<< Home Improvement Articles
>>
Here we have a selection of topical articles
on Home improvements from a variety of authors. Some are light hearted, others
are extremley informative - enjoy.......
Tips
For Buying a Whirlpool Bath Online by Kevin Taylor
Don't despair and settle for a Whirlpool Bath you don't want! Go online and
save by buying direct from a Whirlpool tub distributor. Here's how...
Deck Design - Why Firm Foundations
Are Essential by Arpad Nyikos
Backyard deck design, discover why preparing proper foundations for your
deck design is the only way to build a ground level deck and how it will
benefit you if you extend it over the years to incorporate a hot tub or build
upwards developing into a multi-level deck design. When you realise that
by cementing in your post anchors and connecting your deck design to the
side of your home with masonry anchors is the only way to attain a long standing
sturdy structure you wouldn't think of doing it any other way. Realize your
dream this year by building your very own deck design in your backyard and
be pround of your achievements by starting your project the right way. Deck
design is the quickest and easiest way to update your home and take advantage
of your outdoor living space.
How
To Choose The Canvas For Your Awning by Carlos Mello
The main factor for the canvas for your awning, it's to choose to do in PVC,
because will be light and malleable. Between their advantages we have the
following ones: It's resistant to the UV ray...
Building Wood Stairs
by Dave Markel
Building a set of wood stairs is not nearly as hard as you may think. With
some basic wood tools and a bit of algebra you can easily build your own.
Of course this can get a bit tricky for stairs wit...
Unfinished
Furniture - Finish It Yourself! by Mike Yeager
Unfinished furniture has started to become extremely popular in the last
few years. As customers have discovered the benefit of buying unfinished
wood furniture, the industry has responded with an ev...
Unadulterated Truth
About Black Mold: What You Don’t Know Is Destroying Your Home And Your
Health by Kevin Thompson
With today’s new building procedures, our homes are more dangerous than
ever before! Scientific evidence now shows that the air inside our homes
is 2-5 times more polluted than the air outside. And ...
Marble Information by Joey
Lewitin
Marble is any limestone or dolomite that can take a high polish and still
be usable. Marble is generally formed from limestone undergoing metamorphism.
When exposed to extremes of pressure or heat li...
How
To Replace The Rollers On Your Patio Door by Adrian Dunevein
Have you noticed your patio door is getting harder and harder to open? Maybe
it's time to change the rollers on the door. They generally last from ten
to fifteen years but they do wear out and its a...
Reduce Your Heating
Bills This Winter by Mark D. Tyrol
Imagine leaving a window open all winter long -- the heat loss, cold drafts
and wasted energy! If your home has a folding attic stair, fireplace or clothes
dryer, that may be just what is occurring i...
How
to Be Your Air Conditioner’s Best Friend by Scott Ethridge
Tips to prolong the life and increase the efficiency of your air conditioner.
Acting
As Your Own General Contractor When Building Your Dream Home by Robert
Kempe
This article is intended for the DIY (Do It Yourself) home builder; however,
it is very useful information for the new home buyer to understand what processes
you can monitor even if you are not acting as the general contractor and
hiring a general contractor. For the inexperienced DIY home builder, acting
as a general contractor is one of the most stressful things anyone can undertake.
Choosing Window Frames
by Garry John
A comparison of wooden, PVC-u and aluminium window frames.
Recovering
From a Failed Home Project by Robert Kempe
Everyone has a home project haunting them from their past. The objective
was to upgrade their existing home, but it just didn’t turn out the
way they originally envisioned. When this happens, what do you do now? I
always smile and say “Punt!” In the real world we can’t punt,
but we do have choices. One solution is to make it a work of modern art or
the more common decision is to fix the problem and finish as planned.
Can
You Buy Luxury Home Brands Online and Save - Worry Free? by Kevin Taylor
Are you frustrated with the high prices you've been quoted for luxury bath
and kitchen fixtures, and appliances? What if you could safely take advantage
of the great selection and value of online shopping for home decor items
that are normally $1,000, $5,000, even $10,000? Here's some great news for
people who need to bring their new dream home or home renovation costs under
control.
Bamboo Flooring Is Taking
The Design World By Storm by Kevin Brown
Are you looking for something different for your house? Maybe you do not
want to be like all of your neighbors and you want to stand out from the
crowd? Whatever your reasons are, bamboo flooring is a hot new trend in the
interior design world and for good reason.
Cork Flooring Is The Best Option
Around For Durability And Aesthetic Value by Kevin Brown
Cork has been used in a variety of capacities for thousands of years including
flooring. Because of all of the wonderful properties found naturally in cork,
it is a perfect choice for flooring, sound proofing, and of course in wine
bottles.
Enjoy The Beauty Of Hardwood
With The Endurance Of Laminate Flooring by Kevin Brown
Everyone likes the beautiful, timeless look of hardwood floors. Elegant,
yet simple, hardwood is stunning. But take a closer look. Is that hardwood
scratched and dented? Are those stains and fade marks that you see there?
Modern Rugs Add Color, Texture,
Interest and Space Definition To Your Room by Tasneem Mirza
Utilize modern rugs to add color and warmth to any space.
How to Care
for Laminate Flooring by E. Timothy Uy
It's hard to damage and easy to care for laminate floors. Here are some tips
on how to properly maintain them:
Home Floor Plan
Designing For Your Future Home by Robert Kempe
What is your dream home? Do you have an idea of what it will look like? Defining
a dream home is very difficult, especially if you have a spouse or significant
other that has tastes different than your own.
Home
Improvement Projects That Really Pay Off by Scott Gray
Home improvement projects for your home that will add beauty and value to
your home.
How To
Buy Double Glazing In The UK by T. O' Donnell
Tips on how to buy double glazing in the UK.
Planning Your DIY
Project by Alan Woodbridge
Ready to start your first serious DIY project? Read through the checklist
below to make sure you are well prepared to start - and finish! - the job:
1. Do an overview of the project, making sure that you understand all its
requirements. Sometimes imagining that you have been hired to do the job
may help you take a better perspective on what it will take to complete the
task.
How To
Buy A Conservatory In The UK by T. O' Donnell
The first question is, what is a conservatory? There is no standard definition
of what constitutes a conservatory (apart from "greenhouse"). This is one
reason why quotes vary so widely. The conservatory industry itself does not
have a consistent approach. So, the only way out of this is to be specific
about your requirements. *Don't be afraid to ask questions if the sales rep
or designer's comments don't make sense*.
How To Choose
The Perfect Granite Work Surface by Edward Green
Natural stone is graded as to it’s suitability for a given task. It
is also graded regarding the region of the world it originated from. This
is a grade for general use but more for stone professionals to advise architects,
surveyors etc which products to use for maximum efficiency in the building
or home.
Hot Tubs: Without A Shadow Of A Doubt
Guarantee Relaxation When You Dip Your Feet Into The Water! by Jack Gordon
A staple of healthy outdoor living, hot tubs equals to water therapy that
pound our bodies with jaw dropping and heart stopping relaxation. Dating
back to Roman times, baths served as a medical remedy in treating many maladies.
Heated water provided a soothing oasis for the ancients. Whirlpools tubs,
Jacuzzi tubs, portable hottubs, and spas provide innumerable benefits that
will be further discussed.
10 Spring Cleaning
Tips For Your Kitchen by Lara Velez
The words "spring cleaning" can make the neatest person cringe. They mean
more work....
Nursery Room Decor by Tasneem
Mirza
The nursery is your newborn’s first room, his own little world: the
environment, which in part will influence and shape his personality. As a
parent your goal is to provide a surrounding that is comfortable, secure,
inviting and cozy.
Home Air Filters: Knowing
Which One to Choose by Jonathan Chase
information on choosing an air purifier that is right for you and your family.
Spring Deck Prep
Tips by Chris Spewock
Tips on how to prepare your deck in the spring.
Building a Home Addition
by Mark Donovan
Besides providing your home with more living space, a home addition can be
a terrific investment. However, before embarking on such a project the homeowner
should first consider several important items.
How
to Get the Most Out of Your Home Theater – Without Spending a Fortune
by Steve Faber
Make sure you're getting all the home theater you paid for. Inexpensive and
free tweaks to maximize audio and video performance.
Five
Simple Changes To Your Home Decorating by Bonnie Carrier
Home decorating, ever wanted to try it, but hesitated because of time constraints
or budget concerns. The following ideas will not only give instant results,
but more importantly fit into any budget.
Home
Decorating & The Smaller Place by Bonnie Carrier
“Big Things Come In Small Packages” We’re all familiar with
this quote, it’s normally associated with gifts not home decorating,
but it should be. A one or two bedroom house, apartment, condo or townhouse
can be just as impressive and grand as something with fifteen bathrooms,
Hydrogen
Cell Generator For The Home by Lance Winslow
They are available now, what are you waiting for? An invite embossed or engraved.
How to
Use Do-It-Yourself Toxic Mold Test Kits by Phillip Fry
Many homeowners, landlords, renters, property managers, business owners,
and employees want to know, and need to know, the precise identities of the
various toxic mold species inhabiting their home, rental property, or place
of work.
Fire Hazard Alert - Is Your
Dryer Ready to Ignite by Donald Grummett
In recent years there has been many stories about dryers catching on fire.
Should we be concerned? Yes of course. We should take seriously anything
that may put our family at risk. Was the problem the dryer?
Decorating
Your Home: 5 Style Tips that Cost Less than $50 by Julie Dana
Decorate your home by spending time not money in decluttering, painting and
accessorizing. By following these simple tips, you can make a huge impact
by bringing your home from average to spectacular for very little money.
Light Imitating Art -
How to Use Lighting as a Decorative Feature by Paul Forte
Lighting is often thought of as a necessity, which it is, but not often as
part of the decor. This is more the case in residential settings. For years
architects in commercial buildings have used lighting to compliment their
designs. A good example of this melding of light and art is the Chrysler
building in NYC.
Housing and Smart
Houses; Energy Self Sufficient Possibilities by Lance Winslow
A stream of thought about energy saving houses and design.
House Plans – Where To Start
by Martin Smith
You have found the perfect lot on which to build your new home. Now you have
an abundance of decisions to make. Where will the house sit on the lot? You
will have to decide this based on the total square footage of the house.
What kind of features are you hoping to have. These are the things to consider,
storage, a laundry room, a home office, a bathroom downstairs, a full bath
upstairs, and a family room.
House Plans – Research
Is Key by Martin Smith
When you think about building your new home consider your needs and your
lifestyle. If you are newlyweds your choices will be different from a couple
who is ready to retire and is looking for a smaller home. The lot may affect
the type of house and its placement.
How
to Create a Positive Environment in Your Home With Vastu by Robin Mastro
Our homes, carefully oriented, have the power to give us comfort and security
and to be one of our best investments. We spend a great deal of time and
money to accomplish this. However, many of us do...
Ridding
Your Home of Geopathic Stress by Robin Mastro
Just as there are solar magnetic stresses that come from the sun and the
galactic “soup” that supports the universe, there are geomagnetic
stresses that come from within the earth. The field of geob...
The Science of
Architecture by Robin Mastro
You’re told to take vitamins, drink plenty of water, get a good
night’s sleep and exercise, but has anyone ever told you that the design
of your home and office can impact your health? You wouldn’t...
How to
Kill More Deals in Less Time! by Wally Conway
Do you know a Contract Assassin? In this article, author Wally Conway will
show you how to avoid classic contract assassin traps!
Spring Chores at
the Cabin by Elly Kendall
Whether you live in your cabin year round or it's been closed up for the
winter, it's time for spring cleaning. It's hard to get motivated. We'd all
rather be out playing in the sun and enjoying the spring after the long cold
winter. I thought I would share my "to do" list and some helpful tips to
get you started so we can both get the chores done.
Carbon Monoxide
Can Be Deadly--Early Detection Monitors Make It Easy to Protect Your Family
by Debra Lynn Dadd
If you burn gas, kerosene, or wood in your home to produce heat for cooking
or warmth, you need to monitor the level of carbon monoxide. Carbon monoxide
is odorless and can easily build up to dangerous levels. Ordinary carbon
monoxide detectors don't sound an alarm until certain levels of carbon monoxide
accumulate in the air. New monitors show the amount of carbon dioxide in
the air at any given time, so you can take action well before levels reach
the danger zone.
Vacation
Break for Electrical Machines by Thomas Yoon
What happens if the circuit breaker is placed in a high temperature environment?
The thermal bimetallic strip bends on high temperature. In this case, the
current is not causing the high temperature in the bimetallic strip, but
the ambient air is! The current may still be below the safe operating rated
value for the motor.
Tuscany Style
Decorating Ideas by Jill Kane
Great decorating ideas to get that tuscan style decor you are looking for.
Choosing
Blinds For Damp Atmospheres by Garry John
A look at some of the issues to consider when choosing blinds for damp
atmospheres found in kitchens and bathrooms.
Choosing Your Builder:
Cheapest Quote Wins? by Adrian Kinley
You have your 3 quotes from each potential builder so choosing the one you
are going to trust with your re-modelling, new garage, extension etc. should
be easy, shouldn’t it?
Book Shelf Decorating
Idea & Tip by Kathy Burns-Millyard
If you have book shelves in your home, and lots of books, you've probably
discovered that bookends don't always keep everything in order. Sometimes
your collection of books on the shelf are just too much for the bookend to
hold.
Update
Your Home Decor Using Colorful Rugs by Tasneem Mirza
Update Your Home Decor Using The Hottest Colors & Style Area Rugs
Laminate
Flooring is Built for the Twenty First Century by Barry Hutch
While capturing all the beauty and elegance of hardwoods, laminate flooring
is both durable and easy to maintain. Its machine made construction will
not stain, warp or buckle and the Aluminum Oxide coated surface gives it
a high degree of scratch resistance that is perfectly suited to heavy foot
traffic.
Make Your House A Home
by Lata Tokhi
When thinking about polished floors, cushions in place, exquisite flower
arrangements, crisp folded napkins on the table, take time to think about
comfort, family time and kids activities also when decorating. A lively place
full of warmth and chatter is what makes a 'House' a 'Home'.
Building Your Dream
Home – Part 2 by Mark Donovan
For most of my adult life I had thought about someday building my Dream Home.
Several years ago I finally got the chance. In the subsequent parts of this
chronology, I will review my experiences in hopes that others may gain from
my experiences.
Hand Hooked Rugs by Tasneem
Mirza
Add Splendor To Your Room Using Exquisite Designer Hand Hooked Rugs
How to
Collect Physical Mold Growth Samples for Low-Cost Mold Laboratory Identification
of Mold Spec by Phillip Fry
VANCOUVER, CANADA. Many property owners, apartment landlords, renters, employers,
and employees want to know, and need to know, the precise identities of the
various mold species infesting their moldy house, rental unit, or place of
employment, according to Phillip Fry, Certified Mold Inspector and author
of the book Do-It-Best-Yourself Mold Prevention, Inspection, Testing, &
Remediation. The accurate identification of mold species requires two steps:
(1) physical collection of mold samples from the moldy building; and (2)
mold laboratory analysis of the collected mold samples. The least costly
way to collect mold samples is the do-it-yourself approach carried out by
gathering actual samples of mold growth to submit for mold laboratory analysis
($20.00 or more fee per sample analyzed).
What
Are The Benefits of Radiant Heating: How Do They Compare With Other Heating
Applications by Larry Lentz
You maybe be considering radiant heat to install into your existing or your
new home but don’t quite understand the advantages or the differences
between heating applications? Well we would like to inform you of the benefits
and the comparisons to other heating applications available.
Modern Rugs
by Tasneem Mirza
The modern look is a highly admired form of interior design. The word Modern
is a broad term that encompasses many different techniques and styles of
design. Abstract Expressionism is one popular designation, which has a profound
impact on interior design, particularly in the use of color and materials.
The term Abstract Expressionism was first used by Robert Coates in the March
issue of the New Yorker in 1936.
Concrete
Cutting: Shedding Light On Your Basement Remodel by Robert Short
Do yo want to put an addition on your house but just don't have the land?
You may already have one but you're overlooking it.
Installing a Toilet by
Mark Donovan
The installation of a toilet is a relatively easy job for a homeowner. With
a couple of wrenches, a screwdriver and a few shims a new toilet can be installed
in about one hour.
Add Value To Your Home
With A Home Improvement Loan by Paul Heath
Improve your home and its value with a home owner loan.
5 Reasons to Make
Early Spring "Firewood Time" at Your Home by Susan Penney
Smart fireplace and woodstove owners know early spring is the time to buy
or gather firewood. Why now, when the weather is warming? To save themselves
both hassles and money!
Repairing a Hole in a Sheetrocked
Wall by Mark Donovan
It is quite simple to repair a hole in a Sheetrocked wall, however there
are minor differences in methods of repair depending on how large the hole
is.
Quick and Dirty Guide
to Wood Flooring by M J Plaster
If you've always longed for hardwood floors, you're in good company. While
soft wooden floors date back to the Colonial era, hardwood floors first burst
on the scene in the late 17th century. If you only know that you want hardwood
floors gracing your home, read this quick and dirty guide so that your head
won't spin when you talk with your contractor. This ten-minute read will
guide you through the basics of wood species, grades, types and styles.
Roller Blinds by Garry John
A look at the reasons behind the popularity of roller blinds.
Building
Permits and Inspections by Mercedes Hayes
Probably the most intimidating part of building your own house is the permit
process. Not only do the the requirements vary from township to township,
but at times the decisions made seem so subjective that we find ourselves
seething in frustration. However, permits and inspections are a necessary
step, and they are in place predominately for your protection.
Aluminium Conservatories
by Garry John
A look at the rise in popularity of aluminium conservatories.
Home Fire
Prevention Effectiveness 1 by Thomas Yoon
Everybody knows that heating can cause fires. However, we must not be unduly
alarmed if there are sources of heat around us. We simply cannot avoid the
heat. In fact we use heating for our own benefit...
Choosing the
Right House Plan by Dascar Daniel
The basic things to think about when choosing the best house plan!
Home Interior Decorating
by Emil Ustinescu
A small guide to decorating your home.
How To Clean
Your Air Conditioner Like A Pro by Donald Grummett
With Jack Frost nipping at our nose who in their right mind would be thinking
about window air conditioners at this time of year? Well, call me crazy,
but I am. The following ten steps will show you how to clean your window
air conditioner just like a professional, and get it ready for next summers
heat wave.
Refrigerators
Electric Consumption - Lower It In 15 Minutes by Donald Grummett
Save money by learning a simple step by step method that will result in your
household refrigerator running at top efficiency. Conserve electricity and
lower your refrigerators electrical consumption. The whole process done in
15 minutes using standard household equipment.
Home Remodeling Business
by Dan Noyes
The need for home remodeling is on the rise as many people like the neighborhood
they live in and the affordability of their existing homes. By incurring
a little cost they can remodel their old houses to increase space and add
new amenities. The need for remodeling is detailed below.....
Remodeling Online by
Dan Noyes
Making remodeling plans for a house helps you to ensure that your home meets
all your needs. It also adds value to your home in the long term. After all,
you will spend at least half your working life paying off the first mortgage
on your house—by making remodeling plans, you ensure that your home
evolves with the changes in your lifestyle and add value to the property....
CCTV for the Home by Owen
Gerrard
Some of the reasons for getting CCTV cameras for your home.
Home Furnishings
and Shelving by David Kunstek
Its spring time and that means we start working on our homes. Cleaning,
organizing, purchasing new things to spruce the place up are just some of
the home furnishings we do. Why do we go to all this effort? Well, that's
simple! We want our homes to be comfortable, clean, and beautiful so that
we can enjoy it! One way to add extra storage or a great touch to a room
is to add some shelving.
Get Your Home
Ready To Sell by Chris Hickman
Have you been considering selling your home in the near future? If you have,
then it wouldn't be a bad idea to take a good long look at your home, using
an unbiased eye.
Would
You Steel Your Household Appliances by Donald Grummett
Stainless steel household appliances are the “in” style right now.
This article explores the pros and cons of stainless steel appliances and
some reasons why people are being drawn to the clean look of stainless steel
for their kitchens.
The Wireless Home by Mark
Donovan
It was only a few years ago that Real Estate agents and Builders were promoting
the “Wired” feature as a must have when buying a new home. Wired
meant that the home not only had cable running throughout it, but also Cat-5
wire. Now the latest buzz from the Computer and Networking world is,
“Unwire Your Home”, as the Computer/Internet world rapidly moves
to wireless interconnections.
Seven Ways to Emphasize
a Decor Style by Julie Dana
An inspirational article filled with clever ideas on how to emphasize your
decor style.
Spring & Home
Decorating - A Fresh New Look by Bonnie Carrier
Open Windows … Curtains fluttering from a warm breeze … The air
smells fresh and clean … Buds on the trees are beginning to open …
Tiny flowers are popping up threw the ground … Finally that little bird
with the red breast is back
Clear Wax Candles vs. Gel
Candles by Lisa Robbin
In the last five years a new type of clear candle has emerged - freestanding
resin-based candles. Unfairly lumped into the "gel candle" category, resin-based
candles offer beauty and design possibilities gel candles could never imagine.
For starters, there's no container, no bubbles and no embeds. This alone
makes clear wax candles a safer alternative to most gel candles mass marketed
today.
Gel Candle Safety: What
You Should Know Before You Buy by Lisa Robbin
A lot of attention has been focused on gel candle safety in recent years.
Irresponsible (usually foreign) candlemakers have flooded the shelves of
dollar stores and discount retailers with poor quality and at times unsafe
container gel candles. As a result, gel candles have gotten a "bum rap" as
being hazardous works of the devil, rather than being viewed as an alternative
decorating option for candle lovers. Following the guidelines here will help
you in choosing safe gel candles for your home or gift giving needs.
Bathroom Magic by Sam Stevens
Believe it or not, the bathroom is one of the most magickal rooms in your
house; Your make up box and medicine chest can be treasure chest of tools
, the bathtub and shower are wonderful place to conduct cleansing and attraction
rituals, and the toilet can be a handy mechanism for flushing away negativity.
A Hidden Jewel
In Home Decorating, The Powder Room by Bonnie Carrier
Typically a small space consisting of just a sink and toilet, you most likely
know them by a more common term “half-bath” or “guest bath.
Ever wonder where the term “powder room” came from? It’s derived
from Victorian times, when women needed to “powder their noses”.
Why consider them a jewel when it comes to decorating, also why bother decorating
them, it is after all only a bathroom.
Hardwood Floors - 7 Tips For
Selecting Perfect Flooring by S.A. Smith
Creating great looking hardwood floors in your home requires several important
functional and design considerations to get it right.
New simple to understand
Planning Permission Guide...