Fun Concrete Floors
Ever had enough of those annoying limitations Moms used to tell their kids about roller skating inside the house? Usually this is because the Mom fears the damage it could do to the tiled or wooden floor. Well, those days are all history now for theres a very easy solution that could stop all moms from not allowing their kids to skate within the house.
Concrete floor, polished, or decorated favors every kid at heart reminded of the usual no skating inside the house rules. Mom’s are now faced with the versatility of concrete floors that could prove mom wrong. This type of flooring plays a very good alternative in the usual carpeted floors or tiled floors.
The different benefits of a concrete flooring option makes this type of flooring very significant. A few of its traits includes its being low cost on construction, along with its versatility and durability. These truly are remarkable traits that makes concrete flooring slab a must have.
Concrete flooring’s have also been proven by the Environmental Protection Agency to offer better health benefits rather than any other type of flooring known to man. Unlike the carpet which accumulates a lot of dust, dirt and even grow mold, the concrete floor can be cleaned and easily maintained thus making it always free from allergens. This idea makes the concrete flooring option one of the wisest choice so far when it comes to floor interior designs.
Besides being able to skate around the new concrete flooring you will have once youve decided to install in your place, fun also goes on the process involved with it. With the effort and the idea inputs that you need to share to make your design imagination come to life, youll definitely have a lot fun picking up the look that youd want for your concrete flooring. Choosing the right color and matching it with a unique aesthetic pattern that you could think of will surely give you really nice flooring that says a lot about who you are.
How to Make the Perfect Garage Door Choice
Modern garage doors are not your grandfather’s doors anymore. Now they are automated, so the driver doesn’t get out of his car to make the door move. All you have to do is touch a button on your remote control and the door opens by itself.
As technology evolved, more flexible choices appeared, and garage door are no exception to this rule. While some time ago all doors were made of wood and they were very solid and weighing a lot, today you can use aluminum for lighter doors. You can use PVC for creating elegant shapes and textures for your doors.
Among the most popular types of garage doors there are: roller garage doors, sectional doors, up and over doors and swing hung garage doors. Each type of door has its opwn characteristics, its advantages and drawbacks. Depending on your particular case, you may opt ofr one type or another.
What makes the roller garage doors one of the favorite types across the world is the fact that they need so little space to open, that you can use them in very tight spaces. A roller door is made of little, narrow pieces of material bound together and rolling just like the window shutters in a special case above the door.
Up and over garage doors, or overhead doors, are very popular, but they need a lot of space around them in order to be able to open completely. Because you need to stop the car quite far away from the door before it opens, such doors may not be suitable for narrow roads. You may create trouble for other cars while opening your garage door, thus creating the chance for more accidents.
Born as a variant to roller doors, the sectional garage doors are based on the same roller mechanism, but the pieces which compose the door are bigger. Usually, such a door is made of 4-8 such parts. Many manufacturers offer this choice of door to their clients.
If you live in a kind of a mansion, with a huge garden, then a swing hung door can be the most suitable for your garage. There are garage door manufacturers which produce real state of the art doors based on this operating principle. You’ve seen such doors in all classical movies.
Above Ground Pool Landscaping
Above ground pool landscaping that’s economical and a garden asset
The above ground pool has become a popular alternative to the more expensive in ground pool, for a number of reasons. For one thing, it’s affordable. If you rent your home, and decide to move, you can take it with you. You don’t need to hire a pool maintenance company to keep it clean and safe. A pool, whether in ground or above ground, is a magnet for kids, providing lots of summer fun. However, there’s no deep end or diving board involved with the above ground pool, so it’s also a safer prospect for young kids. In cold winter climates, the above ground pool is much less of a hassle to empty and bed down for the winter.
If you’re thinking about setting up an above ground pool for the summer, this makes a great project for the winter months. There’s not too much effort involved in setting up the pool, but now is a good time to plan your above ground pool landscaping design, ready to go by late spring.
Perhaps the only drawback of the above ground pool is that, without some thoughtful above ground pool landscaping, it lacks the aesthetic value of the in ground pool. Here we offer some above ground pool landscaping ideas that solve that problem handily. Let’s explore some of your options.
With decking surrounding the pool, you satisfy several design and function objectives. If you situate your pool such that you have eight feet of decking on all sides, there’s plenty of room for sunbathing, with chaise lounges and chairs for relaxation. Better than a day at the beach. When you build in stair access and a railing, you’ve got an attractive and comfortable gathering place. This also makes it easy to supervise the kids at play, while you kick back and read a book.
Deck lighting is another component you want to consider for your above ground pool landscaping design. Hot summer days extend your use of the pool well into the evening hours. Installing a simple solar lighting system provides more hours to make use of your pool.
When you make your deck design, incorporate a few well placed planter boxes for additional visual appeal. Choose low maintenance flowers, such as gazanias, marguerites or ice plant, that will thrive in the summer months. Plantings of a single species gives a unified and cheerful appearance to your above ground pool landscaping design.
Make a place on the deck for a patio table and umbrella for a quick lunch or dinner spot. Cook up some burgers and serve your crowd, buffet style.
While a real lawn may suffer from liberal doses of chlorine, splashed around by rambunctious kids, artificial turf does not. A four foot perimeter of artificial turf makes a safe and durable addition to your above ground pool landscaping scheme.
With your above ground pool, surrounded by twelve feet of these landscaping goodies, you’ll have the most popular summer hotspot in the neighborhood!
Capita Takes Over for Corgi
United Kingdom homeowners have understood the Corgi certificate to be a stamp of approval for gas plumbers and now that approval is going to be given by a company called Capita. In three months’ time, the certification for gas plumbers will be issued by a company named Capita. The same company will monitor those certifications. Corgi will cease its involvement in the process.
For almost twenty years, Corgi has been in charge of making sure that homes meet gas safety standards. In April of 2009, the Capita Company will take over for the Corgi Company as the official gas safety protocol company for the Health and Safety Executive office.
For the most part, the day to day operations of the gas plumbing industry will remain much as they were before the switch in regimes. Both companies stress that operations for Corgi employees will continue to operate on a “business as usual” basis until the end of business on March 31st. As of April 1, 2009, Capita will be in charge. As of yet there is no word as to how the transition will take place or what the affects will be for natural gas consumers. Both companies are working very hard to ensure that there are no major hiccups in operations.
If you have natural gas, you do not have to worry about whether or not you will be protected once Corgi officially steps down and Capita steps up. It has been made apparent by the Health and Safety Executive office that Capita’s takeover is largely because the company proved that it was more than ready to ensure that consumers of natural gas would be well educated about the concerns involved with their consumption of natural gas.
The contract came up for bid in 2006 after a survey of United Kingdom homeowners uncovered the fact that more than half of the homes worked on by Corgi employees had not been taught about the dangers of carbon monoxide poisoning! Consumers will benefit greatly from a new company coming in and making sure that everyone is educated in all areas of natural gas consumption.
Gas regulations and plumber registrations will continue as usual, with Corgi in charge of operations until March 31st 2009. The natural gas plumbers and inspectors in the United Kingdom will start reporting to Capita on April 1st 2009.
Capita will probably directly hire 250 Corgi employees to make sure that the transition goes smoothly. Both companies decided that a definite start and end date would be more beneficial than a confusing transition. Consumers can expect their changes to be few and far between.
DIY Bathroom Quick Tips!
If you are ready for a change of atmosphere in your bathroom, you should consider these clever DIY bathroom tips. Whether you simply want a change in the appearance of your bathroom or the room seems to appear stuck in a time warp, you can consider several options. You can do these simple bathroom modifications yourself rather than looking to a professional to do it for you, when you take the time to consider the types of changes you want.
Changing the mirrors in your bathroom can instantly change the appearance. For instance, are you tired of that outdated frame and style of mirror you gaze into currently?
Another great way to get a dramatic change in your bathroom is to change the tiling on the floor. Are your old tiles getting grimy or are the coming up? You will find that it has never been easier to pull up the old tiles, clean out the surface underneath and put some new, self-stick tiles down in their place. Choose a pattern that pleases you!
You will also find that another great way to get a brand new look is to get a new shower curtain. Consider one that is completely transparent, which will make your bathroom open up a great deal, or consider one that has slots where you can seal in your own pictures.
You can install a sliding shower door, rather than a shower curtain in another means of making your bathroom look more interesting. You can easily install the doors and their runner and create a classy appearance in your bathroom.
Installing a new shower head is another great DIY project that needs no professional help. Depending on what design you choose, you will probably not even need to turn off your home’s water! Take some time to really figure out what kind of shower head suits you.
Another great way to really reinvigorate the look of your bathroom without calling in a professional is to look into installing new lights. Consider tracking lighting or simply switching out to something that gives you a more powerful, directed focus.
There are many interesting DIY projects that you can consider when updating the appearance of your bathroom. Sure, you can hire a professional to do it for you; however, it can be expensive to do so. You can do these quick projects easily enough on your own. They are not all that complicated and when you are finished you can simply enjoy the looks of your bathroom and the satisfaction of doing them yourself. Just remember to take the time to consider all your options and what you can accomplish by yourself.
Learn How to Hire an Electrician
Want to know what to look for in an electrician? You are the homeowner and are responsible for all your house electrical repairs. Those who live with you, along with yourself, need to be protected. The following electrician checklist should help provide you with valuable information about how to hire an electrician.
1. Make sure to ask neighbors and friends for their personal recommendations. They should be able to tell you who did a good job, and who wasn’t. Remember, someone is far more likely to remember poor quality service.
2. Ask the electrician for a quote. You will be able to get to know them better by seeing how competitive each one is. The more quotes you have, the easier it will be to hire an electrician. Just because someone offers a cheap quote, does not necessarily mean they will do the best job. It works the same with the most expensive quotes.
3. Seek out references. If you have doubts, find others who have utilized their services. Any electrician with nothing to hide will provide these. Don’t forget to be critical of what people say - they may be friends or relatives. It is always an important point to consider before hiring an electrician.
4. Inquire about their personal guarantees. Find out if the electrician is willing to come back if a problem recurs or persists.
5. Do they look the part? Presentation may be an important factor to consider when you are hiring an electrician. Ask for a business card and see if it looks reputable. These factors may clue you into the reputability of the contractor you are employing.
6. Before hiring an electrician, remember to talk permits. Discussing their permits first will help you locate a good electrician. Some people may be willing to do work which they are not licensed to complete. A good electrician will not make this offer and they will help you understand that their permit is your insurance should there be a problem.
7. Specify the job properly. This is really important when selecting an electrician through quotes. You will not be able to compare quotes unless the electricians are reviewing the same problem.
Observation and question are one of the best ways to help you make your decision. Make sure to follow these points by hiring a good electrician which will save you money in the long run. As the saying goes - you get what you pay for!
Learn How to Hire an Electrician
Want to know what to look for in an electrician? As a homeowner, you’re responsible for all home electrical repairs. Those who live with you, along with yourself, need to be protected. The following electrician checklist should help provide you with valuable information about how to hire an electrician.
1. Get the recommendations from friends and even your neighbors. They should be able to tell you who did a good job, and who was not so good. Most people will remember bad service, but will still remember who did a great job.
2. Ask the electrician for a quote. You will be able to get to know them better by seeing how competitive each one is. The more quotes you have, the easier it will be to hire an electrician. Just because someone offers a cheap quote, does not necessarily mean they will do the best job. It works the same with the most expensive quotes.
3. Seek out references. If you have doubts, find others who have utilized their services. Any electrician with nothing to hide will provide these. Don’t forget to be critical of what people say - they may be friends or relatives. It is always an important point to consider before hiring an electrician.
4. Make sure to inquire about their guarantee policy. When you are hiring an electrician, find out if they are willing to come back if a problem recurs or persists.
5. Do they look like a profession? When you are hiring an electrician, the electrican presentation will be a major factor to consider. Look for a company logo, business cards, and preparedness. All of these factors may clue you into the reputability if the contractor you are employing.
6. Before hiring an electrician, remember to talk permits. A good electrical contractor will not begin any job without discussing their permits. In the current economic climate, some people may be willing to do work which they are not licensed to complete. A good electrician will not make this offer and they will help you understand that their permit is your insurance should there be a problem.
7. Specify the job properly. This is really important when selecting an electrician through quotes. You will not be able to compare quotes unless the electricians are reviewing the same problem.
You have to make a decision based on questioning and observation. If you learn how to properly hire an electrician it can save you money. You always get what you pay for!
7 Ways to Turn Your Backyard into a Suburban Retreat
Lawn Care - Your lawn is the key to a beautiful back-yard oasis. It is the foundation that ties together all of the other amenities in your yard. Start early on planning to grow a plush thick green carpet of grass. Preparation of the ground and soil is important as well as the choice of what type of grass you prefer. A maintenance program will help to ensure your lawn stays healthy and the investment in your lawn is enjoyed for seasons to come.
Landscaping - This is more than throwing in some potted plants and mulching around them. Landscaping is like turning a canvas (your backyard) into a beautiful painting. You start off with a plan for the spaces to be used, to what types of plants and colors will complement your backyard. Through planning you can experiment with many different color schemes until you find the perfect match.
Gardens - A more personal addition to your backyard than probably any other you might do. Gardens can be very therapeutic and an extension of you, the gardener. From what type of garden you choose to the type of plant, flower, herb, fruit or vegetable you choose to plant and grow. Not to be forgotten is the time and care that goes into growing a healthy garden that you can be proud of and show off to your friends.
Fencing - Having a fence put around your yard a sensible thing to do. It can give you the privacy you desire to relax in your yard and the security of letting your children and pets spend more time outside playing and enjoying the fresh air. It can really make you feel relaxed and secluded from everything and just let you get away.
Lighting - And why not enjoy your backyard retreat at night? Nighttime is a great opportunity to spend family time in your backyard. Lighting walkways and pool areas help with safety but can also be used to highlight the beauties of your yard. Spotlights can help show off your plants, shrubbery or any other area you choose.
Decks and Patios - Building or installing a deck or patio area gives you a space that can be used in a multitude of ways. There are probably more uses for either one than there are for types of material, size, design and style to choose from. And, that’s saying a lot.
Retractable Awnings and Patio Covers - Either of these will help add comfort and enjoyment to your backyard experience in any outdoor element; rain, sun or snow. Being able to relax and take it all in while at the same time being offered protection from the sky above is priceless. When looking at different types of awnings and covers you should take into consideration what its main purpose will be. Also, look at patterns and color usage and how they will tie in with your outdoor color scheme.
How Hurricanes, Tornadoes and Windstorms Cause Buildings to Fail
The “envelope” of a building consists of the walls, roof, doors and windows. Damage from high winds increases rapidly as the envelope of a building begins to break down. From the first failure, whether it’s a roof panel, a broken window or a door, the internal pressure within the building increases. This force, in combination with other forces can cause the roof to lift from the building. Wind and rain can then enter the building and, if the winds are strong enough, cause structural failure of the frame of the building.
In recent years work has been done with computer models to predict the failure of various types of buildings in high winds. The structure of a building envelope is composed of various components such as walls, studs, roofing, doors, etc. The types and strength of both the components and the connections between these components is critical to predicting the performance of the building envelope.
In the computer model, each connection is assigned a strength depending on the construction of the connection. “Toe-nailed” strength and “hurricane clip” strength, for example would apply to a rafter-to-wall connection. In addition, the strengths of individual components, such as windows, skylights, vents, etc. are also defined.
This data is then entered in the computer model. The end result of all this effort is to run thousands of simulations under a variety of wind conditions, for every type of building. Results show how the failure of one connection or component affects other connections and components. A series of such failures can cause the envelope to fail and, ultimately cause failure of the structure itself.
Much envelope damage is cause by wind born debris. Smaller debris travels at greater heights and greater speeds than larger objects such as lumber, which travel at slower speeds near the ground. Some surface components such as roofing tiles, glass or vinyl siding can withstand high winds alone but not with the added impact of debris.
Researchers now understand the full importance of component strength, both preimpact and postimpact. The preimpact strength of components had been the only consideration previously. Many envelope cladding materials, like glass even tempered glass are severely damaged by small wind born debris.
Wind born debris can also have a devastating effect on external insulation and finish systems. Hard cladding materials such as vinyl siding or asbestos cement may shatter from impacts. Soft external insulation may be pulled from the building envelope. Building officials have recognized the need for improved impact resistance in the newer building codes created after Hurricane Andrew. Testing standards for research and wind resistant products have also changed to reflect the reality of an impact followed by cycles of higher and lower pressures.
Research into windstorm damage, especially damage as a result of wind born debris, has led to a number of important changes in how buildings are designed. First, while the structural frame of the building is important, the envelope of the building is equally important. Second is that the design process must address the issue of wind born debris. Third is that both preimpact performance and postimpact performance must be considered equally. Taken together, these design considerations will help building envelopes survive high wind damage and wind born debris damage.
Bad Repair & Paint Job by Contractor Damage Condominium
E.J. (FL): A contractor was hired by the condominium board to paint and repair my building. The project took almost two years to complete, and my unit had significant damage during that period. The construction crew started out by covering the units they were working on to protect the nearby units from possible damage. Their work was sloppy and quickly done by the time they reached mine. They even protected the wrong unit!
The damage to my unit included missing tiles, the floor of the balcony was chipped in 15 places, and the windows had paint on them. When the plastic was removed from the window edges, there was permanent damage to the surface. There were huge cracks in the cement surrounding one window and a large section of the railing that did not have paint.
I made a list of the damage for the condominium board and complained to the manager. The contractor did another bad job, even with the list. The repair work had already been signed off by the manager. I did not receive a response when I wrote to the condominium board. During the summer of 2007 is when this happened. Returning to school, sending my children to college, and attending to very ill parents took me away.
Because of their lack of response, I wrote another letter to the condominium board when I returned. Too much time had elapsed since the damage occurred, according to them. My attorney told me I had four years to pursue the problem. My question is who should I sue, the association or the contractor?
Dear E.J.: What a shame. Unfortunately, this problem is common in condominium associations. Whether contractors are applying paint or doing a repair or other jobs on the property, they should take pride in their work.
Contractors are more likely to perform well if the condominium board gets copies of their insurance policies and Workers’ Compensation. The contracts should be very detailed and the board could require performance bonds. It goes a long way towards getting a good repair and paint job or any other work on the condominium when a contractor has to provide all of these items. The contractor knows his feet will be held to the fire.
You took good action. You could also request a hearing before the board and have minutes of that hearing recorded. Proof of the quality of the paint and repair work is in the written documentation. The Florida statute 719.106(1)(a)2 discusses the procedure required for a response by the board to an inquiry made by a unit owner.
Small claims courts in other states may have varying requirements for legal representation. Whether to sue the condominium association or the contractor is at the heart of your question. Since the construction company was hired by the board and worked for the association, you might not want to sue the construction company. A contractor working on the property is usually sued by the association. Because you did not personally hire the contractor, you may actually be the third party in this issue.
Condominium laws may differ from state to state. I assume no liability for any consequences arising from the use of this information. I offer only general guidelines, not legal advice or opinions.