Task One – Design Your New Bathroom

Roughly draw up the design of how you want the new bathroom to be. If you’re on a tight budget aim to keep existing plumbing in the same place, however, if you can afford to start from scratch then do so to ensure you make the most of all the available space and light in the room.

With the help of your local bathroom supplies specialist, select the shower recess and other bathroom fixtures and fittings to suit the room size and overall style of the home. Most bathroom showrooms have design and color consultants who can help you with the final decision making process in terms of placement, design and sizes for all your bathroom furniture.

Task Two – Demolish vs. Reusing

Gutting your existing bathroom is the next step on the road to a new bathroom. Carefully remove and preserve any existing fixtures and fittings you plan to use in the newly fitted bathroom or even those fixtures you plan to sell.

If there was ever a task that could derail your project plan this second one is it. Demolishing things sounds easy enough but it can prove much more difficult and time consuming than expected, particularly if stubborn ceramic tiles come into play. Allow at least two days to complete this part of the job and even more time if removal of rubbish is via a difficult pathway such as stairs.

Task Three – Repair Damage

Now is the time to call in a handyman if you’re not handy yourself and have any underlying floor and wall damage repaired. It’s never a good idea to install a new bathroom over surfaces that are in poor condition so take a few days now to ensure longevity of your soon to be installed new bathroom.

Task Four – Plumbing

Over the next few days your plumber will need to bring all the relevant pipes through to their new positions. This can be a reasonably quick and easy job and really give you a sense of progress once it’s done.

Task Five – Electrical Work

Any electrical work can now be completed over a day or two depending on whether you’re installing items such as heat lamps, new lighting and exhaust fans. Try not to skimp on electrical outlets, as they’re always handy to have for items such as hair dryers, small heaters, shavers and the like.

Task Six – Insulation and Sheetrock

If walls have been removed and insulation and new plaster work is required the next few days should see these two jobs completed. If your bathroom is particularly large allow a little longer than two days.

Task Seven – Install Vanity

The bathroom furniture such as the vanity should be installed at this stage, ready for the wall and floor tiler to come along immediately after.

Task Eight – Tile Walls and Floor

Your new bathroom is starting to take shape and now it’s time for the wall and floor tiler to really bring things to life. A small room can easily be tiled one day and grouted the next so a total of two days should see this job finished.

Task Nine – Almost Done!

At this point of the project there will be a sense of excitement and a little bit of exhaustion but you’re on the home stretch. The plumber is able to return now and connect things such as the toilet and hand basin, install the showerhead and faucets and seal off various joins with waterproof sealant as well as install the shower recess.

Task Ten – Finishing Touches

Finally you are able to add the finishing touches to your new bathroom. Firstly, give the room a thorough clean as there will be plenty of dust and grime built up by now. Now you can add all those finishing touches, such as luxurious bathroom accessories, deluxe towels, mirrors and any other special items you’ve been patiently waiting to display.

All remodeling projects can be exciting and rewarding but renovating a bathroom is particularly so. Now you can stand back and see your gleaming new bathroom there is nothing left to do but to soak in a luxurious bath or take a relaxing shower in the comfort of your very own mini oasis. Go right ahead, after all that careful planning and hard work you deserve it.

Soniya is an interior decorator and social media blogger for QS Supplies, the online shop for Bathroom Furniture and home décor fixtures (for UK citizens).

However, in recent years as homeowners have increasingly looked at ways of reducing energy consumption and better securing their property, there has been an increase in demand for other types of garage door that better meet their requirements.

Although there is now a wide range of garage doors available on the market, the 2 most popular forms are roller garage doors and the sectional garage door.

Roller Garage Doors

For homewoners looking to create additional storage space with the garage, a roller garage door is the ideal solution. Due to their compact design, the entrie door curtain of a roller garage door coils into a neat roll that is located behind the opening as opposed to retracting back into the garage like a one piece door. This in turn has the benefit of allowing more valuable storage space on the garage ceiling to be achieved.

A roller garage door opens vertically and as mentioned above rolls into a box behind the opening. This means that homeowners are able to park the car very close to the garage entrance without the fear of the door coming into contact with the vehicle as the door is opened and closed.  Additionally, for homes with short driveways, restricted space or where the garage fronts directly onto the road this type of door is the perfect product.

In the Uk garage roller doors can be broadly classed into 2 main categories;

Un-insulated Roller Doors

A very popular door type when the garage is detached from the main house or for the budget conscious homeowner. Manufactured from a single sheet of steel, a single skin roller door is available in a wide range of sizes, operating types and colours.  Although the door offers no insulating benefits, the appearance is identical to the more expensive insulated versions and offers the same high levels of security. With many retailers offering discount prices, single skin roller doors can be purchased for around £350 – £450 making them an affordable home improvement solution.

Insulated Roller Garage Doors

If the garage is attached to the main house or the space is used as a workshop etc then this is the best solution. Insulated roller garage doors are also ideal for homes with a bedroom located above the garage. The insulating properties of the door curtain will prevent valuable heat escaping from the home.Although more expensive than the single skin version, the additional benefits to the homeowner are well worth the initial outlay. Good quality insulated roller garage doors can be purchased from around £800.

Sectional Garage Doors

Sectional garage doors offer many of the same benefits as roller garage doors but with a few added extras and increased specifications.

Unlike roller garage doors where the door rolls up when open, sectional garage doors are comprised of a number of panels that are hinged together. When opened the door lifts vertically for approx ¾ the height of the opening then retracts back 90 degrees to sit horizontally within the garage roof space on metal runners. As the door does not roll up, sectional garage doors can be made to have the traditional appearance of an up and over garage door but with all the benefits of modern technology.

Although available as an un-insulated version, insulated sectional garage doors are the most popular type of door being installed into homes in the UK. A sectional garage door can be installed into most garages and are available in a wide range of bespoke sizes up to 7000mm for domestic applications.

With insulation levels of 1w/m2k, the door will make a dramatic difference to the temperature of the garage space and is the only sensible solution for homeowners looking to make significant reductions in their energy bills and environmental impact. Door panels are available in thicknesses of between 20-42mm depending upon budget and requirements. Compare this to an insulated roller door with a thickness of 18mm and a u value of 5w/m2k and the energy saving benefits are obvious.

The only slight drawbacks to the sectional garage door are that they do not allow the garage ceiling too be used for storage and are more time consuming to install.

To conclude, the only sensible solution to any homeowner looking to replace their tired old fashioned garage door is to install one of the above door types.

Doors and Vanities

In most homes, bathrooms are usually the least accessible room in the house. This is often because bathrooms are normally the smallest room in the house, but also because the standard bathroom often only has 24″ or 30″ doors.

So obviously, in order to make your bathroom handicap accessible, widening the doorway to 32″ (straight-on approach) or 36″ (allows for an angled approach) so a wheelchair can fit is the first step. Next, if you have a cabinet style bathroom vanity, it needs to be removed and a wall mounted sink should be put in its place (pedestal mount sinks aren’t quite as good for handicapped use, but are often workable).

Adjust Accessibility

You’ll also want to look at the height of the sink, medicine cabinet, mirror, and light switches – chances are, they’ll all need to be lowered. Make sure the faucets are reachable, and be sure to investigate adding faucets with a touch-free sensor to your home as well.

By the way, bathroom light switches probably aren’t the only switches in your home that need to be lowered. Be sure to check the whole house.

Toilet and Tub

Continuing with the bathroom, the toilet needs to be equipped with a riser that is usually between 17″ and 19″ tall, or a special raised toilet needs to be installed. A little extra height makes it easier for someone in a wheel chair to transfer to and from the stool. Also, install toilet grab bars for safety reasons.

A bathtub can be especially hard to maneuver into for someone in a wheel chair. A tub seat and mounted grab bars keep people from having to lower themselves down into the tub and a transfer bench allows for sliding into the tub. Also, getting over the side of the tub can still present problems, so you might consider a side-opening bathtub.

Lastly, you might consider replacing your bathtub with a shower, which is more accessible than a bathtub and usually easier for a handicapped person to use. “Roll-in” showers make it particularly easy to transfer to a shower seat when appropriately mounted grab bars are installed. Special shower wheel chairs are also available, which can be rolled into the shower without hurting the chair.

Author Miguel Salcido writes for SimplyBathtubs.com, which sells high quality walk-in bathtubs online.

Without the option of actually adding on to your home, you might need to sacrifice another room, or at least some space out of an existing room. We combined our master bedroom and bath with an extra bedroom next to it, and then turned it into a master suite with a laundry room.

By doing this, we were also able to add another hallway with a double closet and an additional half bath. So, while we sacrificed a bedroom, we gained a main floor laundry room, a double closet, and another bathroom. My point is, get creative.

Help with Layout

After determining  what space you are willing to part with, you will need to work up a layout for the new space. You will want to talk to your builder about this, to see what your options are. Where you can place the washer and dryer will be dictated by existing plumbing and electrical, unless cost is not a concern.

If it’s a complete tear up, then you have more options. Once you have this information, then you can draw up some plans freehand and consult with your builder, or have him design it for you. However, there’s another option, which is an online room design and layout program. There are a few available, and some at no cost.

I had a lot of fun with this, switching it up for various ideas. After you have the layout determined, then it’s time to go shopping.

The Star of the Show

The first thing I did was pick out my washer and dryer, since they were the purpose for the room to begin with. I looked at several styles, brands and even colors. However, because there are so many to choose from, it can get overwhelming.

I recommend that you look at reviews for all brands, before entering a showroom. From Maytag, to LG washers and dryers. Look to see what other people who work with them have to say. They often come in sets, so make sure you check reviews on both the washer and dryer.

The options you have to make are whether or not you want a trendy color, front or top load, and whether or not you want a pedestal draw on the bottom. Just know that you may be paying extra for that trendy color, and trends go out. Since it’s not a typical area for guests to see, I opted for basic white, and put the money I saved towards something else.

Next, we’ll take a look at other items to consider.

Hold ‘em or Fold ‘em

One item to consider is the folding area. This will really depend on how much space you have. If you have a lot of space, you could have a full table off to the side, which is stationary.

Another option is to have a table which can fold up and out of the way with chains and hooks, when you are not using it. I opted for something else.

Our new laundry area is in our master suite, so I didn’t want to take up too much space, especially since I also wanted an additional bath and closet. I decided to have a custom built table made for right over the washer and dryer. Going without the pedestal drawers underneath, it is the perfect height for quickly pulling the clothes out and simply placing them on the table to fold.

If you do this, make sure to leave enough space between the table and the machines, so you can pull them out for repair, if necessary.

Ironing Out the Details

If you do a lot of ironing, then you should also consider where you are going to put the ironing board. And again, it will depend on the space available.

When limited on space, or if you simply don’t want to store your board in another closet and have to take it out all the time, you could attach it to the wall, with a drop down feature. It’s almost like a Murphy Bed, only with the ironing board instead of a bed.

These can be hidden nicely, with a shallow cabinet.

I don’t do a lot of ironing, so I just use my folding table, without using up any more space.

Sink It

If space allows, have a sink put in. Sinks are wonderful for hand-washed delicates and soaking stubborn stains. The plumbing isn’t an issue here, since you already need it for the washer.

Our master bath sink is literally 3 steps from the washer. So, I chose to not have another sink put in and save the space.

Cabinets are a Hidden Blessing

While the cabinets themselves are not hidden, they can hide a multitude of items. This is especially important if you don’t have the pedestal drawers under the machines.

Actually, you have more options for storage, such as:

* Fully enclosed cabinets
* Cabinets without doors
* Shelves

It might just come down to how many people will be seeing your laundry area, and cost.

Top or Front Loaders

Getting back to the washer dryer, do some research on top and front loaders. Everyone has their preference, with their own reasoning. For example, a tall person might not like a front loader, if it’s not elevated with the storage pedestals. The opposite is true for someone who is height-challenged, like me.

I prefer my front loader, mainly because I don’t have to reach into the bottom of the washer and get all wet from hanging halfway inside.

When shopping for washers and dryers, search online first for reviews for all styles, and every brand from Electrolux front loading washing machines, to brands you have never heard of before.

Ultimately, it comes down to which area of your home you are willing to sacrifice, and how much space that gives you to work with for this project.

We sacrificed an extra bedroom, which was only being used to collect things we really shouldn’t have been collecting anyway. So, bonus.

As I mentioned earlier, get creative!

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Melissa Cameron is a freelance writer, living in Texas with her husband and 2 young children. She loves to write on topics that will help consumers save money and try innovative ideas. In fact, her husband has called her a walking infomercial. When she is not writing, she enjoys spending time with her family. She has also just recently discovered Twitter.

Photo credit

Bathroom Adaptations

When we lose mobility using the bathroom can become a chore. Many of us take things like bathing for granted but many of us have our showering facilities within the bath. This means that in order to use the shower it’s necessary to step in and out of the bath tub. That’s easy until mobility becomes an issue, when a small thing like using the shower can become a mountainous task.

Custom Elegant Bathroom Theme

If you are having trouble using your bathroom then you could opt to fit a level access showering area which does not need to be stepped into. This can include a seat to make showering much easier. Hand rails can be fitted around toilets which will make your convenience far more convenient.

Many people are put off bathroom adaptations because they feel they aren’t aesthetically pleasing but today there are lots of companies who are producing really stylish bathroom adaptations that will not take anything away from your decor.

Stair Safety

One of the main reasons why elderly people feel forced to leave their homes is because they no longer feel safe using the stairs. However domestic lifts like stair lifts can be fitted to most types of stairs and can be used to cover several levels. Stair lifts are a great way to adapt your home as they are much cheaper than moving and are also very safe. All stair lifts are fitted with a safety barrier so it’s pretty much impossible to fall out. In addition stair lifts come equipped with a battery pack for backup power so that the lift will continue on it’s journey in the event of a power cut.

Kitchen Adjustments

Sometimes reduced mobility can affect our ability to use the kitchen. That’s because appliances like hobs and essential equipment like your kitchen sink can become difficult to use. You can buy kitchen appliances that have been adapted for ease of use so you won’t need to struggle to turn on your hob or turn off your taps. Rise and fall units can be fitted with sink included meaning that wheelchair uses or those with mobility problems can easily tackle cooking, cleaning and washing up from a seated position.

Mobility in the Bedroom

When mobility is an issue then getting out of bed can become a chore. One way to remedy the problem is to use an electric bed. You can buy all kinds of electric beds which are remotely controlled and move to help you get out of bed easily. Most look fantastic and you would never know that they were hiding a secret ability to help you in and out of bed!
So if you are worried about being able to get around your home easily then don’t despair, you may not need to move if you choose to adapt your home.

Taking care of your granite kitchen benchtops is not a very tedious task. There are just a few things that you need to keep in your mind while maintaining these bench tops, especially the ones made out of granite. Granite stands between 7 and 9 on the MOHS hardness scale of 10 and is not get scratched easily. Here are a few things you can do to ensure that your granite kitchen benchtops are well taken care of and remain in good condition for years:

1. In case any stains show up on your kitchen bench tops, you should clean them immediately before they penetrate into the surface of the stone.

2. Clean the surface of your granite kitchen bench tops regularly using dishwashing liquid, stone soap, war water and neutral cleaner.

3. In the case where there is an organic stain on your kitchen bench tops, you can try a mix of ammonia and 12 per cent hydrogen peroxide. This helps in the removal of organic stains like fruit juice, tea, coffee etc.

4. Use a soft cloth to clean your granite kitchen bench tops. Harsh cloths or scratching can prove harmful for the bench tops.

5. If a dark coloured stone has got an ink stain or marker stain, you can use acetone solution to get rid of the stain without much effort. You can also try this trick on wine stains.

6. It is advisable to reseal the counter top of your kitchen bench top every two years. For the areas of the bench top which is used to prepare food, use a non-toxic sealer.

7. Use disinfectant cleaners that are specially designed for granite kitchen bench tops.

If you follow these simple steps in maintaining your stone and granite kitchen bench tops, you will most likely increase the lifespan of your stone bench top.

]]> http://www.raftertales.com/home-remodeling/maintenance-tips-for-your-stone-kitchen-benchtop/feed/ 0 http://www.raftertales.com/home-remodeling/how-to-sand-your-wood-floor/ http://www.raftertales.com/home-remodeling/how-to-sand-your-wood-floor/#comments Tue, 03 Jan 2012 15:07:48 +0000 Guest Author http://www.raftertales.com/?p=5942 Sanding your wood floor is a mandatory task you have to do before refinishing or finishing your floor.
Before you start sanding your wood floor yourself you must be aware that there are a few steps to follow in order to make you don’t ruin your floor. Sanding can be a tricky task to handle if you don’t have any experience.

Which Tools to Use ?

photo by donotlick

There isn’t many tools required to sand your floor. You can rent a sanding machine (if you think you will be using it quite often you may want to buy one), an edger (a small sander you can use against walls). And finally a hand scraper for areas you can reach with the edger or the sanding machine. A nail set and a hammer will also be required to remove any exposed nails in the floor.

Belt Sanding

Before you start the sanding proces sink all the exposed nails in the floor. If you don’t do so they will damage the sanding machine.

Once you are ready you can start sanding, first use a 60-grit paper and sand with the grain on the floor. Doing it the other way round will cause important damage to your floor. Never let the sander still. You have to keep moving it around the room or it will sand ruts into the floor. This will be very hard to remove.
Once you have finish with the 60-grit you can use a 80-grit and finally move on to a 100-grit for a smooth finish.

Edger Sanding

Once you have finished with the belt sanding you’ll have to move on to the edger. It will help you sand the areas – especially next to the walls the sanding machine has missed. You have to keep the edger moving from back to front a bit like the sanding machine. First start with a 60-grit paper and then move on to 80-grit and after to 100-grit.

Hand Sanding

Corners are not accessible with large tools. That’s why you’ll have to use a hand scraper. This will enable you to reach tricky areas. Make sure the areas you’ve sanded with the edger and the hand scraper blend in nicely with the rest of the room.

If you are looking for good floor sanding machines or any other wood flooring tools visit woodfloors-online.co.uk

1. Save up the money secretly. Once you reveal what you want to your spouse, you will have the money set aside to buy it.

2. If there is no way to save the money from your present income, find other ways to pay for it. How much is the theater system? One thousand dollars? Two? Do you want it badly enough to take a second job or work more hours to pay for it? Consider a work from home job if you don’t want to be away from your children or spouse any more time than you already are.

3. If the love of your life doesn’t want a home theater system because he or she doesn’t understand how great one can be, see if you can get a friend or co-worker to invite you over for an evening of watching their home theater system. Once your spouse sees the quality of picture and sound, he may want one as much as you do.

4. If your spouse is suffering from if-it-ain’t-broke-don’t-fix-it syndrome, check out buying just pieces of the home theater system that you don’t already have. Is there a set of speakers that will interface with the television you have now? Do you want a game controller to go with your current DVD? You may be able to get by with just adding parts of the home theater system to the unbroken appliances you have.

5. Its easier to get forgiven than it is to get permission. If you are bold, try buying the home theater setup you want without asking your spouse first. Then when your partner comes home, smile and say “I’ve got it all set up, but here are the boxes and the receipts. If you say we can’t have it, then I won’t object to your taking it all apart and hauling it back to the store. But for tonight, let’s enjoy it.” Chances are your spouse won’t take it back.

6. Compromise. You may not get the great setup you want, but if your spouse is willing to go with a less-expensive system, you will at least get something better than what you have now.

7. Let your spouse know its not just for you. An important part of negotiating for a home theater system is to convince your partner that it will improve life for the whole family. You can show off pictures of the theater system you want and tell your love how everyone will enjoy it.

8. Be patient and respectful. Hopefully you love your partner more than you do the home theater system and you want a happy, healthy marriage more than you want a sound surround speaker system. You can talk about what you want, but you must also listen to your spouse’s objections. They may be valid. If the credit cards are maxed out and the bills are too high now, that home theater may have to wait until you can afford it.

Chase Sagum covers the Home Theater Screen Paint section of ScreenPaintHD.com. He also covers Organic Internet Marketing on his personal blog ChaseSagum.com.

Make the best use of low ceilings around the perimeters by placing furniture there, such as beds, desks, book cases and dressers. The center is high enough for even a tall person to walk through without bending and the sides are tall enough for that same person to sit or lie down without feeling cramped. It lends a cozy atmosphere while windows, lighting, white paint and furnishings help to maintain a spacious look.

Here are some questions you may want to first consider:

• What would you like to do with your attic?
• Are there electrical outlets?
• What do the walls look like?
• What kind of flooring does your attic have?
• What kind do you want?
• What is the temperature like?
• How much do you have to spend on this project?
• How much time do you have to allot to the project?
• Is the ceiling high enough?
• Is the roof supported by conventional rafters or a *trussed system?
• Are you considering selling your home later?

This home renovator made good use of the color white to make it look more spacious and even added a deck to take away the feeling of being closed in. The flooring is made of sisal to help absorb sounds and lessen the sounds heard from the rest of the home. Having an office here would almost be like having a retreat. Check out the window overlooking the desk where one can gaze into the sky or the backyard.

At the other end of the attic we find that the renovator again made great use of the color white and its ability to make an area look more spacious creating this luxurious bathroom; one more luxurious than what  you would expect to find in an attic.

Did you see the sky lights? These will be absolutely dreamy when one lies back to soak in a tub at night while gazing up at the stars. Set the alarm as you may fall asleep here. This is also an ideal setting for the peace lily as it loves moisture and does not need direct light or fertilizer. Did you know that the peace lily was acclaimed by NASA for its ability to remove several harmful toxins from the air and improve our environment?

*To figure out if your roof support is constructed of conventional rafters or a trussed system look at the boards between the floor and the roof. Do they form triangles? The roof and floor of a trussed system depend on one another for their strength. Do not remove any of these boards without consulting an engineer.

There may be boards which stretch from one roof pitch to another which are called collar ties. These (within limits) can be removed to add height to ceiling, but bear in mind while doing your remodeling job that while you may consider the area as completely habitable, to officially qualify as living space certain guidelines must be met. For example at least 60 square feet or 50% (whichever is greater) needs to have a minimum ceiling height of 7’6” and no area having a ceiling height of less than 5’ foot is considered as living space so it would not mean much for resale value.

About the Author:

Marina is a home décor writer and deals online in interior decor specialty products like vanity mirrors, wall clock, hall and foyer tables and lot more.

Many people receive recommendations about home inspectors from friends, family members, and real estate professionals, while others use consumer websites like Angie’s List, Yelp, Merchant Circle, Kudzu, and Google Local to find the right home inspector.

Regardless of how you find your home inspector, you must be sure to vet them properly before you give them the task of

Photo by Hammer and Hand

inspecting your home. Here are some important qualifications to look for once you have found someone to consider.

1. Formal education and training. While many states require home inspectors to have a bachelors degree in a related field, not all states have this requirement. Colorado home inspectors, for example, do not need any sort of training whatsoever. Literally anyone can hang a shingle and call themselves a home inspector. Therefore, before you hire an inspector, you are entitled to request a resume from them that describes their education and training. If they don’t have a degree in Engineering – or some specific home inspection training – you may want to keep looking.

2. Experience. Although experienced home inspectors can be slightly more expensive in some cases, they are usually worth price. New home inspectors that have only been working for a few years may have the formal education, but not the experience that really solidifies their knowledge. Try to find a home inspector that has 10 or more years of experience in the field. They will have a better idea of what to really look for, not to mention the fact that bad inspectors don’t tend to stay in business over the long haul.

3. License and insurance. Depending on the state, home inspectors may or may not need to be licensed. In states that require licensing, the inspector should be able to demonstrate that their license is current. Always check this and never take their word for it because there are some unscrupulous home inspectors that operate without the proper licenses.

Also, just as important, make sure your home inspector is insured. Insurance is a sign of a company that takes their business seriously – fly by night inspectors are much less likely to invest in insurance coverage.

4. Price. Never select a home inspector just because they are cheap. Instead, look at the entire package and consider their experience, credentials, and referrals before you hire them. Most of the time you will have to pay a little bit more to get an experienced home inspector, but they are usually well worth the cost because they can really pay off in the end. Think about it this way – paying an extra $200 for a home inspection represents one tenth of one percent of the cost of a $200,000 home. It’s a small price to pay when you’re making such a major investment.

5. Detailed reports. Any respectable home inspector will provide you with a detailed written report that outlines all of the maintenance and repair issues with the home. It should not be a simple checklist sheet (a checklist is only part of an inspection) – you should be able to receive a complete overview of the house just by reading the inspector’s report.

Finding the right home inspector can be difficult at times, but it is certainly worthwhile. A conscientious inspector can literally put money into your pocket – don’t cut corners by hiring the cheapest inspector you can find.

Author Jason Lancaster works with Home Inspection Engineers, Inc., a Denver-area home inspection service that has been in business since 1965.

Bathroom Facelift

I’ve used the same old bathroom for almost 25 years with nary a complaint; however, the more time I spent at home, the more I was driven to make changes. I would marvel at those TV home makeovers and my mouth would practically water over fixtures, paint, and finishes. I had the perfect excuse to do a bit of bathroom makeover; after all, as a writer, I needed to get inspired and the mess just wasn’t conducive to brainstorming for what could be the next greatest American novel!

My bathroom (which used to be the guest powder room) didn’t look like those cute and trendy ones featured in home magazines – in fact it looked very 70’s. Fortunately, there was nothing structurally wrong with my bathroom. It just looked way past its prime; somewhere between menopause and oblivion.

First to go was the peeling wallpaper which reminded me that I had horrid taste when I was younger. I assumed I am more elegant now so psychedelic prints are totally out of the question. Muted paint in silk finish, fresh lighting and a few well chosen prints took care of that.

Bathroom Cabinets to the Recue

Though happy with my first touch-up, I soon realized that a plain, old medicine cabinet would no longer suffice. I have an inordinate fondness for make-up, shampoos, lotions and all anti-agers – with a huge collection to match and nowhere to store them in. Mind you, I don’t apply the entire gunk on my face and hair – for some strange reason I simply collect them, just like Imelda did with shoes. I also had a lot of health supplements and other well-loved stuff otherwise known as clutter which simply cried out for more space!

My old vanity had to go in favor of an extended counter with a modular cabinet which hid the plumbing beautifully and was extremely functional with its pullouts and racks. I also had matching wall racks installed to hold books, candles, oils, scents and fluffy towels. The now useless medicine cabinet was replaced by a long span of mirror which reflected the light and made the bathroom look bigger. As an afterthought, I also installed an over-the-toilet cabinet but didn’t go for a built-in-hamper since I had grown quite attached to my old one made of wicker.

Bathroom Cabinets: Beautiful and Functional

When choosing your own bathroom cabinets, keep in mind that these cabinets create the biggest impact – they define the style and feel of the bathroom. Base your cabinet requirements upon your present needs plus an “allowance” for future requirements especially if you are a hoarder.

You can opt for DIY bathroom cabinets if you are handy with tools. The Internet is convenient but the downside is you are unable to touch the paneling or visualize readily if it fits in with the rest of your fixtures.

The choices in terms of style, price and finish are quite endless. Just remember that the cabinetry does not need to match the rest of the house – it just needs to match your personality.

You need a kitchen that you love spending time in, where you have great working appliances, like a great Westinghouse fridge, and it is comfortable, cozy and suits your lifestyle. When doing any renovations, however, consider how it affects your home insurance and whether you need to have it updated.

Bench or Counter Space

Every kitchen needs plenty of bench or counter space so you have lots of room to prepare meals and room for your family and friends to come together. It is usually the kitchen where guests sit and enjoy a cup of coffee during the day if they pop in for a visit and where the family will congregate in the evenings to share the events of their day. Having enough bench space where you can lay out all your platters when entertaining is also convenient and it is nice to have the room for the kids to either do their homework at the bench or your partner to sit and read the paper while you are cooking the evening meal.

Energy Efficient Appliances

If you are renovating your kitchen you might want to consider buying new appliances. Choose those that have a higher energy saving rating and you will help make your kitchen more environmentally friendly. White goods will have a sticker on them with a star rating which will tell you how energy efficient they are. The more stars the better it is, so don’t forget to check out the sticker before you buy.

Storage

You need a kitchen with plenty of storage space. Have special drawers fitted that will comfortably hold your pots and pans, your plastic containers and if you have the space put in a walk in pantry. You can be clever with your storage systems and create a lot of extra space.

Functionality

Most importantly you need your kitchen to be functional. Have it set up so that the stove, the bench and the fridge are creating a triangle shape between where they are located in the kitchen. This will mean that you can easily walk from one area to the other and makes it quicker and easier when preparing meals.

Lighting

Make your kitchen lighter by putting in bigger windows or install a skylight above the kitchen area. You won’t have to rely on your electric light during the day, which will save electricity, but it will make your kitchen feel more open and pleasant to be in.

Color

A lighter wall color will make your kitchen seem more open and spacious. Lighter shades can also suit a more modern kitchen, although having a lot of black will create a really modern looking kitchen. If you have a period home you might want to choose something like a cheerful yellow or go for a soft blue.

Furniture

Buy furniture to suit the style of kitchen you have designed. Consider buying comfortable as well as practical furniture.

Budget

When renovating work out your budget beforehand and try to stick to it. It can be very easy to get carried away and go way above budget. If you stray a little above it shouldn’t matter too much. Make allowances for things costing a little more than you expect or any unforeseen problems.

• When busy lives take over we don’t often have time to sit back and take stock, but if you set a day aside for sorting out your junk (and stick to it!) you’ll find that the idea of tidying and organising becomes a lot less stressful. You could choose to have a clear out once a month or even once every three or four months. It’s great for the home because you can get rid of the things you don’t need and if you get the kids involved you’ll also be helping them learn some valuable life skills for the future.

• Garden sheds have come a long way in the last few decades and no longer have to be the damp, spider filled hovels they once were. There are thousands of different types of sheds available, from small lockable metal models which are ideal for storing tools, to giant summer houses which can be just as good as adding another room to your home. Most summer house style sheds don’t require planning permission and you can kit them out however you want, for example as a study or studio. Once you install a shed or summer house you’ll wonder how you ever lived without it.

• Extending or converting your home is always a good idea from a financial point of view as it’s very rare that an extension or loft conversion won’t add value to your home. Many people are put off the idea due to cost, mess and the amount of time an extension or conversion will take. However many renovations, including some loft conversions don’t even require planning permission and can be carried out very quickly. Yes there may be some dust around for a few weeks but when you have a whole extra room or even an entirely new floor you’ll soon see that you made a great decision. Loft conversions are particularly good for keeping sullen teenagers at bay!

• Thoroughly investigate the storage in your home because you may find that it’s not being utilised to its full potential. For example do you have any large cupboards where shelves could be fitted? Shelves are great for saving space and can double or triple the amount of things that you can get into a cupboard. You could also think about buying beds with built in storage which is ideal for keeping items such as linens, towels and even shoes. These days you can even buy furniture such as sofas and sofa beds with built in storage that’s ideal for housing DVD’s, blankets or toys and games. You can also change the storage in your kitchen to save space and make things more convenient. Carousels can be fitted in cupboards so that more items can be stored. Because you can turn the shelves of a carousel it means you can fit a lot more in and still easily get to
  

  Bathroom Storage Towel Basket

  the items at the back.

• If you’ve got far too much stuff but you don’t want to sell it or throw it away then you could think about putting some items into storage. You can hire a self storage facility fairly cheaply which can be used to store anything from furniture, to clothes, to paperwork. If you choose a good facility then your storage space will be clean, dry and moisture free meaning that all sorts of items can be kept safe until you want them again.

So the next time you are sitting in your house feeling stressed and surrounded by stuff, why not consider one of these ideas to give your home a new lease of life and give yourself a new found sense of freedom.

The rising price of gas and electricity is leading many people to sacrifice heating because they simply cannot afford it. However, as the months get colder there are two easy and efficient home insulation options that can help reduce your heating bills. Cavity wall and loft insulation are excellent for containing warmth, but keep in mind they tend to settle over time, so if you are viewing older houses with estate agents in Paddington or elsewhere, ask whether these have been topped up recently.

More than half of the internal heat in your home escapes through the ceiling and the walls. Draughts coming in through the floors, doors and windows account for an additional 30% of lost heat, which is why it’s essential that your home insulations are all in top condition. Insulation products for the home are generally inexpensive and in some instances they are even free.

Since 2009 more than 1.3 million British homes have had their cavity walls filled as part of the government’s plan to reduce carbon emissions and fuel wastage. While many people remain sceptical, others ask why the British Government would spend so much money on a programme that could lead to them being sued for rising damp problems. While there are certain houses and walls that are simply unsuitable for cavity filling, this is not the case for most houses.

People are often wary when they hear about different types of home insulation, especially having cavity walls filled as they hear stories about how this can lead to rising damp. However, a study of 20 000 homes in the UK showed that while 3.5% of home with filled cavities suffered from damp, 8% of homes that did not have filled cavities suffered from the same problem.

Cavity filling can save you hundreds of pounds on your heating bills. When viewing homes for sale or rent ask your central London estate agents if the houses you are looking at have suitable home insulation so that you can save on your heating bills.

Sally Roberts is a keen writer of property related issues as well as business and investment opportunities.

Once a child comes into the house which will make the number of children exceed the available rooms, we become aware

Image: Salvatore Vuono / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

of this problem. Certainly, young children can share a bedroom for a while but in most first-world countries this becomes a little weird after a certain age. At the very minimum you want the child to have their own room before puberty arrives.  So, with these obvious social norms in mind, we must decide how we are going to expand our family home.

Not Clearing Land and Scarring the Earth

One option could be to build a new house or move in to an existing house. From an environmental standpoint, building a new house is a fairly dramatic activity. Firstly, we’re settling land by clearing it of vegetation and possibly (certainly) displacing animals from their homes. Remember that the settled portion of the land overall will have a large impact on the balance of nature. Those asking how this could be a factor could perhaps look at Google Earth to see satellite imagery of the world, or even just near where they live. Developed land looks substantially different to untouched land. From the satellite image it looks like scarring, and there’s a lot of it. It’s hard to argue that this is not of significant impact to the planet.

Moving into an Existing House?

On this note, we could simply ask if it would be less of an environmental impact to move into an existing house. Well, not really. The only time this would be less of an impact is if a family would be moving into a house that was underutilized, and the occupants of the larger house were moving to a smaller existing house (such as the one the family had moved away from). This is a less common case however, as how often do we see empty nesters (the most likely candidate for a downsizing of their house) living in the same house they raised their children in until they are physically incapable of living there. As a general rule moving to a new and larger house is forcing the construction of a new house somewhere else.

Renovation as an option

This brings us to the consideration which is renovation. By renovating a house to give it extra bedrooms we are effectively increasing housing density and combating urban sprawl. Timber, bricks, concrete and other building materials are still used in a renovation, but the material cost of building extra rooms is still significantly lower than the construction of a new house.

A final consideration and a great one, is an attic conversion. Your attic can be converted into a living and luxurious space, that could fix your accommodation needs. There is minimal construction work required compared to the construction of new rooms, and adds significant value to your home. It’s also much better for the environment and better for your wallet. It’s another great case where environmentally friendly is also wallet friendly, and a win for everyone.

This article promoting environmental awareness is brought to you by the team at www.attix.com.au, a leading Australian provider of attic conversions. If you enjoyed this article you may also want to read The Top 5 Green Reasons we should all be living in high density housing.

Do it yourself, house improvement, repair or remodeling – call it what you like, but it makes a lot of sense in today’s economy if we can conduct part or all of the work involved in maintaining the home ourselves.

DIY has been rife in the UK since the 1970’s, where it became essential to be able to care for the home without paying out for expensive tradesmen. And even today its inspiring to know that we can do most of the work we need to do indoors and out, ourselves, with just a little knowledge and a bit of common sense!

Here is a list of jobs that you may choose to do in your own home, instead of hiring an experienced expert:

• Tiling – Walls & Floors
• Basic Plumbing
• Basic Electricity
• Gardening
• Painting & Decorating
• Lighting
• Fitting Doors & Windows
• Hanging Shelves

Tiling can be quite timely if you are not already experienced, and if you are planning to tile just one wall or the floor in the smallest room in the house, it may be financial more viable to hire in an expert. This is because the equipment can be expensive to buy. If you intend to do that room and others in your home, or are tiling all four walls and the floor of a particular room, it sometimes can be an investment as well as providing you with a great hands on, and rewarding, experience.

Plumbing

You may wish to learn about basic plumbing jobs so that you don’t have the expense of calling a professional in the event of an emergency. Being able to fix plumbing issues, fit a new shower or toilet or simply plumb in new kitchen appliances can be helpful if you don’t want to rely on a tradesmen. Yet for those who aren’t confident enough to bleed radiators, you may wish to call on that expert so you are assured of a safe, good quality job.

Electricity

Changing fuses and plugs, or changing sockets, are all quite small jobs but it’s important to be safe and know that the electricity feeding the area you intend to work on is switched off before you begin – it’s surprising how many accidents and deaths are still caused by forgetfulness and carelessness.

Gardening

Creating a new look for a garden can be daunting, but very rewarding. Whether you intend to have a design drawn up for you or you want to plan it, most designs and garden revamps can be done with the type of equipment that most of us already have in our tool sheds.

Decorating

Decorating your home, whether you intend to revamp it for the family Christmas or simply want a new look, can be easy to do. But its important to take your time. Take a look online at how a painter and decorator plans his work – there is method in getting the look just right. Remember to remove fittings and cover floors and furniture before you proceed!

Shelves

Hanging shelves and assembling flat pack furniture might seem easy, but the amount of people that get it wrong, damaging the item or even worse injuring themselves, is shocking! There are simply lots of ways to find out how to put flat pack furniture together, fixing it neatly and securing it in place safely is one of the most important things to consider.

Whatever DIY you are planning, it is vital not to cut corners. If you want a high quality look, you must take your time and do it yourself with care – this is your home and its very easy to devalue it with shoddy workmanship.

And, if in doubt, always call on a professional tradesmen that you can trust. The Federation of Master Builders and The Gas Safe Register are two of the most important places you will find qualified and proven tradesmen that will conduct their work in your home safely and responsibly.

Some of the things that should only be completed by a professional are roofing, building and fitting windows and doors. This ensures your safety and that your home is secure and weather proof.

Let us know what DIY projects you have recently carried out and what tips/advice could you recommend to our readers?

Louisa is a keen blogger who likes writing about many subject inluding home improvements, DIY and gardening. She writes professional copy for Vufold who specialise in sliding folding doors and french doors for your home.

Get Your Materials Together

First, make a list of all the things you will need:

• A ladder that reaches above the gutter.
• A bucket to deposit the debris.
• Gloves, to avoid contact with the debris and protect your hands from blisters.
• A trowel to remove the gunk.
• A leaf blower to get rid of any dry leaves on top.
• Safety glasses to protect your eyes.
• A garden hose to wash everything out when you’re finished.

Never Do Second Story Work Alone

Any time you are up on a ladder it is important to have a spotter with you.  Many accidents that occur during a home improvement project such as this are due to improper ladder safety.  Most do-it-yourselfers are not construction certified and falls from a second story can result in serious injuries.  It may be better to call a professional if you are not used to working at heights greater than eight feet.  There are many professionals who will be more than happy to help you with your gutter maintenance needs.

How to do Gutter Maintenance

Once you and your spotter are in position, cleaning is actually quite simple.  After using the leaf blower to remove any loose and dry debris, use the trowel to scoop up anything left over and put it in the bucket.  Be careful not to scrape the gutters since that can lead to weak spots and induce corrosion.  Once all the debris is gone, wash out the system and keep an eye out for blockages and leaks.  Gutter maintenance should be done twice a year to prevent corrosion and blockage.

Fixing Leaks

If you notice any leaks while you are washing the gutters, locate and mark the spots.  Once you are finished cleaning out them out, take a look at each leak and assess them for either spot repair or patching.  Very small leaks or leaks at joints can be caulked quickly and easily.  Larger holes will need to be patched.  Make sure to do any patch work when the weather is expected to be clear for a couple of days.  The epoxy and roofing cement will need a bit of time to dry.

Shore Up Sagging Gutters

Gutter maintenance doesn’t begin and end with clean and patching.  Gutters can also start to sag as the nails used to install them work their way out.  Sometimes all that is needed is a tap with a hammer to reseat the nails.  When that doesn’t work it may be better to install longer-lasting screws.  Screws don’t come out as easily as nails and will secure your gutters for a longer period of time.

Call a Professional

As you can see, the mechanics of gutter maintenance are simple, but working that high off the ground can be dangerous.  Those that have poor balance or are not accustomed to working on ladders just shouldn’t attempt it. They should call a professional instead.  Professionals will be able to provide all the service you need and in most cases, the cost is very reasonable.

Guest writer Olger Fallas is an experienced house painter in Maplewood New Jersey. He has over 10 years of experience in interior and exterior residential painting as well as commercial industrial painting. His company is committed to providing the highest quality service at the most affordable price. Their motto is: “We don’t cut corners, we paint them!”

How do you turn simple heat that has been beating down on the earth since before the existence of humans, into an energy source that lights our houses, runs our air conditioners, and powers the TV?  How does a simple reflective panel use natural light for large scale operations like factories and medical product testing?  The answer is a simple: the laws of nature.  By capturing and breaking down what already happens naturally, solar energy helps to reduce pollution in the environment while still providing us with the electricity we need to survive day to day. But … can it really be that easy?

From sun rays to electricity…

There are a few ways that sunlight can be made into electricity.  One, and possibly the easiest, is through the use of solar cells, (also known as photovoltaic, PV or photoelectric).  These cells transfer sunlight directly into electricity, minimizing and streamlining the process.

A second way of turning the sun’s rays into power is slightly more complicated. The solar panels first collect the natural light that reflects from the sun. Simple so far, right? The heat from those rays is then transferred into a synthetic oil. Oil is used, rather than water, so that the boiling pressure can be controlled because the heat can reach astonishing levels.  The oil then circulates and is transferred into power.  This is more commonly used when energy needs to be stockpiled after an extremely hot and sunny day.

One more type of solar power that can be used is solar heating.  Buildings can be constructed with glass ceilings to absorb heat and minimize its need for a central heating system.  Black pipes can also be placed near glass ceiling or wall panels in order to heat a unit’s water.

Depending on what type of energy collecting is used, the maintenance and upkeep may differ.  This includes solar power testing to ensure that the equipment is working properly and efficiently.  However, all solar power units should be cleaned on a fairly regular basis because it is easier to collect and reflect energy on a clean panel surface.  A dirty or smudged surface will interfere with this process, making it less likely that each panel operates at its highest efficiency possible.

All of the abovementioned forms of collecting and producing solar energy are efficient alternatives for providing electricity that are environmentally-friendly.

This guest post is brought to you by Michelle Anderson, a blogger who enjoys writing about solar power testing and FCC approval.

Choose Your Tone

Do you want a shiny, modern, clean kitchen with near-indestructible stainless steel undermount sinks and a huge stainless steel cooker with an extractor fan? Or, would you prefer a more homely kitchen with wicker vegetable baskets and oak counter tops? Perhaps a compromise, with granite work surfaces and matching granite undermount sinks, along with a concealed cooker and floor-to-ceiling cupboards on the back wall?

It’s likely that some of those design options will appeal, while others will horrify you. Pick the design that matches your preferences, and work from there.

Plan Your Layout

If your kitchen is quite small and cramped, then you probably want to find a compromise between storage and workspace – build up, rather than out – and cover your walls with as many cupboards as you can, whilst still giving yourself some counter space down below.

If your room is bigger, but you still feel like you never have enough space to work, consider an island layout. These are becoming quite popular, as they reclaim unused space in the middle of the room, helping you manage clutter and maximise workspace at the same time.

Don’t forget that stainless steel undermount sinks are a good way to reclaim counter space. You may only save a few inches on each side, but it’s amazing how quickly those inches can mount up. If you have granite counter tops, then granite undermount sinks not only help with saving space, they look nice too.

What Do You Use?

The biggest consideration you should have when planning a new kitchen layout is which appliances will get used most frequently. If you can’t live without your toaster, coffee maker, blender, sandwich maker, and microwave, then make sure that you’ll have enough space – and enough plugs – to use them all.

If you’re more a hob and pans kind of person, then make sure you’ll have space to store all your pots and pans, and that you have enough space to work with them all. There’s nothing worse than going to cook in your new kitchen, and finding that the space around the cooker is so cramped you can’t fit all your pans on the stove!

If you’re a hoarder, then it’s worth measuring up all your existing cupboard space, and making sure that you’ll be able to fit everything in your new kitchen. Don’t forget that stainless steel undermount sinks take up more room on the underside than traditional overmount sinks – so you may find that your gorgeous granite undermount sinks are an inconvenience in other ways. If you have enough cleaning products under your sink right now to run a hotel cleaning service, make sure you plan for that when calculating the amount of cupboard space you’ll need in your new kitchen!

This post was written by James Harper on behalf of the Kitchen Appliance Centre who can supply stainless steel undermount sinks and granite undermount sinks. James is currntly renovating his own home and enjoys writing on the subject of home improvements.

One of the most overlooked aspects of home maintenance is the roof and the maintenance that should be routinely done on it. The average asphalt shingle roof lasts about 15-20 years but that’s only if it’s properly maintained and if leaks are kept to a minimum and repaired in a timely manner. Inspecting and maintaining your roof is simple enough but you first want to make sure that you’re in good enough physical condition to do so and that your roof isn’t dangerous to walk on. Every year the roofing industry is in the top ten for work place injuries and accidents so please don’t take working on your roof lightly.

One of the best things you can do for your roof is climb on top it every few months and basically give it a good cleaning. Leaves from trees and other debris can collect in certain areas of your roof like valleys and around flashing and create an environment where it’s easy for water to collect and pool and that can begin to deteriorate your roof. Debris collecting in valleys can also prevent the proper flow of water away from your roof and into your gutters which can also cause problems. The bottom line is every few months you want to get on your roof and remove any debris you find. The debris can lead to moisture and moisture can break down the asphalt in your roof shingles which will lead to leaks.

While on your roof you’ll also to clean and clear out your gutters. While cleaning out your gutters you’ll want to take a close look at what you find in your gutters. When the asphalt shingles on a roof begin to deteriorate, the tiny, rock-like granules on top of the shingles begin to fall off and one of the first places you’ll be able to notice this is your gutters. If you see a lot of granules in your gutters it may be a sign that your roof shingles are beginning to wear. It’s more important than ever that you keep your roof maintained to keep water from penetrating your home.

The last thing you’ll want to do on your roof is take a look at the condition of your roof shingles. The next time you’re at a home improvement store make sure to take a look at the brand new roof shingles and make note of what they look like. When the granules begin to fall off of your shingles, it’s a sign they they’re getting old. If you’re at all concerned that you may need to replace them you should call in a professional roofer.

If your roof shingles look like they’re in good condition, you’ll want to continue to look for loose or missing shingles. Missing shingles are a problem because they leave only a thin layer of tar paper between rain and your wood roof (sheathing) which will begin to rot if water is allowed to penetrate it. Replacing roof shingles isn’t rocket science but it’s also not the easiest thing in the world. If you don’t know what you’re doing it’s probably best to hire a roofer to replace the shingles for you. It may cost a bit but properly repairing your roof is a big part of getting it to last longer.

Fixing loose shingles is a lot easier and well within the realm of the average home owner. To fasten loose shingles you’ll just need some roofing cement which you can pick up at most home improvement stores. Simply apply some roofing cement to the underside of the loose shingles and hold them down until they are firmly fastened to the tar paper underneath.

The last thing you want to check out on your roof is the flashing. Flashing is made of sheet metal or thick plastic and is used to protect your roof where there are openings (chimneys and vents) and joints between two pieces of plywood. Bad flashing is one of the most common culprits of a leaking roof so make sure you inspect the flashing on your roof and ensure there are no cracks and that roofing cement has been properly applied.

To finish the inspection of your roof you’ll want to check for any existing leaks and you can do that by crawling into your attic. In your attic you’ll want to inspect the ceiling with a flashlight. You’re looking for dark water stains which are an indication of a leak. You can also ask someone to pour water on your roof with a hose while you sit in your attic and look for a leak.

Regularly inspecting and maintaining your roof is a key component to getting the most out of your roof. As you can see most of the inspecting and maintenance is doable by the average homeowner and it goes a long way in extending the life of a roof.

For more roofing repair tips and to find a good roofer in your area, please visit: Handy American Roofing Contractors

Many believe that harnessing the sun’s power is the future of sustainable energy production. Although the initial costs can be quite high, photovoltaic technology is starting to become more affordable and increasingly commonplace in new building developments. Businesses, companies and individuals are becoming more aware of their carbon footprints, and are willing to invest in a cleaner future by installing solar panels on their properties.

There are currently more incentives than ever to install solar panels; with the UK governments feed-in tariff schemes, people are getting cash back incentives for installing photovoltaic panels, as well as the opportunity to sell energy back to the national grid!

How do Solar Panels work?

Sunlight is made of energy called photons. Each photon contains energy which is relative to its wavelength. When this photon hits a solar cell in your photovoltaic panel, it is either reflected, passed through, or absorbed. When it is absorbed, the energy from the photon is absorbed by an electron, which in turn provides useable electricity.

What are the Benefits of Using Solar Panels?

As previously mentioned, there are financial incentives which make installing solar panels an extremely attractive prospect. Cash back schemes and the selling of unused energy aside, energy bills can be dramatically lowered by creating your own energy, instead of total reliance on the national grid. For these reasons, the initial costs of installing solar panels can often be made back, whilst improving your carbon footprint and the environment.

As increasing numbers of home owners and business owners fit solar panels to their properties, the solar industry continues to expand at an exponential rate. This has been further fuelled by the Government incentives which make solar energy and even more attractive prospect. With increased business in the solar industry, comes increased competition. With increased competition, comes a reduced price for the consumer! As a consumer, now is a great time to invest in solar energy.

Solar Energy Facts:

• Solar Energy is often used to hear properties. About 30% of our total energy consumption is used to heat water.

•  Usually around 40 solar cells are contained within a solar panel, and 10 to 12 solar panels are contained within an array. The array is then faced north to maximise the amount of sunlight it sees.

•  When combined with a battery backup system, solar panels can supply household energy for 24 hours a day, even when its cloudy.

Evergreen PV specialise in supplying Feed-in-Tariff eligible MCS approved solar panels.

When spending thousands on a solar panel system, it is important to be genuinely happy with it. Though for some the prospect of free, green electricity will be enough, for others aesthetics play a larger role.

Traditionally solar panels have been blue, getting their distinctive appearance from the silicon which converts solar energy to electricity for use in the home. However as the solar panel market is progressing, more and more ‘attractive’ panel types are being introduced. Homeowners now have more options to incorporate a solar panel array into their home in a more visually pleasing way.

Black Solar Panels

For many homes, particularly those with slate roofs, choosing a black on-roof panel array can be an attractive option. Black panels are attached to the roof with an all-black mounting system and can ‘blend’ much more effectively into the roof with much less of a visual impact. They are attached to the roof using the traditional on-roof techniques but with a more seamless appearance due to their colour. Companies such as Sharp, Sanyo, Solar Century and Suntech all offer black coloured solar panels, some with black frames. These reduce the effect that the panels ‘stand out’ from your existing roof.

In-Roof Mounted Systems

As an option for installing a more visually pleasing solar photovoltaic (PV) array, this is more invasive but can produce attractive results. For those who object to the look of a panel array on a roof, the in-roof system can be more aesthetically pleasing. Though easier to install in a new-build or re-roof situation, in-roof mounted systems can also be retro-fitted. Where traditional on-roof panel systems are attached using mounting brackets, in-roof systems are mounted directly onto the rafters. In a retro-fit installation therefore, this involves removing roof tiles and replacing them with panels. An in-roof type of installation results in the panels lying flush with the roof. Once again, choosing black panels and a black mounting system will result in a more seamless appearance on a black or slate roof.

Solar Panel Roof Tiles

This form of building integrated photovoltaics is generally considered to be the most attractive and aesthetically pleasing form of solar panel installation. Quite literally these solar panels are roof tiles, and can be installed into a roof in the same way, replacing regular tiles. Many people would consider these for a new-build solar installation or during a re-roof, but they can also be installed retroactively, although this will involve re-tiling a certain area of your roof. They blend into the roof structure which results in significantly less visual impact than traditional panel arrays, usually with the added benefit of providing additional roof insulation. Solar panel roof tiles are available from companies such as System Photonics and Solar Century and are usually black in colour, making them the perfect choice for a black or slate roof.

Though these alternative solar panel options provide homeowners with the benefits of aesthetically pleasing solar panels, they can be more costly than traditional solar PV arrays. The installation costs are likely to be higher as the work in re-tiling a roof will be more complex than attaching a solar panel array with brackets onto an existing roof. The costs of materials are also likely to be higher. For many, however, the costs of an aesthetically pleasing solar panel roof array are priceless.

Shade is an Asset

If you happen to live in an area where big beautiful shade trees are nowhere in sight, there is an increased burden in the form of energy costs to keep indoor temperatures down.    One solution gaining increased awareness around more of the world is solar screens.  They replace the traditional screen with a material engineered to block up to 70-80% of the sun’s heat so it never even gets to the window.

Solar Screens have several  benefits once installed:

• Heat penetration is reduced by 80%
• Power consumption is reduced
• Attractive exterior features
• Keeps home décor from fading: furniture, carpet and drapes

Solar Screen Heat Reduction

As an example, let’s say there are 230 British Thermal Units hitting your solar screen. A solar screen has the capability to block 184 of those 230 BTU’s coming through the screen and hit a window’s exterior surface. If your home has double-paned windows on top of that, the remaining 46 BTU’s are further reduced to 35 BTU’s before reaching inside of your home. With a little math you will find 85 percent of the sun’s rays stay out of your home using these solar screens, by dividing 230 BTU’s (the number you started off with) by 35 BTU’s (the number you ended with).

Decorator Approved

There are several options available when choosing a solar screen and matching the décor around your home. Some screen are almost invisible, others will match exterior walls around a home and accent colors, which further accentuate the look of the home.

No More High Air-Conditioning Bills

With the sun less obtrusive and the reduction of its rays coming into your home, your air conditioner has never had it this good in the summer and your bill will provide the proof. You will be able to enjoy the sun without having to endure the heat or pay for it on your next electricity bill.

Costs involved: Will Your Power Bill Drop?

Once installed, it shouldn’t take long to see the effects of the solar screens.   Every month that passes supports you decision until the screens have paid for themselves and you are enjoying the lasting cost savings of your investment.   It doesn’t require a huge investment to achieve green living and solar screen contractors should be willing to give you a free estimate as an incentive to “go green.”

It can be said, that in the plumbing and heating trades, that your procedures are mainly determined by the kind of piping that you must tap into.  Start with the “drain stack”.  If you are installing back-to-back fixtures, remove the existing connection and cut out the TY fitting in the stack, replacing it with a sanitary cross. Otherwise simply cut out a stack sections and install a TY.  Cut a copper or plastic stack with a special pipe-cutting tool with a hacksaw, an older style cast-iron stack with a special specialized for that purpose pipe cutting tool.  The replacement fittings are easy to install, since they are clamped, soldered or cemented into position, then fitted with adapters if necessary.

Supply-line connections to copper or plastic risers are made similarly, by installing new T’s. If your home has steel or brass supply pipes, the procedure is more complex, requiring the removal of the entire length of a riser between the two fittings, and its replacement with a section of copper piping.  In most cases you will find such fittings close above and below the point that you wish to tap. However, if the nearest riser fittings are a floor above and a floor below, you may have to open walls in several rooms.

In some cases you can avoid such complications by tapping supply lines at a distance from the fixture – there is no restriction on the length of supply connections, as there is on drain connections.  For instance, you can take advantage of exposed connections in the basement where you use tap-on or compression fittings without concern about a hidden leak or leaks.

Finally the remaining steps are routine connections made in the open, where you have plenty of room to work. Keep hot and cold supply lines separated by at least 6 inches.  And take care to support all piping and pipings with appropriate hangers – those for copper should fit snugly to minimize vibration noise, while those for plastic is a bit loose to accommodate expansion and contraction.

This article provided by Maxwell B. Labby of Furnasman One Hour Heating Air Conditioning Winnipeg and Fort Garry Lindenwoods Wpg Manitoba Power Vac

Vinyl roofing can be a great choice if you have a flat or low-sloped roof. This is because it comes prefabricated in a single sheet, and it is designed to perfectly fit to your flat roof. This kind of PVC roofing helps to eliminate seams during installation and makes for a custom leak-proof fit.

2) You want something energy efficient.

Vinyl roofing material is among the most energy efficient choices that you can select for your building. Many PVC roofing membranes come with great reflective surfaces, dirt repelling capabilities and insulation benefits. This is why some of them are certified by the Environmental Protection Agency’s Energy Star products program. Energy Star products help you conserve energy, thus helping the environment and your wallet. With vinyl roofing, it’s easy to keep the hot sun from bearing down on your roof (and thus heating up the top floor of your home). It also is well insulated at the same time, which keeps any wanted heat within your home rather than releasing it through your roof.

3) You have a low to no traffic roof.

A vinyl roof is best for those who have little to no foot traffic up top. This is because walking on your roof, especially in temperatures below 50 degrees, can cause damage through cracking, punctures and related wear. Businesses may be a good candidate for PVC roofing, because they often have less roof traffic than some residential homes.

4) You want something quickly and easily installed.

One big benefit of vinyl roofing is that commercial roofing professionals can install it quickly and easily. This is due to the fact that the roofing is prefabricated and can be designed to specifications in the factory. You can have your roof designed without lots of hammering and noise, because it only needs to adhere to the surface. It also doesn’t require any hazardous materials or nasty fumes to install. You can even get vinyl installed over another roofing surface without any demolition required. Due to the fact that there is no tear-off, hammering, cutting or messing with the roof materials, it takes far less time to install a PVC roof than conventional sorts made from shingles.

5) You crave durability and great warranties.

PVC roofs often carry very good warranties, and they can last for decades. Many of the best companies offer 15- to 20-year warranties (although you should research this ahead of time). You can often transfer these warranties to new owners if you sell your dwelling. In addition, PVC is resistant to many weather conditions and foreign substances, such as fire, chemicals, high winds, grease and even a range of extremes in temperature.

Jessica writes about a wide variety of topics.  She especially enjoys writing about construction. You can learn more about vinyl roofing at duro-last.com