Tuesday, October 6, 2009

Wall Mounted Shampoo Dispensers - An Easier Way to Use Shampoo

Almost every one of us has probably had the annoying experience of coming across an almost empty bottle of shampoo in the shower. The situation is made more frustrating when we discover that we don't have spare shampoo anywhere in the bathroom. In order to get the last drops of shampoo out, we resort to shaking the bottle upside down for an entire minute.

If you don't want to go through such a dilemma again-especially in the mornings when you're late for work-then you should consider getting wall mounted shampoo dispensers for your bathroom. Not only do they offer convenience but they can also beautify your bathroom.

Wall vs. counter

A shampoo dispenser is basically a type of container that has a nozzle and a pump. The nozzle is where the shampoo comes out, while the pump is used to extract the liquid inside. If you go to your nearest bath store, you will see two types of shampoo dispensers - the first one being the wall mounted shampoo dispensers, while the second one are the ones that you can simply place on your counter.

A dispenser that can be mounted on the wall is usually the better choice. When it comes to usage, it tends to be more convenient since the container is already upside down and you don't have turn it anymore. Wall mounted shampoo dispensers also tend to stay in the same place. So if you have members in your family who tend to pick up things only to put them back in a different location, then the wall mounted dispenser is definitely for you.

See through the bottle

Whatever type of dispenser you choose to buy, it is generally advisable to go for a transparent container. Seeing through to the contents of the dispenser will alert you when the container needs refilling.

Important information

Complete information on wall-mounted shampoo dispensers is available at PickyGuide, the authority in free consumer advice. Access top-ranked, best-reviewed, and most competitively priced shampoo dispensers in PickyGuide's recommended products section.

Monday, October 5, 2009

The Benefits of Holiday Apartment Rentals Over Hotels

When going on a vacation with your family and friends, there are few things that can make a substantial difference in your overall holiday experience. One very important factor is the accommodation that you choose, and the key factor for most people is deciding between a holiday apartment and a hotel. There are various advantages offered by holiday apartments as compared to hotels. Some of these are as follows:

Cost - One can save money while staying in holiday apartments as the overheads involved are far less when compared to hotels. In most of the tourist destinations, there is a high demand for hotel rooms and this has increased their tariffs significantly. For a lesser cost, it is possible for one to get a great holiday for a longer time period as well. The savings are even more if you have a bigger group. However, the total cost will also depend on the location of the apartment, services offered, and size of the rooms, quality of the apartment, its desirability and the amenities offered.
Self-catering- As these apartments are equipped with fully functional kitchens, they are ideal for families travelling with small kids or people with special needs.

Privacy- Holiday apartments are usually located in the areas that are not too cluttered and away from the hustle and bustle of city life. They offer more privacy than hotel rooms as travellers have their own space as well as much more room at their disposal.

Fully equipped- These holiday homes are fully equipped with all the modern amenities so that you get all the possible comforts of modern day living during your stay. Some of the provisions include internet and data access, security, phone, heaters, and so on.

There are all kinds of holiday apartments available and you can choose the one that meets or suits your requirement and budget. Holiday apartments are not difficult to find as most of them are listed on the internet.

The main purpose of vacationing is relaxation and sometimes, it can get lost leaving one more stressed than relaxed. Staying confined in closed hotel rooms can do that to some people, whereas staying in holiday apartments can give one a more robust and pleasant experience as a result of the convenience and space. This is a great option for big groups and families with kids. It is simply a matter of more value for your money.

Orson Johnson writes for Holiday Velvet, a website providing Rome accommodation for travellers and Holiday and Vacation Rentals.

Important Do-It-Yourself Home Remodeling Advice

Often I'm asked by homeowners, if they think that they can build something on their own. Often I end up explaining the process to them and it's pretty confusing. I would like to give some homeowners and construction handyman some do-it-yourself home remodeling advice, about projects that I think they should avoid and the reason why.

1. Working on Electrical Service Boxes

I really don't recommend, anyone who lacks experience working with electrical, to be working on it at all. When it comes to the electrical service box repairs, if you don't have any experience working in this specific area, I am suggesting this to all homeowners and do-it-yourselfers, stay away from electrical service power boxes. Electricity can be extremely hazardous to your health, so take my advice, this is coming from an expert on the subject.

2. Plumbing Water Supply Lines

I don't recommend, anyone who doesn't have any experience working with plumbing water supply lines, because if they break, or if your repair, doesn't hold properly, you could destroy a large portion of your home. Picture this, you just got through putting a new faucet in, everything looks great, but it's time for you to go to your baseball game. You come home about four hours later and the entire house is flooded with water.

This kind of stuff does happen and you need to take the advice of an expert here. It has even happened to me and I understand the process, pretty good. If you plan on fixing any plumbing water supply lines, make sure that you can spend the time, keeping an eye on your new home repair. If you're going to have any problems with them, they will usually happen within the first few hours of use.

I hope this helps, sometimes it's better to pay a professional, but I can understand, every intelligent person, is interested in saving a few dollars and learning new skills.

If you're really interested in basement remodeling and repairs, you should click on this link Home Repair Pictures and 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 Vista Home Repair 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

Sunday, October 4, 2009

How to Keep Remodeling Projects From Getting Out of Control

Two demons wait for unsuspecting homeowners, hoping for their chance to gobble up time and money on new home and remodeling projects.

The Ripple Effect lurks quietly in the background. Just like the movements on the pond surface for which it's named, The Ripple Effect starts out small and grows, expanding until it engulfs the entire project.

Pebble In The Pond

The Ripple Effect is the remodeling budget's worst enemy and can wreak havoc on small and large projects alike. A simple example is a window replacement project. At first glance, it's a simple, isolated project. But the interior and exterior trim must be replaced and painted and the exterior siding may have to be reworked, especially if the new window isn't the same size as the old one.

And that's just the beginning. Once that window is replaced and the new window trim painted, the rest of the trim in the room looks bad and so the homeowner decides to paint that, too. A pebble's been dropped in the pond, and the ripples have begun to spread.

What started out as a simple window replacement ends up as the refinishing of an entire room.

In new home projects, the ripple effect is more pronounced in open plan designs. With fewer walls to separate spaces, it's difficult to make flooring transitions from one room to another so more expensive floorings often cover more of the house. The lack of interior walls also requires a more expensive structural system and makes the placement of ductwork and plumbing more difficult.

Don't Make Waves

But the ripple effect can be controlled if you take a moment to consider the impact one project can have on other parts of the house. The root of the problem in the window replacement example is that a new standard sized window won't exactly fit the existing opening - necessitating the replacement of the trim.

But a custom sized window, carefully installed, might allow you to reinstall the existing trim inside and outside, and avoid the ripple effect entirely. Sure you'll spend more on the window but you'll save everywhere else, and avoid the ripple effect.

And in a new home project careful planning of the room layouts and space adjacencies allows flooring and other finishes to "break" where you want them to.

Project Creep

Project Creep is a close cousin to the Ripple Effect. Project Creep happens when the extent of the work begins to grow, creeping along at first, until no one seems able to control the spiraling costs.

Older homes, for example, often require building code upgrades when they're remodeled - upgrades that may have little to do with the project itself. When structural loads are changed in any way, for example, the existing structure must be rebuilt or retrofitted to meet updated code requirements. And moving structure usually means reworking the wiring, ductwork, and plumbing that's been routed through the area.

Project Creep can attack new home projects, too. Sometimes the causes are almost impossible to predict, such as when the excavation of the site uncovers poor soil conditions. Sometimes the cause is an outside force - an architectural review board, for example. But mostly, project creep is a result of a difference in expectations between homeowner, builder, and architect.

Plan To Avoid Creep

On any project, start with a clear idea of the level of finish and quality you expect. Don't assume that the architect and builder are in tune with your ideas about finishes - discuss your expectations in detail and whenever possible, see the actual finishes and fixtures. If you're not the detail-oriented type, hire a professional interior designer.

Poor quality drawings cause additional unplanned work during construction, and always end up costing homeowners money and time. My firm's been hired many times to correct drawings done elsewhere that contained glaring errors, omitted necessary structural steel, or just plain didn't work. Sloppy drawings are an open invitation to Project Creep.

On a remodeling or room addition project, evaluate the feasibility of the project in terms of the impact it will have on parts of the home that you're not intending to remodel. Often, room additions can easily be designed to minimize the effect on the existing structure.

Finally, always have realistic expectations about your project budget and communicate that budget to your architect and builder. When everyone understands the project's financial goals the chances for success are greatly increased.

Richard L. Taylor, AIA is a published author and recognized expert in Residential Architecture. He is President of Richard Taylor Architects, a 5-person firm in Historic Dublin, Ohio. Residential Architect | Luxury Home Plans

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

How Much Does it Cost to Remodel a Bathroom?

How much does it cost to remodel a bathroom?

I am asked this question at least ten times a day, answer, what do you want? What materials do you want to use? Most people do not know what is available and what the options are;therefore they don't know what they want so I can not give them an answer. Are you looking for a permanent solution? Or a quick fix? All the problems in the bathroom are caused by water, if you cannot control the water you cannot control the problems, you control the water, you control the problems. When it comes to remodeling a bathroom most homeowners think that there are a million ways you can do, there are only a 5 ways you can remodel a bathroom. The first question you must answer is how long do you want it to last? Remember, you get what you pay for

The Most expensive Bathroom is the one you have to do over and over again!!!!!!

5 Ways to Remodel a Bathroom The firstfour solutions are a quick fix.

1. The first option is to re-glaze, painting over, usually done for tubs; I have seen it on tiles as well. The tub cost $400-$600, walls are about the same.Most companies will give a 3- 5year warranty, but if you leave anything that is wet, like a shampoo bottle or wet towel, it will crack, chip and peel sooner, it can last from 3 months to 3 years. New tubs are baked after painting, this cannot be done in the house. 2. Wall system only, vinyl walls from the home center, cost $400-$800, if you do it yourself it will cost you nothing, if you hire a contractor it will be double the cost. It is adhered with liquid nail. Liquid nail dry's after a period of time, it cracks, pull away from the wall. It can last 1-3 years.Hiring a contractor will cost $800-$1,200.00

2. Fiberglass costs to purchase from $1,200- $2,000, 1 piece tub and wall, this is still a porous material, it has a jell-coat on it, it will wear away in about 3-5years. Ounce it wears away it will expose the nooks and crannies in the fiberglass, and when that dirt gets inside, it will become difficult to clean. It cannot be installed in most homes due to existing framing; generally they are installed in new homes before the walls are framed. First remove existing tiles, tub. To install a fiberglass unit you must remove everything including sheet rock, this unit installs into the wall studs. You need a plumber to install drain and valve, after installation the walls need to be repaired. The total time to install is 3-4 days, the warranty on the fiberglass is 1year, from the contractor none. Total cost with a contractor approximately $4,500.00. This will last approximately 5-7 years.

3. Total Remodel in Tile, this is the traditional way of remodeling. Update an existing 9-by-6-foot bathroom. Replace all fixtures to include 30-by-60-inch porcelain-on-steel tub with 4x4-inch ceramic tile surround; new single-lever temperature and pressure-balanced shower control; standard white toilet; solid-surface vanity counter with integral sink; recessed medicine cabinet with light; ceramic tile floor; vinyl wallpaper. Tile is a good material, the problem is not the tile it is the grout. The grout is sand and cement, it is porous, water will penetrate it sooner or later.This will take up to 2 weeks, According to Remodel Magazine Mid-Range in 2007 cost is $16,830.00. Now the most important question after spending all that money, what is the warranty? lifetime? I don't think so.

Ask your tile contractor how long is the warranty? If he is a good contractor he will give you about 1- year, for labor, no warranty on tile, that's it!

Luxury Bath solution is aPermanent Solution- do it right the first time and Never do it Again. Acrylic tub,walls and shower systemswill control the water, because it is non-porousmaterial, water will not penetrate it, mold and mildew will not grow on it., easy to clean and maintain.

5. Luxury Bath acrylic tub, this is the only material that is non-porous, the wall and tubsystem comes with a lifetime warranty, you will never do it again. The Acrylic system will cost less than the total remodeling, from 1/3 to 1/2 of thetraditional remodeling.Price will depends how much work needs to be done before we can put up the system, colors and styles you choose from. The estimate is free of charge, we will measure, and you pick and choose, then we will give you a quote. visit our website http://www.luxurybathremodeling.com

Illia Kornea http://www.luxuryathemodeling.com

What Does a GFI Do? - Electrical Problems

In your bathroom you should have a GFI electrical outlet. Most new homes or newly remodeled homes require you to have GFI electrical outlets in the kitchen. Most older kitchens do not have GFI electrical outlets. GFI stands for ground fault circuit interrupter.

Why not call it a GFCI instead of a GFI electrical outlet? Well it is called a GFCI in some instances. GFI is short and is the most common name used by most electricians and builders for this type of outlet.

GFI 's come in 15 amp and 20 amperage outlets. GFI outlets must be wired properly. Make sure you're using the proper wire size when hooking up the GFI outlet.

How do I know which size wire to use? This all depends on how far away you are running it from the electrical panel. There are charts you can use to figure this out. If you are not running the electrical wire more than 80 feet from the electrical panel you can use 12 gauge electrical wires for a 20 amp GFI. This is a general rule of thumb for most electrical house wiring.

If you're going to be using a 15 amp GFI and you are going to be less than 80 feet away from the electrical panel you can use 14 gauge electrical wires. Again this is just a general rule of thumb for most electrical house wiring.

A GFI is a light duty electrical plug used in bathrooms, kitchens and the exterior of your house. The sole purpose of the GFI is to shut the breaker off faster if there is any moisture or light load problems.

Let's say for instance you have your hair dryer plugged into the GFI outlet. The hair dryer somehow falls into the sink while it is on or plugged in. The GFI outlet will instantly shut off because of the sensitivity of the breaker inside of the plug it self.

The GFI plug has a test button and a reset button on it. If you are continually resetting the GFI you will wear it out eventually. I have had GFI plugs after resetting the button about 10 times break and no longer able to use them.

The GFI electrical plug is a great idea and if you don't have them in your bathroom or outside of your home it would be a great idea to have an electrician install them for you.

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 Home Building Library and adding useful content to help solve problems created by the lack of construction knowledge in the building industry.

San Diego Termite Damage

Saturday, October 3, 2009

Shower and Bath Renovating - Wall Coverings and Choices

Choosing what to cover your shower or tub walls with can be just as difficult as choosing flooring in your home. There really is a lot to choose from: natural stone tiles, ceramic tile, ceramic porcelain tile, (Yes, there is a difference between ceramic porcelain and ceramic!), cultured marble panels, or one-piece fiberglass or PVC shower/tub insets. Also a decision is needed on covering the walls to the ceiling or just part way.

In choosing a wall covering for your shower or tub/shower combo here are a few points to consider:

Some of these decisions will be decided by existing factors such as the size of your shower, only a tub or only a shower, whether it is a addition, remodel or just changing the existing style and decor. Stand-alone showers also have the added choice of what to do with the shower floor. Install a prefabricated shower pan, a "hot mop" shower pan, PVC or other waterproof membrane lined shower pan.

The prefabricated shower pan is generally made of PVC; you can also order pans in cultured marble or fiberglass with an acrylic coating. These types of pans sit directly on the unfinished floor (sub-floor) of the shower. The only additional work after demo of the existing shower is adding the sub-floor atop the floor joist. Once the shower pan is in place and secured, you are done with the floor.

If you are going to tile your shower floor, you have a choice of which shower pan process to complete. A "hot mop" shower pan is hot tar poured over the mortared shower floor, which is a very smoky and smelly process. This type of shower pan is not as favorable as the membrane shower pan in recent years, partly due to the hot mop shower pan tendency to leak and cause mold odor and growth in your shower. The only way of ridding that is by removal of the shower pan. The membrane shower pan is covering your mortared shower floor in a PVC liner. This has been reputed to be the longer lasting shower pan if properly installed.

Deciding to cover the walls all the way to ceiling or not is a personal choice but one that needs to be considered. The pros and cons are basic: If the walls are covered only part way to the ceiling, there is a lip or ledge to collect dust and dirt, if the walls are covered all the way to the ceiling, there is not.

Tiled walls: While a freshly tiled shower is beautiful, no matter what type of tile is used, it is necessary to perform a rigorous maintenance routine to keep it beautiful. It is necessary to clean (wash down with clean water and wipe any left over soap, shampoo or conditioner off) and dry your tiles after each shower for long lasting beauty. For natural stone tiles, remember to check any cleaning agents used for acceptable use with natural stone tiles.

Natural stone tiles are porous and absorb moisture and chemicals. Soap, shampoos and conditioners can dull your tiles over a short period of time. Mineral deposits in the water can also dull your tiles. If choosing natural stone tiles for your shower walls, be sure and seal your tiles and grout. Sealing the tile and grout is not waterproofing or a one-time application. Tile and grout sealers aid in the prevention of the tiles and grout absorbing chemicals that can damage the tile finish and be absorbed into the grout. Most manufacturers and contractors recommend that you seal the tiles and grout at least once a year.

Ceramic tiles and porcelain tiles do not require sealing, however the grout between the tiles does. As with natural stone tile, ceramic and porcelain tiles also need to be cleaned and dried after each shower for long lasting shine.

As stated above, there is a difference between ceramic porcelain and ceramic tiles. Ceramic tiles are made of clay and have a water absorption rating of more than .05% with color or design being a coating on the surface. Ceramic tiles are easily scratched or chipped and drilling holes for shower valves or tub spouts is easier than with ceramic porcelain.

Ceramic porcelain tiles are generally made by dust pressing (dust from quartz, clay, feldspar and other inorganic raw material) which causes a denser tile leading to a lower water absorption rate. To be considered porcelain tile, the water absorption rate must be less than or equal to .05%, additional classifications as to their strength and durability are also made. Porcelain is stronger than ceramic and is harder to chip, scratch and drill a hole through. Some porcelain tiles called "full body" porcelain carry the color and design throughout the thickness of the tile. These are generally more expensive.

Cultured marble panels: In past years, these panels would discolor and turn dingy looking even with proper maintenance. Heat, moisture and chemicals affected them. However today the industry claims this has been resolved. Cultured wall panels are nice for the installer, but spendy for the customer. Maintenance of cultured marble is relatively easy as there are no grout lines to contend with. A simple squeegee after the shower is all it takes. If hard water deposits accumulate, they can be removed with vinegar, to restore the shine, a gel-gloss can be applied. (Recommended for shine maintenance once a year.) For more detailed cleaning, be sure to use a product that is non-abrasive.

One-piece fiberglass or PVC shower/tub insets: These are generally used in new construction or remodel projects for the simple reason of access. These one-piece shower/tub insets will not fit through a bathroom doorway, even with the door removed. Installation is relatively easy but cumbersome. Costs can be high if a custom size is needed, but for a standard size, they are pretty inexpensive compared to installing individual components of the shower pan or tub and installing tile or cultured marble.

In choosing shower/tub wall coverings, deciding how much time you are willing to devote to maintenance of the walls after the installation can be more important than how much you want to spend on the project.

MJ is a handyperson with 13 years experience in the plumbing industry and 5 years in home repair and maintenance. MJ has experience in bathroom renovations, plumbing, tile, drywall repairs, painting, electrical, and other general home maintenance tasks.

http://mj-dakota.blogspot.com/

Window Safety Checklist - Homeowners Must Read

Broken glass is definitely a health hazard, for anyone who is near it, when the glass is actually broken. After the glass is broken and is laying on the ground in pieces, people can still get hurt. Here's a basic window safety checklist for homeowners that everyone must read. It will provide you with some simple tips that could prevent a loved one from getting seriously injured in the future.

1. Contact your local building department or fire department, to get the basic requirements for using your window as a fire escape. Your windows can be used to jump out of, if there is a fire inside your home.

2. Make sure that young children avoid playing around windows. You should always teach your children, never to throw large objects or balls in the house.

3. You might think about installing a window ladder, if you live in a two-story home, which could be made of rope or chain. These latter's can be thrown out of the window, while latching onto the window sill, in case there's a fire. It would provide you with an alternative from jumping out of the window. Don't under estimate these fire ladders, they can be extremely difficult to climb down.

4. If you leave large sliding glass doors open on a regular basis and clean them spontaneously, others might not realize they're closed, because they're so clean. Simply put a piece of tape on the window to prevent other people from thinking there open. You would be surprised how many accidents happen, from clean windows.

5. Last but not least, one of the most important problems with windows. Think security, if you leave your windows open and leave the house, someone now as easy access. There are plenty of ways to make your windows secure, using locks that clamp on to the side of the window. This will allow you to leave the windows open about 4 inches, leaving you the desired ventilation and preventing burglars from entering your domain.

If a window is cracked, or broken it should be replaced as soon as possible. Try to avoid fixing broken glass your self if you don't have any experience. Plenty of people get hurt every year, simply underestimating how sharp broken glass can actually be.

Home Window Ideas

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.

Looking for some new Home Improvement Ideas

Making Slip Covers

Slip covers offer many excellent opportunities for introducing color and pleasing design into a room that would otherwise appear dull and cheerless. They add an informal atmosphere in either summer or winter months and also serve for recovering shabby or uninteresting furniture that does not harmonize with the other decorations.

There are two types of slip covers to be taken into consideration; the temporary ones used during the summer months, and the permanent ones that form part of the decorative scheme of a room and remain on all the year. It is proper taste to use them all through the year provided they are well tailored and fit snugly over the piece of furniture and the material harmonizes with the decorations already existing in a room.

When choosing material for slip covers, the character of the room should he considered as well as the type of the chair or sofa to he covered. In general, as far as the pattern is concerned, the same principles should be applied as when selecting any other type of upholstery material.

The laws of harmony and contrast should be considered, particularly when designer window toppers are taken into consideration. As a rule, slip covers should be made of the medium weight fabrics, such as glazed and unglazed chintzes, plain and printed linens, cretonnes, plain and striped taffetas, satins, sateens, silk and cotton repps.

Other materials which are often suitable are mohair, plain and striped poplins, ginghams and crash. Patterned fabrics may be found in practically all of the above mentioned weaves to harmonize with historic or modern period types of rooms, formal and informal.

Where economy is to be considered, and no particular style is to be adhered to, there are many varieties of inexpensive cretonnes with all-over flower patterns which are always in good taste. Checked ginghams and percales are smart and effective for covers for small boudoir chairs and can be found in striking color combinations. Such designs are also appropriate for covering French Provincial and quaint Colonial chairs.

For sun porches and semi-outdoor rooms, awning striped material is very durable and it makes striking and colorful slip covers. There are also waterproof glazed chintzes and rubberized materials which are practical for such rooms. For the purpose of obtaining unity in a room, the furniture covers are often of the same material as the curtains and even the picture frames.

In many instances colorful glazed chintz that has been chosen for the curtains may be repeated in slip covers for one or two chairs or a sofa with cushions made of a plain material - either plain glazed chintz, taffeta or satin repeating colors appearing in the chintz pattern.

Plain glazed chintz is a particularly good choice for use in rooms where wallpaper has been used and a patterned rug. Slip covers of plain material will be found more attractive when the seams are bound with a contrasting color.

However much may be said in favor of other materials, it is the decorative character and gay colors of flowered chintz and cretonne which gives them first consideration for the purpose of slip covers. Besides the color interest they add to a room, they may also give unity to a color scheme which appears disconnected.

Sarah Martin is a freelance marketing writer specializing in do-it-yourself home improvement, interior design, and fashioning designer window toppers and one of a kind picture frames. For the best in the hardwood moulding industry, please visit http://www.ferche.com/.

Friday, October 2, 2009

Subfloor Damage From Poor Bathtub Installation - Read Bath Tub Fixture Manuals

You should never under estimate the amount of damage that water can do to your wood subfloor. Especially if this wood is underneath your bathtub. If the bathtub is not installed properly, you could find yourself replacing the wood underneath, within a short period of time. This repair is not uncommon and as more homeowners and handyman seemed to be doing projects like these, without the proper experience, it's becoming even more common.

I wish I had a solution to the problem, however, I don't. The best advice I could give anyone who is going to be involved in any home remodeling project, would be to get some books on what ever task you are about to undertake and read all of the information that you possibly can about the products you are going to be installing. This is extremely helpful for anyone who has never installed a bathtub or any bathtub fixtures.

If the product fails and was installed properly, the manufacturer should be responsible for the water damage. I have been reading the manufacturer's installation manuals for quite some time now and every once in a while, I find something that is of great value to me and I get to pass it on to my readers. That's what I'm doing right now.

Whether you want to remodel your bathroom to save money or you want to accomplish a task that you haven't done yet. I would recommend, taking the time to understand, exactly how the water flows off of and on to another section of the bath tub or shower on its way to the drain. Understanding the basics of bathroom remodeling can save you big money in the future.

Save yourself some money and make sure that you install your bathtubs properly. Taking a little time before you start to read the bath tub fixture manuals, can save you some money and grief in the future.

Find More Facts On Home Water Damage.

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.

Check out These Amazing Home Damage Videos.

Make Your Holidays More Enjoyable!

After the terror attacks in Mumbai on 26 November, five-star hotels across the country have beefed up security measures. Pune and Varanasi are frequented by numerous visitors. Both the cities have varied culture and traditions. Both are traditionally and culturally rich. Varanasi is noted for its prime pilgrimage spots. It is known by the name of Kashi and Benaras. It attracts a huge number of tourists every year. The city has rich cultural background. In the backdrop of terror attacks, security measures have been made more severe everywhere.

Aftermath of the incident, hotels across the country witnessed a decline in the number of visitors. Hence, the hospitality industry has incorporated various measures to beef up security. Most of the hotels have increased the number of guards, installed CCTV cameras and iron gates. Moreover, security in all the city's five-star hotels, railway station, airport and Pune-Mumbai Highway has been stepped up. Iron gates are being installed all around the hotels. This is being done primarily to reinstate the faith. The number of security guards guarding the hotels have been increased at prominent hotels. Besides, the security department is also keeping a constant vigil over all activities taking place in the hotel's campus.

Such attacks on hotels had not taken place in the past. This incident indeed shook the entire nation and gave rise to debate over the security of people. Security gained an all together new dimension. International airports are under strict vigil. The same holds true for railway stations and bus stands. The Indian government, is also pressurising International community to take a strict stand against the countries involving in such activities. Foreigners were the target of these attacks.

Keeping in mind, such a situation, the hospitality industry has taken stringent measures to provide upgraded security. Foreigners visiting these places can be rest assured about their safety. The hotels offer the best of luxury and comforts amidst traditional hospitality. They are also equipped with all modern amenities, to make your vacation a pleasant and memorable affair. The various hotel packages at these hotels come with state-of-the-art facilities in terms of dining, lodging, business facilities and related services. Visitors can be assured of the best rates. The hospitality industry is doing everything to strengthen security following the Mumbai attacks. Earlier guests could reach the lobby easily. Now, visitors will be screened a couple of times. Similar will be the situation in most star category hotels in Pune.

Sadhna D, Expert Author, Platinum author

For more information on Pune Hotels: Pune Hotels

Information on Varanasi Hotels: Varanasi Hotels

Thursday, October 1, 2009

Mirrored Medicine Cabinet - Home Tips

When I grew up I had a tiny bathroom, but I didn't care because it was entirely my own. You could barely turn around it was so small. But it had the features I needed including a medicine cabinet with a three way mirror for doing my hair.

Honestly, I don't know how anyone could get ready in the morning with just a single paned mirror. I rely on those three mirrors to angle around and see the back of my head. I now combine it with the full length mirror in the larger bathroom I now have to bounce my reflection off so many surfaces I can see everything easily. Even things I don't want to see so often.

Behind that mirror is the usual medicine cabinet. Mine is stuffed full of beauty supplies and other miscellaneous items that otherwise wouldn't have a home. I'm sure there's several things in there that need to be thrown out. Old perfumes, 3 bottles of mousse, earrings I never wear, maybe I'll go clean that out tonight.

Medicine cabinets are really important. I don't keep much medicine in them, those have to be locked away from the children. So hair products take their place. My cabinet is the of the usual variety, but I really like those recessed ones that look like just a plain mirror and then surprise people when it turns out to have storage space. Even funnier is when people assume the plain mirror is a medicine cabinet and end up ripping it off the wall when they try to open it.

If you want more information on the various styles of recessed medicine cabinet or get a mirror medicine cabinet please visit our website.