Articles about general topics, of interest to homeowners.
This information can clarify and help answer some questions about acoustic ceilings.
Acoustic tile is very sound absorbent, taking the harshness out of a hard ceiling. Because it hangs from the ceiling, it is handy for hiding pipes, wires, and other unsightly necessities while allowing easy access for repairs or remodeling.
While cable and satellite technologies now give good TV reception to many, other viewers may need a rooftop antenna to get a good picture. And even though the FCC now allows satellites to offer local programming in some areas, dish companies do charge extra fees for that. So some viewers often choose to use an antenna along with their satellites.
Because much private, corporate, and public wealth lies in real estate, the determination of its value is essential to the economic well-being of society. An appraisal is not a guarantee of condition. An appraisal is used to determine the market value or fair market value of a property.
Severe thunderstorms can cause a lot of damage to and around your home. By assessing the damage completely, you'll be in a better position to deal with insurance companies and repair firms. Here are some tips to guide you.
Q: I have developed a bore hole (a water driven hole leading underground to a space). The surface hole was almost perfectly round and about two inches in diameter. I dug it out and about a foot down it expands into a small cave leading off in one direction and I can easily get my forearm into it. How far that goes I don't know. It has been there about two weeks, and the hole at the top never got any larger after it appeared.
Some ceiling fans can turn either clockwise or counter-clockwise. In the summer, you want the air to blow directly downward, to create a cooling effect. Reverse the ceiling fan in the winter so it blows upward. This will help move the warm air from the ceiling, down the edges of the walls for more even comfort, without a draft.
With fall and winter quickly approaching, animal lovers can start to think of options for their pets and other animals, such as birds, who visit their yards. For the most part, cats and dogs don't like to be stuck outside in rain, wind, snow, sleet or ice. However, they do enjoy being outside when the sun's shining and it's a moderate day. Anyone with animals knows that we make accommodations for our pets to make their lives happier. Let's explore some ideas.
Get ready for cold weather! Here's a checklist to prepare.
Custom weathervanes, fireplace grills, chimney caps and cupolas for gazebos and homes are commonly ordered from custom metal fabricators. Other frequent requests include building trailers, and racks for cars, trucks, trailers and recreational vehicles as well as in garages and workshops. Rural applications could include fabrication or repair of farm animal enclosures.
Dry rot is always a concern in extreme weather areas -- ones which go from 100+ degree summers to foggy wet winters. Weather such as this stresses building materials to create ideal conditions for dry rot to develop. Learning to take steps to prevent it, and catch it early when it does develop, can save homeowners time and money.
Major clean-up projects frequently create more rubbish than can be included in the weekly garbage or even hauled to the dump in a pick-up truck.
Q: I'm interested in having my duplex repaired. I have already been in contact with a roofing contractor who gave me an estimate on replacing the roof. I understand he also has a general contractor's license so I wonder if he can also install the bathroom tile and fixtures? There is also work to be done in the kitchen. Can you help me find people to do all of this?
This information can clarify and help answer some questions about wood trim.
The time for holiday visitors might seem a long way off, but if you want your home looking great to impress the in-laws, the time to start is now.
Home inspections are visual examinations of the structure and systems of a home, usually (but not always) conducted by a professional inspector for homes being bought or sold. Homeowners may also have check up inspection as a preventive measure against costly repairs.
How do you get the most out of home shows?
A home warranty contract is insurance that protects the working appliances and systems in the home. It provides protection through repairs or replacement of a home's major systems should an item break down due to normal wear and tear-regardless of that item's age. It provides assurance that homeowners won't be shocked with large or expensive bills to repair or replace protected items.
Consumers need storage tanks for three main reasons: to store petroleum/fuel products, chemicals or water.
More consumers are using the Internet to improve the way they live and do business. As more people turn to the Internet as an information source, its usefulness as a tool of commerce has experienced phenomenal growth. With about $600 billion spent annually on local services, the next logical step in e-commerce is the ability to buy services on the Internet.
Whether you are a packrat or between residences, sometimes you have more possessions than you can keep with you. That is when off site storage comes to the rescue. Modern self storage facilities offer a variety of options. Usually open 12 hours a day, seven days a week (although closed on holidays) their security systems and on-site personnel mean your possessions are secure.
Q: We purchased slate stone and our friend, the contractor, installed the flooring. We were told that he would charge four dollars per square foot. Once we received the invoice he charged us $4500 for 1100 sq. feet. The actual square footage was only 800 square feet. My question is what is considered a fair rate for 800 square feet?
Here is some information about getting your phone system repaired.
This can clarify and answer some questions about renting portable toilets.
Pressed metal was widely used in the late 1800s and early 1900s to decorate ceilings and walls as well as exteriors such as store fronts, awnings, marquises and building cornices. Painted stamped tin ceiling panels were most common, but panels made of brass and copper were also used for more impressive effects.
Q: I recently had vinyl installed professionally in my kitchen and hallway. Prior to installation I was informed I would need to install quarter round trim under the cabinets. After the installation, I was informed I would need to install quarter round around my entire hallway and kitchen to hide the vinyl cut marks on the outside of the trim. Is this regular practice?
I would have gladly removed the trim prior to installation if I had known it could not be tucked under the trim like carpet.
Underground fuel oil tanks wear out and as a result can contaminate our groundwater and soil. The average tank lasts between fifteen and thirty years (dependent on tank material, thickness, installation and soil content.)
When a piece of your home theater system goes out, chances are you won't know what wires go to what. A service professional can easily diagnose and repair problems in complex home entertainment systems.
Q: I am interested in a property with a single dwelling on 4 acres. What would I need to know if I wanted to build a detached guest cottage?
Q: I've read enough general suggestions about writing a good contract. Could you tell me where I can find samples of contracts and owner specifications for a two-storey room addition approximately 1,500 square feet including a new kitchen, master suite, living room, and garage.
Satellite television delivers superb digital signal, the picture is crisp and crystal clear. Sound is also digital with quality reproduction normally only found on CDs.
Many of us are sending more and more of our hard-earned money to utility companies each year to keep our homes comfortable. Some organizations offer advice on how to save energy, but many are either focused on narrow issues or are more concerned about selling us a new product.
Homeowners frequently want special products fabricated out of sheet metal -- anything from flashings for roofing and decks and weather vanes to bird cage pans, gutters and downspouts can be made from an assortment of metals.
There are three kinds of ductwork for heating and air conditioning systems:
These items may assist your appraiser in providing a more accurate appraisal in less time:
Tired of hearing everyone else's noise? How about sound proofing part of your home?
Here are some popular soundproofing techniques. There are many soundproofing options depending on whether the home is under construction or being retrofitted to eliminate noise pollution.
Whether you are building a tennis or sports court for residential use or any other facility, the decisions you make should not be taken lightly. The investment in a court is substantial; however, a well-constructed court, properly maintained, can provide years of playing enjoyment. To get the most out of your investment, be a smart consumer. Do your homework before you begin construction.
Special events frequently require extra space. Often renting a tent to put outside of a residence or in a public area such as a park, etc. provides shelter in a setting preferable to renting a large room.
Q: How do you tell the difference between a termite and an ant?
If you're considering replacing wood trim and looking for a more durable, less expensive solution, newer architectural detailing is often formed from high-density polyurethane.
This information can clarify and help answer your questions about wood stoves.
A wood stove essentially is a metal container for a fire. Made from cast iron or brick-lined, welded plate steel, a wood stove has an inlet for combustion air and an outlet for combustion gases, the smoke.
Stairs can be as beautiful as they are functional, the focal point of a home. Staircases are created using many different pieces to create the system, much like putting together a puzzle.
While cable and satellite technologies now give good TV reception to many, other viewers may need a rooftop antenna to get a good picture. And even though the FCC now allows satellites now offer local programming in some areas, dish companies do charge extra fees for that. So some viewers often choose to use an antenna along with their satellites.
"Sign, sign, everywhere a sign," was a popular song's refrain in the early '70s, and it's even truer today. Codes permitting, you need an eye-catching sign to attract attention to your statement -- whether it's commercial or public.
This information can clarify and help answer some questions about acoustic ceilings.
Acoustic tile is very sound absorbent, taking the harshness out of a hard ceiling. Because it hangs from the ceiling, it is handy for hiding pipes, wires, and other unsightly necessities while allowing easy access for repairs or remodeling.