Home Improvement Information


Planning Permission and Building Regulations for Conservatories in the UK


Do I need planning permission for a conservatory?Do I need Building Regulation approval for a conservatoryTo help you understand these issues I detail below some of the "conditions" attached to planning permission and building regulations. (These apply to England/Wales only) Scottish, Irish and North American regulations are quite different - You should in all instances take local advice.

Outdoor Bars - Essential For Summer Entertaining


The trend for enhancing your patio is to create an outdoor kitchen area. Cooking and eating aren't the only things favored by these new ideas in outdoor living.

Wall Oven - A Necessity For The Disabled


Wall ovens, available in electric and gas forms, are best ovens for the people with disabilities. The ovens can be placed considering the required height of the user, and the controls can also be placed within the reach of the standing or sitting user.

Types of Table Saws


A table saw is one of the most popular pieces of machinery used for woodworking. It consists of a circular saw powered by an electric motor that is mounted onto a table.

Planning Permission Tips UK: The Value of Design Statements When Submitting a Planning Application


In theory every Planning Application should be supported with a design statement. This is simply a written document that explains certain aspects of the design and why it is required including the clients needs.

Bathroom Interior Design


Any advice or guide on the interior design of a bathroom should be based around one simple concept: keep it simple. Rooms inside of a home should have functional aspects, and if one room is designed for very specific functions, it is the bathroom.

Why Should You Need Tools for Everyday Living


How often you have used tools for your everyday living? The advantage for having power tools, automotive tools or garden tools in your house is really awesome. In an emergency condition, you might need tools to repair your things.

Use Ladders Safely


The Consumer Product Safety Commission reports that eachyear more than 511,000 people are treated for cuts, bruisesand fractured bones from improper use of ladders. Morethan 300 people a year die from ladder related injuries.

Daydreaming About Your Home Makeover Projects


Most of us enjoy daydreaming about our perfect home. Do you ever think about your home just before falling to sleep? Instead of worrying about your tasks for tomorrow, try this exercise tonight: imagine you're arriving home.

Apartment Inspection Checklist


You have found an apartment you like and you are eager to move in this lovely place. Hold on! Before you sign the lease with the landlord, some inspection is necessary and it might save you a lot of trouble.

Adjustable Bed - Start Each Day on the Right Note


Your daily beauty sleep will not be complete if any of the following four factors namely light, noise, and temperature and of course the bed that you are sleeping on are not up to the desired level. While you may adjust the other three factors according to your desired comfort you won't be able to do that with the bed unless you have an adjustable bed.

New Tax Breaks for Energy Efficient Home Improvements


If you would like to make your existing home more energy efficient and get some help paying for the improvements, you need to know about the Energy Tax Incentives Act of 2005. The new law provides a $500 lifetime credit against your federal income tax for the cost of certain energy-saving home improvements that you make to your home after December 31, 2005 and before January 1, 2008.

Tips To Improve The Quality Of Your Outdoor Space And Patio


It's easy to get overwhelmed trying to figure out just how to bring an outdoor room together to make it a peaceful spot to relax or enjoy quality time with friends and family. But if you think of it as yet another room to decorate and furnish, the space will come together more easily.

Natural Gas vs Charcoal Grills - Which One Is Right For You?


Barbequing outdoors is a pleasure that anyone can partake in and with so many types of grills available you can practically cook anywhere. One exception to the list is a natural gas grill which needs a permanent hook up.

3 Great Reasons to Shop for Home Lighting Online


If you are a consumer who knows just what brand or style of lighting fixtures you are looking to buy, the internet can save you money. Conversely, if you are just learning about what lighting fixtures, interior and exterior, are available for your home, the internet is a great place to get educated.

The Solar Energy Industry Grew 67% Last Year: Are You Making the Best Decision for Your Future?


Are you considering using renewable energy resources to heat water or generate electricity?Would you like to be independent from the grid?Do you want to reduce the greenhouse gas emissions you and your family produce?Great! You are not alone in your quest.The demand for solar power energy is growing.

Age Old Question: Buy New or Remodel Existing Home?


Your house doesn't have enough storage space, bathrooms, or counter space! Not too mention your kitchen is old, small and poorly ventilated. Now you are trying to decide between remodeling your current home to address some of these needs and buying a new bigger home.

Planning Your In-Wall Speaker System


So you've finally decided to get your favorite music throughout your house. What's next? Where do you go from here? That depends upon your requirements and weather this will be an installation in an existing home or a music system in a new construction home.

Ways to Heat Your Water


Water heating optionsWhere you live, as well as the life style you lead, the number of people in your household, and where you'll put the water heating system, you'll need to factor these realities in if you're going to purchase a new hot water system, or getting a back up system.Having this basic information at hand, will ensure you'll get hot water every day of the year, when you want and however much you need - at the best cost possible.

Is a Hot Tub for You? Top 5 Questions You Need to Answer


As a way of relaxing, more and more people are adding a hot tubto their home. Not only are hot tubs relaxing but they alsooffer tremendous benefit for people of all ages.

The Ultimate Comfort - Top 5 Reasons For Getting an Awning


Awnings are an economical and efficient way to shade a deck orpatio from the hot glaring sun or cold winds and rain. Thegreat thing about choosing an awning is that you could go with adesign whereby the awning is out all the time or if you prefer aretractable awning that can be pulled back when you want toenjoy sunlight and open air.

Planning Permission Tips UK - Conservatories - Dispelling a Myth


It's now well into the new year and the residential development scene has got off to a good start again. All this talk about 'slow down' certainly hasn't affected peoples desire to improve rather than move.

Small Cabin Plans - Finding a Great Log Cabin Plan Online


Small cabin plans - how do you find that special log cabin plan that is just right for you? Before the internet, you would buy some cabin plans books and look through the plans to see if any appealed to you. If you found one, you could order the log cabin plan you wanted by telephone or mail.

Remove Carpet Stains - The How To


Your short lesson on how to remove carpet stains: act fast. Carpets today (most) come with stain-resistant treatments, so spills can be removed if you get to them quickly.

Aluminium Window Frames


When double glazing first became a popular window choice in the 1960s, most frames were made of aluminum. Aluminum remained the most popular choice for framing double glazing windows through the mid-1980s, when it held over 60% of the market.

Remedies for a Wet Basement


A wet basement can be just a nuisance or even real nightmare. Each year, thousands of homeowners are faced with the unpleasant side effects of seasonal rainfall.

Skip Troweling Method for Textured Ceilings


There are several ceiling texture choices to choose from when finishing a room. You can simply apply a flat paint to the ceiling, or spray or roll on a popcorn textured ceiling.

Deck Building Ledger - The Secrets to Successful Deck Construction


The Deck Building Ledger holds all the secrets to successful deck construction because it is the essential piece of wood that connects your deck to your home and from which all other measurements are taken.Choose the piece of lumber for your ledger carefully, hold it up and look down the side of the wood to check for irregularities like warping and twisting.

Which Water Purification Systems Are Best? - A Comparison of the Three Most Common Technologies


Fresh water is essential to our health and comfort. Not only do we rely on it to stay hydrated, we use it in many other ways including bathing, cleaning and cooking food, and laundering our clothes.

How To Choose The Right Home Water Filters and Water Purifiers For Your Needs


When it comes to home water filters and water purifiers, consumers have many choices. You can choose from leading name brands such as Brita, Culligan, PUR, and Braun.

The Health Benefits Of Drinking Water - Is Bottled Drinking Water Healthier Than Filtered Tap Water?


Water is a key ingredient in a healthy diet and lifestyle. There are many health benefits of drinking water.

Bathroom Designs Idea - Can I Design My Own Bathroom?


A bathroom designs idea -- can I really design my own bathroom? Why not! Today, the bathroom is much more than just a room for grooming and a place to read. Bathrooms can be a good place for home exercise equipment and a good music system or TV, for example.

How to Build a Home Sauna - Three Important Questions to Answer Before Building


Considering that home saunas are believed to produce numerous health benefits and provide a relaxing spa experience, it's no wonder than more and more people want to know how to build a home sauna. The answer to this question depends on several factors, including your budget, the space available, and how handy you are.

From Savu to Infrared - The History and Health Benefits of Saunas


The health benefits of saunas are not a recent discovery. The use of steam or smoke baths to cleanse the body and reduce stress has been a part of religious, social, and family traditions in numerous cultures for thousands of years.

Conventional Steam Saunas vs. Infrared Saunas


The health benefits of steam saunas have been recognized for centuries, beginning with sweat lodges, traditional Finnish saunas, and other methods of heating the body and producing perspiration that cleanses the cells and pores. Typically, a heat source such as a wood, electric or gas sauna stove is used to produce the heat in a sauna.


More Resources


Choosing Window Frames
There are three main types of material used to manufacture window frames. These are aluminium, PVC-u and wood.
Ladder Safety Tips
One of the many tools that home owners use regularly is a ladder. Whether you need to change the porch light bulb, clean the gutters or put something in the top of the closet.
Conservatory Blinds - the Finishing Touch
There's no doubt that blinds add the finishing touch to any conservatory or sunroom, whether it is used as a sitting room, dining room, playroom or office. The ability to control heat and glare makes the room usable throughout the year, offering protection from the sun in the summer and retaining heat in the winter.
The Art of Ice Dam Removal
You may have noticed long icicles hanging from your gutters and not realize the significance of the damage that may be occurring behind them. Icicles are usually one of the first warning signs of possible ice dams on your roof.
10 Things To Consider Before Planning And Installing A New Bathroom
Whether you want to install a new bathroom or make improvements to an existing one there are some decisions you need to make and challenges to overcome. A bathroom must be tailored to your requirements and every plan will vary depending on the planner's needs.
New Trends in Design & Comfortable Living
For the past several years I have seen the emergence of a new trend called 'Lifestyling'. Lifestyling encompasses many elements on gracious living, extravagant and memorable entertaining, architecture, home design, and tips on where to live comfortably in spaces large and small, with less effort or clutter than you can imagine.
Easy To Follow Tips For Keeping Energy Costs Down
When it comes to cooling our homes and businesses, the cost of air conditioning just seems to keep going up and up. This year is no different.
Hot Tubs: Without A Shadow Of A Doubt Guarantee Relaxation When You Dip Your Feet Into The Water!
A staple of healthy outdoor living, hot tubs equals to water therapy that pound our bodies with jaw dropping and heart stopping relaxation. Dating back to Roman times, baths served as a medical remedy in treating many maladies.
Replacement or Retrofit Style Frame? Which is Right for You?
Last week I told you how to measure for your vinyl replacement windows when replacing aluminum windows. Now that you're ready to order your new vinyl replacement windows, we need to talk about the different frame style options available.
Realign Your Budget - Purchase Your First Piece of Fine Art
If you don't have at least one piece of fine art in your home, then you just have no idea what you are missing out on. Whether an original or reproduction piece, fine art adds warmth, beauty and interest to every room.
Candle Making 101
If you'd like to try your hand at candle making, set aside two hours one day next weekend, and start with an easy project, using your old candles to test the waters. If it's instant gratification you crave, you'll see the fruits of your labor in just a couple of hours with a minimum expenditure for supplies.
Measuring For Your Vinyl Replacement Windows
Let's say you're tired of those old wood windows, and you decide it's time to upgrade to vinyl replacement windows. You get 2 or 3 contractors to come out and give you an estimate.
Physiological Response to Window Coverings
Nothing soothes the brain like Mother Nature, whose intrinsic scenery relaxes and refreshes us, consciously and subconsciously. Therefore, a view of nature should never be completely covered up during the day.
Patios: The New Trend in Home Remodels
In years past a patio was sort of a throw on to a home. It was typically a concrete slab to keep your feet clean on your way in or out.
Spring Deck Prep Tips
It's finally spring! Time to move out the patio furniture and get ready to enjoy the great outdoors.But, before you do, make sure you clean, restore and protect your deck so you can get the most out of it during the spring and summer months ahead.
Planning Permission Tips UK - Rights of Light to Adjoining Neighbours Windows - What You Should Know
Rights of light - What a minefield this topic is when developing or extending a property. This is potentially one of the most subjective Planning issues their is.
Rising Damp
It doesn't sound like a particularly interesting topic, however a quick search on the worlds favourite internet search engine will show that in some circles rising damp is a very hot topic indeed. The trouble is that it appears that it could indeed be some type of religion or god; does it exist, or doesn't it? The truth of the matter is that rising damp does indeed exist in one form or another, but it is often misdiagnosed, or you can often pay for expensive treatment that really isn't necessary.
Wood Panels and Humidity
Coping with wood movementAll wood workers need to be aware of wood movement when building furniture projects. Failure to consider this important factor can cause wood panels to crack or split.
Your Home is Your Symphony
"Dr. Carl Sagan once wrote, "Somewhere, something incredible is waiting to be known.
How to Remodel A Small Bathroom
Not all bathrooms can be lavish spaces with whirlpool tubs and two separate vanities. For some bathrooms, space is at a premium and knocking out walls is not an option, but remodeling must be done.

More Home Improvement Information:

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How To Buy A Conservatory In The UK
The first question is, what is a conservatory?There is no standard definition of what constitutes a conservatory (apart from "greenhouse"). This is one reason why quotes vary so widely.
Plastic Applied to the Picnic Table?
There are many styles of picnic tables on the market, but what kind of material is best for durability and safety? Powder coating has been an accepted coated finish for years and there are several reasons why. The coating look great, you can have most any color you want, they are friendly to the environment and efficient to produce.
Dehumidifiers Wring Out Your Home
Anyone that has a home office or bedroom in the basement knows how valuable a dehumidifier can be. Without it, the basement would be damp and useless, mold and mildew would grow promoting ill health and insects would have a perfect place to live.
Repairing Putty Window Glass
Have you ever thought about fixing a broken window in your house, but didn't think you could do it because nobody ever taught you how to cut glass? Well, you really don't have to know how to cut glass in order to repair your window. If you knew how to remove the frame, you could order a replacement piece of glass from your local glass shop already cut to the proper size.
Do You Know How Important Your Air Conditioner Filter Is?
When most people think about an air conditioner filter, it is in terms of how efficient they are and how much dust they will stop. These are important things and should be considered when replacing or upgrading your air conditioner filter.
What does it take to be an Interior Designer?
When trying to decide if Interior Design is right for you, it helps to know what that really means. Interior Design is not simply the profession that "makes rooms and places pretty"; it takes a little bit more than that.
Reduce Your Heating Bills This Winter - Overlooked Sources of Heat Loss in the Home
Imagine leaving a window open all winter long - the heat loss, cold drafts, and wasted energy! Well if your home has a folding attic stair, a fireplace, and/or a clothes dryer, that may be just what is occurring in your home!These often overlooked sources of heat loss and air leakage can cause your heat pour out and the cold outside air pour in - costing you higher heating bills, causing cold drafts, and wasting energy.Air leaks are the largest source of heating and cooling loss in the home.
3 Great Reasons to Shop for Home Lighting Online
If you are a consumer who knows just what brand or style of lighting fixtures you are looking to buy, the internet can save you money. Conversely, if you are just learning about what lighting fixtures, interior and exterior, are available for your home, the internet is a great place to get educated.
Maintaining Your Hot Tub
Purchasing a hot tub is a big investment and one that should not be taken lightly. Hot tubs cost thousands of dollars and if not maintained properly they can become ineffective within just a few months.
Duct Cleaning - Proper Principals and Practices
As a qualified duct cleaning contractor I have discovered that most homeowners feel that they are very uninformed when it come to the principals and practices of proper air duct cleaning hygiene.Let me begin by saying that the EPA as well as the National air duct cleaners association have stated that residential duct cleaning should take no less than between 4 and 8 hours to complete, anything short of that and you are probably not getting a thorough job.
Breaking the Mold - Creative Boys Bedrooms
Decorating boys bedrooms with licensed characters and themes is an easy but expensive option. While most children do have a preferred character or theme that they would enjoy having in their rooms, there are more affordable ways to achieve a similar desired result.
How to build an energy-efficient home
There are just a few important things to know and to remember, when building an energy-efficient home. These are; insulation, air intrusion, thermal mass, and that windows and holes in the wall of the house lose about the same amount of energy.
Bathroom Magic
Believe it or not, the bathroom is one of the most magickal rooms in your house; Your make up box and medicine chest can be treasure chest of tools , the bathtub and shower are wonderful place to conduct cleansing and attraction rituals, and the toilet can be a handy mechanism for flushing away negativity.Here are some examples of positive magick that can be performed in your powder room.
Pool Decks - Add Ambiance to Your Above Ground Pool
Above ground pools are beloved by many and have gained in popularity over the years. Pool decks could be one reason why this is the case.
The Benefits of Small Dehumidifiers
So it's too humid in your 10' X 10' bedroom. Or perhaps the steam in your bathroom is starting to make the wallpaper peel.
Planning Permission and Building Regulations for Conservatories in the UK
Do I need planning permission for a conservatory?Do I need Building Regulation approval for a conservatoryTo help you understand these issues I detail below some of the "conditions" attached to planning permission and building regulations. (These apply to England/Wales only) Scottish, Irish and North American regulations are quite different - You should in all instances take local advice.
Metal Carports: Steel Carport Guide
Buying a carport to protect your investment can be a very frustrating task. With hundreds of manufacturers claiming to have the best product, how do you know who to trust? First you must ask yourself, are they out to make a buck, or to protect my truck? The first line of defense is to know what makes a good carport and the second is to trust your first instinct and know that you are protecting your mobile investments.
So Youve Decided to Finish Your Basement!
When a family decides to finish a basement space, there are so many factors to consider it can seem overwhelming. What does your family want to achieve within the new basement? Are you looking for a play area, a family room, a work-out room, home theatre, bedroom, bathroom, kitchen, wet bar, etc? Do you have the square footage required to accomplish what you want? How do you get started and how long will it take? How much will it cost and is it worth the money? What if there is a huge beam in the center of you basement? Do you have to have a building permit? Do you have to remove the items you currently have stored in your basement?If these questions make your head swim, try this approach: look for the right team of design/build consultants to navigate you through these waters.
Homeowners - Here is a Step by Step Guide to Help You Hire a Quality Home Improvement Contractor
Before talking to any contractors the first thing to do is create a budget for the project. Without a budget you will be flying blind and may end up over spending.
Make Your House A Home
When thinking about polished floors, cushions in place, an exquisite flower arrangement, crisp and folded napkins on the table, take time to think about comfort, family time and kids activities also when decorating or designing your house. A lively place full of warmth and chatter is what makes a 'House' a 'Home'.