Installing a Toilet
April 14, 2008
The installation of a toilet is a relatively easy job for a homeowner. With a couple of wrenches, a screwdriver and a few shims a new toilet can be installed in about one hour.
Toilets can be purchased at any home improvement store or plumbing supply center. Typically a gravity flush toilet costs between $150 and $300, however the price can double or triple for more elaborate units, such as pressure flush systems. Today’s toilets are mandated to use no more than 1.6 gallons per flush, where as older units used as much as 5 gallons. The initial 1.6 gallon toilets were notorious for frequently clogging, however over the past several years suppliers have improved the performance of these low water-use systems.
Setting the Toilet
A toilet usually consists of two main parts: a bowl and a tank. It is best to first install the bowl. Prior to seating the bowl, check if the closet flange has been temporarily plugged with insulation or a rag to prevent sewer gases from escaping. Remove this. Next set the bowl on top of the closet flange to determine if it sits level. If it does not, prepare some shims to use later.
Concrete Cutting: Shedding Light On Your Basement Remodel
April 13, 2008
Basements or cellars (depending on which part of the country you are from) are primarily seen as dark and dingy parts of a home. In most cases they are considered a useless area or are used as a "catch all" for family discards that haven’t quite made it to the curbside for trash pick up yet. Well, with the skyrocketing prices of real estate these days and the lack of any substantial property to use for an addition to our homes, the basement, after years of being ignored and neglected, is finally being recognized as a useful, cost effective resource for adding more living space to our beloved homes.
Several factors that have to be considered before any serious basement renovations take place include ceiling height, stair pitch or steepness and emergency egress. All three of these requirements can differ considerably depending on where you live. You can call your local building department and they can tell you these requirements. As for what emergency egress is, it is basically an emergency escape. A door of at least 30" wide in most areas is considered a very safe egress but a window has to be a certain size and a minimum distance from the floor in order to be considered safe.
Modern Rugs
April 12, 2008
The modern look is a highly admired form of interior design. The word Modern is a broad term that encompasses many different techniques and styles of design. Abstract Expressionism is one popular designation, which has a profound impact on interior design, particularly in the use of color and materials. The term Abstract Expressionism was first used by Robert Coates in the March issue of the New Yorker in 1936.
Abstract Expressionism does not describe any one particular style, but rather a general attitude. It can be applied to design using famous artist’s paintings and rugs inspired by the grand masters. Most painters of the movement favored large canvasses, dramatic colors, and loose brushwork that have motivated designs of modern rugs and other home accessories.
The general opinion is this form of art and rugs are expensive far beyond the budget of the average person. However, one does not have to spend an exorbitant amount of money to own these paintings. Fortunately for the art enthusiast these artists’ paintings are available in the form of prints; a 20x 40 inches costs as low as $80.00.To complement this décor one can source modern rugs that are inspired by abstract paintings. At Exquisite Rugs one can source modern rugs stirred by the main exponents of the genre; Pollock, Marc Rothko, Guston, Kline, Newman and Still.
Learn Some Feng Shui Guidelines For Your Childrens Room
April 11, 2008
Feng shui indicates some specific guidelines regarding children’s spaces and bedrooms. The way we decorate them and the way we distribute the furniture should be done by following those principles in order to achieve harmony and help your children feel comfortable in that space.
One first important aspect to have into account about a child’s room is the colors within it. You should pay special attention to the colors you choose for this space, not only for the walls but for the decoration in general. According to feng shui, a child’s room should be in earth colors such as light oranges, terracotta or warm yellows. These colors would make them feel safe.
Colors that are cold, such as blue or gray shades should never predominate in a child’s room, since they could bring them insecurity feelings. Besides, the wall and furniture colors should be in balance as well. It is also important to remark that too bright colors are not recommended for a child’s bedroom.
If your child is very active, you should balance this through the colors you choose for his bedroom; they should be light and relaxing colors such as beiges or very light oranges. On the other hand, if your child is quiet, you should choose warm orange or yellow colors which would be in balance his personality.
What Are The Benefits of Radiant Heating: How Do They Compare With Other Heating Applications
April 10, 2008
Some of the benefits of radiant heat
Comfort: Let your bare feet soak up the warmth of soothing heat without the dust and noise associated with other heating sources. Enjoy evenly distributed heat throughout your home kitchen, bedroom, bathroom and basement.
Custom Designed: Whether for supplemental floor warming, or total space heating, every system is custom designed to fit all rooms independent of their shape or size. These systems will heat under any surface including marble, slate, carpet, hardwood and tile. The compact Control Box will hang on the wall of your garage or in a utility room. No heating vents or ducts will be seen, and no furnace or boiler is required.
Perfect for Remodeling and Additions: The simplicity of the low voltage heating element makes this system incredibly easy to install in your remodeling or room addition application. No floor buildup is necessary and no additional construction costs are incurred. The unique heating element can also be installed in between floor joists to heat an existing floor or room.
Safe: So safe, in fact that nails, water, and even touching the heating element during operation will have no harmful effect! You will have peace of mind while loved ones play as the systems are tested to UL standards and run on worry-free, low-voltage energy (8 to 32 V.).
Repairing a Hole in a Sheetrocked Wall
April 9, 2008
It is quite simple to repair a hole in a Sheetrocked wall, however there are minor differences in methods of repair depending on how large the hole is.
Small size holes (1/4" or smaller)
With small holes, simply apply a little joint compound or wall putty with a small putty knife or trowel. Let dry, then sand lightly and paint.
Medium size holes (Greater than ¼" in diameter and smaller than 2" in diameter)
First clean out the hole and surrounding area of any debris and loose sheetrock. Then apply a mesh tape, specifically manufactured for sheetrock applications, across the hole. Use your putty knife to ensure that it is applied evenly on the wall surface. Next apply a liberal amount of Joint Compound over the hole and mesh. Let this set for 1 to 2 days.
After the initial coat has been applied and has had time to fully dry, apply a second skim coat of Joint Compound over the area. However, this time spread the Joint Compound over an area that is 2-3 times the size of the original hole. Basically you want to flare out the area that you are repairing so that it will blend in nicely with the rest of the wall. Again let the area dry for a day.
Aluminium Conservatories
April 9, 2008
The conservatory is a popular addition to homes around the world and in particular in colder climates. Conservatories began their existence in the 1700s as Dutch farmers looked to find ways of protecting their plants during the colder winter months. These early greenhouse structures evolved not only into the common garden greenhouse but also the conservatories we see today. The original concept in all probability did not have in mind the idea of creating a transitional space between the dwelling and the out of doors. Of course the initial idea behind those who created the first versions of conservatories was to provide a means to prolong the life of plants during the chill of the northern European winter months.
Today the equivalent commercial greenhouses are typically made of aluminium, whilst the manufacture of aluminium has been slow to progress. However, in recent years as technology has progressed, aluminium conservatories have become a serious rival to the PVCu conservatories so popular since the 1970s. The New Generation Aluminium conservatory has a strong slim frame which lends itself perfectly to the sleek lines and rectangular design of Edwardian conservatories.
Building Permits and Inspections
April 8, 2008
Probably the most intimidating part of building your own house is the permit process. Not only do the the requirements vary from township to township, but at times the decisions made seem so subjective that we find ourselves seething in frustration. However, permits and inspections are a necessary step, and they are in place predominately for your protection. Ask any earthquake victim in Iran. Because I am concerned here with new construction, I won’t go into the permits required for renovation; that’s another story.
In a new development, the buyer usually doesn’t have to think about permits; the builder takes care of all the details. With independent projects, you may end up engaging a contractor who hires all the sub-contractors and takes care of the permits. This makes life infinitely easier for the buyer, but you’ll pay for that convenience. In rural areas, because township officials are usually volunteers, they tend to work only one or two hours a week, and often after five o’clock. If you miss their time, you’ll probably have to wait another week. This could run your builder ragged and cause unwelcome delays.
Making Your Home Blossom is Easy
April 7, 2008
Having trouble getting a room in your home to have that certain charm you’re looking for? Searching for that perfect painting, sculpture, or table lamp can often be time-consuming, pricey, and/or lead to fights with your spouse. But, one simple and often overlooked way to add harmony to any room is with fresh cut flowers.
Flowers immediately draw attention and come in all sorts of colors, shapes, and prices. Best of all, they offer a way to change the look of a room every week. For example, if you want to liven things up get some bright orange and yellow gerbera daisies. If you want to create a romantic mood, go with traditional red roses. For a more serene setting, purple trachelium or blue hydrangea work well. Soft pastels can help create a caring, nurturing atmosphere.
Don’t be afraid to experiment with more unusual flowers like lisianthus, peonies, or ranunculus and see what works for you. A "garden" bouquet consisting of many types of flowers can add a country-like feel to a room while a "European-style" bouquet of 2-3 types of flowers can add elegance and sophistication. Items from around the house such as water pitchers, teapots, urns, and oil and vinegar containers can serve as eclectic vases.
5 Reasons to Make Early Spring Firewood Time at Your Home
April 6, 2008
As the weather hints of warmth and the spring buds appear on trees, firewood may not be the first thing that comes to mind. But early spring is the ideal time to buy or gather your firewood for your fireplace or woodstove. Why? Here are 5 good reasons:
1. Firewood needs at least six months to season. If you want your firewood ready for the cool days of next fall, now’s the time to be getting it.
2. Insects living under the bark are dormant in early spring. When you store firewood now for use next fall or winter, any insects will likely die before you bring the firewood into your home. That’s a plus!
3. Prices for firewood are generally down in early spring, and the supplies are good. Buying now instead of waiting for cold weather to buy your firewood will save you money.
4. Fuel costs, especially the cost of heating oil, are rising. Many people will be turning to their fireplaces as a source of supplemental heat, especially when they see their fuel bills next winter. So next fall is expected not only to have the regular seasonal increase in firewood prices but also to see additional price increases due to unusually high demands. Buying your firewood now puts you ahead of those price increases that are forecast for firewood next fall.
