefully pull them out of the wall box.
• Position the wires in such a way that they are not touching the other wires.
• Turn the power back on.
• Using care touch the black probe to bare copper ground wire or to the metal box.
• If you are installing a GFCI on a circuit that is not grounded then read over the manufacturer’s instructions before proceeding further.
• Touch the red probe to each one of the black wires and do this until you see the tester light up. Please note that it is the black wire that you will need to connect to the Line brass screw terminal.
• Allow the red probe to remain on the black Line hot wire.
• Place the black probe on each one of the white wires and do this until you see the tester light up. Please note that it is the white wire that you must connect to the Line silver screw terminal on the GFCI.
• Turn the power off again.

 5.

• Now you must carefully unscrew the terminal screws on the new GFCI that you are installing until the point at which they resist being turned anymore.
• Connect the black Line hot wire to the brass screw marked line. You do this by inserting the wire as carefully as possible into the Back-wire hole and then you must tighten the terminal screw.
• Now you must connect the white Line neutral wire to the silver screw marked Line. Do this by inserting the wire into the Back-wire hole.
• Tighten the terminal screw.
• If the outlet box features four wires and also a ground then you must connect the second black wire to the brass terminal that is marked Load. You then must connect the second white wire to the silver terminal that is marked Load.
• Now it is time to connect the ground wire to the green ground screw. Do this by inserting the wire into the Back-wire hole. Then tighten the terminal screw.
• If there are multiple ground wires then what you need to do is to carefully connect them together with a copper pigtail. Then secure the wires with a wire nut. Attach the loose end of the green ground screw to the pigtail.

 6.

• To put the GFCI into the wall box again you must show care in bending the wires and from there, you must push the GFCI into the wall box.
• To secure the GFCI and keep it in place tighten the mounting screw.

7.

• Now it is time to cover the GFCI with the wall plate.
• Install the wall plate.
• Turn the power back on and press the RESET button.
• If the GFCI does not reset as it is supposed to then it is possible that the line and load leads could have gotten reversed during the installation process. In this case you should either call in an electrician to evaluate the problem or you should retrace your steps for errors you might have made.

Being able to sit in front of a roaring fire on a cool autumn afternoon or snuggling with someone important on a cold winter night is the essence of a fireplace. If your home has a fireplace and you love being able to use it, but you dread the mess of wood, hate the hassle of storing wood inside, and despise the process of dumping cold ashes, perhaps you should consider converting your wood-burning fireplace to one that runs on gas, on your list of home improvements.

Although this process has been done for many years, logs and cinders now available are so realistic that distinguishing a wood-burning fire from a fire being run on gas is nearly impossible. For masonry and prefabricated fireplaces, using an insert for the conversion would actually enhance your enjoyment of a roaring fire. Along with the insert, the conversion process would require the gas logs, a cast iron or steel heat exchanger, and preferably a fan.

Although you would have a number of possibilities for converting a wood-burning fireplace to one that operates on gas, one option in particular seems to be the most popular. For instance, choosing gas logs that are installed inside a heat exchanger, as well as inserts sealed with glass on the front is an exceptional choice.

In addition, depending on the model most interested in, some gas fireplaces are designed with built-in fans so when a fire is burning, the fan would blow warm air out into the room. As a result, the new gas fireplace is more effective.

There are a vast number of benefits associated with converting a wood-burning fireplace to a gas fireplace. For instance, just imagine being all snuggled up on the couch when you decide you want to light a fire. Instead of getting up, you could simply point a remote control and within seconds, have the perfect fire. In fact, remote control operation would also allow you to control the level of fire and the speed of the fan without ever getting up. In addition, some gas fireplaces are designed with built-in thermostats for added convenience.

Because gas fireplaces are so energy efficient, you could actually burn a fire for less money than you paid before with your wood-burning fireplace. By converting your fireplace, your home would be heated better while the amount billed each month for utilities would decrease. You could even go with a sealed combustion direct vent system, which is designed to heat the home more efficiently than wood, but also cleaner.

With this, you would still have a hot fire but without smoke, which could be essential for anyone in the home with asthma, allergies, or other upper respiratory conditions. In addition, the lingering smoke smell throughout the house and on clothes would be eliminated.

One of the main reasons for converting your wood-burning fireplace to a gas fireplace has to do with safety. Sadly, many people have lost homes from fire as a direct link to burning logs rolling out of the firebox and onto the floor, or popping embers that end up on carpeting. With a gas fireplace, risk of fire is dramatically reduced. However, to ensure your new gas fireplace looks a real burning unit, you could purchase special rocks or material that is placed in the bottom of the firebox. As the fire burns and becomes hot, these rocks and/or material heat up and glow, creating the appearance of real glowing embers.

Remember that the process of converting a fireplace to gas is something you could accomplish on your own. If you decide to make the changes on your own, the only assistance needed would be for a professional to connect the gas line.

Obviously, this step would not be something the novice person should even try. Once your new gas fireplace is complete, as much as 99% of air pollutants associated with a wood-burning fireplace would be eliminated, meaning you can now enjoy a much cleaner and healthier fire.

It would seem that the process of choosing paint colors for your home would be a totally subjective idea. While that is partly true and you will eventually choose a color that you like, other components will factor into your decision, if chosen properly. For example do the colors you’ve selected work well together? Do they blend with your furnishings, carpeting, or window blinds and treatments that you may already have in place? There is more to choosing interior paint colors then it would appear. Let’s begin with the color wheel.

The Color Wheel

Most color wheels arranged colors in a spectrum that is circular in shape. This is an invaluable tool to see what colors work well together. It includes primary colors of course, red blue and yellow, secondary colors green orange and violet, and tertiary colors, red blue, blue red and so on.

Generally speaking secondary colors are made by mixing two primary colors together such as blue and yellow to make ring. In primary colors such as blue and a secondary color such as green can be mixed to make a tertiary color, for example turquoise.

Once you have a color wheel in front of you, you can use it to help you envision certain color combinations. A color scheme may involve neighboring colors that share an underlying hue. The color wheel is a good place to start with your color selection when choosing interior paint colors.

Interior Colors

When choosing interior paint colors, try to avoid choosing just one color. Try to think in terms of picking a color scheme. Take a good look at your furniture, curtains and window treatments, and carpets and determine which colors might best complement them. Make a note of how many colors you think you might be using. For example, will the baseboard be a different color than the color you have chosen for your walls? Generally it is.

Think about where the walls meet the ceiling. Will you install crown molding or some other type of cornice treatment? Additionally, once your color scheme and your colors have been chosen, you’ll need to decide what level of finish or sheen that paint you have decided upon will have.

The choice is generally range from the most shiny, high-gloss and semi-gloss to the dulls which are known as a shell and flat. It is important to note that often your color choices may be affected by the finish in which you choose. Travis generally painted in a semi-gloss or high-gloss, while sailings are almost invariably painted with a flat finish. Most semi-gloss and high-gloss paint colors are durable and easier to clean than the more dull finishes.

Interior Walls

Practically all paint stores will provide color chips of the various paint colors and paint products they sell. While these color chips will give you an idea of what those colors will look like when applied, you will need to do more than look at color chips to get an accurate sense of the colors you have chosen. Paint store professionals can often provide assistance in choosing color schemes once a base color is chosen.

Take advantage of his or her experience to help you with your color selections. Make sure that you have chosen your colors in a variety of different types of light, including natural daylight and artificial light. Professional designers do not often pick from color chips, they more often than not will paint a section of the wall to get an accurate assessment of the color in the room or environment to which it is being applied.

What may look good on a color chip may not look as good on entire room. Remember that the larger the surface area the darker the paint may appear. In this case you simply step back to at three shades for better representation of what the paint will look like and what you envision.

Trim Work

Different styles of molding and trim work around Windows, doors, baseboards, chair rails and cornices provide an opportunity to add additional color to any room. This is where you can become a very creative home remodeler. It is very easy to add a different color that complements the color used in the walls and create a framing effect. A light-colored wall with slightly darker trim accentuates a decorative components in the room.

Ceilings

Very few people walk into a room for the first time and look up. However, choosing a ceiling color is a very important step when choosing interior paint colors. The traditional ceiling color is white with a flat finish. The flat finish will avoid distracting sheen that can distract from the rest of the room. A darker colored ceiling will make the room feel enclosed in small. If you want to present a cozy feel to the room a darker color for the ceiling may be appropriate. However most people choose a lighter color for their ceiling and conversely create an open area fact.

Remember these basic tips when choosing interior paint colors

•    Paint tends to dry darker than it appears on paint chips.
•    Contrasting trim work in molding frames the flat wall surfaces
•    Use furniture and carpeting as tips for selecting paint colors
•    A lighter colored ceiling will make the room appear larger

Maintaining your rain gutters is important to keeping the rest of the house in good repair. If the gutters are not maintained then you will have issues with flooding of a leaky rook, which are much more expensive to repair. The most common gutter problem is a simple clogged gutter. If you don’t have a cover installed leaves and other debris can create a problem and your next issue may become roofing and fascia repair .

To remedy the issue all you need is a ladder, a bucket and a hand trowel. Simply hang the bucket on the ladder and use the trowel to remove all the debris. Once you are done, flush the gutters with a garden hose and make sure that the water is flowing freely. And just to make sure the problem doesn’t reoccur install gutter guards to prevent the debris from returning.

Leaking gutters is another common problem for homeowners. This is normally caused by a hole, cracks or disconnected joint. You will need to thoroughly inspect the length of the gutter that is leaking to determine which is the problem in your particular case.

Holes and cracks are probable the easiest of the fixes. All you need for that is some water resistant glue, cement and aluminum. Make sure the cracks are clean and dry first or the glue will not adhere correctly. Then follow the manufacturer’s instructions to apply the glue.

If you have galvanized metal gutters that are starting to rust, remove any rust with a stiff wire brush before trying to patch it. Once the glue dries add a generous layer of cement. Be sure its cement that is specifically made for galvanized metal.

Finally, before the cement dries measure and cut the aluminum to fit over the hole and press these into the cement. If the joint has become disconnected, clean and dry the two pieces and push them back together. Put a layer of cement around the seam and allow it to dry. This should fix any leaks in your gutter with ease and relatively little work. Once all the cement is dry, be sure to run some water through the area to make sure the problem is completely resolved..

An excellent home improvement project that would create more natural light, improve aesthetics, and even add value if you ever wanted to sell, you should consider a skylight. Based on the type of skylight chosen, as well as the room where you want it installed, a skylight can make a room appear larger or smaller. The exciting thing about skylights is that today, you have far more style options but with improved technology, some of the problems skylights possessed in the 1980s have been corrected.

When shopping for a skylight, the first thing you will realize is that you have three primary types to include fixed, tubular, and ventilation. While all three skylight types bring more natural light into the home, they are also distinct in appearance and functionality. Therefore, you need to consider your specific needs so the right type of skylight would be chosen.

For starters, a fixed skylight is the ideal choice if you have an extra dark room that needs more light. As an example, this particular style would be perfect for an attic, dormer, or any corner room that simply gets little natural light. Because the fixed skylight is so affordable, it remains a popular choice. Typically, this style is made from acrylic so it is strong and durable, but also attractive.

The second type of skylight that you will find is known as tubular. As the newest type being sold, the tubular skylight is designed for smaller rooms in that the skylight itself is smaller than the other two types are. This option comes in 10 and 14-inch sizes, making them ideal for a baby’s nursery, small home office or den, larger walk-in closets, small bathrooms, and even hallways.

The third type of skylight is known as “ventilating.” Most often, this type of skylight is installed in a large bathroom, bedroom, living room, or kitchen. However, because this type of skylight has a ventilation feature, it is highly recommended for the bathroom, and kitchen in that it can handle humidity much better than the other two can. For this, the skylight not only provides natural light but it can also be opened so fresh air can filter into the room. For operating this type of skylight, you have multiple choices to include remote control, motorized hand crank, and temperature sensor.

After considering the right type of skylight, the next step is to consider features. Today’s skylights offer many exciting features that would not have been available years ago. For one thing, you could have the skylight tinted. If you want natural light but somewhat filtered, this would help brighten the room but with a softer look. In addition, having the skylight tinted helps block out UV rays so if you live in a state with extreme heat, this would also help cut down heat, making the skylight installation energy efficient as well.

Another feature would be to choose a skylight made with insulated thermal glass. One of the challenges of most skylights is that during the cold winter, heat escapes. If you choose insulated thermal glass, air loss would be reduced significantly. You could even have blinds or shades added to your new skylight. With this, a remote control would allow you to open and close the blinds/shades at will so during the hottest hours of the day, they could be closed or if you simply want a darker room, the blinds/shades could be adjusted accordingly.

Finally, if you choose a ventilating type of skylight for your bathroom or kitchen, we strongly recommend that you choose to have an insect screen installed. This way, when the skylight was in the open position for outside air to filter inside, small insects would not be able to enter your home.

A bay window is simply defined as three separate windows that are angled toward each other, creating an alcove and an outward projection from the outside of the building. This alcove on the inside of the home can often be used as a window seat and a cozy addition to your home décor.

So when you are thinking of getting bay window blinds it will be important to consider the function of the window in your home. Generally there are two different options when dealing with bay window blinds, to treat the window separately or as one entity.

If you wish to have a lot of light coming in through your bay window blinds then you should consider using something sheer. This will give your home a light and bright feel. Of course if you are concerned about your privacy then this might not be the best option for you.

You can use a very slim tension rod and mount the sheer fabric at the top of each section. They can either be left to hang naturally or you can tie them back with a tie made of the same material. Or you can also use any other type of tieback like rope or ribbon.

Should you be more concerned about privacy with your bay window blinds then you can use regular curtains that are still beautiful. These are installed in precisely the same way as the sheer curtains and can be used with sheer fabrics as well.

If you are using sheer curtains and regular curtains then you simply need to install another tension rod for the sheer fabric. If you are using regular curtains alone then they can be installed at the top of the window and pull the curtains over the curtain rod.

These kinds of bay window blinds can be pulled back with a tie or left to hang free. Or you can tie them back during the day to let in the light and closed to give you some privacy.

Of course you can also use traditional bay window blinds like roman shades or wood blinds. They can be very decorative and very functional at the same time.

You can open them with ease to let in the light and close them just as easily for complete privacy and insulation. You will have to mount each section of blinds separately since they are not as flexible as curtains, which can be adjusted to fit the window as a whole.

There are a vast number of colors, styles, and finishes available to suit any taste and style in bay window blinds.

A very decorative look to your bay window blinds, you can choose to use shutters for each section. You can decide to cover the whole length of the window or just the bottom half of the window. Keep in mind that shutters have to be used for each section of the window individually, but they can also be paired with curtains for the ultimate look in bay window blinds. Any way you choose will keep your bay window private but elegantly treated.

If you took a survey of people from all over the world and asked what the most important thing in their kitchen was, you’d likely get told that it is the kitchen sink. This is because it is so multi-functional. You not only prepare food at the sink but clean it up as well.  It is also a waste receptacle of sorts for liquid and solid food that has the added benefit of being waterproof.

Kitchen and bathroom sinks will differ in size and material. In general kitchen sinks are metal and much larger than any other sink in the house. It needs to be a large sink because of the fact that it has to accommodate large bowls, pans, and pots during and after the preparation of meals.

The sink also has to be able to withstand a large amount of abuse from utensils, dishes, and cookware. Most people know that some kitchen sinks will scratch because of utensils if they are not durable enough. Normally a kitchen sink will be a heavy gauge stainless steel in order to withstand the abuse that kitchen sinks endure every day and makes cleaning easy .

While stainless steel may be normal it is starting to get a lot of competition from porcelain coated cast iron sinks. These are becoming very popular because they have the durability of the cast iron but have a nicer look than metal. This kind of sink is perfect for chic or vintage style kitchens.

Trends in home design have a tendency to change very rapidly. This is leaving a lot of kitchen sink manufacturers scrambling to find new materials to work with for their client’s fickle tastes. Solid plastic kitchen sinks are available and have been for quite some time.

These bond very well with solid countertops and give the look that the entire counter and sink was made out of one piece of material. Granite is becoming more popular for kitchen sinks lately since they are very beautiful to look at. Copper and brass are used less often but work very well since they are durable and corrosion resistant.

One of the benefits of copper is that certain alloys have a natural ability to kill bacteria and viruses after a few minutes of contact. This goes a long way to keeping your family happy and healthy.

When you are looking for kitchen sinks, be sure to pay attention to the depth of the bowl. All sinks will differ in this area and you may need something that is not standard depth for what you plan on using your kitchen for. If you use a lot of large pans and pots, or do a lot of cooking for entertainment, then a sink with more depth will make it easier to clean up after the meal.

If you have a lot of people who use your kitchen then you might try and install two different kitchen sinks. Many are mounted side by side, but this is almost impossible for more than one person to use at a time. If the sinks are in different locations in the room then two people can work independently of each other and be more efficient.

There are two different ways to mount your kitchen sink as well. The most popular is the under the counter method which means the lip of the sink is level with the countertop. An overmount method makes the lip of the sink higher than the surrounding counter, which seems to be making a stand in popularity recently.

Some of the most frustrating and hard to remove stains are rust stains on bathroom fixtures. Yet they are also the most common, just by the sheer nature of the bathroom environment. Rust stains come from iron in the home’s water. Since the only sure fire way to permanently remove iron from the water supply is to install an iron filter.

So chances are, rust will appear in your bathroom at one point or another.Most of the time they will be on the tile surrounding a leaking toilet or bathtub.

The number one thing to never ever do in trying to remove a rust stain is using chlorine bleach.

This will only set the stain and make it impossible to remove later. If the stain is relatively new there are many cleaning compounds that will help. Products that are specifically designed to remove rust are the best.

These can include CLR or Tile & Grout Magic. Other products can be used but be sure to read the label. Make sure it doesn’t contain chlorine bleach and that it is designed for rust stains. Simply pour a tiny amount of the cleaner on the stained area.

Or spray the area lightly, whichever method the cleaner uses. Now wait for approximately five or six minutes, this will allow the cleaner to soak into the stain.

Use a stiff brush to scrub the cleaner into the stain.Don’t use a wire brush since this could scratch any finish on your bathroom fixture or the tile.

The bristles of the brush need to be soft enough to not scratch or scuff the surface, but be stiff enough to be effective for scrubbing.

Using a circular motion usually works best but be sure to cover the entire area. Now soak a sponge in mildly warm water and wipe down the stained area. Rinse the sponge out frequently and continue rinsing until the stained area is completely clean.

Once the surface is dry you can determine if any stain has resisted your efforts. If it has, repeat the steps and it should be cleared up in no time.

If you’ve got a full house and looking to make better use of your basement, you should really think about doing some basement remodeling. Take a little time, invest a little money, and extend a little bit of effort towards remodeling your basement and you can reap the rewards as your family expands and grows. A well-built and designed basement can serve a multitude of purposes for not only your immediate family but for anyone that may visit you as well. And if you are strapped for a little cash, you could even rent it out to someone looking for a place to stay. If you are in the market to redo your basement, you might want to keep reading as there are some things that you should take notice of.

One of the biggest steps in giving your basement a new look is finishing the ceilings, walls and floor. If it’s already framed out and ready, then don’t forget about the color. A good coat of paint can really improve the overall look of your basement. One thing to keep in mind is that basements are naturally dark, so try to stick to lighter or brighter colors.

If you are looking to make your basement a warm and inviting place, there’s a couple things to think about here. Although wood doesn’t do that well in a basement, a wood finish on your walls can really make the place feel like home. Avoid simply painting the floor as that doesn’t do much to warm the place up. Instead, think about using some laminate or carpet tiles, it’ll make not only the place feel a little more liveable, but it’ll keep your feet warmer as well instead of walking on a cold and bare concrete floor.

Waterproofing Is A Necessity

To really add an extra layer of protection, since most all basements are underground, you should apply a waterproofing compound to the walls. If you have any cracks in your walls or floor you need to make sure to fill them and seal them. Never nail your frame directly to the basement wall, this will ensure that you have proper distance and ventilation to keep the basement clean and dry. You do this with furring strips, just make sure that you keep them evenly spaced at about 16 inches apart as most panels come in 4 foot width increments (48 inches). This will allow for proper fastening.

Speaking of furring strips and fastening, you should always use concrete nails if attaching them directly to the wall. If you are attaching them to the frame, you might instead go with some type of adhesive. Some people will use a wood glue when attaching the panels to the frames or strips, but I’d suggest using nails. Just make sure to countersink them in and then fill the tops with a wood putty.

Basements Are Stuffy So Let Them Breathe

If you are installing the basement walls yourself, make sure to leave enough room foor ventilation. Make sure to use a couple ventilators between the concrete wall and the panels. Also, be sure to measure for electrical outlets and cut them in correctly. You don’t want a big mouse hole looking thing sticking out either above or below your actual outlet plate attached on the walls.

Don’t Be Afraid

The basement is one area, if you are looking for just some more room to stretch out, where you can let your creative juices flow. Come up with your own theme. Use paints and colors to match it. If you are a big baseball fan, think about what your favorite stadium or team is and go with it. Decorate and colorize it to your liking. Take note of how much lighting you have in the room overall and see where you could put some accent lights to really catch someones eye.

But most of all, just remember that your overall objective of your basement remodeling project is to make your basement a place where you’d want to be. It should fit your style, your comfort zone, and be a place where you can come and kick off your shoes for a while and relax the way you want to and how you want to.

Nothing in the way of do-it-yourself home improvement projects is as easy as installing a new kitchen remodel with a new sink and kitchen faucet and nothing has as much a dramatic impact on the looks of your kitchen. Kitchens are often the gathering places for family and friends, and it is almost guaranteed that a new kitchen faucet will catch the eye of anyone who enters your kitchen.

Obviously, but first step in installing a new kitchen faucet is deciding on which model you want to install. After choosing from the thousands of kitchen faucets available, you only need a few hand tools and little determination to get your project complete.

The more popular brands of kitchen faucets are Delta , Price Pfister and Danze Kitchen Faucets. All of these brands are recommended. Removing your old kitchen faucet will likely be the hardest part of this entire job.

Old plumbing and corroded hardware can sometimes be difficult. It is best to start new with everything. Turn off the water valves, both hot and cold, and disconnect the water lines from the valves.

This project will likely involve you lying on your back inside your kitchen cabinets so make sure you wearing some old clothes. After discarding the old piping, locate the mounting nuts for your old faucet. These are sometimes hard-to-reach and almost always difficult to loosen.

Your local home improvement warehouse likely has a wrench that will fit the mounting nuts making the job much easier.

Loosen the nuts and remove. It may be necessary for you to remove the entire sink to accomplish this task, but if you are persistent you can remove the nuts without doing so.

After the nuts are removed, gently bump your old faucet off the sink. It is likely that the old gasket has stuck to the sink and only requires a gentle hand bump to remove.

Discard anything that has to do with your old faucet.

One of the greatest things about a new faucet is that most manufacturers design their faucets for ease of installation by the homeowner. Simply unpack your new faucet and said it into the mounting holes in your sink. By now, you can get a good idea of what your new faucet will look like, but we still have some work to do, No worries, this is one of the easiest kitchen repairs to accomplish.

One of the exciting things about remodeling or repairing a home is that you have endless possibilities. If you were to walk from room to room inside, and then inspect the outside area of your home, you could easily end up with a list of 50 projects or more. Keep in mind that some projects are big, from a cost and labor perspective. For those, you would likely need assistance from a contractor. However, probably more than 50% of the projects on your list would be those you could handle on your own and on a budget.

One project that would fall in both categories but also a project that would add value to your life while living in the home as well as when selling the property is a home security system. Today, you have a huge selection of systems, some wired and more complex and others wireless and easy to install and operate. Interestingly, for many years security systems were designed solely for commercial use or the rich and famous but thanks to new technology, these systems can be purchased by anyone.

To give you a few ideas of security systems now being sold, we have provided some helpful information. For instance, the card access control is a standard type of security seen in businesses but now, it has become a top priority for homes in general, but also specific rooms within a home. For this security system, an electronic door and window locking mechanism, card reader, and card is used. To get inside, only authorized people with cards would have the ability to swipe the reader and enter.

Another popular type of home security system is for intrusion protection. This type of security system is designed with motion sensors, door contacts, and one or more keypads, with one being installed near the front door and one usually in the hallway. The keypad would be used to activate or deactivate the alarm system using a special code.

When someone unauthorized enters the home, strategically placed motion sensors would trip the alarm by sending a signal that would in turn set the alarm off. The result would be a piercing signal, strobe lights, or both. With this type of home security system connected to emergency services, you would receive a phone call from the security company asking if everything was ok. If so, the system would be reactivated. However, if there were an emergency, the security company would notify the appropriate services, sending appropriate professionals to render aid.

The wireless home security system is without doubt one of the most popular and easiest to install. If you want a system that you can install, this is it. Because there are no wires, you simply determine where it would be placed and then follow the easy installation steps. In addition, with this being wireless, you have the liberty to place the system in more places than you would with a wired system.

The best option is a system that links to a computer and with special software you would be able to capture images and videos of activities inside or outside the home, whether you were home, at work, or on vacation. By logging onto the security company’s website, you could log on whenever wanted to see what is taking place at your home.

If your home was built during the early to mid-1970s and it has a brick fireplace, chances are good the brick is dark. During this period, it was common for fireplaces, carpeting, tile, and other home amenities to be dark or dark-colored but today, homeowners want a home that appears more open, light, and airy. No matter the style of home or indoor decorum, a dark brick fireplace would be more of an eyesore than a focal point or at minimum, a beautiful feature of the room.

Many people simply paint the walls light, have light-colored flooring installed, put up window treatments that are softer, or use accessories as a way of working around the outdated fireplace but we wanted to provide you with a much better solution. With this information in this article, you will discover that the overall appearance of your fireplace can be transformed. All it takes is about $100 to $150 worth of materials and a few days of your time. The result is a room that looks completely different, one that is fresh and new.

Transforming the Appearance of a Fireplace

For starters, you will need to purchase a good primer. While many different brands are sold, we suggest Kilz in that it covers so well. You also need quality paint in white or off-white depending on how much you want the fireplace to stand out. A number of brands work best but we like Kilz. The paint is affordable and extra thick so it provides great coverage. A satin finish is recommended, which would provide subtle light reflection and make cleaning easy. Additionally, since the exterior of the fireplace is being painted, fireproof paint is not mandatory.

Although you could leave the fireplace mantle and surrounds as is or paint them the same color as the fireplace brick, for a unique look use different colored paint. For this, you could choose a hue similar to the color of paint that would be used on the brick, or go with something bolder to add a pop of color. For instance, cream paint color on the brick and taupe on the mantle and surrounds would create an elegant look. However, white paint on the brick coupled with terracotta, red, or cobalt blue would enhance a contemporary style room.

To get started with the transformation of your fireplace, fill a bucket with warm water and mild dishwashing soap such as Dove or Palmolive. Then, with a soft cotton cloth, wipe down the entire surface of the fireplace to remove any built-up dirt and grime, as well as small insects. You do not need to spend a tremendous amount of time cleaning in that you simply need a relatively clean surface on which to apply paint. After the fireplace brick has been wiped down, allow the brick to dry overnight.

The following day, apply the primer using a thick paint roller. For the areas around the ceiling and floor, as well as to get into some of the tighter areas such as grout lines, a soft bristle paint brush would work great. In most cases, two to three coats of primer would be needed. If you still see a little of the dark brick coming through the primer, you could always add another coat but remember that the paint coverage would hide these areas.

Depending on the number of primer coats used, you may need to let the brick dry overnight again but sometimes even three coats will be thoroughly dry in several hours. Once the primer is dry, the fun part begins in applying the paint. If you plan to paint the mantle and surrounds a different color paint or leave them as is, place protective paper over them, securing with blue painter’s tape. Now, make sure the paint is well stirred or recently shaken and again, using a thick paint roller and soft bristle paint brush, start applying the paint from the top down.

It is important to allow each coat of paint to dry before applying the next coat, and just as with the primer, if the brick on your fireplace is extremely dark, three coats of quality paint may be required. As each coat of paint dries, you will be shocked at the transformation taking place. By the time all coats of paint have been applied and dried, and the mantle and surround painted, your entire room would have a different look and feel.

If inside the actual firebox is also drab, perhaps stained with soot from years of use, this too could be transformed. Start by cleaning the interior and then allowing it to dry. The only difference from painting the brick on the exterior of the fireplace with the firebox on the inside is that inside you must use fireproof paint. This can be purchased at hardware, home improvement, and most retail stores. In fact, many brands of paint are available specifically for the firebox.

When it comes to home remodel and repair jobs, it is important to determine if your current garage doors need to be replaced. This would be especially important if the garage doors on your home were installed 10 years ago or more. In the past decade, materials and technology for garage doors has changed substantially.

Therefore, older doors or those that are damaged or worn not only look bad and have issues with functionality, they also allow hot and cold air inside, which means you spend more money each month on utilities than necessary.

Keep in mind that you can save money when buying garage doors without sacrificing on quality. A perfect example is that going with sectional doors would increase the price substantially whereas a fixed overhead door would be more affordable. Both options work well although the higher priced option does offer a few features the other door type does not. In this case, you would simply need to set a budget and then look at door options within that price range.

If the budget can afford it, a sectional garage door is one of the top choices. With this, the door opens up and behind the framed opening. Therefore, you end up having as much as eight inches more height. Because of this and the way this type of garage door opens, parking larger vehicles is generally easier.

Then, because of the additional space, if your garage were small, every extra inch would make moving about easier. The greatest benefit of a sectional garage door is the seal, which is the best you can buy to keep hot and cold air on the outside and not in the garage and ultimately, the home.

Another possibility is with a rolling garage door. While garage doors and rolling doors serve much the same purpose, they are notably different. For starters, you need to choose the option based on your geographical area. The reason is that garage doors are designed to handle a certain wind load whereas rolling doors are not.

This means rolling doors do not have the same reinforcement backing as garage doors. However, many brands of rolling doors can handle high winds because of the way the guides are locked and the attachment to the doorjambs.

No matter the type of garage door you decide on, along with seal and wind tolerance, you want to consider fire compliancy. The type of door you want to purchase would have foam plastic insulation. This material is fireproof so it protects the garage and home from potential fire but the insulation would make the doors more energy efficient.

Remember, if you have a fire-rated wall, a standard type of garage door would not be allowed so in this case, rolling doors would be the better choice.

Along with the features of garage and rolling doors, you would need to decide on features. One of these would be the automatic door opener. Many types now being sold are designed so a light comes on to illuminate the garage when the doors open and close, which is a nice security feature. Additionally, many garage door openers are made to open if they were to come down on an object. This automatic reverse feature has saved many lives, especially those of small children who get under a closing door.

Are you tired of trying to remove dirt and grime from a shower door that has been in the home for years? Does your shower door look outdated? Has your existing shower door been damaged? If you answered yes to any of these questions, the best solution would be to purchase a new shower door, one that you could install on your own. Today, no matter the style of shower door needed, you will find a huge selection of designs, materials, and textures from which to choose. Therefore, no matter the look and feel of the bathroom, you have multiple options to consider.

The most common type of shower door is called a bypass style, which is designed with two doors, each sliding in a frame mounted to the end walls and a track on the bottom. Although not as innovative as some of the newer designs, even bypass shower doors come in wonderful new options. Because of this, you could pull out the old doors and with little effort or time, have new, clean doors installed that would give the entire room a boost.

Throughout the 1980s and 1990s, changes in shower doors went through a major transformation to accommodate the larger and more luxurious bathrooms being built in homes. In fact, shower became an integral part of the room’s overall design whereas before, they were considered merely a necessity. However, the market today provides trendy and sophisticated designs that look amazing but also shower doors that offer better functionality in keeping water on the inside of the shower, as well as improved privacy.

Of all bathroom design changes, the one most commonly seen is the one-person shower being expanded to accommodate two people. With this, changes in shower doors also evolved. For a clean, uncluttered look, the frameless shower door is by far the most popular. With this, instead of metal surrounding the glass, no frame exists. The result is a less fussy look, which eliminates the shower doors from being the focal point of the room. You will also find new materials used for shower doors making clean up much easier, which is great for people always on the go.

If the configuration of your bathroom is such that little privacy is provided for the person taking a shower, you might considered frosted or textured glass. The bottom line is that no matter if the room is small or large, rustic or ultra contemporary, or the budget you have set aside, you can find several excellent choices for new shower doors. Whether you want something understated so a particular feature of the room would be highlighted or you want the shower doors to be a part of the overall design, you can find the perfection solution.

Best of all, the way shower doors are made today, instead of the need to hire an expensive contractor, you can simply follow installation instructions provided by the manufacturer to complete the job yourself. Not only would you enjoy the sense of pride for a job well done, but also handling the shower door installation on your own would certainly be an excellent way of having new doors but without spending a fortune.

In addition to shower doors, you will also discover incredible features now offered for all types of showers. Instead of a shower that you simply stand in, you could choose one with built-in seating. Additionally, shower designs now offer other features such as built-in radios, heat lamps, oversized or multiple showerheads, and the list goes on. The result is a new shower that gives an entirely new meaning to getting clean.

More and more people realize the importance the garage plays when completing home improvement projects. While even detached garages could use a little help, those attached to the home should also be considered when it comes to making improvements. As you will discover with the information provided in this article, you have a number of excellent options for changing the look of the garage that would also increase the property’s value.

Great Ideas and Updates for the Garage

We all know that garage floors get the worst of everything. Car oil and coolant leaks on the floor, chemicals and paint are spilled, tools are dropped, leaves blow in when the garage doors are open, etc. Therefore, if choosing to improve the garage, expect that the majority of the budget will go into the floor. However, with the rest of the funds, you would make other improvements as well.

Regarding the floor, you can find several top manufacturers that sell snap together flooring designed specifically for the garage. For this, you would have options for various materials depending on your particular situation. For instance, the diamond tread is one of the toughest, which actually makes it appear as if the floor has been covered with plated steel with a diamond pattern. For something less robust, the ribbed tile is heavy-duty and functional, but also available in a wide range of colors.

For flooring of this type, there would be no need to hire a contractor. Instead, you would following the instructions for the manufacturer and in less time than imagined, have a stronger, more durable, and gorgeous garage floor guaranteed to last in some cases 25 years. Most people think flooring of this type is expensive but in truth, you can buy high quality snap together tile for as low as $2.50 a square foot.

In addition to the garage floor, other ways to improve this room of the home is by building a workbench. This too is a project much easier than you might initially think. Over the workbench, you could hang pegboard and with special hooks, hang all your hand tools so they are organized and neatly in their own special place. Then, installing a new fluorescent light fixture over the workbench would provide you with the ideal area for all types of fun projects.

Although having garage doors installed is not the type of project for the average person, installing new garage door openers would be. Therefore, if your door openers were old and out-dated, working on changes in the garage would be the ideal opportunity to install new openers. You might also consider installing new weather barriers on the bottom portion of the garage door and adding sealant to any windows as a way of making the room more energy efficient.

Finally, if your garage is not heated or does not have ductwork from the home for heating, installing the right type of heater would make this a space that could be utilized better and for more purposes. Then, if you know that you will be moving within the next five years, we suggest you choose a heating system that would stay with the home so once again, the overall completion of all the projects in the garage to include the heater would make the home more appealing to potential buyers.

If your bathroom countertops are outdated and boring or you simply want something different, a unique look that would add value to the room, you might consider making a countertop out of cement. Having a brand new concrete countertop made and installed would be expensive but with the right know how, you can achieve the same professional look yourself. Concrete countertops and floors are actually very popular and while they are the perfect way to enhance a contemporary style home, this material can be colored to work in virtually any home.

Once the new concrete countertop in your bathroom is complete, you will have a beautiful new surface, as well as a countertop that is strong, durable, and long-lasting. Because this material is nonporous, clean up and maintenance is extremely easy. You would start by measuring the length and width of the countertop space and then using a product called melamine, which is a type of particle board create a mold in which the concrete would be poured. With melamine designed with a plastic coating, once the countertop has been made it would be easy to remove from the form without being damaged.

For the sink, use a piece of Styrofoam that has been cut the same size and shape as the actual sink. This would then be attached to the melamine mold as a placeholder. However, you need to make sure a tight seal is created so as the concrete is poured into the mold it does not drip out. For this, caulk around the bottom side seams and then screw this foam mold into place. Next, a piece of wire mesh in place, which would be placed inside the sink form to help reinforce it as the concrete is poured into the form.

At this point, you are ready to start making the countertop, with quick-drying concrete being the best choice. If you mix the concrete in a wheelbarrow, when ready to pour in the mold you could easily wheel it over to the location in the yard where the countertop was being made. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for making the concrete but we suggest the water be added slowly to guarantee the right consistency. After being mixed and with the form secure, you would use a shovel to start adding the concrete. To create a level surface and eliminate bubbles, use a wood float to pat the concrete down several times after pouring.

During the next step, you would have the opportunity to add color or colors, as well as create texture for the concrete countertop surface. Using the same concrete for making the base layer, a layer of concrete would be added for the surface layer. Now, different elements could be added such as mineral pigments for specks of color or a product to create full color. Other great ideas include adding marble sand or for a different look, make the surface layer out of quick drying white Portland cement instead of the concrete used on the bottom. To create texture, you could drag a notched trowel over the surface or any other object to create the look wanted.

The edges of the concrete countertop would be finished and for this, use some of the top layer concrete, adding a little water to thin it out so smooth edges would be easier to create. Then, you would need to float the slag into the surface and with a hammer, gently strike the edges of the form. With each soft blow, bubbles around the edges would be forced out. To bring the cream to the top, a jitterbug should be used, also producing the smooth edges.

If you prefer a smooth surface for your new concrete bathroom countertops, make sure the material is ready. Simply press your finger down on an inconspicuous area to test for dryness. If you see an indentation, you know the concrete is too wet but if all you see is a fingerprint, you can start smoothing the entire surface with a trowel. Over the course of hours as the concrete dries, you would need to smooth the surface several times. When ready, the mold for the sink would be removed and the concrete taken out of the mold so the new countertop could be installed.

When bathrooms are built, an exhaust fan is included for a reason. In addition to preventing the build-up of moisture on the mirrors, making it difficult to perform tasks, exhaust fans also eliminate risk of mold and mildew growth. We all know that mold and mildew are unsightly but even worse they contain small spores that can become airborne. With this, the spores are inhaled, which then leads to serious sickness.

If your bathroom already has a mold or mildew problem, keep in mind that a number of excellent products are available to kill it but of course, the ideal solution is to prevent the growth of mold and mildew in the first place. Even after mold and mildew has been cleaned, if moisture levels in the bathroom are not controlled, they would simply grow back. Therefore, the key to keeping this kind of problem at bay is by installing a new exhaust fan.

In looking around for a bathroom exhaust fan, you will be amazed at the vast selection. The most common option is the exhaust fan that mounts in the ceiling but many other design options are available. No matter the choice made, the concept is much the same – moist air would be drawn into the fan and then sent to the outside of the home via a special exhaust pipe. Unfortunately, many homes, even high-end homes recently built, can have inadequate fans installed. For the exhaust fan to do its job, it needs to be rated for the size of room but also the level of moisture.

If wanted, you could purchase a bathroom exhaust fan that features a light fixture. While installation is not overly complicated, a little more work would be required for this type of installation. Quality of the exhaust fan is also an important factor when comparing different options. Remember, the amount of air moved is measured in “cubic feet per minute” or CFM so when shopping around, you want to choose an exhaust fan capable of moving the most air. Additionally, manufacturers today now list the noise rating on the package since homeowners want quiet operation. However, another tips is that the quieter the fan the better quality.

Installation of a new bathroom exhaust fan is not difficult and in fact, this is an excellent do-it-yourself project. All you need are screwdrivers, a wire stripper, wire nut, an exhaust duct kit, electrical tester, and jab saw. A small amount of wiring would need to be done, which is not difficult but if you were uncomfortable with this part of the process, you could have a professional do the wiring, leaving the other installation aspects for you to handle. This would ensure proper wiring while saving significant money.

Next, the duct kit would be mounted to the box where the original fan hung. In most cases, the box attaches directly to the wall or ceiling joist but if the wood framing were too far out of reach, special hangers are sold on which the exhaust fan would be attached. For venting the unwanted moisture to the outside, a hose would be run through the attic with the other end being attached to the vent mounted on the outside of the soffit. Usually, the vent comes with the exhaust fan kit but if not, one could be purchased at any home improvement store.

Never discount the importance and value that a simple bathroom exhaust fan offers. The do-it-yourself installation of a new fan is cost-efficient option and with the fan in place and operating, the bathroom would be a more comfortable room but more importantly, a safer room.

During the 1970s and early part of the 1980s, ceiling fans were found in homes around the country. However, popularity of the ceiling fan began to decline until the past five years. Originally, ceiling fans were used solely for functionality, leaving much to be desired when it came to appearance. However, by the mid-1990s, new and innovative ceiling fan designs were developed and today, literally thousands of amazing possibilities exist for fans that offer both functionality and aesthetics.

If you want to benefit from having a ceiling fan in your home but worry about expense of installation or do not know of anyone that could complete the installation, you could install the fan yourself. While you may need a little assistance from a friend or family member if installing a large ceiling fan, overall the installation process is relatively easy. In a short amount of time, you would have a beautiful new look for your decorating or remodeling project, as well as a cooler or warmer room once the ceiling fan has been installed. Check her for savings on ceiling fans you will not find elsewhere 70% Off Lighting and Fans. Online Only

The various tools and materials needed for this job include:

The first step is choosing a new ceiling fan, one that has the aesthetics that would support your decorating or remodeling project, as well as the right size according to square footage of the room. Then, make sure power to the room is shut off, which must be done at the circuit breaker, not the wall switch. With the ladder, the existing light fixture would be removed. The metal junction box, which goes into the ceiling, would be inserted. If you were replacing an outdated ceiling fan, the existing junction box may work with your new fan but if not, a junction box would need to be installed.

The hole where the old light fixture was located may be large enough but if not, use the saw to make the hole large enough through which the junction box would fit. Now, if the junction box would be inserted next to a ceiling joist, drill holes in the side of the box so it could be screwed into the joist.

If the fan would be installed away from a ceiling joist, fasten a 2×4-inch piece of wood to the joist, again screwing the junction box to this piece of wood. This box must be made of metal and make sure it is designed to support 50 pounds, which is the weight of the average ceiling fan. For a fan heavier than 50 pounds, a larger junction box would need to be purchased.

Next, follow the installation instructions provided by the manufacturer for the fan assembly, which varies from one brand to another although the basics are the same. For the fan assembly, the hanger pipe would fit into the hole located on top of the motor. Draw the wires up through the center and then tighten the set screw to keep the pipe in place. Place the motor unit on the floor so it is stable, and then tighten the screws that come through the fan blades going into the flanges.

You will then measure the distance from the underside of the blades to the floor, needing a minimum of seven inches. Keep in mind, for proper airflow, the minimum height should be 12 inches. However, 18 inches would offer optimal airflow. The hanger bracket would now be installed, connecting it to the box using screws and lock washers. If your ceiling fan did not come with washers, you want to purchase them to prevent vibration that can develop over time as screws loosen. Next, the hanger bracket would then be slipped into the bracket.

For the next step, the fan with attached blades would be wired and the ceiling cover pushed up to full height and tightened in place. To wire the fan, connect the black wire from the ceiling to the black wire of the fan. To accomplish this, use the wire stripper to expose about one-half inch of copper wiring under the black sheath. The copper of the two wires would be twisted together and capped with a black plastic grounding pigtail. You would do the same thing for the white wire from the ceiling to the white wire of the ceiling fan.

Grounding wires are green, which would also need to be stripped to expose the copper beneath the green sheath. However, for this, you would use a green pigtail to connect the grounding wire from the ceiling and fan, as well as from the power supply. To complete the connection of the grounding wires, also use a wire nut. Finally, go back over all the mounting screws, use the cloth to wipe the fan down, and turn the power at the breaker back on.

With the attached pull chain or at the wall switch, turn the fan on, and stand back to admire the project you just completed.

If you have children and pets, experiencing an oily stain on your carpeting is likely. With children, food, crayons, and other items could be the culprit. For pets, after being outdoors, they could easily bring in car oil from the driveway or some other substance. Even adults could be a part of the problem. As an example, walking out in public would result in all types of greasy or oily substances being left on the bottom of the shoes. If the shoes were not taken off at the front door, carpets would be left with the residue.

In addition to leaving unsightly stains, any substance would likely create an unwanted odor as well. Typically, getting oil and grease stains from carpet is difficult. After all, oils/greasy substances are without doubt the most stubborn. However, whether the stain has been caused from dropped food, automotive grease, lubrication, petroleum jelly, lipstick, or any other oily or greasy substance, you have viable options for getting the stain out.

In this case, you would first need to apply a type of absorbent substance. We recommend cornstarch although baby powder and talcum powder also work well. Sprinkle the absorbent on generously and then allow it to sit for five to ten minutes depending on the severity of the stain. From there, use the brush attachment of the vacuum cleaner to remove the absorbent, which will also remove the majority of the oil or grease.

This solution works exceptionally well on smaller stains but if the stain is large, you would need to take some additional steps. In this case, go through this same process, followed by placing a clean paper towel or cotton cloth down on top of the leftover stain. Next, purchase a dry cleaning product sold at drug stores, retail stores, and grocery stores, the best being Dryel. Use the dry cleaning sheet provided in the kit to apply to the backside of the paper towel or cloth. You may need to use several paper towels or cloths until the oil or grease has been completely absorbed.

Once you begin to notice that no more stain is coming up, spray a pre-treatment product directly onto the area, letting is sit for five minutes. Then with another clean cloth, clean the stained area using the hottest water you can handle. While the process requires several steps, it has been proven to work repeatedly so rather than ending up with permanently stained carpeting it would be worth the investment of time and effort.

In addition to this option, you have several other ways to remove oil or grease stains from carpeting. For instance, Dawn dishwashing soap has a particular formula made to release grease. In fact, this very product is what people use to clean oil and grease off animals affected by oil spills in the ocean. By applying a few drops of the dishwashing soap directly onto the stain and then letting it stand for five means, it will break up the oil/grease. From there, paper towels or clean clothes would be used for blotting the stain.

It is important to remember that oil and grease are always going to be one of the more challenging stains to get out of carpet. Therefore, no matter the method of removing the stain you decided to use, you need to be prepared for a little work and a lot of patience. However, the outcome would be clean carpet without it being stained from oil or grease, and no foul odor.