Choosing The Right Wood For Your Deck -
By: Malcolm D Kay
If you’re planning on building a wood deck yourself, one of the important considerations is the degree of difficulty in working with the lumber chosen. Not only do you want the lumber to be relatively easy to cut with normal hand or power tools, but you need to consider if splitting may easily occur when nailing, how easy it is to drive nails into the wood, and how easy it is to obtain a smooth finish on the surface of the decking.
The surface finish of course is taken care of by the lumber mill. But even with the best mills, for some exceptionally hard species you may notice machining marks remaining on the surface or a surface roughness due to lifting of the grain whilst machining.
Cutting
Most durable hardwood species are both dense and hard and should ideally be cut with a carbide tipped saw. For softwood species, a handsaw can be quite OK, but even in this case, a carbide tipped saw makes the job a lot easier and quicker.
With some hardwood species such as Teak and Turpentine, rapid blunting of cutting edges can occur due to the presence of a higher than normal level of silica. Ipe is another species which can cause blunting of cutting edges and care also needs to be taken when working with Ipe due to the fine yellow dust produced when sawing or drilling, as it has been known to cause dermatitis with some workers exposed to the dust.
Nailing
Splitting when nailing is a common problem and some species are more prone to splitting than others. For many hardwood species, pre-drilling will be virtually essential, although use of a nail gun can overcome this requirement to some extent. Even with some of the more brittle softwoods and in particular cypress species, care needs be taken when nailing. If nailing close to the end of the decking planks, pre-drilling is always recommended to avoid stress in the timber which may cause to cracks to develop at later stage.
If using nails to fix the planks to bearers and the deck is fully exposed to the weather, standard iron nails should not be used as they will rust. Instead you should use galvanized nails or nails specifically designed for exterior use. Another point to note is that some lumber species can corrode iron fixings or fastenings due to the extractives in the wood. Although this will only occur when the deck is situated in exposed weather conditions, it can speed up the corrosion of standard iron nails and cause them to fail quite rapidly. Western Red Cedar is one such species with extractives that can cause corrosion and some other species which are slightly acidic such as Kempas, can also cause corrosion with standard iron nails.
Drilling
Similar precautions need to be taken against corrosion if using screws rather than nails to fix the planks to the bearers. Stainless steel screws are certainly the best option, but plated screws could be considered provided they are recommended for exterior exposure. Remember that as the head of screw is much larger than a nail, rust stains will be more of a problem and can leave unsightly black marks around the screw holes if inappropriate screws are used.
Alternative fixing devices
A number of alternative fixing materials are also available which have the advantage of leaving the surface free of nail holes or screw holes. These systems generally rely on a fastening device which is driven into the side of the planks and attached to the bearers below. The only obvious drawback of this system is that replacing a single plank if damaged or decayed in any way can only be achieved by nailing or screwing the replacement plank back in place in the conventional manner.
Alternative wood decking materials
If you don’t want to build a deck yourself but just wish to cover an old patio with solid wood decking, another quick and convenient option is to use wood decking tiles. These tiles just click into place on top of an existing deck or patio and eliminate the need for cutting, drilling and nailing. You may need to cut a few tiles to fit around pipes, posts etc but that’s all. For further details see http://www.deckingtiles.com./ They can also be used to repair an existing wood deck by just placing the tiles over the top of the existing deck.
About The Author
Malcolm Kay is the CEO of Intex Pacific Pty. Ltd. an international supplier of landscape materials including modular decking tiles. For more information see http://www.deckingtiles.com/.
Thursday, March 20, 2008
Sunday, March 9, 2008
Carpet Cleaning Help Is Herw
Options for Cleaning Your Carpet Stop Damage to Carpeted Stairs
A majority of the dry soil can be removed by vacuum cleaning. However, you need to clean your carpet on a regular basis to get rid of the oily, sticky soil that builds up in the pile. Odors and dirt that is tracked in from outside create this sticky soil.
If you clean your carpet before it becomes terrible, the cleaning job will be easier to accomplish and very much successful. The carpet with the average family should be cleaned every 12 - 18 months. It depends on the number of persons living in the home and the amount of traffic that walks on the carpet.
Choosing the right vacuum is crucial as well. Certain vacuums leave residues behind, which helps re-soiling.
Your best option is to hire professional carpet cleaners because their experience will allow them to do a much better job than you can do yourself. Professional cleaners use the equipment that has more extraction power and the carpet will dry faster as well. They know what cleaning agents to employ, and they understand the differences in carpet fibers.
If you have decided to do the job yourself and rent a steam cleaning machine, you should try out a number of systems before you make a choice. A good number of the rented units do not clean properly enough and may damage your carpet. For that reason, you should always take into account the following:
- Some rental companies provide cleaning equipment that is similar to what the professionals use. The equipment should produce a sufficient amount of vacuum power to allow the carpet to dry within 12 hours of cleaning. Avoid units that do not produce the power to remove the cleaning solution from the carpet fast enough, since it can hurt your carpet because of over wetting.
- Do not over wet your carpet. Any extended dampness can cause mildew growth and bacteria in the carpet, or bring about a separation of the backing. A carpet that stays wet for longer than one day can cause problems.
- If you plan stain resistant treatments, your carpet must be cleaned with products thatare formulated for this task. Do not use cleaning or spotting solutions that contain bleaches because they can ruin the color of the carpet.
- Do not use silicone based treatments on your carpet.
The system called hot water extraction is strongly recommended. It is considered one of the best methods for carpet cleaning. This system is also known as steam cleaning. You spray a mixture of water and detergent into the pile and recover the water and soil with a strong vacuum. This system is perfect for soiled carpets or pet stains.
Protect your carpet against paint drips, snow, mud, dirt, stains, and heavy traffic conditions. Read about plastic carpet protections as well as temporary carpet protection.
Bay Windows Give a Home Added Space
The person that likes to improve their home on their own can do a bay window installation with a ready to go unit. These are for sale at most of the home improvement stores. All you have to do to install bay windows is have a few tools and a good source of extra help.
Finding the perfect spot in your home is the key. Think about where you would like to look out and see a great view. A window like this is going to extend out your home and give you the view of a lifetime. You can have a large bay window or any size that you want to match the look that you want to achieve. The walls and the ceilings can be anything that you want and have a beautiful wooden bay window installed in your home. Think about a picture of a bay window and what you want to see out of it for your perfect view.
There are different sizes of bay windows. There are ones that are 72 x 72. They are thought of as a bow window. Some like these windows and others do not. It is all about great looking windows and a great view. There are also three panels on windows and multiple panel bow windows. You can fill the window seat with great plants or picture to catch the sunlight with. There is so many different look that you can create with your own mind. It will be a great time to shop for the right accessories for your new bay window.
Do you want scratch or rebuilt?
When you are looking for a window to install, you should think about plans for building your own bay window. You can go through books, magazines, and even the Internet to find what you are looking for. There are so many different plans for the right bay window for you. You can take on your own project and figure out what is going to work well with your ideas. There are many window manufacturers. Some are Pella, Milgard and then there is Anderson, these are pre-assembled bay windows pre built for just any home.
Little contractors will take on the idea of building you a bay window or bow window from scratch but you want to beware of who is building your window. They believe that it is not practical when they can get one for less money and have it installed easier. If the contractors now were to use pre built windows for new homes or renovation ideas, then anyone can do the same for their own remodeling projects.
Having a bay window installed is an easy project for you to do. You should think about a contractor or person that will help you out if you fall into some trouble. This is a job you have to take a few days to do. You are probably not going to finish up in one weekend so you should plan accordingly.
You will want to make sure that you have help to lift the bay windows because they are heavy. You need more than one person to handle the weight.
You should also make sure that the weather would be good for your project. You do not want to do it when it is raining outside. This will take a few days to get the new window in place and ready for sealing. You do not want to have to worry about water getting into your home through the window.
You should make sure that you are checking the local area for construction codes to make sure that you are following the guidelines. There may be special requirements in your area and you will need to make sure that you have all of these needs met. You will also want to make sure that you have a building permit too. This is not a good time to break a law or get into trouble trying to put in your new window. Once you have it in place, get the best set of bay window curtains that you want for the special new look of your home.
Peter J. Wilson's long articles are published on large numbers of online publications related to bay window curtains and decorating. His comments on bay windows are found on his webpage and other web sites.
Wednesday, January 2, 2008
Home Remodelling Loan And Checklist
Before Picking A Home Remodelling Loan
by: M.Planet Lubowa
On one weekend, a Saturday in particular, I decided to attend a seminar on home remodelling. I Usually prefer to call it home renovation. It was basically for the elderly people.
Am not in the elderly bracket but I decided to attend anyway because I was feeling a bit lonely and wanted to be occupied. On looking around the room, I saw that most people were in my age group.
Think it is because they have to meet most of the cost for refinancing the renovation of the home of their old ones.
This seminar turned out to be good to me and at the end I was convinced it was a good take.
In this seminar, it was revealed that research so far shows this:
It will probably cost anywhere from $100,000 to $150,000 to do a good renovation of a house for the elderly. This seems a staggering amount, until you consider that it would cost them from $3,000 to $5,000 per month if they were to rent a unit in a retirement facility in a location where they might not be as happy. Looking at it from that point of view, in four years or less, they would have spent the money anyway, and at least making home improvements allows them to continue to live in the same location and keep their asset.
The biggest challenge many older adults face when renovating their homes is how to pay for them. Many are on fixed incomes with few resources. Their property may have increased in value, but they are cash-poor.
During this seminar, a flyer was distributed that provided a telephone number for the city and county Elderly Affairs Division Rehabilitation Loan Program. Many cities have similar funds available as a means to assist individuals to stay in their own homes, rather than move to more costly facilities.
I learnt that the loan program was available to a person or family requiring home modifications, based on a health or safety need. The home loan program required that an application be submitted with information about the number of persons living in the household and their combined annual income. This information was then used to determine the interest rate for the loan. For example, for combined incomes of less than $41,000 or so, the interest rate was 2 percent; for less than $52,000, 4 percent; and so on.
Another thing I learnt is that you can also have an option, which is that of a reverse mortgage. A reverse mortgage is a special type of home loan that lets a homeowner convert a portion of the equity in his or her own home into cash. The equity built up over years of home mortgage payments can be paid to the owner, but unlike traditional home equity loans or second mortgages, no repayment is required until the borrower no longer uses the home as the principal residence.
Reverse mortgages are available through different lenders, as well as HUD. There are some property restrictions, but single-family homes, two-to-four-unit properties, condominium units, townhouses, and some manufactured homes are eligible. Generally, the greater the value of the home, the older the owners, the lower the interest rates, and the more one can borrow. This is good news right now, with interest rates so low, and it is an opportunity for your patients who have a higher annual income that disqualifies them from other programs. And if they live in an area of the country where land or home values are traditionally higher, such as Hawaii or New York, it may be the best option available for refinancing.
Given the sheer amount you have to invest or borrow, here is a checklist before you decide on any renovation project.
Consider the following before you decide how to finance your home improvement project:
-Talk to lenders about your options.
- Know that lenders are concerned about income, debts, credit history and property value.
-Consider a secured loan when you want to borrow more money, get a lower interest rate or reduce taxes.
-Refinance an existing loan if you have enough equity and if the rates are two points lower now than when you initially borrowed the money.
-Use a home equity line of credit that is secured by your home so you’re your interest is tax deductible.
-Take out a home equity loan to get fixed rates and payments.
-Consider a homeowner loan that is secured by your property. Use a value added loan when the improvement you make will have a substantial impact on the market value of your home.
-Do your research before using contractor financing.
Good Luck
Get more information on home loans and home remodelling by Lubowa.M.Planet. Visit Home Loans and mortagewebsite.
About The Author
Get more information on home loans and home remodelling by Lubowa.M.Planet. Visit http://www.softerdreams.org/
by: M.Planet Lubowa
On one weekend, a Saturday in particular, I decided to attend a seminar on home remodelling. I Usually prefer to call it home renovation. It was basically for the elderly people.
Am not in the elderly bracket but I decided to attend anyway because I was feeling a bit lonely and wanted to be occupied. On looking around the room, I saw that most people were in my age group.
Think it is because they have to meet most of the cost for refinancing the renovation of the home of their old ones.
This seminar turned out to be good to me and at the end I was convinced it was a good take.
In this seminar, it was revealed that research so far shows this:
It will probably cost anywhere from $100,000 to $150,000 to do a good renovation of a house for the elderly. This seems a staggering amount, until you consider that it would cost them from $3,000 to $5,000 per month if they were to rent a unit in a retirement facility in a location where they might not be as happy. Looking at it from that point of view, in four years or less, they would have spent the money anyway, and at least making home improvements allows them to continue to live in the same location and keep their asset.
The biggest challenge many older adults face when renovating their homes is how to pay for them. Many are on fixed incomes with few resources. Their property may have increased in value, but they are cash-poor.
During this seminar, a flyer was distributed that provided a telephone number for the city and county Elderly Affairs Division Rehabilitation Loan Program. Many cities have similar funds available as a means to assist individuals to stay in their own homes, rather than move to more costly facilities.
I learnt that the loan program was available to a person or family requiring home modifications, based on a health or safety need. The home loan program required that an application be submitted with information about the number of persons living in the household and their combined annual income. This information was then used to determine the interest rate for the loan. For example, for combined incomes of less than $41,000 or so, the interest rate was 2 percent; for less than $52,000, 4 percent; and so on.
Another thing I learnt is that you can also have an option, which is that of a reverse mortgage. A reverse mortgage is a special type of home loan that lets a homeowner convert a portion of the equity in his or her own home into cash. The equity built up over years of home mortgage payments can be paid to the owner, but unlike traditional home equity loans or second mortgages, no repayment is required until the borrower no longer uses the home as the principal residence.
Reverse mortgages are available through different lenders, as well as HUD. There are some property restrictions, but single-family homes, two-to-four-unit properties, condominium units, townhouses, and some manufactured homes are eligible. Generally, the greater the value of the home, the older the owners, the lower the interest rates, and the more one can borrow. This is good news right now, with interest rates so low, and it is an opportunity for your patients who have a higher annual income that disqualifies them from other programs. And if they live in an area of the country where land or home values are traditionally higher, such as Hawaii or New York, it may be the best option available for refinancing.
Given the sheer amount you have to invest or borrow, here is a checklist before you decide on any renovation project.
Consider the following before you decide how to finance your home improvement project:
-Talk to lenders about your options.
- Know that lenders are concerned about income, debts, credit history and property value.
-Consider a secured loan when you want to borrow more money, get a lower interest rate or reduce taxes.
-Refinance an existing loan if you have enough equity and if the rates are two points lower now than when you initially borrowed the money.
-Use a home equity line of credit that is secured by your home so you’re your interest is tax deductible.
-Take out a home equity loan to get fixed rates and payments.
-Consider a homeowner loan that is secured by your property. Use a value added loan when the improvement you make will have a substantial impact on the market value of your home.
-Do your research before using contractor financing.
Good Luck
Get more information on home loans and home remodelling by Lubowa.M.Planet. Visit Home Loans and mortagewebsite.
About The Author
Get more information on home loans and home remodelling by Lubowa.M.Planet. Visit http://www.softerdreams.org/
Sunday, December 16, 2007
Vista Kitchen Remodeling
Use A Contractor For Intricate Kitchen Remodeling
by: Rob Carlton
ALmost everyone who undertakes some sort of improvement project on their home will end up using a contractor at some point. Although most of the jobs may be manageable by a handy individual, at some point expertise is going to be called for. Take, for example, kitchen remodeling. Although some jobs such as installing new sinks and new tile can be handled quite easily by the average handyman, installing cabinets is something that requires the sure hand and experience of a pro. The rigth contractor is worth every single penny she charges, but the wrong one can turn your project into a money draining nightmare. Here are some ideas when it comes to selecting a good contractor.
Most really good contractors also obtain a lot of business skill. They may not handle the financial and accounting aspects of their business, but they do have very good managemenn skills and are able to find the right people to assist them with big jobs. They will also be able to provide fair and reasonable estimates for the job that you are looking to have done. The first place to look for a reliable contractor is through your friends and family. Ask them if they have had any work done recently, and who they used to do it. Find out if they were happy with the job.
There are many people who will not be able to ask friends or family about recent contracting work, since they haven't had any done. In this case, you will have to start from ground zero. Before you hire the contractor you find in the Yellow Pages or on the Internet, make sure to ask them for a list of references. Don't worry about seeming suspicious; this is an expensive thing that you need to get done and you don't want to waste your money on subpar work. Good contractors are never shy about their past clients either; they will have a solid customer base that offers positive reviews. Referrals are the way they grow their businesses, and that is always in the back of the mind of every contractor.
Before you contact the former clients, make sure to prepare a list of questions you would like to ask. Find out about the size of the project that was done, and what the budget was like. Ask if the person who did the work stayed within this budget or went over; if they went over, by how much? Also, be sure to inquire as to whether the schedule was met on time in a satisfactory manner.
Remember that this is your project, and in most cases there will be no obligation to hire a licensed contractor. In fact, some of the best contractors out there do not have a license. If you do hire a licensed contractor, though, get the license number from them and do a background check. Contact business groups such as your local Better Business Bureau and see what they have to say. Check with city and state agencies and see if there are any outstanding complaints or impending actions against the company. Remember that it is not only contractors who are dishonest if you find some complaints, though; many clients are trying to get away with paying as little as possible and so will go to great lengths to get a deal.
When interviewing the contractor, trust to your instincts. Remember to treat the individual as a professional, but watch for warning signs. Evasive answers to questions or a lot of excuses and explanations should set off warning bells in your head.
Despite the bad press that is given broadly to a few individuals, the fact is that most contractors are upstanding and want to do the best job possible. Taking care in how you hire them will ensure that you have a good experience.
About The Author
Concentrating on the area of cabinets, Robert Carlton published primarily for http://www.kitchen-cabinets-tips.com. Sharing his passion in works (such as http://www.kitchen-cabinets-tips.com/ kitchen-remodeling.html on kitchen remodeling ) he expressed his capability in the area. http://homebuyerguide.blogspot.com/
by: Rob Carlton
ALmost everyone who undertakes some sort of improvement project on their home will end up using a contractor at some point. Although most of the jobs may be manageable by a handy individual, at some point expertise is going to be called for. Take, for example, kitchen remodeling. Although some jobs such as installing new sinks and new tile can be handled quite easily by the average handyman, installing cabinets is something that requires the sure hand and experience of a pro. The rigth contractor is worth every single penny she charges, but the wrong one can turn your project into a money draining nightmare. Here are some ideas when it comes to selecting a good contractor.
Most really good contractors also obtain a lot of business skill. They may not handle the financial and accounting aspects of their business, but they do have very good managemenn skills and are able to find the right people to assist them with big jobs. They will also be able to provide fair and reasonable estimates for the job that you are looking to have done. The first place to look for a reliable contractor is through your friends and family. Ask them if they have had any work done recently, and who they used to do it. Find out if they were happy with the job.
There are many people who will not be able to ask friends or family about recent contracting work, since they haven't had any done. In this case, you will have to start from ground zero. Before you hire the contractor you find in the Yellow Pages or on the Internet, make sure to ask them for a list of references. Don't worry about seeming suspicious; this is an expensive thing that you need to get done and you don't want to waste your money on subpar work. Good contractors are never shy about their past clients either; they will have a solid customer base that offers positive reviews. Referrals are the way they grow their businesses, and that is always in the back of the mind of every contractor.
Before you contact the former clients, make sure to prepare a list of questions you would like to ask. Find out about the size of the project that was done, and what the budget was like. Ask if the person who did the work stayed within this budget or went over; if they went over, by how much? Also, be sure to inquire as to whether the schedule was met on time in a satisfactory manner.
Remember that this is your project, and in most cases there will be no obligation to hire a licensed contractor. In fact, some of the best contractors out there do not have a license. If you do hire a licensed contractor, though, get the license number from them and do a background check. Contact business groups such as your local Better Business Bureau and see what they have to say. Check with city and state agencies and see if there are any outstanding complaints or impending actions against the company. Remember that it is not only contractors who are dishonest if you find some complaints, though; many clients are trying to get away with paying as little as possible and so will go to great lengths to get a deal.
When interviewing the contractor, trust to your instincts. Remember to treat the individual as a professional, but watch for warning signs. Evasive answers to questions or a lot of excuses and explanations should set off warning bells in your head.
Despite the bad press that is given broadly to a few individuals, the fact is that most contractors are upstanding and want to do the best job possible. Taking care in how you hire them will ensure that you have a good experience.
About The Author
Concentrating on the area of cabinets, Robert Carlton published primarily for http://www.kitchen-cabinets-tips.com. Sharing his passion in works (such as http://www.kitchen-cabinets-tips.com/ kitchen-remodeling.html on kitchen remodeling ) he expressed his capability in the area. http://homebuyerguide.blogspot.com/
Vista Sunroom Contractors
Questions To Ask Your Sunroom Contractor
by: Adam Peters
http://realestate-ideas.blogspot.com/ http://buildingandremodeling.blogspot.com/
Sunroom contractor's can make or break your sunroom construction. By choosing your contractor carefully, you can help to make sure that you will have a sunroom that will stand the test of time.
Adding a sunroom to your home is a big decision and it can be quite an investment. That is why you want to be sure that you carefully choose your sunroom contractor. A sunroom can be an excellent place to relax and unwind after a hard day of work and you want to be sure that you are getting a sunroom that will hold up well to weather and to the wear and tear of using it.
You want to make up a list of questions to ask the sunroom contractor to be sure that you have covered all of the issues that you are concerned with. The first thing that you need to do, however is to learn more about how sunrooms are constructed.
If you want your sunroom to become a part of your home with the same roof line, wall line, and heating and cooling system, then a sunroom contract can come in handy. They will be able to build your sunroom to make it a cohesive part of your home, so that no one will even know that it was added on after the house was built. A sunroom contractor can also help you with the maze of legal issues, including building codes. This can take some of the stress off of you.
Questions To Ask Sunroom Contractors
When you are trying to choose between several sunroom contractors, you need to ask questions to help you make a decision. Make sure that they are licensed, insured and bonded. Ask for references. You are interviewing them for a very important job, so don’t be afraid to ask questions. The first questions that you will want to ask are about their experience in building and designing sunrooms for residential homes. Then you will be ready to move on to other questions.
Membership in associations and legal and professional accreditations can tell you how serious they are about their business and their job. By asking about these things, you can see what level of professional they are.
Ask about any details or terms that you don’t understand. You want to be sure that you are satisfied with your sunroom, so you want to be sure that your sunroom contractor and you are on the same page. This can help to ensure that they will construct the sunroom of your dreams that you will enjoy for many years to come.
About The Author
Adam Peters is the journalist of consumer websites, who has written more articles on conservatories for http://www.allsunrooms.com . A focused website that offers articles on sunroom prices, read more here: http://www.allsunrooms.com/find_a_contractor.html.
by: Adam Peters
http://realestate-ideas.blogspot.com/ http://buildingandremodeling.blogspot.com/
Sunroom contractor's can make or break your sunroom construction. By choosing your contractor carefully, you can help to make sure that you will have a sunroom that will stand the test of time.
Adding a sunroom to your home is a big decision and it can be quite an investment. That is why you want to be sure that you carefully choose your sunroom contractor. A sunroom can be an excellent place to relax and unwind after a hard day of work and you want to be sure that you are getting a sunroom that will hold up well to weather and to the wear and tear of using it.
You want to make up a list of questions to ask the sunroom contractor to be sure that you have covered all of the issues that you are concerned with. The first thing that you need to do, however is to learn more about how sunrooms are constructed.
If you want your sunroom to become a part of your home with the same roof line, wall line, and heating and cooling system, then a sunroom contract can come in handy. They will be able to build your sunroom to make it a cohesive part of your home, so that no one will even know that it was added on after the house was built. A sunroom contractor can also help you with the maze of legal issues, including building codes. This can take some of the stress off of you.
Questions To Ask Sunroom Contractors
When you are trying to choose between several sunroom contractors, you need to ask questions to help you make a decision. Make sure that they are licensed, insured and bonded. Ask for references. You are interviewing them for a very important job, so don’t be afraid to ask questions. The first questions that you will want to ask are about their experience in building and designing sunrooms for residential homes. Then you will be ready to move on to other questions.
Membership in associations and legal and professional accreditations can tell you how serious they are about their business and their job. By asking about these things, you can see what level of professional they are.
Ask about any details or terms that you don’t understand. You want to be sure that you are satisfied with your sunroom, so you want to be sure that your sunroom contractor and you are on the same page. This can help to ensure that they will construct the sunroom of your dreams that you will enjoy for many years to come.
About The Author
Adam Peters is the journalist of consumer websites, who has written more articles on conservatories for http://www.allsunrooms.com . A focused website that offers articles on sunroom prices, read more here: http://www.allsunrooms.com/find_a_contractor.html.
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