Home Improvement Project Tips

I am always talking about DIY projects because if you own your home, you can do most things yourself to improve it. But, there are jobs that come along that you can't do. That's when you need to hire a contractor.

But, contractors aren't always reliable or honest. It's great if you can find a contractor someone you trust refers to you. But, that's not always the case. Most people have to go rummaging through the phonebook or do a search online to find a contractor. When you have to do that, you never know what you are going to get.

So, there are a few things that you can do to protect yourself. Make sure you stick to your guns when you are talking to a contractor. The scam artists are good salespeople and they are gifted in the art of changing your mind from what you know you should do to what they want you to do.

First of all, if a contractor comes to your door offering you a service, take that as your first clue. Now, sometimes they can be very upfront and are only trying to spread awareness. So, you can't be too skeptical. Just be very cautious.

Do the same thing you would do to the doctor and let them know you want a second opinion. Take a card and tell them you will get a hold of them if you do in fact need the service. You'll find out one of two things at that point. The honest contractor won't mind one bit while the scam artist will find a way out of that conversation quick.

Second of all, get a contract for any work any contractor is going to do for you. Make sure you get to see it in writing and that you get a chance to discuss terms. Again, an honest contractor won't mind while a scam artist will find a way to be gone.

Third of all, make sure everything is spelled out in detail before you sign. The bottom line of what it will cost is something you have to watch for when dealing with scam artists. Make sure that the price you see is the final price, no hidden fees or anything else to pay. Also, make sure you have start and finish dates, contractor information and that the contractor has signed the contract.

Finally, never pay the full amount upfront. You can expect to pay about a third of the total project for the contractor to begin work. But, there should be a payment schedule put in place with milestones. When the contractor reaches a certain milestone, then you can expect to pay another portion of the entire job.

These are just a few tips to keep yourself safe from scam artists. There are plenty of honest contractors out there who will do a great job for you. Just make sure you do your research, follow what you know is right and be alert for any signs that a scam artist is trying to take your hard earned money.

Have You Considered a Home Lift?

A new home lift will change the way you enjoy your home. With a 1,000 pound capacity, carrying anything into your home up a stairway will be a thing of the past. You will be able to bring in the largest of packages and objects easily without straining your back ever again.

Your home lift will be installed to the outside of your home, so it's not necessary to worry about the loss of inside floor space. Knowing that safety is the first concern for you, the lift has an integrated brake system to prohibit falls. The frame of the home lift is manufactured with aluminum and stainless steel composition to ensure that your lift remains free of rust and corrosion.

Get a Customized Home Lift

Lifts can be customizable to accommodate two or three story homes that will enable you to get in and out of your home easily and quickly in the case of a needed storm evacuation. By planning for this, you know exactly what you need to place in the lift and can make it in one trip. You will wonder how you ever got along without the home lift that makes your life so much better!

Chores Just Got Easier

The errand you have to run will no longer require you to drag a load of things downstairs to get to you garage or the driveway to get to your car. Just load your home lift, lock the door behind you and be on your way. The things that you need to take with you will meet you at the bottom floor.

Going to the grocery store and coming back with bags and bags of groceries won't be a chore now that you have your lift. Carrying your bags from the car to the lift will be a breeze-all you have to do is let the lift do all the work. Load it up and meet it upstairs.

Choose Reliability

So how do you know who to call for a home lift? Will just any brand or provider do? Absolutely not.

Look for a lift that is reliable. That means it:

• Is made of durable materials such as aluminum and stainless steel. Rust just isn't a worry.
• Has a cutting edge braking system that will prevent any and all falls.
• Has a high weight capacity of at least one thousand pounds.
• Has dual cables.
• And more!

And when it comes to the company you choose to do business with, make sure that they are not only affordable, but they are extremely experienced in the industry. That way you can rest assured that they will install it correctly while providing you with the best customer service available.

Get a Free Quote on a Reliable Home Lift Today

Have a home lift installed today and discover how much you will enjoy the freedom that it brings to you. Enter your home easily from your new two or three story lift and save your back and your knees from the stress of stairs.

Robot Cleaners Continue to Evolve

For those without the time or energy to do household cleaning and chores, robot cleaners are a more viable option now than anytime in the past. What was previously thought to be fantasy or a work of science fiction is now apart of a growing trend of replacements for traditional human maids. As robot cleaners continue to become more sophisticated and capable, a look back into their beginning is necessary to understand how far robotic cleaners have come.

One of the pioneers of the robot cleaning industry is iRobot, co-founded by Helen Greiner, who studied computer science, mechanical engineering, and electrical engineering at MIT. Her studies played an integral role in helping pave the way for robot cleaners, although her efforts have also helped create Packbot, which diffuses land mines in war-torn areas. For those who are fighting a battle against dirt and disorder along the household front, iRobot offers Roomba, Scooba, and Looj, who vacuum, clean floors, and clear gutters respectively.

iRobot is not without its competitors however. Neato, Electrolux Trilobite, and The Evolution Mint are just three of the competing robot cleaners. Neato and Electrolux are in direct competition with iRobot's Roomba, whereas The Evolution Mint expands upon robots like Roomba and Neato are able to do by sweeping and mopping as well.

Although these competitors may do fundamentally the same job, they do not all go about accomplishing the task in the same manner. One general distinction between robot cleaners is whether or not the robot maps out the area before beginning to perform the task. Neato will use its sensors to map out the area, and then proceed to clean from the perimeter to the center of the area. The Evolution Mint takes mapping to the next level by using its sensors to map the ceiling in order to get a more accurate picture of the area needed to be cleaned.

For robots who do not use sensors to map, a more haphazard approach is used. This rudimentary style can best be described as the robot cleaning an area while traveling in one direction until it bumps into an object, causing the cleaner to switch directions. This results in a more uneven cleaning job performed by the robot when compared to that of the mapping cleaners. As robots continue to evolve, more primitive means of cleaning like the non-mappers will become extinct, and the mappers will become like founding fathers to a new wave of more sophisticated machines.

As technology continues to evolve, robots will continue to take over many of the mundane tasks humans still perform today. Evolving robots have already demonstrated they are capable enough to handle sweeping, mopping, and vacuuming duties. How long will humans have to wait before there is a fully operational robotic maid who can take care of everything from dusting fragile objects and folding clothes fresh out of the dryer? Although this may seem like science fiction now, if today's robot cleaners have shown anything, it is tomorrow's full-scale robotic cleaners are not as far away as humans think.

Decorate Your Home With Cushion Covers

Cushion covers are decorative coverings found in almost every household. These protective covers are encasements used for covering cushions and pillows. A cushion covering usually includes a zippered opening at the end. This opening allows easy insertion of the cushion into the cover.

Cushion covers form an important part of home furnishings. These decorative pieces are synonyms of elegance and comfort. Exquisitely designed coverings can help you to change the entire look of a room. They can add a touch of style, sophistication, color and elegance to the room. Placing beautifully crafted cushion covers in a room can create a lively ambiance in it. You can add these creative pieces of work to the cushions and pillows kept on beds, couches, chairs and sofas. These fine-looking, decorative items can give a new and refreshed appearance to an old couch or sofa set.

Apart, from adding a touch of elegance, covers also provide protection to the cushions and pillows. These decorative items prevent the cushions from getting dusty and dirty. Further, these accessories are easily removable and washable. You can easily clean them. This means you need not worry too much about children, pets or anything that may stain the cushions.

Today, the market offers decorative covers in a variety of colors, designs, styles, shapes, sizes, textures and patterns. It is important to choose the right type of coverings for decorating your home or office. It is preferable to consider the size, design, material, color and price while purchasing a cushion covering. With so many choices available in the market, it is difficult to choose the right type of decorative accessories for your home or office. Knowing about different types of cushion covers will help you to choose the right type of covers. These decorative items can be broadly classified on the basis of:

Materials: These decorative items are made from a variety of materials, including silk, cotton, polyester, velvet, leather, suede, chenille, jute, Taffeta and polyester/cotton blend. Some of the fabrics used to make cushion coverings, such as silk, velvet, chenille and authentic leather, are very expensive. Coverings made from these materials are luxury coverings. They are crafted to be used in living room, study room or drawing-room. Some of the fabrics used to craft these accessories are quite inexpensive, such as cotton and polyester. These materials are long-lasting, durable and affordable. Covers made from these fabrics are suitable for children's playroom.

Usage: These decorative coverings can be also classified on the basis of usage. The market today offers a wide range of coverings specially designed for offices or homes. Further, outdoor and indoor covers are also available. Indoor cushion coverings are suitable for pillows and cushions kept in bedrooms, kitchens, playroom, studies, living rooms and dining rooms. Outdoor cushion coverings are designed for cushions kept on pool and deck furniture. These decorative items are either easily removable or waterproof. The waterproof decorative pieces protect the cushions from rain.

Are You Waiting For The Home Inspector To Tell You That You Need A Chimney Inspection?

Real Estate Agents, representing buyers in today's market, call in a Home Inspector as a matter of course. But when it comes to chimneys, how much of an inspection is enough?

Home Inspectors, as thorough and as diligent as they are, perform what is known as a Level 1 Chimney Inspection when inspecting a home. To avoid undue technical jargon, a Level 1 Inspection is a cursory inspection of the chimney using only the naked eye. Does the chimney have a spark arrestor? Are there any major signs of damage, etc.

Should the chimney inspection proceed further? When should one call in a certified chimney inspector? What steps are needed for full disclosure and protection of client, agency and you?

As it concerns the Real Estate Industry, the National Fire Protection Association's NFPA 211 Standard for Chimneys, Fireplaces, Vents and Solid Fuel Burning Appliances answers the above questions. NFPA 211's code 11-5.1.1 states that a Level II inspection should be performed: "Upon sale or transfer of the property or after a major event such as an earthquake." Copies of this booklet may be obtained at NFPA's site.)

At my company, we strongly recommends that a chimney inspection be performed during every real estate transaction.

A Certified Chimney Inspector can perform a Level II inspection.

Of course a Level II inspection includes all aspects of a Level I inspection with the following points added:

• Has the chimney been constructed properly?
• All accessible portions of the chimney are inspected including all enclosed flues.
• Does the chimney show proper clearance from combustibles in accessible locations?
• All accessible portions of the chimney exterior and interior are inspected including areas with accessible attics, crawl spaces and basements.
• Shall include video scanning or other means of inspection.

Misconceptions can arise when scheduling a home inspection. Some feel that the Home Inspector will be able to provide a full disclosure when it comes to chimneys. As hard working as Home Inspectors may be at their jobs, frustrations naturally arise when additional appointments are required when it is suggested that a specified professional be called in.

Home Inspectors, during their Level 1 Chimney Inspections, frequently notice items that require more on an inspection. Not to fault the Home Inspector, but a Level II inspection requires that a Certified Chimney Inspector be called in. That is why Real Estate Agents attempting to get answers on chimney safety, structural integrity and overall functionality commonly hear Home Inspectors state, "That is beyond the scope of our inspection" or "This needs to be referred to a chimney professional."

I find that real estate agents, tired of the frustration of multiple inspections, are now scheduling as many inspections as possible on the same day. Agents want to take care of everything at the same time. If a Level II inspection is needed, why not schedule a Certified Chimney inspection on the same day as the home inspection?

It also saves time using a company that can provide an inspection report one day and present a detailed, specified bid the next. I understand the frustration of agents when they need an inspection report and then have to call in another company to provide an estimate for repairs. It's best to go with chimney experts that can take care of all of your chimney needs with one call while saving you time and frustration.

Two Types of Home Theater Installation

There are two main types of home theater installation that you can find advertised in your area. They include the do it yourself set up option or the kind of room renovation you will need a contractor's help with. The do it yourself type can be as simple as fitting and mounting speaker equipment for your new television in the den. On the other hand, the second option can be as involved as a 12 seat room designed strictly for the experience of movies and gaming - if that is your preference. No matter which option you are looking into, you can follow the basics or you can opt for professional design and application. It all really depends on the space you have and the outcome you hope to achieve.

The home theater installation that is advertised on the local electronic store's website refers to the amplification of your television viewing experience. First, when your new television and speaker system arrives you should be sure that all of the components are present. Second, when you will be mounting or drilling for in-wall speaker devices, proper measurements and wire placements are critical to successful den home theater installation. Lastly, with this type of application, the main aspect of comparison to the theater is the speakers, not the television or type of disc reader. They have to work together to produce excellent sound.

The second option for home theater installation encompasses the evolution of an entire room and its four walls. It can be quite the renovation for a film viewing overhaul. The first step is to locate a reputable company to perform the construction from design to set up. Second, they will come to your home to take the measurements that will lead to the initial room design. As a result of their sketches for scale plans and consultations with you will develop the permanent plans to move forward. Third, demolition is only performed for major reconfiguration of the space, and electrical wiring will be adjusted or installed for safe and effective connections. Lastly, these licensed technicians will build your dream space according to the conversations and according to your space's layout. They are thorough in their pursuit of the materials, craftsmanship, and set up that will satisfy your vision for your space, whether for your family's film viewing or for entertainment in that space. It combines interior design with processes of renovation construction to bring your home theater installation to fruition.

Phosphoric Acid: An Useful Chemical

Phosphoric acid is also known as phosphoric (V) acid or orthophosphoric acid. It is an inorganic acid. The acid is chemically represented as H3PO4. These molecules can be combined in a variety of ways to produce different compounds. Derivatives of this inorganic acid are also known as phosphoric acid.

Pure anhydrous orthophosphoric acid is a white solid at room temperature. The chemical has a melting point of 42.35 degrees Celsius. It melts to form a colorless and viscous liquid. The compound has a boiling point of 158 degree Celsius. Phosphoric acid is a polar molecule. The compound is highly soluble in water. It has 5.48 g/mL solubility in water.

Phosphoric acid is mainly prepared in three different ways, the wet process, the thermal process and the dry kiln process. In the thermal process orthophosphoric acid is prepared by burning elemental phosphorous. This process produces very pure phosphoric acid. In the wet process orthophosphoric acid is produced by combining tricalcium phosphate rock and sulfuric acid.

Phosphoric acid has several applications, including:

Food Additive: The compound is used as a flavoring agent in a variety of food items, such as beer, jams, cheeses and jellies. The chemical imparts a tart and acidic flavor to the food items. This chemical is also used as a food additive. The food additive code of orthophosphoric acid in Europe is E338. It is added to cola soft drinks in order to impart a slightly sour and tangy taste. This chemical is mass-produced. The inexpensive acid is available in large quantities. It is second most common food additive after Citric acid, which is used to produce the same flavor.

Rust Converter: Phosphoric acid is also used as rust converter, rust killer or rust remover. It is widely used in steel industry. Rust remover is available in gel as well as liquid form. It can be applied to rusted iron and steel tools. The gel can be also applied to vertical as well as sloping surfaces. This compound converts Fe2O3 or reddish-brown iron (III) oxide (rust) into black colored ferric phosphate or FePO4. After treating with the acid, the black colored ferric phosphate coating can be removed from the metal surface. Scrubbing off the layer of ferric phosphate leaves behind a fresh metal surface.

Medical Use: Phosphoric acid is widely used as an etching solution in the field of dentistry and orthodontics. It is used to roughen and clean the teeth surfaces where dental fillings or instruments will be placed. The acid is also present in anti-nausea medicines. The acid is also an ingredient in teeth whiteners, which are used to remove plaque from teeth.

Emma Heuton is a writer who writes on several topics. Mostly she writes on SME, Business, products and manufacturing units. To provide useful insights, she prefers to study comprehensively.

When To Call A Demolition Company

How often do you find yourself in need of service from a demolition company? It is likely you do not even know what these companies do one a daily basis. Basically, their service is the exact opposite of building. They go around tearing down any buildings that people no longer need, or want, standing. Chances are you have seen them work before and mistaken it for building, simply because you see trucks on a construction lot. Why had those people needed to call a demolition company? Is their service open to just anyone? Let's have a look in to the different reasons others may have phoned for the service...

Commercial buildings are one of the top places to need demolition services. One reason is because businesses are constantly changing and new occupants may want to renovate the building. Instead of modifying their new business around someone else's structure, they often decide to start from scratch. It can be extremely difficult, if not impossible, to find a preexisting building that has all the features your company may need. When wanting to rebuild, you do not even have to demolish the entire building. You can call a company when you need only certain non-beneficial parts knocked out. You can even consider only tearing down certain walls that are preventing the space you need.

Resident services are often very similar. Most land that is in high demand is already occupied by a home or business. Settling with a home solely for area reasons is not a preferable situation. Get the most of your land, and demolish the home to create a place you are proud to live in. Residential property, especially with many acres of land, can be hard to find for inexpensive rates. By searching for a lot with a home that is unfit for living you can find the best rates. With this kind of situation you are only paying for the land and demolishing the home is entirely your decision. Fixing up an abandoned home will most likely outweigh the costs to rebuild by a great amount.

Another unfortunate reason to call a demolition company is if a building has been destroyed by asbestos. It doesn't happen everyday, but when it does it is a very awful situation. Demolishing these buildings is the quickest and fastest road to recovery. These demolishing companies can help you for the good and the bad. The fact is that they are always available to destroy a structure that is just taking up space or is causing harm to someone. Never settle or live in an unfit structure and call a demolition company to help you today.

Home Additions That Cause Foundation Problems

Between 1950 and 2000, house size in the doubled in the U.S., from 1000sq. ft. to 2000sq. ft. Similar growth occurred in many parts of Canada -not because family size increased, but because our sense of "necessary" space and privacy expanded. Extra bathrooms, separate bedrooms, larger kitchens with breakfast nooks-it's no wonder so many older houses were expanded with one or more additions.

Building an addition calls for a new foundation, and this important structural element needs to be properly designed, carefully built, and correctly joined to the existing foundation.

Problems Occur When a New Foundation is Added to an Old One

Homes with additions sometimes end up with structural problems, and foundation problems are surprisingly common for several reasons. First of all, the contractor who builds the addition is usually not the same contractor who built the house. The new guy may not be as familiar with local soil conditions as the original contractor. If the property has expansive clay soil and the addition contractor doesn't take steps to protect the new foundation from soil pressure that can reach over 5000 pounds per sq. ft, there's a good chance that foundation damage will occur some time in the future.

Foundation damage can also occur because a contractor takes a shortcut or two to build some extra profit into a small addition project. What if footings are placed above the frost line instead of below it, or some steel reinforcement is left out of a foundation wall? Maybe the contractor decided that gravel or drainage tile could be omitted because of an especially dry building season. These are just a few details that can lead to problems in the foundation for a building addition.

Crawl space foundations are often used on home additions, since they're less expensive than full basement foundations. But if the contractor chooses to build an "old-fashioned" vented crawl space with a dirt floor and fiberglass insulation installed between crawl space ceiling joists, this is a guarantee of future problems. A vented crawl space brings high moisture conditions under the house, encouraging mold growth and accelerated rust on steel ducts and HVAC equipment located there. The moisture also reduces the R-value of fiberglass insulation and usually causes the insulation to fall onto the crawl space floor.

Call in a Foundation Repair Specialist Rather Than a General Contractor

General contractors who build home additions don't have the training, tools or materials to make foundation repairs. Where a general contractor might recommend demolishing and rebuilding a settled slab or a bowing or tilting wall, a foundation repair specialist has the capability to correct these problems more quickly and less expensively. This is one case where calling in a specialist can save you money. Instead of demolition and replacement, a foundation repair contractor can usually stabilize and restore settled slabs or bowing walls by installing steel piers or wall anchors. These engineered solutions establish anchor points in stable soil outside or under the foundation, enabling the specialist to brace and elevate or pull the displaced element back to its original position.

7 Free Estimating Tips For Home Additions

Preparing an estimate for home additions, renovations, and massive construction is a combination of skills and techniques, which must be done exactly. As an estimator you need to make labour estimates, materials estimates, and job overhead estimates. Here are several steps to preparing an estimate. These steps will help you start your estimating method properly.

The first step in preparing an estimate is clarifying the scope of work. You must be clear on the customer specifications, such as materials, permits, and type of construction. The estimator must know the proposed start date of the project, the way to resubmit the estimate, by fax, e-mail or in person, and who to call in the event you have any questions.

The second step is to pick whether the project will be carried out in-house or outsourced. If the work is being outsourced you ought to start to contact your sub-contractors immediately to provide them with the necessary documents to prepare their estimates. Most sub-contractor will ask for an Adobe (PDF format) File or and AutoCAD (DWG format) file. Find ways to convert your documents to these formats.

Third, make positive you visit the proposed construction site to clarify any discrepancies in the drawings and specifications. Arrange the site visit so that your sub-trades can be present. Bring a measuring tape, a digital camera, and your marketing gear. Take as plenty of pics as feasible, this is not the time to be timid. Check any measurements that did not make sense on the drawing, and keep in mind to bring promotional gear.

The fourth step in preparing an estimate is gathering prices for materials from local suppliers. It would be in you best interest to find reliable suppliers close to the construction site. Finding suppliers close the site will avoid unnecessary traffic delays, and cut delivery time and cost. You can contact your regular suppliers and ask them in the event that they can refer you to someone closer to your job-site.

Putting together the estimate is the fifth step. The estimate can be prepared by hand, in Microsoft excel, or with an estimating program. In the event you plan to do plenty of estimates, I would recommend doing your research on a nice estimating program. The estimating program alone will save you a great deal of time. Take your time and prepare your estimate. Add all the necessary materials and there prices. All the expected overhead cost, such as insurance, permits, and operating cost and the labour cost. A nice estimating process will cut your time considerably.

Reviewing the estimate before bid day is the sixth step. The day before you submit your estimate check to make positive there's no materials missing and the numbers are correct. Submitting an incorrect bid will cost you the job, or cost you money.

Seventh step is to submit the estimate by fax, e-mail or in-person. Know the delivery process necessary. Submit the estimate in a professional format.

Arrange for the deadline before it arrives; do not get caught off guard. Most importantly do not be late; the estimate can be rejected if submitted late.

Estimating can take up plenty of your time; the key is to generate great estimating systems that consist of programs that make the estimating method simple to handle and faster to produce. And keep in mind that you won't get every job, the point is to generate correct estimates, which will better your chances of getting more jobs.