Tips for Selecting and Contracting a Home Remodeling General Contractor

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Planning for a home remodeling project and selecting a general contractor can seem daunting. This helpful article takes the guess work out of the procedure by neatly organizing the process; from the planning stage to selecting a contractor, to the contract itself.


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Are you considering a home remodeling project for your property? Most remodeling projects involve either structural or aesthetic aspects which might require several specialized technical skills. If this is the case, you may want to enlist the services of a general contractor.

A general contractor negotiates a contract for the entire remodeling project, and either completes the specialized work with his own crew, or sub-contracts to other various house remodeling contractors. Some of the specialized areas might include planning/architecture, concrete, plumbing, electrical, roofing, dry wall, cabinetry, or painting.

The Planning

To get an accurate bid from a potential general contractor, it is very important to plan carefully, with much thought and consideration. You may want to involve an architect or draftsman to generate the blueprints for your project. Remember that any home remodeling features not included in the plans will not be included in the bid.

Once you have detailed plans for your project, you need to start the selection process for a general contractor. Canadian residents can go on-line to Handy Canadian.paving for a list of qualified, licensed contractors.

The Contractor

It is a rule of thumb to get at least 3 bids from separate remodeling contractors. Provide each with an identical set of plans. Be upfront about your expectations, and request they be realistic about time, cost, and interruption factors. It is wise not to make a selection based on price alone; other considerations are equally important.

Before you accept a bid from a contractor ask questions: What experience and references do they have from projects similar to yours? Will they be working on other projects simultaneously with your own? If they will not be personally working at your site, how much time each day will they spend supervising? Will they use their own crew for some or all the work? How available will any sub-contractors be? What licenses and insurance do they carry? And what is the time line of the project, start to finish? These are questions any reliable, qualified general contractor should answer and outline in the contract.

The Contract

When negotiating the contract for your home remodeling project, be thorough and accurate. Include complete names and addresses of both parties, a detailed job description, material specifications, start and finish dates, any warranties on work or materials, and payment options.

It is fairly common for a general contractor to ask for 10-33% of the estimated cost in advance; most contracts provide for payment as work progresses.

A reliable, reputable contractor will agree to contract terms which help protect the interests of both parties.

By being thorough in your research, planning, and contracting process, you can look forward to enjoying the results of your home remodeling project for many years to come!

TR Silk Sheets – Should We All Have Them?

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Silk bedding can now be woven to an almost incredible finish. Thread counts of above 400 are now common in true mulberry silk bedding sets. Momme is the measurement used to measure the density of silk.


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Ladder Safety Tips Using the Little Giant Ladder

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Do it yourself projects can be fun so it’s easy to forget that you need to take safety precautions. To keep you safe during your next home improvement project here are some important ladder safety tips when using a Little Giant Ladder.


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We all know that do it yourself projects can be fun so it’s easy to forget that you need to take safety precautions at all times. So, here are some important safety tips to help keep you safe during your next home improvement project when using your Little Giant Ladder.

1. Read all warning labels and instructions before use.

2. Use the right ladder for the right job.

3. Respect gravity. Falling hurts so position your belt buckle between the side rails at all times. Make certain the area at the top and bottom of the ladder are clear of debris.

4. Keep the ladder slip free. Ladders are used for many different projects, so make sure it doesn’t have any oil, paint, grease or other hazards on the rungs and feet. And always keep your ladder dry and clean.

5. Lock it in place! To keep the ladder stable and to prevent it from folding, make sure any hinges or joints are securely locked before you step on.

6. Inspect the ladder before use. Before each use inspect the ladder for broken locks or rungs. Check to see if it is damaged or broken in any way.

7. Always face your ladder. To help prevent a falling accident, face the ladder when both ascending and descending. Never climb with your back towards the ladder.

8. Wear rubber soled shoes. When doing electrical work or when working outside, wear shoes with rubber soles to keep you grounded. Rubber soles can help keep a better grip on the ladder.

9. Stay away from the top two rungs. Because you can become very unstable when standing on the top two rungs, staying below the third rung when possible to help you keep your balance.

10. Use your ladder properly at all times. Avoid applying more weight than recommended, deviating from recommended use and make sure it’s long enough so you never tie two separate ladders together.

11. Keep your balance. While on the ladder, lean against it and keep your hips between the rails. Always hold onto the ladder with at least one hand.

12. Be sure to stabilize the ladder. When in the extended position, the top of the ladder should be placed firmly against the space you are working on. When working on a roof, be sure the ladder extends at least 3′ past the roofline. Place the bottom on a sturdy, even surface and stand on the first rung to check stability before ascending the ladder.

Using these safety tips will help keep you safe as you work on your next home improvement project.

Canopy Buying Tips

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Homeowners sometimes find that their homes are built such that some windows or doors directly face where sunlight and heat are at a maximum. Excessive exposure to the sun is also a concern for decks, the house entrance and patios for specific seasons. In addition, it happens that one gets home and is unable to immediately find the house keys. If the door or front of the house is not adequately covered, fumbling for the keys can be an uncomfortable experience when one is under…


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Homeowners sometimes find that their homes are built such that some windows or doors directly face where sunlight and heat are at a maximum. Excessive exposure to the sun is also a concern for decks, the house entrance and patios for specific seasons. In addition, it happens that one gets home and is unable to immediately find the house keys. If the door or front of the house is not adequately covered, fumbling for the keys can be an uncomfortable experience when one is under the hot sun or is being drenched by the rain. These problems can be resolved using canopies or awnings. These protective shades are generally cost-effective and feature lightweight skeletal frames. An awning or canopy can be made from a composite material, fabric or even aluminum, and some come in retractable models with manual or electric control.

1. Canpopies Are Just Plain Enjoyable

Retractable and roll-up canopies give the owner the option of fully extending the shade during summer and rolling it up during the winter. This is ideal particularly for the deck, which many use as comfortable place to take a nap. The shade also allows one to enjoy the outdoors regardless of the season. Some canopies are even wired into the frame, so that homeowners can also use what is effectively extended living space at night.

2. Avoid Having To Pay For As Much Air Conditioning During Summer

Figures from the US Department of Energy show that awnings can lower summer heat on windows facing the south by 65%, while eastern and western facing windows reduce such heat gain as much as 77%. This could, therefore, lower your total electricity bills during summer as you will need to spend less on air conditioning.

3. Reduce Monitor Glare And Protect Windows

The woodwork around windows is also protected from snow and rain by awnings and canopies, while furniture on the porch or patio are also shielded from the elements. Open windows are possible for a home even on rainy days with awnings. PC monitors and television sets near windows on sunny days will benefit from the reduced glare due to the awnings – an indication that the cooling effect of a canopy is not limited to the outside. The extension of this effect indoors has helped some homeowners limit use of air-conditioning during the summer and lower their electric bills.

4. Materials

Homeowners have a choice between outdoor fabric and aluminum as the material for their canopies. Advantages of an aluminum canopy include sturdiness and low-maintenance, although shape and color options are limited. If the shade is made of fabric, it would entail greater care and maintenance, although more colors and shapes are available for this material type. Both alternatives are possible for casement windows. Personal preference and energy efficiency standards are key guides to determining the canopy size and drop, or the amount of shade or coverage provided. The Energy Department sets 65%-75% as the maximum efficiency range for canopies covering windows facing the east and west. For the south-facing side, the agency recommends a lower coverage range of 45%-60%.

5. Style Vs Function

The choice in terms of size will involve a trade-off: some individuals may prefer larger awnings to maximize protection and coverage, while others may prefer smaller ones when more premium is placed on the decorative impact. If emphasis is given to aesthetics, many manufacturers already offer canopies and related accessories in various shapes, designs and colors. It should be noted that coverage by canopies or awnings can be enhanced by using side panels, although these are not necessary. Special canopy models are also in the market for windows that open to the outside.

6. Added Benefits

Some canopies are also designed for easy assembly and portability, making it possible to disassemble and transfer them to areas around the house where they are most needed. These mobile canopies typically feature braces or arms, rollers, horizontal rafters and fabric shades or vinyl blinds and are also applicable to recreational vehicles or trailers. Once the target area for shading is determined, homeowners can establish the ideal canopy width size and the number of sections needed for coverage. Since canopy cuts vary in size, knowing the measurements of the area will help the owner decide on the most cost-effective combinations. Some awning or canopy manufacturers offer track extenders to accommodate slight adjustments in measurement. Once measurement issues are settled, the owner now has the option to pursue installation as a do-it-yourself project or to seek professional assistance from authorized dealers.

Air Purification

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Wherever you go today, you will face a constant attack of pollution; not only from air, but also from water and noise. There are almost as many types of air pollution as there are potential solutions. No matter what type of air purification system you’re looking for, you should know that there is not one product on the market today that can solve every problem.

In order to find out which type of air purification solution is the most suitable for you. It is therefore neces…


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Wherever you go today, you will face a constant attack of pollution; not only from air, but also from water and noise. There are almost as many types of air pollution as there are potential solutions. No matter what type of air purification system you’re looking for, you should know that there is not one product on the market today that can solve every problem.

In order to find out which type of air purification solution is the most suitable for you. It is therefore necessary for you to understand all these five typed of air pollution first.

1. Radon Gas Pollution: Radon is a completely odorless, tasteless and colorless gas, and is the heaviest of all known gasses. It is caused by the radioactive breakdown of uranium inside the earth. When radon is cooled below freezing, it turns a brilliant phosphorescent shade of yellow, which turns orange-red as it gets colder. Radon is also the second leading cause of lung cancer. Smoking exacerbates the affects of radon. Radon is found all around us, in our homes, our yards and the world around us.

Recommended Solution: The best solution to this form of pollution is to first of all test your home (a simple test is available at most hardware stores) and then to seal all cracks and openings in your home’s foundation. If the problem merits it, you may need to have a certified contractor install a ventilation system inside your home.

2. Chemical Fumes and Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC). This type of pollution comes from chemicals like benzene and formaldehyde, the chemical fumes that are constantly seeping from carpets, upholstery, furniture, draperies, household cleaning products, beauty products such as nail polish, removers, etc. They also come from cigarette, cigar and pipe smoke, building construction, etc. Many of these chemicals have been identified as carcinogens.

Recommended Solution: Currently the best solution on the market for this type of pollution are products that produce catalytic oxidation.

3. Microbial Causing Pollution. Microbials are microscopic bacteria, fungi, mycotoxins created by a fungus, mildew, mold spores and viruses. They can be as small as .001 microns. Microbials love to live in warm, damp places, or under your carpet, in your walls and in heating and air conditioning ducts.

Recommended Solution: Currently the best solutions on the market for this type of pollution are those that produce oxidation, which kills microbials.

4. Odor Causing Pollution. Odor comes from many different places – food, animals, human bodies, cigarettes, cigars and pipe smoke, sports shoes, clothing and equipment, etc. Although not necessarily dangerous, if you’ve ever walked into your teenage son’s room after he’s come back from a football game and taken a deep breath – you know it can be very unpleasant!

Recommended Solution: Currently, the best solutions on the market for this type of pollution are odor sponges, ozone and oxidation.

5. Particulate Causing Pollution. Particulates are those little floating things you see when the sun comes shining in through your windows, and include dust, dust mites, dust mite feces, pet dander, skin flakes (what dust mites eat), pollen, smoke particles and allergens.

Recommended Solution: Currently the best solutions on the market for this type of pollution are infiltration and negative ions.

With this basic understanding about pollution you are now ready to make that all important decision about which system is going to be best for you. The choice is yours!

Getting rid of Pigeons is necessary for healthy living

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Diseases associated with pigeon droppings are Histoplasmosis, Cryptococcosis and Psittacosis. People with weakened immune systems are more at risk of developing these diseases. It is advisable to get rid of pigeon problem.


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Pigeons have lived together with human beings for thousands of years. Some pigeons carried posts to help our ancestors and most of them dropped diseases for us to suffer.

Human diseases and health risks associated with pigeon droppings are Histoplasmosis, Cryptococcosis and Psittacosis.

Histoplasmosis, an infection caused by a fungus, Histoplasma capsulatum, may cause high fever, blood abnormality, pneumonia and even death in some cases. The disease primarily affects the lungs. People with weakened immune systems are generally more at risk of developing this disease. The fungus grows in pigeon droppings and soils throughout the world. It enters human bodies through air while breathing and a high in-take may cause infection. The symptoms of histoplasmosis may be fatigue, fever, minor influenza, blood abnormalities, dry coughs and chest pains though in many cases it does not show any. Central Illinois have experienced outbreaks of histoplasmosis.

Accumulated pigeon droppings are the most important source of Cryptococcosis, another fungal disease caused by Cryptococcus neoformans. Immune compromised persons, especially those with HIV infection run at high risk from this disease. Initial pulmonary infection is usually asymptomatic and most patients surrender to disseminated infection. It begins with a lung infection and spreads to other areas of the body, particularly in the CNS or the central nervous system. Skin eruptions and ulcers with lumps just under the skin are also characteristics of this disease. A high in-take of that airborne yeast cells in human bodies through air while breathing causes this infection. A cost-effective Cryptococcosis prevention strategy is yet to be developed.

Psittacosis is an infection caused by intracellular bacterium Chlamydia psittaci that affects parrots, pigeons and other birds. Dry and airborne droppings of affected birds infect human beings. Manifestations of this disease may range from asymptomatic infection to systemic illness with severe pneumonia. Fever, chills, headache, muscle aches, and a dry cough are some symptoms of this disease in human beings. Most Psittacosis in human beings results from exposure to pet infected birds. It spreads when a person inhales the organism, vaporized from respiratory secretions or dried feces of infected birds or bird bites, mouth-to-beak contact, and through handling of infected birds. Even brief exposures can lead to symptomatic infection. Man to man, transmission of this bacterium is rare, but not impossible.

In any case, the infected person should immediately consult a doctor.

As the age-old proverb goes ‘prevention is better than cure’, it is always advisable to get rid of pigeons. Killing is a common method, employed for pigeon control. However, scientific research has shown that in most cases the number increase beyond the pre-cull figure within weeks. If the food supply remains constant, pigeons will breed four-six times a year on an average. On the other hand, reduction in food supply may drop the number accordingly. It may work to some effect if the city council and general people work hand in hand as a pigeon deterrent by keeping the food sources far away from them. It is now high time to act for Pigeon Removal.

MV Laminate Flooring Guide

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Want a beautifully finished floor without the costly price tag? With Its quickly growing quality and a shrinking expense, Laminate flooring is a great alternative to other expensive materials.


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Designer Sinks And Faucets For Your Bath

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Sinks have certainly come a long way. The sink, and the accompanying faucet are more fashionable today than our grandmothers, or even our mothers could have imagined! You are only limited by your imagination.

Imagine a gorgeous glass sink seemingly floating upon a rod iron filigree base, this is what is called a vessel sink. Imagine washing your hands over a glass sink of shimmering gold opalescent that looks like something from Dale Chihuly’s glass studio. How about a lo…

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Sinks have certainly come a long way. The sink, and the accompanying faucet are more fashionable today than our grandmothers, or even our mothers could have imagined! You are only limited by your imagination.

Imagine a gorgeous glass sink seemingly floating upon a rod iron filigree base, this is what is called a vessel sink. Imagine washing your hands over a glass sink of shimmering gold opalescent that looks like something from Dale Chihuly’s glass studio. How about a lovely ceramic sink that has decorations reminiscent of a blue Ming vase? Is that really the Mona Lisa looking back up at your from that sink? These sinks are available in glass, painted ceramic, stone and granite, wood, copper, or mosaic. Then, there is the decision of shape of the sink, round, oval or square, or perhaps somewhere in between.

Don’t worry, if you have a Victorian home you are restoring you are in luck. The good old white ceramic pedestal sink is still alive and well, if you want one.

Needless to say, along with the modernization and beautification of sinks has come the modernization and beautification of faucets! There are still the traditional two handle faucets, single control faucets and wall mount faucets. Again, only your imagination holds you back in the creation of your new bathroom. Faucets can now be mounted on the floor behind, or beside a vessel sink instead of taking room on a vanity. Faucets for vessel sinks are found in a wide range of finish and style. Polished chrome or brushed nickel, brass, copper and pewter are just some of the finishes available. You will want to look for a faucet with a PVD finish. This “physical vapor deposition” finish is state of the art and bonds the finish to the faucet. It is the most durable finish available in faucets today. PVD protected faucets will not corrode, tarnish or discolor.

How To Choose The Right Colors For Your Home

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Are you STILL thinking about painting your walls with color?

Many people are afraid to make the leap from ‘builder’s beige’ to a more daring color choice. What holds you back? Are you afraid the color will be too strong? Not match your furniture? Or you’ll become tired of it and have to start ov


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Are you STILL thinking about painting your walls with color?

Many people are afraid to make the leap from ‘builder’s beige’ to a more daring color choice. What holds you back? Are you afraid the color will be too strong? Not match your furniture? Or you’ll become tired of it and have to start over again?

While you’re debating the work involved you are missing out on one of the basic elements of design that can change the entire look of your room for under $50. Your tired furniture can become new again and a mismatched room can have designer flare! So, how do you choose the right color?

The first recommendation is to choose a tinted neutral. Why is that? Instead of choosing rich, deep colors for your first project, you will likely feel more comfortable with a neutral such as beige or gray which will not date the room or create a jarring palate that you will easily tire of.

However, when you go to your local home improvement store you will be faced with a sea of color swatches – hundreds of versions of basic beige and gray to choose from. So before you go, consider these steps to choosing the right color for you.

If you like the feel of a warm and cozy room – think of fireplaces, brown leather and sunsets – then you’ll want to start with a beige tone.

Now, consider your furniture and accessories. What colors do you see? If you have a lot of black or navy you may wish to choose a beige with orange or pink undertones to keep the look warm. If you have browns or reds in your furniture, select a cooler beige with ashy tones to avoid ‘overheating’ your room.

If you prefer a cooler, airy look – chrome, glass and shades of icy blue – then select gray tones. Some stores will have a ‘true gray’ color swatch which you can use to compare with their designer selections. On comparison you will notice that each gray has undertones. Some will have blue or lavender tones, others may have green or even a hint of pink.

Using the same guide as stated above, identify the main colors of furniture and accessories in the room. Use green or pink toned greys with cool toned furnishings to avoid it from feeling like an ice box. Use blue or lavender undertones in rooms with warmer colored furnishings.

If you are really torn between beige or gray, than the easiest color to work with is green. Keeping it in a muted tone will make it very easy to live with, and will work with most color palates.

Painting rooms with color will bring the finishing touch to your home – don’t

MV Ordering Parts For Your Plumbing Through The Mail

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If you own a home, do it yourself projects undoubtedly occupy many of your weekends. Mail order plumbing makes plumbing upgrades cheaper, particularly if you plan ahead.


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