Sunday 4 October 2009

How to Refill Your Propane Tank - By Yourself Or by the Pros

If you're a homeowner or a cooking enthusiast, then you must own a propane tank at home. This is actually used by numerous homes for cooking and even grilling when they have outdoor cookouts or anything similar. Although this tank can be used indefinitely, the propane fluid inside isn't permanent. You will have to refill it at some point.


If you're worried about not doing it right, you can send your propane tank to a professional and have them do it for you. This might cost you about $20-$30 just for the refill service. Plus, you'll have to drive and exert energy to bring it to them. This is good because it's quick and convenient. However, another way to do it is to do it at home by yourself.


Refilling a propane tank isn't all that hard! All you have to do is buy a disposable propane source and a propane adapter hose. This is found at refilling stations and hardware stores respectively. The first thing you need to do when you have it is to connect it to the valves of the temporary container and your tank. Check if it's tight enough to ensure a successful transfer.


By opening the supply bottle, it will create enough pressure to start the refilling. Check the hose for leaks just in case. Remember, propane is a flammable substance which may ignite when exposed to certain substances. Always monitor the amount of propane in both containers to see the progress of the refill. When then process is done, all you have to do is unscrew the hose from the tanks.


All in all, you can choose to do it yourself or have others do it. Either way, you'll have to replenish your propane supply at some point. So, always monitor the amount of propane inside your tank to avoid any hassles in the future.


Wednesday 9 September 2009

Top 10 Ways to Prepare Your Home For Winter

Owning a home is one of the most rewarding things ever, but it's not always a fun experience. One of the realities of home ownership is maintenance, and getting your house ready for a cold winter is not always a picnic. In this brief article, we'll discuss 10 key ways that you can prepare your home for the winter season. Hopefully by the time you're finished reading, you'll have a game plan together that will assist you in preparing your home.


1. Add a second layer of insulation to your attic.
2. Check the exterior of your home for peeling or cracked paint. Repaint if needed.
3. Inspect the chimney exterior for loose or damaged areas.
4. Install storm doors and windows.
5. Have your furnace checked and gone over by a professional.
6. Replace carbon monoxide detector batteries.
7. Ensure that hose bibs and waterlines are protected.
8. Clean out any debris in the downspouts and gutters.
9. Check the damper on the fireplace to make sure that it works correctly.
10. Inspect the caulking and weatherstripping around all windows and doors. Repair if needed.


Hopefully this short article has given you some good ideas on how to winterize your home this year. Owning a home can be a lot of fun, but it's vital that you stay on top of maintenance issues in order to protect your investment.


As winter approaches and while the weather still permits, take the time to address the 10 areas in this article and properly prepare your home for the cold months ahead.


Tag :home,home improvement,home design


Tuesday 25 August 2009

Home Water Damage Emergency Phone Numbers

As a contractor, I'm the one that you call whenever your home becomes damaged from water. I'm the person who comes out to your home and tries to get it back in shape, so that you can get back to your normal duties of raising your family.


It's not the end of the world, whether you're coming home from a long day at work or waking up and finding out that your carpet is completely saturated and there is 2 inches of water in the bathroom, don't panic, be prepared.


What I would like to suggest, is that these things do happen and when they happen, they can produce group panic. When something like this happens, most people don't even know where to start, who to call or what to say, once someone picks up the phone on the other end. It wouldn't be a bad idea, to have an emergency phone number for someone to contact, especially if something like this was to ever happen.


If it's your homeowners insurance company, make sure that they can provide you with a few additional phone numbers, in case you can't get a hold of them, directly. It wouldn't be a bad idea to have a few local plumbing contractor or even a home water damage repair contractors, phone number available, just in case you can't contact your insurance company.


Make sure that every one in the home, knows where these phone numbers are, just in case there's an emergency. It wouldn't be a bad idea to keep and have a water damage drill in your home. We have fire drills at work and even in our places of education, but we rarely have water damage drills.


Being prepared, prevents frustration and anxiety. Try to make a plan for a your home, just in case there's an emergency like this.


If You Live in Northern San Diego County or South Orange County, and You're Looking for a Great Contractor


You are free to copy this article to your site as long as you include the following resource information with an active link to my site.


Tag : home,home decor,home improvement

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Greg_Vandenberge

Thursday 13 August 2009

Solar Outdoor Lighting and Other Outdoor Gifts

During the summer months, there are many different types of gifts that you can give friends and family to help them enjoy the much-anticipated season even more. If your friends and family enjoy hosting barbeques and other outdoor events on their patios, porches, or decks, consider surprising them with solar powered outdoor lights. These lights, along with many other outdoor patio gifts, are great for ensuring that the summer extravaganza’s last all night long.


Solar Powered Lighting

Outdoor lights are extremely useful, and serve as great gifts to give for any occasion. As the multiple different styles of solar powered lights gain energy from the sun during the day, they are able to illuminate various areas of the lawn for up to eight hours of the night. These handy lights will automatically turn on at dusk and off at dawn, always being there when you need them.


Solar powered lights are available in a number of different styles. Whether you are interested in regular lanterns that perfectly adorn backyard tables and fences, or you are more intrigued by lights that hang onto and light up flag poles, there are multiple options available when it comes to properly illuminating a lawn area. There is also an array of solar powered lights available that light up walkways and driveways to ensure safety during the evening hours. The solar powered lanterns give off enough light to enjoy the outside area while never increasing the home owner’s electricity bill.


Solar powered lighting options are also aesthetically pleasing. Most products can match any outdoor home decor, depending on the type of lighting you invest in. Consider purchasing a stainless steel fixture that can get put directly into the lawn, or opt for net lighting that can be placed over bushes and trees. For a unique gift, consider PVC solar tube lights. These LED powered lights can either wrap around trees or mailboxes as well as decks, gardens, and walkways. Whichever style you choose for your home, you are guaranteed to obtain a subtle light perfect for evenings out on the deck, porch, or patio.


Other Outdoor Gifts

There are many other types of outdoor patio gifts that your friends and family would be greatly interested in. From themed outdoor presents to useful gifts for that summer party your family is hosting, outdoor gifts can be the perfect addition to any home.


There are many outdoor gifts available for those themed parties that your friends and family host every summer. Help decorate for the Fourth of July party this year with nationalistic flag lights that show off your patriotism. These adorable lights hang on a ten foot long string, and can be wrapped around trees, railings and doorways. If your friends or family are extremely patriotic, they can even leave these lights up all year long!


Summer barbeques and parties would not be the same without a late night bonfire. Nothing will get the fire going like burning money! This summer, get the fire pit started with Money to Burn fire starters. When placed between kindling and light, these slow-burning, wax rolls of money stay lit until your wood catches fire. It is also a great prank to play of unsuspecting family members!


Themed cups, plates, bowls, and other serving items are also great gifts to bring to any barbeque or party this summer. Consider bringing your delicious summer treats to the party in chill containers, great for keeping food cooler for long periods of time. To entertain the children, invest in a condiment gun. This plastic gun triggers fun by giving a shot of ketchup, mustard, mayonnaise, or any other spread, to any food that requires one! For extremely warm nights, consider surprising your friends or family with an outdoor double fan. This wonderful investment is weatherproof and keeps everyone cool on super hot days. This fan also helps to keep mosquitoes and other annoying pests away.


There are many different types of outdoor patio gifts that you can bring with you to any of the fantastically fun summer parties you plan on attending this season. When purchasing a gift for an outdoor area, it is important to search for something that is durable, weatherproof, and long lasting. Whether you are giving your friends or family members lights to illuminate their yard, or if you are bringing serving dishes to help feed all of the hungry guests, you want to make sure you are giving the recipient something they can actually use and appreciate. Take your time to peruse the items that in store and online retailers have to offer.


Tag : home,home improvement,home design,home loans


Article Directory Source: http://www.articlerich.com/profile/JoshW/55721

Friday 7 August 2009

Door Handles & Door Knobs

When it comes to do it yourself and other fixtures you may think of doing around the home, it’s also a good time to think of saving those pennies. Previously in the fantastic array of financial good times, it was all too often the case of looking at that dreary chest of drawers or looking into the kitchen in dismay and instead of thinking how could I make it better it was simpler to simply go out and buy new furniture.


Our lives have all changed now due to the financial turmoil we are all going through, still it’s no excuse for living in a home you are not happy with. The best way to get through it is to re-educate yourself to change or amend rather than throw away and replace. A door that’s looking rather worn and dirty, give it a new lease of life with a wash down and a lick of paint and a new door handle, door handles are much cheaper than buying a whole new door, so what should have cost over two hundred pounds can now equate to under fifty pounds.


A new kitchen? Maybe not, again a sand down and varnish or wipe and paint with a new fresh colour then with a huge choice of kitchen door knobs what was a dark and dreary kitchen has now been transformed to a new clean and fresh kitchen with a hint of newness as the new handles give it a complete transformation.


Too many times have we seen good furniture go to waste, but now really is the time to put our thinking caps on and save all those pennies and make use of everything we have and think sensibly about spending. We can simply save a small fortune by adding to what we already have or by transforming what we already have using a few extra pieces such as door handles and door knobs, its amazing what can be achieved. A wardrobe too, clean then sand it down and paint, there is also some amazing cracking paint to give your furniture the worn look which currently costs a small fortune to buy that kind of furniture, what’s the point of buying it when you can simply make it yourself. With a fabulous selection of handles from wooden to antique blacks to choose from it really does give the home a new look at such a cut cost price.


If you don’t have any furniture that would benefit from a new look, perhaps you could take on a new hobby of car boot sale outings or second hand shops, look out on the internet or local newspapers for unwanted furniture. The list is simply endless. We may be facing hard times ahead but we can live in glamour at the same time.


Tag : home,home improvement,home depot,home repair


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Sunday 2 August 2009

Use Of Under Floor Heating With Engineered Wood Flooring

There are many advantages for engineered wood flooring and quick and easy installation is just one of them. This range of wood flooring is multipurpose and therefore ideal for any property due to its durability and attractive appearance. Its increase in popularity in recent years can be attributed to the fact that it removes the need to have just one solid piece of hardwood, and is therefore more cost effective, and versatile in terms of its thickness.


Engineered wood floorboards are individually manufactured to have tongue and grove edging, before specialists apply a stain and finish that suits your requirements. This means that this option is exceptionally durable, leading to it being referred to as ‘dimensionally stable’ – obviously a highly sought after quality for forward-thinking consumers.


However, there is one more benefit of engineered wood flooring; its ability to act in accordance with under floor heating, which contributes greatly to its ever increasing popularity. Under floor heating is a technology that dates back to Roman times, when it was based on hypocausts – a technology recently voted by the British HVAC Industry as the most useful heating invention to date.


Although it is often seen as difficult to maintain and an expensive method of heating, in reality under floor heating is often less expensive to operate than radiator heating. This depends on the effective use of compatible flooring materials – and engineered wood flooring is often seen as a perfect basis for the installation of under floor heating.


Engineered wood flooring makes more use of under floor heating because of the large amount of resistance to movement. There is also the advantage that the heat generated beneath wood flooring is spread more evenly through a wooden floor. This reduces the hot spots that can be created with other flooring.


Therefore, if you already have either under floor heating or engineered wood flooring, or are considering a complete overhaul of your home or office flooring, there are many experts available to fulfil your personal requirements.

By: Sarah Jane Edwards

Article Directory: http://www.articledashboard.com


Tag : home,home improvement,home repair

Thursday 30 July 2009

Cordless Table Lamps, Drills and Vacuums - Pulling the Plug on Traditional Power

More and more, Americans today are looking to cut the cord. It seems like almost everything that has traditionally been "plugged in" in now available in a cordless variety. Cordless drills have offered the handyman flexibility and ease of use for drilling holes and driving screws. Cordless phones have allowed busy families to talk from any room of the house. Even laptop computers allow a cordless computing experience. In the past the cordless, battery operated version of things were considered to be of a lesser quality, offering a sub-par performance in exchange for the convenience of not having a cord. Short battery lives and limited power supply meant limited use and lack of advanced functionality.


With the advent of more efficient and more powerful batteries this has all changed. Today's cordless devices are no longer second rate citizens. Instead they are legitimate alternatives to traditionally corded electronics. From cordless vacuums to cordless table lamps, more and more high end battery powered home accessories are on the market than ever before, and they are no longer being laughed at! With a self contained power supply, today's cordless devices boast not only portability but also complete flexibility in use. If you don't like where the light is, move it to the middle of the table. If you don't have an outlet in the room you wish to vacuum, no big deal, the vacuum will come with you.


Many cordless devices use rechargeable batteries and a base that you can charge the batteries up in when the item is not in use. Solar power is another popular option with cordless devices and is often found as a secondary or back-up power source in items such as calculators, landscape lighting and more. People appreciate the environmentally friendly nature of these products and are looking for more and better ways to conserve energy. Cordless items allow them to do just that.


In the past, many of the cordless items in everyday life were treated as cheap alternatives. They were constructed with lesser materials and had an overall "disposable" look to them. Today's cordless items are beautifully made and of the same high quality as their corded counterparts. Cordless table lamps are no longer something you leave hidden in the closet until there is a power outage. Today they are a beautiful design piece that opens up decorating possibilities that no corded lamp can afford. The next time you are in the market for an electronic device, don't be afraid to pull the plug and look at cordless!


Monday 27 July 2009

Tarps As Cheap and Effective Covers

Tarps are a remarkably inexpensive way to cover anything and everything you want to cover from the elements like rain and snow, pollutants, pollen, dust, or over spray. They are flexible, cheap, and effective for a wide variety of uses in and outside of the home, farm, or business. They also have many uses related to recreation and novelty uses.


Probably the most common use of tarps is as a cover for large items stored outdoors such as cars and trucks where there is inadequate garage space to store them, cars and trucks being renovated or saved for that "someday" renovation project, boats and canoes, campers, ATVs, snowmobiles, motorcycles, and trailers. Whether you choose an inexpensive high-density polyethylene or a heavy-duty or canvas tarp, tarps are strong, tear-resistant, light weight and easy to handle and drape, and completely waterproof. Utilizing the sturdy grommets on the corners, you can either tie the tarp down with stakes or simply weight down the edges with heavy objects like concrete blocks to keep them from blowing off in the wind.


Tarps also make fine covers for piles of firewood that are outdoors drying out keeping rain and snow from saturating them but still letting air circulate around the logs as they dry.


When you're working on any kind of outdoor project and inclement weather threatens or stops you in your tracks, tarps are a fast, easy way to protect your project until the weather clears. This might be a roofing job, addition to a house, or other large construction project you opted to do outdoors for maximum flexibility. Whatever it is, tarps are a godsend when storm clouds start rolling in unexpectedly.


While you don't often think of it as a cover,multiple tarps are also very useful to have along on camping trips. It's a good idea to stretch a tarp over tents and anchor them with stakes, because most tarps are more weather resistant than tent fabric. Especially if water ends up sitting on the roof of the tent, tent fabric inevitably leaks. A tarp stretched out and tied to tree limbs in the forest also makes a handy canopy to protect gear and campers from sun and rain showers while enjoying time outdoors or eating at a picnic table, so they do in essence become durable covers for all practical purposes.


When hauling loads in an open truck bed, tarps are effective covers to protect items from blowing out or getting wet during a rain shower or thunderstorm and are especially helpful for long trips. So the next time you're helping your friends move into a new house or apartment, be sure to throw a few tarps into the truck along


Tag : home,home improvement,home design,bathroom,kitchen


Monday 20 July 2009

Bed Bug Mattress Cover - Do They Work in Preventing Bed Bugs?

Recent reports suggests that the problem of bed bugs has steadily been increasing each year and it's not surprising either as world travel continues to be on the rise. While many associate this problem with cheap hotels or shady inns, five star hotels and expensive homes can also become infested. If you expect to do a lot of traveling, then making use of a bed bug mattress cover can help keep these insects at bay.


The way it works is that the cover essentially encases the entire mattress so as not to allow any of these critters from going in or out. These tiny insects almost always attack late at night so if they are nesting in the mattress you are about to sleep in, do not be surprised to see bites on your body when you wake up. Being prepared will help to prevent this from occurring.


When searching for a bed bug mattress cover, be sure the one you choose will fit on the bed you intend to put it on. In addition, the zippers should also function properly in deterring insects from getting out. You may also want to consider a cover that is of tightly woven fabric instead of plastic just for added comfort. Eventually, any bugs trapped in will die due to lack of oxygen and food.


While these covers are extremely effective when you travel or stay over at a friend's place, if there is an infestation problem in your house then you may need to take a more aggressive approach. The purpose of these covers is not necessarily to prevent an infestation problem but to protect you when traveling.


Saturday 18 July 2009

Home Improvement - Recycling to Aid the Poor

As we continue to update and modernize our own homes, the problem arises concerning the proper way of disposing of the items that we have replaced. Do we overload our scrap yards without giving it a second thought or do we just dump the unwanted item wherever we can? Let's forget about both of these objectionable options and strongly consider recycling to aid the poor.


As a result of higher energy costs, many homeowners are choosing to replace their existing windows with new energy efficient, double pane windows. This process mandates that the homeowner remove any storm windows that are currently installed over the windows that are to be replaced. Thoughtlessly discarding these perfectly good storm windows into the trash pile is absolutely wasteful and shameful. A better option would be to consider recycle these unwanted windows; recycling them to a charity that aids the poor and the needy people of this country.


Many homes today do not have storm windows at all. These homeowners are simply too poor to remodel their homes. This means that their winter energy bills are always outrageously high in spite of the fact that they are still cold. There are organizations whose main objective is to give aid to the poor. All they need is for caring people to recycle their unwanted items like storm windows. However, even though this article is about storm windows in particular, recycling to aid the poor can include anything from clothing to unwanted cars.


And if recycling to aid the poor is not satisfying enough, you can also save money on your federal income taxes by being qualified for making a charitable donation.


Wednesday 15 July 2009

Vinyl Siding and Metal Siding Are Relatively Inexpensive, But Fiber Cement Siding is Vastly Superior

The construction days of yore saw structures composed of animal skins, stone, and thatch fade away to be replaced by newer construction technology such as mud and thatch brick. Brick making was refined over the centuries to what we have today. Working with stone to form walls is probably the only ancient construction technique that has experienced very little change and still available today, although at a prohibitive cost. Home construction and materials have gone through a number of evolutions in the relatively recent past. No longer are cedar shakes or thatch frequently used in favor of more durable and environmental resistant materials. Due to rapidly developing technologies, what homes are constructed with need not be as heavy and solid as they once were. Most walls are self supporting and hollow with wood or aluminum studs supporting the roof. The same is true of siding materials.


Wood sheathing and shakes were once an exceptionally common type of siding material. Wood, though, required extensive attention to maintain its longevity. Fast forward to today and an individual can drive by any construction site and see an amazing assortment of materials being used in modern day housing from walls and ceilings composed of solid concrete to exterior walls of styrofoam with a thin coating of concrete on the outside.


The most common of all siding widely used in today's construction is metal, vinyl, or fiber cement planks. Each siding material has its strengths and style. The newest out of these three is fiber cement board or planks. Fiber Cement siding is perhaps the most innovative and durable siding material ever invented. The list of benefits to using this type of siding is long. Fiber cement siding is impervious to insect damage, as well as, being a noncombustible material so it will not feed a fire the way other materials will, and are rot resistant. The available styles, look, and texture of fiber cement siding provides a real wood or even brick facade. Should a homeowner desire the look of real wood siding or wood shingles, this siding will fulfill the requirement. A brick textured fiber cement siding has similar properties with one exception. With the use of real brick, mortar joints over time will decay and will require repointing to restore the original look. The cost of fiber cement siding is much higher than vinyl or metal siding, although it is far superior.


Vinyl siding, just as metal siding is durable as well, but will show more visible wear and tear than other types. Both are impervious to insect damage, however, mildew, dents or cracks are more likely to occur over time from lawn equipment or children. A big difference between vinyl siding and most other types is that painting vinyl is not an option. Vinyl, also, is not fire resistant as are metal or fiber cement. The largest advantage vinyl siding has over most other types is the initial cost of purchasing and installing it. It will require the most maintenance in order to retain its look, though. The benefit of metal siding is, like fiber cement siding, it is able to be painted in the event that a new color is desired or stains from irrigation and untreated well water develop.


One other aspect of these types of siding materials is the impact to the environment. While metal and vinyl siding do not require deforestation, fiber cement planks are classified as green due to the fact that they are composed of recycled fibers and the color finish is actually part of the material thereby eliminating the need for painting, which releases volatile organic compounds or V.O.C.s into the environment.


Monday 13 July 2009

Tarps - The Waterproof Protector

While it is also nice to have a uniquely furnished interior, having a great many accessories outside can also present a huge boost to a home. That is why so many exteriors are filled with lawn furniture, BBQ grills, and even decorative items. All of these things add both visual and functional benefits to an exterior. However, they are not indestructible and can fall victim to the dangers of the elements. This is why it is so important that they be covered with tarps at the first sign of potential environmental hazards

Rain, snow, sleet, wind, hail, and even sunshine can cause tremendous damage to exterior furniture and accessories. In some cases, the damage might not even be immediate. Instead, slow erosion might occur over time as the result of prolonged exposure to the elements. Thankfully, there are ways to curtail this from happening and a reliable and durable tarp can definitely help in this regard.


Tarps can completely cover any and all items that are placed outside. Simply covering lawn furniture with a tarp will definitely protect the furniture from the ravages of an unkind earth. Instead of the furniture or an expensive BBQ grill being rained upon, the elements will hit the tarp. The insulation of the tarp will prevent any of these elements from doing unnecessary damage to the items it seeks to protect which will extend their life many years.


Additionally, tarpaulins can help prevent theft of common exterior items as well. One thing that needs to be pointed out about thieves and burglars is that time is most definitely not on their side. When a thief needs to steal something, he must acquire it quickly and leave the premises as soon as possible. A tarp presents a very serious impediment to such activity. That's because it will dramatically slow a robber down which, in turn, dissuades him from even attempting to steal. First, he cannot even see what is under the tarp so he has no idea if the items are even worth stealing.


Secondly, raising and cutting the tarp adds needless delays to his venture which increases the odds of getting caught. So, a potential robber will probably outright bypass a home where tarps cover exterior furniture. Unless, of course, the thief is a tarp thief but the chances of that are rather remote! It is also important to point out that no matter how durable a tarp may be, it still must be properly secured in order to maintain its effectiveness. If a gust of wind during a storm can blow a tarp free from the items it is protecting then the tarp will not be of much help. That is why it is best to secure the tarp down with very sturdy rope or cables so that it is not loose. This will add to the protection and ensure the tarp does exactly what it is primarily intended for. And, of course, never "go cheap" on the purchase of a tarp because you will always want to be sure that it is durable enough to handle any type of harsh environment.


Therefore if you want a strong waterproof tarp the best advice is to purchase a heavy duty tarp of not less than 6oz per square yard.


Tag : home,home improvement,home design,kitchen,door

Friday 10 July 2009

Stainless Steel Handrail Shapes Available Vs Aluminum Handrail Shapes

When choosing a handrail or balustrade system for a deck, stairs, Juliet balcony or a regular walk-on balcony, the shape of the hand rail can play a crucial part in your choice.


The standard shapes out there are mostly circular sections of varying diameters, starting from 40mm which is comfortable for holding onto on a stair railing, going up in diameter to 55mm-70mm.


The more interesting shapes out there are more intricate and include elliptical shapes of varying sizes and rectangular or square shapes.


Stainless steel handrail shapes are very limited, due to the extremely expensive tooling require to extrude or roll form these shapes the market tends to follow what is existent and very little room is available for architects to influence the shapes of the handrails. Many times architects will choose a stainless steel balustrade system or a stainless steel balcony and will want to have a "special" shape for their project, they will soon find the cost of this to be inhibitory, as well as in many cases unavailable to be done at all.


This is not the case however with aluminum handrails and railings. In fact as opposed to stainless steel balustrades, with aluminum railings the ability to influence the shape by the architects on the project is making these systems the preferred solution. In fact on a recent project I visited, a project in the Docklands in London, I found that the company that made the glass balconies allowed the architects to create three separate handrail shapes for three different areas on the project. One of the handrail was 120mm wide.


There is also a finish out there called "Royal Chrome" which looks virtually like stainless steel but it is actually a special finish on the aluminum and there fore still allows the flexibility of shapes that the aluminum railing systems allow.


In summary stainless steel handrails are more limited in the availability of shapes, whereas aluminum handrail systems allow an inexhaustible possibility of shapes.


Friday 3 July 2009

Qualify For Home Improvement Grant Money - Remodel Or Repair Your Home

As you consider how much it will cost to remodel or improve your home, consider looking into home improvement grants that may be provided by the government. Those who qualify to receive these funds can obtain thousands of dollars in free cash grants to help pay for upgrades, repairs and other home improvement expenses.


These funds are often provided to home owners as a way to revitalize neighborhoods, offer incentives for energy efficient appliances, and help increase home values in the community. That, in turn, will make your neighborhood more attractive to perspective home buyers and businesses, which brings more tax dollars in for the government.


By helping you get the money you need to make your home safe, secure and livable, government home improvement grants provide the cash you need to pay for materials and labor on your next project. While it has become increasingly harder to get approved for home improvement loans, the government can provide these grants regardless of credit and income.


Because grants are not loans, these funds that are awarded never have to be paid back. As long as you meet the eligibility requirements, and your application is approved, you'll receive your cash grant to help you repair or expand your home, and increase the value of your house.


By accessing an up-to-date grant database, a current list of home improvement grants and other available grant funds can be quickly identified and applied for. Because these programs are unadvertised, this may be the fastest way to search for the grants that you may qualify to receive and get the money you need.


Thursday 2 July 2009

More About Decks and Tips on Choosing the Best Deck Materials

Decks are a significant component of outdoor living. Adding a deck in the front or back portion of your house adds value and appeal to your home.


Decks are significant components of outdoor living. An outdoor deck is an ideal place to entertain visitors for meals, a few drinks or outdoor parties. Outdoor decks also provide a quiet environment to have a conversation, to study or to sit and relax. A deck is a great spot to imbibe hot drinks on cool nights or cold drinks when the weather is very hot.


An outdoor deck has many uses. A deck varies in different designs and styles. When you are planning to build your own deck, you have to decide on different variables. The are many types of decks such as pool decks, low backyard decks, high decks, spa decks and rectangular decks as well as octagonal deck, splash pool deck and wooden deck. There are also roofed decks, decks with sub umbrellas or a gazebo, decks with structures on them like arbors, cabin and other item to make your deck a beautiful one for a quiet relaxation.


Rectangular decks are the most usual deck systems. It is also the easiest to build. There are numerous applications for rectangular decks such as tiered, sundecks and patios systems. The octagonal decks are a perfect addition to several outdoor spaces. This deck is great for hot tub decks, beach decks and barbeque areas. Splash pool deck plans are a great addition for many above-the-ground pools. This deck is an inexpensive way to turn your garden into a family reception.


There are several ways to construct a deck. Some start with the posts cemented onto the ground. If your deck is not high off the ground, you can dry pack the posts combined to the wall. Keep the hole larger than the post and pour the blend into the hole. Then, pack the post down as hard as you can. It will blend with the moisture in the ground and provide the concrete the exact blend it needs. Another recommendation of experts is to use deck screws instead of nails because it does not back out from the heat.


When throwing a neighborhood party or entertaining friends and family, decks are one of the most adaptable places for this. Seats around the borders of the deck allow space for plenty of visitors. If there are numerous levels of your deck, you can essentially have two functions going on at the same time.


Steps on choosing the best deck materials:


The first step is to look for different materials. Woods are the most common and popular. However, each type has their pros and cons. Wood does not require regular maintenance but it is more susceptible to splintering, warping and rotting.


There are many different types of wood deck materials to choose from. Each has its own aesthetic quality. Hence, composite deck materials are a combination of waste wood products and plastic. It will not splinter or rot as well. It is also not prone to paints or stains. These composite deck materials are significant to install according to the manufacturer instructions.


The second step is to analyze your budget because all your options in deck materials come in wide range of costs. Classic options like pressure-treated lumber are deemed as the cheapest of various types of deck materials. Other woods like redwood and cedar are essentially resistant to rot but they are higher in price. Plastic and composite deck materials are more expensive, with the cost ranging from one to three US dollars per linear foot.


Tuesday 30 June 2009

Home Improvement Grants - Free Grant Money to Pay For Upgrades and Repairs

When home improvement loans aren't available or can't provide enough money, home improvement grants may be able to provide the money needed to complete home repairs. Whether you are looking to make upgrades with energy efficient appliances, make home repairs to older homes, or expand your existing home, grant money can help.


These funds are typically provided by local or state government agencies, and can provide funding to families in financial need and in emergency cases. In addition, there are often grants provided in order to increase property values of the community and attract new residents.


Finding these funds is not always the easy or fun part, but there are online resources that have made it a simple process to apply for various home improvement grant programs. By accessing an online grant database, any individual can quickly find available funds and get assistance with submitting a proper application.


Once your grant application is submitted and approved, any money you are approved for will never have to be paid back. As long as the cash is appropriately spent and the terms of the grant are followed, the money is provided as a tax-free gift, with no interest and no repayment.


As you access and search a grant database, you may come to notice that there are a number of different grant programs that you may qualify for. There is no limit on the number of programs you can apply for or receive, but you'll want to carefully review the eligibility requirements and make sure funding is still being provided.


Find Real Estate Grants by requesting access to the grant database. Once you find the money you may qualify to receive, you could have your cash grant in as little as 7 days.


Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Austin_Warty

Saturday 27 June 2009

What Factors To Consider When Buying A Garage Door

Garage doors can not only protect your garage belongings, but they also add an element of style of any home. However, this protection and esthetic quality does not come cheap. This is why you want to make sure you are getting the highest quality of garage door for the lowest price.So how do you know if the garage door you are eyeing up is the best value to you? Read on to determine the four most important factors on how to buy a garage door.


Choosing your Type of Garage Door
There are several different kinds of garage doors but the most common these days are sectional garage doors, also called roll up doors or overhead doors. Sectional garage doors travel up and down on rollers. Although they tend to be more expensive and are harder to install, they also provide a safer and stronger garage door.


Another option is the tilt up garage door which is also known as the swing up. Tilt ups work by rotating out and upward. Although they tend to be cheaper than sectional garage doors, they are also less convenient. If anything is blocking the way, they will not rotate upwards furthermore, they let some snow and water in.


Keep in mind that both garage doors can be accessed with a remote control.
Garage doors come in four different types of materials wood, steel, aluminum and fiber glass. The choice depends on what you are looking for. Wood garage doors tend to have a more natural look but require regular maintenance for upkeep. Wood garage doors are also great because they can easily be painted if you decide to change the exterior color of the house. Steel is more durable than wood garage doors and a lot easier to maintain. Of course, that also makes them more expensive. Aluminum doors are the most durable option as they do not dent however, they are also heavy and quite expensive compared to the wood door. Finally, fiberglass is a great option as it comes in various colors and designs but do not handle the heat as well as the other three types.


Additional Factors to Consider
Once you have your type decided on, it is time to get into the nitty gritty of buying a garage door. The design is just as important as the type as the right design can add value and class to your home. Do you want wood garage doors? Do you want short recessed panels, long raised panels or flush designs? You can choose your paint or stain color to match the trim or fascia boards of your home. You can also look into garage doors that have windows or glass inserts for an extra exterior esthetic design.


When it comes to buying a garage door, keep your options open. Check catalogs, search the internet and see what is out there in your price range. If you prefer to speak to a salesman, then head to your nearest garage door store. Make sure you see what is included in the price including warranty, delivery costs and installation fees.

By: Jeremy Harmon

Article Directory: http://www.articledashboard.com

Friday 26 June 2009

Benefits To Having A Stainless Steel Sink In Your Family Kitchen

Others prefer looks, while some need practicality in their family kitchen -- and what more could be more practical than having a stainless steel sink in this part of your home. There are plenty of sinks in the market and each has its own unique quality to add to both looks and use in your modern kitchen; but among the selections, stainless steel sink stands out in the crowd with these benefits.


1. Modern Look

We can never deny the fact that everyone homeowner today craves for that modern sleek look to their family kitchen - organized, well-equipped, and complete with all the basic tools and utilities needed for the perfectly-working kitchen. None of the items offers the most convenience feature that of a Stainless Steel Sink.


Imagine having a smooth countertop or work-area made of polished black wood streamlined with a stainless steel sink can easily make for the perfect modern kitchen. Not only that, you can easily integrate earthen colors to metallic chrome to your kitchen without it standing out with the design.


2. Cost-Effective

Stainless steel sinks are a lot cheaper compared to marble, granite, or other materials used in sinks today. You can buy them for a hundred dollars in furniture shops or home depots in your area. No need of purchasing expensive parts and equipments since everything you might need is already bundled with the item.


Also, they are easily installed in your countertop or work area -- just open up a space with the right size, place it in, fasten it in place and your done. The lightweight material doesn’t require any solid foundation underneath so you need not worry about redoing the entire work area just to accommodate it.


3. Easy To Clean

Homeowners, especially housewives, should be very happy with the easy-to-clean material of stainless steel sinks. Stains and dirt don’t adhere well to its surface so a solution of soap and water, and finishing it up with a wash cloth is enough to bring out its metallic sheen.


4. Durability

Marble and granite chip, especially if you accidentally drop heavy kitchen items in it; but not stainless steel sinks. The material is quite sturdy and can easily withstand any torment you put it through. You won't see any dents or scratches while you're busy washing heavy kitchen items on your stainless steel sinks.


William W. Teho, Jr.
Stainless Steel Sink

By: Thonyodwens

Article Directory: http://www.articledashboard.com

Tuesday 23 June 2009

How to Better Clean the Bathroom and Kitchen

Meryl Streep, upon receiving a motherhood award, credited her own mother with teaching her one of the keys to running a home smoothly: "A place for everything, everything in its place."


That sounds simple, but isn't. To put everything away so you can clean, you must have a place for everything to be put away in. The place must also be convenient, and easy to access, or you won't use it.


Fast and efficient cleaning becomes crucial in the bathroom and kitchen, where wet surfaces could potentially harbor bacteria and mold. You need to get stuff out of the way, using proper storage solutions, so that you'll be able to quickly wipe away wetness and dirt after each use.


For instance, how many times have you left dishes in the drain because to put them in the cabinet, you'd have to lift other dishes to stack them? If you had a cupboard with a slotted bottom, you could put the dishes in there as you would a dish rack, without lifting anything else. If you had the cabinet with the slots over the sink, you could put the dishes away wet, and they'd drain into the sink. You could also put the slotted cabinet over a fern who'd appreciate the drips.


The same principles apply in bathrooms, where you can organize your wet items on a rack where they get to dry while properly and neatly stored out of sight.


The storage areas themselves can be decorative elements that create atmosphere. Well crafted bamboo wood is perfect for kitchens and bathrooms because it is beautiful, strong, eco-friendly, and dries well to prevent bacterial build up.


Taking the clutter out of the way, means you can wipe surfaces clean in seconds, allowing you to quickly disinfect and dry out counter tops, sinks and any other potentially wet surface. With no puddles and less humidity, grime and bacteria lose their hold and your home becomes cleaner and healthier.


You may reprint this article provided that the resource box with the author info remains intact and retains all of its links in their active form.


Top Five Home Improvement Ideas to Consider

Home improvement is a very widespread field, with many ideas from which to choose. During the summertime, countless people think about remodeling their homes, making improvements to certain rooms of the house, but are often not sure which improvements to do. Low-cost home improvements that not only improve your home's appearance, but also help you save money in the long run, are the hottest plans currently. I'm writing this to list these ideas and hopefully, help spark your imagination. These are the top 5 home improvement ideas for 2009:


1.) Installing "Green" Technology - Due to the need of almost everyone to save money right now, and because of the increased awareness of the need to save our environment, the top home improvement plan right now is the installing of "green" technology, also known as "going green." This could include such installments as solar panels, power-generating windmills, environmentally-friendly cleaners, energy efficient heating and cooling system, and energy-saving light bulbs. Solar panels may be costly at first, but they will save a huge amount of money in the long run by generating your own electricity. The same goes for the energy efficient heating and cooling system - it will help you save money on your electric bills. Windmills can not only help you generate your own electricity, but they can be made with parts from the junkyard. You can't get much cheaper than that! Also, many of these "going green" improvements will help you qualify for a tax break and help out the environment. It's a win-win situation.


2.) Install a programmable thermostat - This may be a very simple improvement, but don't underestimate it. Installing a programmable thermostat will help save money on your electric bills. How does it do this? Instead of having the air conditioning or the heater running all day, the pre-programmed thermostat only turns on the AC or the heat when the temperature of the house gets too hot or too cold. This keeps the central heating and cooling system from running unnecessarily and, in turn, saves you money.


3.) Re-insulate your home - Making sure your home is well insulated will also help save you money on electric bills. That is because a well-insulated home will not let out cool air in the summer, and it will not let out warm air in the winter. That also keeps hot or cold air from drafting into the house.


4.) Paint or re-decorate your living space - This may seem like a very simple improvement to your home, but it is effective. Painting your rooms and re-decorating in soothing colors and accents will help you relax and want to spend more time in your newly decorated home. Pamper yourself along with the new designs and you will feel like you are at a spa getaway.


5.) Put in a patio - This is probably the most expensive option (unless you have close friends or family who are carpenters) but it is worth the splurge. A patio or a sun deck will allow you to relax and soak up some rays in your own back yard. You can grill out with family and friends, sun bathe on a chaisse lounge, or watch the stars from your patio. The good thing about putting in a patio is that it is actually less expensive than adding a room onto your house. A patio may be a small addition, but it will more than pay for itself with all the hours of relaxation it will afford.


No matter which home improvement idea you decide to choose, the payoff will be well worth it. Even if these ideas aren't what you are looking for, there are many other low-cost home improvement ideas. This year, less is more is the approach to home improvement, and saving money is the best thing.


Saturday 20 June 2009

Inspection And Repairs In Frame Construction

If there are leakages around a window frame a careful examination should be made and repairs made where they are needed. Around the lower part of the window, look particularly for holes or large cracks at the top of the window sill. There may be a crack under the inside stool or window ledge, if it is not nailed down securely; and if the stool has been cut too short, there may be cracks at either or both ends.


Also, where parting strips and pulley stiles meet the top sill there may be holes left as a result of careless fitting. Such cracks and openings may be closed satisfactorily by driving the stool down firmly and filling the spaces with white-lead putty or calking compound, much like what you would use for kitchen plumbing and bathroom fixtures such as sinks.


Sometimes driving rain or water from melting ice on the sill outside the window may be forced in under the window and stool and run down the wall. This seepage may usually be prevented by removing the lower sash and plowing a furrow or groove along the bottom of the lower rail from one side to the other with a plow plane having a one-half or three-quarter inch blade.


A cavity is thus formed that will check blowing rain before it can get inside the window. Good weather stripping carefully applied will do much to prevent air leakage and keep moisture from entering around windows and doors. This is why it is so often used for steam shower units. Steam showers are useless if the steam shower enclosure is not properly sealed.


Where the top sill joins the sub-sill, there may be a crack that will admit air and moisture unless it is calked with white-lead putty or calking compound, or covered with metal flashing. Examine the drip mold and flashing at the top of the frame to see whether they are in good condition. Put on new flashing, if necessary, preferably copper, with the upper edge bent up under the siding or shingles and the lower edge extending over the outer edge of the window cap about one-half inch and bent down to form an apron.


Before putting on the flashing it may be well to seal the cracks around the frame with white-lead putty or calking compound (a puttylike substance made for calking purposes). Sometimes the outside casing or adjoining molding may become loose and require re-nailing. In some instances the outside casing may be nailed over the siding or shingles instead of being fastened directly to the blind casing.


This method leaves triangular openings between the back of the casing and each shingle or siding board, and, if the joints under the outside covering are not properly protected, air will enter. This is a common problem found in the home sauna. New sauna owners don't immediately realize that sauna steam is escaping from small openings in the doors and windows if the sauna didn't already come with weather stripping.


In such cases the outside casing may be removed and the cracks underneath filled with white-lead putty or calking compound, or the triangular openings may be closed without removing the casing by employing one of two methods.


They may either be calked with oakum (hemp fiber from tarred hemp rope) to within one-half inch of the surface and then filled with calking compound, or covered by means of a strip of wood (about 2-inches wide and as thick as the casing) notched out to fit the irregularities in the surface and nailed to the siding or shingles adjoining the outside casing.

By: Allison Ryan

Article Directory: http://www.articledashboard.com

Tuesday 16 June 2009

Air Conditioning Zones

If you are looking at purchasing a central air conditioning (ducted) system, you have probably heard the salesman talking about zones. So what is a zone in relation to air conditioning? What do they do, how many can you have and what do they cost? Below is an essential guide to zoning your new air conditioning system.


1) Function Of A Zone - Zones are usually on or off switches that allow you to either have airflow or restrict airflow down a particular piece of ducting. Zones are important in ducted systems as you can usually only run about half your home at any one time. Zones allow you to choose which rooms you want air to flow to and which rooms you want to restrict airflow to.


2) Convenience - The main benefit of zones is the convenience that they offer. Zones allow you to choose which rooms you want airflow to, and allows you to turn off the rooms that don't require any air conditioning.


3) Energy Savings - Because you can choose which zones to run, zoning also gives you energy savings. By only running the areas that you are actually in, you save on electricity bills as you don't have to run rooms that are not inhabited.


4) Save Money When Running - Because you can run less zones and save on power consumption, ultimately you will also save money on running costs. This means you will have more money for your back pocket.


So that is what a zone is. Next time you get a hvac quote, be sure to tell the contractor that you want lots of zones because of the reasons outlined above.


Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/home-improvement-articles/air-conditioning-zones-975022.html

Sunday 14 June 2009

Home Improvement and Interior Decoration

There are 2 common approaches you can adopt if you are thinking of refurnishing your home. The first is all about being consistent. That means you will try to achieve the same look and feel throughout the whole house. The theme is what matters most here.

But you face some problems with this approach. Not everyone agrees with just having one design. Your children probably won't agree to you changing their rooms into the traditional style. But if there is just you and your spouse, this approach will work just great. There is no need to come up with multiple designs for different rooms. This approach can save you a lot of time.


But if this approach doesn't work out for you, you will have to turn to the alternative. The second approach is the direct opposite of the first one. Come up with a different design for each room. Every member of the family gets to design their own room. The main benefit is that everyone gets what they want. Each will have his or her own personal preferences met.


As the homeowner, there are 2 rooms that your children will probably have no interest in - the living room and the kitchen.


Compared to the bedrooms, the living room is much harder to redesign and redecorate. There is more space, and certainly more furniture and other items. Therefore, you may need to spend a little more time on your living room design. Consider the center pieces that you are going to buy. These are items that will fill up much of the living room space. The sofa set, the dining table, or the television are all examples of center pieces. Once you have the bigger sets filling in most of the space, it's easier to find compatible items to go decorate the room.


The kitchen is another room that you will be spending a lot of time in. You are likely to spend more time in this room preparing and consuming meals. So be sure to buy all the necessary kitchen appliances. The look you choose depends on your personal preference. Try to make full use of the space in the kitchen. Remember to leave enough space and room for you to move around as you cook. Your kitchen can look simple and modern, or luxurious and elegant. For sure, classic designs will be more affordable. So be sure to allocate more budget for the kitchen.


Finally, be mindful that it's easy to feel overwhelmed by the amount of work involved in redesigning or refurnishing a home. Improvise on the plan as you work so that you don't burn up. You will be able to focus better when you work single mindedly on each and every room. You will achieve better results with more focus.


About The Author:
Interior decorating experts offer free tips and information on how to buy furniture.

http://www.articleclick.com/

New Home Buying Tips - 5 Essential Features When Purchasing a New Home!

Buying a home is never an easy task, but knowing what you're looking for (and what you're not looking for) can make the home-buying experience a lot less stressful.


Before you sit down to prioritize your wish list, we highly recommend looking for these 5 features in your new home. We realize some of the features might increase the cost of the home - but the potential resale


value will outweigh the initial costs, we assure you.


Here are 5 essential features to look for when purchasing a new home:

1. Ensuite Bathroom. New homes are being built so quickly with so many features that today's homeowners have become accustom to luxurious upgrades. Parents no longer want to share their bathroom with their children and children surely don't want to share a bathroom with their parents. Spend the extra cash and look for a home with an ensuite bathroom attached to the master bedroom. Trust us; you'll be happy that you did.


2. Energy-Efficient Appliances. If you're purchasing a new home - or even buying an older home - chances are you're going to need new appliances. If you're buying a new home from a homebuilder, make sure they offer energy efficient appliances. If they don't, it's worth negotiating this into the price of the home. Everyone is looking for energy efficient features in their homes. Not only will this increase the resale value of your home but it will also save you a ton of money in the meantime.


3. Hardwood Floors. Hardwood floors may add some additional costs when initially building a home but the upfront cost will outweigh alternatives, should you decide to rip out carpet and install hardwood a year or two down the road. Hardwood flooring (especially in dark tones) is extremely popular right now. Upgrading to dark hardwood floors is an essential investment for any new homeowner.


4. An "Extra" Family Room. If you're moving into a new home with your family (or even with just one other person), an additional family room is a necessity. To save your relationship, you and your partner (and your kids) are going to need their own space. An extra family room allows an escape so that you don't have to spend every waking moment side-by-side with the people you live with. Also, if you want to watch different things on TV, nothing is forcing you to watch the only thing that's on in the one family room.


5. A deck. An outdoor haven is one of the best features of any home. If you're purchasing a brand new home, chances are you might not be able to include a deck in your plan. The good news is that you'll probably be able to add a deck right after your house is complete. Looking at the plan of your home (especially the back yard) to make sure that the layout suits an outdoor deck or patio is a great thing to consider during the home-buying process.


Ariella Selene has been helping new homeowners find their perfect home for years. She believes the three most important rooms in modern homes are the kitchen, bathroom and master bedroom. If you're looking for home updating tips and advice, go to AmericanModernLiving.com.


Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Ariella_Selene

Wednesday 10 June 2009

Low-Cost Solutions For Organizing a Home Office

As our economy looks to remain on the falling spiral that it is on, discovering means to preserve cash is invariably on all of our brains. Because of that, it is not really likely that you desire to consider expending cash to get your home office organised. It is less complicated to make due with what you have. But what if organizing your home office did not cost you a dime? How? a little of time and some creative juices is all it takes.


Making supplies for your household office means getting creative about items which you usually conceive as rubble. Before you toss any package, jar or container of any kind, ask yourself how you might use that to aid you make coordinated. A shoebox can form a great inbox for your filing. Sturdy cardboard boxes might be cut and stapled together to make a desktop filer. A baby food jar or any other small jar can be great for holding paper clips and elastic bands. A middle-sized sauce jar might be used to hold pens and pencils. Huge rocks may make tremendous bookends. Look at everything which is in your household and ask yourself how you could employ it to aid you in getting organised.


While making all of these items in your household that were junk to assist you in getting your household office coordinated is great, you are emphatically going to want to trim them up. A set of paint and some stencils or sponges may be a fun method to make them appear pretty and to likewise personalize them with your own original imaginative touch. Some good wrapping paper may as well aid in jazzing them up. Attempt to have fun with it and acquire methods to individualize the things you have discovered for organizing your home office.


But what if you need something huge like a bit of furniture to perfect your house office organisation undertaking? You may be able to get something for free or at the very least quite inexpensive on Craigslist, at a garage sale, or at local thrift shops. You might have to do some hunting down to find what you require but it will certainly be cheaper than purchasing it new. Once more, it pays here to get creative with what you find. You may not find just what you are searching for but seek to think of how you might apply what you do discover.


Organizing a home office for little or no cash is all about being creative with what you acquire. That means searching for things that you would commonly toss out and thinking of the way you might employ them instead. More free assistance for your home office at http://www.yourhomeisorganized.com/HomeOfficeOrganization.htm


Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jill_Borash

Sunday 7 June 2009

6 Easy Steps to Improve Indoor Air Quality

Did you know the air quality in your apartment or home can be five times worse than the air outside? It's true! Inadequate ventilation, high humidity, and many household products are jeopardizing the air you breathe, and an increased number of indoor air pollutants can cause eye, throat, and nose irritations, as well as headaches, dizziness, nausea, and fatigue. They may even cause respiratory disease, heart disease, and cancer.


With all that looming over your head - and filling your lungs - it's more important than ever to whip your air into shape, and that's an easy, breezy thing to do. Follow these steps.


1. Open the windows.
The more outdoor air you bring inside, the better. Whenever possible, open as many windows as you can. (In the wintertime, try opening a window or two just slightly when you know you'll be away for a short amount of time. It may be a little chilly when you get back, but you'll breathe much easier.)


To make sure that clean air is circulated, turn on ceiling fans or strategically position oscillating fans around your house. If possible, switch on the attic fan and keep doors open to allow the air to move freely about your home.


2. Invest in houseplants.
Placing one plant approximately every 10 square yards can do wonders for your air quality. Try peace lilies, bamboo palms, English ivy, mums, and gerbera daisies, which can remove dangerous toxins like formaldehyde, carbon monoxide, and benzene.


3. Take off your shoes.
Store your shoes in your entryway - or better yet, the garage - to avoid tracking mud and dirt through your home. It may take a bit of time to get used to, but the change is well worth it. Plus, you'll save time sweeping and vacuuming each week.


4. Use green cleaning products.
Traditional cleaning supplies are filled with toxic chemicals that leach into your air and eventually your lungs, so take our suggestions and clean with nontoxic products instead.


5. Vacuum and dust often.
Sweep up all that dirt, hair, and other debris scattered on your floors at least once a week - more often if you have pets. And consider purchasing a vacuum with a HEPA filter, which sucks up even more airborne particles.


6. Purchase an air purifier.
An air purifier can help eliminate second-hand tobacco smoke, animal dander, pollen, and mold and mildew, but before you lug one home, do your research. Check its Clean Air Delivery Rate (CADR), a number based on the cubic feet of air purified in one minute. Compare the square footage of your room to the purifier's CADR. In general, you'll need a purifier with a CADR that's three-fourths as big as your square footage.


When you're finished, take a deep breath and appreciate that clean air. And don't forget to share with us what other steps you're taking to improve your indoor air quality.


Lexicon Corp
The Home Know-It-All: Your One-Stop Shop for Home Design, Improvement, and Repair

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Randall_Noblet

Saturday 6 June 2009

Buying Tips For Your Next Bed

Shopping for a bed can certainly be a challenge. Any bed outlet will spoil you for choice with an array of mattresses, types of bed and price ranges. By thinking in advance, talking it through with a partner if appropriate will ensure you have a better idea of your requirements making it easier to find the bed that will suit your circumstances.


There are many bed types to choose from, you could have a metal, wooden or divan style bed. When you are thinking about what might be best for you start with your current bed. What do you like about your existing bed is it nice and firm or is it too soft? Do you like the style or does it possible take up to much room. If you share with a partner is your bed big enough for the two of you, if not consider a larger bed and type of mattress, a traditional style spring mattress can disturb another partner where as there is less movement with a foam mattress.


Like me you may have though the single, double and king sized beds were all the same size however they aren't standardised even though they use the size of name to describe the product. This is especially important if you are buying the bed and mattress from separate suppliers. The height of a bed is important as well, do measure the beds you go to see, a bed that is too high may look out of place with your existing furniture and you may feel strange lying in bed higher than other furniture.


If you have narrowed your choices down to a couple of equally good products think about the after sales service. When can they delivery and if they assemble, as well as the guarantees or warrantees that are provided.


Understandably price factors into your buying decisions however it is best to look at the value rather than price. The cheapest may save you some money initially however is less likely to last as long and offer the comfort and support you want. We spend around 3,000 hours in bed each year so it is worth saving to spend a little more for a great night sleep and be refreshed for the day ahead.


Olivia has 2 years experience writing articles about beds. She also enjoys writing on various other topics.


Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Olivia_Alex_K_Wilson