Getting into General Real Estate

Lately there has been a lot of focus on the real estate market in the news. The over abundance of bad sub prime mortgages is driving the world into a recession but yet people are still getting into the profession of general real estate.

It may be difficult to understand why people are still interested in a career in general real estate when the real estate market has taken such a downturn but in reality real estate is like the stock market. Many people in general real estate have been setting themselves up to make a small fortune when the economy cycles back around.

What all intelligent investor in general real estate understand, is that the economy has it's fair run of cycles and for every bad turn there is a good turn right around the corner. Many people in the field of general real estate are buying property while the values are low and they will cash in when the economy! comes good again.

There are many attractions to getting into general real estate and those that do it for a living are well versed in how to maximize any type of market. To many people this is an exciting way to make a living while others would consider it an invitation to a heart attack.

This is a time to build your real estate portfolio and prepare for the upturn in the economy. If you are involved in general real estate then now is not the time to start to sell and the good investors and developers know that.

You have to know what types of real estate ventures are profitable in different types of markets and know what situations to avoid and recognize a money making situation when it presents itself. Becoming proficient in general real estate takes many years and a great deal of education and training but there is always money to be made if you just know how.

Not As Easy As It Is On TV

One of the new popular types of television shows are the shows that talk about flipping a house. Basically flipping a house means buying and older run down property for a fraction of its real value, investing in rehabilitating the property, and then selling it for a profit. While this is a more specific type of investment many general real estate people get involved in flipping.

When the economy turns bad you are stuck with not only the properties you need to get an inflated dollar for but also you have to pay your contractors, this can be a problem you didn't see coming. This is the risky side of general real estate that only experienced people should attempt.

As with all business ventures, there is always a risk. Real estate has potential to be a great investment if you know how to manage it. You will need to know when to get in, and when to get out...

What is Waterproofing A Basement All About?

What are basement waterproofing systems and how do they work? For answering that question it will help to first take a look at historically conventional basement waterproofing and the way it was supposed to work.

If you can see a home being built the contractor first surveys the lot using the blueprints for the home to be built; then he sights out the lot to find out the best place to start digging and grading the property, then he lays the footer or foundation and begins building the basement walls, lastly the balance of the home follows.

That big hole in the ground, the first on the list above is important to note.

When basement walls are constructed there is an area outside the walls that must be filled. This void gets filled with loose backfill. Well compacted or not, introducing a huge pile of loose backfill is going to cause problems.  Water will always flow in the path of least resistance.

This area is going to have water constantly seeping into it. Sometimes, creating a problem is the drainpipe that gets full of silt contained in many systems when waterproofing a basement. It's natural enough, the water is bringing all sorts of suspension with it. When these pipes get filled the system overloads and a lot of water pressure gets applied to the outside walls of the basement. So while the walls of the basement may be waterproofed in some way, water, as you probably already know, will usually find a way through the tiniest of gaps.

The problem of this type is not easily rectified. The reason is that the pipes which are supposed to take away the excess water are gradually getting deteriorated and worsen over time.

A huge problem is that often there isn't access to these pipes. In an attempt to keep excess moisture out basement waterproofing also can be put onto the outer walls of the basement. Usually this is called a tanked system.

A better basement waterproofing system, such as the drained cavity basement waterproofing system, works by getting rid of the water pressure on the walls. To move water away from your property; it first must be collected and sent through drainage channels to a sump pump or a natural drainage field.

Waterproofing a basement is when they are installed internally, have easy access ports for removing silt, and can be installed in basements where other methods have failed.

So to summarise, a good basement waterproofing system will:

- usually be a permanent or long-term solution
- stop both ways by which water can enter through the walls and up from the floor
- not disturb landscaping, decks, patios, driveways, etc
- usually be an approved waterproofing method for home loans
- often be substantially cheaper than other waterproofing methods

You want to be sure to choose a reliable waterproofer for your home, keep in mind that it will greatly increase the value by far more than what you initally paid.

In conclusion, you want a basement waterproofing system that will deliver:

- a permanent or long term fix
- stop water through the floor and walls
- not disturb the exterior appearance of your home
- an approved method by home loan lenders
- more affordable than other methods,

Waterproofing your home is an investment in its value.

Carpet and Upholstery Cleaning Can Help To Minimize Allergens And Bacteria

rugs and carpets

When winter finally starts to release her hold and the sun starts to shine more, people seem to have a natural tendency to want to cleanse and beautify their homes by engaging in spring cleaning efforts. Many people get rid of the accumulation of dust, dirt and allergens that build up by having a carpet and upholstery cleaning company come in to freshen things up and suck the grunge right out of the fibers of the rugs and carpets and upholstery.

Professional carpet cleaning services and upholstery cleaners can do a very effective job at removing that minute, particulate material that falls out of the air and into your carpeting and furniture, as well as the dirt that gets tracked in from the outdoors by people coming into your home. You are probably already aware of the fact that the more foot traffic, people and pets that are in your house on a regular basis, the more you need to be on top of cleaning carpets and upholstery.

People who have sensitivities to certain substances and are prone to allergies inevitably find that spring is a difficult time for them because of all of the pollen in the air. But, the good news is that you can help lessen their suffering by regularly having carpet and upholstery cleaning done in your home.

Carpeting and upholstery will collect much more that just dust and dirt. The fibers that are used in upholstery materials and rugs and carpets are a perfect breeding ground for dust mites, mildew, mold, fungi and other microorganisms that can all be serious allergens for everyone; especially for those who have particular sensitivities already. If a person who suffers from allergies comes into a house where carpet cleaning and upholstery cleaning has recently taken place, then they stand a much better chance of getting some relief from their allergies than if they have to live in a house that is filled with carpets and furniture that are teeming with unseen allergens.

Upholstered furniture and rugs and carpets that have not been cleaned recently will release the built up dust and particulates that has settled into the fibers every time someone walks across the carpeting or sits on a couch or chair. But when the flooring and the furniture is kept as clean as possible through carpet cleaning upholstery services, you can ensure that the environment in your home is much healthier and that everyone will be happier as a result of not having as many allergy problems.

On top of gaining these great benefits, in terms of the health of the environment in your home, having carpet and upholstery cleaning done regularly will assure that the furnishings and the floor coverings that you have invested in stay looking great for many years to come. In addition, this means your investment will last even longer and that in turn will save you a handsome sum of money over the years.

Give Your Home a Tuscan Touch

Among the many styles of home décor the Tuscan décor that recreates an old world Italian charm occupies a special place. This is a home décor style that is inspired by nature. Stone, wrought iron, hardwood and marble are made good use of in Tuscan style home décor. If an inviting and tasteful old-world style is what you seek in your home decor then you can consider proceeding with giving a Tuscan touch to your home.

 

A characteristic of the Tuscan home décor is making sure that nothing looks too new, too modern or too sleek and shiny. In Tuscan home décor the feel of outdoors are incorporated in the styling done indoors. A reflection of your inherent passion for associating with nature and the earth is observable in the Tuscan style of home decorating. The forgotten days of the old come alive and becharm you via the décor style adopted.

 

Giving Tuscan touch to home setup

 

Here are some tips for you to help transform your home the Tuscan way-

 

• It is common to use terracotta tiles on the roofs of Tuscan style homes. These give an earthy feel. The windows are framed by sandstone and wooden shutters and are deep set.

 

• An airy feel is what is sought to be achieved by adding Tuscan touches to the home. Keeping-in with this, wooden beams, plastered ceilings and uncovered windows ought to be featured in the home.

 

• White or soft gray colors are added to walls with accent colors and natural woods or stone added to create an interesting feel. To this Venetian plaster may be made use of (applied) to add texture. Faux painting techniques can also be advocated for delivering a well-worn look.

 

• Wide wood planks, stone, terracotta bricks or clay tiles are selected for giving the Tuscan look to floors.

 

• While doing up your home the Tuscan way outdoor spaces are to be accorded much importance. A decorated patio can be set up. A Tuscan home may also be surrounded by sandstone bricks.

 

Furniture and accessory items in Tuscan style home

 

Wood furniture- armoires or cupboards etc. finished with a varnish allowing the natural wood color to become prominent are the befitting furniture for homes done up in the Old Italian way. Furniture with wrought iron accents also fit in worthily. A long, wooden table that can permit dining of the entire family together is also an appropriate selection.

 

Presence of plenty of open shelves and cupboards that display ceramics, pottery etc. is typical of homes with Tuscan décor. Patterns reflecting nature and fabrics like tapestries etc. go well with homes touched up the special old-world Italian way. Articles like statues, old clock, stained glass, wall sconces for lighting and wrought iron hangings fit well with the Tuscan home style.

 

Tuscan home décor accessory items may be usually obtained as Italian style ceramic pieces. However, in case some hand made items can be chanced upon then it is all the more better to make good use of them to create a more genuine, natural feel.

How to Find the Best Water Purification Process?

The moment you turn on the TV, flip through a magazine, or take a look at the newspaper, you find advertisements with terms like water purifier, water purification process, reverse osmosis, distillation, filtration, and so on. A lot of people have no idea what these terms actually mean and they buy water filters randomly. But a water filter is not meant to be bought that way. You need to understand the concept of purifying water and you need to buy the best product in order to stay away from waterborne diseases.

First, let me explain water purification. The water distributed through public system has lots of contaminants. Some of them are less dangerous and some of them are more dangerous. But all of them are harmful for your health. So, you need to purify the water you drink. In order to do so, you need to get a water purifier. Each water purifier has its own method to purify water.

In order to explain water purification further, I need to tell you about the different methods of water purification. There are three methods which are very popular these days - reverse osmosis, point of use filtration, and active carbon block filtration.

The water purification process behind an RO unit is simple. It has a semi permeable membrane and a fine porous structure. Water is passed through these layers under pressure and the unit blocks any substance which is larger than water molecule. However, there are two major disadvantages with this method. First, herbicides, which are smaller than water molecules, pass through this filter easily. Second, this method tends to destroy the essential minerals present in water that are good for your health. The bottom line - the water you get is neither pure nor healthy.

The water purification process behind point of use distillation is a little complex. Water is first passed through a very hot coil and it becomes water vapor. Then, it is passed through a cooling chamber where it becomes water again. In this process, the inorganic contaminants present in water are removed. However, the organic contaminants still remain and like RO, this method tends to destroy the essential minerals present in water too.

The third, and perhaps the best method, is active carbon block filtration. The reason why it is considered the best is very simple. Unlike RO and filtration, it destroys the contaminants present in water completely. Also, it retains the essential minerals present in water.

Doctors around the world explain water purification in two points. First, the contaminants present in water should be removed entirely and second, the essential minerals present in water should not be removed. Going by this rule, active carbon filtration is the only method which can be considered effective.

So people, there you have the opinion of the experts. Remember, a water filter unit is only as good as the water purification process behind it. So, make sure you buy the right one and enjoy the goodness of pure water.

Rebuilding Your Garden Around Asian Garden Décor

One of the most popular styles of garden décor today is the Asian style of garden décor, which is showing up in garden décor stores across the nation with increasing frequency. Many love the sleek lines and amazing styling of Asian garden décor while others enjoy the versatility of Asian garden décor and use it to accent the items that are currently in their garden. There are many different styles that look great when combined with Asian garden décor and a garden that uses this type of décor has a classy and sophisticated feel.

Placing The Items In An Existing Organic Food Garden

If you are choosing Asian garden décor to go with an existing organic food garden, one tip to make sure that you are the right garden décor items is to take a picture of the garden that the garden décor will be going into and take it with you to the store. You can look at the picture of the garden while shopping for the items to see how the décor items will look added to the garden and the rest of décor that is already in place. It will also give the individual a realistic view of how much space is available in the garden so that they do not purchase an item that is too big for the space that they would like to place it in.

Another thing to remember when choosing Asian garden décor for an existing design scheme is that the material that the garden décor is created from is just as important to the total design scheme as the actual color of the item. For example, if everything else that is in the garden is made out engineered stone, placing a shiny, steel colored items in the garden is not going to blend together well. Try to choose décor items that will not clash with the rest of the décor items that are located in the garden.

Creating A New Garden Design

Many of those that use Asian garden décor for their garden choose to design the rest of the garden around the garden décor. Just because the garden décor is Asian doesn’t mean that the rest of the garden décor has to be Asian as well. The perception of how well the Asian garden décor fits into the garden will depend on how you use the décor items in the garden and what accents are placed around the garden to complement the design scheme.

The same garden décor items can have a dramatically different appearance depending on how it is used and what surrounds it. Asian garden décor that is dark and heavy will have a more forceful appearance in gardens that contain light colored plants and bright flowers creating a contrast between the colors in the garden and the color of the garden décor. Many pieces of Asian garden décor are designed in such a way that they can blend seamlessly into any design scheme that the gardener chooses.

Bathroom Remodeling Increasing Home Values

Typically the easiest and most cost-effective way to add value to your house is to remodel your bathroom. There are a variety of ways to go about this, including adding a fresh coat of paint and selecting new accessories, to radical renovations that require installing all-new bathroom features. Whatever taste you bring to the freshening up of your bathroom's aesthetic, this manner of home improvement will always increase the value of your home. The first thing to look at when planning your project is to build a budget for the project. Remember that there are incidental costs, sometimes referred to as the 'little things' that add up and quickly escalate costs beyond your initial budget. Take into consideration such things as whether or not you might need a plumber, or city or county permits, or a handy man to help you with the process.

All of these little things, that are often hidden costs, can quickly add up and create problems if you don't think about them from the start. Once you have a budget in hand and know how much of a change you are willing to make, you can choose a theme. When choosing a theme for a bathroom it is important to update your bathroom without disrupting the continuity with the rest of your house since that will take away from any potential added value. Use a color palate that enhances your home, particularly in rooms near the bathroom. One of the hardest choices to make in this venture is selecting an appropriate color scheme.

There are two ways to think this through: either you can stay neutral or you can make your color scheme fit your personality. In order to decide what is right for you, you need to take into account the purpose of your renovation. Bathroom remodeling if you're planning on selling is tricky; you might want to remain neutral. Keep colors light and pick tones that will complement many decors. Select fixtures to appeal to the majority of those who will look at the house. Accessorize to make the bathroom feel luxurious and plush so as to appeal to potential buyers. If you are doing bathroom remodeling for your own peace of mind and have no intention of selling your house, then you will have a great deal of latitude in customizing your new bathroom to fit with your own desires.

You have the opportunity to choose bold colors that suit your personal style, and select fixtures that appeal specifically to you. Renovating a bath can be a financially sensible means of adding value to your house while making it reflect your personality and fashion sense more effectively. Regardless of whether you decide to completely overhaul the space or to simply alter it slightly, this specific home improvement almost invariably increases the worth of your house. Typically the easiest and most cost-effective way to add value to your house is to remodel your bathroom.

From The Ground Up Build A Garage

Building a custom garage takes a well thought out plan.  Because there are many components needed to build a garage, a well designed plan is a must.  Accurate measurements are another must before you start designing your plan.  Knowing the costs to build a garage and having all the necessary materials on hand is essential, so when the building starts, no stoppage takes place.

Build A Garage With A Step By Step Plan

Consider the where and how big your garage will be, as the first step in your design. The size of the garage door will be a vital part of that decision.  Because you are going to have a custom garage plan, it is easier to construct the garage around the door, then trying to squeeze it in the plan later.  Next, find some local garage door stores and research what they have to offer.

Your custom plan should come together much easier by starting with the garage door.  Your cars determine the height and width of your garage door.  Once you have your garage door measurements, you are probably going to add some side room of at least a foot on either side.  In addition, you will need to add a minimum of a foot on top for headroom and at least 18 inches past the height of the door for proper operation.  Your basic outline for how to build a garage is complete.

Now you are ready to get into the nuts and bolts of your custom garage.  Picking the wall hangs, cabinetry and of course the flooring design are the next steps in your plan.  Make sure to research before you buy, as each of these components have their own unique features and qualities.  I prefer metal to wood as wood has a tendency to rot in water and garages, no matter how well constructed.

Colors and other options for the walls, doors and floor are an important part of deciding how to build a garage. There are many different things you can go with but I suggest finding a theme and sticking with it. A popular idea lately has been to model your garage around your favorite sports or race team. This gives you a very defined color palette to work with and will focus your design even more.

Have you been noticing garages in your neighborhood because you want to build a garage with a custom motif...

Carpet Cleaners Are Perfect To Fix Tired Carpeting

carpet cleaning equipment

There is a good chance that when you installed new carpets in your home to give it the welcoming warmth and attractiveness that you wanted, you probably spent a good sum of money on that home improvement. But, no matter the amount of money you have spent on the rugs and carpets in your abode, they will inevitably get dirty and will most likely accumulate various stains. Professional carpet cleaners are adept at getting your floor coverings clean, at removing stains, and at helping your carpeting to look and feel wonderful again.

There are several different routes that a homeowner can take to get their rugs and carpets cleaned and to remove stubborn stains, such as a pet stain. There is carpet cleaning equipment that a homeowner can purchase and also carpet cleaning machines that can be rented. This can be a good approach if you enjoy the "do-it-yourself" method for getting things done around the house; it can save you money as well.

However, many people don't want to buy and store their own carpet cleaning equipment, nor do they want to rent it and have to lug it back and forth to the store. Instead, they would rather have professional carpet cleaners come to their home to deal with the cleaning issues.

A professional carpet cleaning service will bring much more than just the equipment to properly clean and care for the rugs and carpets in your home. They also will have a variety of different types of cleaning supplies for different purposes and the different situations that they might encounter in your home. They will have carpet cleaning and shampooing formulas, as well as mixtures and solutions for various types of stains that have probably accumulated on your carpeting.

Even more important than the equipment and the cleaning compounds that professional carpet cleaners bring is the expertise and experience that they have. Frankly, there is more to cleaning carpets than just getting a carpet cleaning machine and filling it with the solution that is going to be used.

If you use the wrong type of chemicals in the cleaning solutions for the carpeting without knowing what can and cannot be used with the specific fibers in your rugs and carpets, then you could end up doing a great deal of damage and even ruining the carpet entirely. When you hire a professional carpet cleaning service you are also paying for their knowledge, as they will know what is safe to use on your carpets and rugs, and they will bring the correct chemicals and cleaners with them.

The professionals are also schooled in testing the various carpet cleaning products and know how to select an out of the way area for the testing. Then they can confidently use the mixture on the whole carpet without worries or problems. Because of these various considerations, it can make a lot of sense to just spend a little extra money on carpet cleaners who are trained professionals so that you can skip the backbreaking work and avoid potential disasters.

Bamboo Flooring

The Bamboo Plant

 

The bamboo plant is a rapidly growing plant that produces bamboo used in bamboo flooring, the bamboo plant, mostly found in Asian countries, reaches maturity in approximately five to six years. By then this hardy little plant is ready to harvest bamboo for flooring and other materials. The bamboo plant continuously regenerates so removing bamboo from the plant does not actually harm the plant in any way, making this an eco-friendly way to make many useful products. Bamboo is really durable and is the perfect plant to be used for making floorings. Unlike some other hard woods, bamboo is almost entirely bug-free, and can make a great addition to your home or office.

 

Installation

 

Installation involved in bamboo flooring is a mystery for some. Very few brands actually have instruction on the installation process. But, one of the most important parts of installation in the case of bamboo flooring is the preparation process. Be sure that your floor is dry and clean before all installations. This can prevent many problems in the future. Flood preparation is important and many neglect this ever so important step when preparing for installation. Most bamboo flooring is installed by means of staples or floor cleats, but you should always be gentle with the staples to insure that none of the flooring is damaged in the process.

 

Bamboo floors must be carefully measured and double measured before ever cutting, always make sure that everything is going to fit into place before cutting the wood, so you do not waste any bamboo. With most bamboo floors, you should not use the floating method, because they are not originally intended for that use and may cause uneven and a generally unpleasant look. Always remember to ask your local contractor when attempting a do-it-yourself project, to see what you should and should not do to produce the best floor possible.

 

Using the glue down method is extremely risky if you are a do-it-yourselfer and should not be attempted even by the experienced do-it-yourselfer, using the wrong adhesive could cause major problems. Bamboo flooring is extremely durable and in some cases it is even said that it is harder than normal wood floors. And because of this, it is a good solid floor and will not scratch or dent easily. If you are considering putting down bamboo flooring you should consult a professional on the right tips and tricks to use when laying the floor and what kind of preparations should be used to produce the best results.

 

When it comes to bamboo, the darker it is, the softer it will be. And you should pay close attention to this factor when purchasing new bamboo floors. However, most people do tend to choose the darker colors, because it adds a certain amount of warmth to the room giving it a cozy and relaxing feel. But the softer it is the more will be the chances of the floor getting scratched or damaged. But, it is really just a matter of choice; you should research and find the perfect floor for you. A lot of people choose the carbonized bamboo flooring which is soft and is susceptible to scratches, just like any other hard wood floor. Choose what you like, there are many options that you are sure to love.

How To Kill Roaches

How to kill roaches? This a question many have asked themselves over the years. Killing roaches is certainly not easy. Designed to survive the toughest of environments, roaches can often times seem invulnerable. They can survive without there heads, live through deadly chemical attacks, and more. It seems a little hopeless, really.

However, all is not lost. There are many different ways of killing roaches, though they are not easy. The most obvious way to do this is to trap them live. You can do this by taking a small container (a yogurt container works well), smear the inside with vaseline, and set it in an area with a lot of roaches. Roaches will crawl inside, and get stuck. You can then toss the container, getting rid of the roaches.

Another option is to use a classic poisoned trap. These are your typical "roach motels." These work by attracting the roaches inside, causes them to ingest the poison. The kills the roaches. Since roaches actually much on their dead, other roaches will get the poison, leading to a widespread roach death, if all goes well.

Another option is boric acid, or borax. This causes small abrasions in the roaches shell, which eventually leads to their death via dehydration. To kill roaches this way, you'll need to buy the powder, and spread it around your house. The best place to spread this powder is along edges in warm, dark places where roaches like to crawl. The more of the powder, the better, so don't be shy. It isn't poisoness to humans. You'll soon start seeing dead roaches everywhere. Hooray!

Another option is to simply call a roach exterminator. These are trained professionals who can help you get rid of your roach problem once and for all. Be sure that you find a reliable exterminator, as they will know the best strategies to use. If the do it yourself options have exhausted themselves, this may be the way to go. Good luck in your quest!

Budget Dream Bathrooms

Chicago Bathroom Remodeling

Everyone want a luxurious bathroom to unwind in, but many people don't think that they can afford all of the bells and whistles. this is not true! The cost to remodel a bathroom with all the amenities of a spa costs less than you think. Within this article we will discuss how a luxury bath can be created for less money than you might think.

To properly remodel a bathroom, the initial step should be to select a calming color. Using color to help your health is a little known art known as chromatherapy. A number of bathtubs, showers and sinks are now designed with chromatherapy in mind, so you can coordinate your pieces for the maximum effect. For a super bath toy, the new soak bath with chromatherapy, allows an individual to be immersed in a warm, ultra-deep bath and, with the touch of a button, enhance the bathing environment to include a full spectrum of dramatic color. The colors are displayed approximately every 8 seconds and washed over the bather in faded hueswhich go to solid then fade again and give way to the next color. This creates an incredibly relaxing sensation that you should definitely experience!

If you prefer invigorating showers over long soaks in the tub, then here is something that's a must-have in luxury bathrooms. Standing in the rich moisture of a steam shower can be as relaxing as soaking in a hot bath. The steam relieves muscle tension, joint fatigue, reduces stress and cleanses skin impurities. Most steam showers offer temperature selections that range from ninety to one hundred and twenty degrees timers for the length of time that you want to enjoy the steam option. Steam showers have come down significantly in price and are the same size as traditional shower enclosures. If you really want to go all out, some steam showers come equipped with a radio and telephone, a remote control, as well as connections for your CD player.

No spa experience is complete without wrapping your relaxed and rejuvenated body in a warm towel, so luxurious bathrooms should definitely come with a towel warmer. Lower-cost towel warmers cost as little as $100-$150 and are superb for homeowners who need to remodel a bathroom on a budget. However, they're often equipped with very light chroming or lower-quality materials that will wear off over time. You also cannot control the degree of heat that the unit emits. Luxury towel warmers are priced at $1,500 to $5,000 and offer elegant designs. These towel warmers are usually constructed from solid brass and come with warranties of up to five years.

Prior to designing your space you need to decide on what luxury means to you,. Do you have to have the jacuzzi tub or would some new paint and fancy towels satisfy the need to upgrade your master bath and pamper yourself? Luxury bathrooms don't have to be expensive. Many pricey items for decorating bathrooms have cheaper alternatives, so shop around and treat yourself to things that you'll enjoy for years.

Elite Home Builders is your home for Evanston Bathroom Remodeling

The Most Important Things You Should Know About Drinking Water Purification Systems

Just how important are drinking water purification systems? The short answer for that question would be - very important. Just think for a moment. The amount of contaminants present in water is mind boggling. According to recent reports, the contaminants found in water include heavy metals, herbicides and pesticides, and even prescription drugs. Now, can you think of drinking such water?  

If you think you are safe because you use bottled water, then it is time for a reality check. Bottled water and water from private wells are only as bad or as good as tap water. The reason is very simple. The FDA has the same sets of rules and regulations for tap water and bottled water. As a result, even bottled water has some amount of contaminants that are commonly found in tap water. This pretty much leaves you with just one choice - drinking water purification systems.   

Once you realize that drinking such contaminated water is bad for your health and it could lead to several waterborne diseases, the next step is to buy a good water purification unit. But here comes a problem. Water purification is big business today and there are plenty of drinking water purification systems available in the market today. How do you find out which one is the best? This is where you need to do your homework.   

Before you buy a drinking water purification system, you need to understand one thing. A water purifier is only as good as the technology behind it. As of now, there are three popular water purification techniques that are widely used - reverse osmosis, point of use filtration, and active carbon chamber filtration. However, active carbon filtration is considered the best among these methods. Let me explain the reason.  

While reverse osmosis and point of use distillation are good, they are just not good enough to be considered the best. There are two reasons for this. First, they are not effective in eliminating the contaminants present in water. RO doesn't get rid of the herbicide traces present in water and distillation doesn't get rid of the organic contaminants present in water. Second, they tend to destroy the essential minerals present in water. These essential minerals are very important for your health.   

Active carbon filtration, on the other hand, is very effective in removing all sorts of contaminants present in water. Also, these filters usually have multiple carbon chambers and hence the water you get is absolutely pure. Most importantly, in this method, the essential minerals don't get destroyed. As a result, the water is not only pure, but also healthy.   

Now that you have all the details you want, it's time to take action. If you don't have a drinking water purification system, get one and if you're using an ineffective one, get rid of it and get a good one. The choice has never been simpler, has it?

How to Find the Most Appropriate Humidifier for Your Office or Home

Low indoor humidity levels can contribute to a variety of problems for our health, such as dry skin, cracked lips, sore throats and even sinus headaches.

The problem is particularly bad during periods of cold weather, when we shut ourselves inside and turn up the heat.  Don't panic!  All you need is a humidifier, but which type should you buy?

Single Room Models

This is by far the most common type of humidifier in use today.  Being small makes them cheap and portable, which everybody likes.  There are several different styles available, and it's important to choose one that is suitable for the size of space where it will be used.  Some people prefer these as they give you complete control over the humidity of your environment.  If you buy a very small portable model, you can even carry it around with you from room to room.  Of course, if there is only one room of the house that is particularly dry, it would be silly to buy a huge humidifier that can deal with the entire building.  It's a matter of choosing the correct type for your needs.  Click Here for a Comparison of the Main Types of Humidifier.

Whole House Humidifiers

These are usually, but not always connected to the furnace, so you have to make sure your heating system is compatible.  If it is, then this could be a much better solution.  The main advantage is that these whole house models require practically no maintenance at all.  They are often connected to the mains water supply, and have special monitoring equipment within them that ensures the best possible humidity level can be maintained.  Being out of the way is also a bonus as they are not taking up valuable space in your main living rooms.  Click Here to Discover More About Whole House Humidifiers.

Whatever option you decide on, make sure you do something to combat low humidity levels in your house and office.  Before going to the store, have a quick read through the list of desirable features at The Humidifier Buying Guide This is the main information site for everything related to humidifiers, so if you follow their advice, you can't go wrong.

Reverse Osmosis Water Filtration Systems

If you are constantly experiencing health problems or just merely concerned about sanitary protection, water is one element globally used to cleanse out harmful and visible unwanted particles. Better start investing on health and with recent developments such as the reverse osmosis units.

Great-tasting, very pure, value-worth and harm-free water is what everybody longs for. Having high demands of this kind, water purification became so popular. Now it's about time that the systems responsible for this result are introduced. One of those is Reverse Osmosis Water Filtration Systems. When we say filtration, be aware that it does not keep you out totally from harmful elements, but also, this could strain and remove sediments, trace minerals and others that give good benefits when consumed regularly at a normal measure. On the contrary, reverse osmosis units encased the advance water purification method which works through forcing the water through pressuring it towards a semi-permeable membrane.

Sometimes you may compare reverse osmosis units to that of distillers. Well, these two lessen the "dissolved" solid contents of the water, but then, they vary on their processes. Reverse osmosis units make water go through the membranes as mentioned earlier; however the distiller boils the water to release bad bacteria through steam. Though distillation could remove mineral constituents, it is still not perfect in eliminating everything that may cause health risks. Overall, both products coming out from the two processes are very pure.

If you happen to ask how functional this is to at least consider if this is really worth it, you have to read on these two of the most important and frequently inquired specs:

• Life span of a reverse osmosis unit

Reverse osmosis water filtration systems can virtually last a lifetime if regularly utilized. When parts deteriorate, it must be replaced immediately so that running quality will be maintained in topmost condition. The membrane for which filtration runs in lasts about an average of four years, but still depending on what kind of water it is processing.

• Capacity

Reverse osmosis water filtration systems can produce as many as 75 gallons per day or as little as 15 on the same cost, but depending on the type and maybe brand used. Choose which is more suitable for your needs so that life of the unit will be prolonged and the production will be just as enough was what is needed.

So there you have it! If there are other considerations you are looking at, never hesitate to inquire about them. Make no mistake of sacrificing your health and sanitary needs! Get started with water filtration system today for your health.

Energy Saving Devices Around the Home

 

Apart from energy saving light bulbs there are other devices that could help save electricity in the home:

Efergy Energy Saving Meter that helps measure the actual amount of electricity used. The monitor keeps an accurate record of electricity consumption and then converts it into monetary value, based on the cost price of a household’s electricity charges. This is recorded by day, week and month, and is updated every six seconds, so you can easily see the cost of turning on the computer or making a cup of tea. An internal memory stores the recorded data, and by scrolling through the records you can view past data, which is very useful for comparison, such as when the kids are home and when they aren’t!

Essentially if you're looking to save money and help the planet by energy saving then this is a great electricity saving device. It's simple to fit, shows the current cost of your usage in a number of units - £'s, kgCO2 and kWh - and gives immediate results.  It gives a great feeling of being in control; actually being able to see in money terms what the electricity you are using is actually costing, on a minute-to-minute basis, if you want to!

The nifty little Moonlight Night Light is an energy saving night light – For under 50 pence it will run 24 hours a day for 365 days a year. It emits a cool blue green electro-luminescent light, perfect for night lighting in bedrooms, hallways and corridors and certainly a better alternative to leaving those bedside or hall lights on.

The third device I looked at is the Eco Kettle.  This one is perhaps one of the more obvious electricity saving devices that we have all heard of. It is estimated that on average, we boil twice the volume of water we need when we make a cuppa. Put simply, this overfilling means that we use twice the energy we need and twice as much time. With a 3kW kettle, staggeringly, that adds up to the energy of about 50 light bulbs!

The Eco Kettle has an internal reservoir, in which water is held to the full capacity of the kettle ready for use, then comes the clever bit – a measuring button allows you to choose any quantity of water from a single cupful to the whole reservoir to be released into a separate chamber for boiling. It’s true what they say isn’t it; the simplest ideas are often the best.  I think that this product represents a great saving in energy and therefore also in electricity costs.

The Intelli plug is an adaptor but with a very important energy saving difference.  Basically you plug your PC into the master socket and any extension plugs into the side plugs. Now when you switch off your PC or put it in standby mode, hey presto! power will be shut down to the extension plugs as well.  For someone like me with every good intention but the tendency to forget to switch off now and then, this is a great solution.

But that is not the end of its ingeniousness.  The IntelliPlug works out patterns of power usage rather than routinely cutting off the power when it drops below a set threshold and also has a basic surge protector to keep your computer safe - always important with electricity saving devices of this kind. 

More tips, advice and reports at www.lowermyutilitybills.co.uk

 

Your Own Garage

If you are looking to do some thing to truly express yourself, you may want to consider how to build a garage. I am going to take a look at a couple examples to give you some ideas on what is possible when you build a garage that is your own. Both of these examples come from friends of mine that have redone their garages, so take a look and see if anything they did inspires you.

Two Examples Of How To Build A Garage That Is Fun

One of my friends is a huge fan of the Grateful Dead and decided to build a garage to store his van in the winter and hang out in. The cost to build a garage like this was a factor, but he was pretty open to spending some money. He then went about building a detached garage.

The first thing he needed to do was make sure that the garage would be comfortable in the winter, so he made sure to purchase an extra sturdy and insolated garage door. He took his extensive collection of cloth banners that he had collected and hung them throughout the garage. I would estimate he had approximately twenty of them and they took up most of the walls and ceiling. On the one side he parked his van that he used for summer tours back in the day.

All though every once in a while he still takes it for a spin or the occasional show, most of the time it just sat there. On the other side he set up comfortable couches and throw rugs. A massive steal your face was painted on the floor. The walls underneath the hung banners were painted tie dye. All of this created a really unique area and since it was the garage it was not something that he needed to show people. In addition, it could easily and quickly be converted to a normal garage with a couple gallons of paint and some time.

The next friend I have was a huge Dale Earnhardt fan and when he died he built a garage that is somewhat of a shrine. The first thing he did was paint a large red, black and white 3 on a black background on the garage floor.  He then, went about collecting as much Dale Earnhardt memorabilia as he could collect. He filled the garage over time with as much as he could.

On the one side he parks his vehicles and on the other he has a mechanics shop set up complete with a full hydraulic lift capable of picking up a loaded cargo van. He also has an extensive collection of tools here as well including air compressors and pretty much everything needed to do a full tear down and rebuild. He has done work on the side in the garage to fund this project and to help offset the cost of all the tools. His idea on how to build a garage is truly inspirational.

As you can see there are two very different approaches on how to build a garage into something that is unique and your own. Hopefully this helped to give you some ideas on what you can do.

Want To Build A New Garage And Need Some Ideas? Read This Excellent Free Article, Build Your Garage. To Browse More Pieces Of Writing On Garages Visit, http://www.garages.jsgenterprises.com.

Your Home Decor Ideas

Home Improvement Ideas

The kind of decor people use in their home tells a lot about what kind of person we are, whether we want to admit it or not. Overall character that we possess, and our likes and dislikes can be shown through a careful examination of the decoration that we use in the rooms of our home. You will find that a more practical human person will put a lot of thought into designing their kitchen, for example. On the other hand, if you pay close attention to the lounging areas of many individuals, you can find a key to their personalities therein, as a natural tones indicate a hardworking person's desire to relax.

In terms of a bedroom, if you decorate the place in wild reds and luxurious satin, this is a good indication of another type of personality entirely, though perhaps not one that that everyone will see. That is a very important tip to keep in mind - always plan a different type of decor for the private areas than you would areas that the public will see frequently. You might decide to have a party, for example, and won't you want to have definite separate between private areas and the areas open to the attendees?

The most luxury is usually given to bedrooms, since their intimate nature means they are the area where people want to spend the most amount of money to make sure that they look as nice as possible. A very popular part of any decor is flooring, and the type of floor that you choose will depend on how highly traveled your floor is. Both the quality and color of a floor gives a good insight into what kind of character you have. Wool carpets are great for the bedroom, but a hard laminate is better for the hallways.

Accessories are a very important part of decor, and they are wonderful ways to express your true personality. Lighting is a definite tool that should be used to your advantage, as they invariably affect how the room is perceived. A good way to increase visibility, for either practical or aesthetic purposes, is to use spotlights on specific areas. You can use this in the decorating of the rest of your home as well.

More here on Bath Remodel Ideas.

If you like to highlight objects and possessions that matter to you, spotlights and single light fittings can do this very well. If on the other hand you are minimalist, you may prefer the experience of general mood lighting instead. In essence, we should be careful when we pick our home's decor, because it could reveal more about our personality than we might begin to think it would.

Get a Good Fireplace Screen for Safety

There's no doubt about it, when it comes to fireplace safety, fireplace screens rank at the top of the list of essential fireplace accessories.

To make sure that everyone in your home stays safe, it's important that you use a fireplace screen every time you light a fire, and make sure it's properly positioned or installed. This will prevent sparks and hot ashes from escaping from the fireplace, thereby protecting your family, pets and personal belongings.

It's also recommended that you regularly take the time to check your fireplace screen. It's not enough to just put it up and then ignore it. Over time it can shift its position or you might adjust it in a way that lessens its effectiveness. This is the case no matter which type of fireplace screen you end up choosing.

Shopping Tips

Before heading out to buy a fireplace screen, make sure you measure the opening to your fireplace so you can get the right size. If a fireplace screen is the wrong size, it won't protect the way it's designed to and will also take away from your decor.

If you want an antique looking screen or something used that has some history to it, that's ok as long as you inspect the framework and ensure that it's still in good condition. If it seems worn out, then you need to look somewhere else, no matter how pretty it is. Or you can just use it decoratively, with a more effective screen behind it.

For a brand new screen, just head out to your local fireplace accessories or home improvement store, where you should be able to find a good selection to choose from. Don't forget to measure your fireplace before you go, because not all fireplaces are the same size.

If you can't find anything to your taste at the local stores, you can always check out online retailers or auction sites. Just remember that you'll usually have to pay shipping charges, which could impact the final cost of your purchase considerably. But if you really love it and it's something that you know you'll enjoy for a long time, the extra fees might be worth it.

As a final caution, it's important for all people and pets in the household to understand that they must stay away from the fireplace while it's burning and even for a period of time afterwards. This is because the ashes are still hot enough to cause some serious burns. Make sure that young children fully understand the dangers so that they can be safe from fire at home and away.

Visit Fireplace Accessories: Your Online Guide to the Fireplace Accessories You Need for more useful tips.

The Bathroom Renovation of Your Dreams

In the past, the bathroom has by no means been a major decor feature of a home. More recently, however, a bathroom renovation is high on the list of desirable home improvement projects. The expense of hiring a contractor to overhaul and transform your bathroom can be quite prohibitive, but if you have the enthusiasm, time and energy – not to mention some willing helpers - you can do it yourself for a lot less money.

Regrettably, many homeowners who undertake the job themselves wind up spending much more than they budgeted for their bathroom renovation. The main oversight is frequently the lack of a well thought out plan for such a major undertaking. A carefully considered approach is the best way to ensure that your dream bathroom comes in under budget.

Carefully assess your financial situation before you begin your bathroom renovation so you'll know how much money to budget. Be generous with your estimates and allow as much as you can reasonably afford without breaking the bank. You're better off setting a high budget and finishing with cash left over than allocating a budget that's too low and ending up spending more you’re your funds allow.

Take careful measurements in your bathroom so you can accurately assess which of your dream fixtures will fit. Then you can confidently purchase your bathtub or shower unit, sink, toilet and cabinets, knowing they will fit perfectly. Digital measuring tools are your best bet for a truly accurate measurement.

Next you need to make a list or a rough sketch of your bathroom renovation plans. Are you thinking of a new style of tub, shower, or sink? Are you planning on relocating the new fixtures from where your current ones sit?

Make a decision about your preference for wallpaper, paint, or tile. Get a general idea of how you want the bathroom to look. Draft up a quick sketch either on a pad of paper or your computer, and assess the practicality of your plan. It's also useful to have an alternate plan for your bathroom renovation just in case your original ideas don't pan out.

Now head off to the home improvement stores with your plans. Find the items on your list and compare prices at more than one store. Make detailed notes so you can evaluate which store has what you want at the best price.

Keep an open mind while you're checking out products and prices. You might just spot something that you like better than your original idea – perhaps a pedestal sink that's less expensive than the style you initially targeted. Record the prices of the fixtures you want, but hold on to your credit card - don't make any purchases just yet!

Collect some paint or wallpaper color samples to take home. Test them out to see how they will look in your bathroom. Colors in the store often look quite different at home because of dissimilar lighting conditions.

Now it's time to go over your price list and see how it fits into your budget. Do the numbers go over the allotment or do they fit within your limits? Remember to leave some flex room in your budget to allow for unanticipated expenses, and don't forget to allow for sales taxes.

At this point, you can decide if your bathroom renovation ideas are practical and affordable. If they are, go ahead and purchase your selected items. It's best to buy everything that you'll need before you start work, that way you won't have to constantly run out to the store to buy miscellaneous items.

With careful planning and budgeting before you start your renovation, you can take great pleasure in your new bathroom while patting yourself on the back for realizing your dream within your budget.

Welcome to Ken's Home Improvement

Hi, Welcome to my Home Improvement Blog. I have lots of experience helping homeowners improve their living quarters through do-it-yourself projects.

They aren't all that hard to do, and once you've got the job done, you can pat yourself on the back, and think about how much $$$$$$$ you just saved!

Hopefully I can help you save some money and some headaches!