Archive for October, 2009

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Start Budgeting For Your Very Own Sunroom

Saturday, October 31st, 2009

It only takes a few weeks before you can enjoy in your very own sunroom. However, if not properly managed, the money you need to spend on the sunroom would go sky-high. Because of this you need to properly monitor the different expenses when it comes to building your very own sunroom. You also need to determine the materials and the quality of sunroom you want so you can create your budget and prevent overspending. In most cases, the cost of sunroom construction would go as low as $10,000 and as high as $70,000. And the do-it-yourself sunroom kit is applicable to those who want to trim down their expenses on sunroom construction. The figure on the sunroom costs mentioned above may still alter and this is due to the material cost, style, design, flooring system and the labor cost you will choose. If you have a bigger budget, then you can go for the more elaborate designs. But if you think that your budget is only at the minimum, there are still excellent sunroom designs and materials that can give you full satisfaction without having to break your bank account.

Sunrooms are getting more and more popular among homeowners today because of the practicality it offers. As compared to the traditional rooms, the cost of building a sunroom is a lot more economical. Read on, so you can have a clear idea on the expenses you need to shell out when planning to build a sunroom. In the labor charge aspect on constructing the stairs, you need to have an approximate of $300. Other expenses which would cover the labor charge also include the roofing and the flooring systems. If all these combined, you need to have at least $12,000 for the labor charge alone. The sunroom materials are also the determining factors on how much money you need to spend. For those on a limited budget, you can opt for the vinyl as it is more inexpensive as compared to the costs of aluminum sunroom. But if you have all the money to spend, then you can settle for the wood. Though wood is the most expensive, it is the one that needs regular care and maintenance to prevent premature damage.

Of course, a sunroom would never be complete without the furniture. As we all know, sunroom is also synonymous to wicker furniture. These two are the considered as the perfect combination. Wicker furniture is also economical but it also endows the entire room with an earthy and natural appeal.

If all the budgetary constraints are settled, then you can now start building your very own sunroom. Once finished, this place would serve as your haven for relaxation and a nice place to spend your quality time with your friends and loved ones. All these can be enjoyed if you properly plan the important aspects in building a very cozy sunroom. Don’t let money hinder you from having a sunroom of your own. Choices are so varied so this gives you no excuse to not have one on your home.

Andrew Caxton is the author of many articles published online.Learn more about sunroom kits and diy sunroom kits at http://www.allsunrooms.com/kits.html

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Hiring an Architect

Friday, October 30th, 2009

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

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

  • Size, Appearance and Function – What square footage are you looking for? Indicate the style of design you prefer such as, Victorian, contemporary, ranch style or territorial. What will be the function of the space you are going to create? Do you entertain a lot? Does your life style call for a formal dining room? Do you need customized space like a hobby room or computer/media room? Do you have art pieces that need room to display?
  • Your Budget – Much of the design parameters will be governed by how much money you are planning to spend. Keep in mind that kitchens and bathrooms are considerably more expensive than other rooms. High-end fixtures, flooring and counter tops are also budget busters for many. Try to give the architect a range of costs you feel would be acceptable and within your means. It is useless to have a project design that is beyond your ability to fund the building costs.
  • Materials – Be ready to explain your preferences in building materials. Some people want to use a lot of stone and brick. Others cannot live without wood flooring. Think about what materials you want in your surroundings and be ready to relate that information to whoever you are interviewing.
  • Time Frame – When do you want to start and when do you expect the work to be finished? You need to know how quickly the design work can start and any time constraints you might have driven by business obligations, children’s school year or vacation plans.

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

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

  • How long have you been in business?
  • Does your fee include job visits? If so, how many?
  • Is your firm fully insured?
  • How many people do you employ?
  • Do you have a valid license?
  • Do you use consultants? Who are they and how are they paid?
  • Can you provide me with references?
  • May I see some projects you have completed similar to mine?
  • What do you estimate the costs of my project to be?

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

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

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Countertops – Granite, Marble, Corian – Counter Tops Now Come In Many Styles

Thursday, October 29th, 2009

It used to be there were only one or two options in countertops. Whether they were for kitchens, bathrooms or utility rooms, beyond color choices, there weren’t really any decisions to make in getting these creations added to a home or office. That’s just not the case any more.

Nowadays, those shopping for counter tops will find the materials found standard on the market are pretty amazing. In fact, it can be a little overwhelming to consider the selections. Here are some of the most common styles found today:

* Formica. The good old fashion Formica countertops are still widely available. Considered affordable and reliable, these come from a company that specializes in counter top and flooring designs. The pressed wood with plastic overlay designs aren’t, however, the only thing Formica is known for any longer. The company actually makes stone tops for counters, fabricated creations and more.

* Granite. Granite countertops are considered top of the line by many. Using the hard rock to form the tops themselves, craftsmen can shape the stone to fit almost any purpose. These tops will have seams and must be sealed, but they are generally quite beautiful in their look and reliable in their ability to hold up over time.

* Corian. These fabricated countertops carry a brand name and can cost a pretty penny. They are noted, however, for their beauty, durability and the warranty that backs them. Often mimicking granite in appearance, these counter tops might cost a little less in some cases, too.

* Concrete. It’s hard to believe that a concrete counter top could actually be beautiful, but when designed by a master creator that’s exactly what they are. Concrete counters are gaining in popularity for their looks, durability and uniqueness.

* Quartz. Considered one of the hardest stones known to man, quartz is fast becoming a favorite choice for counter tops. Its beauty tends to rival even granite and it is considered harder and more scratch resistant, too. The pricing on quartz tends to be high, but those who opt for it do so for its looks and reliability.

Where there only used to be one or two types of choices out there as far as tops for counters are concerned, the choices today are pretty amazing. From natural stone to manmade creations meant to withstand abuse while looking fantastic, those looking for counter tops will now find there are some amazing options.

For more information on countertops visit http://www.countertopsadvice.com, a website that specializes in providing advice, tips and resources on marble countertops that you can use to help create an elegant and work friendly home.

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Corian Counter Tops Come With Brand Name Comforts

Wednesday, October 28th, 2009

It’s hard to decide what type of counter tops to include in a remodeling job or even a new kitchen design. From the cabinets and floors to the counter tops, there are some big decisions to make. When quality backed by a major name are desired, Corian counter tops could be the right solution.

Corian counter tops are popular for their looks, solid pour design and the fact they are made by DuPont. This company is known for its quality products and warranties and its mission to make only the best.

Some of the reasons Corian counter tops are favored by many include:

* Choices: The reality is Corian counter tops come in more than 130 different choices. This makes it very possible for almost anyone to find a color and style they are in love with. These counter tops are ideal for fitting almost any design consideration.

* Appearance: Corian counter tops can take on a number of different looks. From granite type to solid color designs, the beauty of Corian is hard to beat.

* Single pour: Since Corian counter tops are made using synthetic materials, they can be made in solid sheets. This means customers won’t see seams, because they won’t be there. The giant slab look is one that can be more than eye appealing.

* Durability: Although some special care will need to come into play if Corian counter tops are chosen, the reality is these can be very solid as far as choices are concerned. Cleaning is a snap.

The downfalls of Corian counter tops do exist, but the truth is they are no worse than any other counter top design. Since these are also works of art and they are made from synthetic materials, these two things can cause problems for Corian:

* Heat: Corian counter tops can be burned and scorched. With this in mind, it’s very important to use trivets or pads to protect when cooking. It’s never a good idea to put a hot pot directly on these counter tops.

* Cutting: Corian counter tops can be damaged by cutting or scratching. To protect them, it’s wise not to cut directly on the surface and it’s also a good idea to avoid scraping heavy items across them.

Backed by the DuPont name, Corian counter tops are the choice of many for their looks, durability and quality. These counter tops are not immune from damage, however, so they must be protected like every other counter out there. They are, however, very resistant to problems, which makes them a solid choice.

For more information on corian counter tops visit http://www.countertopsadvice.com, a website that specializes in providing advice, tips and resources on counter tops that you can use to help create an elegant and work friendly home .

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Kitchen Counter Tops – The Pros And Cons To Help You Choose The Right Kitchen Counter Tops

Tuesday, October 27th, 2009

Choosing the right kitchen counter tops can be a very difficult undertaking. Between the pricing and the aesthetics, those endeavoring to shop for new counters will find there are actually advantages and disadvantages to just about every choice. Picking out just the right type of counters will often be guided by pricing and looks in addition to quality.

To help those on the hunt for the best in kitchen counter tops, here is a break down of some of the more popular options, along with their perks and downfalls:

Regular seamed kitchen counter tops – These are the “old fashion” designs that have been in use for years. Often constructed using pressed wood or another similar base, these counters have a plastic veneer that covers them to give them a more attractive appearance. These counters tend to be the most affordable going and can be used in just about any type of configuration. They will have visible seams and can be damaged by heat and sharp objects.

Granite – This is one of the most costly choices in kitchen counter tops. These creations, however, are generally quite beautiful. Using hard granite as the base, these counter tops can be cut to fit just about any design, but may have seams involved. They must be sealed to protect the stone from damage, too. This sealant can be damaged by heat and sharp objects, so it’s not recommended that people set hot pans on them or use them as a cutting surface.

Fabricated plastics – Kitchen counter tops such as the Corian design are great rivals for granite and other higher end designs. These counters can be specially made and poured in single pieces so there will be no seams visible at all. They can take on the look of granite and other types of stone designs, too. These counters can get a little expensive, but they are often backed by very good warranties. They can be damaged by heat and sharp objects.

Concrete – This might seem like an unusual choice for kitchen counter tops, but the reality is they can be rather beautiful in design. Depending on the ability of the creator, these tops can look like granite, quartz or even Corian. They are durable, but generally have a finish that needs to be protected from heat and sharp objects. The pricing on these can run the gamut.

From granite and quartz to more affordable wood backed designs, kitchen counter tops can be created to fit almost any design or purpose. Shopping for them will require knowledge of the options and the available budget to work with. Since kitchen counter tops can range from a few hundred dollars to thousands in price, it pays to research the options before trying to buy.

For more information on kitchen counter tops visit http://www.countertopsadvice.com, a website that specializes in providing advice, tips and resources on corian counter tops that you can use to help create an elegant and work friendly home .

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How To Troubleshoot Air Conditioning Units?

Monday, October 26th, 2009

Air-conditioning has become an essential in all offices, shopping malls, cars, as well as most of the households. As air-conditioning units are machines after all, they will definitely break down some times. Therefore it will be beneficial for you if you know some information on how you can troubleshoot air-conditioning units.

Let us just discuss some of the most frequently asked questions about air-conditioning units:

1. Why is your air-con unit leaking? There are 2 main reasons why your air-con unit is leaking. The drainage pipe could be choked with dirty particles so the water cannot be drained out, causing leaking from the unit. Another reason could be due to poor installation by the contractor whereby there is no proper gradient of the drainage pipe.

2. Why is your air-con unit not cold? The blower and air filters may be dirty and clogged with dust. Or it can also be the thermostat is being set too high and the unit is undersize.

3. Why is your air-con unit producing foul smells? This could be due to the smell of cigarettes, odours or other air pollutants being sucked into your air-con unit.

4. What will happen if you do not service my air-con units? The air-con unit will gradually be unable to produce cold air, and water leakage may occur.

5. How often should I service my air-con units? For households, it is advisable to service your air-con units once every 2 months. For air-con units in offices, it should be serviced every month.

6. Why is it necessary to dismantle the fan coil unit for chemical wash? It is necessary as the dirt at the cooling coil can be washed and cleaned thoroughly.

7. How should I choose the right type of air-con unit for my home or office? There are 3 steps to take note of over here. The first step is to identify the areas that you require air-conditioning. The second step is to determine which type of air-conditioning units that you want, for e.g. brands, power and savings. The last step is to choose a professional contractor help you choose the right types that suit your needs.

8. How to choose the right contractor? Always check the types of guarantees that the contractors offer and make sure that the contractors have registered offices for
accountability.

Weather has become so warm that air-conditioning units are essentials almost for everybody. Hope that these frequently asked questions can help you to gain more insights about how you can troubleshoot your air-con units.

Cheow Yu Yuan is a freelance article writer and specializes in article marketing on the Internet.

This article is written for one of his clients in the aircon industry, you can visit the website from the link below…

Click Here: Aircon Services and Repair – Ericool Aircon

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Adding Central Heat and Air to an Existing Home

Sunday, October 25th, 2009

Many older homes were built pre-central heat and air. This is a luxury that many of us have to enjoy and when moving into an older we find that this luxury is also a necessity. We tend to lose tolerance for heat as we grow older and those old window air conditioning units just look tacky. However, the whole idea of having to add ducts to a home can sound difficult and expensive, but it is easier than you might think.

Central heat and air uses a primary heating appliance such as a furnace that is often located in an area such as a small closet, basement or garage. These systems deliver heat throughout the house through pumped warm air through a system of air ducts or by sending hot water or steam through pipes to room radiators. In newer homes, the system is usually built in with the home. The duct system may be set up with an air conditioner, heat pump, or furnace. There are also two types of systems including a forced air system and a gravity system. Gravity systems, however, do not provide air conditioning and can only provide heat. If your system includes an air conditioner, then the system is a forced-air system.

Air conditioners and heat pumps are forced air systems that share ductwork. The air conditioner runs on electricity and removes heat from air through refrigeration. The heat pump is capable of providing both heating and cooling. In the winter, the heat pump extracts the heat from outside air and delivers it into the home. In the summer it does the opposite. It extracts the cool air and pumps it into the home. These systems tend to be very economical and use only one duct system.

Many central air conditioners are split systems with a condenser outside and the fan and coil unit mounted in the attic. This means that the ducts will originate in the attics. The challenge here is if the home is two stories. It can be difficult to get the supply and return ducts to the first floor. The second floor will generally have ducts that run through the attic floor, while the first floor will need to have ducts run through closets. This takes up less space than some may think and the mess can be minimal. The contractor will need to cut holes in the first and second floor ceilings and some second floor closets will need to be used for running ducts.

This work will be well worth it in the long run when your home is kept cool in the summer and warm in the winter. If you have an older home, especially one with two stories, it can be difficult to spend anytime upstairs during the summer. The upstairs rooms will hold a large amount of heat and will definitely benefit from central heat and air. In the winter it is often difficult to keep first floors warm because the heat rises. Central heat will make your first floor rooms much more comfortable.

Chris Brown is a regular contributor to Home Remodeling, Bathroom Remodeling and Kitchen Remodeling websites. Chris also takes pride in many of his own do-it-yourself projects around his own home.

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Heating Water for Domestic Hot Water or to Heat Your Home

Saturday, October 24th, 2009

Water is heated for two purposes in residential applications. The first is to heat water for domestic use. Such a cleaning, washing, cooking, showers and bathing. The second is to heat water to be a medium for carrying that heat to a room then releasing the heat into that room to keep us warm.

Water heater| hot water tanks

Heating water for domestic use is done with hot water tanks, tankless water heaters, or indirect water heaters.

Tankless water heaters

Tankless water heaters are becoming more common in North America, although these have been used in other parts of the world for years. This kind of water heater does not have any water in a tank. If you do not have a tank then you will not have to continually keep that water heated as the water will always cool even when not in use. The cooling process is caused by heat from the water warming the air in the flue, then the hot air rises and is displaced by cooler air which is in turn heated by the hot water (convection heat just like baseboard heating). This air will flow up the flue and spill out into the room. Also the water in the tank will cool as heat conducts through the tank and into the room. This cooling process is called standby loss and because of this process your water heater is at best 55% efficient.

Tankless water heaters are more efficient than hot water tanks because of the heating process. A hot water heater will heat the bottom of the tank and the center of the tank, with most of the energy leaving the tank up the flue. Where as a tankless water heater heats a coil of pipes inside of a heat exchanger similar to that of a boiler. This heat exchanger is made up of small tubes that heat up very fast.

A tankless water heater will also modulate the burner. So if you need only a small demand the tankless heater will only give you a small flame. And if you need a larger demand a tankless water heater will give you a larger flame.

Hot Water Tanks

Hot water tanks are the most common form in North America to heat your domestic water. These tanks have been around for a very long time and have not changed much until recently. Most homes use a 40 to 50 US gallon water heater. Between high energy costs and pollution many people are switching to better ways to heat there water.

A hot water heater requires a chimney for the flue gases to flow to the outside (except power vent and direct vent water heaters, these can be piped out the wall). Water heaters also have an anode rod to protect the tank, a dip tube to allow the cold water to flow to the bottom of the tank, a gas valve, burner and a relief valve. NEVER plug a relief valve. This is the largest cause of water heater explosions. Water when heated to boiling changes to steam. When this happens the water expands 1700 times and with no where to go the tank has to blow up. Usually the bottom is what bursts and the water heater becomes a rocket shooting through the roof in a two story building.

For more info got Hot water tanks:

Indirect water heaters–An indirect water heater uses a boiler to heat the water that flows through the inside of a coil of pipe which in turns heats the domestic water through conduction. These are very efficient, have a fast response time and out last a standard water heater more than three to one. The response time is very quick giving you more than enough hot water. In my opinion these are the best water heaters on the market. The biggest problem is that you need a boiler to heat the water therefore the cost can be high compared to a normal water heater. If you are renovating and going to install hot water heating of any sort, such as a fan coil instead of a high efficient furnace, then this is the way to go

Water heating | Heating your home

Heating water to heat your home is best done with a boiler. The reason I say this is that a boiler is meant to heat water in an efficient manner, while your water heat is not. A standard water heater has an efficiency of 65% to 70% including standby losses. A standard boiler runs at about 80%. The boilers I install have an efficiency rating of between 85% and 98% depending on the system and time of year. So you could use a water heater to heat your home (check with local codes), but the lifespan is much less and your heating bill will be much greater. Not worth the $2500 to $3500 difference between the two. (my opinion). You could use a tankless water heater, but you will need two or three if you are heating your domestic water as well. Still compared with a condensing boiler you are only saving less than $1000

Kelly Kramer owns a plumbing company and buy and sells real estate, if you liked this article you can learn more at http://www.edmontons-business-directory.com

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Glueless Bamboo Flooring – Easy Installation With No Messing Around

Friday, October 23rd, 2009

The terms “glueless bamboo flooring” and “click-lock bamboo flooring” are often used synonymously. This particular type of bamboo floor installs on top of the existing floor and does not need gluing down in order to secure it in place. Although it just clicks and then locks into place, you do not need to worry about it moving on its own or actually coming apart, because the design of the system ensures that everything is tight and snug once it is clicked in place.

The boards are manufactured to high precision such that once they click together, they align automatically. Because of this simple system, not only do you avoid having to buy and mess around with adhesives, you will also need only a few simple tools to get you going. These can include a hammer, a carbide-tooth saw, spacers and a pull bar. Not only that, you don’t need a high level of carpentry skills to be able to do the job correctly.

Also because it is designed to simply “float” over existing flooring, there is less time, effort and money required to prepare the sub floor before installation can commence.

So although it is slightly more expensive to purchase per square foot, this is more than offset by the savings in labor cost as well as the cost of extra material such as glue or nails. Just as important is the fact that you get your beautiful floor much more quickly than with the traditional floors, and you save yourself a lot of stress dealing with the clutter and the subsequent cleaning up usually associated with floor installation.

Buying this type of bamboo flooring is relatively easy. Many of your good quality flooring stores will have this kind of flooring in stock. Even if they do not have any on hand when you arrive to make your purchase, it usually wouldn’t take them long to get another supply delivered to their store.

You will also find that these stores often have a large assortment of styles and makes from which you can choose. It is important that you take your time and look at all the various types available before making your final decision.

As with the traditional method of installing bamboo flooring you will find that glueless bamboo flooring is just as resilient and tough-wearing. In fact both types of installation methods use the same manufacturing process to produce each board.

If you want to have the beauty of bamboo flooring within your own home and want to know that it is going to be installed in no time at all, you should seriously consider the glueless bamboo flooring option.

Ernest Jarquio is a dedicated family man hopelessly addicted to do-it-yourself projects. For more information, visit his website, where he discusses various subjects such as glueless bamboo flooring, how to buy bamboo flooring and bamboo flooring in Oregon. Read various articles on the different aspects of hardwood, bamboo, laminate, tile and vinyl flooring.

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What You Need To Know Before You Buy Bamboo Flooring

Thursday, October 22nd, 2009

There are many reasons why people choose to have bamboo flooring installed in their homes. Probably one of the best reasons is that it is extremely beautiful to look at. Moreover, it is a renewable resource and therefore it is environmentally friendly. This has added to its popularity not just with homeowners but also construction contractors as well.

So what does one need to know in order to buy bamboo flooring with confidence? In this article we will take a look at some things you will need to consider when thinking of buying and having bamboo flooring installed in your home.

Firstly you need to decide what kind of flooring you want. Do you want solid, engineered or strand woven? Below we will take a closer look at these different types.

1. Solid. This comes in a variety of different lengths and can be attached together using either an adhesive or nails.

2. Engineered. This is very similar to what a laminate flooring is and can float on the surface of another flooring and often is able to be installed using a method known as click and lock. With this type of bamboo flooring you do not need to use either adhesives or nails to ensure that the floor stays in place.

3. Strand Woven. This is where the bamboo strands have been woven together, which makes the floor as durable as possible. There are some people who say that this particular kind of bamboo flooring is bomb-proof. This is probably an exaggeration and there is no evidence to substantiate this type of claim, but it is an indication of how well-regarded it is in terms of durability.

Next you need to look at the age of the bamboo that the flooring has been made out of. Generally a high-quality bamboo flooring should have been made from bamboo cane that is no less than 4 years old. It usually takes between 4 and 5 years for bamboo to fully mature.

Also when it comes to buying bamboo flooring avoid purchasing mixed bamboo as this can lead to problems such as warping and mold on it.

The next thing to consider when you decide to buy bamboo flooring is the finish. The better the final lacquer finish on the bamboo then the longer it will last. Generally, the standard finish being used by many bamboo flooring manufacturers today is Klumpp lacquer. Not only is this lacquer extremely hard wearing but often bamboo flooring covered with this will have a much longer warranty compared to others.

By remembering these few simple hints and tips above you should be able to buy the best quality bamboo flooring possible at a price that suits your budget.

Ernest Jarquio is a dedicated family man hopelessly addicted to do-it-yourself projects. For more information, visit his website, where he discusses various subjects such as how to buy bamboo flooring
bamboo flooring in Oregon and tips on
bamboo flooring installation. Read various articles on the different aspects of hardwood, bamboo, laminate, tile and vinyl flooring.

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