2012 ~ Home Improvement Tips

Buying Guide For Bedroom Furniture

7:32 AM

indigo

Of all the hassles and nuances you go through while picking the right bedroom furniture and furnishings for your home, reaching a ‘stuck-up’ situation can be the worst. It can happen when you buy furniture without looking into practical details of your home, or a particular room, the bedroom, for instance. Buying bedding set, bedroom mirrors and storage furniture like an armoires and dressers may be tricky. The kind of practical problems you face while buying furniture is different from the world of modern bedroom furniture and suites that you see on online furniture stores.

It helps to have a basic guideline in place. Here are a few tips on buying furniture that fits your home,

1. Local retailers can be a source of information to help you decide. Sometimes you may end up finding a great deal unlike retail shops that spend so much on floor space and as a result, hike up furniture prices. As online furniture stores save on this part, they get to pass on some part of the savings to customers as discounts.

2. Define your style. Each one of us has his own unique liking. If Bahamian is your style statement, you can buy furniture that fits the idea; and also combine it with other traditional and modern furniture.

3. Bed sizes
Who will sleep in the bed? What is the size of your bedroom? Take into account the number of people and the size of the person/s. Master beds are the largest, followed by King-size beds (California and standard), queen beds, full beds and twin beds. The dimensions of each size are as follows:

California king bed: 72 inches wide x 84 inches long
King bed: 76 inches wide x 80 inches long
Queen bed: 60 inches wide x 80 inches long
Full bed (or double bed): 54 inches wide x 75 inches long
Twin bed: 39 inches wide x 75 inches long (80 inches for extra long twin beds)

4. Bed Design
The construction of a basic bed is simple. It has a headboard on one end, footboard on the other. In between is the frame whereon the mattress fits. Depending on your taste, you can opt for anything from low-slung platform beds with an Oriental touch, to regular beds with much classy color and finish options. It is good to keep in touch the kind of scheming you plan to have with your bed. Then there are futons, day beds and trundle beds that make a great combo of utility and style.

5. Bed construction
Wood is the most common material used in bed construction. The advantages are sturdiness, longevity and easy maintenance. However, other material like powder-coated steel and brass are popular for its robustness and sleek features. Depending on your lifestyle, you can choose one that suits your taste and practical needs of your home. You don’t want a bulky bed when you keep shifting places more often. Something neat and handy, which can be assembled and dissembled easily, may be the best choice. So assess your need, first.

6. Night stands
Nightstands may be a tricky thing to choose. Especially if you have a designer bed, teaming up a pair of nightstand with other furniture and the overall theme may be difficult. But you can always get suites that come with complementing nightstands, armoires, dressing tables and mirrors. If you already have a bed, then you can opt for a design that is either the same color/finish as the bed or something complementing that fits with other furniture items in your bedroom.

7. Wardrobe/ Armoire
A wardrobe or armoire is one of the most important features in the bedroom. Depending on the number of people, the armoire should be combination of functionality and space, with drawers, hanging bars and other units you desire. Classic wooden armoires are popular, so are glass and wood wardrobes that look modern. Make sure you check the door dimensions of your bedroom to make moving the armoire easy.

8. Dressers, Mirrors and Chests
Well, we all know the story of cluttered drawers and closets. If you practically estimate the kind of space you need on daily basis, you can round up on a sensible dresser with spacey drawers and a complimenting mirror. Roomy drawers also allow more air and help with the uncluttered space we all so much crave for. While chests are vertical, dressers are wide and horizontally inclined. Check the dimensions carefully, for you need space to move around the bedroom.

9. Mattresses
Beds and mattress is an inseparable pair, both complimenting each other. There are regular mattresses and box spring mattress that require a basic construction. While others are built in a manner that needs no box springs, especially platform beds.

Bed sets or suites are also great money savers. You need not hassle over too many details. You get a matching bed, night stand and dresser together, so you won't have to spend much time stewing and fretting over whether or not all your wood bedroom furniture will match. If your bedroom is large enough, also consider new chairs, a bookcase or two, maybe a new entertainment center.

With a new bed, you may want to add fresh bedding. Go for subtle serene shades that go with the curtains, wall paint and rest of the décor. With our huge discounts and low shipping, you can furnish your whole house without ever leaving it.

8:32 PM

indigo

If you don't like to luxuriate in a warm bath and become accustomed to take a refreshing shower in the morning and to take a relaxing shower before going to bed, then a shower cabin is an optimal solution for you. Being alternative to baths, shower cabins become more and more popular nowadays. There are several reasons for such popularity. Firstly, in comparison with bath, the shower saves water approximately fivefold. Secondly, shower takes much less time, than having a bath. Thirdly, a shower cabin saves space - i.e. the bath utilizes much less space than a bath. And, besides the shower cabin is considered more hygienic in operation as bath because dirt is washed off by flowing water. Thus, advantages of this equipment are quite obvious. It is time to go to shop and to buy a shower cabin.

Prior to purchase of the shower cabin, it is necessary to determine its design. There are open and closed shower cabins. Open shower cabins border the shower zone partially - there is a shower partition or a door between existing walls. Closed shower cabins are bordered completely along the perimeter of shower zone and have a roof which prevents steam outflow and hampers condensation. Certainly, the closed cabin is more comfortable, but it is much more expensive.

The doors of shower cabins are usually made of glass which may be transparent, matte or rough. Single or double swing doors usually require the greater area of bathroom. Sliding doors utilize much less space. The more leaves, the less space is inside of a cabin, but the frame, at the same time, becomes steadier.

When choosing the shower cabin it is necessary to consider that its size must not be less than 80 x 80 cm, otherwise you will be essentially limited in space.

Shower cabins pallets may be made of pig-iron, steel, ceramics, artificial marble (pallet is made of pressed marble chips and polymeric pitches), as well as of synthetic materials: acrylic and its more modern derivative - quaryl. All these materials have their own peculiarities of maintenance. For example, pig-iron enameled pallets are steady, but get warm too long, steel pallets rattle under a jet of water, and pallets made of ceramics (faience) may crack up. Marble pallets are quite expensive, but they worth it: durable, convenient and having perfect appearance. Each of such pallets is unique, as each piece of marble is unique on its color, shades and structure. Acrylic pallet is nice too but it's not durable and needs a special frame, and its surface is not jam-proof. However, scratches on acrylic are easily removed and special skills for that purpose are not required. Quaryl is one of acrylic's derivatives (for its manufacturing marble chips are used) and its surface is much more jam-proof.

In general, the following requirements are specified to pallets: durability, immunity of surface to mechanical damages (scratches, chipping), rapid warming up, external decorative effect and not least, the presence of fluting on a pallet's surface which hampers sliding.

Functionality of shower cabins goes beyond the ability of shower. Modern shower cabin not just replaces a bath, but may combine functions of Turkish bath, massage and therapeutic salons.

For example, vertical massage is provided by jets of water supplied from injectors. Number of apertures in injectors may vary from 3 and more. Some shower cabins are equipped with feet massage function. The pressure necessary for normal functioning of vertical massage system is 3-5 atms. You'll have to make a point of these peculiarities as in many houses not having the special equipment all these amenities will be unclaimed. The reason is common - absence of needed water pressure in water pipe. If the pressure is low you'll have to choose only those shower cabins which work at water pressure of 1.5 atms.

The transition douche effect is achieved by alternate action of contrast temperatures water alternating within short time-periods. Cold water is supplied from water supply system and hot water temperature may be chosen by you. This function may be applied both when using a hand spray and with vertical massage system. Hydro massage is the function of vertical massage system. It is represented by alternate bottom-up injection of horizontal groups of injectors. Chromotherapy in shower cabin is represented by special source of illumination placed in cabin which periodically lights up with various colors.

Turkish bath function is generation of steam by steam generator. That steam goes to a cabin from a steam blower. The temperature of steam makes 45-60C. Almost all shower cabins have function of steam aromatization with phytocosmetic substances.

Possible connection of radio and audio belongs to group of audio functions. As a rule, they are built in shower cabin. Cabins having such functions are equipped with switchboard which enables adjustment of functioning parameters; such cabins also have built in speaker system.

Combined multifunction shower cabins have all advantages of hydro massage baths and shower cabins. Their size is usually quite impressive, but, nevertheless, they save a lot of space.

Shower cabin installation does not require of any structural works such as tile and stone works or field painting. You'll have to connect the shower cabin with water supply pipe and with discharge stack. These operations are to be performed by experts.

The prices on different shower cabins may vary, but generally the price determines both quality and volume of "services" "provided" by a cabin.

9:40 PM

indigo

"There can't be good living where there is not good drinking." -- Benjamin Franklin

Owning a home bar can be a very fun investment. For many people drinking is definitely on of the high points of their day. Having a safe, readily accessible supply of alcohol can increase anyone's enjoyment of their daily lives.

Home bars are the ultimate example of dedication and convenience. One can easily drink to excess while saving money and not having to find a way home. Men can avoid angering their wives, because a night at the bar would merely entail them staying home.

"Do not allow children to mix drinks. It is unseemly and they use too much vermouth." -- Steve Allen

Once the decision to purchase a home bar has been made, the shopping can begin. The purpose of the bar is the determining factor for which style to buy.

For small soirees and outdoor get-togethers, small portable bars are ideal. There are many styles of these types of bars. Some styles include wheeled carts, while others prefer lighter structures that can be more easily moved.

Those who like to entertain outdoors can also appreciate bars made especially for that purpose. Traditional Tiki bars and rustic looking wooden bars are common themes at poolside parties.

Traditional large bars are a common favorite amongst those with large enough houses to have room to spare. These generally take up a lot of wall space and are made to feel just like a public facility. They are usually composed of a wall unit for storing alcohol and glasses, a space for the bartender, and an actual bar for patron to sit.

"Beer brewers shall sell no beer to the citizens, unless it be three weeks old; to the foreigner they may knowingly sell younger beer." -- German Beer Law, 1466

When most people think of bars they tend to think primarily about liquor, but beer is such a fundamental aspect of the history of drinking that it is hard to discount the significance of being able to serve beer properly at home.

Many of the larger home bars come with easy to use draft levers. Drinking from a keg that is properly maintained can save an avid drinker a considerable amount of money. By the ounce, it is almost always a better investment to buy in bulk.

A properly stored beer keg can last from three to four months. Someone who has at least one beer a day, the cost of a keg easily makes up for itself when compared to the cost of a 12-, or even, 24-pack.

Small refrigerators are placed under the bar to allow the beer to maintain the proper temperature for maintaining its flavor. These are connected by a series of tubes to the draft valve, provided easy access to good beer all of the time.

"You're not drunk if you can lie on the floor without holding on." -- Dean Martin

After choosing the proper home bar, stocking it becomes the most important aspect of proper hosting. Some people start by purchasing a couple bottles of classic liquors, but ultimately, a much wider selection is going to be necessary for a well-rounded collection of alcohol.

When it comes to the basics, there are a few items that no bar should be without. Vodka, tequila, rum, gin, whiskey, bourbon, and scotch make up the foundation for any true attempt at a bar. Other common liquors include various flavors of Schnapps. The most common of these are peach, melon, apple, and butterscotch.

Kailua, Jagermeister, and brandies are also very popular bar staples. There are hundreds of varieties of alcohol to choose from and personal preference plays a large role in determining the amount and kind of alcohol to provide.

In addition to regular liquors, wine and beer are also common drinking requirements for any bar. Providing a solid selection of these is fairly easy. Most wines come in different colors. One red, one white, and one blush wine can provide enough selection for most guests.

Beer can be a bit more complicated than wine, but only because there are more options available to the average drinker. There are the basic regular beers that can be found at any gas station across the country.

It is always advisable to stock up on regular beer, more than any other type of alcoholic drink. Light beer is great if you are going to have a group that includes a fair amount of women, because it has fewer calories then regular beer.

Strong, stout beers are considered essential to some, but they are very much an acquired taste. Wheat beers and ales provide a well-rounded flavor that lacks the intensity of most stout beers. Many of these also include fruit flavors for an added incentive.

In addition to the basic alcohols, having mixers to add flavor or dull the burn of some drinks is essential for any drinking experience. Soda, margarita and sweet and sour mix, and assorted juices can provide endless ideas for beverage making.

"I feel sorry for people who don't drink, because when they wake up, that's best they feel all day." -- Frank Sinatra

Having a place to relax after a hard day can be one of the most significant improvements to the quality of your life and your overall health. Escaping the stress of daily life is essential to a happy existence. Home bars are a terrific way of ensuring that your home is not only a fun place for you, but also for your friends and family.

Maintaining a well-stocked bar and having people to share it with can be one of the most rewarding investments you can make for your home.

9:21 AM

indigo

Water is the essence of life. Wise are those who incorporate water into their daily lives and environments. When purchasing water products for your home, your success can be enhanced by keeping in mind five basic features. Taking the time to understand and apply these five simple factors will save you both time and money, and will let you experience maximum pleasure and usefulness from your new water product acquisitions.

The first topic we should always consider is why are we seeking to purchase water products? Are we seeking increased health benefits, such as we might receive from owning a pool or a hot tub? Perhaps in our mind we can almost hear the sounds of water, the comforting bubbling sound of an indoor fountain or the gentle slosh and splash of tiny birds in a bird bath. We should be clear about our desire so we can better match our purchases to what we are hoping to obtain. We also need to remember to not limit ourselves, since there is nothing that says we cannot combine art and practicality, usefulness and beauty, in the water products that we add to our environment.

As we move close to making an actual purchase, we will need to check again, to measure our desire against our reality. If foremost in our minds are the health benefits of warm, swirling water and arthritis, we do not want to become lost in our pursuit of a three-tiered, cascading fountain. If our needs are for stress relief, an eight-inch tiny water display may not meet all of our expectations. Knowing what our goals are can make all the difference in our purchases making us happy for a long time to come.

The second feature to consider is size. It sounds simple but it is something we sometimes overlook, as we become excited to purchase those water products that promise to bring us both pleasure and increased health benefits. We need to first dream, and then adjust our images to fit our lives. If we live in a small garden home, no matter our love for swimming, an Olympic size pool is out of the question. We might want to turn our desires to something smaller, such as a hot tub or even a water fountain for our entry way.

If we are seeking to furnish a single room, again, our consideration of a small space to be utilized is important. We love water, we know we care about both its health and artistic qualities, but we must also realize we need to choose something that we can place within an already-furnished room. We might select a small desk-top fountain or even a decorative spring-water dispenser.

The third feature, after defining our desires and the sizes we can accommodate, should probably be financial. What can we truly afford, and how can we best maximize our purchases? In this area, we are lucky, since we live in an age of unprecedented opportunities to save money, through the use of the internet. Not only can we use the internet to make cost comparisons and therefore make wiser purchasing decisions, we can actually order via the internet, often savings ourselves a significant amount of money. And we do not need to limit these purchases to small items anymore, since such large items as water beds, hot tubs and above-ground pools, can all be ordered, often at considerable savings, from the comfort of our own computer.

Within the arena of economy, we need to think of our desires, and the best way we can afford to allow these desires to materialize. If we are thinking of spending a large amount of money, we should explore both financing and outright purchasing options. Waiting a few months, until we can afford to purchase outright, may, in the long run, save hundreds of dollars in interest costs. Or shopping for a low-interest loan may allow us to have our desire right away, paying for it slowly over time. Just as we strive to match our desire to the size of our environment, we should also match our investment to our ease and ability to pay for it.

Fourth, we should consider maintenance. Is what we are purchasing going to require daily or periodic care, and if so, can we do the maintenance, or will we need to hire someone else to do it? What will the maintenance costs be and are we prepared financially to assume them? No matter how beautiful the desire, an unclean pool or a dirty water fountain quickly lose their appeal. On the other hand, with careful planning, maintenance need not be an obstacle, as long as we are prepared and aware of its implications.

Last in our list of features to consider as we bring more water into our home, is the flexibility of what we are buying and how we can use it. From a table fountain to a hot tub, we are not limited to a single use. The hot tub, for instance, when not being used for recreation or healthy exercises, can be decorated with floating flowers and candles. It can become an artistic center piece to a small home party or get-to-gather. Our table fountain can be moved to a different area of our home, and surrounded with pictures of a birthday celebrant, complete with tiny stars scattered about, and packages holding birthday surprises. Our most important thing to remember may be the very idea that we are not limited, in either our choices or our uses of water products. Matching this knowledge while paying careful attention to the main features of purchasing water products brings our environment closer to being the haven we know it can be.

7:45 AM

indigo

Frequently asked questions about fireplace center around four key areas; Venting, Remote Control, Converting from one fuel to another, and Piping & Dampers.

Venting Questions

What is the difference between direct vent, b vent, totally vented and ventless?

A wood-burning fireplace is totally vented. For a complete explanation of these terms, see our venting page .

Can I put a cabinet around direct vent, ventless or b-vent?

Cabinets are boxes that extend about 18" from the wall. Mantels are wood frames that only extend about 4" - 6" from the wall.

* B-vent cannot have a cabinet. A b-vent fireplace must be installed in the wall, allowing all the piping to be hidden. You may then use a mantel.
* Direct vents can have a cabinet if you vent piping out the back.
* Vent-free can have a cabinet.

Can I use vented gas logs in a stove? ...In a fireplace? ...In a coal burning fireplace?

Vented gas logs can only be used in a wood-burning fireplace. A coal-burning fireplace is too shallow. Vented gas logs are not recommended for a stove due to safety concerns.

I am remodeling my basement. Should I go with direct vent or vent-free?

Direct vent will give you great looks and a good amount of heat with little moisture. Vent-free will give you lots of heat and good looks but the number one complaint about vent-free is it works too well, or puts off too much heat. If the vent-free is sized correctly to the room, you will not have a problem with heat or moisture.

What is a chase?

A wooden structure built around the vent pipe to protect it from the weather and to keep the flue gases venting properly.

How energy efficient is direct vent compared to b-vent?

A b-vent fireplace is the least efficient venting option and can be vented horizontally or vertically. Direct venting is the most efficient; some are even “heater rated” and can be vented horizontally, vertically or both.

Remote Controls

What does remote ready mean? Does it come with a remote?

Remote ready means that via the remote (wired or wireless) you can turn the unit on and off which requires a millivolt valve that creates millionths of volts of electricity to control the valve. Remote ready units do not come with a remote because there are up to 20 different kinds of remotes.

Can I use my wired wall switch or thermostat with variable high-lo logs or fireplace?

No. You have to use the remote that is designed for the high-lo variable logs or fireplaces.

What is a high-lo valve?

Via the remote, you will be able to raise and lower the height of the flame. The remotes are adjustable as either on off or thermostatically controlled.

Should I buy a remote ready vented logs set?

No. Because you would have to always leave the damper completely open which means you’d lose $.60 of every heating dollar you put into the house. Therefore, when you want to turn it on, you have to open the damper. So most people just turn it on when they are opening the damper and find the remote unnecessary.

Should I buy a remote ready with vent-free gas logs?

Yes. We suggest that you get a thermostatically controlled remote so that you can keep the room at a comfortable temperature and so you can turn the unit on and off. The longest lasting valve and remote are the units that vary the height of the flame.

Conversion Questions

Can I convert my vent-free natural gas product to another fuel?

No. By national code, you cannot convert any vent-free product.

Can I convert my vented propane gas logs to natural, or vice versa?

Yes. You can convert natural to propane and propane to natural, but in most cases, you need to buy a new valve. Your manufacturer can provide conversion instructions.

Piping, Dampers & Flue Questions

How much can I close my damper with vented gas logs when in use?

You cannot close your damper at all with vented gas logs while they are burning.

How can I seal my damper with vent-free gas logs?

We would recommend that you close the damper as tight as you can and get a Lock-Top damper that seals at the top of the chimney.

With a direct vent insert, do I need to reline the chimney?

No, you do not have to reline to wood burning specifications, but you must use the piping that is recommended by the manufacturer, which fits into the existing chimney.

What are the different kinds of burner pans for vent-free gas logs?

There is sheet metal, black pipe and stainless steel. The advantage of the sheet metal is that it is less expensive. Black pipe is heavier than sheet metal and costs a little more. The disadvantage of both is that they can rust through because they have very little rust protection. Stainless steel costs more, but will not corrode or burn through and it will last a lifetime.

How high above the roof should a chimney extend?

The minimum clearance for wood or b-vent is 3 feet above anything within 10 feet. For direct vent it is 18 inches above anything within 10 feet.

With direct vent or wood burning, what kind of piping do I use?

You must use manufacturer-approved piping.

Can different piping be used if I can’t find the original manufacturer’s?

No. If you use another manufacturer's piping and it creates a problem in your house; i.e., a fire or smoke damage, no insurance company will cover you. You will also void the warranty and inspectors will not approve it.

If brick is cracked can I burn wood?

If the crack is bigger than the tip of a graphite pencil, we do not recommend that you burn wood.

7:11 AM

indigo

Kitchens and bathrooms are perhaps the most used parts of the house. It feels good when you see these two rooms perfectly designed and styled. The way to do this is to find the perfect countertop for your kitchen and the perfect vanity for your bathroom.

A kitchen's countertop can be the most important point of the room in your house. This is where you cook your foods and even used for socializing. In fact, the kitchen countertop is the heart of the house. So it is important that the countertops of your kitchen are useful and long-lasting. There are different types of countertop to choose from, depending on the ambience of the home and the motif of the design of the whole house.

One of the toughest usual equipment that you can use in your kitchen countertop is granite. Granite is becoming a progressively more well-liked choice as a kitchen countertop because of its hardness. Granite is commonly solid for scratches. Granite resists heat. Hot pots can’t ruin your countertops. There are also several colors to choose from like ruby red, jet black and verdant green. This stone has a pattern of stripes speckles or splotches.

Quartzite is also a natural substance made of stone that is well known as a kitchen countertop. This material is very thick and hard. Like granite, heat from pots can’t damage your Quartzite countertop. It doesn’t require high maintenance.

Concrete would create an attractive textile as a kitchen countertop and this make is very affordable. It is a well known material that designers recommend to homeowners. Concrete countertop service providers offer their own exclusive colors. Cement will be different in brands of pigments, stains, and aggregate colors, so concrete countertops will always be unique.

Laminate countertop is also the best choice if you want big selection of colors and patterns. It is the most affordable countertop. Laminate countertop has 250 colors
and can be installed with flawless cove backsplashes that will keep the liquid to spill from the cabinets. And it’s easy to clean. You only need water and soap to clean your laminate countertop.

Solid surface is unusually all-around developing materials which offer a mass of benefits in performance with unbelievable application and design flexibility. There are variety of colors and texture to choose from.

Wood countertops or butcher block tops are perfect in beauty and function. This counter is usually made from hard rock maple or oak that gives pleasant glow to any kitchen. It also adds natural affection to the kitchen space.

Paper Countertops are very appealing and ecological. This is available in multiple colors, sizes and thicknesses and design. These materials are resistant to stain, scratch, heat and are easy to clean.

Stainless steel countertop is the classic type of countertop and by no means goes out of styles. Stainless steel never stains or corrodes. It is very tough, resistant to heat and water-proof.

Glass countertops give a kitchen a modern look. It has a heavy tensile power that tolerates a heavy weight . This countertop is not scratch resistant. It is recommended not to be used as cutting boards. This kind of countertop requires a challenging maintenance; if not dried with towel, this will leave watermarks and finger prints. It is recommended to use glass cleaner to maintain the striking look of the countertop.

Vanities are your frequent companion in preparing yourself for the day. There are varieties of style for vanities. Bathroom vanities and cabinets can create a style in your bathroom. An ordinary bathroom can come alive by setting a bathroom design. Bathroom vanity is the centerpiece of the bathroom. It is important to choose the right type of vanity and it is equally important to consider the other things in the bathroom; lighting, fixtures and toilet. You can choose from many types of bathroom vanities; wood vanities, glass vanities and contemporary, antique, and double vanities.

Wood vanities are available in different variations. Some are made of expensive and fine woods while some are just painted to appear like one. There is varnish paint available used to paint a plain plywood that would make it appear like a mahogany wood or oak wood. Glass vanities are usually made of durable glass and are finished with the combination of other materials like steel or wood. A wall-mounted vanity is the most popular style for glass vanity. It provides enough space for storage and other functions. If you want a modern look for your bathroom, glass vanity is recommended as most hotels and restaurants have this type.

Contemporary types of vanities are crafted using different materials. It is the most modern when it comes to details and style. It shows a unique design so it is best that it works well with the fixtures inside the bathroom.

Antique vanities do not mean antique in age. Craftsmanship nowadays has come up with designs and style that would make a material look old and antique in beauty. This type of vanity is usually made of fine woods. Because of its unique style, it is one of the most expensive vanities available in the market.

Double vanity is usually found in big bathrooms such as the one in the master bedroom. It contains two sinks in one vanity. This type of vanity also comes in different designs. It requires a larger space.

When choosing a countertop and bathroom vanity, you should have the sense of style and taste. Though kitchen and bathrooms are not really exposed to others, it is still best that you put some beauty in the special parts of your home.

9:03 AM

indigo

Illusion of texture.
After setting the illumination and selecting optimum colours for the bathroom, we will pass on to finishing materials.

The basic rules of designers are as follows:

1. Any line in the interior divides the area in two halves.

2. Large elements in the small room visually diminish it.

3. Horizontal lines increase the premise width, but diminish its height. Vertical lines have the opposite effect.

Now we will be more specific.

Up to now, the most popular finishing material for the bathroom is tiles. They are beautiful, comfortable and practical. But tiles have one peculiarity - the joints between separate tiles. According to the paving technology, it is impossible to do without them. In such cases the colour of the grout for these joints is to be maximally close to the basic colour of the tile. It allows to avoid a great number of horizontal and vertical lines.

The second rule is relevant not only to furniture and sanitary equipment, but also to the size of tiles, paved on the floor and walls. For little premises it is better to use the mosaic or tiles of the smallest possible size.

The third rule is the universal rule of stylists and designers. It is the same for clothes and design of the room. If you want to make the room wider - use horizontal stripes, if you want to make it higher - use vertical stripes. But do not forget rule number one.

Through the Looking Glass.
A mirror is an indispensable thing in a bathroom. In fact, it occupies almost no space, but extends the walls. It is the optimal decision for increasing the area of small rooms. So it not only widens the room, but also reflects the light.

Designers use a fascinating method for further optical increase in the area. They hang mirrors opposite each other. And if the mirror wall increases room only by two times, two mirrors extend the bathroom infinitely.

Furniture and sanitary equipment.
The more the number and size of the furniture, the smaller the premise. This principle is very plain and easy to understand. But if we can't do without furniture, perhaps, it is possible to solve the problem. Try to use furniture from glass.

Do you want to have the chair in the bathroom? No problem, just choose the chair with thin legs and a transparent back. But it will be better to replace the chair by a light stool or ottoman. There are models that are screwed to the wall and occupy even less space.

You want to place household chemical goods somewhere, but the closet occupies a lot of place. Hang up open shelves on walls. The vertical shelf will raise the ceiling, the horizontal one will extend walls. Do not make wide shelves, the depth 15-20 cm will be quite enough for you.

Think, maybe you will remove the stand from under the sink and replace it by something less bulky. Now a great number of variants are available. For example, a small bathroom sink occupy the minimum space. Such a sink has the same advantage and disadvantage - its size. And when the water is flowing from the tap at high pressure, your floor can be wet as if in the swimming pool. The next optimum variant with regard to size is the hanged sinks. Its pipes can be built into the wall and do not occupy space. The next variants are sinks on a pedestal and semi-pedestals.

What occupies the greatest amount of space in our bathroom? Certainly, it is the bath. So we have one more standard method of increasing the bathroom - to replace the bath with a shower cabin. For greater visual increase of the room, try to select a cabin with maximally transparent walls or keep cabin doors open.

What shall we do with the lavatory pan? We know well the standard models of w.c. pans, as well as the amount of space they occupy. But there are more compact models. These are lavatory pans with a hidden side, i.e. floor or suspended pans. A new model is corner lavatory pan, someone may find it optimal.

Little cunnings for extension the area.
Specialists say that a bathroom is the room, where one can stay on their own. Since his attention is not occupied by anything else, he starts scrutinising the interior. Nothing can irritate the individual more and even more diminish the area as disorder in this interior. It makes the little premise smaller.

The followings small pieces of advice will help to extend the area:

1. Build in all pipes into walls yet on the stage of repair in the bathroom.

2. Try not to hang towels all over the bathroom as sails, after drying it will be better to roll them and store somewhere on the shelf.

3. If you like to decorate your bathroom, instead a multitude of small things use one, but of larger size.

4. Keep balance, do not encumber shelves by cosmetics (it is recommended not to keep it in the bathroom) and other nice trifles.

5. Remove everything what is possible to remove from the field of vision. Take some time for bringing the linen closet in order. Remove things, which you no longer need, from the shelves. Vacate the space for things that are permanently needed and used.

6. If you have a bath and use curtain for douche, use the curtain of the light colour, maximally light and transparent. After taking the douche, do not close the bath by the curtain, but move it to the wall.

7. If you have a window in the bathroom, try to extend it, beautify it by the light tulle and let the sunlight into the premise. This improvement will allow you to place the flower in the bathroom, but it must be moisture-resistant.

8. If your bathroom has no window, hang the picture on the wall with the view on mountains, the sea or the garden. This enables to extend your bathroom visually.

1:34 AM

indigo

Natural stone is a natural material which has been used in construction, finishing, exterior and interior decoration for a long time and up to the present. Quality of the initial material, modern equipment and high qualified stone masons allow creating real masterpieces from plain at the first glance slabs. Products of every imaginable applications: bathroom suites, kitchens countertops, windowsills, tiles and columns, vases and chandeliers demonstrate both delicacy of form and natural beauty of stone.

This material is solid, reliable and durable and can serve for more than one decade. However, not many people know that stone also requires regular cautious care, because it is the care that the appearance of your renovated house or garden will depend on after some time passes.

Natural stone tiles care.
After tiling, the tile made of natural stone often bears traces of cement which is used to fix the tiles to the walls or floor. Do not scratch the polished surface with the knife, you should use a specific cement remover. Besides, this substance will also help you to take away the lime masses and mold, and other persistent formations on marble or granite surfaces.

You can also use "Stone soap" for further care of stone products. It is not, of course, a common bar of soap, it is actually a special cleaner that not only cleans the stone as well as helps to maintain its colour and protect from dirt, forming a thin protective film. Common stone cleaners remove spilt oil, fat, paint as well as stains of natural wax. You can easily treat granite, marble, terrazzo and travertine with these agents.

Rust marks may occur when stone is in contact with metal, as it is the case while tiling bathroom walls or floor with natural stone. Rust removers not only transform the rust, as well as form long-term protective coating that protects products from further contamination.

Stone sealers can also serve as additional protection of porous finishing materials. Transparent acrylic coating does not only block pores, thus increasing the resistance of products to water and dirt, but also enhances colour and emphasizes stone structure. The stone sealer facilitates care for walls and floor tiles, fireplace finishing details and other ornaments.

Besides, such porous stone as limestone can be treated with stone enhancer that hardens surfaces and prolongs service life of products.

Floor care.
Marble or granite floors make newly refurbished houses look really luxurious and highlight the interior elegance. It’s not that difficult to care for them, just you should know useful tips, so that the stone that is daily exposed to regular pressure can serve longer and maintain its initial natural elegance.

To avoid scratches you should sweep away the sand before cleaning stone tiles. If you ignore it, abrasive particles will scuff the floor during wet cleaning and after a while the floor will look eroded and unattractive.

The stone floor should be cleaned with a mop, preferably without metallic particles that may scratch the floor. If the floor is too dirty, you should apply special liquids for cleaning the stone tiles. These liquids differ from common cleaners used, for example, for ceramics or linoleum, with their composition and particularly with neutral ðÍ level. Moreover, they form a protective layer that facilitates further cleaning.

Natural stone worktops care.
Care for worktops is not only about protection of material they are made of from exposure to water, fat, citrus juice effects, etc. You should also bear in mind that kitchen natural stone worktops contact with food oftener than other products that is why the selected cleaners should be absolutely safe for health. The cleaner "Dust protection" is developed just for this purpose, it forms fast-hardening protective layer that gives waterproof effect to the product. This protection makes cleaning easier and spilt coffee, tea or juice do not leave stains. Special cream paste is used for removal of oil and fat stains from the surface of table tops.

Natural stone windowsill care.
Traditionally windows are decorated with flower pots which are usually placed on the windowsill. Plants require regular watering and during tillage soil sometimes spills out of the pot. So, natural stone windowsills also must be protected from water and dirt. An efficient method to cope with this task is the already mentioned cleaner "Dust protection" for natural stone worktops.

Care for ornaments and landscape products.
Marble statues, decorative fences, alcoves look very spectacular and are widely used in landscape design. Though, unfortunately they require rain and dirt protection. Stone impregnation, that contains Polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) the most widely used silicon-based organic polymer, penetrates deeply into the stone thus making the surface water-resistant.

Besides, you should also have special impregnation that protects from dirt, oil and fats for stone products which are located outside. It is especially actual for alcove floors and natural stone pavements.

Stone products polishing.
To make glazed surfaces look beautiful and spectacular for as long as possible, natural stone requires regular polishing. Polishing liquid that contains natural and synthetic waxes adds luster to the stone and gives them anti-skid effect. Silicone based polishing agent will allow both stone cleaning and polishing. It can be used for all kinds of stone products - worktops, windowsills, floor and wall tiles.

Regular care for natural stone products can help to prolong their service and preserve the same attractive looks like on the day when you selected and decided to buy them.

12:22 AM

indigo

Furniture sales have historically been a major area of consumer complaints. Luckily, there are a number of reasons why buying furniture online may be safer than offline.

No Fast-Talking Salesmen

Many complaints say the furniture salesperson made promises that were not kept. In reality, furniture salespeople don't always know what they're talking about. The actual fulfillment of furniture orders is often handled by a different department, or even a different company.

Not having salespeople hanging around makes online furniture shopping lower-pressure.

It's All in Writing

By their very nature, online furniture stores have to put a lot of information in writing. The written policies regarding shipping, warranties (if any), and customer service will almost always be easy to access. (Hint: look for links to written policies at the bottom of each web page.) The fact that everything is written down gives the online furniture store much less wiggle room to change the terms of the deal.

Tips:

* Save or print out the web pages that describe the furniture you have ordered and the web pages for important policies and guarantees (which may change after you order), along with any confirmation pages or emails. That way, if you ever have a dispute, you have a firm basis to make your case.

* If the web page describing the product does not have a model name or product number, make sure you get those at checkout or at some other point before paying. Make absolutely sure you are ordering the furniture you want to order. As with an offline furniture store, you will have to pay to return any merchandise you ordered by mistake.

* If you do speak with a salesperson on the phone, don't undermine the paper trail by accepting promises over the phone. Ask the web address for the written policy, or for a follow-up email outlining any promises made.

Photographic Evidence

Almost as good as online furniture stores' paper trail is their photograph trail. A common consumer furniture complaint against offline stores is that the furniture that was delivered did not look like the model in the showroom. With online furniture stores, you are buying based on a photograph. You can save the picture onto your computer in case the delivered furniture does not meet expectations. If you make sure the model name or number is included on the order form at checkout, you can also double-check what the model looks like by going to the manufacturer's website.

Less Delivery Wiggle Room

Late shipments are another common complaint against offline furniture stores. Furniture frequently arrives as much as one to two months later than salespeople indicated.

Online furniture stores will generally ship directly from the warehouse within a few days to a week of your order. Once again, you can easily check the written shipping policy for more exact information.

Another great thing about online furniture stores is that they are generally using third-party delivery companies. If you get the name of the delivery company while ordering, you may at least be able to check with the delivery company itself in the event of a late order. A third-party delivery company makes it a little more difficult for the store to claim the furniture is in transit when it never shipped.

Credit and Finance: Fewer Traps

According to the website consumeraffairs.com, furniture stores' financing deals are notorious for breaking laws regulating credit and loans. That 0% interest deal might not be as great as you thought if it comes packed with expensive penalty charges. Or you might find that the qualification requirements are too high for most people to get the low rate. Worst, since it's the furniture store that's making you the loan, you've essentially already paid them before taking delivery of the furniture. If you later find out your furniture is going to be delivered unacceptably late, you may have a hard time canceling your order. The situation is no better for cash.

Online furniture stores generally do not offer financing. Instead, they accept credit cards. If a furniture store does not deliver the merchandise as promised and will not resolve your complaint, your credit card issuer may be able to help you in your dispute. In an extreme case where the furniture does not arrive or arrives in bad shape, your credit card provider may be able to force a refund.

Better Business Bureau's Convenient BBBOnline

Many consumers who have complaints with a furniture store turn to the Better Business Bureau. But if the store is not a member of the Better Business Bureau, the Bureau can do little to help. Contrary to common belief, the Better Business Bureau is not a government agency and cannot enforce judgments. The Bureau primarily works to resolve disputes between consumers and its member businesses.

With online furniture stores, it's easy to check for Better Business Bureau membership. The store should have the BBBOnline logo displayed prominently on the order page. Click on the logo to be taken to the BBB.org web page for that store. The web page should say that the store is a member in good standing.

With the BBBOnline, the Bureau's ecommerce program, you can dispute a sale without having to go to the local Bureau where the store is headquartered, anywhere in the US.

Of course, if you're too trusting and don't look for written policies, Better Business Bureau membership, or save receipts, you can still be snookered by online furniture stores. But you could also be taken in by offline furniture stores. For a careful shopper, online furniture stores make it much easier to dot all the I's than it would be offline. The experience is straightforward, low-pressure, and mostly in writing.

In short, while you should always be careful, online furniture stores make being careful a lot easier.

8:58 AM

indigo

8:08 PM

indigo

To diagnose noisy plumbing, it is important to determine first whether the unwanted sounds occur on the system's inlet side-in other words, when water is turned on-or on the drain side. Noises on the inlet side have varied causes: excessive water pressure, worn valve and faucet parts, improperly connected pumps or other appliances, incorrectly placed pipe fasteners, and plumbing runs containing too many tight bends or other restrictions. Noises on the drain side usually stem from poor location or, as with some inlet side noise, a layout containing tight bends.

Hissing

Hissing noise that occurs when a faucet is opened slightly generally signals excessive water pressure. Consult your local water company if you suspect this problem; it will be able to tell you the water pressure in your area and can install a pressurereducing valve on the incoming water supply pipe if necessary.

Thudding

Thudding noise, often accompanied by shuddering pipes, when a faucet or appliance valve is turned off is a condition called water hammer. The noise and vibration are caused by the reverberating wave of pressure in the water, which suddenly has no place to go. Sometimes opening a valve that discharges water quickly into a section of piping containing a restriction, elbow, or tee fitting can produce the same condition.

Water hammer can usually be cured by installing fittings called air chambers or shock absorbers in the plumbing to which the problem valves or faucets are connected. These devices allow the shock wave created by the halted flow of water to dissipate in the air they contain, which (unlike water) is compressible.

Older plumbing systems may have short vertical sections of capped pipe behind walls on faucet runs for the same purpose; these can eventually fill with water, reducing or destroying their effectiveness. The cure is to drain the water system completely by shutting off the main water supply valve and opening all faucets. Then open the main supply valve and close the faucets one at a time, starting with the faucet nearest the valve and ending with the one farthest away.

Chattering or Screeching

Intense chattering or screeching that occurs when a valve or faucet is turned on, and that usually disappears when the fitting is opened fully, signals loose or defective internal parts. The solution is to replace the valve or faucet with a new one.

Pumps and appliances such as washing machines and dishwashers can transfer motor noise to pipes if they are improperly connected. Link such items to plumbing with plastic or rubber hoses-never rigid pipe-to isolate them.

Other Inlet Side Noises

Creaking, squeaking, scratching, snapping, and tapping usually are caused by the expansion or contraction of pipes, generally copper ones supplying hot water. The sounds occur as the pipes slide against loose fasteners or strike nearby house framing. You can often pinpoint the location of the problem if the pipes are exposed; just follow the sound when the pipes are making noise. Most likely you will discover a loose pipe hanger or an area where pipes lie so close to floor joists or other framing pieces that they clatter against them. Attaching foam pipe insulation around the pipes at the point of contact should remedy the problem. Be sure straps and hangers are secure and provide adequate support. Where possible, pipe fasteners should be attached to massive structural elements such as foundation walls instead of to framing; doing so lessens the transmission of vibrations from plumbing to surfaces that can amplify and transfer them. If attaching fasteners to framing is unavoidable, wrap pipes with insulation or other resilient material where they contact fasteners, and sandwich the ends of new fasteners between rubber washers when installing them.

Correcting plumbing runs that suffer from flow-restricting tight or numerous bends is a last resort that should be undertaken only after consulting a skilled plumbing contractor. Unfortunately, this situation is fairly common in older houses that may not have been built with indoor plumbing or that have seen several remodels, especially by amateurs.

Drainpipe Noise

On the drain side of plumbing, the chief goals are to eliminate surfaces that can be struck by falling or rushing water and to insulate pipes to contain unavoidable sounds.

In new construction, bathtubs, shower stalls, toilets, and wallmounted sinks and basins should be set on or against resilient underlayments to reduce the transmission of sound through them. Water-saving toilets and faucets are less noisy than conventional models; install them instead of older types even if codes in your area still permit using older fixtures.

Drainpipes that do not run vertically to the basement or that branch into horizontal pipe runs supported at floor joists or other framing present particularly troublesome noise problems. Such pipes are large enough to radiate considerable vibration; they also carry significant amounts of water, which makes the situation worse. In new construction, specify cast-iron soil pipes (the large pipes that drain toilets) if you can afford them. Their massiveness contains much of the noise made by water passing through them. Also, avoid routing drainpipes in walls shared with bedrooms and rooms where people gather. Walls containing drainpipes should be soundproofed as was described earlier, using double panels of sound-insulating fiberboard and wallboard. Pipes themselves can be wrapped with special fiberglass insulation made for the purpose; such pipes have an impervious vinyl skin (sometimes containing lead). Results are not always satisfactory.

9:18 AM

indigo

If you’re thinking of adding new siding or decking to your home this year, one of the key decisions you’ll need to make is your choice of wood, synthetic material, or other material. You’ve probably heard your friends speak about cedar as their preferred building product for decks, fences, and siding. It’s the way they speak about cedar that tells you that cedar wood is special. This year, improve your home with cedar siding and add a new deck using composite decking.

You may believe that cedar siding is more suited to quaint cottages, however there are a number of finishes that can be applied to cedar siding products that match any style of home architecture.

The truth is, that cedar siding offers tremendous benefits for the homeowner who wants the best combination of appearance, insulation, and weather resistance. No other wood compares to cedar for its natural beauty, durability and functionality. It suppresses noise better due to its cellular structure. This wood's cellular structure also offers better heat insulation value. Most respectable builders and contractors know and will advise on using cedar siding because of its lasting value and attractiveness, but the energy saving benefits are worth noting.

Decking

Homeowners today want to extend their living space into the yard to be closer to nature and to have more room for backyard barbecues, pool parties, relaxing and leisurely Al Fresco dinners, and evenings spent leisurely reading or chatting with family and friends. Decking provides a versatile living space however it is heavily trafficked and can suffer wear and tear. While cedar is a nice decking material, it may need yearly maintenance. Some homeowners don’t mind and enjoy sanding and applying a new coat of finish every few years. For someone who wants less maintenance and more living, a better alternative is composite decking. These engineered products have the appearance of real wood, yet are more durable, weather resistant, and require less maintenance. Composite decking is the choice of today’s homeowners.

Composite Decking

There are a variety of building materials you can construct your deck with. Pressure-treated pine is inexpensive but comes with a variety of problems such as rotting, warping, breakage, moisture retention, insect damage, and drying out. This leads to deck deterioration. Cedar and other woods such as Red Meranti are wonderful woods for decking, but some have to be sealed or stained every few years. Composite decking on the other hand is very durable and can withstand the harshest winter conditions. Maintenance is easy. As temperatures rise and fall and as moisture freezes and then thaws, it is composite decks that will better maintain their original appearance and condition.

Western Red Cedar Siding

There’s nothing like Western Red Cedar siding. It is in strong demand.

Cedar wood types are white cedar, red cedar, and yellow cedar. The advantage of red cedar is tight grain and high oil content. Red cedar is more porous and you can apply a wider variety of paints and stains to it. The most plentiful supplies of cedar are Western Red Cedar from the Western Pacific regions of the US and Canada. Manufacturers such as Interfor (International Forest Products) are producing an array of superior quality, primed cedar products that deliver the great value of cedar and which can be finished in the color of your choice to match all modern home decors.

Vinyl Siding

Vinyl siding products on the other hand are available in a limited amount of colors and the grain and texture in vinyl siding doesn’t compare to cedar siding. Cedar’s grain and texture is difficult to duplicate artificially. These primed and prefinished cedar products are developed under ideal temperature and humidity conditions, with the cedar substrate dried to the proper moisture content for superior paint adhesion.

Studies show that 70% of the cost of home siding is recouped when selling the home. However, cheaper vinyl siding will not contribute to the resale value as well as finished cedar siding products will. Your investment in cedar siding may be fully recovered when you sell your home.
Vinyl siding products account for a large share of all siding products sold in the Eastern US, however they are purchased because of perceived lower cost and maintenance. The average homeowner often makes the decision to buy siding only when an emergency situation arises such as severe deterioration, plans to sell the home, or damaging moisture or water penetration is occurring. The choice is to use an inexpensive building product in the hope that it will impress and serve the short term need.

Few homeowners can afford to buy new siding every 5 years so they’re stuck with their vinyl siding product for years to come. Vinyl siding also has the tendency to break under very cold temperatures and another drawback is its appearance. Few dream homes utilize vinyl siding, and that should tell you all you need to know about the value of appearance. When you consider value, appearance and durability, it is difficult to beat cedar siding. Since you make this investment in your home so infrequently, why not consider cedar siding for your home?

Other Home Finishing Products
Some cedar wood product distributors carry a line of cedar building products for uses on patio railings, deck railings, mouldings, and exterior trim.

New Home Developers
If you’re a builder of exclusive residential communities, cedar products can stimulate sales and build enthusiasm during open house events. Buyers of high end homes are sensitive to quality and nothing says class and elegance the way cedar does. Today’s cedar siding products are manufactured and designed to suit any home architecture. The prestige of cedar wood products is worth noting and creates real sales-generating value for your new home development.

9:17 AM

indigo

You may have seen recent reports on television news or in the newspapers of a weakness in the locks on PVCu doors. The weakness is currently being exploited by burglars in some areas of the UK, notably the West Yorkshire Police area. To our knowledge, such attacks are not yet common place in the Hampshire, West Sussex and Dorset areas.

This is a problem which is growing around the country; various methods are used by the burglars using simple everyday tools, allowing them to exploit an inherent flaw in the design of these Euro Profile Cylinders. The cylinders can be overcome in a matter of seconds and although we know the methods used we will not disclose these methods in any detail, as a precaution against “copy-cat” burglaries.

The lock in question is not of any particular make, but is the type of lock fitted to the majority of UPVC, PVCu and some wooden doors throughout the world, it is commonly known as a Euro Profile Cylinder. It is the part which provides the key operation to the multi-point locking mechanism fitted to the door. No matter how secure or elaborate the multi-point locking mechanism is, if the cylinder is compromised the multi-point lock can be opened in seconds without difficulty.

All major Lock Manufacturers are now working hard to find solutions to the problem.

Currently there are limited products on the market to combat this form of attack. Two major lock manufacturers notably Mul-T-Lock and Squire have produced a new design of cylinder which ensures the cylinder snaps at a predetermined position leaving the door still secured and requiring the use of the correct key to unlock the door. Mul-T-Locks range of anti snapping cylinders are called ‘Break Secure’ and Squire’s range are called ‘Snapsafe’

Although this design of cylinder is still not 100% guaranteed to prevent all the methods of attack used on PVCu doors. It will prevent the most common methods slowing down the burglars attempts and making it considerably more difficult, therefore increasing the chance of him giving up.

In addition to these cylinders some manufacturers notably Squire and ERA are producing cylinder enhancers or cylinder security devices. Various designs are available to suit PVCu and composite doors these consist of a metal surround which is secured to the existing cylinder underneath the door handle. ERA’s range is possibly the most secure, with the designs securing through the door to sandwich the cylinder in place making it virtually impossible to remove the ‘snapped’ cylinder. These devices used in conjunction with a Break Secure or SnapSafe cylinder will ensure the methods currently being used are ineffective.

The risk of forced entry via the methods used is reduced if the cylinder fitted is of the correct size and properly fitted. However often when cylinders have been replaced in the past it is found that an incorrect size has been used leaving the door vulnerable. It is recommended that the euro profile cylinder should not protrude outside of the door furniture any more than 2-3mm.

Remember burglars always choose the easy option!

In order to ensure you do not become one of the many victims of this type of forced entry review your current door cylinders now and consider upgrading your cylinders to the newly available ‘Break Secure’ or SnapSafe ranges currently available or fit an additional Cylinder Security Device or Enhancer to your existing cylinder.

In the meantime, ensure you DEADLOCK your doors whenever your home is unattended. We also advise that a door chain be fitted and used on the main entrance door when the house is occupied and if PVCu doors are fitted to other areas consider fitting additional internal secondary bolts as an alternative to replacing the cylinders.

Other sensible precautions include ensuring that any keys (particularly car keys) are not left where they can be found by burglars. (The most common method of car theft is by breaking into homes and stealing the keys). Other portable valuables should also be removed from vulnerable areas.

A safe will compliment any form of security to the property by reducing the risk of sentimental and valuable items being taken should a burglar gain entry. Securing small valuables can save a great deal of inconvenience and upset and it is recommended that you keep spare keys, passports, jewellery, cameras etc. locked in a safe.

For guidance and advice from reputable qualified locksmith’s only choose a locksmith that is a member of the Master Locksmith Association whose members would be pleased to offer advice and guidance, without obligation on any aspects of your properties physical security.

By using an MLA approved company you are assured that the locksmith you employ is of the highest standard of Integrity and that the work undertaken will be carried out to very high standards. All Master Locksmiths have undertaken and passed an independently assessed BLI examination to ensure they are qualified and competent to carry out all aspects of the Locksmith trade. And every Approved Company undergoes stringent, regular inspections, thus ensuring that it maintains high standards in workmanship and administration. Additionally members are expected to conform to legal requirements and follow a customer charter to service customer satisfaction.

The Master Locksmith Association has a freephone call line allowing people to locate and authenticate locksmiths claiming to be members. Tel: 0800 783 1498 or visit their website @ http://www.locksmiths.co.uk

9:50 PM

indigo

Here is a summary for the care of crystal and crystal gifts for quick and easy reading. It is simple but accurate, quick to digest.

Crystal

Because fine crystal and glassware require the gentlest of care to maintain their brilliance and integrity for years to come, we strongly recommend the following:

Wash your fine crystal and glassware by hand in moderately hot water with a mild lemon detergent and 1/4 cup ammonia (to prevent spotting). Rinse in clean water and air dry on a rack. Cleaning the crystal in an automatic dishwasher may cause the crystal to lose brilliance; we recommend you avoid this. However, if the fine crystal and glassware must be machine washed, please follow these precautions:

Do not machine wash metal-accented crystal.

Use your dishwasher's "fine crystal and china" setting.

Because even the mildest brands of automatic dishwashing detergent are abrasive, use only half the recommended amount.

Lower the top dishwasher rack, if possible, to accommodate the height of your crystal, paying special attention to your stemware.

Make certain to space your crystal stemware on the rack so the pieces do not touch one another, since vibration during the washing and rinsing cycles can chip or crack the crystal.

For dishwashers without a "fine crystal and china" setting, turn on the "air-dry only" cycle and open the door to allow your crystal to air dry.

Remember that fine crystal and glassware can crack or break when subjected to extremes of hot and cold. Before putting very warm food or liquid into a crystal container, we recommend you preheat the crystal with moderately hot tap water. Do not pour cold beverages into a pitcher or bowl that's just been washed with hot water. Likewise, do not wash a crystal piece that's just come out of the refrigerator; allow it to warm to room temperature first.

Clean vases and decanters by filling them half-full with moderately hot water, a small amount of mild detergent, two tablespoons of white vinegar or ammonia and 1/2 cup uncooked rice. Swirl the rice around for a few minutes to remove residue. Rinse well with moderately hot water and air dry, upside down, on a rack.

Remove more stubborn stains by filling the container with warm water and dropping in a denture-cleaning tablet; let it sit until the stain disappears.

Do not clean your fine crystal and glassware with scouring pads or abrasive cleaners.

Always store your stemware upright to help prevent chipping.

China

These hand-detailed masterpieces have a family tradition of longevity when treated with loving care. Hard glazes give your china durability by design and relieve you of the need for excessive caution. They are, however, vulnerable to scratching by equally hard surfaces. Just as a diamond can be scratched and damaged by another diamond, so it is with fine bone china dinnerware. So be sure, when stacking plates, to separate them from one another by a soft cloth, pad or paper napkin that protects the entire surface, especially the rim. That small bit of insurance will keep the bottom of one plate from scratching the surface of another.

It is safe to wash your Waterford Fine Bone China in an automatic dishwasher as long as you load it with dishes fully secured and placed so that they do not touch each other. Do not wash at temperatures higher than 149 degrees Fahrenheit and use the "short wash" or "china and crystal" cycles. The rinse cycle should follow immediately to flush away detergent deposits that could form a film if they remain on the dishes too long. Recommended liquid dish detergents are Regular and Lemon Scented Palmolive.TM Standard safe powers are CascadeTM and Dishwasher All.TM

In hard water areas, deposits may form on your china if water is allowed to dry naturally on the plates. Such deposits can be readily removed with a vinegar solution or mild, acidic cleansing agent.

Since it is so lavishly embellished with gold or platinum, you must not place your Waterford Fine China in a microwave oven, where the intense heat will damage its high concentrations of precious metal.

Flatware

Waterford Fine Stainless Flatware is dishwasher safe. We recommend using a gentle dishwasher detergent (avoid using lemon-scented products). If possible, set your dishwasher on the fine china setting to insure gentle cleansing. Wash stainless separately from aluminum, sterling or silverplate items, as pitting can occur.

Place spoons and forks into baskets with handles facing downward. Knives should be inserted with the blade facing down.

Water shedding or drying additives can be used to minimize water spots. Should water spots or stains occur, we recommend using Hagerty stainless steel polish. Also, rubbing alcohol or salad oil can be used to remove stubborn water spots. Shine flatware using a sponge doused in white vinegar.

While stainless steel is designed to resist most common stains, corrosion and/or discoloration may be caused due to prolonged contact with chloride rich foods, such as salt, mayonnaise, mustard and eggs.

Remove flatware prior to the drying cycles. This decreases the amount of time the flatware spends in a hot, moist atmosphere, and permits the flatware to dry in cool, drier air.

Hand drying is also advised. Rinse and dry thoroughly with a soft towel while flatware is still warm. The hand-buffing action helps maintain a lustrous finish and discourages film buildup. Do not rinse and stack.

We recommend hand washing gold-accented stainless steel flatware.

Thank you for reading this article. We hope that it has helped you, and that you were able to find, through our research, the answers you were seeking.

8:11 AM

indigo

Have you ever thought about how hot your dryer gets? Thermostats and thermal fuses are put in dryers for your safety and if you don't maintain them, you could be putting yourself, your house, and your family at risk.

Your dryer uses of a combination of heat and airflow to dry your clothes. The heat generated in your dryer is produced by a heating element controlled by a series of thermostats. If any of your dryer's thermostats are defective, the results can be disastrous.

Safety Warning: Before performing any tests or repairs on your dryer disconnect the power source to eliminate the risk of electric shock. You can do this by unplugging the dryer, removing the related fuse from the fuse box, or flipping the appropriate switch on the breaker panel.

A dryer thermostat is usually oval shaped and about an inch and a half in length. The thermostat contains a bimetal that opens and closes a pair of contacts depending on the temperature inside the dryer.

The bimetal inside the thermostat is designed to bend at specific temperatures. When the bimetal bends, it pushes an actuator. The actuator then pushes on a contact, opening the electrical circuit and breaking the electrical connection to the related component. When the thermostat cools, the bimetal returns to its original shape and the contacts close, allowing the current to flow through the circuit.

Here's how it works: The dryer is turned on and heat begins to radiate from the heating element into the dryer's drum. The air in the drum passes by a thermostat. As the thermostat reaches its maximum temperature, the bimetal bends, cutting the power to the heating element. The circuit stays open until the bimetal cools. Because the heating element isn't providing additional heat, the dryer's temperature gradually falls. The bimetal returns to its original shape and the electric current flows to start the heating element again. This process happens many times throughout your dryer's cycle.

There are at least two thermostats in your dryer: cycling (operating)thermostat and hi-limit safety)thermostat. The difference between these two thermostats is their opening and closing temperatures.

The cycling thermostat is typically found in the path of the air leaving the drum. A cycling thermostat is usually found on the fan housing or just under the lint filter area, on the blower wheel housing or inside the venting/exhaust system.

Some dryers may have as many as five thermostats - one for each of the different heat cycles. The temperature setting or cycle selected determines which thermostat is used to control the heat. If your dryer is malfunctioning on the low heat setting, the thermostat for that particular setting is probably defective.

The thermostats for the high and medium temperature selections are not the problem. However, if the dryer isn't working properly for most of the heat settings, it's probably a problem with your vent rather than the thermostats.

The <b>hi-limit thermostat</b> protects your dryer from overheating. This thermostat is usually found on the heating element, housing, or cage assembly. If the airflow in the dryer becomes obstructed by a plugged or improperly installed vent, bad drum seals, or a defective blower, the high-limit thermostat cuts power to the heating element. This means there are other problems with your dryer.

In conjunction with thermostats, dryers use thermal fuses as a safety device. Some dryer models may have two thermal fuses to detect extreme heat. If the hi-limit thermostat fails to cut power to the heating element and the element gets too hot, the thermal fuse blows and cuts all power to the dryer. This could mean that a thermostat is defective or something is wrong with your venting duct, filters, seals, or blower. You cannot reset thermal fuses so once they blow they must be replaced. Get the proper replacement fuse for your model and replace the hi-limit thermostat as well. Never bypass a thermal fuse.

Have a look at your dryer's manual for the locations of its thermostats. It's unusual for a dryer's thermostat to continue operating at a different temperature than originally intended and the only way to test for this would be by checking the temperature of the exhaust. You can do this by placing a pocket thermometer inside the exhaust vent. This test is done with the dryer running, so be extremely careful.

Checking continuity is another way to test your thermostat. There's a wire leading to each of the thermostat's terminals. The wires are connected by metal slip-on connectors. Label the wires before you remove them so that you're able to correctly reconnect them later. To remove the wires use needle nose pliers to pull on the connectors - don't pull on the wires themselves.

Set your multimeter to the RX1 setting. With the thermostat at room temperature, touch one meter probe to one terminal and touch the other meter probe to the other terminal. You should receive a reading of zero. If a thermostat is tested when it's heated to its limit, a reading of infinity should be produced. You should replace your thermostat if it fails either of these tests.

The thermostat is attached to the dryer with two screws. Remove both screws and discard the faulty thermostat. Install a new thermostat, securing it in place with two screws. Reconnect the two wires, put your dryer back together, and restore power to the dryer. Run your dryer through a cycle to make sure it's working properly.

Protect your family and protect yourself - maintain your dryer regularly. But if you can't do it yourself, make sure you contact a service technician to do it for you.

1:21 AM

indigo

Ask anyone from any part of the world if he/she can survive the chill of the winter months without furnaces or fireplaces or if they can spend the scorching summer afternoons, without switching on the air conditions. If the answer is a big ‘No’, then we can easily say that having air conditions and furnaces in the room is indeed not a luxury - it is a necessity. In every part of the world, domestic air conditioning is a common feature, especially in the heat of the summer. The demand of the air conditions is especially high in areas where most of the people live in small high rise flats.

Toronto is located in the southern part and in close proximity to Lake Ontario. This makes the climate of Toronto is little bit moderate from the rest parts of Canada. Toronto enjoys a humid continental climate, which means hot and humid summers and chilly winters. Thus, it is understood that Toronto people need air conditioning to maintain the indoor air quality in summer and fireplaces and furnaces in winter to survive the cold.

In the cooler months, fireplaces are almost the central feature of every household. It is certainly a much needed part of the survival strategy in the extended winter. Still in the age of electric room heater, the traditional wood fireplace has an exceptional appeal with the sensuous direct heat and the flickers. Fireplaces have a remarkable place in the traditional culture of Toronto and also in places like Vaughan, Richmond Hill, Markham, Thornhill, and Brampton and other parts. There is no comfort that can be compared to a family conversation surrounding a fireplace in a winter evening.

Fireplaces were also much popularized in the past, when the then President Franklin Delano Roosevelt's "fireside chats", a weekly radio addresses became popular during the great depression. It was meant for the family gathering around the fireplace. Fireplace is obviously not just a structure occupying some places. The mantels are the places to be decorated. If these places are decorated properly, the fireplaces and the accessories add an aesthetic appeal to the interior of a household. The decoration often carries its own statement that adds a unique charm to the room.

One of the widely used fireplace accessory is the fireplace screen. These screens are used in all the Toronto households in winter to prevent the burning embers from spoiling the rugs or carpets or injuring someone around when it pops out. A clean and finely structured screen can change the complete ambience of the room. No matter you are using one or not, the screen is a must for fireplace. In order to maintain the new look of the screen it is important that the ashes and the smoke marks are removed from it regularly. Fireplace accessories are mainly made for the wood fireplaces including poker to move the logs, tongs to pick the burning logs, shovel and broom to clean the ashes and racks to hold the logs. There are some others like, grates, chimney caps, and fireplace candles. A fireplace blower is another important accessory for fireplace. It is necessary to increase the heat the fire produce and to spread it through the room. With the accessory, the heat does not go into the chimney or in the bricks only, but it spreads heat equally through out the room and gives warmth in the chilly night.

Fireplace accessories are available in several materials and numerous fashions. But the most fashionable and most popular are the ones that are made of cast iron. These are long lasting, and are available within an affordable price range. Some other materials are nickel, brass, chrome, and pewter. You can select anything that is best for your requirement.

In the homes of Toronto two types of air conditions are used mainly – window and split. Split ACs is comparatively new additions to the domestic households. But this kind of air conditioner is more expensive than the other types. Window air conditioners are based in a window as the heat enters the room and it cools the heat wave in the room. It can make the air cool and comfortable only in the room where it is located. More expensive and more powerful system can cool the room surrounding it. Spilt air conditioners are to be put on the walls of a room. It does not need any wall to be placed. Window models are common feature of old households.

The office buildings and some new households have central air conditioning system. Central air conditioning system cools the air of the whole area concerned though the actual cooling unit is located somewhere outside the construction. There is a thermostat to check and control the temperature in the house. In the older model the temperature is adjusted manually whereas in the latest models the temperature is programmed to change at different times of the day. It helps to save the electricity bill and also make the house comfortable with a balanced temperature between hot and cold. It keeps the house warm when the house is empty. Though this system is thought to consume more electricity among the three mentioned here, the central air conditioning system is more energy efficient than the other two.

One can find air conditioning in the car as well today. This keeps the interior of a car comfortable, especially when you are on a long drive. People often try to get the comforts with rolling down the glass. But it is not at as much comfortable as air condition. Often the wind outside is noisy that can spoil your concentration while you are driving. If you are driving through a colder zone, rolling down the window will not be a wise idea. The air condition inside can offer you much warmer surrounding than the chilly outside.

Sometimes the air condition may not work properly. At such times, it is better to go for the repairing work when the damage is low. If the problem becomes grave it means more hazards and more expensive repair and replacement at times.

9:41 PM

indigo

You can't have too many roofs in your inventory without dealing with leaks. If you rehab, you EXPECT to find ceiling stains, the tell tale sign of a leaky roof, in almost every project. I find projects without signs of past or present leaks the exception to the norm!

Sometimes shingles are just going to need replaced. There is no getting around it. Curled shingles, and numerous leaks are a pretty good indication that it would be cheaper to replace the roof rather than repair. Just factor that into the repairs and accept it. It's one thing you won't have to worry about if you are keeping the property, and it ups the value whether you keep it or sell it on the retail market after the rehab.

If the shingles still have some life on them, but there is some leakage to repair, finding the real source of the problem can take multiple tries. It can get pretty aggravating as you sometimes try and fail to fix a leaky roof. Naturally, you want to try to fix this without calling out an expensive professional roofer. Sometimes you can, sometimes you can't. Here are some tips for diagnosing roof leaks.

- I find that in the course of a rehab, it's always "good" to have an extended period of heavy rains. That way, any and all leaks become evident. If you have a property that is not occupied, or that is not being actively rehabbed after a period of extended rains, go visit and check for signs of leaks. If you can stop by while it's still raining, that's the number one, best time to investigate leaks from inside the attic.

- Get a mini flashlight that goes into a small belt holster and make that part of your normal clothing. You will use it all the time…for more than looking in attics! It's great for plumbing, under cabinets, etc. Make it part of the "uniform."

- The garden hose - a rehabber's friend. In a recent project of mine, the roof was relatively new yet I had a ceiling stain in the kitchen. We'd thought it was all taken care of in two tries, so we patched the ceiling, applied stain block, and textured over the spot. Then came the rains, and the circular and symmetrical spot was back! I'd had just about enough so I climbed onto the roof, garden hose in hand, and stationed my handyman in the attic. In less than a minute of hosing down the roof we found the very tiny hole that was the culprit. A dab of tar below and above the shingle and viola! Problem solved. The tiny hole was causing water to drip directly onto the ceiling drywall, hence the circular stain.

- Watch for stain patterns. The pattern can offer you hints. When you come across a circular ceiling stain, there's a good chance the leak is dripping directly onto the ceiling dry wall from above. Put a nail in the center of the stain and get into the attic and look directly above the nail and you might just find the problem. If you do this in bright daylight, a spec of light might be visible, which would make the repair a little easier. Even if you find a hole, I still recommend the garden hose trick to see if there are other problems to fix.

If the stain is small and circular, it usually means the amount of water is small…lucky you. If the stain region is larger, it may still be an easy fix especially if it is a single hole. If there is enough rain making onto the ceiling drywall, it will pool and soak in. This will make it look like a massive leak, when it might be a one-shingle repair (plus some new ceiling drywall). The garden hose trick will quickly tell you if the problem is a single hole, or your roof is like Swiss cheese.

Stains that appear along a line may indicate that water is draining along a rafter or truss. Inspect that rafter starting from the top looking for signs of water. The source may be a single hole that is sending water down the rafter making multiple stains show up in a line.

- Isolating the leak. Be aware of the ridgeline. When you are inspecting a property, be aware of the direction the roof ridgeline runs as you inspect the interior. If you come across a ceiling stain toward the middle of the house near where the ridgeline is above you, the source of the water is easier to isolate. Water doesn't flow up! So, the suspect area extends from roughly the stain area, up to the ridgeline. In many cases, that's a lot less roof to investigate.

On the other hand when stains are out near the roof edges, they are the trickiest to diagnose. Why? The source of the water could be from higher in the roof than where the stain is. The water could be getting under a shingle near the peak, draining down between the shingles and ply, and finally leaking at the point you are seeing the stain. It's just hard to tell upon initial inspection. Get into the roof and check out the rafters around that area for signs of water stains? If you're lucky you'll see light and a hole. If you're not that lucky, it's time to get on the roof and see what you can find. If you don't find anything obvious, it's time to call a roofer…that is, unless you decide to replace the whole roof.

- Valleys are often the culprit when it comes to leaky roofs. I especially find this in property that has been neglected or vacant for long periods of time. Very often the problem is caused because leaves have accumulated in the valley. These leaves hold moisture which rots the shingles and underlying ply over time. Depending on the extent of the rot, the repair can range from replacing ply and shingles to cleaning off the leaves and letting it dry. Be aware of your roof valleys and keep them clear!

With roof leaks, there are no short cuts. It's easier and cheaper in the long run to aggressively diagnose the leak problem and seek hidden leaks that just haven't soaked through the ceiling drywall yet. Don't assume that once you find one hole in the roof, or a cracked shingle that the problem is fixed. Get that hose out and confirm it! There is something about climbing in an attic and on a roof that isn't fun to re-do.

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