The Skill Of Making Christmas Cards Much More Personal

The festive season of christmas is most certainly a time for celebrating, spreading love and being joyful. It is also at this time that we will write and send selective cards that will hopefully reflect the person we are thinking of in a bid to let them know how much we care and admire them.

Nowadays though, it is all so simple to send a Xmas card which can now be sent electronically by email and can also be very easily purchased with the message already written on the Christmas card for you. All you need do is sign the card and the job is done; this however takes the personal touch out of sending a card and your message is deflated. A wiser method to overcome this might be to devise your Christmas cards to be as personal and unique as possible.

Give your card personality: Get That Message Across



So simple but yet so substantial. Adding that special personal touch can really transform a Christmas card and build it get across the sentiment and love you fell for a person. You would be amazed of the huge difference this can make when sending a card as it will be so greatly received. You may personalize your card in a variety of ways; adding your picture to a card is a great touch or you may design your card from scratch and do all the work by hand.

When it comes to making cards from scratch it can be time consuming but this will be greatly appreciated by the recipient as they will be aware of the dedication and hard work that you have put into your Christmas card.

Even with the many changes it has experienced, the Christmas greeting card is still a popular holiday tradition for many families throughout the world.

Not everyone will have the time to devise a card by scratch however, but will still want an element of the personal touch, so for that reason it is necessary to imagine other options. Perhaps you might write a personal message in your card or even a short poem reflecting the recipient might go down well. If you can deliver your card by hand that will also add to the effect we are trying to fabricate here.

Get Creative: Find The Artist From Within

It's not difficult making Christmas cards and anything you will need for your creation is readily available from a variety of resources. Your local store will more than likely stock almost everything you need to get started. What about getting some paint brushes and adding colour to your work? Adding colours can really brighten up the theme and can erect a really cheerful card. The key here is to just be as creative as you want and let the artist from within leap out.

If you are a creative spirit, you can fashion your own card holder as well by using fabric, needlepoint or wood.

If you have kids or grandchildren as a result of this try to involve them with what you are doing as they will be more than happy to participate in your project. Making Christmas cards is so much fun so just devise sure you have a great time and involve anybody that wants to join in. You may surprise yourself with what you can actually achieve once you get cracking with it all.

When a person receives a personalized Christmas card it will be greatly received and adored forever. It is not something that will be cast aside and forgotten about once the festive season is over. Family and friends will remember your little work of art for years to come and they will be thrilled that you took the time to do it.

About the Author: Have you ever considered what the best Christmas Gift might be? Be sure to visit the Christmas Decoration Site which provides comprehensive help, advice and ideas on all aspects of Christmas, Christmas gifts & Christmas decoration. Benjamin highly recommends this site so check it out today here: - http://www.outdoorchristmasdecorationsite.com

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Open Up Your House to The World Through Windows

A house without windows is just absurd! But a house without 'smart windows' is even stranger indeed! By 'smart windows,' we mean windows that multitask - that is, windows that do more than just let the sunshine in or let you see who's come knocking at your door. 'Smart windows' are those that help to insulate your home, convert heat and light into energy, make it harder for thieves to break in, and make your home appear larger than what it really is.

Without 'smart' windows, we're prone to experience high-energy bills, feelings of cramped living spaces, and unfortunately, easy theft.

This isn't sales propaganda - it's a fact. Just ask those living in homes that are more than ten years old to show you their energy bills! Or do a little research on the Internet regarding old windows and crime - or how large windows improve the psyche of employees and homeowners. Plain and simple - if you want lower bills, home security, and a feeling of freedom within your living space - new windows are the way to go.



Today's windows are much more resistant to weather conditions and heat thanks to new technological improvements. Today's windows are much more than mere glass. They are in fact, the result of high-tech engineering that's designed to either block irritating and harmful sunrays altogether. Or they're designed to use that light and convert it into energy that you can use to fuel other appliances in your home (such as an air conditioner, heating system, or central fan).

The way that new windows are installed is also designed to seal out things like cold air, pollution, and sound - not to mention robbers. Both windowpanes and their casings can be tamper-resistant, which is particularly helpful if you live not only in a highly populated area, but also an area that's repeatedly exposed to strong winds or nature's little uninvited guests, like squirrels or other annoying critters.

The newer windows are also designed in such a way that they open up a small home - making it seemingly larger than what it really is. When we're in an environment that gives us a feeling of freedom, we're suddenly open to express ourselves in a new form of comfort - a comfort that's free from restriction.

And thanks to new architectural developments, windows can be designed in almost any fashion that you like. No longer do windows need to follow the traditional square or rectangle. You could for example, have round, arched, organically shaped, or uniquely shaped geometric windows installed instead. Many people are having a little fun with window placements by having them installed on the roof or even within the home as French doors, for example.

If you're sold on having your current windows upgraded (and who can blame you!), then you'll probably enjoy learning about the large choices available as much as you'll enjoy them once they're installed in your home.

About the Author: Author Paul White represents FloridaHomeBuild.com. A site designed to help home owners from Florida locate local home contractors with their home improvement projects.
Visit http://www.FloridaHomeBuild.com

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Essential Tips to Keep Home Improvement Costs Down

Before you strike the first nail, your home improvement projects will face critical make or break points along the way. The choices you make at these points can be critical to the success of the project. To get the most of your home improvement dollar, be sure to follow the steps below to keep your home improvement projects within budget.

Hire a pro - Good architects, designers and contractors will add to the initial cost of the project, but can save you money and frustration in the long run. Their experience will help you find design pitfalls early that can cause budget and timeline creep later. So how do you find a good architect or contractor? The best way is through word of mouth and referrals. Talk to your friends to see if any of them recently used either and if they were happy with the results. Local builders can also provide referrals. Another great source can be your local parade of homes or home builders association. Also, check with your real estate agent if you have one.

Design Fees and Contractor Costs - Most large scale home improvement projects will require the services of a professional interior designer, architect or contractor. Insist that each bid include a detailed propose on the scope and itmeline for the work. Do some analysis to determine if the fees are comparative when you shop for rates. The bargain rate firm may leave you with the clean-up and finishing work. The pricier bid may include oversight costs that you can do yourself. Keep in mind, that you often get what you pay for and cutting costs may harm you in the long run.



Planning is Key- Like any significant project, planning is a key to success. Spend quality time early in the home improvement project to make informed decisions ahead of time. Be sure to adequately review bids from contractors and don't select a contractor just because they are the lowest cost provider or are available immediately. Do your homework. Choose the design materials carefully to avoid costly changes later.

Develop Goals- Develop cost and timeline goals and stick to them as much as possible. Breaking the home improvement project down into smaller elements makes it easier to estimate the costs and manage the timeline later.

Helping Hand- Stay involved and pitch in where you can. By removing old fixtures, cabinets or doing other clean-up work you can save on the overall remodeling project. If capable, do some of the final finishing work yourself to also drive down the costs. Painting, touch up or installing faucets or other fixtures yourself can keep you within budget and give you the satisfaction of knowing you did some of the work yourself. You can also save considerable money if you do the clean-up yourself.

Design Choices and Customizations- Using custom cabinetry, windows, doors or other products can quickly drive the costs up for any home improvement project. This is one of the area where you can exercise a great deal of control over the costs. A standard window at your local home improvement store may cost $250, but a custom-sized window will cost at least double. Some elements of the project may need to be site specific and customized. But some product categories - such as windows, doors and cabinetry - offer a wide variety of standard or semi-custom choices. Adding your own trim or embellishments later may make these standard choices look customized.

Stick to the Plan- Don't let yourself get side tracked. For example, if you are painting your bedroom and you discover that the adjoining bathroom paint now looks dingy, don't get side tracked. Schedule the bathroom paint upgrade for another weekend. The desire to add or change along the way will be tempting and may prove irresistible. If your remodeling projects stick to the original plan, most would finish on time and within budget.

The key to avoiding cost overruns and other pitfalls during your remodeling projects is to properly manage the variables along the way. Estimating the costs is both an art and a science. The better you plan, manage those variables and stick to the original plan the more likely you are to be satisfied with the project and complete it within your cost and timeline budgets.

About the Author:

For more home improvement tips visit: www.inhomeimprovements.com

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Inspecting the Purchase Agreement - Don't Let the Small Details Hurt You

An easy way to lose in real estate is to let things sneak by you in the purchase agreement. You may decide everything you want at the time the buyer makes their offer, only to find out later that something in the purchase agreement gives the buyer an advantage you weren’t aware of. Accepting a vague purchase agreement is one of the biggest mistakes many sellers make. You want to know every detail of the purchase agreement you decide on.

There are many easy loopholes that could seriously cost you. However these kinds of downfalls can be easily avoided with the help of an experienced legal professional.

Purchase agreements are also called sales agreements and deposit receipts. These documents contain areas that trip up the unknowing such as handwritten clauses, rights, and contingencies.


A purchase agreement used to be no more than a page long. It was composed of a few paragraphs of standardized text and the rest handwritten, usually by the buyer’s agent. The problem in this was that if there was an issue, the purchase agreement rarely held up in the court of law. The wording used was usually not sufficiently precise to explain detailed meanings. Buyers often got out of solid deals this way.

Now, real estate purchase contracts commonly used by leading real estate companies are many pages long, sometimes even ten or more. These contracts have been written and crafted carefully by attorneys to be precise and intended to hold up strongly in a judicial battle. In many purchase contracts the only thing you can add is the name of the buyer, the address of the property, and the price and the amount of financing. All deals are different from each other and is common that a special deal or contingency needs to be written into the deal. So who writes it in?

If this person is the buyer or the agent, it might not hold up. You want an attorney to write the wording for all the clauses in the contract, however this doesn’t guarantee it will hold up either, just more likely.

Modern purchase agreements have several clauses that pertain to your rights to sue or to claim the buyer’s deposit in the event things don’t go as planned. These are called arbitration and liquidated damages clauses.

The arbitration clause means that you give up your right to sure (with limits) and instead agree to binding arbitration to settle disputes. You will be required to pay for at least part of arbitration, and if you don’t like the outcome, you might not have many other options.

The liquidated damages clause means that should the buyer default, you agree to accept his or her deposit (although you might be forced to split this with your agent) as full compensation and give up your right to sue the buyer .

The most important investment you can make during the sale of your home is the help of an experienced attorney. Attorneys who regularly do work in real estate transactions have reasonably low rates as opposed to those in other areas of law. The cost for a real estate transaction usually cost between $500 and $1000. Compared to the huge cost of a home purchase this cost seems minimal.

About the Author: Published by Joe and Colleen Lane , Realtors®. The Lane Real Estate Team services Tri City Wa Real Estate, Kennewick Wa Real Estate, Pasco Wa Real Estate, Richland Wa Real Estate, and surrounding Southeastern Washington Communities.

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The Modern Look of Glass Kitchen Countertops

Glass has been a popular item in wall tile for many years, but now it is being used for kitchen countertops. Glass today means more than just windows. Glass kitchen countertops are becoming more popular for those remodeling a kitchen and who are seeking a material that is sleek, modern, interesting and new. Glass is being used as kitchen countertops because homeowners see it as beautiful and stylish. Custom glass countertops can give a kitchen a great contemporary look. Glass kitchen countertops provide a non-traditional design element as well as light and sophistication to any kitchen.

As a highly polished surface, and non-porous, glass kitchen countertops offer an almost unlimited range of design possibilities, particularly in the choice of shape, edge detailing, and texture. The fact that it is non-porous means that it is stain-proof and hygienic. Glass kitchen countertops are shaped all in one piece so there are no seams. Glass kitchen countertops can also take on hot pots. Glass provides both exceptional form and functionality. Glass kitchen countertops can be personalized with regards to texture, color, or with embedded art. Glass can also be combined with textured stainless steel in creating a unique kitchen countertop design.


Glass used in kitchen countertops is heavy glass in pieces that range from ½ to 1 inch in thickness. The most popular glass thicknesses are ½ inch and ¾ inch. 3/4-inch glass can weigh about 10 pounds per square foot.

Glass kitchen countertops are available in different textures created by one of three types of surface treatments: Sandblasting to fog the glass or to produce patterns into it. Intentionally shattering the glass an laminating it between layers of clear glass. Slumping the glass by melting the glass into special three-dimensional patterns or forms that are embossed into the underside.

The natural color of glass kitchen countertops is slightly green. To create translucent colors the back of the glass is tinted. More opaque colors are created by adding a special opaque coating on the back of the glass. Glass kitchen countertops can be installed in different ways to create certain visual effects.

When it comes to heat glass kitchen countertops can take heat up to about 700 degrees without cracking, although it is a good ideas to use trivets and other protection.

Glass kitchen countertops have a heavy tensile strength that makes it possible to withstand a tremendous amount of weight. However dropping a heavy object like a pot or kettle could cause it to chip, break, or even shatter the glass. If the glass countertop breaks it must be replaced as it can not just be repaired. Glass countertops are prone to scratches, and fingerprints. Watermarks can show up on smooth glass countertops so they must be towel dried.
To keep the glass countertops in optimal condition it is necessary to keep the service dry after it is cleaned to prevent watermarks.

It is possible to have the look of glass countertops without making glass the main surface by just using the glass for accent counters.

About the Author: James Mahoney is the author of many kitchen design articles and has a site about kitchen design ideas at Kitchen Designers Ideas.com.
He also publishes a newsletter on kitchen design.

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Ageless Limestone For Your Kitchen Flooring

Limestone can be a good choice for kitchen flooring due to its subtle patterning and pale, neutral colors. This all makes limestone kitchen flooring a good choice in contemporary kitchen design. It is also a good choice because it provides hardness, low porosity, looks attractive, and is hardwearing and long-lasting. It also has oil resistant properties, although is should be sealed to prevent staining and to keep it looking its best and to be able to clean and maintain. So limestone is usually offered in a honed (unpolished) finish. Its softer, subtle hues make it a frequent choice of homeowners, architects and designers for flooring, countertops and interior or exterior walls.

Limestone kitchen flooring can possess a high resistance to freezing and thawing conditions. Therefore, limestone can be used in just about any atmospheric condition without it being affected. It is also exceedingly durable and easily maintained.



Limestone has been used in flooring for thousands of years. Limestone is a sedimentary stone that is made up of a least 50% calcite or calcium carbonate content, as well as being composed of grains, crushed sea shells, bones of sea animals, or fragments or biologic origin including fossils and dinosaur bones. Limestone can be a calcareous stone in that it can be highly reactive to certain acidic substances such as vinegars, and wine. Limestone is softer than igneous rocks such as granite, however some types of limestone are very hard and dense. This makes limestone suitable for most interior applications including kitchen flooring. Limestone also has a good non-slip surface, and limestone floor tile can be easily stained, making it a good choice for kitchen floors. Floor tiles can be etched by acids. Limestone has a compressive strength of 30,000/lbs./sq. inch.

Limestone kitchen floor tiles are available in colors such as black, gray, white, yellow, and brown.
Pure limestone is white or off-white. However due to impurities such as clay, sand, iron oxide, or other materials, limestone tends to exhibit different colors. There are several different types of surface finishes. The texture variations are produced because limestone tiles vary in shade and surface appearance. Limestone is made up of a large family of different kinds of stone that can vary in character. Limestone kitchen flooring tiles are polished, honed, brushed, and water worn.

The variations in limestone vary greatly in hardness, density, and porosity from stone to stone. Some types of limestone tend to be very soft and should not be cut on. The surface of the stone can easily scratch. Some types of limestone are very dense and hard and can be finished to a polished or a glossy shiny surface. Softer stones cannot be polished to this high gloss finish.

Limestone has long been the choice of architects and many landmarks around the world, especially in North America and Europe. Limestone has been used in many public building such as train stations, banks and other structures built in the early 20th and late 19th centuries. Limestone provides character and depth to any kitchen.

About the Author: James Mahoney is the author of many kitchen design articles and has a site about kitchen design ideas at Kitchen Designers Ideas.com.
He also publishes a newsletter on kitchen design.

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How Does Your Firewood Stack Up?

Knowing which firewood will give you the best burn for your buck is easy once you learn how the heat values of different hardwoods stack up against each other.

For instance, a cord of hickory will yield the heat equivalent of 146 gallons of #2 heating oil. The heating equivalents, stated in gallons of heating oil per cord for other popular hardwoods are as follows: White oak/135 gals. Beech/130 gals., Red Oak, Hard Maple and Yellow Birch/127 gals., Ash/119 gals., Soft Maple, Black Cherry and Paper Birch/110 gals., and finally Poplar 74/gals.

Very often a cord of wood offered for sale will contain mixed hardwoods. There is nothing wrong with this practice, but the seller should be able to tell you which hardwood(s) predominate.

As you can see from the hardwood heating values, a cord of wood comprised mostly of Soft Maple will burn much faster than a cord of White Oak and is therefore worth less money.

Once you determine the quality of wood you are buying, make sure the quantity meets your expectations. A cord of wood is not a truckload or a pile dumped in your driveway. It must measure 128 cubic feet and measure four feet by four feet by eight feet long when closely stacked.


Some states specifically prohibit the terms "cord", "face cord", "pile" or "truckload" from being used in advertising the sale of cordwood or firewood.

The first stacking of firewood is the legal measurement and doesn't necessarily happen on your property after delivery.

A standard pickup truck full of loose firewood that "should be about a cord" is simply not a cord. If anything, it might be "face cord", which is roughly one-third of 128 cubic feet.

Get a delivery receipt attesting to quantity sold and stack it tightly and promptly. Measure and take pictures. If the quantity delivered is less than promised, contact your local weights and measures office of the Division of Standards.

Purchase fully seasoned firewood or split your firewood at least six months before use. Keep it off the ground and covered with plastic, allowing air to circulate freely.

Green wood (freshly cut) has less heat value because energy is expended evaporating moisture trapped in the wood.

About the Author: Improve your home with Alternative Heating

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The Rustic Look Of A Wrought Iron Fireplace Screen

Regardless of the type or size of fireplace you have in your home, a wrought iron fireplace screen can be a perfect addition. It adds a high degree of charm and warmth to your rooms decor that's hard to beat.

A wrought iron fireplace screen is a timeless classic that offers an endless number of design options to the homeowner. The fireplace screen we have in our home has been there for many years now. They simply do not go out of style.

They give a roaring fire that special touch that adds an ambience to the entire room.

You can find several different styles of wrought iron fireplace screens, along with the option of having one custom made for your fireplace. It makes no difference if you have an oversized wood burning fireplace or a smaller gas fireplace, you can have a screen made to order that fits perfectly.

The fireplace screen we had made includes our family monogram to give it a very personal touch. while the wrought iron is all back, the monogram is made of pewter.

When we entertain, the flames from the fire accentuate the monogram and gives it a unique look. I'm very pleased with the quality and craftsmanship of our wrought iron fireplace screen.

If your desire is to add a fireplace screen that is both functional and beautiful, you would be hard pressed to find anything that matches the beauty and elegance of a wrought iron fireplace screen.

All Rights Reserved Worldwide. Reprint Rights: You may reprint this article as long as you leave all of the links active and do not edit the article in any way.

About the Author: Terry Edwards is the owner of Fireplaces A-z, a website providing great information about fireplaces and fireplace accessories. You can learn more about a Wrought Iron Fireplace Screen as well as much more information on all types of fireplaces at http://www.FireplacesA-z.com

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Why A Seamless Gutter May Be Your Best Choice

Is your home in need of new rain gutters? Have you been wondering what type of gutter system you want to replace them with? A seamless gutter may be your best choice for several reasons.

A seamless gutter system offers several advantages that a traditional gutter just can't give. The biggest one being that it is just as its name implies, seamless. There isn't a break in the gutter.

What makes this an advantage? Since there is no break, there can be no future leaks. With a standard gutter system you have many sections of guttering that are all pieced together. What happens is that over time these sections form leaks in the seams. If they are left unchecked, wood rot can easily occur and further damage to your roof.

You can find seamless gutters made out of many different materials such as copper, aluminum and galvanized steel. Seamless gutters are available in every kind of color and style to match up perfectly with your homes exterior.

The biggest disadvantage to buying seamless gutters can be the cost involved. Since seamless gutters are cut to the exact lengths on site, you'll have to utilize the services of a professional gutter installation company. Of course, this adds to the cost of the project, but many people don't mind. The professional look and increased gutter life are a small price to pay in the long run.


You can find places that sell seamless gutter systems in your local yellow pages, or better yet, you can simply do an online search. You'll find everything you need as well as much more information on all types of gutters and downspouts.

Take some time and research the differences between a standard gutter, and a seamless gutter. This way you can make the right decision that best suits the needs for your house.

All Rights Reserved Worldwide. Reprint Rights: You may reprint this article as long as you leave all of the links active and do not edit the article in any way.

About the Author: Terry Edwards is the owner of Gutters A-z, a website providing great information about gutters and downspouts. You can learn more about Seamless Gutters as well as much more information on all types of gutters and downspouts at http://www.GuttersA-z.com

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Thinking about Home Improvement? Then here's a checklist!

If you are planning to improve/renovate or
refurnish your home then this article can be a very
useful guide and save your lot of time.

When it comes to home improvement, most people think that
it's has to do with painting the house from inside out
and forget about it.

But any architectural structure is much more than just walls
and ceiling. There are many systems working simultaneously
which keep the building under function.

Let's have a look at these systems one by one.

1) Structural System:

This includes the support system of the entire building, namely
foundation, columns, beams, slabs(in R.C.C structure).
The most commonly used structural systems is R.C.C. Other types
include steel and wood.

While renovating a building special attention must be given to
the structural support system. Slabs should be checked to be
leak proof. Columns and beams which are exposed to external
atmosphere must be checked for damage. R.C.C structural members
are always covered with plaster. This plaster must be without
damage.

In case of steel structures, anti-rust treatment must be applied
wherever necessary.

In case of wooden structure anti-termite treatment must be applied
wherever necessary.

2) Plumbing System:

All pipelines which carry water in and out of the structure must
be checked for leakage. The main are of possible leakage is
at the joints, hence must be carefully treated.


Water taps at the washbasins, inside bathrooms, kitchen sinks,
toilet blocks, should be checked for good and smooth operating
conditions.

3)Drainage System:

Drainage from kitchen, bathrooms, toilets should have an unobstructed
and shortest path to outside chambers. Any clogging of these lines
can cause overflowing of the chambers, hence should be checked
and cleaned.

4)Electrical Systems:

This starts with the main supply of the electricity from the
local authorities. The point of entering the main supply should be
checked for any excessive disturbance in voltage levels, which
might cause damage to electrical appliances inside.

All switch boards and switches in respective rooms should be checked
for proper and safe functioning. Security systems such as
earthing and M.C.B's should be checked for safe functioning.

5) Doors and Windows

These form an important part of any structure as far as safety
is concerned. Proper functioning of the doors and window
shutters is necessary. If your home has a security alarm system
installed, then it must be kept updated and in proper working condition.

Door and window shutter hinges should be applied with lubricants
for smooth operations. I case of sliding doors and windows, tracks
which allow sliding should be dust free.

6) Glass Panes

All glass panes used on windows and doors should be dust free.
Any broken or cracked glass panes should be replaced immediately.

If the building has a skylight, then it should be checked to be
leak proof and clean, to allow clear and unobstructed sunlight in
the interiors.

7) Flooring Materials

In most cases tiles are used for flooring. All tiles should be
checked for cracks and most importantly leveling.

In every home flooring has a natural slope to avoid clogging
of water if any such situation arises. Tiled flooring
must be checked at joints. Any cracks in joins must be
checked with proper bonding material.

In case of wooden flooring, extra care must be taken to keep
the flooring termite-free.

8) Wall Plaster and Wall Paint.

All external walls must be checked from outside for a proper
layer of plaster. Plaster prevents the rainwater to seep inside
the structure. If external plaster gets damaged, rain water
seeps inside causing dampening of walls.

All internal walls must be checked for scraping of paint.

8) Furniture and Carpentry Items.

All furniture items must be termite free and sturdy at the
joints. A coat of good quality wooden polish can add life
to the furniture pieces.

Other carpentry work includes door and window shutters, door
and window frames.

9) Other Accessories.

This includes small thing which matter a lot, such as all the
locking arrangement at doors, windows, towel rods in the
bathroom/wash basins, arrangement to dry washed clothes,
storage arrangements in kitchen/bathroom.

10)External Systems

This can include a solar water heater, electric pumps to push
the water from underground water tank to Overhead water tank.,
Cable TV antennas.

All these systems must be checked for proper functioning.

From the above discussion it is clear that proper functioning
of any architectural structure is dependant of many complex
systems which work simultaneously.

Hence all these must be given attention and respect. Any building
is just like a human body, with movable and stationary parts.
If dealt with proper care can give a very healthy living experience
for years to come.

I hope this article was helpful to everyone.

Copyright 2005 Shrinivas Vaidya

About the Author: Shrinivas Vaidya is the webmaster of Bedroom-Design-And-Decorating-Ideas.com .Visit TODAY to get an in-depth knowledge of Bedroom Design, Bedroom Furniture Sets and Bedroom Decorating Ideas

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6 Factors that affect a bedroom design project.

Dear friends,

If you are planning to design and decorate your own bedroom,
then you must know that there are many factors that can affect
the outcome of your creative exercise.

Let's have a look at some of the possible factors.

1)Furniture: Furniture occupies maximum space in a room.
The size and style of the furniture you choose will directly
affect the way the space is perceived after the decoration
is complete.

Furniture pieces, which are abutting the walls such as
dressing tables, wardrobes, cabinets, form the face of the
walls which were previously blank in an empty room. Because
of this the face of the furniture is a major factor is
creating the mood of an space.

2)Interior Color Scheme: Color has a direct effect on human
mind. Color can make the room smaller or bigger than it
is. For example dark rooms are perceived smaller in volume
than those with bright and cheerful colors.

It's not the room which changes, it's the effect of the
color which our mind picks up.

3)Wallpapers: Wallpaper is a good alternative to using paints
on walls. The greatest advantage of using wallpapers is that
they can be applied quickly.


Using wallpapers with design patterns can quickly alter a
space and give a "rich" look to a space. Wallpapers are
available in washable types as well.

The only problem with wallpapers is that they can get torn
because of sharp edges of furniture items. If you have
children in your family then maintaining a them can be a
little nuisance.

4)Upholstery and Linen: This includes bed sheets, cushion covers,
curtains, carpets, etc.. All these are dependent on something
else. What does this mean?

Curtains are always in association with doors, windows or
other openings in walls. So the texture/color/finish of curtains
define a frame to the openings thus affecting the interior space.

Other upholstery items are dependant on shape and size of the
furniture on which they are used. That's why a clever use
of color/texture/finishes can greatly enhance the furniture
piece thus altering the overall grade of the space.

5)Lighting: A well planned electrical and lighting plan
can greatly enhance the interior space. Depending upon the
internal arrangement of the furniture lighting can be used
to enhance certain areas of the space.

Spotlights and filler lights can be used as and where
required. Filler lights are used to achieve a uniform lighting,
which is normally available during daytime from sunlight.

Spotlights used in the form of lampshades can be used to cater
a specific area such as study tables, bedsides. Apart
from these two types decorative lamps used as hangings can
add extra mood to the space.

6)Project Budget: Budget is a very important factor in any
project. Professional designers are very skilled in maintaining
a balance between creative designs and economical design.

A design which is economical yet projects a highly creative
mood is very hard to achieve. However a good market research
can easily make you a good and sensitive designer. Keeping
in mind the various materials available in market and proposing
them in designs is a good practice.

I would like to make one important point here. A design with
expensive an expensive budget is not necessarily a good design.
A simple and aesthetically pleasing design solution can easily
be achieved with creative thinking of what you already have
with you.

From the above discussion you can fairly assume that a slight
change in any one of the above factors can alter the appearance
your bedroom. If you are planning to refurnish your bedroom,
you can use this as a dummy checklist to organize the entire
process.

I hope this article was helpful for everyone.

Copyright 2005 Shrinivas Vaidya.

About the Author: Shrinivas Vaidya is the webmaster of Bedroom-Design-And-Decorating-Ideas.com .To get an in-depth knowledge of Bedroom Design, Bedroom Furniture Sets, Bedroom Decorating Ideas visit TODAY.

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The importance of lighting in an interior design project!

Dear Friends,

Light is an essential part of our daily activities. Just like
we need air, water and food to survive we need light in
order to function efficiently.

Gone are the days when people used to stop working after
sunset. The invention of electricity has made life easier and
has helped to improve efficiency.

The use of light in interior spaces greatly affects the environment
and "mood" inside the space. Here are some of the aspects
that can be considered while lighting an interior space.

1) Natural light:

The Sun is the biggest source of light available on our planet.
We all are dependant on it. Sunlight is not only required to
function but is also responsible for biological balance of
the Earth. Sunlight also keeps the air clean by killing any
possible bacterial attacks which might be harmful to health.

It is normally assumed that sunlight can penetrate inside
a space for about 7 feet (approximately 20 meters). If the
architect has taken proper care during planning of the
structure, then sunlight can be a very good and free source of
light.

2) Artificial filler lights:

These types of lights work on electricity and are required
mostly at the night times. But this is not always true. There
are some geographical locations where the weather is cloudy
for most months in a year.

At such times filler lights in the form of fluorescent tube
lights. These types of light are used to create the same
effect that the sunlight would create. As the name suggests.
these types of lights "fill" the space evenly with light,
eliminating any dark spaces.

3) Special lighting for special spaces:

Special lighting is required at spaces where it is necessary
to create a "mood" or special "ambience" inside a space. To
achieve this use of color is done. Lighting fixtures like
spot lights are used which divert the attention of the crowd
at certain focused areas.

These kind of techniques are also used in commercial showrooms,
to enhance the importance of the display areas. If you have
visited car shows, exhibition pavilions, you will see this
kind of lighting extensively used.

Special type of lighting requires more number of light fixtures,
because the area they cover is very limited.

4) Extreme lighting:

This type of lighting is used in spaces where the activities
have a special purpose, such as movie studios, pubs, dance
floors, etc.. Here the lighting used can be of movable types,
or can have more sophisticated controls such as intensity,
color, movement, controlled through music beats.

The above discussion shows, how the activities happening inside
a space directly affect the type of lighting used inside a space.
A properly planned lighting plan can greatly enhance the quality
of a space.

I hope this article was useful.

Copyright 2005 Shrinivas Vaidya

About the Author: Shrinivas Vaidya is the webmaster of Bedroom-Design-And-Decorating-Ideas.com .Visit TODAY to get an in-depth knowledge of Bedroom Design, Bedroom Furniture Sets, Bedroom Decorating Ideas.

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Basement Remodeling Starts With Reliable Waterproofing

Basement remodeling can add lots of extra living space to your home but beware; basement water leakage could put a real damper on your hopes if not properly corrected.

There are two conditions you must address for a dry basement, actual water leakage and condensation. Water leakage is a pretty obvious concern to homeowners but many are unaware of the problems that high humidity can cause to a finished basement.

Humidity Problems

Because a basement is below ground, it will be naturally cooler than the floors above ground. When warmer air from upstairs or outside enters the basement, it shrinks in volume as it cools. This shrinking or “condensing” of the air volume results in higher humidity. Everything porous in your basement will absorb the extra moisture in the air and cause a foul odor. Dehumidifiers are appliances which mechanically remove the unwanted extra humidity from your basement. A good dehumidifier is a must if you plan on remodeling your basement. Even a basement that doesn’t leak will benefit from using a dehumidifier.

Water Leakage

Without doubt, water leakage into the basement must be permanently corrected before you start your remodeling project. Start by correcting obvious sources of the problem; broken or non-existent rain gutters, down spouts emptying next to the foundation, ground outside sloping toward the home, uncovered underground windows, etc.


After you exhaust all preventative measures outside, try to identify areas inside where you are experiencing the leakage. If a corner of the basement seems to be a particular problem, again, look outside at your rain gutter downspouts. If you see cracks in the walls leaking, some of these can be repaired with hydraulic cement or crack injection. If water seems to be coming in from an isolated area, installing a sump pump below floor level can lower the water table and underground hydrostatic pressure in that area. If you are unsure or your problems seem to be widespread, it might be best to call in a building inspector, engineer or other professional to help you identify and solve your problem. There are a variety of services available to solve your leakage problems. These include; outside excavating, re-parging your walls, interior or exterior drainage systems, interior cove systems, grout or epoxy injection and others. Most of these options will require a professional.


Basement Remodeling Begins


I like studding the walls out with 2X4s. If you can spare the extra space, 2X6s are even better because they allow room for more insulation. Never, under any circumstances, nail furring strips onto the walls. Penetrating the foundation will compromise its barrier against water.

Use construction adhesive rather than nails or screws to adhere your bottom wall plate to the floor. It’s ok to nail the upper wall plates into the upper floor joists.

Don’t glue down your basement carpet. Carpet is something that is going to wear out and eventually need to be replaced. Glued down carpeting creates a real problem later on when trying to remove it. Tell your carpet installer to use construction adhesive to install the carpet tack strips around the perimeter. Do not allow them to drive nails into the cement floor.


Summary


With some common sense construction techniques, a reliable waterproofing system and humidity control, you can enjoy a lot of extra living space by remodeling your basement.

About the Author: Robert Clarke has owned B-Dry System NEPA, a basement waterproofing company, for the last 20 years. Visit http://b-drybasementswaterproofingnepennsylvania.com/basement-remodeling.html for more information. He has also served as President of the B-Dry Owners Association, a nationally recognized group of basement waterproofing contractors. Visit http://www.basementleakage.com/basement-waterproofing.html for details.

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How do home furnishing experts study an interior space?

Dear friends, have you ever entered an empty room,
without any furniture in it. Such a room always looks
spacious, but lacks a "personality".

The moment you start adding some furniture, the space
starts to attract a face on itself. Depending upon the
volume of the objects being put, the space gets altered in
a dynamic fashion.

A typical home consists of a living room, bed room(s), kitchen,
toilet blocks, family room, study room etc.. All these
spaces have their own specific function from the user's
point of view. If you want to learn how bedrooms are designed
visit my website Bedroom-Design-And-Decorating-Ideas.com

When these spaces get furnished the previous identity of
an empty space get blocked by the objects being placed.
The face of the furniture object, is the new face of the
room. Whenever you enter these rooms, you see the new face
first, since the furniture occupies quite a bit of floor
and wall space.

Any habitual space also has one more important aspect
attached to it. Every habitual space always has windows
as a necessary functional arrangement. Depending upon the
function of the room the space can have doors as well.

These openings in walls create a kind of attachment of the
interior space with outside natural world. This is a very
powerful aspect in any design project. If the outside flora
and fauna is densely populated with natural elements such
as trees, water, mountains, this reflects clearly and
directly on the choice of furniture the designer would
make in the inside spaces.

If the home is located in a crowd urban cityscape, the
choice of design theme would be different. The choice
of furniture is directly related to comfort level of every
individual. Selecting furniture which goes with the
entire theme as well as satisfies the person on the
comfort scale can change the way the room feels.

So the personality of an interior space is largely dependant
on what's happening outside the space, rather than the space
itself. The outside events such a presence of seashore,
flowing river, mountain ranges, snow falls, or even a
highway full of traffic can greatly alter the furnishing.

For example if your home is just next to a busy street, you
might want to use cane curtains on windows which would
cut-off all the noise easily. So the use of curtains has
altered the face of the room to some extent and thus forces
the designer to make appropriate choices for other objects
in the room, which would easily merge with the texture,
color, finish of the cane curtains.

On the other hand if your home is on a sea shore, you
might go in for curtains which block the heavy wind, but
don't block the beautiful view. Here again the room would
have a different face and the entire theme makes a shift
on itself.

I hope this article was helpful for everyone.

Copyright 2005 Shrinivas Vaidya.

About the Author: Shrinivas Vaidya is the webmaster of Bedroom-Design-And-Decorating-Ideas.com .Visit TODAY to get an in-depth knowledge of Bedroom Design, Bedroom Furniture Sets, Bedroom Decorating Ideas.

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Carpet Cleaning Tips And Secrets

You can use all the carpet cleaning tips in the world, and guess what? You still probably can't get your carpet as clean on your own as a professional carpet cleaner can. On the other hand, who needs perfection? The tips here will help you get that carpet clean enough.

Heat helps! Above 118 degrees fahrenheit, every 18 degrees higher changes chemical reactivity by 100%. Hot water extraction cleaning is done between 150 and 200 degrees. Is that too technical? The point is not only that hot water extraction, or "steam cleaning" is far superior to "dry cleaning," but that if you do it yourself, use heat!

Actually, there are three inter-related factors at work when you clean carpet. Heat, Dwell Time, and Agitation. To some extent, if you can't maximise one of them, you can make up for it with the others. In other words, if you can't get the cleaning solution hot enough, let it "dwell" a bit longer in the carpet, and scrub harder.

Secret Carpet Cleaning Tips

Detergent attracts dirt. This is why it's important to rinse out any cleaning solution thoroughly. This is another reason why hot water extraction gets carpet cleaner than the "dry" methods. The bottom line is that you need to rinse well when you clean carpet.

One way to clean stains is with the use of a shop-vac. No, you can't just suck out the stain, but you can repeatedly wash and rinse the area, and suck out the solution each time. This is a more effective method than blotting up the water with cloth, mostly because you won't have the patience to wash, rinse and extract enough times using paper towels or cloth.

Another little secret of the carpet cleaners is putting rugs outside and inside the front door. They can catch much of the dirt that people bring in on their feet. This isn't just about less vaccuuming, though. Dirt is like thousands of little blades that cut carpet fibers. The damaged carpet stains more easily then, and it's harder to remove the stains. An even better practice is to take off your shoes in the house.

Ready to clean? Vaccuum first. Then, if you use one of those portable machines, at least get the water as hot as you can. Dry the carpet quickly, using fans to move the air around. You can at least lengthen the time between expensive professional cleanings, by using these carpet cleaning tips.

About the Author: Steve Gillman has worked in the carpet cleaning industry for years. For more on carpet-care, carpet stains, and specific stain-by-stain removal instructions, visit http://www.HowToRemoveCarpetStains.com

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How to generate ideas for your bedroom design?

Dear friends,

So, you want to design your bedroom. Hmm... looks like you
are serious about it.

Lets' get started quickly. whenever I hear someone say
he/she wants to design/decorate a bedroom a lot of things
come to my mind.

But, let me clear one thing, design and decorating are two
different aspects. When I say design, I mean a whole lot
bigger perspective. Design includes a lot more maturity in
terms of how you perceive a space from within.

Of course I will cover more about design in some other article.
Decoration is more close to everyday actions that can be
taken in order to change or alter a space. Decoration deals
with accessories used in a space. Very small things, such as
curtain rods, their color, lampshades, small statues, table
cloths, light fittings, are all parts of the detailing.

It is not that design does not deal with these aspects, but
decoration is more do-able easily than the whole design
process.

If you are not aware of the decoration techniques, or
where to start, I will give you a list of some place where
you can observe and get inspiration.

1)Of course, the World Wide Web:
this Internet is a good place to start. But the information
on the internet is not always compiled and sorted out, the
way you want it to be, so you might have to look deep.


2)Local Book stores:
Interior design magazines, books, brochures from furniture
manufacturers is a good source of inspiration. These books
and magazines do their best to find out Works of successful
designers, which can be quite inspiring.

3)Exhibitions:
Exhibitions held by manufacturers of interior design products,
can be a good source as well.

4)Movies and TV shows:
Yes, these have a very high project budgets, so spend
thousands of dollars every year to decorate the sets. Just
keep your eyes open and you will definitely find some good
themes in these too.

5)Look for hobby groups around in your city, look for seminars
of those who are successful artists. Bedroom decoration
includes detailing and paying attention to small things.
Visit art galleries, where you can find some good paintings,
other related artwork, which can enhance the beauty of your
space.

Finally I would like to say that it's your room and you
are the only person who knows better about your likes and
dislikes. So start out immediately because "When There Is
Will, There Is A Way".

Copyright 2005 Shrinivas Vaidya

About the Author: Shrinivas Vaidya is the webmaster of Bedroom-Design-And-Decorating-Ideas.com .Visit TODAY to get an in-depth knowledge of Bedroom Design, Bedroom Furniture Sets, Bedroom Decorating Ideas.

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How to design a Child bedroom?

Dear friends,

Children at age of 1 1/2 start to walk, talk and express
themselves. Their parents are the role models for them.
They learn to perform action which their parent teach
them.

Based on these teachings children very quickly learn a
taste about everything in life. This includes, the food
they eat, the kind of toys they play with, the kind of
friends they will make etc..

For a growing child it is necessary to explore new things,
apart from what his/her mom/dad teaches. A bedroom is a
great place to do this. When planned properly, a child
bedroom can greatly enhance his/her learning experience.

Children have a curious mind. Even a child which is yet to
speak, this curiosity can be easily traced by looking at
the broken toys, torn books, etc..

That's why as a bedroom designer creating spaces within the
structural walls, using interesting furniture elements, can
greatly help to add some curious thinking. Furniture pieces
specifically designed to create an adventure can be proposed.


Instead of using plain colored walls, theme base paintings,
such as stories, fairy tales, can be painted on walls.
These pictures can include animals, trees, vehicles, human
beings of different age groups. This gives an extra learning
edge, because there is lot to learn about the world as a
whole.

Creative flooring patterns can also be a good starting point.
At the same time use of ceiling space as a storyboard can be
used to give a knowledge of the "sun and moon".

Furniture with level differences can act as a way which
tends to give physical exercise and at the same time create
a space of their own.

As far as linen is concerned, it should be easy to maintain,
because it is more likely to get dirty and messy frequently.
Above all these factors what is most important is a good
natural light and free flowing air can add to the healthy
atmosphere.

From above discussion it is quite clear that bedroom design
is not just arranging a few furniture pieces and arranging
them in the physical space. It is much related to how humans
react to different artificially created materials, which includes
their color, texture, finishes, etc..

If used creatively it can greatly improve the quality of human
life. I hope this article was helpful for moms/dads and also
for the designers.

About the Author: Shrinivas Vaidya is the webmaster of Bedroom-Design-And-Decorating-Ideas.com .Visit TODAY to get an in-depth knowledge of Bedroom Design, Bedroom Furniture Sets, Bedroom Decorating Ideas.

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Avoid Problems Painting Aluminum and Vinyl Siding

Anyone with older aluminum siding is well aware of the paint chalking problem. Just rub your hand along the old siding and the chalky old paint will be all over your palm. Trying to get paint to stick to this could be a real problem. This is due to oxidation of the paint. Siding manufacturers originally referred to this problem as a “benefit”. They called it, “self cleaning”, as the paint literally washed off the house.

Older vinyl siding is also a problem. UV light fades vinyl siding over time and the siding becomes very unsightly.

Many unfortunate homeowners and contractors have experienced the dismay, when they repainted their homes, only to find the new paint peeling off a few months later. Both problems with older aluminum and vinyl siding can be overcome with proper cleaning, surface preparation and re-painting.

Cleaning

You will need to rent a powerful pressure washer with at least 3000 psi. You will want a pressure washer powerful enough to remove most of the old chalky paint off the aluminum siding or, to remove any dirt buildup on the old vinyl siding.

Start at the top course of siding and work your way down. You will need to keep the pressure wand fairly close to the siding surface to effectively remove the old paint. In some areas, you may find that the paint comes off to the bare metal. Be careful near windows, corners, soffits and doorways. The water under pressure, can be forced behind these areas causing damage. You can add TSP or other cleaning solutions to the reservoir for mildew, algae or other grime built up. If you do use a cleaning solution, be sure to completely rinse it off with your pressure washer. You should allow your home to dry for several days in dry, sunny weather before proceeding to the painting process.

If you are repainting vinyl siding or vinyl coated aluminum siding, you may need a surface de-glosser. This is a solvent type product used to remove any shine on the surface and to help your first coat to adhere better. You will have no trouble finding a good de-glosser at your local paint supply store.


Application


I like a commercial type airless sprayer. It will draw the paint directly out of your 5 gallon paint pails, through the hose and into your spray gun. These are available to rent at many tool rental locations and even some paint supply stores that supply contractors. If your paint is real high quality latex, it will be thicker than regular latex paint and will require a more powerful airless sprayer.


Priming


This step is equally as critical as the step above. Actually, the cleaning and surface preparation phases will make or break the results of your project.

I like a latex paint additive called emulsa-bond for the first coat. Emulsa-bond is a bonding agent you will add to the first coat of paint or primer, to help it to bond to the old siding.

I buy the best grade exterior latex paint, rather than oil or other solvent based paint. Latex paint seems to keep up with the expansion and contraction of the siding very well. The high quality latex paint I buy needs no primer. I add the bonding agent directly into the first color coat. Check with your paint supplier whether or not to use a primer. The rule of thumb is, when in doubt, use a primer. If you use a primer, add the bonding agent into it before applying. There are also bonding agents available for oil or other solvent based paints. One type is called penetrol. These are usually available at a painting contractor supply store.

Many contractors will spot prime areas, especially where bare metal is exposed. I don’t like spot priming because it can lead to an uneven looking top coat. When I put a primer coat on, I prime the entire home. This gives a uniform surface finish later on.


Finish Coat


Your top coat will be color only. You should check with your paint manufacturer to see if you need one or two top coats after the base coat. Like I mentioned above, buy the highest quality exterior paint.


In Conclusion


Proper cleaning and surface preparation are the two main ingredients to a successful painting job. A bonding agent in the first coat is also very critical to avoid paint peeling off later on. Using these techniques, I’ve re-painted homes that have lasted far longer than the original factory applied finish.


ARTICLE REPRINT PERMISSION


You may reprint the above article in your electronic or print newsletter; however, please include my byline and bio and keep the article intact. I retain all copyrights.

About the Author: Robert Clarke has operated home improvement companies over the last 30 years. He is the owner of ContractorsUSA,Inc, a nationwide contractor referral service at http://www.contractorsusa.info/ . Get more information about aluminum and vinyl siding at http://www.contractorsusa.info/install-vinyl-siding.html

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Ladder Décor – the Possibilities are Endless

With a little bit of creativity and some imagination you can take something as simple as a plain wooden ladder and transform it into a beautiful piece of home décor. The thought may not have even crossed your mind – after all it’s a ladder, but the possibilities are endless!

After we discovered that you can take a plain, old regular ladder and transform it into a decorative piece of home décor we did some research to find out some specific ideas and uses.

Below we are going to share them with you. If you like any of these ideas and find you need step by step instructions, just take a trip to your local Home Depot or do a search online using Google and you will have more ideas then you know what to do with!

Ladder Décor Ideas:

An old ladder and wooden bins come together for a simple storage solution. Cut down the ladder to the desired height. Rest the wooden bins on the ladder rungs and attach with screws on the sides. Add a decorative metal plate to the front of each bin. After you transform your ladder here are some things you can now do with it:

Quilt & Throw Ladder – You can easily stain the ladder so that it looks new and vibrant and then hang your quilts and throws over the bars. It makes for a beautiful display and gives you lots of room!

Bathroom Ladder Rack – You can easily transform a ladder into a useful decorative rack for displaying just about anything with just a little creativity. You can add bins to the ladder by screwing them into the side legs to make more room.

Garden & Patio Ladder – You can use your ladder to house your plants out on the porch or in your garden. You can have ivy wrap around the form which will give it that extra touch of décor.

More Ideas – Child’s easel, towel ladder, magazine ladder, picture ladder, shelf, end table and so much more! Again, you are only limited by your imagination! As you can see there are many unique ideas, you are bound to find one that will work perfectly for you and liven up your house!

---

About the Author: Chuck Greene is an electrician with what some would call an odd love of ladders, especially the Little Giant Ladder brand. He writes an maintains the Ladder Fanatic website in his spare time - which features information about the Little Giant Ladder System and testimonials for happy customers offering Little Giant Ladder reviews.

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Ladder Safety Tips

One of the many tools that home owners use regularly is a ladder. Whether you need to change the porch light bulb, clean the gutters or put something in the top of the closet. You may need a ladder to get the job done!

While ladders seem harmless enough and they are useful tools, accidents can still happen if you don’t follow some simple safety tips. You may be shocked to hear that each year; more than 400,000 people are injured from a ladder accident and end up in the emergency room or doctor’s office. Some injuries are as minor as cuts and scrapes while other injuries have resulted in broken bones or worse.

Below we are going to share some safety tips with you to ensure that you are properly using your ladder to get your chores done!

1. Before using the ladder, inspect it and make sure all the screws and side rails are in place. Stepping on to a ladder that isn’t secure, can result in you taking a fall which is exactly what we want to avoid!

2. Check the bottom of the ladder to make sure there isn’t any dirt, paint or liquid that has accumulated and will result in the ladder not being sturdy. For your safety, try to use ladders with non skid spurs – this helps the ladder to stay in place and prevent you from sliding.

3. Make sure to properly set up your ladder before climbing on. The ladder should be on a firm, level surface – never place a ladder on a surface that is uneven. Once you are certain the ladder is secure and level then make sure to lock the side rails to better secure the ladder.

4. Always position your ladder as close to the work area as you can. Do not overreach or stretch to the side, this could result in a fall if you lose your balance. It might take a little longer to finish your task if you keep getting off the ladder to reposition it but its best for your safety.

5. Never move the ladder with anything on top such as a hammer, paint can or the like. It won’t feel too good to have a can of paint end up hitting you in the head – any objects for that matter!

6. Don’t be lazy and pull out the step ladder if you will need the bigger ladder! Stretching and overreaching is one of the most common ways that people get hurt when using a ladder. With a bigger ladder you also have more bracing and you can lean up against it while working.

7. Most importantly always climb and descend the ladder facing it and holding on with both hands whenever possible. Also be sure to take one step at a time, if you miss a step that can end up with you falling from the ladder.

By following these few safety tips you will be able to avoid any unnecessary accidents or trips the emergency room. I know these tips sound like common sense but I see people make these simple mistakes daily for lack of thinking while working on something and trying to hurriedly finish.

About the Author: Chuck Greene is an electrician with what some would call an odd love of laddders, especially the Little Giant Ladder brand. He writes an maintains the Ladder Fanatic website in his spare time - which features information about the Little Giant Ladders and testimonials for happy customers of the Little Giant Ladder System.

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Remedies for a Wet Basement

A wet basement can be just a nuisance or even real nightmare. Each year, thousands of homeowners are faced with the unpleasant side effects of seasonal rainfall. Problems they can face range from just dampness to even flooding. Chronic basement leakage is a serious problem that can destroy personal property, furnishings, appliances, and sometimes even cause permanent structural damage to a homes foundation. Excessive moisture is a huge attraction to wood-eating insects, wood rot and decay.
Despite the pervasiveness of the problem, few homeowners are aware of the causes of water leakage.

Common Causes

One common cause of basement leakage is improper surface drainage, such as a yard sloped toward the home. In many cases, the problem can be greatly alleviated by re-grading the yard to slope away from the homes foundation or diverting surface water around the house.

Other common culprits include poorly positioned rain gutter downspouts, missing, leaking or clogged rain gutters. A downspout that is improperly positioned to drain against the side of the house, allows water to build up along the foundation wall, until the backed-up “reservoir” finds a weak spot in the foundation wall.

The most difficult cause of basement leakage is a high water table. A high water table problem occurs when the home is built too deeply in the ground, into the level where water remains constant throughout the year. A high water table problem can also be caused by under ground springs or sustained periods of rainfall that cause the water table to rise during the wet seasons.

Is it Leakage or Condensation?

You should try to determine if your problem is actually water “leaking” in or if it’s just condensation forming on the cool surfaces. Condensation occurs when warm, humid air comes into contact with cooler basement walls, floors, water pipes etc.

As an example, just take a cold bottle of soda out of your refrigerator and set it on the counter. After several minutes, you’ll notice steam forming on the outside of the bottle. After many minutes pass, you will see a small puddle of water forming at the base of the bottle, as the beads of moisture start dripping down. This is a classic example of condensation, not “leakage”. If your basement is actually leaking, the water should not just “appear”. You should be able to see where it’s coming in as it leaks, in the form of a puddle or stream or water.

Helpful Tips

Your rain gutters should be cleaned of leaves and debris at least once per year.
Downspouts should direct water runoff from the roof to a discharge point at least several feet away from the homes foundation. Use a splash block at the end of your downspout to avoid soil erosion. Never bury your downspout lines unless you can empty them out to daylight.

Buy a good dehumidifier to lower the natural humidity level in your basement. Make sure your dehumidifier is the proper size for your basement. Ask for a drain hose attachment so you don’t have to empty the water collected every day. Get a unit with a built-in de-icer. Dehumidifiers are actually refrigeration coils and can freeze up and stop working.
Keep the doors and windows to your basement closed, year round. Opened doors and windows allow extra humidity to enter your basement, causing condensation. Your dehumidifier will also run less.

Waterproofing Paints and Sealers There are several good waterproofing paints and sealers on the market today. Waterproof paints and sealers can work well for minor dampness on walls and floors. Pay special attention to the preparation instructions from the products manufacturer. Be aware though, interior waterproof paints and sealers don’t do anything to alleviate the “source” of the problem.

Time For a Professional?

A professional basement waterproofing contractor can offer you a variety of solutions, depending on the source of your problem. Methods can include outside excavation, installation of drain tile, parging your walls, interior drainage systems or epoxy cove systems

Summary

Prevention is always the first and best approach. Look closely at the grading around your property and make sure your rain gutters are in good working order. Get a good quality dehumidifier to reduce humidity in your basement.
If you’ve done your best to correct your problem and it still leaks, it might be best to bring in a professional. Check companies for local references, ask for a certificate of insurance, check the companies warranty to see what’s covered and check them out with your local Better Business Bureau.

ARTICLE REPRINT PERMISSION

You may reprint the above article in your electronic or print newsletter; however, please include my byline and bio and keep the article intact. I retain all copyrights.

About the Author: Robert Clarke has owned B-Dry System NEPA, a basement waterproofing company, for the last 20 years. Visit http://www.b-drybasementswaterproofingnepennsylvania.com for more information. He has also served as President of the B-Dry Owners Association, a nationally recognized group of basement waterproofing contractors. Visit http://www.b-dry.com/ for details.

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Remove Ink Stains From Carpet - 3 Steps

One of the best solvents you can use to remove ink stains from carpet is also one of the cheapest: rubbing alcohol. It works better if it is 90% isopropyl alcohol, but there is no danger in trying the ones that are 70% if that's what you have available. Whichever you use, remember that ink stain removal is always easier if you treat the stains quickly. Just follow the steps below.

1. Apply rubbing alcohol to a white cotton cloth and dab the stain carefully, so you don't spread the ink. Don't ever pour rubbing alcohol on your carpet!

2. Vaccuum it out after a few minutes using a shop-vac. Alternately, you can blot it up carefully, using a clean white cloth. Don't rub the stain!

3. Repeat the process until you completely remove the ink stains from the carpet, or until you get no more transfer to the cloth. In the latter case it may not be possible to get all of the stain out. At this point, you can try a commercial cleaning solvent, although it is unlikely you'll get much more of the stain.

Always Rinse And Extract Carpet Stains

When you use a solvent other than water to remove ink stains from carpet, or any stains, be sure to rinse the area with water, and then extract it. Vacuuming out the water is quicker and less likely to damage your carpet, but a clean white cloth can also be used to blot the moisture. Repeat the rinsing and extraction once or twice.

Finally, remove moisture from the area quickly. There may still be some ink hiding deep in the fibers. Quick drying prevents stains from wicking to the surface of the carpet and becoming visible again. Plain white paper towels work well to get the last of the water out, and a fan left blowing on the area will complete the process.

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About the Author: Steve Gillman has worked in the carpet cleaning industry for years. For more carpet-care information, and specific stain-by-stain removal instructions, visit http://www.HowToRemoveCarpetStains.com

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