Home Improvement Information


Chimney Cap Checklist: Four Quick Ways to Evaluate Your Existing Chimney Cap


While you are cleaning leaves out of your home's gutters, dealing with Christmas lights, or adjusting a satellite dish, don't forget to check on your chimney caps while you're on the roof. Chimney caps are those mesh-sided enclosures (usually made of stainless steel, copper, or galvanized steel) atop your chimney to prevent water, animals, bird droppings, and leaves from entering your home.

Glass Sinks - 4 Unbreakable Rules of Buying a Glass Vessel Sink


1. Know your sinksHow durable are these sinks? These sinks are tempered.

Lakeside Patios - The Water Makes Decisions For You


If you are putting in a new patio on a lakeside, you have unique considerations that other homeowners do not have when it comes to purchasing patio furniture.We built a new patio on a 700 acre lake and I had to look around for just the right outdoor furniture.

Top Ten Remodeling Tips


My husband and I just completed our first remodel. It was a period renovation of a Victorian Gingerbread Craftsman.

Home Automation Enhances Your Lifestyle and Saves Money - Exciting Home Automation Applications


Wouldn't it be nice to have your home take care of things for you, automatically, without you having to lift a finger? You bet it would. That is the promise of home automation.

Making a Pen with Your New Wood Lathe


So you just purchased a wood lathe but do not know what kind of project you should start out with. As soon as the right amount of skill is obtained, beautiful pieces of woodwork can be created with a wood lathe.

Imported Tools vs. Brand Name - Are They As Good?


So you are looking for hand or power tools on the Internet or in a "brick & Mortar" tool store, and you keep running into tools imported from China, Taiwan, Korea, Germany and various other countries. A lot of these tools seem to be priced well under the comparable "name brand" tools you are used to? are they as good or better, or are they just cheap knockoffs.

Garage Doors


You may think choosing garage doors is straight forward, however there are many things to consider, such as whether your garage is adjoining your property, is it a single or a double garage, how much clearance inside and out is needed and so on. Also, the appearance of the garage door can influence what material you use.

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.

Deck Decorating


On my blog, I once wrote about life on the Veranda - a favorite Southern, summer pastime.Picture a Charleston side-porch house, facing the obligatory magnolia tree, refreshing gin and tonics or the standard mint julep.

Tuscan Style Decorating For The Kitchen


A Tuscan decorating theme can put some old world charm into your kitchen and make it a warm homey room to gather in. The Tuscan style incorporates warm earth tones along with natural materials and architectural accents to create a time worn look.

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.

The Truth About Honda Pressure Washers


"What they don't tell you about Honda Pressure Washers"I recently received the following e-mail regarding honda pressure washers:"I was unaware Honda made pressure washers. I can get one locally now that I have seen your web page".

Protecting Yourself from Miter Saw Hazards


A miter saw, also known as a "chop saw," is a circular saw that is mounted on a frame. It is designed to be portable and to make very accurate angled cuts between 45 and 90 degrees.

Making the Most of a Small Bathroom


In bathroom terms at least, bigger doesn't have to be better - It's all just a case of making the most of the modest proportions you're presented with! And what's more, designing a bathroom that's small on space usage but big on style and functionality should be a lot more fun.The Click Bathrooms guide to maximising a modest bathroom follows three simple principles?1 - Make it seem biggerA great way of tackling a bathroom with limited dimensions is by creating the illusion of space.

5 Easy Steps to Protect Your Hardwood Floor From Disaster


Common knowledge states that hardwood floors are a great investment for a homeowner. They add a certain charm and character to a home that can't be replicated by laminates, carpeting, or any other type of flooring.

What You Should Know About Laminate Flooring


Laminate flooring imitates the aspect of traditional wood. Their biggest advantage is that they are very easy to install and very durable.

Replacement Windows and Double Glazing - Essential Buyers Tips


Welcome to my essential tips for replacemnent windows and double glazing buyers. Apart from the first tip (which I consider most important) the tips are not in any particular order.

Choosing a Vinyl Replacement Window Contractor


Whenever I write an article, it's usually tailored to the do-it-yourself homeowner to help them save some money on the high cost of labor these days. This article is for the "not so handy" homeowner who wants to have new vinyl windows installed in their home.

Save Money with a Solar Pool Heater & Cover


Heat your pool with a Solar Pool Heater and save the heat with a Solar Pool Cover. Solar pool heating systems are very simple in terms of engineering and application.

Hardwood Floor Refinishing - For The Faint of Heart


Are your beautiful hardwood floors not so beautiful anymore? Maybe they just need a refinishing job. It can be a daunting task, but here are some ideas to make it a little easier.

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.

Outdoor Decks - Understanding Seven Elements of Good Deck Design


You're all comfortable in your favorite lounge chair, reading your latest novel with a cool beverage nearby..

The Next Revolution in Home Entertainment - IP Based Multi-Room Distribution


The Holy Grail of distributed audio; unlimited zones and unlimited sources, cost effectively. That milestone will be achieved, and soon, through the combination of digital amplification and IP based distribution systems.

Faux Fireplace, on the Cheap!


Does the coming winter chill remind you how much you miss the basic element of fire to warm those long nights? Unfortunately, your home's builder wasn't the romantic you are, and you have no fireplace. Never fear, The Budget Decorator is here! Ok, so that's corny, but this project sure isn't!The first thing to do is to determine what element you want your fireplace to be made of.

Replacing Steel Casement Windows (Part 2)


Last week, I explained how to remove your old steel casement windows as you prepare each opening for the new Vinyl windows. In most of the country, you are limited to a replacement style frame, which is a new construction frame with the nail fin removed.

Get New Floors And Save A Bundle When You Do It Yourself


After years of use, your floor will need to be refinished and that can cost over $1000 for just one room! But if you want to put in a little time and elbow grease, you can refinish the floor yourself and have the beautiful look of warm wood in your home for a fraction of the cost.Contrary to what you may have heard, the finish doesn't take weeks to dry.

Using A Hardwood Floor Sander


Refinishing your hardwood floors yourself can be time consuming and a bit scary at first but well worth it in the long run. It can cost a bundle to hire a professional to refinish your floors for you, but if you have the time, you can do it yourself.

Refinishing A Hardwood Floor


Want to bring your hardwood floors back to their former beauty, but don't have the money? Then read on for some tips on how you can refinish the floor yourself.If you have the time and don't mind doing the work, then refinishing your floors yourself is a great option but before starting out, it's not a bad idea to get an estimate from a professional so you can compare the cost of doing it yourself to what they would charge.

Building A Pair Of Heavy Duty Saw Horses


Start out by measuring and cutting all your stock according to the cutting list and set it aside. Take the legs and mark out the tapers.

Log Homes - Finding the Perfect Log Home Plan


One of the first steps in building a log home is deciding on a floorplan. Many people spends months, or even years, searching for the perfect plan.

Planning Permission Tips UK - Illegal Building Works - Is there an Upside?


Many times throughout the year we are called in to assist people who have got into trouble by completing building works without Council permission. This can be either Planning or Building Regulations - often both.

Planning Permission Tips UK - Permitted Development Allowances - Not the Golden Goose You Imagine


There is a perception amongst most folk that every house is allowed a certain percentage of extension development without the need for formal Planning Permission. People seem to think that it applies to them even when they purchase an already extended property.

Planning Permission Tips UK - Two Story Side Extensions - The Common Mistakes


Probably the most common type of residential extension is the two storey side extension. However, it is one of the most easiest schemes to get wrong with regard to Planning Permission.

Planning Permission Tips UK - Agricultural Plots of Land for Sale - The Latest Mug Punter Scam?


The first part of most years brings a flurry of trade shows aimed at the public & trade alike such as The Ideal Home Show, Interiors & just recently the Building Exhibition at the NEC. It never ceases to amaze me the amount of new gadgets & Gizmos (along with the usual tat) that companies invent for our consumption.


More Resources


Your Home is Your Symphony
"Dr. Carl Sagan once wrote, "Somewhere, something incredible is waiting to be known.
This Is Why People Should Consider Granite Countertops
Granite countertops are among the most beautiful things you can add to your kitchen. Kitchen countertops gain a beautiful glow from these pieces of art.
Three Types of Lighting for Room Remodeling
When remodeling a room, choosing the correct lighting is one of the most important considerations. Proper lighting sets the atmosphere of the room, creates a particular mood, or provides accent to an architectural style.
Operation Closet
When the wife comes to you one fine day and says, "dear, I think we need a new closet for the bedroom", the heart surges in joy. Immediate thoughts of grabbing the coat and rushing off on a mission to the nearest DIY center enters the mind before realization dawns that first must come a shower and then work.
Protecting Yourself from Miter Saw Hazards
A miter saw, also known as a "chop saw," is a circular saw that is mounted on a frame. It is designed to be portable and to make very accurate angled cuts between 45 and 90 degrees.
Sliding Glass Door Replacement
This article is going to be about replacing an old sliding glass door with a modern Vinyl frame sliding glass door. If you currently have french doors and you want to replace them with sliding doors, or vise versa, future articles will cover that topic.
Old House Remodeling: Removing Old Tile and Glue
When you live in old house like I do, remodeling is always a challenge and a surprise. I am currently involved in a major kitchen remodel.
A Guide to Portable Dehumidifiers
The United States Environmental Protection Agency says that the way to control indoor mold growth is to control moisture. That's just one reason to invest in a portable dehumidifier.
Colour Your World With Art
When you buy art, you may think you not consciously choosing a colour scheme so much as buying something which appeals to your eye. You may prefer certain subjects for your pictures, such as land or seascapes, but certain colours, which do appear in these types of painting do evoke inner feelings and emotions.
Would You Steel Your Household Appliances
Would you steel your appliances? That is a question many consumers are now asking themselves.The "in" style -----------------------Stainless steel household appliances are the "in" style right now.
Paving The Way For Californias Asphalt Consumers
The California asphalt paving industry is ever-changing and in order to provide the best services, asphalt paving companies are turning to new technologies to stay ahead of the competition.Asphalt technology in California has been changing since the creation of Hot Mix Asphalt and will continue to change as time permits.
Log Homes - Is a Log Home In Your Future?
Many people dream about a log home in their future but never get around to making their dream come true. Here's how to get past the hurdles and start living your dream.
How to Finance a New Extension?
Want to improve the look of your property? Want to add value to your property?The extension plans are ready but the finances are not.Rather than waiting another year why not consider a Home Improvement Loan.
Bamboo Flooring for the 21st Century
Bamboo flooring has emerged as a new material for the commercial design market. It's unique look and earth friendly properties have made it popular for flooring and panels.
Concrete Cutting: Shedding Light On Your Basement Remodel
Basements or cellars (depending on which part of the country you are from) are primarily seen as dark and dingy parts of a home. In most cases they are considered a useless area or are used as a "catch all" for family discards that haven't quite made it to the curbside for trash pick up yet.
Lighting up Your Life
You are visiting a friend that has just had a beautiful kitchen remodel done. It is a lovely kitchen with stunning granite countertops and a sharp looking tile backsplash.
Laminate Flooring Advantages
DurabilityBecause it's designed with a tough and durable wear layer, laminate flooring is much stronger than most installed solid hardwood flooring, carpets and vinyls, it's more resistant to scratches than softer surfaces (solid hardwood floors for eg.) and is one of the best choices for households with heavy foot traffic, kids, or pets.
Which Lamp Should I Choose?
With all the lighting choices out there, you may want to reconsider just purchasing a lamp for your lighting needs. Whether you are looking for interior lighting or outdoor lighting, you can find many options pretty easily.
3 Kinds Of Wood Used In Real Wood Furniture
Real wood furniture is the most popular furniture inexistence. It's been around for hundreds of years andprobably existed when the cave people got tired of squattingon the dirt floor of their caves and looked around for abetter way.
How To Find Cat Mailboxes
You can add a personal touch to your home or give apersonalized gift that will be treasured for years with ahandcrafted cat mailbox. Choose from adorable wall mount,house mount, or freestanding mailboxes adorned with yourfavorite feline in playful, adorable designs.

More Home Improvement Information:

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Luxury Bedding is More Than Just Thread Count
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Reuse Works for the Workshop
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In The Mood
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Three Types of Lighting for Room Remodeling
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