How Essential is Fire Safety Awareness

Thousands of fire incidents happen every year, especially in the workplace. Lives, money and businesses are lost; with lack of knowledge about preventive measures, it's the same thing as letting a thief inside. People always assume it can't happen to them, but there's a saying that it's better to be safe than sorry right? Why risk everything when you can prevent it to happen.

Here are few important safety and prevention tips everyone needs to know:

1. Proper training- Before we can use an extinguisher, we must have a proper training on how to distinguish and operate a fire extinguisher. First aid training is also a must.

2. Proper storage- Some chemicals are flammable, we must place it in a proper storage away from areas vulnerable to fire.

3. Proper garbage disposal- We never thought garbage can start a fire, but yes it can. We should be very cautious in throwing anything in our garbage can, such as used batteries or cigarettes, because it can start a fire. Garbage must be cleaned and disposed regularly and properly.

4. Malfunctioned electrical wiring- Instead of buying a substandard wiring, we must buy those that are highly recommended. We always think of buying the things where we can save money. This is very understandable. However, we shouldn't take the risk when it comes to things like this because if fire occurs due to faulty wirings then you will lose everything and all you could do is regret.

5. Fire exit- Every workplace must have a fire exit that every employee should know.

6. Fire alarm and fire hose must be properly installed.

7. Fire department's telephone numbers must always be posted near the telephone to easily contact them while the fire is just starting. This will help them respond on time before the fire gets bigger.

8. Inspection of wirings on regular basis is also important. By doing this we would be able to identify which wirings could possibly cause fire in the future.

9. Conduct safety measures- Discuss to everyone important safety measures that should be done when a particular situation arises; this is to prevent possible injuries or death to workers. Daily safety tool box talk can be also done by the workers to discuss and share solutions to a possible problem that might happen in their workplace.

10. Putting of signboards can also be done, like the signs that indicate escape routes and exits.

11. There should be a smoke detector in every workplace. Make sure you change the battery every six months. Install one battery operated and one powered by electricity so that when battery operated fails to work properly, there wouldn't be a problem since you have installed one that is powered by electricity, and vice versa. Test each installed smoke detector every month. Remember smoke detectors have saved lives!

12. Rechargeable lights are safer to use than candles during power outages. But if you don't have one, you can use candle with precautions. Candles shouldn't be left unattended and it should be kept away from anything that can easily start a fire such as curtains, papers, gas stoves, among others.

13. Never try to repair any electrical appliances if you don't have the right training, just so to save money for the repairs. Let the service technician do the job instead.

14. Always unplug any electrical appliances that are not in use. Not only does it consume electricity, but it can also be a cause of fire. Use extensions temporarily and not permanently. Make sure it is working properly and carries its proper load.

Near-miss incidents should always be recounted to the persons involved for them to acquire fire safety awareness and also to prevent those incidents from happening again.

Jo is a writer for 'Phoenix Safety Services Ltd' (http://www.phoenixsafety.co.uk), a well-known consultant in personalized Health and Safety Training that are given to various customers throughout UK and Europe. If your company requires you to attend a Fire Safety Awareness Training or would like to train you and your co-workers with the basic useful information and skills in knowing the fundamental dangers of fire and fire deterrence measures then have a look at Phoenix Safety Services Ltd.

Bad Termite Damage To Window

Hiring a Contractor - Vista Handyman

The first question you need to ask yourself when remodeling a bathroom is can you actually do the work yourself or do you have someone that can help you with the remodeling. If you don't know anyone and can't do the work yourself, I would suggest hiring a contractor with experience remodeling bathrooms.

If you can do the work yourself or think you could do the work yourself, why not give it a shot. Any experience you have in construction or home remodeling, is going to be beneficial to your bathroom remodeling project. There is plenty of information on the internet or in your local libraries on bathroom remodeling and these often prove to be great resources for do it yourselfers.

As an experienced contractor I have gathered a great deal of information through books, at work and watching local home improvement shows. The biggest problem with the show's and quite a few of these books, is they don't provide enough information. Most of the time they provide you with the basics of bathroom remodeling and you could soon find yourself in trouble or seeking the advice from a home improvement professional.

The largest benefit for doing the bathroom remodeling project yourself, could be the money you save, along with the satisfaction of completing the project. It makes homeowners feel good when they've completed a large home remodeling project, like a bathroom remodel.

If you don't have the time, lack the experience or a combination of both, I would suggest hiring a contractor to relieve you from the stress and frustration of your bath remodeling project. The more complex your bathroom remodeling project is, the greater the degree of difficulty, the longer it will take to complete the project. Some of these projects can take up a lot of your time.

If you're working on galvanized water supply pipes or old cast iron waste pipes, you could find yourself hiring a plumber to install your bathtub and fixtures. These old pipes create problems for most do it yourselfers and I would suggest hiring a professional, whenever you run into a problem you don't feel comfortable with.

Choosing to tackle some of these difficult problems yourself, could lead to water leaks and more damage to the home eventually costing you even more money than the original cost of hiring an experienced plumber in the first place. When it comes to water, structural framing and electricity, think twice, especially if you're not experienced in these areas.

My advice to do it yourselfers is to hire a professional if you're not comfortable or seek the advice from a contractor or someone with considerable experience bathroom remodeling.

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 has just finished a Home Buyers Guide to take some of the frustration out of home shopping.

If your looking for some more House Remodeling Pictures or home building ideas.

Types of Foundations - San Diego Construction

The foundation is the first part of a home that is constructed. It creates a base for the rest of a home's parts. If a foundation is not good, the rest of the house will have problems. Because there are options for choosing a foundation type, builders and home owners have an important decision to make. Any decision concerning a foundation should be made while keeping in mind the cost, market demand, soil composition, and weather conditions of the area.

There are three main types of foundations: full-height basement, crawlspace, and slab-on-grade. All of these foundations do a more than adequate job of supporting a house.

Full-Height Basement

Full-height basement foundations provide an accessible space between the soil and the bottom of the first floor of a home. This space can be finished to provide extra space for a family or left unfinished and used primarily for storage. This type of foundation provides more head room for individuals than a crawlspace will allow.

This foundation type is typical in an area with a colder climate where the foundation needs to be below the frost level. A foundation needs to be below the frost level to prevent it from cracking.

Crawlspace

A crawlspace foundation creates an accessible space with limited headroom between the soil and the bottom of the first floor. This type of foundation is predominantly used in areas with heavy clay content in the soil.

The crawlspace foundation does not provide a new room for a family to use but it does allow for ample storage.

Slab-on-Grade

Slab-on-grade foundations are the least complicated of the foundations. It is just a structural concrete slab poured directly on the dirt. There is no accessible space between the foundation and the dirt because the foundation sits on the dirt.

This type of foundation is popular in areas that have a high water table. The water table is the depth to which an individual must dig before he or she can find water.

All of these foundations are generally constructed from concrete. There are options to concrete though. The two main ones are Concrete Masonry Units (CMUs) and Insulated Concrete Forms (ICFs).

Concrete Masonry Units (CMUs) are hollow, concrete blocks similar to cinder blocks. The hollow portions are filled with concrete from top to bottom to hold the blocks together and to hold the wall together.

Insulated Concrete Forms (ICFs) are rigid foam insulation forms into which concrete is poured. The insulation forms are made of a mold, hardware, and any necessary bracing a wall or foundation could use.

After the concrete hardens in the form, the outside, the inside, or both forms are removed. This type of construction is common in areas that have building codes which require insulated foundations. The biggest benefit of this type of foundation is that the homeowner or builder can immediately finish the basement without adding studs.

Joseph Devine

If you would like more information concerning foundations or the home building process, please visit http://brchomes.com/article_choosing_a_custom_builder.aspx. Their team will be more than happy to answer any questions you may have concerning foundations or any other aspect of your home

Building a Porch

If you are a do-it-yourselfer, you probably don't want to call a contractor to build a porch onto your home; not when you know that building one is something you are perfectly capable of doing yourself. After all, it is something anybody can do, provided that they have the right tools, a high patience level, some people to help with the lifting and a good set of instructions or plans.

Building a porch is a fantastic project, but it requires a lot of work. It is a lot different than building a simple front stoop. After all, it is going to serve as an extended entry way to your home. You want it to be well built and have some character.

You will need to decide how big you want it to be. Go outside and measure out just how much square footage your porch will need. You will need to know this information when it comes time to buy the materials needed to complete the project.

Before you start building one, however, you will want to make sure that you have the legal right to do so. Adding anything onto your home usually takes permits from the city and sometimes the county. There are regulations that will need to be followed and you will need to have your property inspected before you even begin your materials shopping.

When you go to buy the materials make sure your materials are pressure treated or is wood that has been given some elemental protection so that it will be able to stand up to the weather for a long time. You might also think about getting some protective paint or stain. In addition to the flooring, you will also need to buy enough wood to build the frame and supports. This will take wooden beams in various dimensions. If you do not have experience in this sort of thing, a call to a contractor or an experienced lumber person will be able to tell you what you need.

Another option when it comes to building a porch is to build a concrete floored one. Of course, in order to do this you will want to have had some experience with mixing and pouring concrete. If you do not have experience with this, you will want to enlist somebody who does have experience to help you.

Depending on the size, building a porch can be a huge undertaking or merely a weekend project. Small side ones shouldn't take long, but one that is larger takes time, effort and a few permits. You will still be able to save a lot of money by building it yourself. After all, anybody can do it. It just takes the right materials, the right tools and a few people to help you lift the heavier materials. When you are done, you will have a porch that your family will enjoy for years to come.

For more information on how to build a porch and other porches related topics visit The DIY Home Guide at http://www.thediyhomeguide.com

Why Foundation Repair Cannot Be Ignored

Foundation repair is the most complicated and the most expensive type of repair your home will ever need. This is the reason why so many people go to school to get training specifically to become a foundation repair contractor. Foundation repair is not something most people like to think about. Foundation problems can be a stressful, potentially costly endeavor, filled with uncertainty, particularly if not done professionally. Foundation Repair is needed when your foundation begins to settle. This can be caused by building on expansive clay, compressible or improperly compacted fill soils, or improper maintenance around foundations. Mother Nature plays a big part in this also depending on the state you live in and how cold your winters can get.

Foundation repairs are usually quite expensive, but are an essential home improvement. Foundation repairs are often difficult and expensive, so it's important to build the foundation correctly the first time. The Build A Better Home program from APA- The Engineered Wood Association is designed to provide builders and homeowners with the construction guidelines they need to protect their homes against damaging moisture infiltration. Foundation repairs aren't easily performed, so breathe deep, sit back and hope for the best. When your choices are few and far between, you need to find the best contractor for the job. The lowest price is not always the best way to go and if you choose to make your final decision on just that fact, be prepared to be disappointed most of the time.

Cracks that are buckling, bowing, sinking and other defects are commonly caused by the foundation settling, unstable or shifting soil, environmental conditions or even poor landscaping design. When left untreated, these seemingly minor problems can become a major headache and lead to serious structural damage. The earlier you catch this problem and try to fix it the better your chances of it not costing a fortune.

Foundation repair can't be ignored. The "traditional" answer to foundation repair has been to erect "piers" to jack up the foundation and raise it off the expansive clay soil. Piers have several distinct disadvantages and drawbacks. Foundation repair can be expensive and tricky. You'll want to shop around and get several bids from several different contractors as well as have a look at their experience in such matters. Foundation repair can be the most expensive repair that you will make to a property. One of the saddest things I've heard in the investment community are the stories of investors who have purchased a property, rehabbed it, and put it on the market only to have the buyer's inspector tell them there was a problem with the foundation.

Cracks and other damage can look unattractive, reduce the overall value of your home and lead to more serious structural problems. Steps can be taken to fix foundations to maintain the quality and value of most homes. Cracks usually develop in the floors and grade beams of buildings having an abnormal degree of differential settlement. The cracks in concrete are normal and could be a symptom of differential settlement and not the problem.

Foundation repair is critical to address as soon as you suspect a problem. For starters, the sooner you fix a failing foundation, the less damage it will cause. My best advice any professional contractor can give a homeowner in need of foundation repair is to remedy the problem as soon as possible before it gets worse and leads to several costly other repairs.

DiCicco Building Company has been a Michigan Remodeling contractor for over 20 years. We are also leaders in Kitchen and Bath Remodeling along with being an award winning custom residential home builder. We also specialize in Finished Basements and home additions.

The Tools You Need for Internet Success

Well, the holidays are quickly fading into memories. Its time to be up and running for internet marketers everywhere. Beginning the search once again for the ultimate promotional tool that will finally hit the magic button and ensure success begins. It would appear to me in talking with different people daily about successfully marketing websites...how to do this and how to do that...what to do and what not to do...most times are very frustrating for most people. They seem to want to spend more time surfing for answers, attending training sessions, listening to other network marketers and joining other programs than they do just sitting down and going to work.

I may seem to harp on this one detail very much, but I personally believe that if a person wants to truly know how to become successful on the internet today, its very important that they become laser focused and begin to write articles and press releases.

These two simple...and very inexpensive ways to propel websites to top positions are sometimes passed by for more elaborate programs that people pay for in order to assure their success on the net. You know, results speak for themselves. I have bought the programs, I have attended the training sessions, I have listened to what others are doing and there is one thing for sure, while training and talking might be of some value, the bottom line in internet marketing strategies is getting off the proverbial backend and learn to write!

Learning to write is not a difficult process. The more you write...the more you can write. I have known people who try to skirt that process. They will go online and find articles that they believe to be about their keywords and basically copy and paste the articles and try to make them their own. Now you can certainly do this, but I can tell you straight up...you will accomplish very little with this tactic.

When you consider one thing about the search engine of Google it will become a little clearer to you why this will not work. Google is about one thing...and one thing only. Good original information about the website promoted. Nothing more and nothing less. When a person types in a word on the search engine of Google, they want the best information about that keyword phrase to be on the top spots.

Now, knowing that one key element, one can gear all efforts towards one simple thing. Put the best information, using the best relevant keywords in your websites and then writing articles about those sites in a relevant keyword rich context...and you have just accomplished top positioning for your site. This process is foolproof...it is not quick...but it works every time.

Another thing to mention here as well is the simple fact is that the more relevant links you produce to advertise your site, the higher up on the search engine your site will land. While this may sound like a simple process, most people fail to grasp that idea. I suppose that the old work ethic may appear to be outdated in this modern technological age, but I personally think that there is no substitute for effort.

The results on the search engines do not come from some automated software program. They come from consistently writing information about those keyword phrases, day after day, until the final outcome of top positions occurs.

It really is a simple process once it all the information soaks in and you begin the most interesting of journeys called pure internet marketing.

The whole point is to get top rating for your websites and this is the place to start. By obtaining top spots on Google, you will get the traffic...and susequently if people are interested in what you have, you will make sales...

Butch Hamilton is an SEO|SEM Specialist. Living on the internet has become a way of life...a succesful way of life. His talents for obtaining top positions on the search engines have led him to the point in his life where he has always wanted to be.

"Life-What a Ride!"

Says Mr. Hamilton, "Writing has always been my passion. Gone are the days when I placed blatant ads on the internet for exposure. I have found my life's work in writing articles.

Reliable and credible information is what the internet is all about to Butch Hamilton. His experience as a self employed building contractor...steel fabrication...has led him on an incredible journey.

He now resides in his beautiful home in Texas with his wife. Writing is the passion behind his successful promoting ability on the net.

Butch Hamilton's Quote: "What we think-is what we become."

http://ButchHamilton.com

http://butchhamiltonsbestdomains.com

http://butchhamiltons-search-engine-optimization-services.com/contact_me.html

Solving Issues With Crawl Spaces Under Your Home

First major issue is circulation. The circulation in this case, typically because there aren't many pored floors in crawl spaces is the circulation can cause mold to grow faster in a tight, dark, moist environment. Simply installing a fan to pull air out of the space and outside can solve a few issues, but it can also create quite a few.

By pulling air through the space you can coax the moisture to, through capillary action, pull more moisture through the foundation. Or when the fan isn't running, you have a direct leak for dense humid air to gather in the craw space via the fan duct. There are systems out there that you can research to find solutions to circulation. However, there is a more permanent solution to crawl spaces' moisture issues.

Encapsulation is a process that takes a high density vapor barrier (one much less permeable than a Vapor Diffuser which most contractors use on the above grade house construction.) and actually wrapping the walls and the floor in it. Essentially locking the moisture under the barrier where it can then be directed to a Sump Basin and be ejected from the house using a sump pump and discharge line.

Encapsulation, depending on your desired outcome, can be designed as either a moisture lock out or a functional storage space. By adding sub flooring under the high density Vapor Barrier you're ensuring moisture flow to the sump as well as creating a more stable floor in which to cause less friction with the above Vapor Barrier. If it's going to be a high traffic crawl space, with much moving and storage on a regular basis, then a second sheet of Vapor Barrier can be installed on top of the encapsulation to add extra strength. If someone wanted to add yet more sub flooring on top of the vapor barrier, which could also be an option.

Jacob Lee - pioneer basement - http://www.pioneerbasement.com

Remodel Your Home For Ease of Use - Universal Design and Aging in Place

As aging baby boomers consider staying in their homes, Universal Design and Aging in Place will be gaining more momentum in the years to come. Here are some practical home modification tips to promote safety, comfort and independence in everyday living.

What Is Universal Design and Aging in Place?
Universal Design is a concept that focuses on comfort, ease of access, and maneuverability within homes for all people, while aging in place is a popular lifestyle option for older homeowners preferring to safely and independently live in their homes.

Did You Know?
89% of people 50+ wish to remain in their own homes indefinitely, while National Association of Home Builders cites 75% of remodelers have seen an increase in requests for aging in place work.

Suggested Universal Design and Aging in Place home modifications include:
- Installing lights strategically to maintain a well-lit hallway

- Having non-slip interior and exterior flooring

- Replacing knobs with levers handles

- Setting up pantries and cabinetry with rollout cabinets and lazy Susans

- Mounting adequate handrails for stairways and ramps

- Building or installing a roll-in shower with multiple showerheads

- Installing a no-curb shower

Local Certified Remodeling Professionals
To address the growing number of consumers looking for local specialized professionals, the Remodelers Council of National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) has created a Certified Aging in Place Specialist (CAPS) resource directory for homeowners. You can visit their website for a list of local specialists in your area.

When remodeling for ease of use, look for simple and practical products which are safe to use and easy to maintain. With these simple and practical home modifications, you can design your home for how you would like to live now and for the future.

You are welcome to publish or reprint this article, free of charge, as long as the article remain unchanged, all hyperlinks are active, and the "About the Author" section is included in the reprint. The author is not liable for any loss profits, expenses, or any other damages resulting from the use or misuse of articles published on this website.

Villette Nolon is the President and CEO of HomeSavvi.
HomeSavvi provides free home remodeling instant inspiration. Online guide features home remodel design ideas, photos, expert advice, including bathroom and kitchen designs, budgets and costs and other helpful information.

Painting A French Door

Stair Handrailing Or Guard Rail

Before the 1980s most stairways had a handrail and to this day, most stair handrails are not considered guard rails. Well things have changed and now most stairways require a guard rail and it gripable handrail.

What's the difference between a stair handrailing and a stair guard rail, quite frankly about 6 inches. Your stair guard rails have a minimum requirement of 42 inches where stair handrails built before the 1980s had a handrailing for protection with a minimum requirement of 36 inches.

This does not mean that older stair handrails that are 36 inches tall will need to be removed and replaced, because the new building codes have changed. If you were to rebuild the stair handrail or do any work on the stairway that required a building permit, they could have you change your stair handrailing to meet current building codes.

I was helping another guy frame a new house in 2005 and while I was on the job I would mention to the owner, certain concerns of mine with other parts of the job. After a while he realized, that I knew what I'll was talking about and started to pay attention when ever I mentioned anything related to home building.

He asked me if I would be interested in building the stair handrailing system and at the time I was too busy. I reminded him of the minimum requirements for the stair guard rail, it was no longer referred to as a stair handrail and would need to be at least 42 inches in height and include a gripable handrail.

Well as you guessed it, the next time I walked into the home, I noticed a 36 inch high stair handrail. I reminded him and he wasn't too concerned, because he hired someone that knew all about building stair handrails.

The building inspector made him remove and replace the stair handrail, before he would approve the home for final inspection. Don't make the same mistakes, learn a little more about stair handrail safety and don't become another statistic in the home building industry.

Always check with your local building department, whether you're reading articles like this or asking questions to experienced contractors. Everybody makes mistakes and sometimes their information is out of date, according to new home building practices or building codes.

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

If you're interested in building stairs, whether you're a professional or a do it yourself homeowner, you should make your stair building and other construction projects as simple as possible. Check out the latest stair building tools, some of these tools can make even the average homeowner look like a building professional

Floor Framing Plumbing Problem

Future Kitchen - Dishes, Plates, Bowls and Cups Considered

Imagine a kitchen that you did not have to ever clean, it would clean itself. Imagine a kitchen that has an artificial intelligent computer that learned your taste preferences and when it cooked "for you" it would know when to add an extra dash of this or a dash of that? Imagine a kitchen where cups, dishes, bowls and plates were all the same and would shape shift into whatever you needed and then go back to the starting position of flat for easy stacking, even stacking themselves?

Well, imagine no further as these new technologies are already in the works. In the future MIT kitchen plates will be made of flexible carbon nano tube construction with a graphene coating and they will be very thin and very sturdy. The plate could be a cup, a paper airplane and/or a shape shifting serving tray for a cake. It means it can stack easier on the kitchen shelf or the kids can make their very own UFO to fly through the yard.

These might be made of high-tech polymers, or material memory plastics, perhaps they will look and fill like paper. They will clean easier, take up less space and sanitize them selves after washing and dry themselves off too. GE is working on this technology, and there was even a Discovery Channel episode on these future kitchens and plates. It makes lot of sense for Company's employee's cafeteria.

Imagine the kitchen of the future, because in a few years they will all be here. It will be healthier, take up less space and save you and your family a lot of time cleaning up and preparing meals. The future cometh and it will be good.

Learn More: http://www.engadget.com/2004/08/31/mits-kitchen-of-the-future/

"Lance Winslow" - Online Think Tank forum board. If you have innovative thoughts and unique perspectives, come think with Lance; http://www.WorldThinkTank.net/. Lance is an online writer in retirement.

Tricky Ceiling Framing

Dog Creates Remodeling Nightmare

How many homeowners normally leave their dog in the backyard or they have full time access to the backyard through a doggie door. You're probably wondering how can a little dog create a remodeling nightmare for any contractor.

This wasn't the case this dog was a large Labrador retriever and tore up everything in the backyard constantly. The house remodel we were working on was a two story room addition over a single story house. This job lasted around six months and the dog was a daily reminder of how much attention a large dog actually needs.

Let's start with the first item of value the dog actually destroyed. It was my favorite tool bags of course that I have taken care of for over five years and deeply appreciated the fact that they were broke in just the way I wanted them to be. Kind of like a baseball mitt that doesn't quite fit right because of how stiff it is until you break it in.

While the homeowner of course apologized and never even offered to replace them. Oh but after that he did mention never to leave anything lying around in the backyard. Lesson learned of course and never forgotten. Well to make a long story short this large dog could chew up tools, lumber, plumbing pipes, electrical wire and was even able to destroyed the plywood fencing we would use to keep him away.

I'm going to stop right there with the remodeling nightmare created from this dog in hopes that other contractors can learn from my valuable lesson. As a contractor you should never assume that a homeowner will replace any damaged or broken tools and materials.

As a homeowner with a dog reading this article, think about having a place to enclose the dog if necessary while remodeling work is done on your home.

I love being around dogs and other animals but sometimes a problem like this can make life extremely miserable for both parties.

Greg Vanden Berge has been building and remodeling for over 30 years and his information has proven valuable to most contractors and homeowners all over the world. He usually tries to write at least two articles a day on home improvement or remodeling problems.

Greg is in the process right now of working on a home inspection website that will revolutionize the home inspection business. He is also working on a book to help homeowners and contractors as well as other home related professions in dealing with the home inspection process.

You can visit the home inspection website currently under construction at Home Inspection Help

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Feng Shui Decorating

Feng Shui, you have heard it mentioned but still are unsure what it really is. Well let's find out the true meaning of Feng Shui. Feng Shui is the ancient Chinese art of placement and stands for wind and water. The Chinese used this system to balance out the energy patterns of their physical environment with spiritual forces. Their ultimate goal was to achieve harmony, comfort, and balance, first within their environment and then within their lives. In the Chinese culture the gentle wind and the clear waters have always been linkedwith good health and a good harvest. So from this good Feng Shui means good livelihood and good fortune. On the other had bad Feng Shui means misfortune and hardship. So Feng Shui is a very important part of the Chinese lifestyle. Feng Shui is based around Taoist and their vision and an understanding of nature. This focuses specifically on the belief that land is a living being and is filled with Chi. The ancient Chinese felt that the land's energy could either help the kingdom prosper or cause it to fail and fall apart.

There are three principles behind Feng Shui. They involve design, placement, and proportion throughout the space. Without these three principles everything would become unbalanced and interfere with a person's health and happiness within their environment. The main tools that are used during the Feng Shui analysis is the Ba-Gua which is an octagonal grid that contains the acient symbols of the great I Ching and the compass. The I Ching is an ancient oracle which is what Feng Shui is based around. Knowing the Bagua for both your home and also your work space will be a great help to you to completely understand how the connection of certain specific Feng Shui in certain areas of both your home and work space can be linked to certain areas and parts of your overall life.

Now we move on to putting the Feng Shui into your home. Generally a consultant would come into your home and look at the five elements wood, fire, earth, metal, water (xuan kong flying star (north star), color, positioning of all the furnishings, and offer out cures for the problem areas). The colors associated with Feng Shui are: wood is blue and green, fire is red and some of the items for this would be a tea light or a tamp lamp with a red shade, earth is beige and yellow and the items for this would be a terra cotta pot with soil and a rock statue, water is blue and black and the items here could be a fountain or aquarium, and metal is an accent color made up of silver, gold, copper, and bronze.

When it comes to the positioning of your furniture you should always face it in the direction of all the action such as the front door or street. This will give you the perfect flow of Feng Shui. Yang is considered to be the most active energy. It is usually lively and busy such as a public place or a flowing river. This is generally the most windowed side of your home. It should contain a nice view and it is usually a living or family room. Ying is considered the least energy. This is usually found in the sitting direction of an alley or backyard. Shade trees highlight this area making it quiet and relaxing. This can be the side of the property and you would find the bedrooms in this area.

For more Information on this topic visit http://www.buildwish.com a free Online Home Improvement Directory in 100 Cities in North America. Featuring over 2 million Real Estate classifieds, helpful articles, contests, home improvement videos, virtual home tools, Qualified Trades people, ask an expert, a moving center, get free quotes for Insurance, Moving, Mortgages, Contractors, Find Foreclosures and a finance blog that will save you money on bank rates & credit card rates.

How Do I Repair My Credit Rating?

Surely, you are aware that your credit rating is very important. A persons credit rating is a score which summarizes a persons ability to handle and pay off credits. A positive credit rating is greatly important for a person to obtain a loan in the future. Working to improve your credit rating is a long, disciplined effort, so if youre asking how do I repair my credit rating?, you should be prepared to stretch your patience. Aside from that, a persons credit rating will also affect the interest rates he will have to pay in case he obtains a loan. Someone who has a low credit rating will most likely be faced with higher interest rates, if only to make up for the higher risk the lender is facing.

Before you try to get a loan, double-check your credit rating or your FICO score. The FICO score, which stands for the Fair Isaac and Co. score is a widely-used credit rating system. The Fair Isaac and Co. is the company that started the credit rating system wherein a persons credit history is evaluated and a person is given a FICO score. Although the FICO score may not be proven to be accurate, a lot of people still think that it is reliable.

How do you repair your credit rating or your FICO score? The first step that needs to be done is to check whether you have a credit report or not. If you do have one, check the information listed on your records and make sure theyre updated and recent information. Your personal background and details will greatly affect your status as a debtor.

After this, try to narrow down your debts as much as you can. Focus your efforts on paying off overdue payments and installments. These are the items that will have the most impact on your credit rating. Another way how you can repair your credit rating is to give your credit card a little breathing space. If you cant avoid using those plastics, just make sure you dont go near your credit limits. Creditors dont just check whether you are able to pay; they also consider your borrowing or spending habits as well.

You can also narrow down the number of your credit cards to just a couple. A long credit list followed by a continuous stream of adding and changing cards to go after the lowest rates that are being offered will not look well on a credit record and will affect your credit rating. So if you want to repair your credit rating, you will need a lot of discipline when it comes to spending, not just paying off debts.

Of course, the best way how you can repair your credit rating is still to avoid any major problems in the first place. For some tips on how to raise your FICO score, you can check the Fair Isaac and Co. website. Also, to maintain a good credit rating, pay your bills on time and work within a specified budget.

For more information and assistance on how to improve your credit rating check out: How To Repair My Credit Rating

Broken Fire Hydrant Home Damage

Xbox Three Red Light Error Repair Tips to Get You Gaming Again in Under One Hour

If you're being frustrated by the dreaded Xbox three red light error, then don't despair any longer! Today you are going to learn some of the most simple Xbox 360 repair tips that you can use to fix the Xbox red death and get gaming again as quickly as possible. Don't put up with Xbox red ring errors any longer- you can fix them yourself, starting with what you will learn in the next few hundred words.

* If you want to fix Xbox three red light problems on your console, then it's important that you understand the causes of the red ring of death. Overheating is actually the main culprit, as it causes damage to various components, which eventually results in malfunctioning and the Xbox red death. If you want to fix your broken Xbox 360, you will need to address the overheating problem, as well as the damage that it has caused to your console.

* The best way to fix the Xbox red ring problem is to carry out the repairs yourself. Although it is possible to send your console away to Microsoft for repair and refurbishment, this will take a number of weeks and can cost upwards of $100. By fixing the Xbox three red light error yourself, you will save large amounts of time and money.

* In order to fix a broken Xbox, you will need a repair guide which contains all of the necessary video instructions. Videos provide a much higher level of detail than writing ever will, and therefore you will be able to fix the red ring of death much more quickly, easily and reliably.

* You can get Xbox red death repair guides online in digital download format. All you need to use one is a computer. When purchasing one, to ensure you get the best deal, you should be looking for a money back guarantee, free video samples, as well as a price of less than $30.

If you want to save time, effort and money when it comes to repairing your Xbox three red light problems then please click the link to learn about the best repair guide with high quality videos for fixing your Xbox console and beating the red ring of death. Don't put up with Xbox flashes red lights errors any longer- with the right instructional videos you can fix your Xbox in under one hour, and for only a small amount of money.

James Philipson has been involved in the electronics industry for over 10 years and has repaired more than 30 Xbox 360 consoles since the platform's release over two years ago. He is well known and well respected in the Xbox 360 repair industry.

Linoleum Edge Lifting

Generate Your Own Power Now - Go Off Grid With Wind and Solar Power!

Wind power and solar power are becoming increasingly important in today's world of high energy prices, global warming and environmental awareness. More and more homes and offices have solar panels on their roofs, and the huge rotating fins of wind farms are becoming more and more familiar across our landscape. The problem is that even with alternative energy, it's the major players who are set to benefit most - you, the home owner, still has to pay for his or her electricity, no matter how it's produced. So why don't you have solar or wind power in your home yet? Is it because you think its too expensive?

In fact, you can have your own solar or wind powered system setup in your own home for less than $200! This may surprise you, but the reality is that most of the components required to build a solar energy or wind energy system are basic and readily available. For example, wind generators don't use any complex high-tech components. Think about the alternator in your car - it generates electricity all day long just by being turned by your car engine, and then stores it in a battery. That's exactly what a wind turbine does - it's the same principle. A solar system can be made just as simply.

Although the technology and components are relatively simple and affordable, what you do need is the know-how. It's easy to build a bad wind or solar generator - what's not so easy is to build a good, efficient and reliable one. This will generate the maximum amount of electricity from the available wind or sunlight, and store it efficiently. You also need to know exactly how to harness this power, and feed it into your home power supply. Done correctly, it's possible to run all your household appliances from your own energy - think about the savings you could achieve!

If you're interested in DIY Wind Power or Solar Energy, then you need a comprehensive instruction manual. Find out how to build your own wind turbine or solar power generator for less that $200 here - Home Wind and Solar Power

Alternative Home Energy

Pest Birds - Are the Birds The Brains of Your Current Bird Control Program?

When the phrases pop up like "Birds on my Store Signs" or "These birds I have are a big pest and I can't control them", the wisdom pours out of the other person(s). Many people have some object or trick to take care of a pest bird problem. They suggest a fake owl, fake snake, bird spikes, flashy tape, loud music, hot foot, poisons, etc. Then you go out and buy one of these "fixes" at the local hardware store, Walmart, Lowes, Home Depot, etc. and proceed to use your store bought repellent to "fix" your bird problem. This is how the majority of bird control programs are started. Lets take a look at what bird pressure is and what kinds of "repellents" work the best in each situation.

Light Pressure

Light Bird Pressure is defined as take it or leave it sites for pest birds. They may stop by after a meal to take in the warmth of the afternoon sun, like the parapet (top of building) around an office building. The absence of food and shelter makes it a casual daytime loafing spot. They stop at these places infrequently and they are not causing much damage save for a few droppings that the rain might wash away. The repellents mentioned above like the fake owl, fake snake, etc. will work in these areas. These birds can be scared away easily as they have not taken hold of the location. If nothing is done, these birds will take up residence at these places and the problem will get worse.

Medium Pressure

Medium pressure is defined as an area where they observe food opportunities or rest in the afternoon for many different reasons. They're fairly committed to the site, but they don't roost or nest there. These birds have found this place to be a safe place to stay in between feedings and they use this area frequently. Fake owls, snakes, etc. will not work in this area as they will fight to be able to stay there. These areas are more suitable for bird spikes if the problem is pigeons, but spikes make a great place for starlings and smaller birds to nest as they are usually unaffected by bird spikes and they make great holders for nesting material. Always be careful where bird spikes are placed. Other products like shock track, bird wire, bird netting, etc. will work in these places without any removal of birds by trapping.

Heavy Pressure

Heavy pressure is defined as birds that are extremely committed to an area. Chances are they were born on/in this area, usually a protected overnight roost and may have raised their own young in the same place, thus they consider this area home. They react to bird deterrent products much like you would if you found plywood nailed over your front door of your home; you'd be determined to get past it. Heavy pressure sites always provide the birds shelter from the elements. This is where you have to be determined to win the fight. Fake owls, snakes, loud music, etc. will not ever work in these situations. Many bird problems are allowed to get to this point and these are the ones that are the hardest to overcome. This situation is the one we spend so much time learning about to be able to solve. These birds must be physically removed from the area as they will fight to stay. Trapping to remove the resident flock is needed and then deterrents such as shock track, netting, wire, and spikes will be able to work effectively. Installing these products is not just merely buying them and putting them on, a trained professional such as us is needed to be able to make sure they are working properly and maintained. A bad installation means money spent that you cannot get back and still have a problem. This kind of pressure is not a cheap fix, these take more time and money to solve the problem.

Problems Caused By Birds

There are many reasons to rid your property of pest birds. The following are some areas that may concern you.

Image--Birds sitting, roosting, or even nesting on and in store front signs, or droppings all over the place in front of the entrance or along the sidewalk to a business can and will send a message to visitors that the business practices are sloppy and probably shouldn't be trusted.

Health Risk--Birds, their droppings and nesting materials can carry at least 60 different diseases that can be passed to humans and animals.

Cost of Cleanup--Businesses that clean up after birds day after day after day are just wasting money and if their employees are not wearing the correct safety equipment, they are exposing them to health risks that will bring lawsuits and even possibly, extreme sickness and even possibly death.

Stopping of Work Progress--Employees should not and will not work in areas that are unsafe due to accumulations of bird droppings

Slip and Falling Risks--Droppings are slippery. If a customer or employee falls they may sue the owner of the building

Property and Equipment Damage--Droppings are very acidic and the acid will eat through paint, even some roofing materials and fabric. These things will need restoration or even complete replacement

Rooftop Clogged Drains--Droppings and Nesting Materials regularly clog drains, causing severe damage to rooftops during heavy rains

Inventory Damage--Droppings can damage products making them look unsightly and cause your customers to not buy from you due to unsanitary conditions and they can even contaminate production lines.

Pest Bird Control problems are everywhere we look. I see them all the time on store front signs, parapet walls, rooftops, HVAC units, Awnings, etc. All of these started as light pressure situations and could have been prevented if the correct method was utilized. For more information about Bird Control Pressure you can check out birdbarrier.com.

Joshua S Jones is a Certified Bird Control Specialist by 2 Major Bird Control Product Companies---Bird Barrier and Bird B Gone. He is President of A All Animal Control of Tri-State Servicing Southwest Missouri and Southeast Kansas. Joshua is also a Certified Wildlife Professional with A All Animal Control Franchises and a Wildlife Management Academy Graduate. He is President of the Missouri Wildlife Control Operators Association and a member in good standing with the National Wildlife Control Operators Association. Check him out on the web at http://www.WeTrapMoles.com. You can email Josh at TriState@AAllAnimalControl.com.

How to Distress Furniture - Step by Step Guide

For a unique look, many homeowners are mixing distressed furniture with current modern styles.

Before you go throwing away your old dining room or bedroom sets, reconsider by refinishing it. Distressed furniture can be very expensive to buy so why not create it yourself with a little imagination and some TLC. This step by step guide will give you some helpful tips that the pros use when distressing furniture.

1. Sand: Sand down the finish on your piece so the primer/paint has something to adhere to. Use medium/fine grit sandpaper for this.

2. Rough up surface: Take a few tools (hammer, screw driver, chain, etc.) and rough up the surface of the piece. This is left up to your discretion of how distressed you want to make the furniture. The more you rough up the surface the more aged the piece appears.

3.Prime: Use a good quality white primer and give the piece of furniture a thin coat. After the piece has dried, follow up with a light sanding.

4. Top coat: Pick a top coat that complements the room. If you want to stay neutral, then go with whites/off whites. Apply two even coats of this top coat. Sometimes, homeowners will request a crackle finish in which the top coat appears as if the paint has dried and is starting to chip away. For a crackle finish read the steps below:

a. Follow steps 1-3.

b. Optional Base coat: Get Creative!! If you do not want the piece to show white crackle from primer coat, then now is the time to be creative. You can apply a different base coat which will show behind the top coat when the crackle takes effect.

c. Apply crackle glaze where you want the top coat to crackle. Allow to dry according to directions on package. This is usually a clear glaze sold at your local home center.

d. Top Coat: Apply top coat evenly (try not to over brush which may cause paint to drag). This top coat should be a different shade then the primer/base coat to make the crackle stand out.

e. Continue the follow steps below.

5. Optional Glaze coat: After the piece has thoroughly dried, apply a glaze over the entire piece. This step is optional but recommended. This glaze (usually dark brown/grey) when applied, highlights all of the roughed up areas (step 2) and really brings out the details in the piece. The best way to apply the glaze, is with a brush and then wipe off the excess with a rag. Wipe with even pressure (in one direction).

6. Apply a seal coat: Water based Poly works good for this. Apply 2-3 thin coats of this product according to the manufacturer's recommendation and do not forget to sand in between coats. This step will protect all of your hard work.

Now step back and enjoy your newly antiqued furniture. You will be amazed at the results and how quick and easy you have changed the look of your room. Take your time & most importantly be creative with this!!

For more helpful tips, Be sure to visit us online at http://www.travisrobertrenovations.com For some examples of distressed furniture that we have completed, visit http://www.travisrobertrenovations.com/photos

Selecting Proper Bathroom Tiles

Most people do not bother to think or spend some time in researching when they are selecting tiles for their bathroom. They tend to forget that the environment of the bathroom is different from the other rooms of their house and that it requires special types of tiles. Whereas any tile will be suitable for the other rooms of your house, apart from the kitchen, your bathroom requires tiles that will not get affected by water. In other words you need tiles that are highly polished and do not have any rough surfaces.

If they have rough surfaces, these spots will collect dust. In the living room these dust particles can be sucked out with a vacuum cleaner, but in the bathroom, after the particles get soaked with water, they tend to affix themselves in the crevices of the tiles, thus making them impossible to remove later on. At the same time, you should be extremely careful when selecting tiles for the floor of your bathroom. You should use tiles that are grime and water resistant and at the same time are not too smooth and polished.

Soapy water tends to fall on these floors and if you have mirror finish tiles, you are bound to slip on them and break your limbs and bones. You have to be extra selective when selecting tiles that are going to be used in the vicinity of the shower and tub, since these locations tend to be exposed to water throughout the day. Do not go in for fancy designs for such tiles and try to use simple ones. By doing so, you will be saving yourself lots of bother when cleaning them up and the end of the day. Take some time and browse through a few online interior decoration sites and you will find lots of hints and tips that will assist you to select the best tiles for your bathroom.

You can also go through magazines that specialize in interior decoration. Nowadays there are some special glass tiles and they are the rage of town. Make sure that these tiles are suitable for the bathroom before going in for them. Another important aspect is to chalk out your budget first. Most people do not bother to look into this aspect and are more concerned in purchasing the latest fancy tiles for their bathroom. The end result is that they are left with packs of tiles without having the resources left to purchase other items required to fix up these tiles.

Another important point is the color scheme. When you are purchasing tiles, check out the color scheme of your bathroom and fixtures in it and try to select tiles that compliment them. If you do not have sufficient light in your bathroom, you can either increase the lights in your bathroom, spending lots of money in rewiring or... you can select light colored tiles that will make your bathroom look brighter. A light colored tile reflects more amount of light falling on it than the dark ones.

For ideas on bathroom tile designs, visit http://www.bathroomtile101.com

Natural Stone Fireplaces - Discover the Advantages and Disadvantages of Natural Stone For Fireplaces

Natural stone fireplaces are extremely popular among many home owners. If you are looking to add beauty to your home, without the use of heavy types of stones and materials, natural stone is a wonderful choice. This particular type of rock is also referred to as "thinstone". This is a type of veneer that is cut to ensure quality, yet is extremely lightweight. Many fireplaces have been created using this particular type of material. This is mainly due to the fact that the stone is highly versatile when it comes to color and texture and that it can hold up to a large amount of various conditions as it is so durable. Here, you will be introduced to this building material, as well as some advantages and disadvantages associated with using it.

Advantages of Natural Stone

Many advantages have been associated with stone that is natural. One of the first advantages is that is it suitable to any budget. Being that it is cut relatively thin, this makes an affordable choice for those that have a specific budget outlined for their home improvement and home repair endeavors. The next advantage is that it is lightweight, so it is quite easy to install the pieces with little to no effort. As mentioned previously, there are many different colors and textures available when it comes to selecting thinstone for the home. This product gives the overall appearance of real stone, yet the flexibility of manufactured stone. This is why many homeowners elect to use this for their home improvement projects.

Disadvantages of Natural Stone

When researching any type of building material for the home, it is always a good idea to ensure that you not only research the advantages of using the product, but the disadvantages as well. There are a few points that may be identified as a disadvantage to using natural stone in and around the home. These are as follows:

1. This is a natural manufactured stone. Many individuals prefer to stay away from stone types that are created. If you are looking for a product that is created from rocks obtained naturally, this may not be an ideal choice for you.

2. There is a possibility that the product may experience chipping and scratching. While this is basically a disadvantage, there is a positive side. If chipping or scratching occurs, the stone is created in such a manner that the under surface is the same as the outer surface. This means that it will blend in appropriately.

3. Individuals who use this type of stone may feel that it is not as durable as stones obtained naturally. However, it does have a high tolerance for extreme conditions.

Where to Find Other Natural Stone Fireplace Ideas

If you want to find more natural stone fireplace ideas, there are many different places where you can do so. The internet is loaded with unique designs and ideas for the home. Furthermore, home improvement stores such as Lowe's and Home Depot often carry a large assortment of books on the subject. If you want to get started on integrating a fireplace into your home, a natural stone fireplace may be the best choice for you!

Looking for a supplier of natural stones for stone fireplaces? View the many different styles of Natural Thin Stone for stone fireplaces that Halquist Stone has to offer. For more information, call (262) 246-9000 or visit halquiststone.com to request a free brochure.

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