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How To Use Mirrors To Open Up Smaller Spaces - Posted at 12:06 PM on 5/27/2007 by
How To Use Mirrors To Open Up Smaller Spaces Bathroom
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How To Use Mirrors To Open Up Smaller Spaces
Author: InsiderPropertySecrets.com

Mirrors are great for creating an illusion of space and are an
affordable and easy way to open up a room or hallway.

Place mirrors on the sides in narrow hallways to make them less
claustrophobic.

If you have a wall just in front of the entrance then placing a
mirror here open this up.

A mirror can be a great feature as well so consider investing in
a really classy mirror and frame that stands out and complements
the rest of the décor.

Use mirrors in bathrooms, you can be liberal here especially if the
room is small.

Make sure you place mirrors in usable heights. It can be quite
frustrating and cumbersome if you are forced to bend or jump just
to use a mirror

To read more tips and ways of home decorating and home Improvement
visit http://www.InsiderPropertySecrets.com

You are granted permission to reprint/republish this article on
your own Web Site, in your own ezine, autoresponder series,
product, bonus items, or any other format as long as it is not
altered in any way

Copyright 2004 By InsiderPropertySecrets

About the Author

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Home Decorating Secrets & Home Improvement Tips,
Strategies & Tactics, Proven To Add Value & Profit To Your Home.
http://www.InsiderPropertySecrets.com

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How to finance a new extension
How to finance a new extension? Bathroom Back To Snippet Back To SITEMAP How to finance a new extension? Author: John Mussi 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.Make the dream become reality with a UK Home Improvement Loan.Are you planning an extension to your home, a new kitchen, would you like to have double glazing, a new conservatory, patio, or a new heating system, or are you undertaking the general up keep of your home but finding it hard to pay for?A Home improvement Loan could be the easiest and cheapest way to make improvements to your home. A UK Home Improvement Loan is a low cost, low rate, cheap, low interest loan secured on your UK property. As the home owner, it frees you up to do whatever improvements you want on your property. With a UK Home Improvement Loan you can borrow from £5,000 to £75,000 with low monthly repayments. The loan can be repaid over any term between 5 and 25 years, depending on your available income and the amount of equity in the property that is to provide the security for the loan. Home Improvement Loan rates are variable, depending on status. Your monthly repayments will depend on the amount borrowed and term.A UK Home Improvement Loan can help you with: An extension or loft conversion A new kitchen A new bathroom A conservatory Landscaping your garden New furniture You may freely reprint this article provided the author's biography remains intact: About the AuthorJohn Mussi is the founder of Direct Online Loans who help UK homeowners find the best available online loans via the http://www.directonlineloans.co.uk website. ... Feng Shui Tips for the Bathroom Feng Shui Tips for the Bathroom Bathroom+decor Back To Snippet Back To SITEMAP Feng Shui Tips for the Bathroom Author: Fast Feng Shui Newsletter The bathroom has a bad reputation in feng shui, and in some ways this is deserved, as you will discover. But it's not all negative. Comfort, cleanliness, and convenience are key ingredients to good feng shui, and our modern bathrooms provide them all. One of the challenges posed by the modern bathroom is that there's no good place for it in the ba gua* [the feng shui map of a space], which long predates indoor plumbing. We can look at the ba gua and see at a glance that the Family area would be a good place for the living room, that a home office is well-placed in the Knowledge, Wealth, or Career sectors, and that the Marriage corner of the house is a great place for the master bedroom. But where does the bathroom go? The bathroom is a little out of place anywhere, although some locations are more troublesome than others. The thing to keep in mind is that bathroom plumbing has a draining effect wherever it is located. Some very difficult bathroom locations are next to or above the front door and on the second floor directly above the kitchen. These locations are particularly difficult because: - A bathroom in the front hall, close to the door, can drain chi away before it has a chance to circulate through the rest of the house. - A second-floor bathroom above the front door floods the main entry to your home with negative energy. - The water energy in a bathroom above the kitchen will extinguish the hearth's fire energy, and flood the entire kitchen with negative energy. This is potentially damaging to both health and prosperity. The worst location for a bathroom is in the center of your home, where it will destabilize the energy of the entire home. If you suspect that the bathrooms in your house are affecting important spaces, there's no need to panic. Use these simple feng shui remedies to help keep your health, wealth, and happiness from flowing down the drain: - Problem: bathroom in an important feng shui area (wealth, fame, marriage, etc.) Solutions: a full-length mirror on the outside of the bathroom door helps deflects chi so it won't be drained away; keep sink and shower drains closed when not in use; keep the toilet seat/lid down when not in use. - Problem: bathroom in the center of the home Solutions: paint the walls red, and place a stone, large crystal, or other earth-type object (such as a heavy ceramic bowl, vase, or statuette) in each corner to help stabilize the energy; a mirror on the outside of the door is highly recommended for this bathroom location. - Problem: bathroom over the front door or over the kitchen Solutions: hang a faceted crystal in the center of the room; place a three-inch round mirror on the ceiling directly above the toilet to visually reverse the downward flow of water (use double-sided tape to hold the mirror in place); place earth-type objects in the corners of the room to stabilize the energy; add an image such as a bird or tree to the downstairs area below the bathroom to help lift the energy there. Bathrooms are places for purification and cleansing, so a clean, sanitary bathroom strengthens and supports this important energy. A dirty bathroom, on the other hand, emphasizes the negative qualities of this room. If your bathroom occupies any of the more challenging locations described above, it is essential to keep it sparkling clean, tidy, and well-lit. After implementing the necessary precautions described above, you can further improve the chi of the bathroom by making it as pleasant a space as possible. This is where you begin and end the active part of each day, so the more attractive and inviting you can make it the better. Most of us live hectic, stressful lives, and are in serious need of soothing places where we can relax and unwind. A clean, tidy, nicely appointed bathroom invites you to soak your worries away in a hot bath with lavender-scented bath salts. Make this pampering experience even nicer with candlelight, soft music, and a pile of fresh fluffy towels with which to dry off. All-white bathroom decor can seem cold and clinical; add warmth with pastel-colored towels and accessories, colorful scented candles, and attractive artwork. Excerpted from “The Pocket Idiot’s Guide to Feng Shui” by Stephanie Roberts (Alpha Books, 2004) © 2004 Stephanie Roberts *To learn more about the feng shui ba gua and how to use it effectively in your space, click here. Stephanie Roberts is the author of the popular Fast Feng Shui book series, available at Amazon. com and Fastfengshui.com. Subscibe to the Fast Feng Shui Newsletter and receive FR(EE) Feng Shui tips in every issue. Visit Fast Feng Shui.com for details. ... Complete your wall decor with Decorative Plates Complete your wall decor with Decorative Plates Bathroom Back To Snippet Back To SITEMAP Complete your wall decor with Decorative Plates Author: Johann Erickson Decorative plates are often overlooked when decorating a home. Yet, it's the details that really make the elements of a room come together—and decorative plates are a detail present in most rooms. While there are decorative plates that are solely functional in purpose, most have the potential to add to the ambiance of a room. Think about the following wall plate options:Cover your decorative plates in wallpaper that matches your wall for an understated elegance. You can also use this method to hide outlets on walls that display art. Wood decorative plates are perfect for a room with a country or colonial flair. Metal decorative plates come in a variety of textures and materials. Metal wall plates enhance contemporary, Victorian, and rustic decor.Porcelain decorative plates complement shabby chic, bathrooms, and some Victorian design.Mirror decorative plates can be used on mirrors, mirrored walls, or even as an eclectic detail in a uniquely decorated room.Match your decorative plates with cabinets, doorknobs, and furniture hardware. With the wide variety available, you can also tailor them to table lamps and other light fixtures. Since wall plates come in all shapes and sizes, you can match them to the curves of your furniture placement. Matching will cleverly enhance featured pieces in a room without distracting from their appeal.In addition to decorative plate style, you may want to consider changing the switch itself. Dimmer switches are available as dials, slides, touch pads, and combinations of each. The ability to adjust lighting in each room of your home provides you a way to highlight specific room features or set the appropriate mood.Decorative plates, often taken for granted, are a versatile design element. They can be romantic, sophisticated, sleek, or fun. First decide what you need your decorative plate to do for a room, and then shop for it as seriously as you would shop for furniture, wall coverings, or carpet.About the AuthorJohann Erickson is the owner of Online Discount Mart Please include an active link to our site if you'd like to reprint this article. ... Bathroom Remodeling Ideas Bathroom Remodeling Ideas Bathroom+remodeling Back To Snippet Back To SITEMAP Bathroom Remodeling Ideas Author: Dan Noyes Bathroom remodeling is often a popular home improvement project for both new and old homeowners. This may include painting, using new countertops, vanities, windows, retiling, floors, appliances, vents or better lighting. Before embarking on a project of remodeling your bathroom, provided below are a few tips and ideas to make the experience even more fruitful.PlanningGood planning goes a long way in helping achieve the design of your dreams. First decide whether you want to take up the project yourself or bring in the assistance of an interior designer, bathroom remodeling contractor or a home improvement expert. Consider your budget at this stage and also prioritize the aspects you want to remodel. Do you just want to make just a few changes with minor repairs or give your bathroom a whole new look.The designNext measure the bathroom for dimensions and to get an idea of how you can make the best use of the space available. Now consider a good design that gives a feeling of class and space to the room. Also remember not to use creativity at the cost of functionality of the bathroom.Walls and floorsYou can consider painting your walls or using ceramic or granite tiles to suit the concept of the bathroom. Popular flooring options include ceramic tiles, linoleum and baseboards.The appliancesConsider the appliances that need remodeling with respect to the design of the room. You may want to change the lighting, bathtubs, sinks, showers, faucets and toilets with respect to the concept of the entire room. Use appropriate colors and materials.Other aspectsFinally you may want to consider using some space for storage where you can stack things that you do not want to be visible outside. Use cabinets made of appropriate materials like wood, laminate or metal to suit the design of your bathroom. Besides storage, consider ergonomics and keep modern usage trends in mind for a creative and functional bathroom.While bathroom remodeling can be an exciting project it can also seem daunting because of the various aspects that need to be considered for the look and design you require. We at totalremodeling.com have a range of choices, designs, colors and textures to help you through the process. Our panel of experts is also here just to help you remodel your bathroom for the design of your dreams.Dan NoyesHome Remodeling IdeasRead More ON Home Remodeling Information ... Bathroom Remodel The Plan Bathroom Remodel - The Plan Bathroom+remodeling Back To Snippet Back To SITEMAP Bathroom Remodel - The Plan Author: David Foy Planning a bathroom remodel? Each home project of this nature can be broken down into 5 distinct steps. Following through each step will help this often confusing process make more sense and produce a better outcome.Bathroom DesignAsk yourself the question - "What will I have when I'm finished". Similar to planning a road-trip, a successful build project begins with an effective vision of what you want. This step is vital even if you intend to hire a professional to complete the job.Choosing hardware and materialsEvery bathroom remodel varies in the level of work and expense involved. To save a bit of cash you may want to consider refinishing a tub instead of replacing it. Often times a refinishing a bathroom tub will cost less than half price of replacing it. Old bathroom vanities and sinks are often the spark that ignites the bathroom remodeling process to begin with. Spend time at the hardware store to get some quick ideas on vanities, tubs and showers.When choosing a vanity, consider:Storage area - is the vanity designed in such a way that you'll be using all the space availableDrawer space vs. cabinet space - take a look at your current "inventory" of stuff - do you need more or less drawers for convenient storageIntegrated sink - a vanity with an integrated sink will make quick clean up a snap.Project BudgetRegardless of whether you are financing your bathroom remodel or paying cash setting a firm and realistic budget will help you make other decisions. Using a professional will provide the best result for the money you spend. You may consider doing demolition and preparation work yourself to save a bit of money.Divide and conquer - (Delegate the work)Prior to starting your project make as complete a list as possible regarding the tasks involved. If you are using a contractor, you may want to discuss with them how you can effectively be involved to help reduce expenses without "getting in the way" of a good job.Start!Although planning is an essential beginning to any successful project, nothing will change until you START the process. So get started already!About The AuthorContractors-Search.com provides articles and information on home improvement. Click here for more details http://www.contractors-search.com/a/publish/index.shtml ... A Hidden Jewel In Home Decorating The Powder Room A Hidden Jewel In Home Decorating, The Powder Room Bathroom Back To Snippet Back To SITEMAP A Hidden Jewel In Home Decorating, The Powder Room Author: Bonnie P. Carrier Typically a small space consisting of just a sink and toilet, you most likely know them by a more common term “half-bath” or “guest bath. Ever wonder where the term “powder room” came from? It’s derived from Victorian times, when women needed to “powder their noses”.Why consider them a jewel when it comes to decorating, also why bother decorating them, it is after all only a bathroom.A bathroom is a room in your home, in fact depending on the number of baths you have it can become a public room, which means from time to time other people besides yourself will be passing through. So why not dress it up, even if guest only use it occasionally make it pretty for you.Due to their size, a complete make over can be done in as little as a weekend and at little cost. This is also what makes them a jewel; being small you can really have fun decorating them, plus by not requiring a big budget you’re able to change the look more often. The following are a few ideas to get started with.Start with the walls. Paint, wallpaper, stenciling what ever treatment you like. With the small size of the room, the cost will be a lot lower.Here is the perfect opportunity to experiment with bolder colors, some type of theme or maybe you’ve been dying to try one of the many painting techniques. Using a theme to decorate the bath can be really fun. If your not sure what to use take a look around your home for inspiration. It could be an extension of a collection you may have or a take off on a vacation. Example of a theme, based on a vacation: Do you love the beach and vacation each year at the ocean? If so here is your inspiration. Use a wallpaper border around the room with shells or boats on it. Hunt around discount stores, flea markets or garage sales for beach related accessories; use a lightweight natural color window treatment. But before you purchase anything new, take a walk around the house, if you love the beach chances are you may already have items that you can use. Add some sparkle with a new light fixture, mirror or towel racks in finishes of chrome, gold and bronze. With limited floor space, look for storage solutions that perform double duty. Shelves with a towel rack provide not only a place to hang pretty towels; it’s the perfect place for extra toiletries and accessories.New flooring can add drama however; if this is not currently in the budget an area rug in a bold color or a geometric pattern will do the trick.Of course a complete make over is not always necessary, sometimes just simple changes could be all that’s needed. How about a vase of fresh flowers, some new towels, a whimsical piece of art or new window treatments. Have some fun - get creative – and turn that often passed over half-bath into something special. Let it become the jewel in your home decorating projects box.This article is shareware. Give this article away for free on your site, or include it as part of any paid package as long as the entire article is left intact including this notice. Copyright © 2004 bonnie carrierAbout the AuthorBonnie P. Carrier is the creator of Savvy Home Decorating. She is the mother to two grown daughters and a very spoiled 4yr old Blue Merle Sheltie named Toby. Having been a homemaker for over 23yrs has provided years of experience in budget decorating and organization. Stop by Savvy Home Decorating -www.savvy-home-decorating.com - for ideas and tips on budget decorating: ... Inspecting a HomeKitchen and Bathroom Blinds Kitchen and Bathroom Blinds Bathroom+remodeling Back To Snippet Back To SITEMAP Kitchen and Bathroom Blinds Author: Garry John There are some important considerations when treating kitchen and bathroom windows. With the unique conditions that exist in these rooms it is important to choose blinds that suit. This article looks at some of the things to ponder when choosing bathroom and kitchen blinds. When decorating a bathroom or kitchen, most people make the error of regarding this private sanctuary like any other room in the residence. The reality is that the bathroom has different requirements than any other room in the house. With showers running and baths being drawn, bathrooms are necessarily humid spaces. The damp climate requires consideration when decorating plans are being crafted and created. Similiar conditions can apply to kitchens and there are a great deal of similiarities between kitchen blinds (http://www.window-blinds.org.uk/kitchen.html) and those found in the bathroom. When work is being done on a bathroom, due consideration must be made for obtaining water repellant and water resistant materials. This holds true for everything that is a part of a bathroom remodeling job, including bathroom blinds that are selected for the space. As mentioned, one of the main decorating factors that must be considered in planning for a bathroom rehab is the generally damp nature of the space. In most instances, it is advisable to avoid using heavy fabrics in window treatments intended for a bathroom. In little time, substantial fabric pieces can fall victim to serious mildew and end up virtually rotting off the rods. Consequently, a bright designer normally would elect to utilize smart looking blinds when undertaking a bathroom deco job. Three major choices exist for a person interested in sprucing up a bathroom with attractive looking blinds. First of all, aluminum blinds (http://www.window-blinds.org.uk/aluminium.html) are ideal for bathroom settings. Obviously, these types of blinds will not be effected particularly by any lingering dampness in the bathroom space. Additionally, aluminum bathroom blinds (http://www.window-blinds.org.uk/bathroom.htm) come in a wide choice of designs that blend beautifully with any overall design concept. Indeed, it is hard to imagine that a person styling a bathroom will not be able to find precisely the precise colour of blinds for the space. Another choice for bathrooms are faux wooden blinds. With the manner in which such blinds are being crafted and created today, an observer can only tell that the blinds are not the real things upon very close inspection. Finally, in some instances, wooden blinds (http://www.window-blinds.org.uk/wooden.html) are appropriate for a bathroom. However, it is imperative that the wood actually used in such blinds be well treated with appropriate water sealants to make certain that they are not harmed or damaged by the humid tendencies of the bathroom space. It is the case that most families spend the greatest amount of time hovering all about the kitchen. While people may spend a good deal of time in the living, great or family rooms plopped in front of the telly, the reality is that most of activity in the vast majority of households take place in the kitchen. Just like you need special bathroom blinds for the bathroom, the kitchen needs its own specialist versions. The kitchen is a dichotomy for most decorators. The kitchen is all at once a productive space in the household but it is also an important point of family life and should be decorated to reflect the same. The kitchen is a practical, functioning space that needs to not only allow for work but must also be charming and pleasant in its overall décor. Window treatments are an important aspect of the inclusive decorating scheme for the kitchen. Most kitchens in recent years are architecturally designed to take the greatest advantage of sunlight. Thus, window space has tended to be maximized in both construction and remodeling blue prints for the past decade when it comes to the kitchen space. Flouncing draperies are not the best alternative for a kitchen. As mentioned, in a space that is designed and designated both for work and looks, hanging drapes can be impractical at least and a hazard in the worst case scenario. Blinds are the ideal treatments for a kitchen and in this day and age there are a wide number of blinds to choose from when it comes to making decisions for a kitchen. Venetian blinds (http://www.window-blinds.org.uk/venetian.html) and similar slated variaties are gaining in popularity in the kitchen and this is largely due to the fact that slated blinds are ideal in settings that are high in traffic and in which a good deal of work is undertaken. More often than not treated wooden blinds and aluminum blinds are being used kitchens. In the end, there are many varieties of blinds to choose from when it comes to decorating the kitchen. And, these blinds that are available on the market perfectly blend the practical and attractive sides of the working kitchen environment in the 21st century. About The AuthorGarry John is a regular contributor to home improvement sites such as window blinds (http://www.window-blinds.eu.com). This article was posted on April 05, 2005 ... Inspecting a Home Inspecting a Home Bathroom Back To Snippet Back To SITEMAP Inspecting a Home Author: Jim O'Keefe Inspecting a House Before you buy any house, take the time to thoroughly inspect the structure and mechanical systems. Costly repairs can often be avoided or at least anticipated by a preliminary inspection before a purchase offer is signed. If the house is inspected before a purchase offer is made, you will know in advance if heating equipment, rewiring, or any other costly repairs or replacements will be needed. If defects are found, you do not necessarily have to reject the house. A purchase offer can include a contingency clause that identifies what needs to be corrected before the sale is finalized. Another option is to offer a lower purchase price based on the cost of correcting the problems. After an offer to purchase contract is signed (but before a loan is applied for or a title inspection ordered), a thorough inspection should be done. Some lenders require a mechanical and structural inspection by a qualified house inspector. Even if a lending institution does not require such an inspection, you may want one. Reserve the right to cancel or renegotiate a purchase agreement if a professional inspection reveals significant defects. If you decide to hire a professional inspector, be there when the inspection is done. Follow him or her around. Ask questions. It is important to know what is being checked, why, and the condition of each area. TOOLS · Pencil and paper to record information on the house. · Measuring tape (25 or 50 feet) to measure the dimensions of the house and individual rooms. (The measurements will show whether pieces of furniture will fit into specific rooms). Keep a file with the links that you visit and find valuable and you can write another article with just links to great places to visit related to that topic. You can also use these to create a links page on your site.· Stepladder, if needed, for access to an attic · Flashlight with a strong beam for inspecting the attic, basement, and storage areas with poor lighting. · Coveralls to protect your clothing when inspecting the attic or crawl space. · Ice pick or pocket knife to test the condition of wood structure. · Hand level to check drainage of sidewalks, porches, and basement floor and to see if the floors are level. · Screwdriver to remove electrical faceplates to look for evidence of insulation and the condition of the wiring. (Turn off electrical power at fuse or circuit breaker box first!) · Three-prong electrical circuit tester to test receptacles. · Binoculars for inspecting roof shingles and flashing from the ground. INSPECTION PROCEDURE Walk around the outside of the house at least twice. As you walk, note specific areas that you need to inspect more carefully when inside the house. Look first at the foundation, drainage, and siding; the second time check windows, gutters, and the roof. Once the outside inspection is finished, move inside the house. Start in the crawl space or basement and work up through the house to the attic. Take plenty of time to look behind boxes, in dark areas, under cabinets, etc. The items listed below will help you do a thorough inspection. Use this list as a guide when inspecting any house. The items do not include such personal preferences as interior decoration (color, carpet, window treatment, etc.) or the presence of optional equipment (air conditioning, security system, etc.) NOTE: The items are not listed in the exact order which you might follow when inspecting a house. Answer YES or NO to as many of the questions as apply to the house you are inspecting:Does the slope of the lot prevent water from standing next to the house? Water-saturated soil could indicate the lack of drain tile. Is there easy and safe access to the lot? Is the lot safe and convenient?Are there signs of septic field drainage problems? These may include odor of raw sewage, extremely soggy soil over the drainfield, sewage discharged over the ground or in nearby ditches, broken or cracked white pipes that stick out of the ground, or an alarm flashing or beeping in the house. Are there enough electrical receptacles to meet your needs? Grounded receptacles have a third, round hole. Use a circuit tester to see if receptacles are wired correctly and are grounded. Does the house have ground-fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) protection in the kitchen, bathroom, garage, and outdoor circuits? Special GFCI receptacles can be identified by the "test" and "reset" buttons on the face of each outlet; GFCI breakers are labeled in the service box. If this protection is found in an older home, it indicates that the electrical system has been upgraded. Is there visible electrical wiring in the attic, basement, or garage? Note the type of wire used and its condition. As with the heating system, you may wish to have a professional check the electrical system. WATER SYSTEM AND QUALITY OF WATERAre the plumbing fixtures, especially in the bathroom and kitchen, in good condition? Look for water damage on the bottom of sink cabinets, around the bases of toilets, and on ceilings (below upstairs plumbing fixtures). Check the water pressure at the faucets. Turn on all faucets and flush all toilets at the same time. How long it takes the tanks to refill under these conditions is a good indication of the water pressure. Are there a shut-off valves on both hot and cold water supply lines to all sinks? Look for signs of rust and leaks in the water heater. Is there a pressure relief valve? Is there a private well? Has the water been tested? Acceptable water quality can be a contingency in your purchase offer. You can get information on water testing from your county cooperative extension center. For more information, see Lead in Drinking Water, or Removing Mineral Deposits from Household Surfaces, or Radon in Water, or Health Effects of Drinking Water Contaminants, or Home Drinking Water Treatment Systems. SEWAGE DISPOSALIf there is a septic tank, is it in good condition? What is its age? Has it been pumped regularly at 3- to 5-year intervals? Are there any signs indicating faulty or inadequate capacity of drain lines, such as a slowly draining sink, or a toilet that backs up? APPLIANCESDo some appliances remain with the house? These may include a built-in oven, dishwasher, garbage disposal, free-standing range, refrigerator, washer, dryer, and window air conditioning unit. All should be tested for efficient and safe operation. Ask the owner for any records of service and repair. INSECT DAMAGEAre there signs of wood damage from insects? The most destructive insect is the termite, which eats the interior of studs and joists. Termites may cause much damage before they are detected. Termite inspection is required by most lenders. Has the house been periodically inspected and treated for termites? Are there piles of coarse sawdust beneath the timbers? This may indicate the presence of carpenter ants. Unlike termites, carpenter ants do not eat wood, but they do nest in it. They are most likely to attack wood that has already begun to rot. These ants may also be heard within walls and may even be spotted inside the house in the winter. They are black and about 1/2-inch long. Do you see deposits of sawdust on the floor and small pencil-lead size holes in wood beams and floor joists? This may indicate the presence of the powder-post beetle. To verify, check to see if the wood crumbles when an ice pick or pocketknife is pressed into the beams, floor joists, support posts, and sill plates. If there is some indication of the presence of termites, carpenter ants, or powder-post beetles, your purchase offer can be contingent on the house being free from infestation by these or other insects. You can ask the seller to pay the cost of a professional insect inspection and treatment; however, inspection is usually paid by the buyer. THE INDOOR ENVIRONMENTCertain products or pollutants in the indoor environment can cause health problems. Asbestos, carbon monoxide, and radon are hazards that may be present. Lead, which can be present in water or paint, can cause health problems in children and during pregnancy. And some people are sensitive to certain products or pollutants like formaldehyde and volatile organic compounds. You may want to test for some or all of the following contaminants. Contact your local health department or county cooperative extension center for guidance on testing. · Formaldehyde is often found in particle and other composition board, plywood, paneling, wallpaper, and permanent-pressed fabrics. · Asbestos fibers may be found in thermal insulation, pipe and duct insulation, vinyl flooring, textured paint, exterior siding, and appliances, stoves, and furnaces. Removal of asbestos can be expensive and should be left to a professional. · Carbon monoxide may be leaking from defective or improperly vented combustion appliances, such as furnaces, gas dryers, and gas heaters. These should be checked by a qualified heating system technician. Try to avoid the use of wood stoves or kerosene heaters. · Radon, a colorless and odorless soil gas, can travel from the soil to the foundation and then to the inside of a house. It can have long-term health effects. If the house hasn't been tested for radon, you may want to ask the seller to establish an escrow account to cover costs of remediation, if necessary. · Volatile Organic Compounds are found in flammable and other household cleaning and maintenance products. You may want these products removed before you take possession of the house. · Lead may be present in house paints used before 1977 and in the piping system at soldered joints. If you have small children and suspect the presence of lead, you may want to have the house checked. Removal of lead-based paint can be costly. About the AuthorJames O’Keefe is the owner of My Millionaire Friend. offering FREE articles, tips, hints, and real-world advice on how to make money with your website. Visit his site or join his FREE newsletter by sending a blank email to mailto:newsletter@mymillionairefriend.com. ... How To Use Mirrors To Open Up Smaller Spaces How To Use Mirrors To Open Up Smaller Spaces Bathroom Back To Snippet Back To SITEMAP How To Use Mirrors To Open Up Smaller Spaces Author: InsiderPropertySecrets.com Mirrors are great for creating an illusion of space and are an affordable and easy way to open up a room or hallway. Place mirrors on the sides in narrow hallways to make them less claustrophobic.If you have a wall just in front of the entrance then placing a mirror here open this up. A mirror can be a great feature as well so consider investing in a really classy mirror and frame that stands out and complements the rest of the décor.Use mirrors in bathrooms, you can be liberal here especially if the room is small.Make sure you place mirrors in usable heights. It can be quite frustrating and cumbersome if you are forced to bend or jump justto use a mirrorTo read more tips and ways of home decorating and home Improvementvisit http://www.InsiderPropertySecrets.comYou are granted permission to reprint/republish this article on your own Web Site, in your own ezine, autoresponder series, product, bonus items, or any other format as long as it is notaltered in any wayCopyright 2004 By InsiderPropertySecretsAbout the Author~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Home Decorating Secrets & Home Improvement Tips, Strategies & Tactics, Proven To Add Value & Profit To Your Home.http://www.InsiderPropertySecrets.com~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ ... How to finance a new extension How to finance a new extension? Bathroom Back To Snippet Back To SITEMAP How to finance a new extension? Author: John Mussi 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.Make the dream become reality with a UK Home Improvement Loan.Are you planning an extension to your home, a new kitchen, would you like to have double glazing, a new conservatory, patio, or a new heating system, or are you undertaking the general up keep of your home but finding it hard to pay for?A Home improvement Loan could be the easiest and cheapest way to make improvements to your home. A UK Home Improvement Loan is a low cost, low rate, cheap, low interest loan secured on your UK property. As the home owner, it frees you up to do whatever improvements you want on your property. With a UK Home Improvement Loan you can borrow from £5,000 to £75,000 with low monthly repayments. The loan can be repaid over any term between 5 and 25 years, depending on your available income and the amount of equity in the property that is to provide the security for the loan. Home Improvement Loan rates are variable, depending on status. Your monthly repayments will depend on the amount borrowed and term.A UK Home Improvement Loan can help you with: An extension or loft conversion A new kitchen A new bathroom A conservatory Landscaping your garden New furniture You may freely reprint this article provided the author's biography remains intact: About the AuthorJohn Mussi is the founder of Direct Online Loans who help UK homeowners find the best available online loans via the http://www.directonlineloans.co.uk website. ... Feng Shui Tips for the Bathroom Feng Shui Tips for the Bathroom Bathroom+decor Back To Snippet Back To SITEMAP Feng Shui Tips for the Bathroom Author: Fast Feng Shui Newsletter The bathroom has a bad reputation in feng shui, and in some ways this is deserved, as you will discover. But it's not all negative. Comfort, cleanliness, and convenience are key ingredients to good feng shui, and our modern bathrooms provide them all. One of the challenges posed by the modern bathroom is that there's no good place for it in the ba gua* [the feng shui map of a space], which long predates indoor plumbing. We can look at the ba gua and see at a glance that the Family area would be a good place for the living room, that a home office is well-placed in the Knowledge, Wealth, or Career sectors, and that the Marriage corner of the house is a great place for the master bedroom. But where does the bathroom go? The bathroom is a little out of place anywhere, although some locations are more troublesome than others. The thing to keep in mind is that bathroom plumbing has a draining effect wherever it is located. Some very difficult bathroom locations are next to or above the front door and on the second floor directly above the kitchen. These locations are particularly difficult because: - A bathroom in the front hall, close to the door, can drain chi away before it has a chance to circulate through the rest of the house. - A second-floor bathroom above the front door floods the main entry to your home with negative energy. - The water energy in a bathroom above the kitchen will extinguish the hearth's fire energy, and flood the entire kitchen with negative energy. This is potentially damaging to both health and prosperity. The worst location for a bathroom is in the center of your home, where it will destabilize the energy of the entire home. If you suspect that the bathrooms in your house are affecting important spaces, there's no need to panic. Use these simple feng shui remedies to help keep your health, wealth, and happiness from flowing down the drain: - Problem: bathroom in an important feng shui area (wealth, fame, marriage, etc.) Solutions: a full-length mirror on the outside of the bathroom door helps deflects chi so it won't be drained away; keep sink and shower drains closed when not in use; keep the toilet seat/lid down when not in use. - Problem: bathroom in the center of the home Solutions: paint the walls red, and place a stone, large crystal, or other earth-type object (such as a heavy ceramic bowl, vase, or statuette) in each corner to help stabilize the energy; a mirror on the outside of the door is highly recommended for this bathroom location. - Problem: bathroom over the front door or over the kitchen Solutions: hang a faceted crystal in the center of the room; place a three-inch round mirror on the ceiling directly above the toilet to visually reverse the downward flow of water (use double-sided tape to hold the mirror in place); place earth-type objects in the corners of the room to stabilize the energy; add an image such as a bird or tree to the downstairs area below the bathroom to help lift the energy there. Bathrooms are places for purification and cleansing, so a clean, sanitary bathroom strengthens and supports this important energy. A dirty bathroom, on the other hand, emphasizes the negative qualities of this room. If your bathroom occupies any of the more challenging locations described above, it is essential to keep it sparkling clean, tidy, and well-lit. After implementing the necessary precautions described above, you can further improve the chi of the bathroom by making it as pleasant a space as possible. This is where you begin and end the active part of each day, so the more attractive and inviting you can make it the better. Most of us live hectic, stressful lives, and are in serious need of soothing places where we can relax and unwind. A clean, tidy, nicely appointed bathroom invites you to soak your worries away in a hot bath with lavender-scented bath salts. Make this pampering experience even nicer with candlelight, soft music, and a pile of fresh fluffy towels with which to dry off. All-white bathroom decor can seem cold and clinical; add warmth with pastel-colored towels and accessories, colorful scented candles, and attractive artwork. Excerpted from “The Pocket Idiot’s Guide to Feng Shui” by Stephanie Roberts (Alpha Books, 2004) © 2004 Stephanie Roberts *To learn more about the feng shui ba gua and how to use it effectively in your space, click here. Stephanie Roberts is the author of the popular Fast Feng Shui book series, available at Amazon. com and Fastfengshui.com. Subscibe to the Fast Feng Shui Newsletter and receive FR(EE) Feng Shui tips in every issue. Visit Fast Feng Shui.com for details. ... Decorating to Sell a House by Meeting Three Key Ne Decorating to Sell a House by Meeting Three Key Needs Bathroom Back To Snippet Back To SITEMAP Decorating to Sell a House by Meeting Three Key Needs Author: Julie Dana Specific marketing campaigns are no longer just for automobiles and designer clothes. Targeted marketing techniques are now applied to houses that are for sale. Decorating your house in a specific manner to facilitate the selling of it is an important aspect of selling and marketing your home; this type of decorating is called home staging. The goal of this type of decorating is to strategically style to address the psychological needs of the buyer. The buyer has three major needs when they look at the house.Can I imagine myself (my family) living here?Is this an easy, carefree house to live in?Is this a good value for my money?All décor choices you make to sell the house will reflect those needs of the buyer.The most important tip to keep in mind at all times is that first impressions are critical in every area. The first time a potential buyer sees this house is curb appeal. That first glance they get as they step in the house can sell the house. First impression will happen in each and every room; make that impression awesome!Remove: This area of staging is very difficult for some homeowners because it involves decorating it as a marketable house not as a beloved home. You do not want anything personal on display. This includes removing all family photographs, all toiletries, mail/bill piles, and all special collectibles. All bathroom and kitchen counters need to be cleared expect for only one or two decorative objects. Generally speaking, remove all wallpaper and paint all rooms a neutral ivory color. This meets the need of being able to imagine living there (and not being distracted by who lives there now)Clean: The house needs to be absolutely sparkling clean. This includes washing windows inside and out, shining the kitchen sink, dusting baseboards, bleaching grout around tiles. It also needs to smell clean and fresh. The house can not smell of animals or cooking. Do not have daily housekeeping supplies visible to potential buyers. This includes laundry baskets and dish drainers - nothing to remind people that there will be work to do in this house. You want to meet their psychological need of living in an easy, carefree house.Reduce: This area of staging® is the most over looked area by the do-it-yourself home seller. All closets of any kind - (foyer closets, master bedroom closets, linen closet, pantry etc) must only be half full. And that does really mean only ½ full. Also consider taking out the extra living room chair or extra dresser in the bedroom. Pack up items you can do without for the next couple months. You want to show that the house has lots of space and room to grow. This meets the needs of good value for the money.These three simple but effective decorating techniques can help you market and sell you home for what it is worth.About the AuthorJulie Dana is a professional Interior Redesigner and Accredited Staging Professional. Her company, The Home Stylist, offers online decorating consultations, do-it-yourself decorating plans and real-estate staging.Visit http://www.thehomestylist.com/ to take a fun style quiz, vote on a color poll, and sign up for free decorating e-newsletter. ... Complete your wall decor with Decorative Plates Complete your wall decor with Decorative Plates Bathroom Back To Snippet Back To SITEMAP Complete your wall decor with Decorative Plates Author: Johann Erickson Decorative plates are often overlooked when decorating a home. Yet, it's the details that really make the elements of a room come together—and decorative plates are a detail present in most rooms. While there are decorative plates that are solely functional in purpose, most have the potential to add to the ambiance of a room. Think about the following wall plate options:Cover your decorative plates in wallpaper that matches your wall for an understated elegance. You can also use this method to hide outlets on walls that display art. Wood decorative plates are perfect for a room with a country or colonial flair. Metal decorative plates come in a variety of textures and materials. Metal wall plates enhance contemporary, Victorian, and rustic decor.Porcelain decorative plates complement shabby chic, bathrooms, and some Victorian design.Mirror decorative plates can be used on mirrors, mirrored walls, or even as an eclectic detail in a uniquely decorated room.Match your decorative plates with cabinets, doorknobs, and furniture hardware. With the wide variety available, you can also tailor them to table lamps and other light fixtures. Since wall plates come in all shapes and sizes, you can match them to the curves of your furniture placement. Matching will cleverly enhance featured pieces in a room without distracting from their appeal.In addition to decorative plate style, you may want to consider changing the switch itself. Dimmer switches are available as dials, slides, touch pads, and combinations of each. The ability to adjust lighting in each room of your home provides you a way to highlight specific room features or set the appropriate mood.Decorative plates, often taken for granted, are a versatile design element. They can be romantic, sophisticated, sleek, or fun. First decide what you need your decorative plate to do for a room, and then shop for it as seriously as you would shop for furniture, wall coverings, or carpet.About the AuthorJohann Erickson is the owner of Online Discount Mart Please include an active link to our site if you'd like to reprint this article. ... Bathroom Remodeling Ideas Bathroom Remodeling Ideas Bathroom+remodeling Back To Snippet Back To SITEMAP Bathroom Remodeling Ideas Author: Dan Noyes Bathroom remodeling is often a popular home improvement project for both new and old homeowners. This may include painting, using new countertops, vanities, windows, retiling, floors, appliances, vents or better lighting. Before embarking on a project of remodeling your bathroom, provided below are a few tips and ideas to make the experience even more fruitful.PlanningGood planning goes a long way in helping achieve the design of your dreams. First decide whether you want to take up the project yourself or bring in the assistance of an interior designer, bathroom remodeling contractor or a home improvement expert. Consider your budget at this stage and also prioritize the aspects you want to remodel. Do you just want to make just a few changes with minor repairs or give your bathroom a whole new look.The designNext measure the bathroom for dimensions and to get an idea of how you can make the best use of the space available. Now consider a good design that gives a feeling of class and space to the room. Also remember not to use creativity at the cost of functionality of the bathroom.Walls and floorsYou can consider painting your walls or using ceramic or granite tiles to suit the concept of the bathroom. Popular flooring options include ceramic tiles, linoleum and baseboards.The appliancesConsider the appliances that need remodeling with respect to the design of the room. You may want to change the lighting, bathtubs, sinks, showers, faucets and toilets with respect to the concept of the entire room. Use appropriate colors and materials.Other aspectsFinally you may want to consider using some space for storage where you can stack things that you do not want to be visible outside. Use cabinets made of appropriate materials like wood, laminate or metal to suit the design of your bathroom. Besides storage, consider ergonomics and keep modern usage trends in mind for a creative and functional bathroom.While bathroom remodeling can be an exciting project it can also seem daunting because of the various aspects that need to be considered for the look and design you require. We at totalremodeling.com have a range of choices, designs, colors and textures to help you through the process. Our panel of experts is also here just to help you remodel your bathroom for the design of your dreams.Dan NoyesHome Remodeling IdeasRead More ON Home Remodeling Information ... A Hidden Jewel In Home Decorating The Powder Room A Hidden Jewel In Home Decorating, The Powder Room Bathroom Back To Snippet Back To SITEMAP A Hidden Jewel In Home Decorating, The Powder Room Author: Bonnie P. Carrier Typically a small space consisting of just a sink and toilet, you most likely know them by a more common term “half-bath” or “guest bath. Ever wonder where the term “powder room” came from? It’s derived from Victorian times, when women needed to “powder their noses”.Why consider them a jewel when it comes to decorating, also why bother decorating them, it is after all only a bathroom.A bathroom is a room in your home, in fact depending on the number of baths you have it can become a public room, which means from time to time other people besides yourself will be passing through. So why not dress it up, even if guest only use it occasionally make it pretty for you.Due to their size, a complete make over can be done in as little as a weekend and at little cost. This is also what makes them a jewel; being small you can really have fun decorating them, plus by not requiring a big budget you’re able to change the look more often. The following are a few ideas to get started with.Start with the walls. Paint, wallpaper, stenciling what ever treatment you like. With the small size of the room, the cost will be a lot lower.Here is the perfect opportunity to experiment with bolder colors, some type of theme or maybe you’ve been dying to try one of the many painting techniques. Using a theme to decorate the bath can be really fun. If your not sure what to use take a look around your home for inspiration. It could be an extension of a collection you may have or a take off on a vacation. Example of a theme, based on a vacation: Do you love the beach and vacation each year at the ocean? If so here is your inspiration. Use a wallpaper border around the room with shells or boats on it. Hunt around discount stores, flea markets or garage sales for beach related accessories; use a lightweight natural color window treatment. But before you purchase anything new, take a walk around the house, if you love the beach chances are you may already have items that you can use. Add some sparkle with a new light fixture, mirror or towel racks in finishes of chrome, gold and bronze. With limited floor space, look for storage solutions that perform double duty. Shelves with a towel rack provide not only a place to hang pretty towels; it’s the perfect place for extra toiletries and accessories.New flooring can add drama however; if this is not currently in the budget an area rug in a bold color or a geometric pattern will do the trick.Of course a complete make over is not always necessary, sometimes just simple changes could be all that’s needed. How about a vase of fresh flowers, some new towels, a whimsical piece of art or new window treatments. Have some fun - get creative – and turn that often passed over half-bath into something special. Let it become the jewel in your home decorating projects box.This article is shareware. Give this article away for free on your site, or include it as part of any paid package as long as the entire article is left intact including this notice. Copyright © 2004 bonnie carrierAbout the AuthorBonnie P. Carrier is the creator of Savvy Home Decorating. She is the mother to two grown daughters and a very spoiled 4yr old Blue Merle Sheltie named Toby. Having been a homemaker for over 23yrs has provided years of experience in budget decorating and organization. Stop by Savvy Home Decorating -www.savvy-home-decorating.com - for ideas and tips on budget decorating: ... Kitchen and Bathroom BlindsPlanning your DIY project Planning your DIY project Bathroom Back To Snippet Back To SITEMAP Planning your DIY project Author: Alan Woodbridge Ready to start your first serious DIY project? Read through the checklist below to make sure you are well prepared to start - and finish! - the job:1. Do an overview of the project, making sure that you understand all its requirements. Sometimes imagining that you have been hired to do the job may help you take a better perspective on what it will take to complete the task.2. Be realistic about your expectations. If you are just a beginning DIYer, consider completing a few small projects (like putting up shelves or fixing a garden fence) before attempting a major one. Ideally, for your first big DIY project you should select an area where it will least affect your lifestyle if left unfinished - for example, your basement or outdoors. Don't attempt replumbing the house as your first project!3. Know where to seek help if needed. Your sources might include DIY books and magazines, relevant web sites, and DIY-savvy friends and relatives. If you are about to venture into a completely new territory, you might find it helpful to hire a professional for a few hours and try to learn the essential techniques from them.4. Make a list of materials you need - and buy them all BEFORE you start the project. This will minimize the need for frustrating runs to the store, allowing you to completely focus on the job.There are many online tools available for estimating the quantity of materials (like paint or tiles) that you need for a project - make use of those to save time. Some useful online estimators can be found here: http://www.construction-resource.com/construction-calculator.php. (It is also a good time saving idea to add about 10% to your calculated material requirements to allow for waste.)5. Make a realistic budget. Remember to budget for little things such as nails, screws, hinges etc. The little things, when combined, tend to add up to significant amounts that are often overlooked during the planning stage.6. Make a schedule. Be sure to allow for unexpected delays or having to redo parts of the project. If you project is based outdoors, don't forget to take weather conditions into account. Consider how possible interruptions in the project are likely to affect your daily routines, and plan accordingly. For example, if your place has only one bathroom, you would want to finish any bathroom renovation project as quickly as possible.As with material estimators, there are time estimates available online and in printed sources on how long it takes to complete certain tasks. Again, adding 10% to the suggested time requirement may save you unnecessary frustration.Remember that every project is unique. Think where you are most likely to encounter problems, and allow extra time for figuring out solutions. Some problems are fixed pretty quickly - it is figuring out how to do it that can be time consuming.7. Know what motivates you best and have a strategy on how to stay motivated. It is important to understand what motivational strategy works best for you, and use it consistently. Have a clear goal in mind all the time while you are on the project. Asking yourself two simple questions - "what will happen if I do?" and "what will happen if I don't?"- is one effective motivational technique. This is especially true in the case of DIY, where your actions or lack thereof are likely to have immediate - and tangible - results.8. Last but not least - don't beat yourself when something does not go according to plan, especially if you are just starting out. This includes bad time estimates that tend to be the number one cause of frustration in DIYers. Remember that no job is exactly the same no matter how many times you do it, so you cannot possibly plan for everything. That said, your estimating and project management skills should improve over time. About the AuthorAlan Woodbridge writes about DIY projects, home improvement, and personal motivation. He is a member of the team that runs DIYProjects.info: http://www.diyprojects.info ... Installing Ceramic Tile Installing Ceramic Tile Bathroom Back To Snippet Back To SITEMAP Installing Ceramic Tile Author: Mark Donovan Ceramic Tile brings a texture, richness and color to a room that Linoleum has yet to truly mimic. Tile floors can be installed in any room, however they are most frequently seen in Bathrooms and Kitchens. I particularly like them in entryways, where they serve as a transition point from the outside to large carpeted or hardwood floored rooms. They make for easy clean up and are impervious to water damage.Tile TypesCeramic tiles come in two basic types. Glazed and Porcelain. Glazed holds up the best for heavy traffic areas and porcelain works well in bathrooms. Porcelain is typically more expensive, so consider your budget and the size of the area you want to tile. Tiles also come in many shapes and sizes. For flooring, however, I would suggest using larger tiles up to 12” x 12”.Underlayment For proper installation the base foundation or the underlayment is critical. Typically it consists of ¾” to 1 ¼” of plywood. Tiling over Linoleum or existing tile is also feasible, as long as it is solid. I also recommend when Tiling over Linoleum that you first apply ring nails or screws 6” on center over the entire area. Tiles can also be installed directly over Concrete. Make sure in all cases that the floor is level and free of dust and debris prior to installation. There are leveling compounds that you can apply before applying tile if necessary.Preparing the SiteBefore actually installing the tile, it is best to lay it out in the room to see how it will look. Pay close attention to how it runs out toward the walls, in the corners and next to cabinets, tubs and toilets. The trick is to lay the tile out such that stubby tiles do not show up in highly visible spots. Once you have completed this, make two marks with a pencil outlining the most centered tile. These lines should be perpendicular to each other. Also take note of the wall that is most visible from all the others. Now remove the tiles. Next draw or snap a line perpendicular to this wall that is in line with one of the marks you made on the floor. Then, draw a perpendicular line to this first line. This second line should be centered with the first line and fairly in line with the second mark you made on the floor. Once you have completed this task, re-layout some of the tiles along the perpendicular lines and observe if they run out in a way that will limit cutting and stubbed tiles. Once this is completed, remove the tiles and prepare for the actual installation.Installing the TileAgain, make sure the area is free of dirt and dust. Next apply the ceramic adhesive or mastic to the flooring, starting in the center, where the two perpendicular reference lines intersect. Apply enough material to cover 6-10 square feet, if no cuts are required. If cuts are required limit the amount of mastic application to about 2-4 square feet. When applying the mastic, first spread it with the flat end of the trowel. Lay it on relatively thick, approximately 1/8” to 3/16”thick. Then turn the trowel around and run the notched edge over it. This creates ridges in the mastic that helps to hold the tile down more securely. The larger the tile, the larger the notches should be. For example, I use a ¼” notched trowel for 12” x 12” tiles.Note: Only make up enough ceramic adhesive for 30 minutes, as this material has the tendency to harden up rather quickly. Once the adhesive has been applied, begin installing the tiles working from the center outward. On larger tiles you should back butter them. Basically, apply a thin coating of mastic to the back of the tile prior to laying it on the floor. This will help ensure a good bond. As you near the walls or edges of cabinets, tubs and toilets, you will need to cut some of the tiles. I highly recommend the use of a Wet-Saw. A Wet-Saw will allow you to make very accurate cuts, both large and small. You will also save money, as you will waste many fewer tiles with bad cuts or broken tiles. Wet-Saws are not that expensive and once you see your finished product you will certainly be installing more tile. Wet-Saws can also be rented as a cheaper alternative.When applying Tiles, you may want to use Lugs. Lugs are effectively spacers that come in various thicknesses. I typically like to have no more than a ¼” space between the tiles. Employing Spacers will ensure uniformity with your tile spacing.GroutingAfter the Tile has been completely installed, allow it to sit for 24-48 hours before applying grout and walking on it. Grout comes in many different colors and is very easy to install. Simply mix the grout with water or a special bonding agent and apply with a rubber trowel. Run the trowel on a bias when going over tile corners.Once the grout has been applied, immediately wipe the tile of excess grout, using a wet sponge and a bucket of water. Wait 30 minutes and again wipe the tiles down of any residual grout. Wait another 60 minutes and repeat. If grout is left on the tiles to dry, you will have a great deal of elbow work scraping it off.Let the grout sit up for 24 hours and it is ready for use and admiration.About the AuthorMe_Donovan@comcast.netwww.homeadditionplus.comOver the past 20+ years Mr. Donovan has been involved with building homes and home additions. Mr. Donovan's formal education & profession have been as an Electrical Engineer & Marketing Manager. ... How to finance a new extension How to finance a new extension? Bathroom Back To Snippet Back To SITEMAP How to finance a new extension? Author: John Mussi 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 wai

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