Home Improvement Information


Chimney Cap Checklist: Four Quick Ways to Evaluate Your Existing Chimney Cap


While you are cleaning leaves out of your home's gutters, dealing with Christmas lights, or adjusting a satellite dish, don't forget to check on your chimney caps while you're on the roof. Chimney caps are those mesh-sided enclosures (usually made of stainless steel, copper, or galvanized steel) atop your chimney to prevent water, animals, bird droppings, and leaves from entering your home.

Glass Sinks - 4 Unbreakable Rules of Buying a Glass Vessel Sink


1. Know your sinksHow durable are these sinks? These sinks are tempered.

Lakeside Patios - The Water Makes Decisions For You


If you are putting in a new patio on a lakeside, you have unique considerations that other homeowners do not have when it comes to purchasing patio furniture.We built a new patio on a 700 acre lake and I had to look around for just the right outdoor furniture.

Top Ten Remodeling Tips


My husband and I just completed our first remodel. It was a period renovation of a Victorian Gingerbread Craftsman.

Home Automation Enhances Your Lifestyle and Saves Money - Exciting Home Automation Applications


Wouldn't it be nice to have your home take care of things for you, automatically, without you having to lift a finger? You bet it would. That is the promise of home automation.

Making a Pen with Your New Wood Lathe


So you just purchased a wood lathe but do not know what kind of project you should start out with. As soon as the right amount of skill is obtained, beautiful pieces of woodwork can be created with a wood lathe.

Imported Tools vs. Brand Name - Are They As Good?


So you are looking for hand or power tools on the Internet or in a "brick & Mortar" tool store, and you keep running into tools imported from China, Taiwan, Korea, Germany and various other countries. A lot of these tools seem to be priced well under the comparable "name brand" tools you are used to? are they as good or better, or are they just cheap knockoffs.

Garage Doors


You may think choosing garage doors is straight forward, however there are many things to consider, such as whether your garage is adjoining your property, is it a single or a double garage, how much clearance inside and out is needed and so on. Also, the appearance of the garage door can influence what material you use.

Homeowners - Here is a Step by Step Guide to Help You Hire a Quality Home Improvement Contractor


Before talking to any contractors the first thing to do is create a budget for the project. Without a budget you will be flying blind and may end up over spending.

Deck Decorating


On my blog, I once wrote about life on the Veranda - a favorite Southern, summer pastime.Picture a Charleston side-porch house, facing the obligatory magnolia tree, refreshing gin and tonics or the standard mint julep.

Tuscan Style Decorating For The Kitchen


A Tuscan decorating theme can put some old world charm into your kitchen and make it a warm homey room to gather in. The Tuscan style incorporates warm earth tones along with natural materials and architectural accents to create a time worn look.

10 Things To Consider Before Planning And Installing A New Bathroom


Whether you want to install a new bathroom or make improvements to an existing one there are some decisions you need to make and challenges to overcome. A bathroom must be tailored to your requirements and every plan will vary depending on the planner's needs.

The Truth About Honda Pressure Washers


"What they don't tell you about Honda Pressure Washers"I recently received the following e-mail regarding honda pressure washers:"I was unaware Honda made pressure washers. I can get one locally now that I have seen your web page".

Protecting Yourself from Miter Saw Hazards


A miter saw, also known as a "chop saw," is a circular saw that is mounted on a frame. It is designed to be portable and to make very accurate angled cuts between 45 and 90 degrees.

Making the Most of a Small Bathroom


In bathroom terms at least, bigger doesn't have to be better - It's all just a case of making the most of the modest proportions you're presented with! And what's more, designing a bathroom that's small on space usage but big on style and functionality should be a lot more fun.The Click Bathrooms guide to maximising a modest bathroom follows three simple principles?1 - Make it seem biggerA great way of tackling a bathroom with limited dimensions is by creating the illusion of space.

5 Easy Steps to Protect Your Hardwood Floor From Disaster


Common knowledge states that hardwood floors are a great investment for a homeowner. They add a certain charm and character to a home that can't be replicated by laminates, carpeting, or any other type of flooring.

What You Should Know About Laminate Flooring


Laminate flooring imitates the aspect of traditional wood. Their biggest advantage is that they are very easy to install and very durable.

Replacement Windows and Double Glazing - Essential Buyers Tips


Welcome to my essential tips for replacemnent windows and double glazing buyers. Apart from the first tip (which I consider most important) the tips are not in any particular order.

Choosing a Vinyl Replacement Window Contractor


Whenever I write an article, it's usually tailored to the do-it-yourself homeowner to help them save some money on the high cost of labor these days. This article is for the "not so handy" homeowner who wants to have new vinyl windows installed in their home.

Save Money with a Solar Pool Heater & Cover


Heat your pool with a Solar Pool Heater and save the heat with a Solar Pool Cover. Solar pool heating systems are very simple in terms of engineering and application.

Hardwood Floor Refinishing - For The Faint of Heart


Are your beautiful hardwood floors not so beautiful anymore? Maybe they just need a refinishing job. It can be a daunting task, but here are some ideas to make it a little easier.

Maintaining Your Hot Tub


Purchasing a hot tub is a big investment and one that should not be taken lightly. Hot tubs cost thousands of dollars and if not maintained properly they can become ineffective within just a few months.

Outdoor Decks - Understanding Seven Elements of Good Deck Design


You're all comfortable in your favorite lounge chair, reading your latest novel with a cool beverage nearby..

The Next Revolution in Home Entertainment - IP Based Multi-Room Distribution


The Holy Grail of distributed audio; unlimited zones and unlimited sources, cost effectively. That milestone will be achieved, and soon, through the combination of digital amplification and IP based distribution systems.

Faux Fireplace, on the Cheap!


Does the coming winter chill remind you how much you miss the basic element of fire to warm those long nights? Unfortunately, your home's builder wasn't the romantic you are, and you have no fireplace. Never fear, The Budget Decorator is here! Ok, so that's corny, but this project sure isn't!The first thing to do is to determine what element you want your fireplace to be made of.

Replacing Steel Casement Windows (Part 2)


Last week, I explained how to remove your old steel casement windows as you prepare each opening for the new Vinyl windows. In most of the country, you are limited to a replacement style frame, which is a new construction frame with the nail fin removed.

Get New Floors And Save A Bundle When You Do It Yourself


After years of use, your floor will need to be refinished and that can cost over $1000 for just one room! But if you want to put in a little time and elbow grease, you can refinish the floor yourself and have the beautiful look of warm wood in your home for a fraction of the cost.Contrary to what you may have heard, the finish doesn't take weeks to dry.

Using A Hardwood Floor Sander


Refinishing your hardwood floors yourself can be time consuming and a bit scary at first but well worth it in the long run. It can cost a bundle to hire a professional to refinish your floors for you, but if you have the time, you can do it yourself.

Refinishing A Hardwood Floor


Want to bring your hardwood floors back to their former beauty, but don't have the money? Then read on for some tips on how you can refinish the floor yourself.If you have the time and don't mind doing the work, then refinishing your floors yourself is a great option but before starting out, it's not a bad idea to get an estimate from a professional so you can compare the cost of doing it yourself to what they would charge.

Building A Pair Of Heavy Duty Saw Horses


Start out by measuring and cutting all your stock according to the cutting list and set it aside. Take the legs and mark out the tapers.

Log Homes - Finding the Perfect Log Home Plan


One of the first steps in building a log home is deciding on a floorplan. Many people spends months, or even years, searching for the perfect plan.

Planning Permission Tips UK - Illegal Building Works - Is there an Upside?


Many times throughout the year we are called in to assist people who have got into trouble by completing building works without Council permission. This can be either Planning or Building Regulations - often both.

Planning Permission Tips UK - Permitted Development Allowances - Not the Golden Goose You Imagine


There is a perception amongst most folk that every house is allowed a certain percentage of extension development without the need for formal Planning Permission. People seem to think that it applies to them even when they purchase an already extended property.

Planning Permission Tips UK - Two Story Side Extensions - The Common Mistakes


Probably the most common type of residential extension is the two storey side extension. However, it is one of the most easiest schemes to get wrong with regard to Planning Permission.

Planning Permission Tips UK - Agricultural Plots of Land for Sale - The Latest Mug Punter Scam?


The first part of most years brings a flurry of trade shows aimed at the public & trade alike such as The Ideal Home Show, Interiors & just recently the Building Exhibition at the NEC. It never ceases to amaze me the amount of new gadgets & Gizmos (along with the usual tat) that companies invent for our consumption.


More Resources

Spring Deck Prep Tips
It's finally spring! Time to move out the patio furniture and get ready to enjoy the great outdoors.But, before you do, make sure you clean, restore and protect your deck so you can get the most out of it during the spring and summer months ahead.
Buyers Guide To Heavy-Built Mailboxes
If you are tired of replacing your mailbox every few monthsdue to vandals or just poor quality construction, you needa heavy-built mailbox. Some of the more common reasons forpurchasing a heavy-built mailbox are destruction byvandals, snowplow or street sweeper damage, or just apoorly built mailbox that will not stand up to harsh orextreme weather conditions.
Types Of Bedsteads
Selection of bedstead is also an important thing as selection of bed mattress. The frame, which provides support to bed, is called bedstead.
Remodeling Online
Remodeling PlansMaking 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.
Kitchen Magic
It's amazing -- some people manage to get a complete aerobic workout just while preparing dinner! Back and forth, back and forth -- I get tired just watching! Today, pay attention to the way you move while you cook. How many times do you cross the length of your kitchen in one evening? Do you find yourself doing squats to get at your pans? Stretches to reach your dishes? Are you becoming a world-class hurdler, jumping over the dog's dish every time you go from refrigerator to stove? All it takes is a few minutes to re-arrange your kitchen storage, saving you a lot of time and energy in the long run.
Creating Dynamic Window Coverings Without Breaking the Budget
When creating dynamic window coverings, it's important to choose carefully, because your window coverings will become the focal points of a well-decorated room. But choosing the right window treatments, at the right price, takes some thought about not only the look you're hoping to achieve, but also about the nature of the space itself.
How to Remodel A Small Bathroom
Not all bathrooms can be lavish spaces with whirlpool tubs and two separate vanities. For some bathrooms, space is at a premium and knocking out walls is not an option, but remodeling must be done.
Baking Soda for Cleaning
Baking soda is a common, inexpensive household item that can be used for many kinds of cleaning projects. In an era when we are all exposed to many toxic chemicals, it's nice to know that something so mild can be effective.
Do-it-Yourself Roofing, Is It Advisable? Some Tips and Guidelines
Many do-it-yourselfers pride themselves in their handiwork, you can just see their garages filled to the brim with tools for those all around jobs. But ask any of them, installing roofs or repairing them is an unexciting and trying job, but someone has got to do it.
Making a Pen with Your New Wood Lathe
So you just purchased a wood lathe but do not know what kind of project you should start out with. As soon as the right amount of skill is obtained, beautiful pieces of woodwork can be created with a wood lathe.
What To Look For In Persian Rugs
Selecting a Persian rug can be a daunting task for most people. There is a lot of misinformation out there as to what to look for.
Designing With Hardwood Floors
Hardwood floors are suited to both casual and formal environments; they feel at home with modern or traditional and will compliment the decor of both minimalist and eclectic designs. Hardwood can be classic, rock, jazz, country, or hip hop.
Geothermal Heat Pumps 101
It seems like about three million of you have asked me to explain how a geothermal system works. Well, maybe not three million, but it's a bunch of you and I'm honored that I have the opportunity to do it.
Home Floor Plan Designing For Your Future Home
Designing Your Own Dream Home for the New Home Builder: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. Although you might be able to agree on a floor plan, do you both agree on what the purposes for each of the rooms? My solution to this matter is simple.
The Motors Best Friend
The starting current of motor can become 3 to 6 times the normal running current! That's normal for motors. The motor can experience this high current for a period ranging from 20 to 50 seconds.
Planning Permission Tips UK - Agricultural Plots of Land for Sale - The Latest Mug Punter Scam?
The first part of most years brings a flurry of trade shows aimed at the public & trade alike such as The Ideal Home Show, Interiors & just recently the Building Exhibition at the NEC. It never ceases to amaze me the amount of new gadgets & Gizmos (along with the usual tat) that companies invent for our consumption.
Buyers Guide For Modern Mailboxes
Modern mailboxes are made predominately from cast aluminumor stainless steel, and will give you many years ofreliable service. A stylish, fashionable, modern mailboxwill send a message of superior taste and an eye for value.
Chiminea - Buy It for the Versatility of Enjoying Both Fireplace and Grill!
I recently visited friends who served me a dinner of grilled salmon and baked potatoes, done to perfection in their chiminea. The sun was setting and it was cooling down but overall a wonderful summer evening.
Cork Flooring Is The Best Option Around For Durability And Aesthetic Value
It is inevitable, almost everyone no matter how long they have lived in their house, wants to replace their flooring at some point. Do you have carpet that is covered in pet stains, juice, coffee or wine stains? Carpet gets matted down and shows wear patterns quickly.
How to Install a New Toilet in 5 Easy Steps
If your toilet is old and in need of repairs, it is cheaper to replace it by installing a new one. This is quite easy to do and can be completed in an afternoon.

More Home Improvement Information:

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There is never a structure you will find that lacks a roof; it is an essential part of the house or building. It plays a very important role of providing protection and shelter much like the walls.
Spring Chores at the Cabin
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Outdoor Decks - Understanding Seven Elements of Good Deck Design
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The Benefits of Small Dehumidifiers
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Planning Permission Tips UK - Illegal Building Works - Is there an Upside?
Many times throughout the year we are called in to assist people who have got into trouble by completing building works without Council permission. This can be either Planning or Building Regulations - often both.
Chester Conservatory Build Process
1. The site of the proposed conservatory.
Deck Decorating
On my blog, I once wrote about life on the Veranda - a favorite Southern, summer pastime.Picture a Charleston side-porch house, facing the obligatory magnolia tree, refreshing gin and tonics or the standard mint julep.