Daniel Stouffer asked:


Many homeowners dream of taking on a renovation project, updating a tired bathroom, or engaging in a full-on assault related to energy efficiency. Some like the idea of hiring professionals to do the dirty work while others are content to complete the tasks on their own.

Complexity in Estimating Home Remodeling Costs

No matter the approach, the cost of remodeling a home must be taken into consideration. This can be a pretty complex issue for some of us. With the Eco-friendly options available to the do-it-yourselfer (DIY), you can often justify the switch to a solar electric system, an upgrade to energy efficient water heating, or to the increased insulation in your attic by the decreases in your utility expenses.

The real challenge relates to estimating future savings against the immediate expenses to get the remodeling completed. Often, there are trade-offs and balances to be estimated in to your decision making process.

Don’t Guesstimate Your Costs. It’s Dangerous.

It doesn’t make sense to guess at the cost of a remodeling project even if the project is relatively small. Take the example of switching out all of your light bulbs to new higher energy efficiency models. If you don’t at least calculate your costs, you might be surprised when you go to buy 25 new bulbs.

There are always surprises and it is very important that you have a solid idea of how much money you will need to finish the efficiency upgrades or remodeling job. Doing this simple budgeting step will save you a lot of headaches down the road when you only have a half-finished project.

Getting the Project Half Done Usually Doesn’t Fly

There are plenty of people who have started home renovation projects and never can get them finished. These messes can be left undone for years if the cost of remodeling hasn’t been seriously considered. Before breaking out the tool box, you have to consider how much the whole project is going to cost you and whether you have the time and energy to complete the entire project.

Making Room for the Unexpected Costs

While you may think that you have a pretty good grasp on the cost of remodeling your home, you should always make room for the unexpected. Often home remodeling projects end up costing more than first thought due to many unexpected expensive add-on items. You may think after the fact about adding a new sink, running network cables for your computers, or installing a big screen T.V. when the stud walls are open and free to work in.

Consult with a Remodeling Professional

The best approach to determining the cost of remodeling is to consult a professional. Choosing someone who has a lot of experience in the field of home renovation is ideal. This individual knows all of the tricks of the trade. He or she will be able to point out factors that need to be addressed and he may even have some recommendations that will save you some money in the long run.

Using Reclaimed or Recycled Products Saves Money

It is also a good idea to consider more environmentally friendly products, reused or recycled household goods or common every day products that will save you money in your energy costs. Utilizing a strategic bead of caulking, an extra layer of plastic vapor barrier, or purchasing a perfectly good used bathtub could save you a great deal in the long run.

You’ve heard it before but with today’s energy costs it makes even more sense to reuse, recycle, and consider energy conservation right from the beginning of any remodeling project.

Getting Yourself Ready for the Sticker Shock

There are times that a home renovation project estimate will leave you with sticker shock. However, there are further considerations to make before scrapping a relatively expensive project. The considerations include the overall value of your home.

For example, you may find the cost of remodeling your kitchen is a few hundred more than you are willing to spend. But when you consider that the value of your home will increase significantly, then it may be best to make this sound investment. You may spend a lot but your home’s value can increase by thousands more than you spent on the renovation itself.

The Three Rules for Home Remodeling Estimates

There are basically three rules to figuring the cost of remodeling your home: Asking a construction expert is a good idea when you are in doubt. They can help estimate items you have little knowledge about. Doing your estimating correctly across your remodeling project will help you increase the overall value of the project when it is completed.

Not to mention the potential savings you will have in the long run by switching to solar generated electricity, upgrading to high efficiency lighting, or by reusing, Eco-friendly products across your remodeling project.



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Jeremy Johnson asked:


When you think of a motor home owner, you usually think “Snowbird” right? You know those people that follow the warmth to wherever it happens to be that season. They may be from Calgary, but they spend their winters in St. George, Utah.

A lot of these folks have motor homes - in fact they live in them. The Snowbirds don’t have to worry about winterizing their coach because it’s never going to sit in the freezing cold during the winter months. That’s not true for many other motor home owners though.

If you live in a cold climate you need to properly winterize your coach to avoid having your plumbing explode in the cold. Nothing is going to ruin your cheery spring mood like have to spend thousands of dollars repairing your pipes before you take your first road trip next summer. Here’s the recommended process for protecting your motor home plumbing.

1. Drain the water from the plumbing system and fill the plumbing with potable antifreeze.

On the undercarriage of your rig you’ll find a low-point valve. You need to open it; this is where all the fresh water that could freeze and destroy your pipes will drain. It’s going to be a little tough to get to.

After that valve is open, get into your coach and open all the sink and shower valves and flush the toilet (you don’t want a frozen exploding throne do you?). Turn on all sink and shower faucets so those can drain too.

2. Install an anti-freeze installation kit.

All you have to do is insert the valve after you detach the inlet line from the water pressure pump. Any installation kit you buy should come with a graphic showing you the process.

You’ll want to point the valve handle toward the transparent hose that comes with the kit, and you’ll want to put that hose in a jug of potable anti-freeze. That takes care of getting anti-freeze into all your plumbing. Remember - you want potable anti-freeze (not the stuff for your car)!

3. Install a water-heater bypass set, which is a series of valves that keep the antifreeze from going into your water heater. This part may be a little complicated. You only have to do it once, so I recommend taking it to your local motor home mechanic and having him do it.

4. Drain any water out of the water heater; if any is left in there, it will freeze and burst the heater. That’s another expensive repair!

You’ll need to open the drain petcock on the heater, but you’ll have to be firm because finger-operated valves have a tendency to get stuck after being heated and cooled off several times.

Open the relief valve on the heater so air can get in and push the water you’re trying to drain out. Otherwise this one part of the process could take hours. Just don’t forget to close the petcock and the valve after you’re done draining the water heater. Those are little details you don’t want to remember next spring when you’re de-winterizing your motor home.

5. Now that you have your anti-freeze installation kit ready, get in the coach and turn on each sink and shower individually (both the cold and hot faucets) and run them until you’re not seeing any more water, just the potable anti-freeze. Do the same thing with your shower and the shower wand so you know there isn’t any fresh water left to burst your pipes or other plumbing fixtures.

You also want to let enough anti-freeze run so your sink traps and drains get covered with the anti-freeze. One final note: if you have a water filtration system make sure you disconnect it before running anti-freeze through the whole system. It will make your filters unusable.



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Aaron O’Hanlon asked:


It is not surprising to find homeowners making decisions and shopping around when they remodel in an effort to save money on the project. This is certainly important if you want to get the most for your money when you remodel or add to your home. But there are some decisions you can make that will save money for many years to come. A few of these decisions and purchases might mean paying a little bit more at first, but recovering that extra cost in long-term savings in other areas.

The money you will save by shopping around, knowing the prices of things, comparison shopping and helping with the work for your project can be used to help you cover the up-front extra cost of items that will save you money over the long run. You can also use some of that money for premium items that will make your remodel unique or of higher quality than you might be able to afford otherwise.

Here are some things to consider that will result in big savings for the foreseeable future:

1. Choose materials and construction methods that will make your home energy efficient. Choose framing methods, insulation and construction materials, and fixtures that are environmentally friendly and energy-efficient. For example, use engineered lumber products to reduce the demand for conventional lumber. Choose rapidly-replenishing products to save the environment. Use new framing methods to save lumber by spacing vertical studs farther apart. Choose double- or triple-glazed energy efficient windows and insulated metal doors. These decisions will reduce your heating and cooling costs for the future.

2. Buy bathroom and kitchen faucets, shower heads and plumbing fixtures and appliances that conserve water. This will protect the environment and save you money on future water and sewer costs.

3. Choose energy efficient appliances and lighting fixtures throughout your home. Some of these items might qualify you for a rebate from your water or power supplier. They will definitely reduce your utility bills in the future, sometimes by surprisingly large amounts. Look for the greatest energy and water efficiency in utilities and lighting fixtures, and use compact fluorescent bulbs in all lighting fixtures.

4. Choose low- or no-maintenance exterior materials for your remodel. These materials will save some at the time of purchase, but they will either eliminate or reduce long-term maintenance time and costs. Using manufactured materials will save on maintenance costs for at least the next ten years. It will also make your life easier by eliminating the demand for regular maintenance.

5. Design a low-impact remodel. Look for unused and under-used space in your home and design it for a different purpose instead of adding space to your home. Look for ways to reduce cost by reducing work also. Look seriously at ways to get your remodel to do what you hope to do at lower cost. For example, instead of adding on with a full foundation, try adding the space with a bow or bay window or with a bump-out. Don’t move plumbing and appliances. Install new windows that are the same size as the old ones.

6. Choose interior materials that don’t need a lot of maintenance or that won’t wear out as quickly. Consider the durability of laminate flooring, for example, over high-maintenance hardwood floors. Think about how materials will wear under the kind of activities that are normal for your family.

7. Make careful decisions about how you will finance your remodeling project. Shop around for the best terms and interest rates for your loan. Use credit cards that pay rebates or use retailer financing that allows you to make payments at 0% interest for a while. These decisions can help you save a bundle on a remodel.

Keep the long-term costs of maintaining your home in mind. Choose energy-efficient, environmentally-friendly materials and appliances that will reduce your utility bills for many years. The pay-back will be well worth your time.



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Tim Menk asked:


More money is spent annually on home renovation than on new construction, (almost $300 billion in 2006). It is estimated that more than a million homes per year undergo major renovation or remodeling.

Economic and environmental realities are driving homeowners to look at how to maximize resource usage and to decrease the waste stream generated by construction projects. More of us are asking if there are better ways to remodel that can enhance health, reduce energy consumption, lower maintenance costs and minimize environmental impact. There is. It’s called green remodeling.

What is green remodeling? Essentially, it is the convergence of three basic principles:

• Increasing energy efficiency

• Improving indoor air quality

• Conserving natural resources

Perhaps the best way to describe the philosophy of green remodeling is that it is a form of applied common sense. Remodeling and renovation projects offer myriad ways to reduce, re-use and recycle. Salvaging and re-using materials can result in lower cost of materials and in the reduction of environmentally damaging waste disposal and lowering disposal-related fees. As a bonus, the use of salvaged materials, such as wood flooring, doors and antique fixtures can also add beauty and style to a newly remodeled space.

In their book, “Green Remodeling”, co-authors David Johnston and Kim Master refer to green remodeling as “Changing the World, One Room at a Time” (available at http://www.amazon.com), According to the authors, you can do this by employing green building processes and materials in remodeling projects, because going green “is more energy-efficient, more resource-conserving, healthier for occupants and more affordable to create, operate and maintain”.

Many products and practices used in remodeling a home can have negative effects on the environment. Green remodeling requires that thoughtful attention is given to minimizing or eliminating products or practices that could cause environmental damage or that could harm occupants during construction, or after the remodeling project is complete.

Since 1993, The U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) http://www.usgbc.org/ has developed and administered a Green Building Rating System. USGBC provides practical information on applying green building standards to building projects. The adoption of green practices is seen as a way homeowners can meaningfully contribute to efforts aimed toward reducing global warming. There are many green alternatives to standard practices that USGBC recommends:

• Use wood alternatives like engineered lumber, or Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certified wood harvested from managed forests (http://www.fscus.org)

• Employ renewable products like bamboo for flooring

• Reduce the use of paint and cleaning products containing high levels of volatile organic compounds (VOC’s)

• Use natural fiber rugs and fabrics

• When available, use recycled or high recycled-content materials

• Plant trees to provide shade and wind protection, saving money on heating and cooling costs

• Green up your yard using native plants that are adapted to local soil and weather conditions, thereby lowering maintenance and reducing the use of chemical pesticides, fertilizer and irrigation

• Shop locally. When practical, use locally produced products to reduce carbon emissions caused by long distance transportation

When planning a remodeling project, bear in mind that it is both easier and cheaper to incorporate green materials and strategies in the early stages, rather than adding them piecemeal, or as an afterthought, when in the thick of the project.

Here are some green remodeling strategies to consider.

Energy Conservation

Ways to increase energy efficiency can range from simply adding an insulation blanket to your water heater and insulating hot water pipes to replacing older appliances with new Energy Star-rated appliances. Replacing a standard storage water heater with a so-called tankless water heating system can result in increased efficiency and significant monthly utility savings. Additional savings can be achieved by simply switching from incandescent to fluorescent lighting, which reduces energy consumption for lighting by up to 75 percent. Thanks to the Energy Policy Act of 2005, homeowners who choose green alternatives when updating their homes could be eligible for tax credits to offset some remodeling costs. For details on available credits, go to the following website: http://www.energystar.gov.

If your remodeling project includes new exterior siding, consider having a professional evaluate the insulation in your exterior wall cavities and the energy efficiency of your doors and windows. If deficiencies are found, insulation materials such as cellulose, rock wool and some forms of foam can be installed from outside, without damaging interior wall surfaces. Adding a house wrap under new siding will markedly reduce air infiltration and exfiltration, saving on both heating and cooling costs. Tests commonly performed when evaluating the thermal efficiencies of your home can diagnose the ability of your wall, window and door systems to prevent heat loss and air infiltration. A primary technique to evaluate energy efficiency involves the use of ‘blower doors’ to test air inflow and outflow. http://www.homeenergy.org.

Replacing old single pane windows with insulated glass can save up to 25 percent on heating and cooling costs. The highest level of savings can be achieved by using so-called low-e glazing (for low emittance). Low-e coatings are microscopically thin, metal or metallic oxide layers deposited on window or skylight glass primarily to reduce radiative heat flow. Low-e glass units are available that promote high, moderate or low solar gain, depending on your climate.

Indoor Air Quality

When an older home is tightened up to promote greater energy efficiency, it’s imperative to assure that adequate ventilation is available in order to assure healthy indoor air and to prevent interior moisture build-up.

Current research indicates that our indoor air is often more polluted than outside air. This increased concern is prompted by the realization that most people spend 80-90 percent of their time indoors.

There are many sources that can negatively impact indoor air quality. These include pollutants from the outdoor environment, and the toxic chemicals used inside the home from a variety of sources. Indoor air is often further degraded by other pollutants introduced by occupants, such as tobacco smoke, smoke or particulates emitted by home appliances that burn wood, coal, kerosene, and propane (or natural gas). Other significant sources of toxicity come from sealants, cleaning products, paint, asbestos, damp carpets or fabrics, and certain pressed-wood cabinet and furniture products that release chemicals into the air. In some areas, radon (a naturally-emitted subterranean radioactive gas found in some regions) can cause serious health problems. http://www.dspinspections.com

/radon_facts.htm

Green remodeling seeks to remedy these problems with a combination of air filtration, ventilation systems and choosing to use the least toxic product options. An overview of the problem and possible solutions are available from the Environmental Protection Agency http://www.epa.gov/iaq/pubs/insidest.html

Reduced Material Waste and Resource Conservation

As a rule, remodeling is more eco-friendly than new construction, since fewer materials and resources are consumed to remodel an old house than to build a new structure. Since 30 percent of materials disposed of at landfills typically consist of construction debris, there is a lot of room for improvement in home improvement.

Even though remodeling generally uses fewer materials than new construction, it can generate a significant waste stream. This results in 136 million tons of waste annually. Planning how salvaged materials can be used or recycled can lessen the costs and the impact of construction debris disposal. Good planning can pay off. If you choose not to re-use your old claw foot tub, you may find a local buyer that will be very happy to take it off your hands. The same is true about sinks, cabinets, lighting fixtures, doors, etc.

When it’s possible, using local materials, building with engineered lumber, and hiring recycling companies to remove waste all help to maximize resource use when remodeling.

Perhaps most important of all when you are considering a remodeling project, get back to the basics. Consider the advice of Sara Gutterman, co-founder of Green Builder magazine http://www.greenbuildermagazine.com:

“In order to accomplish the most desirable sustainable outcome, it is important to begin the process of remodeling with the end result in mind. Understanding the personal impetus behind your desire to remodel is paramount so that you can optimize your new design. Think about how you live in your home. Consider which spaces you use and which ones sit dark and lonely for most of the year, waiting those few special evenings when partygoers enter and infuse them momentarily with life. Many modern designs do not actually fit the needs of the typical homeowner. They often contain formal living spaces that remain unused because of their size and lack of intimacy. When we can understand that interior space is a precious resource just like clean water, air, and soil, we can begin to think more sustainably about it.”



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G Beaty asked:


As a buyer in today’s Florida real estate market, your careful attention to detail and determination to explore all of your options will serve you well. The following checklist will assist you in deciding whether you have completed all preliminary home buying steps and are ready to choose your home builder.

You have made a careful assessment of your financial situation and have determined an appropriate price range for your new Florida home.

You have found your target neighborhood and have taken note of all existing homes for sale and new homes being built or scheduled for construction.

You have researched your neighborhood’s proximity to shopping, parks, schools, libraries and recreational activities.

You have at least a general plan of action for obtaining financing and insurance.

You have decided to avoid the risk of buying an existing home and have instead decided to purchase a newly constructed home.

If you have completed all of these steps, you are ready to find your home builder.

What to look for in a home builder

There are many different types of home builders in Florida, just as there are many types of home buyers. For the buyer who is looking for a high-quality, customized home built above Florida hurricane code, tract home builders can immediately be eliminated from the list of potential builders.

Tract homes are most often the cheapest of newly constructed home, and in this case, you definitely get what you pay for. Most often, tract home builders use the cheapest materials they can purchase in mass quantities. There is no individuality amongst these homes; they are cookie-cutter, mirror images of one another. These homes will never satisfy the discerning home buyer who has quality and safety in mind.

Custom home builders

In most cases, custom home builders use the highest quality materials and give their customers the most options when it comes to style and design choices. The homes built by custom builders are usually much more luxurious in scale, often including vaulted ceilings and bright, airy floor plan choices. Top of the line paint, appliances, flooring and fixtures complete the package of interior choices.

But there are also different levels of custom home builders, especially when it comes to hurricane safety. Since hurricanes are a fact of life for all Florida residents (even those in interior counties are vulnerable, as hurricanes Charley and Frances clearly illustrated), hurricane safety should be a very important factor when you are deciding amongst custom home builders.

Above code construction

Today’s Florida hurricane building codes do provide buyers of all new homes more protection from hurricanes than many homes built before the building code reforms of the early 1990’s. However, these new codes do not provide as much protection as some consumers have been led to believe.

Only a few Florida counties have adopted the strict standards that are currently in place in Dade county (areas of which were devastated by Hurricane Andrew in 1992). In fact, the current building code in most counties only requires that new homes be built to withstand a Category 2 hurricane.

That is why a handful of builders in Florida have begun giving their customers an added level of protection. Above code construction is a term used by these builders to convey that their home construction standards exceed what is required by Florida building code.

Levels of above code construction

Here is another situation where there are different levels of builders. Now you are looking for how far above code you want your home to be, and choosing the builder whose homes best meets your desired level of protection.

If you think of the hurricanes that have made headlines over the last two seasons, the name Katrina will be at the forefront of most of our minds. Katrina was at Category 4 strength when it made landfall, and it was certainly not the first Category 4 storm to make landfall in the 2004-2005 hurricane seasons. Homes built at or slightly above code will not withstand this level of storm. That is why if hurricane safety is important to you, finding a home builder who builds their homes to withstand at least a Category 4 storm.

If price is a consideration, these above code custom homes may seem out of reach. But if you purchase your home at the right time of year, have your financing in place, and have a solid idea of what you are looking for in a home, you will be in an excellent position to negotiate a price you can afford. And if you take into consideration remodeling and repair costs that often come with an existing home, a high-quality custom home may be more affordable than you think.

Finally, take your time and find the right builder who can build the best house for your budget but don’t necessarily rule out high-quality homes if you are on a budget. Doing your research and staying informed will help you find the best home for the best price. Happy hunting!



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Stephen Dolan asked:


Bathroom remodeling not only adds beauty and enjoyment to any kind of home, it also increases the value of your home when you wish to sell your house in the future. Bathroom remodeling is perhaps the most popular project for home improvement because it yields the highest return on your investment. Moreover, homeowners can enjoy their relaxing bathroom from the time they remodel until they decide on selling the house.

Tips for Bathroom Remodeling Design

The task of remodeling your bathroom is difficult andcan be costly There are several key fixtures to consider when you work on your bathroom. And yes, most of them are expensive. There is flooring to consider, as well as the paint, and the result of anything going wrong is you will end up with place that you spend a lot of time in while not enjoying the room. So good planning is essential.

Of course, to be successful, you need to design your remodeling project well before you swing a single hammer. If you take the time to work out a well-planned bathroom remodeling design, a wonderful bathroom is sure to follow.

Map it Out

When you are working on the design for your bathroom remodeling project, make sure to take accurate measurements of your bathroom and create a map to work with. Mark where the plumbing is, mark where your fixtures are, and you’ll be able to better plan what you need to do. The key to a great bathroom remodeling design is good planning, and a map is a great way to keep you focused on exactly where everything needs to be. Draw it out and plan it on paper. It can be a good idea to cut out your main pieces and try them on your map to see how they fit and what they are likely to look like.

There is also software available that can help you plan a bathroom remodel. The simple packages allow you to do the same mapping exercise as above, and the more complex and expensive can even build a ‘virtual bathroom’ so that you can see the results of your planning.

Function Before Form

The secret of a comfortable bathroom is to put the function of your bathroom above what it will look like. No matter how gorgeous your bathroom looks, if you have a poor design, one that makes your bathroom uncomfortable to use, you won’t enjoy it. Throughout your bathroom remodeling design process, consider what you want your bathroom to do and work towards that goal.

Consider Your Fixtures

Make sure to learn exactly where your fixtures will go when designing your remodeling project; you will need the plumbing there to accommodate them. Your sink, tub, and toilet are going to be exactly where you have them right now, unless you can somehow move the the plumbing. In most cases, the location of your fixtures is going to be a hard limit, so plan accordingly.

Locate Things Sensibly

When you decide where smaller fixtures, such as the towel rack or even the toilet paper roll, go in the bathroom remodeling design, keep in mind that they should go in places that are sensible, once again going back to function over form. The towel rack might look nice by the door, but if it’s out of arm’s reach of the bathtub, then you won’t be happy whenever you get out of the shower, for example. With all things in bathroom remodeling design, if you design with an eye for common sense and space, you will be successful in your attempt to create a room that’s both stylish and functional.

Focus on your walls, ceiling and tiles because these three items can greatly influence the outcome of your project. Mix and match the colors by using pastel, earthy, contemporary or traditional colors that fit your taste. Be aware that whatever items, equipment and furniture you wish to add to your bathroom should add warmth and relaxation to the room.

You can create your dream bathroom by expanding the area and separating the toilet from the bath area. You can even add spa treatments, bathtubs, water jets and other more expensive bathroom add-ons. If you have no idea where to start and what items to add, you can always look at a home-improvement magazine and check out the latest bathroom trends.

Know Your Budget

The extent of your bathroom remodeling project will all depend on your budget. If you have a large amount of money for your remodel project, you can start designing your bathroom from scratch. However, you can still remodel your bathroom even with a small budget. Just change the light fixtures, accessories and bathroom furniture.

Designs, Accessories and Furniture

When you decide to start a bathroom remodeling project, it is quickest to organize your goals before shopping for materials. determine on what items you want to replace, add or take away from the bath area. Think about refinishing existing items such as bathtub, shower, sinks and toilet or renewing the tiles, tub and shower enclosure to give a current look to your bathroom even with little investment.

Bathroom Remodeling Check List Helps Keep Project On Track

Renovations in any part of your home can easily get out of hand, both in the terms of time and in costs, but using a bathroom remodeling check list, you can maintain control of your budget as well as keep the job on track. As part of your planning process, a bathroom remodeling check list can also help you determine how much of an upgrade you can afford.

Some of the major items on your list may include any electrical work you may need, plumbing changes or additions, heating and cooling as well as any walls that will need to be moved or repaired. As some of the first things listed on your bathroom remodeling check list, you can also determine the timing of contractors. For example, if you are going to replace an existing tub and wall tile, plumbing work will need done, but having a carpenter handy for installing modern drywall will need to be done first.

In addition to the major work, also listed on your bathroom remodeling check list would be any components, such as cabinets, fixtures and countertops. You should also list the type of countertops you plan to install as well as the floor, the sink, storage cabinets and any free-standing furniture.

Having a column on your bathroom remodeling check list that shows the amount budgeted for each item will help you stay in control of the costs of the project. When buying the items on the list and you decide to go over the cost for one item, you can always pick a cheaper model on another component to stay on budget. By looking at the costs before you go to the store, you can have a good idea of what you are likely to spend.

Once you have determined the exact cost of your project using the bathroom remodeling check list, you should budget another 10 percent of the total cost for contingencies. For instance, when you are cutting out the wall for a fresh fixture you accidentally cut through a water pipe and your current drywall is ruined. The contingency budget can pay to replace the cut pipe as well as the ruined drywall.

You may also plan on the time each item on your bathroom remodeling check list should take to complete as a way of keeping the project on track. You will know during the planning stage how much each item should cost, how long it should take as well as what part of your bathroom is not going to be touched during the project.

If you don’t have the money to hire an architect or contractor for your bathroom remodeling, you can do the work yourself by focusing on simple things that can give a dramatic change to the bathroom. For instance, add a vanity mirror or a shelf and display small items such as perfume bottles, soaps, bath salts, spa accessories and other items you wish to display.



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Karl Stadler asked:


For many homeowners the thought of making improvements to their home bring about thoughts of expensive contractors and a lot of time spent living with a mess in the house. Since the 1950s, DIY activities had been evident and can be attributed to the fact that human beings are naturally inclined to use their Skills and available tools to be able to address their needs or wants. DIY home improvements, in particular, mean repairing, renovating or making additions to a house without purchasing an household item or hiring professional people to create them. Most homeowners have at least a rudimentary understanding of how to use basic hand and power tools, and for small projects, this can be enough.

There are many projects that may seem to be overwhelming on the surface, but you really get down to the facts, most home improvements and DIY renovation jobs can be quite simple, such as fixing holes in the walls, or smoothing a rough ceiling. Everything benefits from a coat of paint and painting is an inexpensive home improvement diy project that you can do inside or outside your home that can not only add beauty to your home but it can also help protect the interior and exterior of your home as well. Be sure to protect the things you do not want painted like furniture, rugs, and children and also be sure that everyone agrees on the colors to be used in this home improvement diy project. There is nothing worse than doing a painting project only to find out that it does not meet everyone?s approval and has to be done over again.

Some DIY home improvements websites likewise contains links that directly take Internet users to the websites of home improvements products so that they can purchase them online. Many major stores like Home Depot and Lowes have capitalized on the DIY trend and thus, have made it their specialty to sell materials and tools that can be used for DIY home improvements. As part of their supplementary services for their clients, these stores often sponsor and initiate classes to educate their customers on how to proceed with their DIY home projects. Despite the significant number of Americans who prefer DIY home improvements, some still prefer to have their home renovation projects supervised by professionals.

You may take advantage of the different home improvement stores in your area like the Home Depot or Lowe?s where they are selling great items that could be used for DIY home renovation. One of the best things about these shops is the fact that they could help you if you would need a professional advice from their staff that are friendly and knowledgeable when it comes to DIY home renovation projects. You could be sure that once that you have visited their store, you will be amazed of their products and be inspired to make a better change in your homes.

Many home improvement diy projects do not need to be complicated at all. For example, if you are sick of looking at your boring backyard then add some personality to it with a fountain, maybe some benches, or maybe even set aside a couple of weekends and build your own gazebo or deck in your backyard. Maybe something as simple as just clearing brush and bushes out of the cluttered parts of your backyard can add something to your backyard while taking away some unwanted mess at the same time.

Every time you think you are done adding to or changing your home you sit back and see something else you would like to add, remove, or change and then another project is born. Just remember to be safe and follow all of the basic safety rules involved with home improvements and you should have a lot of fun doing your projects.



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My Dream Home Registry asked:


There are many different ways to spruce up your home little by little. Whether you are interested in fixing up the exterior of the home or the interior, there are ways to go about doing so which are cost effective and easy to complete. If you are eager to give your home a quick makeover on the inside one way to do so is to change the hardware on various fixtures throughout the home. Items such as door fixtures and plumbing fixtures can be changed and this will bring about an entirely new look to the room.

Reasons to Change Hardware in Various Rooms of the Home

There are a few reasons why you may wish to change the hardware on fixtures within your home. First, changing the hardware on items such as doors and plumbing fixtures will add a more modern look to the home. This is especially true for those who have outdated fixtures and have not changed the hardware since they moved in. Another reason to change the hardware in the home is that the current items may be worn out and changing the hardware is a quick way to make the rooms look fresh and new. Also, changing the hardware on doors, cabinets and plumbing fixtures will make a room match better, especially if the current hardware is mismatched in some way.

Choosing New Hardware for Items in Your Home

Prior to heading to the store to buy new knobs, handles and plumbing fixtures for the rooms in the home, determine what type of look you are striving for. Consider the room in which the hardware will be replaced and note the furnishings within the room. You want to choose hardware which not only matches the other fixtures in the room but also all of the furnishings that are in place within the room.

You also want to figure out what style of room you are searching for when it comes to giving the room a quick makeover. Determine if your taste is more along the lines of a contemporary look or you wish to exude a look of the past. You will be able to find hardware in various styles and there is certain to be a style to suit your individual tastes.

Determining What New Hardware Pieces are Essential

If you are on a tight budget and wish to replace hardware pieces within the home, there are a few ways to determine which ones are essential. The first thing you should do is to look around the home in the different rooms and see which rooms contain hardware that are in complete disrepair, whether it be plumbing fixtures, doorknobs or cabinet handles. It is always best to start with the items that need to be replaced and then move on to those which you would like to replace in order to give the home a quick makeover.

Once you have replaced the hardware on the necessary furniture or fixture items, then if there is money remaining in your budget you can move on to those items which could use a new look. Try replacing hardware a complete room at a time so that all of the new hardware pieces will match within the room. This mini home makeover will work best if your finished product is a room with a completely new look and all of the prior hardware pieces which used to be in place are now long gone.

Obtaining a Good Deal on Hardware Items

There are a few places you can shop for your new hardware pieces. Home improvement stores, general product stores and online retailers are the best places to start your search. If you are looking for a large number of items such as knobs and handles, ask the retailer if they offer bulk discounts. If you are searching for plumbing fixtures in order to give your bathroom or kitchen a new look, try to find quality items on sale as this will be gentler on your wallet than if you simply purchased the items for full price.

Why not register for your new home fixtures and hardware? Check out www.MyDreamHomeRegistry.com, the gift registry for everything home.



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Americas Home Improvement Coach asked:


Protecting Your Family and Home From the Dangers of Lightening

 

As the seasons change, so do the elements and storms we are exposed to. This time of year, hurricanes and flooding rains are major problems we face. A by-product of these mysterious weather phenomenons is lightning. A lightning storm, also known as an electrical storm, can be extremely dangerous and destroy a home with a single blow. These erratic ribbons of energy seek to find refuge by kissing the earth with a tremendous force of energy and destroying anything that may be in its path.

 

At any particular moment, there are over 1,800 thunderstorms in progress somewhere around the globe and 25 million bolts of lightning reach out of the sky, coming in contact with the ground, annually.

 

Watching a good lightning storm zigzag across the sky is an awesome visual experience. The ominous ness and the electrical displays are extraordinary to watch. But, these displays of dancing energy come with a destructive power that steals more lives and causes more damage than floods, hurricanes and tornadoes - combined.

 

There is a way you can help to protect your home from being destroyed by these flashes of energy. Installing a lightning protection system can provide a path for the lightning to follow into the ground and help to direct it from melting the shielding in your homes electrical system and taking out the electronics and appliances plugged into your outlets. These systems do not prevent lightning from striking nor do they attract it, but help to direct its energy out of harms way.

 

Lightning protection systems that meet the latest standard requirements are considered to be 99% effective by Underwriters Laboratories. These systems can be partially concealed on the exterior or completely concealed during construction.

 

If lightning strikes the ground, it can affect whatever is within a 60 foot radius and 10 times that area, if it strikes water and can be lethal. On average, it can strike over 50 times within a quarter-mile of your home and is the leading cause of fires in suburban and rural areas.

 

There are several factors to determine if your home is at risk:

1.      If your home is located in an open area

2.      If lightning strikes were reported or seen within close proximity

3.      If your home is located in an elevated area, like a mountain.

4.      If you do not have a system to safely direct the path of electricity into the ground

 

A Few Lightning Facts

·        A lightning bolt can travel from 25 – 45 miles horizontally prior to hitting the ground and can be from 6 to 8 miles in length.

·        The size of a bolt is about 1 - 2 inches in diameter with the surrounding light making it seem a lot larger.

·        A single bolt of lightning can become up to 5 times the heat of the sun and carries with it 1 billion volts of current and up to 20,000 amperes.

·        The Empire State Building is struck by lightning over 100 times per year.

·        Most lightning strikes occurs between 12 noon and 4 PM

 

 

In homes located where sandy soil conditions are prevalent, more elaborate systems are necessary. Sand is dryer than normal soil and does not conduct electricity in the same way that moist soil does. For areas with sandy soil conditions there is a system that dissipates the energy over more of an area than the simple lightening rod, cable and clamp system.

 

Although the rod and cable system is easier than the more elaborate systems, for the best results and to ensure that you meet the requirements for a lower deductible and discounted premium from your insurance carrier, have a licensed professional evaluate and install the best system to protect you, your family and your home.

 

To get your copy of Hector’s book,

 

What Your Parent’s Never Told You About Owning a Home

 

Visit www.americashomeimprovementcoach.com and with

 

your purchase his book you will receive 5 reports on

 

ü     Selling Your Home In Any Market

ü     Hiring the Right Contractor For You

ü     Staying Within Your Budget

ü     Looking Out For Contractor Scams

ü     What Questions Should You Ask a Potential Contractor

 



Renewable Energy Videos

Clifton Waldrep asked:


First thing is determining what type of remodel you are seeking? For example: Bathroom remodel, kitchen remodel, or maybe you would like to have an addition built? Create a list of all the things you would like to have performed on your home. This list will help you when you start obtaining estimates from the many contractors you will be interviewing. If you have a friend or relatives who just had their home remodeled, you might want to use their contractor and save a lot of time. It will be time consuming locating the right contractor, but in the it will save you many nights of sleep knowing you have the right person remodeling your home.

Remodeling is never easy, especially if you are living amongst the construction. One way to help take some of the guesswork out of a project is to get remodeling estimates. By getting remodeling estimates you will have a better idea going into the project how much time and money will be involved. If you are financing the project, your lending institution may request a copy of the estimate and can even require that you have more than one completed.

Remodeling estimates can be done a number of ways depending on the size of your project and your preference. You can hire a remodeling contractor who would contact all the other workers needed for the project and would place all the remodeling estimates in a grand total. This works well unless you have a specific carpenter or plumber that you want to use and they do not work with contractors. Having an overall contractor also does not work if you are planning on doing some of the work yourself.

If you are going to be contacting each person that you are going to need for the project ask them for written remodeling estimates once they have come and seen the area that they will be working on. Some electricians and plumbers will give verbal estimates over the telephone. These remodeling estimates are worthless because there is no way that they can be accurate.

If you live in an area that has several people that can complete the tasks needed, get more than one estimate. Always ask the person to be as complete as possible with their remodeling estimates. Make sure you have agreed on who will purchase what. If you plan to pick out fixtures and appliances, find out who is responsible for arranging the deliveries. You need to coordinate that the items needed by a particular worker are available when they are needed.

A significant cost that many people do not consider when they get remodeling estimates is to have the cost of debris removal figured in. Carpenters and other professionals can usually arrange to dispose of remodeling debris cheaper than the average homeowner. Most people involved in the remodeling business will bring up the issue of debris removal, but it always pays to ask.

Remember with remodeling estimates that the quotes are just estimates. Most times unforeseen costs and time issues become a factor in the project. With the cost of material constantly going up, almost daily your estimate could rise accordingly? Always keep this in mind! Keep in mind the end product will be worth the inconvenience that you go through during the project.



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