What is a Three Way Home Electrical Light Switch?

A three way home electrical light switch is a special light switch that can be used in your hallways, large rooms and stairways. These light switches are specially made to operate one light or a group of lights from two different locations.

They are most commonly found in hallways and provide a homeowner with the option of turning the light on at one end of the hallway and turning it off, when they are finished walking through the hallway and are about to enter into another room.

Before three way home electrical light switches were made, people would turn the hallway light on and leave it on or they wouldn't turn the hall light on at all, because they knew that after they walked down the dark hallway, they wouldn't be able to turn the light off at the other end.

Three-way light switches are also used in stairways. It makes a lot of sense, to be able to turn your stairway light on, at the bottom of the stairs and then after you have walked up the stairway safely, you can simply turn the stair lights system off.

As homes become larger, it's not going to be uncommon to find three way light switches being used at either end of large rooms. If your living room or family room was located within the center of your home and had an entrance at each end, it wouldn't be a bad idea to install a light switch at each end, for travelers who are simply walking through these room.

Remember that three-way light switches, are used to operate lights from two different locations.

If you're really interested in basement remodeling and repairs, you should click on this link Great Home Repair Advice. Get some great home repair advice that can make a big difference on any of your home remodeling projects.

If You Live in Northern San Diego County or South Orange County, and You're Looking for a Great Contractor, Click on This Link Encinitas Home Remodeling Contractors

Greg Vandenberge is working on the internet to promote the education for creating simple to follow guides and home building books to help professional building contractors as well as the weekend warriors. He has just finished a Home Buyers Guide to take some of the frustration out of home shopping.

Thanks For Reading My Articles

Building Codes - Stairway Construction

The stair building code was created for building safety. Before the building code and local city enforcement (Building Inspectors), anyone could build a house. This meant Uncle Earl who had just watched a couple of his friends build a house down the street construct some sort of a dwelling. The next step for Earl would be to help these guys for a day and now he is a professional home builder. You get the point.

Stair Building Codes create the safety needed for one of the most hazardous areas of your home. You might know someone who has fallen down a stairway?

I lived in a house I built for 15 years and I redesigned the stairs from a winder design to a T shaped set of stairs. Both sets of stairs were built using the local stair building code for my city.

Wow I could not believe how many times my family members fell down the stairs. I even fell down once. I was amazed. When I switched from the winder to the T shaped stairway there were less accidents. My point is that even using the stair building codes this is a dangerous part of your house.

Having a professional stair builder install your stairs is great advice. Take it. For example this happened to me on quite a few jobs. I get a set of plans from a architect who has been designing houses for over 40 years. I looked at the stairway to find out that he has designed a stairway that is too small for the length of this part of the home. If I build the stairs using the plans that by the way were approved from the local building department, I could have a problem.

You are probably asking yourself how does this happen. Aren't these people experienced professionals. Of course they are. They probably have the U.B.C. (Uniform Building Code) in their office somewhere. Everyone makes mistakes here and there but this is one area of the home where safety is a big concern.

Just look at it like this. The stair building code was designed to improve the safety and reduce the number of accidents while using the stairs. Over the years I have seen stairs poorly designed and constructed. These stairs create problems for the owners of the buildings not just the people that use them. Did I mention lawsuits. This is one area where a lawyer will have a field day.

As a building professional I advise you to use the stair building code first for safety and second to avoid lawsuits. Get an idea from some of the pictures I have taken over the years on problems with stair building.

Use common sense while building or remodeling your home. It goes a long way.

Greg Vandenberge is working on the internet to promote the education for creating simple to follow guides and home building books to help professional building contractors as well as the weekend warriors. He is currently working on more building stairs books and adding useful content to help solve problems created by the lack of construction knowledge in the building industry. Stair Building Articles

Retaining Walls Suffer From Moisture Problems

Whether you're driving down the road or through a neighborhood and you notice a retaining wall that has large cracks in it, or is severely discolored, or one that has white calcium deposits from moisture covering the entire wall, you've got problems with moisture.

The retaining wall is designed to hold the dirt back, that's it's sole purpose. It's not going to hold any moisture back unless someone has installed a waterproofing membrane to separate the soil from the concrete block wall. If the soil isn't ever going to get wet, then you probably don't need to waterproof the retaining wall.

However that's normally not going to be the case. So we need to waterproof the interior of our retaining walls to eliminate future moisture problems that could eventually, deteriorate as moisture starts to accumulate, inside of our block wall for a longer periods of time.

If you don't know anything about waterproofing, I would suggest that you hire a waterproofing expert. Waterproofing looks easier than it actually is, and might be out of your scope of work.

I'm not going to suggest that you use waterproofing paints, because I haven't seen great results with these products. However, if you're not that concerned about your retaining wall and are looking for a cheaper way to apply any waterproofing materials, these paints might not be a bad idea. Sometimes, Something is better than nothing.

If you live in a relatively dry climate, it might not be necessary to waterproof your retaining walls. But if you live in a damp or moist area, especially an area where the ground is moist all year round or more than six months out of the year, I would suggest that you waterproof the back of your retaining walls.

If you're really interested in basement remodeling and repairs, you should click on this link House Basement Repair Ideas. Get some great home repair advice that can make a big difference on any of your home remodeling projects.

Dryer Vent In Basement Window.

Greg Vandenberge is working on the internet to promote the education for creating simple to follow guides and home building books to help professional building contractors as well as the weekend warriors. He has just finished a Home Buyers Guide to take some of the frustration out of home shopping.

Thanks For Reading My Articles

Don't Let This Happen to You - Home Computer Electrical Damage

If you've read any of my other articles, you know that I am always coming up with great ideas, tips and even a couple of stories that can save homeowners lots of money. Here's another one of those stories, that involves a friend of mine who asked me if I could fix his outdoor electrical outlet.

I was over at his house one day, and told him that I could probably fix the electrical outlet and if we needed any parts, we could run down to the lumber yard and pick them up and his problem would be solved within a few hours. This two hour repair was about to cost him the hard drive on his computer, but neither one of us had any idea what was about to happen.

We each agreed to give it a shot, I told him to go over to the electrical panel and turn off the breaker that went to his outdoor shed. He proceeded to turn off the breaker and yelled out," It's off, try it." I plugged in an electric drill and it was still working, as he was walking around the corner, towards me, I showed him that the drill was still on and he hadn't turned off the right electrical breaker.

He went back and turned off a couple of more electrical breakers and the drill was still running. Now he frantically started to turn off one electrical breaker at a time, until I yelled out," It's off, the electrical power is, off you can stop."

I repaired the electrical outlet and he went back to turn every electrical breaker back on that he had turned off. We were proud of ourselves and he now had electrical power, back to his shed and he was happy.

Now for the bad news, his computer was running and when he turned the electricity off and on, it must've done something to his computer hard drive and it now needed to be replaced.

The moral to the story, isn't that you shouldn't help your friends. It's that you should, make sure that your computers are safely off, before you attempt to do any electrical work to your home.

It wouldn't be a bad idea, to have a battery backup, for your computer, if you use it often, just in case there is an electrical failure or something happens like the story above.

If your really interested in saving money on your home electrical bills - Energy Saving Books

Greg Vandenberge is working on the internet to promote the education for creating simple to follow guides and home building books to help professional building contractors as well as the weekend warriors. He has just finished a Home Buyers Guide to take some of the frustration out of home shopping.

If you're really interested in basement remodeling and repairs, you should click on this link Home Repair Advice. Get some great home repair advice that can make a big difference on any of your home remodeling projects.

10 Things a Homeowner Won't Tell a Contractor - Common Courtesy

I've been a contractor in the state of California for over 20 years and there are some things that a homeowner won't tell a contractor. These are a few things that a contractor might want to hear, but a reluctant homeowner, might have second thoughts telling their contractors how they really feel.

1. We are happy with all of the work that you did in a timely manner and we appreciate your services.

2. We are happy with the way you performed your construction tasks, efficiently and we appreciate your services.

3. The work was done by a true professional and we would recommend you to any one of our friends.

4. The payment plan that you created in the contract worked out perfectly and never made us feel uncomfortable. It never seemed like you had too much of our money or we were putting you in a bad spot financially.

5. Thanks for keeping the job clean, it meant a lot to us, because we have seen other construction jobs that look like a tornado ran through them.

6. Thanks for helping us with our design. Working with your contractor on a daily, weekly or monthly basis can be frustrating or joyful. Let the contractor know either way how you are really feeling.

7. You and your crew are extremely hard-working and we appreciate the simple fact that you didn't come to work late or leave early.

8. Thanks for the reasonable priced estimate on our project. You helped us say a lot of money and we appreciate that sincerely.

9. Thanks for doing the extra work at a reasonable price. You could have gouged us at certain times, but you chose to be fair and work things out, in a way that would benefit both of us.

10. This one is the most important and often overlooked by homeowners and it's simple and easy to do. Thanks for doing what you said you were going to do and actually doing it.

Just a simple thank you and paying them on time, for a service well done is enough for most contractors. However, a little common courtesy can go a long way, even in the construction industry.

If You Live in Northern San Diego County or South Orange County, and You're Looking for a Great Contractor, Click on This Link Home Remodeling Contractor

Greg Vandenberge is working on the internet to promote the education for creating simple to follow guides and home building books to help professional building contractors as well as the weekend warriors. He has just finished a Home Buyers Guide to take some of the frustration out of home shopping.

Click here if you're looking for additional Homeowner Contractor Advice. If you're interested in gathering more information on how to hire a good contractor, make sure that you visit our website.

Take Pictures of Your Growing Foundation Damage Or Cracks

I champion people and try to get them to look at their house, at least once a year. One of the easiest ways to inspect your home is to use a home inspection checklist and if you really want a good home inspection checklist, there's a good chance that you are going to need to purchase one. You get what you pay for and don't ever forget that.

Foundation repairs usually start with a small crack and that's no joke. If you notice a crack, take a picture of it and save it somewhere. If you think, that the crack is actually getting a little bigger or starting to separate, you can simply take another picture and compare the two photos.

I would like to give you an example of what I'm talking about. Sometimes we look at something and we think that it's getting larger, but we don't have anything to compare it to. As time goes on, we think that the crack is still getting larger, but our mind is creating an optical illusion. This happens to a lot of people.

If you had a picture, from a few years ago, you could refresh your memory and this could be very helpful in reducing your anxiety or jumping to conclusions about foundation damage. Trust me, sometimes, I'm like a medical emergency crew, going to visit a homeowner to relieve their foundations stress. People panic over foundation cracks and I'm the doctor they call for any one of their home emergencies.

I would also advise you to take pictures of the rest of your home. How hard would it be to take about 300 pictures of your home each year and store them on your computer or on a disk, for easy access later? A picture is worth a thousand words and don't ever forget that.

Click Here for Some More Great Foundation Repair Solutions.

Greg Vandenberge is working on the internet to promote the education for creating simple to follow guides and home building books to help professional building contractors as well as the weekend warriors. He has just finished a Home Buyers Guide to take some of the frustration out of home shopping.

If you're really interested in basement remodeling and repairs, you should click on this link Home Repair Problems. Get some great home repair advice that can make a big difference on any of your home remodeling projects.

Do I Need a Home Inspection? - Real Estate Advice

Most home inspections today run between $300 to over $1000 and sometimes you don't really get your moneys worth. There are home inspection companies that guarantee, any problems that they miss will be repaired at their expense over a desired period of time, usually a year. It seems like, most home inspection companies are just inspecting the property and have no guarantees or liability from their inspection.

It's not a good idea to buy or sell a home without getting a home inspection from a licensed home inspector. This is like having a second opinion from someone who is usually skilled in the process. I would like to point something out to unsuspecting, potential home buyers and sellers. Sometimes a home inspection company will get a little behind in their work and need to hire other home inspectors if these home inspectors don't have any experience in the construction business or have never inspected a home before. In other words there fresh out of home inspector school. You might not get a good home inspection.

You can always ask the question, how long have you been in business?... How long have you been a home inspector?... have you ever worked in the construction business or have any skills in home building and remodeling. If the answers to these questions are satisfactory, it doesn't mean, that they're telling the truth and being sincere and could lead to problems later if they are lying to you.

Let me rephrase the question now, "Do I Need a Home Inspection" from an unqualified home inspector? Absolutely not. But how can you really tell the difference and is the report going to be worth the money that you paid for it.

What would you say, if I had the solution to your problem. How about a pre-home inspection, using a home buyers checklist? What if I could give you a check list with questions, that you could ask your home inspector? Some of these questions are not going to be part a regular inspection but should always be asked and make sure you get the answers to them, before purchasing the property.

Would you be interested now? What if I told you, for under $20, you could purchase a home buyers checklist, now for the tough question, this checklist could save you thousands of dollars and prevent you from purchasing a home with major construction problems or defects, and can be used on every house you look at.

Don't buy a home without purchasing a professional home inspection checklist. These lists of questions can save you some serious headaches and stress in the future.

Greg Vandenberge is working on the internet to promote the education for creating simple to follow guides and home building books to help professional building contractors as well as the weekend warriors. He has just finished a home buyers guide to take some of the frustration out of home shopping.

If your looking for some more home inspection or home building ideas.

Do I Need a Home Inspection? - Real Estate Advice

Most home inspections today run between $300 to over $1000 and sometimes you don't really get your moneys worth. There are home inspection companies that guarantee, any problems that they miss will be repaired at their expense over a desired period of time, usually a year. It seems like, most home inspection companies are just inspecting the property and have no guarantees or liability from their inspection.

It's not a good idea to buy or sell a home without getting a home inspection from a licensed home inspector. This is like having a second opinion from someone who is usually skilled in the process. I would like to point something out to unsuspecting, potential home buyers and sellers. Sometimes a home inspection company will get a little behind in their work and need to hire other home inspectors if these home inspectors don't have any experience in the construction business or have never inspected a home before. In other words there fresh out of home inspector school. You might not get a good home inspection.

You can always ask the question, how long have you been in business?... How long have you been a home inspector?... have you ever worked in the construction business or have any skills in home building and remodeling. If the answers to these questions are satisfactory, it doesn't mean, that they're telling the truth and being sincere and could lead to problems later if they are lying to you.

Let me rephrase the question now, "Do I Need a Home Inspection" from an unqualified home inspector? Absolutely not. But how can you really tell the difference and is the report going to be worth the money that you paid for it.

What would you say, if I had the solution to your problem. How about a pre-home inspection, using a home buyers checklist? What if I could give you a check list with questions, that you could ask your home inspector? Some of these questions are not going to be part a regular inspection but should always be asked and make sure you get the answers to them, before purchasing the property.

Would you be interested now? What if I told you, for under $20, you could purchase a home buyers checklist, now for the tough question, this checklist could save you thousands of dollars and prevent you from purchasing a home with major construction problems or defects, and can be used on every house you look at.

Don't buy a home without purchasing a professional home inspection checklist. These lists of questions can save you some serious headaches and stress in the future.

Greg Vandenberge is working on the internet to promote the education for creating simple to follow guides and home building books to help professional building contractors as well as the weekend warriors. He has just finished a home buyers guide to take some of the frustration out of home shopping.

If your looking for some more home inspection or home building ideas.

The Do it Yourself Basement Remodeling Guide

There are certain basic thing to remember when you plan to do a do it yourself basement remodeling. It is good to remodel your basement according to how it is going to be used. It will also allow you to enhance the appearance of the basement itself.

1. What are you going to use the basement for?

Planning for a do it yourself basement remodeling, should always begin with deciding what you are going to turn the basement into. Is it going to be a play room for the kids or a wine cellar? Will you be adding a bathroom or a fire place?

2. Fix any existing problems.

Existing problems in your basement should be remedied at this point. Make sure that your basement is free from leaks. Check the walls and the foundation for any cracks or holes. Make sure that you seal the cracks and fill in the holes properly. If not, all your hard work will be destroyed by water or moisture that leaks in. The foundation should also be in top shape. Make sure that it is not bowed.

3. Make sure that the basement is insulated and well heated.

Check the existing furnace if it is able to heat the basement efficiently. If not, you should probably consider replacing it or adding another one. Insulating your walls will also help in keeping the basement warm. Some companies offer electric floor heating that will not only keep the room warmer but will also fight off the growth of mold and mildew. You may also add a fire place to help in maintaining a warm room temperature but make sure that it is compatible with how your basement is going to be utilized.

4. Design your basement.

Design your basement according to its use. If it will be a recreational room, bring down that home-theater system. If you will use it as a workshop, put shelves and cabinets to store your tools. A painting studio will definitely need natural light. Add windows. For a kids play room, choose bright colors and make sure that the room is kid-friendly. The visual design of your basement will depend on your personal style.

5. Don't forget the lights.

Adding windows to a basement that is partially above ground is a good way to let natural light in. Regardless of having basement windows or not, it is important that you also put artificial lights in your basement. Strategically place the lights around the room. Choose from different kinds and sizes of lights that match your basement design.

These do it yourself basement remodeling tips will definitely turn any dark and old basement into a bright and lively room that is going to add another exceptional room to your home.

Are you spending beyond your means for basement remodeling? Save precious dollars by getting practical advice on basement remodeling ideas.

Painting A French Door

Finding Something You Don't Like About Yourself - Creating Habits

Finding something you don't like about yourself is usually very easy for most people. Most of the time you don't even have to ask your family or friends because you have heard them complain about the same thing for years. How many times have you heard someone mention, I need to lose weight?

Here's a list of things people don't like about themselves. If you're one of those people that has a hard time finding something wrong with yourself, you could always ask one of your friends for some suggestions. I'm sure they would like that.

1. The need to lose weight. This of course is one of the worst problems with Americans. Most people need to lose weight and let's not forget there are some people that need to gain weight.

2. The need to stop gambling. As more Indian reservations are allowed to build gambling casinos and of course as the Internet gambling gets larger, I've noticed some people with gambling problems.

3. The need to stop drinking alcohol. The abuse of alcohol has been going on for many years. These people have an excuse for why they drink and most of the time it doesn't make sense.

4. The need to stop smoking. This could be one of the most difficult things I've ever seen my friends and family deal with.

5. The need to stop excessive behaviors. For example, gossiping, cruelty, bullying, lying, cheating, stealing, partying etc. You get the idea.

6. Don't forget the dreaded shopaholic. Most shopaholic's seem to have large credit card debt and can't seem to stop this vicious circle of buying and owing money to their creditors.

7. Working long hours or the workaholic. Sometimes this is a necessity but I would suggest that you change your lifestyle if possible. Reevaluate your reasons for working so hard.

8. Religious fundamentalists. People that spend too much time at their place of worship and soon find themselves feeling guilty if they're not doing something spiritual.

9. The need to be on time. This would include people that have problems giving themselves enough time to get ready for work or school.

10. The need to stop doing drugs. I thought by now, approaching my 50s, that drugs would no longer be a problem in the United States, but it is. It's one of the most damaging things people can do to their lives.

There are plenty of things that people would like to stop doing or start doing. If you're a smoker and you seem to shop excessively near the casinos, I would advise you to start with something small and work your way up to the big stuff.

What are you going to change today about your life? Make a list of things that you're not happy with about your life and start making the changes today that you need to create the life you deserve and desire.

Greg Vanden Berge is a published author, internet marketing expert, motivational inspiration to millions of people all over the world and is sharing some of his wisdom with experts in the fields of writing,marketing, and personal development.

Greg is currently working on a personal development video library filled with great movies on a wide array of topics, like religion, self help and spiritual changes in the world. His views on religious freedom are slowly changing the way people think about institutional religion.

Older Homes With No Dryer Hookup

Before Starting Home Renovations

With talks of recession and the cost of oil skyrocketing, consumers are becoming more energy conscience in their daily lives. The talk around the patio this summer is the low interest rates on vehicles and other promotional items to encourage them to continue purchasing the "typical" gas guzzling vehicle. The conversation may flow towards the new hybrid cars available from various companies. One conversation that happens rarely is how consumer's can make their homes more energy efficient.

Consumers tend to change their old 20 year old furnace when it "konks" out and no longer provides heat. Windows are replaced when the old windows are no longer aesthetically appealing. Insulation in the basement is added when they decide to refinish and the attic insulation is never a concern. Consumer's today have more knowledge of their vehicles than they do their largest investment.

The ecoEnergy Program, launched in 2007, by the Federal Government provides the education that a homeowner requires when making energy efficient decisions. As a bonus, Natural Resources Canada and the Ontario Ministry of Energy provides up to $10,000 in grants when making Energy Efficient upgrades. The education received by having an ecoEnergy evaluation is priceless. Homeowners are educated on how their home operates as a system and how one component is vital to another component in the house. Homeowners must have an initial evaluation prior to performing any Energy Efficient upgrades. This evaluation should include:

* Detailed certified examination

* Blower door test to determine air leakage

* Standby power loss demo

* Tour of air leakage sites

* Analysis of heating and cooling equipment

* Assessment of insulation values

* Comprehensive list of energy trouble spots

* Prioritized energy action list

* Official EnerGuide rating label

* Energy Saving Advice

* Complete report presentation on-site

As with any purchasing decision, it is always advisable to shop around and get three quotes for an ecoEnergy evaluation. Some advisor's provide the ecoEnergy report presentation on site, where others process the report in a central location where it is then mailed to homeowner within two weeks.

Once the preliminary evaluation is conducted the homeowner has 18 months to complete some or all of the renovations recommended. The ecoEnergy advisor returns to conduct another blower door test and document the upgrades performed in the home.

Lastly, the renovation contractor is the last person a homeowner will see when making their investment. It is always advisable to work with a contractor who, not only provides information about their product, but also encourages having an ecoEnergy evaluation performed on their home. A contractor who advises this to the homeowner is not threatened to 3rd party unbiased advice and has provided the homeowner the opportunity to receive the grants available and will put off the installation date (for a reasonable period of time) to keep their homeowner satisfied.

About the Writer

Trina Stewart has been working with Renovation Contractors and homeowners since 1996. She has been intimately involved with various programs including the Window Wise National Certification Program, Energuide for Houses Program, and ecoEnergy. Her reputation as being an information source for contractors, homeowners, local utilities, municipalities, and other organizations has contributed to her success in the renovation industry.

Trina Stewart is the President of Trina Stewart Consulting which offers consulting and virtual administration services to businesses across The Golden Triangle and the GTA. She is currently Marketing Development Specialist for The House Whisperers (http://www.thehousewhisperers.ca), an ecoEnergy Service Organization servicing BC and Ontario.

Stud Spacing And Wall Framing

Do-It-Yourself Kitchen Design

Remodeling the kitchen has become one of the most popular projects that home owners undertake to improve their home. One of the reasons is that, along with bathrooms, redoing a kitchen has the highest return on investment of any home improvement project. There are many parts of a remodeled kitchen that a home owner can manage themselves. All it takes is a little research and a little knowledge. However, although hiring an independent contractor is risky and expensive, there are some things best left to a professional.

What You Should Leave To The Pros

There are some parts of remodeling a kitchen that are NOT recommended for the DIYer. One main component is any electrical work. Not only is electrical work difficult and dangerous, improper wiring can lead to fires and can damage expensive appliances. You also risk voiding the warranty on many electrical items if they are not completed by a certified electrician. Be sure and see your warranty for details. Planning with electricity is simply not for the amateur, not even for a contractor who is not a certified, licensed electrician. This isn't to say that your general contractor or even you cannot handle the job. In many cases the work is not really that difficult. It just simply isn't worth the risk and liability involved.

While some plumbing can be easily tackled by an amateur, such as replacing an existing faucet, rough-in plumbing should also be handled by a professional. If you are relocating a sink or adding a dishwasher, soldering of the pipes may be required. This task is technically difficult and potentially dangerous. Incorrect soldering can even lead to a fire. Working with installing or replacing PVC pipe is also tricky business. If not installed correctly, you could have potential leaks that can cause significant damage as well as costly repairs.

Most other jobs that will be required in a kitchen remodel are easy enough to handle yourself. Even difficult installations such as cabinetry can be tackled by the do-it-yourselfer who is motivated and educated. Hiring a contractor is going to cost you at LEAST as much in labor as you plan to spend on materials, and quite possibly more. Do some research, take your time, and you can actually enjoy creating a new kitchen by yourself.

Simon Burke has worked in the home decorating field for many years and loves to share his interior design experiences and ideas with home owners everywhere. Another article on do-it-yourself kitchen design - click here.

Horizontal Or Vertical Drywall

Foundation Repair Warranties

The warranty game, is the most over used sales tool in the industry. The most advertised, yet the most misunderstood, part of having structural repair work done on your property is the warranty. You will see "Lifetime Warranty" or "Lifetime Transferable Warranty" or even "Longest Warranty in the Business". What does this mean? What is the warranty worth? Are there any costs associated with the warranty? Most importantly, what warranty do I need?

The number one piece of advice about warranties - Read It! If the salesman does not have a copy for you to read, tell him to go get one. There is generally only one reason that he is not carrying one and that is because he does not want you to read it. If the warranty is too long or too hard to read, forget it. Warranties are simple - "This is what we cover and this is how long we cover it for".

When it comes to Lifetime Warranties, be careful. In some states a "lifetime warranty" is 7 years, some states it is 11 years and then some states it is for the life of the structure. Why would a lifetime warranty be 7 years? This can be the case because, according to a general law enacted by some states, the standard life of a service is 7 years. In these states your lifetime warranty is not as good as the others guys 10 or 15 year warranty.

Limited Warranties are standard in foundation repair. "Limited" means that the only things that are covered are the things that can be affected by the work that has been done. You still want to read this type of warranty and understand what is covered and for how long. Don't forget to ask if there are any fees required before the contractor will honor his warranty.

A manufacturer's warranty of their products is the number one item that you should be looking for. If the individual installer goes out of business, there will still be someone standing behind the products you purchased. The best of these manufacturer's have very simple and comprehensive warranties for their products. One specific manufacturer has a three part warranty form that states exactly what is covered and for how long. One copy goes to the installing contractor for his records and the other two go to the property owner. The property owner then submits one of their copies directly to the manufacturer so there is no doubt that it has been filed. Simple and effective.

Warranties should not be difficult, they should be readily available and straight forward. They need to state what is covered and for how long. If a foundation engineer has been hired to design and supervise the installation, and he recommends a product that a quality manufacturer will supply, there should not ever be a warranty issue in the first place. If there is, call the engineer first, the contractor second and lastly the manufacturer. Your issue will be resolved, and you will be happy.

Don't play the warranty game. Hire quality people to work on your most valuable asset and rest assured that you have taken the correct steps in getting what you pay for.

About the Author:

Jeff Tully invites you to view his website http://www.myfoundationrepairs.com if you are having any foundation issues including bowing walls, cracks in your foundation or any type of settlement issue. On this website you will find the truth about foundation repair methods and what you should expect. There are many misconceptions about foundation piers or tie backs, get the straight answers here.

This site was designed and built with the homeowner in mind is the only true source for foundation repair and waterproofing information. From determining if you really have a structural issue to hiring an engineer or foundation expert, you will find the answers on my site.

Installing Windows At A Eye Leve

Stress Management

There are stress management techniques for everyone. Not everyone is comfortable with using what they see as public tactics such as going to the gym, seeing a counselor or a coach to relieve their stress. Stress, for many, is private. That's okay, too. There's a solution for everyone - even those who prefer to keep the things that are bothering them to themselves without letting the whole world in on their secret.

Take a look at these techniques and see if any will work for you:

1. One way for you to do this is by journaling your stress away. Research has proven that people who journal for two weeks felt relief from the stress they felt on a regular basis. When you journal, it can sometimes help you see a different side to things that you might not have been open to during moments of extreme stress, such as during the middle of an argument. The great thing about journaling is that there's no one way that's best - it's just whatever works for you. Try to write a little bit each day, even if it's only for 5-10 minutes. The more you write, the more stress-relieving benefits you'll gain!

2. Private time by yourself reflecting on what happened that causing you stress without dwelling on anything negative. Reflect and let go. Allow yourself to let go by simply saying those words either to your self or out loud "let go" these words can be magical if we let them. If a problem continues to trouble you and comes up persistently simply repeat the process.

3. Go outside calm your nerves. The only way to get the full benefit of nature is to experience it firsthand. You can't read about it, see photos or watch it on television and get the same stress-relieving effect. And while you're outdoors, stop, look and listen. Stop your brain from running at full tilt thinking about your task list or replaying that last irritating phone call. Look around you - really look. What do you see? A tree - what kind of tree? A bush with flowers? Did you see a squirrel playing under the tree? Watch him - squirrels tend to be entertaining and if you bring peanuts, the squirrel will put on a show for that treat.

And I'd like to invite you to use these techniques to keep your stress private.

And now I'd like to offer you more stress relief techniques that get results? Learn how to dramatically improve your stress relief results by claiming your FREE 5 Part customized home study course. You get instant access at => http://www.keytostressfreeliving.com

From Linda Hampton RN, MSN A Wellness and Stress Management Coach

Extreme Temperature Building

Bring Focus To Your Stained Glass

Patinas are used to color or darken solder lines. The most common patina colors are black and copper. Using patinas brings the focus on the glass and the design of your stained glass piece. This makes the glass colors, textures and designs of the stained glass piece the main focus.

Before you apply patinas, be sure all flux residues is removed. This can be done using a commercial flux remover or washing the stained glass piece with dish soap and baking soda.

Steps for Applying Patinas

Use a brush, rag or cotton ball to dab patina on to the zinc frame. Do not use a brushing action, as this can leave streaking or patchy coverage.

Next, apply patina to solder lines. Be sure all edges of solder lines have been covered.

Then, turn project over and repeat the process on that side.

Lastly, thoroughly rinse the patina off the stained glass piece. After it is completely dry, a minimum of 24hours, finishing compound can be applied.

Tips and techniques for Applying Patinas

Safety - Always wear rubber gloves when applying patina.

If patina appears spotty, use super fine steel wool to clean the area, and then re-apply the patina.

To avoid oxidation, clean and apply patina immediately after project is soldered.

While patina will mask some inconsistencies in you solder lines, others will still be noticeable and take away from the professional look of your piece. With patience, practice and the correct tools and supplies, you can have professional solder lines.

Most patinas come in an 8 oz bottle. Avoid contaminating the liquid in the bottle by never re-dipping your applicator back into the bottle. Pour out a lid full and use this as your re-dip point.

You may experience different end results with the use of different brands of patinas. One common brand and easily found on store shelves and on line is Novacan. It is available in different formulas for different metals i.e. lead vs. zinc. As you experiment with different brands, you will notice that the more expensive ones do seem to shine more. Sometimes simple wax and compound can help this situation too.

Usually, if need be, patinas can be removed by using steel wool and some elbow grease. So don't fret if you think the application has made your art work look bad or if you just don't like the shiny lines dark.

I was not a fan of most patinas; however, I now know that by using this product, you do experience brilliant colorful glass. All attention is quickly turned from solder lines to the subject of your glass creation - the glass.

Another note of concern applies to patinas as well as other chemicals used in stained glass production. That is evaporation. Be sure and keep the lids tightly screwed on your bottles of supplies as some do seem to disappear into thin air. This will also avoid waste if tipped over accidentally.

I started out as a stained glass admirer. After a class in stained glass, I became addicted. At first I made stained glass to decorate my homes, which lead to friends asking me to make stained glass for them. Now I am a full time professional making stained glass as well as instructing others on how to make stained glass. My studio is located outside of Chicago, Illinois. For more information on making stained glass go to http://www.creativity-in-glass.com

Installing A 32 Inch Back Door

Easy For Estimators to Produce Cost Projections

A building construction software program has become one of the most important tools in the construction profession. These programs have made it easier for estimators to produce cost projections; for architects to develop a building design; for contractors to plan for building codes and other legal concerns; and for the homeowner or building owner to get an idea of what the project would entail in terms of costs, time and compliance.

Types of software

A construction project is made up of various steps, so it is to be expected that software packages for this profession will be numerous and varied. One of the more widely-used types is the computer-aided design or CAD software that is used mostly by architects and engineers. These types of programs are used for creating building plans and drawings and allow the designer or architect to have a three-dimensional perception of the project at hand.

Software programs for estimating construction costs are another of the more commonly used packages in the building trade. Programs for estimating building costs allow the user to produce expense approximates, employee and equipment scheduling plans, contractor bids, project reports and other elements of the project that have something to do with costs. These software packages can be purchased, but there are also those that are available for free in the Internet. However, free programs are mainly basic in terms of functions and can only provide rough estimates.

There are also programs for accounting, which help in keeping tabs of the costs of the project and provide bookkeeping information; software for environment and energy compliance concerns; programs for project contracts; and software packages that guide the owner and the builder through building codes and legal issues associated with a construction project.

What to look for in a software program

For those who are not very familiar with using CAD or other building trade software packages, it is important to choose the ones that are easy to use and can provide information that is not too muddled with unnecessary jargon. In buying software for a building project, look for brands that provide specific information about costs, plans and designs. The various screens should also be easy to understand, which means that they provide detailed information in the simplest language possible. The steps that it would take for a software user to perform basic actions should also be considered - the fewer, the better.

Building construction software products have revolutionized the architecture and construction industry. Whether you're a home owner or a builder or an architect, getting yourself familiar with these modern tools will go a long way towards helping you have a successful building project or a well-designed, within-the-budget home.

Read more information about Construction Estimating Programs and assessing construction costs of projects at http://www.construction--estimating.com

Can You Really Make Money by Going Green?

What Specifically Do You Mean By Going Green?

The term going green is a very general term and refers to any type of activity that will benefit the environment. For instance recycling, car pooling, taking public transportation, etc. While these activities may benefit the environment they are hardly going to benefit you as an individual. And hey, I'm all for keeping our environment healthy but if I'm going to go out of my way to do so I at least want some kind of benefit in return.

I'm sure the same could be said for many people contemplating whether or not to go green. Maybe even you have thought about this. Well, I'll just go ahead and give it to you straight. I spent way to much time thinking about how I could benefit if I were to go green. So much so that after hours and hours of research I actually found a way help the environment and benefit myself at the same time. Believe it or not, I am now earning money just by living a green lifestyle. How? I'm glad you asked!

Make Green Energy And Make Extra Cash

Green energy isn't terribly new but the market is beginning to grow at an exponential rate. Thing that is new about green sources of energy is that you can now make your own for less than $200. And this is exactly how I am saving 80% on my energy bill every single month. Some months I am even able to produce enough energy to actually earn some extra cash! How was I able to do all of this at an affordable price? The only things that you need in order to make your own green energy are motivation and a DIY homemade energy guide. Can you fulfill these to simple requirements? This is the best way to go green and make money at the same time!

Remember though, you need to find a reliable DIY homemade green energy guide. This will make or break you success with green energy. And to be honest it can take hours of research to find the right one.

I've got good news for you though. If you would like to save yourself a lot of time and guarantee your success with green energy then have a look at the one I used. I was able to pay off my initial costs within the first month, and I am now making money every single month! Just click the link below and save your valuable time.

Make Your Own Green Energy Right Now! Click Here

Spray Foam Insulation Lets You Go Green

The unique challenge of our times is conservation. Everything, from public busses to private homes, is feeling the pressure to go green. In some cases, it's easily accomplished. In others, it's not as easy. And in all aspects of life, the focus has shifted to renewable, eco-friendly resources.

They say every little bit helps. Why not do your part to make your home or business more environmentally helpful? By using eco-safe, agriculturally based spray foam insulation, you can.

There are a variety of insulation options but some are much greener than others. If you're concerned with your home using renewable, energy efficient materials, then using a foam insulation spray could be your solution.

In addition to other benefits you get from using a foam insulator in your home or business, the product is also environmentally friendly. It's made up mainly of renewable resources and the means of application is Earth friendly. It is free of ozone depleting components, and the application solution is water based.

Unlike similar petroleum based products, the greener spray foam has the highest oxygen index, and zero fuel contribution. There are few products that can boast such qualities. The properties of the insulation also help to make your home energy efficient.

You can apply this insulation anywhere you need it, around joints, joists, frames and other building support structures and still get a tight seal. You won't get any air pockets or little crevices where air can leak in or out. This sort of air tight sealing ability helps to keep your heating and cooling units working efficiently. Also, it allows you to get a smaller unit because it doesn't have to work so hard. It's been shown to reduce heating and cooling costs by 40%. That's effectiveness you can see.

Not only is spray foam insulation green, it's versatile. It functions well as a barrier to airborne sound and comes with one of the highest fire resistances available in similar products. Pest and rodents won't do any damage because the insulator has no nutritional value to them. It's water resistant, and flexible enough to allow some movement of the building structure. Finally, it produces no toxic vapors after it's applied. You can even rent or buy the equipment and install it yourself.

With concerns about the environment on everyone's minds, it helps that you can find products to help in your conservation efforts. You can get greener cars, recycle your trash and electronics, and buy energy efficient appliances. Why not make your home or business part of the solution? Renewable resources benefit all of us.

The best thing about spray foam insulation is that you can put it anywhere. It doesn't matter if you're starting fresh on your building, or replacing worn out or useless materials. The spray foam can be applied to existing structures with the same effectiveness it has on new structures.
If going green is a priority for your house or office, applying spray foam insulation is another way to help your environment.

With concerns for the environment growing daily, it's good to know there are more ways that we can be eco-responsible. For your home or business, you can apply spray foam insulation, renewable and energy efficient product. Visit Apex Foam today to see their foam selection. http://www.apexfoam.com

Build a Home Wind Generator With Just $200 in Your Pocket

Wind energy systems are widely considered as one of the best ways to create electricity for free and help slash ones electricity bill. But up till recently, installing a wind energy system for your home can cost you thousands of dollars. Today, you can actually learn how to build a home wind generator yourself with just $200 in your pocket!

The wind generator has come a long way, and the technology involved and process to build one has improved rapidly. But many home owners are hesitant in using such a system mainly because of the high cost involved in installing one for their home. In fact, a low range model that produces just enough power output for one small cottage can easily set you back by at least $3000.

Such an expensive device may take you years to realize a positive return of investment! In fact, calculations show one such system will take approximately more than 5 years for it to pay-back the initial investment in terms of savings in your power bills. This just is not feasible, especially for most average income households.

Thankfully today, you can build a wind generator system easily from home without having to spend the most part of your monthly paycheck.

The Internet is a wonderful resource cauldron where you can learn how to build a home wind generator using simple items that you can get for cheap. Personally, this is indeed ideal because the main reason why we install the generator system is to save our money. Learning to build one helps you save thousands of dollars more!

So how do you get started to build the wind generator? If you are technically skilled enough, there are various websites out there that provides the information for free. But most of these websites are geared towards experienced users who are comfortable with technical jargons.

If you are not technical enough, or even do not come from a technical background, fret not. There are many professional kits to help you build the wind generator from home.

These low cost DIY kits include well-written instructions and clear diagrams that are perfect to help you build your home wind generator.

Home wind generators are meant to help you save money, so start saving today! Get the most popular wind power kit and be the first in your neighborhood to learn how to build a home Wind generator.

Who knows, you might turn out to be the wind energy expert in your town someday!

Provide Protection For Your Entrance With a Porch Enclosure

A porch enclosure is usually an enclosure built around the main entrance of the home to protect it from the elements of weather. It usually has one or two entrances and a square or curved top. Quite often such an enclosure is built between two offsets on the front of the house, but it can also be a bay extending out from the house. The size of the enclosed porch depends on how you plan to use it. You will need to have a larger porch if you want to place chairs there so you can enjoy the outdoor scenery without having to go outdoors.

Generally an enclosed porch is a fabricated unit made of glass panels. The doors are specially made to fit in the aluminum rails. There are many different designs in shapes and sizes of these on the market and you can have one custom designed to meet your needs.

Some of the benefits of using such an enclosure for a porch include:

* keeping snow and ice away from the direct entrance to your home, which will in turn keep moisture from seeping in
* preventing water from leaking in through the door in times of heavy rain
* added security for the home
* serving as a buffer that prevents heat from escaping during the winter
* offering ventilation during the summer

When you have an enclosure around the entrance, you can have a wooden door instead of having to opt for a steel door. If you do have a steel door, the protection of such a porch will ease your concerns about the warranty on the door. The addition of a porch will add a touch of class to the home and increase its resale value.

It is not hard to install such an enclosure after you have the exterior of the home complete. The glass panels are designed so that they fasten together to form a wall and the doors are mounted to this base. Some of the enclosures also have the ability to adjust to uneven walls and floors so that nothing will look out of place.

For more information on porch railings, screened porches and related topics, visit AboutPorches.com

Stair Building Codes - Home Building

The stair building code was created for building safety. Before the building code and local city enforcement (Building Inspectors), anyone could build a house. This meant Uncle Earl who had just watched a couple of his friends build a house down the street construct some sort of a dwelling. The next step for Earl would be to help these guys for a day and now he is a professional home builder. You get the point.

Stair Building Codes create the safety needed for one of the most hazardous areas of your home. You might know someone who has fallen down a stairway?

I lived in a house I built for 15 years and I redesigned the stairs from a winder design to a T shaped set of stairs. Both sets of stairs were built using the local stair building code for my city.

Wow I could not believe how many times my family members fell down the stairs. I even fell down once. I was amazed. When I switched from the winder to the T shaped stairway there were less accidents. My point is that even using the stair building codes this is a dangerous part of your house.

Having a professional stair builder install your stairs is great advice. Take it. For example this happened to me on quite a few jobs. I get a set of plans from a architect who has been designing houses for over 40 years. I looked at the stairway to find out that he has designed a stairway that is too small for the length of this part of the home. If I build the stairs using the plans that by the way were approved from the local building department, I could have a problem.

You are probably asking yourself how does this happen. Aren't these people experienced professionals. Of course they are. They probably have the U.B.C. (Uniform Building Code) in their office somewhere. Everyone makes mistakes here and there but this is one area of the home where safety is a big concern.

Just look at it like this. The stair building code was designed to improve the safety and reduce the number of accidents while using the stairs. Over the years I have seen stairs poorly designed and constructed. These stairs create problems for the owners of the buildings not just the people that use them. Did I mention lawsuits. This is one area where a lawyer will have a field day.

As a building professional I advise you to use the stair building code first for safety and second to avoid lawsuits. Get an idea from some of the pictures I have taken over the years on problems with stair building.

Use common sense while building or remodeling your home. It goes a long way.

Greg Vanden Berge is working on the internet to promote the education for creating simple to follow guides and home building books to help professional building contractors as well as the weekend warriors. He is currently working on more building stairs books and adding useful content to help solve problems created by the lack of construction knowledge in the building industry. Stair Building Articles

3 Major Benefits of Free Solar Energy

Free solar energy is all around us. Using solar cells you can easily harness this energy and convert it into usable electricity. The benefits of using this form of energy are obvious and it's easier to implement than you think. Consider these 3 distinct benefits of using free solar energy:

Free solar energy is the future of our country as it is an infinite source of energy. Our nation is slowly making the transition to the mainstream and widespread use of this energy to rely less on finite sources and so that we can become self reliant. This will save our economy billions and billions of dollars each year as well as stamp out the growing concern over the energy crisis.

It's completely clean to use free solar energy. As concern over the environment is at an all time high, everyone is looking for the answer. There are no harmful or dirty bi-products when converting energy from the sun except clean and natural electricity which is derived from the electrons from the rays of light which come down. As we make the wide transition towards free solar energy, we'll slowly see an improvement in the environment and a great reduction in pollutants which are direct bi-products from the energy we now consume.

Free solar energy is just that. It's completely free to use and you can produce enough of it using solar cells to power your home all by yourself in a given month. You can even build the solar cells yourself quickly and on a budget using a simplified do it yourself guide. You can take this idea of producing electricity one step further as when you produce more electricity than you consume in a given month, you can sell the surplus back to the power company for a profit. Many homeowners take some time to build extra solar cells and produce large abundances of this natural electricity to earn a handsome second income.

If you're interested in using free solar energy to help the environment and turn a profit, visit http://www.renewableenergyreviewed.com for reviews on the leading do it yourself guides on the market and start producing your own natural electricity today.

How to Install Your Face Mounted Glass Tile

Glass tile can be one of the best design decisions that you make for your home or business. It allows you flexibility in the colors that are available. There is no need to be stuck with one solid color for your backsplash when you can create a custom blend of colors that will pull together your granite countertops, oak cabinets, and stainless steel appliances. Glass tile is not a dated product so in 20 years it will still look classy.

A professional installer is always recommended for the installation of your glass tile. They have experience working with this thinner material and can make your finished area look perfect. However, a lot of people will install the glass tile sheets themselves. Below you will find a guide on how to complete this task without paying the professional to do it for you. The information given is for glass tiles that are face mounted on paper. The typical tile thickness is 1/8".

You will need several tools and supplies on hand before you start. Make sure to have 3 buckets: one to mix the thin set, one to hold water, and the other to mix the grout. You will also need a dusk mask on when mixing the powders with water. A putty knife, 3/16" notched trowel, 1/16" spacers, old rags for cleanup, fine sponge (not very porous), and a grout float are also recommended to have on hand.

Before you begin make sure that your surface is prepared. Don't tile directly onto your sheetrock. Instead use a thin backer board if possible. There is a lot of information on the internet about how to prepare your surface in different areas of your home or business. Read about this first. You will also need to find your starting point. This will be different for all installations. Don't start in a corner. You would rather end in a corner.

Do not use mastic with glass tiles. Instead thin set mortar is recommended. Mix the dry thin set with a latex additive not water. The additive makes the thin set sticky and creates a great bond with the glass tiles. Prepare the thin set to manufacturer's directions. Be sure to wear the dust mask.

Now you are ready to spread thin set on surface using the putty knife. You will want to work in small areas until you get used to the installation process. To start just spread enough adhesive to cover one full sheet of your glass tile. Trowel throughout thin set using long straight strokes. Hold the trowel at a 45 degree angle to get the proper depth of 1/16". Be sure to wipe excess thin set back into bucket.

Position first sheet PAPER SIDE OUT. Get it exactly where you want it then gently press the sheet down using a flat 2x4. This will ensure that all of the tiles touch the thin set. You don't want any of the adhesive to squish up between your tiles. If you see this is happening then you have spread your thin set too thick. You may want to remove the sheet and clean out the thin set. Now you can try it again.

Spread another section of thin set next to the first sheet. Using 1/16" spacers place the next sheet beside the first. Press flat with the 2x4.

Continue to work in this manner until the first sheet has set for about 15 to 30 minutes (the thin set will start to harden). Take an old towel or sponge and wet the paper. You know it is ready when the paper turns a darker brown. Gently pull the paper against itself from every corner until it has completely released. If you pull straight out then you will probably pull off a tile or two.

Continue to install sheets and pull off paper until your surface is covered. Be sure to clean out the grout joints as you remove the paper using a toothpick. Once the thin set has set up it will be very difficult to remove later.

Another great thing about the glass mosaic tiles is that you can easily cut the sheets to fit around sockets or any protruding areas in your space. However, if you get to the corner and realize that the tiles are not going to fit perfectly into the corner then you will have to do some cutting. A wet saw is NOT recommended. It will just shatter the glass. We recommend using a pair of wheeled cutters for cutting the tile around fixtures. You just snap the tiles in half when needed. You can also get intricate cuts as well. Always make the cuts face into your corner. Once grouted, you will not be able to see any wobbly cuts that might occur.

After tiles have set for 24 hours, you will be ready to grout. Use another bucket to mix the grout to the manufacturer's specifications. There is no need for a latex additive for the grout. Just use water. Spread grout onto the tiles with a grout float using a back and forth motion in order to fill in all grout joints. Be sure to wipe off any excess grout off of the surface of the tiles.

Wait about 10 minutes to allow the grout to set up slightly in your joints. Then take a slightly damp sponge and start wiping the rest of the grout away. If you notice that grout is starting to come out of your joints as you wipe, then you are ready to do the final clean up. Take cheap paper towels and finish wiping the tiles. This will take the rest of the grout off of the tiles but not add water and remove the grout from your joints.

Once the grout is off of the top of the tiles, then use a stiff brush to buff the grout out of any pores. After about an hour, use a clean cloth to buff off any haze that may form. If the haze persists, then mix distilled vinegar and water. Dip a clean white cloth into the mixture and wring out well. Wipe down your tiles and the grout haze should be gone.

After grout has cured for several days, be sure to seal it with a high quality grout sealant.

NOTICE: This information is offered as a guide only. There is no guarantee. Hire a professional installer who has experience working with face-mounted glass mosaic tile.

Tammy Wise has been creating mosaic art for over 8 years. She has been published in major glass magazines and has done mosaic commission work for businesses. Tammy currently owns her own mosaic business in Owasso, Oklahoma. Tile Shack Mosaic Supplies ships superior products all over the world. Find plenty of supplies plus more information on mosaics at http://www.tileshack.com .

Make a Windmill Generator

When you make a windmill generator, the thing you want to do is get enough power off your windmill in a single year that it paid for itself. This can be easily done with some of the new and updated DIY windmill guides.

The newly designed windmill was developed about 30 years ago by the The United States government. The government ran many test on different windmill's and studied them for years, finally and ultra efficient windmill was made. And the most shocking thing is that it can be made for under 200 dollars of parts!

If you really want to spend a limited amount of money on getting a windmill the ideal thing to do would be to make one yourself. Most people tell themselves that they could never accomplish this, but actually EVERY ONE CAN. There are now step-by-step guides on building extremely efficient windmill's in under 6 hours and for under 200 dollars.

The perfect windmill guide will tell you exactly what parts you will need, where you can pick-up the parts, and how much should be spent on each individual part. A good DIY guide will allow you to build a windmill in 1 day with no confusion.

Over 50,000 windmill guide's have already been sold. People are already starting to save huge amounts of money on there electricity bills each month. Another great benefit about windmill guides is that they encourage your neighbor's to get into wind energy. By the end of the year I would think that half of your neighbor's will have a windmill also.

Yes, you can build your own windmill today. In fact, you can even save 95% off your electric/power bill right now (or completely eliminate them).

I highly recommend one of the quick & easy guides for building your windmill and start putting more money in your pocket where it belongs.

----> DIY Windmill Guide

You won't be sorry. Check out that link now and put an end to over-priced power bills forever.

I have bought and tested the top 10 DIY windmill guides and put a review of the top 2 Guides Here: WindEnergyReviews.Com/Top2WindmillGuidesThatActuallyWork

Before you do anything else, click the link above to get your DIY windmill guide. I highly recommend it.

Options For Sun Room Installation

Having an enclosed patio constructed is not an over-night process. Sun room installation takes careful planning, construction skills and an ability to stick with the job and get it done right. Fortunately, homeowners will discover they have several options available to them to make this dream become reality.

There are three main choices for getting a sun room installed. They are:

From-scratch, do-it-yourself building - Homeowners who are capable of reading blueprints and happen to be handy with tools can build sunrooms from the ground up on their own. Very simple designs, for example, can often be tackled by beginners. The process does require careful planning and a fair amount of work, but it can be done.

Using a kit - When handling some of the work, but not all of it appeals, kit construction can be a smart choice. While the homeowner (or a contractor) will handle the actual installation, much of the technical construction will already be taken care of when a kit is ordered. Companies that specialize in creating kits for sunrooms basically put these together so homeowners only have to assemble pre-sized and pre-cut pieces as they follow along with detailed instructions.

Relying on a contractor - There are construction companies that specialize in the design and installation of sunrooms. This is an excellent choice for homeowners who don't have the skills or inclination to handle installation personally. The option is also wise for the creation of particularly complicated designs. Going with a contractor might cost more, but it can be a very sound investment.

Sun room installation does present itself with several options. The best route to take will depend on personal preference, budget considerations and the complexity of the desired design. Sometimes homeowners can handle installation, but in other cases it's just smart to rely on a pro.

For more information on sunroom additions and other sunrooms and related topics, visit DIYSunroomsInfo.com.

8 Tips to Compare Replacement Window Contractors

This is a quick-guide so you should not expect something lengthy and winding.

Age Of Business

Consider the age of the business; the longer the age of the business the better. Why? Because it reflects back to the kind of quality of service they deliver. Consider it a plus if the business still operates or has a branch in the same area since inception.

Experience Of Team

Sometimes a replacement window contractor might be new but has experienced management and employees. This means you do need to take experience into consideration as well.

Ask For Quotations

Do not take the first replacement window contractor that comes your way. I always advocate for at least 3 quotations before settling with one. One time I had a contractor finish a job without telling me a price - let's just say I live to regret the day I let them in to my home without prescreening them.

Know their suppliers

Sometimes it is wise to know whom they deal with. Most of them have exclusive relationships with well-known reputable manufacturers and some buy from second hand shops. You obviously want to make sure they buy their stock from reputable companies.

Must be within the same area

This will eliminate transport costs and will make it easier for you to visit their offices at anytime you feel like it and yes! the need does come up at times.

Turn around time

Ask them about their turn around time. Some may offer an affordable service at the expense of finishing the job on time.

Referrals by neighbors

You are obviously not the only one who's had his or her windows replaced. Do ask your friends and neighbors. The more a contractor comes up when you ask different people the more it means you should really consider them.

Response time

Once you have a shortlist, try sending them some few questions and see how fast they respond and how they respond. You will be able to take it from there.

Use a reliable prescreening service - reliable being the keyword

There are a number of these online but you can click here to check this one out right away. This is not the only prescreening service online but I have used them and was happy with their service.

They will help you find a pre-screened, well-known replacement window company in your area in seconds. They compare companies in their nationwide network and help you find the one with the exact combination of service, products and value you're looking for.

Don't hire a contractor before you check out

http://bestreviewsonline.net/guide-to-windows

Building a Wind Generator For Your Home

With the price of conventional fossil fuels going up and up and a lot of damage being done to the global environment, a number of people have begun searching for alternative solutions to satisfy their energy needs. Building a wind generator is, along with building a solar generator, one of the most popular ways that individual people can generate their own electricity and make a difference to the environment and to their own energy bills as well. While tapping the power of the wind may have seemed like a difficult feat in the past, there are a number of fantastic instructional books out there that can make it so much easier. Building your own wind power generator in your own home is a totally achievable feat that can be done with minimal technical knowledge and minimal initial investment.

Tapping the power of the wind can be a hit or miss procedure, so it is a good idea to get educated before you start to build your device. By understanding the nature of wind you can make sure that when your turbine goes up it is in the right place that will generate the most electricity for your home. While wind may in theory be simply a mass movement of air particles, its speed and energy mean that it needs to be carefully harnessed. A well designed wind machine will gather some of the available wind energy without taking it all, as the turbine needs to be continually affected by the wind and not made to slow down too much. Calculations have shown that no more than 60% of the wind energy can be extracted without adversely affecting the performance of the generator.

Another important consideration worthy of some thought is the patterns of the wind in the area of instillation. While a casual observer may not see any such patterns in the wind, seasons and temperatures do dramatically affect performance. Getting the balance right between low and high wind areas is also important to a successfully operated generator. Making a wind generator and using a wind turbine is a fantastic and enriching thing to do, both for yourself and for the planet. With a few simple considerations, some common sense and much less money than you would imagine, it is possible to start generating your own electricity and doing your little bit for the future of the planet and the future health of your personal energy bills.

Greg Morgan is a professional writer and blogger who is passionate about green issues and DIY technology. Please visit this blog - Make Your Own Energy to start on your path to generating your own electricity.

Having a Healthy Contractor Business

Budgeting is one of the biggest pains in the neck in any business including the contractor business. But, any good successful long term contractor knows it is absolutely necessary for success. The mentioning of budgeting can make just about anyone's teeth hurt. This is especially the case with any contractor who loves his or her business because it is all about making something from your skills. Who wants to be sitting with a pencil, paper and calculator figuring out numbers? You want to be out there constructing something. Well, you can get to it right after you figure out your budget!

There are really two budgets you need to have as a contractor. Well, there are more than two but let's use the two major ones as an example. There is the yearly budget where you figure out how much it will cost to stay in business, how much you can generate in sales and how much you want to make in profit. Then there is the project by project budget which has to fit into their yearly budget at certain intervals. Each one has to be done with care with the numbers being as accurate as possible. This is important because too many times people fudge their budgets and then wonder later on why their business failed. Don't fall into that trap.

Anyone in the contractor business needs to be realistic in figuring out there yearly and project by project budgets. There is no sense in lying to yourself, be honest about what you feel you can and cannot do. A reasonable and conservative budget can always be adjusted later on if things go right. But, a sloppy and over optimistic budget can cause some serious financial damage to your company. Every contractor wants to succeed but it is the ones with an obtainable really budget that get ahead. And, in this economy that it is ever more important to have a budget and live by it.

So, yeah it stinks to have to come up with a budget but it is one of the single most important things you can do for your contractor business and you will be happy you did at the end of the year and at the end of each project. Being on budget or ahead of budget feels great! Going the other way can really bring you down, literally. So do your homework and make a budget that works.

Josh Macmichael

http://www.contractorblab.com
http://www.contractorblabblog.com

Get Off of the Grid

Would you like to learn how you can get off of the grid with your own homemade power system? Many homes have already gone off of the grid after their owners installed renewable energy systems to run the house. Some examples of such systems include wind mills and solar panels. Some people have been able to use them to cover 50% of their house's energy needs, while other luckier ones are able to fully cover all their electric bills.

1. Is It Really Possible to Get Off of the Grid with Renewable Energy Systems?

With an instructional guide and video website, I have been able to get my own renewable power system set up for less than $200 in total costs. Another option would be to purchase them at retail prices which are generally much higher due to the high markups and profits that companies need to make.

2. Download Step by Step Guides and Watch Tutorial Videos Online

The site that I have used provided me with step by step instructions with diagrams that show me exactly how to assemble the solar and wind powered systems. Every step are also demonstrated live in video tutorials which I felt useful because I have never build such systems myself before. These home-made power construction system guides are available in both physical and digital downloadable format.

3. What Types of Off the Grid Power Systems Can Be Built at Home?

The most effective and affordable ones would be wind turbines and solar panels. These 2 systems are capable of converting free natural power into electricity to run household appliances. A battery system can also be setup to store excessively produced energy that can be used when there is no more wind or sunlight available.

Are you looking to Get Off The Grid? Download the Best Step-By-Step Home Energy Guides at http://www.renewableenergysystemreview.com first!

The author has managed to reduce his energy bill by more than 80% by building his own renewable home energy system. Check out his website above to find out how to do it!

Stained Glass Construction

There are two ways to make stained glass, leaded or copper foiled. The major difference between the two is in the construction. With leaded stained glass, the glass is fitted into channels of lead came. In contrast, copper foiled stained glass is constructed by wrapping each piece of glass with copper foil.

Leaded stained glass historically is found in churches. It was during the Victoria Era where leaded stained glass was introduced into homes and has remained a popular method of constructing stained glass ever since.

Foiled stained glass was mastered by Tiffany in the early 1900's and soon after became a popular method for creating stained glass.

Common Questions:

Is one method better than the other?

The simple answer is no. A better answer is that it depends on the artist and the design.

What is the difference in leaded and foiled construction?

With leaded stained glass, the construction must begin at an outer corner, the individual pieces are fitted into lead came. Once all pieces are cut and placed in lead came, the joints of came are soldered. Then the piece is cemented.

With foiled stained glass, the construction can begin at any point in the design and worked out from there. The individual pieces are wrapped in copper foil and soldered together.

When is foiled stained glass construction better than lead?

With intricate designs, foiled construction is superior

When is lead construction better than foiled?

Leaded construction is used most often with designs that have repetitive geometric shapes. These designs can be foiled, but construction time is increased.

Which is easier?

There is no simple answer for this. It is really a personal preference. Leaded, foiled or combination of the two are used throughout the stained glass industry.

Is leaded or foiled construction better than the other?

No, each method, if done correctly, will provide the same long lasting beauty and endurance.

Why is foiled construction taught to beginners doing stained glass?

The cementing in leaded construction tends to be messy. Foiled construction can be started and stopped, making weekly classes work.

What are the steps for making leaded stained glass?

1. Stained glass is cut, shaped and fitted into channels of lead came.
2. Joints of lead came are soldered.
3. The piece is cemented
4. The piece is cleaned and polished

What are the steps for making foiled stained glass?

1. Stained glass is cut and shaped, and then each piece is wrapped in copper foil.
2. Copper foil seams are soldered together.
3. The piece is cleaned and polished.

My Personal Choice:

I tend to do a lot of intricate designs, so I use the foiled construction method. It provides the flexibility and detail I need for my designs.

Author: Maureen Summy
Creativity-in-Glass http://www.creativity-in-glass.com

If you would like more detailed information for making stained glass using the foiled method, check out http://www.creativity-in-glass.com/howtomakestainedglass.html

I started out as a stained glass admirer. After a class in stained glass, I became addicted. At first I made stained glass to decorate my homes, which lead to friends asking me to make stained glass for them. Now I am a full time professional making stained glass as well as instructing others on how to make stained glass. My studio is located outside of Chicago, Illinois. For more information on making stained glass go to http://www.creativity-in-glass.com

House Drywall Application - Home Building Tips

Let's start with the basic eight-foot sheet of drywall. Most drywall contractors apply drywall horizontally however I have seen some contractors working with metal stud framing install 10 foot sheets of drywall vertically.

The reasons for installing the 10 foot sheets of drywall up and down or vertically in this situation are quite simple. There is no structural strength required in these walls because they are simply partitions dividing rooms and usually the drywall only needs to be finished up to 9 feet. This is the only time I have seen drywall ran vertically.

In a wood framed house the drywall actually adds a little sheer value to the home itself.

The manufacturer suggests installing eight-foot sheets of drywall horizontally. The horizontal application of drywall means installing the 4 foot side of the drywall up and down and the eight-foot side of the drywall side to side.

What is the reason for installing the 4 x 8 sheets horizontally?

When it comes to finishing the drywall the 4 foot seams that run up and down or vertical will not be as noticeable as a seam running up and down the entire wall. If you haven't read one of my last articles on eye level window setting then let me give you a brief eye level education.

A person 5'8" in height will be more apt to notice things between 4'6" off the ground and 6'6" off the ground. If we ran the drywall vertical there is a good chance the eyes would be able to pick up any finishing flaws in the drywall. Running the drywall horizontally will just put us a little out of range from the lower eye level of 4 foot six with our finish.

Another reason for installing the drywall horizontally is there is a good chance your eyes would be able to pick up four foot lines in the wall going from floor to ceiling quite easily. On older homes you will see lines in the ceilings about every 24 inches. This is because the plaster or drywall ceilings is starting to sag in between the ceiling joist.

These lines are difficult to do anything about once the drywall is finished. The only alternative you would have is to remove the ceiling and re-drywall and finish it.

Drywall ran vertically will tend to crack easier than staggered drywall ran horizontally. The four foot section of drywall is stronger than the 8 foot section. If you stagger your drywall breaks every four feet this will increase the strength of your wall as well.

Try not to break the drywall at any door openings. The door openings seem to crack easily from the corners working their way towards the ceiling. Let the drywall run over the doorway and then cut the doorway out leaving the rough door opening during wallboard installation.

If you have ever seen a house that was drywalled by a professional crew the waste is unbelievable. The reason for this is simply that the drywall contractor does not want to come back and patch cracks in the walls three or four years after he is done. It can be quite labor intensive installing scrap pieces of drywall versus using larger sheets to cover the same area.

Don't forget and always remember that. Horizontal installation of drywall is recommended by the manufacturer.

Greg Vanden Berge is working on the internet to promote the education for creating simple to follow guides and home building books to help professional building contractors as well as the weekend warriors. He is currently working on more Building and Remodeling Library and adding useful content to help solve problems created by the lack of construction knowledge in the building industry.

Dimmer Switches - a Guide to Types available and Their Use

The Use of Dimmer Switches

Basically dimmer switches are use to vary the brightness of light bulbs. They are used mainly for incandescant bulbs and halogens, but there will shortly be on the market a compact fluorescent (energy saving) bulb which can be controlled with a dimmer switch, although these bulbs will be relatively expensive. Dimmer switches save energy, in that a bulb dimmed to, say, half power only uses about half the electricity, there being very little consumption in the switch itself. Most cheaper dimmer switches contain a high current variable resistor which is run in series with the bulb. Some more expensive ones dim the bulb electronically, but for normal home use I would recommend the former. Some contain fuses, and if the dimmer switch fails, check if a fuse inside it has blown. This is particularly liable to happen if the bulb blows.

Different Types of Dimmer Switches

The most common is a wall switch, which replaces an ordinary light switch. They are easy to fit. There are 2 terminals on one way switches, and the wires can fit either way round. There are 3 terminals on 2 way switches, usually marked 'C', 'L1', and 'L2'. Just connect the wires on the dimmer switch exactly as they were on the original switch. A 2 way switch can be used as a one way one, leaving either the 'L1' or 'L2' terminal not used. In a 2 way switch system, only one switch is replaced with a dimmer, and this controls the brightness. The other switch just switches the light(s) on or off, the brightness being determined by where the dimmer switch is set.
Pull cord dimmer switches for bathrooms are available. With these, you just keep pulling the cord, until the desired brightness is reached.
In-line dimmer switches for floor and table lamps can be wired into the mains flex. Alternatively, for these lamps, plug-in dimmer swithes are very simple to use. No wiring is involved; the unit plugs into the mains socket, and the lamp plugs into this. Dimming is controlled by a small rotary knob on the plug-in unit.

Considerations When Using a Dimmer Switch

Dimmer switches are rated with maximum and minimum load wattages, say typically 40W to 400W. This means the total bulb wattage that the dimmer switch controls must be within these limits. If using mains halogen bulbs, leave plenty of spare capacity; ideally double the wattage of the bulbs to get the maximum load wattage of the dimmer switch. 12 volt halogen bulbs can give problems with dimmer switches. If you want to use one, make sure the transformer can be used with a dimmer switch and vice versa, otherwise the lights may flicker and there may be an appreciable hum. Your retailer will give you advice on this.
There are commomly two types of dimmer switches - push on/push off and those which click off or on at the end of the knob rotation. The former have the advantage that the previous dimmed setting is maintained the next time it is switched on, but I prefer the latter, as I think they increase bulb life. The bulb is always brought up from zero to full brightness, rather than applying the full voltage to it immediately it is switched on. This more gradual increase is better for the life of the bulb.

Dimming Low Energy Bulbs

These cannot generally be easily dimmed. As has been said above, a compact fluorescent will soon be available which can be used with a dimmer switch, but I think a better option is to buy one which can be dimmed with an ordinary switch. These are already available - see the link below. LED lighting again cannot be easily dimmed at present, but this is generally not very bright, and dimming is usually not needed with these.

Barrie Newton B.Sc.
Owner of Rhyl Lightworks Co
http://www.thelightworks.net
or for information on dimmer switches:
http://www.thelightworks.net/index.php?main_page=index&cPath=68_52
For information on dimmable energy saving bulbs:
http://www.thelightworks.net/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=37_73&products_id=753

How Hard Is It To Build Straight Stairs in California

Thinking of doing it yourself. wondering if you can do it. The Contractor down the street made it look easy. But how am I going to build a set of stairs for my house. It starts with a little information, maybe a book, I know I will surf the net and get the info. Why bother with spending the time looking on the internet for a article or book on how to build stairs. I have done it and that's why I wrote a book and their are more books coming on how to build stairs.

My goal is to write a book on every way of building stairs. I am going to make the stair building books easy to follow with lots of simple illustrations. I understand that getting one book on stair building that explains how to build 500 different types of stairs with 3000 illustrations might not apply to you. These books are nice for a building professional or a master carpenter but are difficult to understand.

I have made these books easy to follow with the use of illustrations that only apply to the set of stairs you will be building. The book "How to Build a Strait Set of Stairs" is a complete stair building guide for a strait set of stairs with a 2 x 4 handrail. In this book you will have access to formulas for decimal conversions to fractions. Then you will be able to locate the exact mark for certain measurements. It isn't hard to build a straight set of stairs with this book and the website links provided for you.

If you feel comfortable with a hammer, tape measure and a circular saw. You will be amazed with the results. I have been helping people build stairs for almost 30 years with this easy to follow stair building system. I have trained other carpenters to build stairs with most of them telling me the same thing. How easy it was to build but they thought you had to be a master carpenter in order to build a set of stairs. The main reason for this way of thinking was that when it was time to build the stairs on the job guess who would build the stairs. The Master Carpenter of course.

You can do it with a little help from a friend. www.stair4u.com Get some help from the best home improvement contractor in California.

Greg Vanden Berge is working on the internet to promote the education for creating simple to follow guides and home building books to help professional building contractors as well as the weekend warriors. He is currently working on more building stairs books and adding useful content to help solve problems created by the lack of construction knowledge in the building industry.