5 Small Bathroom Vanity Remodeling Tips

When your bathroom decorating project involves a limited space to work in, replacing an old vanity with a small bathroom vanity can help you free up space while you are working. There are several small vanities available to choose from, but you need to keep several things in mind when you are remodeling. Here 16BAare some tips to use when remodeling a small bathroom.

Tip #1 - Utilize the storage space in your vanity.

Often we forget to do the obvious. If your bathroom is small you will want to utilize the space you have. A small bathroom vanity that includes a cabinet under the sink can be used as storage for small items. Using this space for soap, bathroom tissue, cleansers, lotions, and even fresh towels is a great way to utilize the space.

Tip # 2 - Use Mirrors.

If you have a large mirror in your bathroom you will find that it makes the room appear larger. If you have a small mirror above the vanity exchange it for a larger mirror to give the room a more open, larger appearance.

Tip # 3 - Choose a small bathroom vanity that fits in the corner.

If you choose a corner vanity you can free up more space in your room. This space isn't an optical illusion as with the mirror, this is actual floor space. There are several styles available that you can choose from.

Tip # 4 - Use light colored paints for your bathroom walls.

Using light colored paint or wallpaper on the walls will help to open out the room and make it a bit bigger. The light paint also helps to give the room a brighter, happier look. Your small vanity should match your bathroom. You can purchase one that already matches or take the time to paint the vanity as well as the walls to match each other.

Tip # 5 - Pedestal type vanities take less space.

If you are still trying to use less space, and you aren't set on having the cabinet under your sink, then you can use a pedestal type small bathroom vanity. This type of vanity doesn't have storage space but it does open the floor space up quite a bit.

Making the most of the space in a small bathroom is important. You don't have to have a difficult time remodeling, even if you have limited space to work with. If you measure your vanity and make sure if will fit before you get too far ahead of yourself you should be able to remodel your small bathroom, and vanities are an excellent place to start when you are redecorating.

Visit us for more information on Japanese bath tubs, Premier bathtubs and Premier bath tubs.

Home Improvement Ideas

Build Your Home Out of Trash

My wife and I as well as other families we know save aluminum cans and take them to the recycling center. In our town there are actually two places that you can sell the cans to be recycled. In larger towns there are quite a few of these centers. We save cans and my son in law also picks up scrap metal of just about every kind to haul off and get some extra cash.

We feel that the recycling is a smart way to do our part to help the environment and we also get a little extra cash, so why not?

You can imagine my amazement when I found out about a new building material being made from recycled material. When I first heard about it a few years ago I was very skeptical. The stuff was indestructible and resistant to just about everything. I did not believe the hype at all. After I thought about it for a while though I realized that if this stuff was only as good as the claims made for it then it could be the greatest thing to every hit the building industry.

The major problem with it is that most people especially contractors and builders know very little about the product. As the product is put into use and the builders begin to find out about it, they will build more houses and buildings with it. When it gets real popular the people that had some faith in the product to begin with could be very wealthy. I know I have heard so many stories about how if you would have bought 100 shares of IBM back in the twenties or thirties for less than 1.00 per share you would be a multimillionaire today as the stock has split many times and has gotten unbelievably valuable.

My late friend Charlie told me that when he was young he had a chance to buy a large chunk of Georgia Pacific shares for about 100.00. He did not do it. He took the money and bought liquor with it. He could have lived out the last years of his life in comfort, instead he lived on disability checks from the government.

Charlie just did not believe there was much money to be made in the plywood and building industry and he was not willing to take a chance on a new start up company with a brilliant idea.

I believe that there may be another IBM or Georgia Pacific in the start up phase and that this company may surpass what either of those two have done. I know you have probably heard of LEED or EnergyStar. These are companies that are well known for green building.

What if I told you there is a new product made from stuff that is normally thrown out that surpasses any other type of building material on the market today. It is stronger than cement or concrete blocks, insulates better than fiberglass, is fire resistant, wind resistant and water resistant and it is even bullet proof.

Would you be interested in finding out more about it?

I also forgot to mention that building a home or building of any type with this material will cost you about the same or even less than the conventional building methods.

There is a video that tells all about it and you can even visit a home made of this material or visit a shop where it is being made. Another nice thing is that it can be made into virtually any shape and size, so it is very flexible as far as design goes, and it is made from 100% recycled material.

Jerry Goodwin is a Medical Technologist that serves as the safety officer and evening shift supervisor at a Medical Center in South Georgia. Jerry is also the Educational Coordinator for the lab. He has served in the US Navy and in the Army National Guard. He is an experienced amateur woodworker and a Life Member of the Handyman Club of America. Check out the video on mass recycling at http://www.massrecycling.com

Basement Renovation

A finished basement can be a great place where you can entertain your family and friends by putting in a recreation room which includes a pool table, ping pong table, pinball machine, and/or dartboard.

Before a basement renovation you should:

1. Look for basement foundation cracks. Hairline cracks in the basement can be the fault of improper curing where as large cracks are most likely caused by settling. Both can be repaired with hydraulic cement if the crack is not active i.e. whatever caused the crack is no longer15C9 an existing problem. If the basement crack is still active then the crack patching may be re-opened later.

2. Look for basement moisture problems. Moisture problems may be tough to fix. Water is persistent and can make its way through the basement walls that are considered permeable. An easy way to test water problems is to tape a piece of aluminum foil to various places on the basement walls and floors. Seal the edges of the foil tightly and leave in place for several days. After several days, if moisture droplets appear beneath the foil then moisture is going through the basement masonry. If the moisture appears on top of the foil, the problem is condensation from basement humidity. Look for other water problems by looking in the underside of the basement's first subflooring for signs of leaks. Fix any faulty pipes and fixtures. Look for brownish stains on the basement subfloor and sides of the basement joists. This will indicate active or an old leak that has been repaired. If the stain is spongy, an active leak exists.

Basement renovation planning is key to the success of your basement. For instance, if you decide you want a wetbar and/or bathroom, you will need to have the plumbing done first. This would be a top priority because the plumbing usually goes beneath the cement floor. After the plumbing is completed, you need to plan and install the electric which may include hiring a certified electrician. Your plans should include enough electrical outlets, telephone lines and cable hook-ups. These will be used for your television(s), lamp(s), computer(s), electronic games, and a computer modem. Once installed, you must decide on paneling, dry walling, or painting to cover your cement walls. Although paneling might be cheaper, the refined look of drywall makes it the material of choice for finished spaces. Paneling can look dated and does not always last long.

The next phase in your plans should be the stairwell. Some professionals suggest you should open up the stairwell and install a banister because a basement typically features stairwells that are enclosed. By opening up the basement stairwell you remove some of the basement like atmosphere. Some designers would like to see the doorways of the basement widened and employ arches and columns to dress them up. Examples include French Doors for privacy or a partial separator using decorative glass to add elegance to the basement room.

When looking at windows, if applicable, add as many as you can. Basements tend to be dark and gloomy but with more natural light it becomes a better and well lit area. If windows are very limited, look into security and use glass block windows. When it comes to artificial lighting, the choices are fluorescent lights, table lights, floor lamps and ceiling lights. If your budget allows, stay away from the fluorescent lighting since it is not the most appealing in design.

When installing the ceiling, stay away from suspended ceilings because they make the basement look like a basement. Consider using tray ceilings. When choosing the color for painting, use a light, bright, or dramatic color scheme. With these colors, you can turn that dark gloomy basement into a room that opens and brightens.

The basement floor is always cold since it is in direct contact with the ground. Look at having a subfloor between the concrete and flooring space. This will make it a warmer and dryer living area and a smooth surface for your carpet or flooring of your choosing. If a subfloor is not in your plans and you are using carpet, get plenty of padding to put under the carpet. Try to have a storage room added, maybe around the sump and furnace area. This would be convenient for all those things that can't be thrown out. Think about adding shelves to this room to keep it fairly organized.

To control noise, have thick wall to wall carpeting and a high quality pad can absorb much of the sound. You can use sound deadening material below any underlayment or subfloor. This is nice especially if the basement is used for a bedroom or office. An easy way to reduce noise is by installation of thick insulation between ceiling joists.

In below-ground basement renovations, should you want to add a kitchen or bath you can tie into the plumbing system that is in place above. You can buy toilets and lavatories that are specifically designed for below grade applications.

After your basement renovation are complete, start adding the "toys" that will make it an enjoyable area where you get away from it all.

Keith Hoyng is the web master and operator of http://www.quickcash2u.com which is a good source of information for remodeling and much more information. Visit this site at http://www.quickcash2u.com/basementremodeling.html

Exterior Wood Built Stairs
Exterior Wood Stairs

Remodeling Porches Can Add More Fun to Your Home

Homeowners in Atlanta, Georgia found a way to enjoy the spring and summer without being disturbed by mosquitoes. They turned a plain porch into a screened-in palace of enjoyment.

Of course, a screened-in stump is not attractive or appealing. Creating a screened in porch that is enjoyable and eye catching takes a little more effort and the right tools. The environment also needed to be taken into account. The humidity and high temperatures of Georgia and the exterior of the house had to be considered. The first task the homeowners knew was necessary was cutting the inside of the frame to accommodate a slope in the porch.

These are the steps they followed:

1. They started with sheets of pre-primed 4x8 foot beadboard ceiling paneling was trimmed to fit.

2. Next they installed the ceiling panel and fan. Instead of holding the paneling in place they used a nail gun. Next they wired the ceiling fan and panel. The light and fan made the porch even more accessible by providing illumination for night time and dropping the temperature by up to ten degrees. Two people will be needed to install the fan. One to hold it and one to connect the wires and make sure the it is in place.

3. The 2x4 frame of the porch was measured to fit the screens that were installed later on. The vertical braces were nailed to the crosspieces.

4. A staple gun was used to connect pine and plywood beadboard interior paneling. The panel was level across the top but trimmed at the bottom because it needed to slope to handle rain runoff.

5. The hardboard exterior panels were put up one at a time, beginning at the bottom and moving up. The first panel had to be custom-cut due to the shape of the ground. The homeowners worked hard to match a pale yellow paint with the weathered color of the house.

6. The final step of the project was finishing off the screen. The vinyl grids had channels in them that were screwed right into the wooden frames. Aluminum or fiberglass screens can be put in to create a seamless look. Use a mallet to close the caps on the vinyl channels.

For homeowners that are searching for ways to renovate their porch, there are plenty of different ways to do it. Porch renovations can spice up a dreary backyard. They can also add value to your home if they are done properly. Find out what other homeowners are doing to improve their porches.

Vince Paxton's news stories can be found on countless web pages linked to kobalt tool boxes and kobalt tool box. His publications on kobalt tools are found on http://www.insidewoodworking.com/topto/kobalttools.html.

Home Remodeling Facts
About Us

Find More Customers

, Get More Sales–In the Neighborhoods You Already Have Clients In

Just imagine…you provide services to a few good clients in a particular neighborhood. And you wouldn’t mind having a few more clients like those, especially in that particular area.

So, you create a marketing campaign that identifies prospects in that neighborhood who might need your services. You send a letter, the neighbors start calling, and soon, you’ve got all the business you could want in that one neighborhood. The benefits keep adding up - not only do you increase sales, but you save traveling money because more of your clients are in the same area. Plus, the more the neighbors see you working in the area, the more likely they are to ask you about your services…and now your sales are jumping even faster!

Whether you’re a roofing company looking for new business or a cleaning company trying to find people who just moved into the area (or any other home service that wants to improve its sales), increasing your customer base in this way is much easier than it seems. It’s also one of the least expensive and most successful ways to get more customers in a particular neighborhood. How do you do it?

First, you need to create a form letter that tells prospects you’re already working for the neighbors, and that you’re available to work for them, too. A good direct marketing letter mentions either the neighborhood you’re working in, or better yet, some of the neighbor’s names you currently have as clients. Try to get a testimonial or two from your happy clients and include those in the letter as well. You might also try offering a special discount or a free estimate to entice the neighbors to call you. Just remember to leave space in the letter so you can personalize it with the exact names and addresses of the neighbors. Which leads me to the next phase of this project.

You’ve got your letter, and now you need to gather the neighbor’s names and addresses. How do you do this? It’s quite simple, and can be done in several ways.

The least expensive way to gather the names and addresses is to visit your local library and ask for a criss-cross street directory, such as the one Cole Directories provides. Simply look up the addresses of your clients, find the names and addresses of the neighbors, then copy the information to create your mailing list.

You can also use the computerized Reference USA directory available at the library itself or on the library’s website. This computerized directory allows you to search for, then download the names and addresses into your computer so you can merge the information directly into your marketing letter.

Other directories can be purchased or used online: just type “cross-reference listing” into your Web browser to see what’s available.

Then it’s just a matter of adding the names and addresses to your form letters and sending them out. One last bit of advice: make sure it’s easy for prospects to contact you via phone and/or e-mail.

Now, get ready to field calls from new customers who want the services you’re offering, and find out how powerful direct marketing to the neighbors can really be!

Renee O'Brien, founder of SharpChip Consulting, is a writer, speaker and consultant that helps business owners increase profits, reduce stress and get more time off. Visit http://www.sharpchip.com and sign up for her FREE "Sharp Business Minute" monthly ezine for simple, fun strategies to quickly transform your business into self-running profit machines right now! She'll also send you her FREE Business Assessment Challenge to find new ways to instantly improve your biz.

Finding A San Diego Roofing Contractor Without Any Hassles

In the land of zoos and wildlife, can there possibly be a business that can handle housing for you? San Diego is a city teeming with taco places and the occasional Shamu mascot sighting, but it is also a great place to live in. With a tropical atmosphere that is mild at all times of the year, you might want to select San Diego, California as your hometown soon. To take the first step toward building your house, you need to look for a San Diego roofing contractor to help you out.

True, roofing might be the least of your worries as you try to build your house from scratch, but you must remember that your roof is your first and last line of protection from the elements. It has to be designed so that your roof is protected from the alternating humidity and dryness characteristic of San Diego weather. In order to make the best design for your roof, you need contractors who know the San Diego area perfectly, and who are willing to spend hours perfecting your roof so that it can last a long time.

The San Diego Roofing Contractors Association

Thanks to the efforts of the SDRCA, or the San Diego Roofing Contractors association, there are standards that roofing contractors have to strive for if they must work within the San Diego area. The SDRCA has been around since 1957, and it aims to not only establish a set of roofing standards and practices, but to educate the public and make it more aware of the different kinds of roofs, and the importance of having a good roof over one's head. It members are all insured, licensed roofers, so if you need roofing help, going through the association can be a good move on your part.

Although it might seem like an exclusive club, the SDRCA supports competition and free enterprise. It also encourages that its contractors will provide evidence that the companies they work for are insured, licensed, and bonded. Moreover, the SDRCA demands that roofing contractors and their employees are respectful and courteous. What could be more disconcerting than a roofing expert who makes you want to blow your top?

There are four main SDRCA memberships. Associate members of the SDRCA provide support to contractors. Such members are in charge of manufacturing gutters or providing insurance. The contractor members consist of the roofing contractors themselves, and the list of contractors in San Diego is available on the official SDRCA site, from A to Z. Manufacturer members are the companies that make the roofing materials, or provide construction metals or tiles for the making of roofs. Lastly, supplier members consist of stores in the San Diego area that cater to the needs of construction companies and homeowners who want to do their repairs on their own.

The supplier members list is also available on the SDRCA site, so if you are into DIY, you might want to consult the list of stores. There are roofing wholesale stores in San Marcos and Spring Valley, as well as supply stores in El Cajon, San Marcos, and National City that you can visit to get your materials.

Contacting the Contractor

If you have a San Diego roofing contractor in mind, there are a few questions you need to ask, as well as documents that you have the license to demand as a homeowner. First, the State of California issues a C-39, or a roofing contractor's license, as well as a current city license. Check if the contractor's licenses have been renewed, and in what cities the licenses are applicable.

For your own financial protection, check if your contractor has Liability and Workers' Compensation Insurance, as well as a company-furnished original Certificate of Insurance for each roofing worker. You may also need to look at the background of the company, so ask for a list of the company's former customers. Moreover, look at your payment scheme: you should not pay any amount in full until the roofing is completed.

Get your roofing contract straight. You need to have start and finish dates, as well as a guarantee for the roof and a warranty for the roof manufacturer. You also need roofing permits, and it is your contractor's job to get them. According to the SDRCA, professional roofing contractors should have all the proper licenses, committed to doing high quality work, oriented toward a customer service mindset, ethical in all their dealings, reliable, and committed to the roofing industry.

If you are looking for a San Diego roofing contractor, search online directories for contractors and their specific locations, or log on to the official site of the SDRCA. This site can give you all the links to members of the SDRCA, which can assure you a high quality job on your roof. With a good roof, you can have a great home. Welcome to San Diego, California!

Ernest Jarquio is a dedicated family man hopelessly addicted to do-it-yourself projects. For more information, visit his website, where he discusses various subjects such as San Diego roofing contractor, roofing contractors in London and 1CC8roofing contractors in Connecticut

What About Rain Gutters

Vinyl Rain Gutters - The Pros and Cons

Your home's rain gutter system is an important piece in protecting your home from rain and water damage. Whether it is by keeping water away from your foundation or preventing it from falling on your head as you walk out the door, your rain gutters play a key role.

When it comes to gutters and downspouts you have several different options as to the type of material they can be made of. There are copper gutters, steel, aluminum, etc. But one of the most popular types is vinyl rain gutters. Here's a closer look at the pros and cons of this type of gutter.

Advantages Of Vinyl Rain Gutters

Ease of installation - Vinyl rain gutters are arguably the easiest type of gutters to install on your home. They come in pre-cut sections and weigh very little which helps with installation.

Low maintenance - Vinyl doesn't rust like steel and doesn't require painting. Basically, you only need to keep them cleaned out over time as leaves and debris can clog them. This is the case though with any type of gutter.

Low cost - Vinyl rain gutters are the lowest costing gutters available. They can easily cost $5 -$10+ a foot less than their other counterparts.

Disadvantages Of Vinyl Rain Gutters

Weather - Vinyl rain gutters are not for certain areas of the country. Places with hot sunny temperatures and conditions will destroy vinyl guttering in short order. The gutter will crack under the harsh conditions and break apart.

Easy to warp - Another common problem to keep in mind with this type of gutter is that they are prone to warping. Heavy amounts of rain can cause the material to bend and bow. Even a ladder put up against them can create serious issues. Finally, keeping them cleaned out is a must as the weight of debris can easily damage them.

As you can see, there are numerous advantages and disadvantages to using vinyl rain gutters on your home. But all in all they are a great low cost and effective way to protect your home.

By the way, you can learn more about Vinyl Rain Gutters as well as much more information on all types of gutters and downspouts at http://www.GuttersA-Z.com

Flat Roofing Materials

It's a fact that your roof is one of the most important parts of your house and is the one thing that provides the building structure, the building occupants and the building contents with protection from the elements. Many roofs are in a state of disrepair but homeowners ignore this until the roof gets worse or until the weather gets worse. With regular maintenance and the early identification and fixing of any problems you can usually avoid the big problems that have equally big price tags attached to them. Regular maintenance in this way will also help extend the life of your roof.

Selecting flat roofing materials.

Flat roofs have extra difficulties associated with them. Because they do not slope rainwater does not automatically run down the roof and drain off. It is absolutely vital that flat roofing materials are as water resistant and water tight as possible to prevent serious damage to the roof itself and to the rest of the building and it's contents. New types of flat roofing material are being used and while these offer more in the way of protection they are also more expensive as a general rule. There are still three main types of flat roofing materials that are used on a regular basis on new and older houses.

Built up flat roofing materials.

Built up roofing is basically just that. Built up roofing consists of laying down several layers of tar and water resistant materials and then covered with gravel. This is quite an old technique but the introduction of new waterproof materials has seen the strength and durability of this technique increase. The gravel acts as a good fire resistant layer and can be made to look very attractive. It is usually the cheapest of the flat roofing materials available, however, it is very heavy and may require strengthening of the joists. It is also impractical to use on residential houses that are being lived in because it smells terribly. The gravel itself can clog gutters and other vital aspects of water drainage.

Modified Bitumen flat roofing.

Modified bitumen is another stalwart in the world of flat roofing materials. Once upon a time it was necessary to use torchdown techniques that involved burning the roll of material onto the roof, however it is now possible to get adhesive varieties, thus cutting out the potential fire hazard that is sometimes associated. The mineral surface that is used to create modified bitumen can be created in light colors, effectively reflecting the heat and sun. This will cut down on your energy bills during the summer months, and it can even be installed by any avid (and competent) do it yourself fanatic.

Rubber membrane.

Rubber membrane is another method of coating your flat roof. As far as flat roofing materials go it is durable and resistant to general wear and tear. Leaks are easy to find and repair, but the cost is really quite high. The standard black rubber does not reflect heat and paying for a lighter membrane will cost you more, however, it is quick to fit and will cause little disruption to your house life during the process.

As Northern Virginia Roofing Contractors, Roofer911.com takes great pride in maintaining customer satisfaction for all types of new roof installation and roof repair work for residential and commercial roofing accounts. Need home service articles? Find Local contractors in your area today.

Oceanside Remodeling Contractor

Choosing a Home Construction or Remodeling Contractor
Choosing the right Contractor is the most important aspect of any home construction project. You must take your time and do your research to find a good qualified contractor if you want excellent quality at a fair price. When we built our new home we spent many hours finding the best contractors for each aspect of building our new home. We developed a method that served us well and it is as follows:
Determine exactly what you want done and write it down. This may sound a little basic at first blush, but it is so important. Remember what is not well defined is easily manipulated. If it is not in writing, it can be disputed. You do two things when you define your project in detail, and in writing. You find any missing aspects that you may have overlooked and you have good definition and expectations for your contractor.
Get three (3) bids for each trade that you will hire. Never rely on one bid, and always meet the contractor face to face at the site where the work is to be done. If you are unco mfortable with the contractor when they are bidding the job how is it going to be when the two of you have to work out the details of your project. Remember cheaper is not always better!
Ask each contractor for references and make sure they are bonded and insured. Check their references and call the BBB (Better Business Bureau) in your area to see if they have any outstanding complaints.
Make sure they don’t sub the work out to a contractor that is not insured or bonded. It is very common for a contract company to sub out work to contractors that are not insured and bonded. Another danger of the contractor subbing work out is if they don’t pay their sub, the sub can put a mechanics lien on your house and you will have to pay even if you have already paid the contractor.
Set a definite timeframe for the work to begin and for completion and get it in writing. Nothing is worse than to have a project drag on not knowing when they are going to show up and finish.
Never, ever pay for the ent ire project in advance. If you do the contractor has no incentive to finish or even start. When you no longer have the money you are no longer in control! It is customary with most contractors that you pay a portion up front. On a large project hold back as much money as you can until the end. The incentive to finish must be motivated by the cash at the end of the project.
George Stevens is the popular author of the Website http://www.Build-YourOwn-Home.com teaching you how to build your own home. © and ™ Build-Your-Own-Home.com All Rights Reserved

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