Is a Silent Invader Attacking Your Home?

Expensive repairs from water damage might be needed in your home. Repair them before they multiply! Water damage is possible any time in the year-from the weather, malfunctioned appliances, clogs, or by poorly done home repair. You can save on most home repair costs by ensuring that your home is safeguarded from water damage seasonally before anything turns into expensive repairs.What does water damage look like? Standing water can weaken a surface, causing it to rot, rust, or mildew, and eventually turn into expensive repairs.The most expensive repairs are foundational damage and mold growths. Such home repair can force you to vacate if the home is deemed unsafe even after treated for water damage by professionals. Take control by learning how to home repair or prevent potential water damage sites. Outdoor water damage prevention home repair tips:1. Do-it-yourself home repair for gutters are simple and not expensive. Repairs can be minimized if you remember to check for water damage or leaks and clean out the gutters and downspouts each season.
2. Block debris with gutter guards, and use downspout extensions to help divert the runoff from the foundation to prevent further expensive repairs from water damage.Indoor water damage prevention home repair tips:1. Home repair any loose window and door caulking to prevent rain or snow from seeping in and causing water damage.
2. In below-freezing weather, keep the water running at a trickle and allow heat to reach the pipes. This will avoid having them burst, with the potential for water damage.
3. Avoid expensive repairs to your basement's sump pump by keeping it in working order.
4. Replace or home repair the sump pump as needed, ensuring the surrounding area remains dry and water-damage-free.
5. Check refrigerators, dishwashers, and washing machines regularly for water damage itself, or for leaks that can cause water damage to floors or walls.
6. Avoid needless expensive repairs or home repair to bathroom drains and pipes by using drain guards to trap hair.
7. Home repair clogged drains with a plunger or a bent wire instead of professional products.
8. Replace leaky faucets, run bathroom exhaust fans during use, and thoroughly clean and dry surfaces regularly to prevent water damage and mold from building.
9. Don't use carpeting in areas exposed to water-damage can occur if carpeting is damp. When to call on professional help:1. To thoroughly dry carpeting/floor after flooding.2. When home repair fails to correct a problem.3. If water damage causes you to vacate the home.4. To service your air conditioning unit.Before you can file a claim for expensive repairs caused by water damage to your home, your insurance company expects you to have followed through with all safeguarding measures. Otherwise, be prepared to pay for any home repair due to your negligence.When water damage comes from floods, make sure your home insurance includes flood coverage, for it to pay for each home repair-including all of the expensive repairs-caused from water damage. In the U.S., the reality is that flooding and water damage can occur anywhere. Home insurance covers home repairs needed as a result of structural damage or theft, but in most cases you will need to purchase a separate flood policy if you want any water damage home repairs covered as a result of flooding. Flood insurance is truly a safeguard on home repairs, an affordable investment that pays for itself.
Author BioAdam Jackson is a home repair expert striving to bring you the best free home repair and improvement information on the web.
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Design Tips For Your Master Bathroom

When you redecorate your master bedroom, don't leave the master bath out in the cold! You can add some zing to your bathroom too and create a cohesive theme between the two rooms that will give you a real sweet master suite.One thing you need to do when redecorating your master bath is to be sure to tie in some of the elements from your bedroom. You don't have to make it an identical match, but using a common color or theme will really unite the two rooms. If your bedroom has a cottage theme, carry this over into the bathroom by putting out some shells in dishes on the vanity. If your bedroom is more shabby chic with big floral wallpaper, then think about carrying the color of the flowers into the master bath.One of the big design elements in the bathroom is the hardware. Faucets and spigots, in addition to tubs and toilets are made in a variety of shapes and materials which can be the centerpiece of your design. Open showers are currently popular with the younger upwardly-mobile crowd, and claw-foot bathtubs are almost always considered to be classic and attractive. When selecting hardware and figuring out a floor plan, think about privacy issues and don't put the toilet and tub too close together.Another big element in the bathroom is the tiling. The more expensive tiles should have durability, aesthetic value, and a non-porous surface. Make sure your tiles can be easily cleaned and sanitized, and that it is easy to install and does not require special adhesives which can become costly. When choosing tile, think out of the box. You don't have to use only porcelain tile, consider marble, clay and anything else you see in the store that catches your eye.Once you have the design down and selected the major elements, focus on decoration accessories to bring out personality and individualism. The bathroom doesn't have to just be functional and putting interesting items on the walls or shelves is a great way to give the room some character. Don't be afraid to use your own ideas and put what you want into the room when redecorating your master bathroom.
Author BioLee Dobbins writes for Bedroom Designs And Decorations where you can find more tips on decorating your bedroom.
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Thinking About Selling Your Home?

Owning a home is the original American dream. It's the old frontier spirit, wanting to claim your own tuft of the New World. Then again, these days it also makes perfect economic sense. Experts estimate that all of the homes in the United States alone are worth a combined $14 trillion. That goes a long way to explain why a housing boom has been sweeping the globe. Where there is a boom, though, there may be a bust. Read any headline from your local newspaper, and you'll see headlines such as "Bye-Bye, Housing Boom" to "Housing Boom is Leveling Off." Some economic forecasters predict a bubble that may be about to burst. They make you wonder: am I missing the boat?Whether you're looking to cash in on this real estate bubble before it pops-or simply wanting to move to a bigger home or move across the country-selling your home can be more a nightmare than a dream. Not only do you have to find and trust a real estate agent. You need to prep your home for open houses. You need to haggle with prospective buyers. Not to mention, you have to worry about the moving and selling of all of your valuables.It's almost enough to make you want to live in one home for the rest of your life-just as folks did in your grandparents' day. Then again, your home is worth a percentage of that $14 trillion. Don't you want to see just how much?As hectic and horrible as selling a home may seem, it really isn't so bad if you break it down into a few simple rules. If you don't believe us, read the rules for yourself.Fuss over the facade. Your home's future owners do not want to worry about repairs and renovations as soon as they move in. So make certain they don't. Be sure to have your home immaculately clean before you invite prospective buyers over. Redecorate if your interior is outdated. And invest in minor renovations if necessary. You'd be surprised what a coat of paint can do.Focus on the fine details. Prospective buyers will leave no stone unturned when they visit your home. They will test every light switch, run every faucet, and lift up every toilet seat. Everything-and we mean everything-should be in working order before your open house.Double check for blown out light bulbs and leaky faucets. Scrub the bathroom and clean up any ring around the bowl, tub scum, and any other nasty surprise.Don't settle for maybes on safety. Ensure that there are no safety hazards anywhere on your property. Something as small as uncovered electrical sockets or as large as an unfenced pool can scare off buyers, especially parents of small children.Create a soothing selling atmosphere. Imagine the last time you visited a bed and breakfast. Your home should be as welcoming and accommodating as that. One easy way to accomplish this is by brightening up the place. Turn on all your lights for your visitors. Plus, fluff up your bedroom. After all, most people want the bedroom to be the most comfortable spot in the house. Make sure it is-at least when buyers are around.Clear the joint. Along with the last rule, there is the standard real estate practice of vacating the premises when buyers come for tours. This is done for good reason. Buyers are there to evaluate your home, not meet your sisters, sons, cousins, and cats. So send your family to the mall for a day of shopping, or to the park for a picnic.Cut the clutter. All of your stuff can get in the way, too. That's why it's important to start packing and storing your personal belongings as soon as you know you're going to move. An empty house is a cleaner looking house is a more attractive house. You don't want your perspective buyer opening a closet and having a bowling ball fall on their head, do you?Make a killing on said clutter. One option is to simply move your personal items to your new home and create instant clutter there. That's the way of the pack rat. Or, you could sell what you no longer need and turn a quick profit. That's the way of the fat cat.If you choose wisely-the latter option-be sure not to hold your garage sale on the same days as your open houses. Neighbors in their undershirts and jeans on your front lawn do make for a great sales ploy. Instead, it makes you look desperate and could hurt you come negotiations. Schedule your yard sale on separate days.Better yet, sell your goods online. Classified Web sites allow you to negotiate with potential buyers, get the best rates for your stuff, and ship it off at your own convenience. And it's all accomplished on your own time, inside your own home (where you can wear your undershirt and jeans and no one will care).Take a deep breath. Lastly, never let the home-selling experience overwhelm you. Sure, there are a load of responsibilities to take care of. But that is what your real estate agent is there for. They handle all of the grunt work. They do all of the hard talking with the buyer. They make all the follow-up calls. And they showcase your home for you. Your job is just to smile, be polite, and answer the buyer's questions if they come up.
Author BioDonald Lee is the public relations manager for Buysellcommunity.com. Buysellcommunity provides free classified listing services for individuals and businesses to market their products and services online. For global and localized classifieds, please visit http://www.buysellcommunity.com - Free Buy & Sell Classifieds
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The New Look Of Contemporary Bathroom Faucets

When you think of a bathroom faucet, you think of one thing – function. Your bathroom faucet is there to bring water to your sink so you can wash your hands, brush your teeth, etc. But today, bathroom faucet manufacturers are focusing on form as well as function.
Contemporary bathroom faucets have evolved from plain, design-less fixtures into sleek, streamlined works of art. These new faucet designs are in direct response to the latest wave of cutting-edge contemporary bathroom design. As modern bathroom design advances, so does the look of bathroom faucets. A modern, state-of-the-art bathroom sink and vanity, for example, needs a more updated and contemporary bathroom faucet. As a result, bathroom remodelers now have a variety of faucet options to choose from.
Choosing Your New Contemporary Bathroom Faucet
If you’re going through a bathroom renovation and want the latest modern bathroom fixtures, you need to make sure everything matches, especially the faucet. As basic as a bathroom faucet may be, in many cases, it’s the faucet that ties your bathroom together. When selecting a contemporary bathroom faucet, you want to find one that is the right height and length for your new or existing sink. Contemporary bathroom faucets come in different shapes and sizes, giving you many options to choose from. The sink and vanity you select or currently have will dictate the height, depth, and shape of the bathroom faucet you need to get. Whenever you purchase a bathroom faucet, you must consider all components of the vanity set up (vanity/cabinet, sink, and faucet). Each element needs to work together in function and style if you want your vanity to have a cohesive look and feel. When shopping for your new contemporary faucet, always keep your vanity, sink, and new bathroom design in mind.
How to Pay Less for Your New Contemporary Bathroom Faucet
It’s true, the newer, more stylized contemporary bathroom faucets can cost a bit more than a run-of-the-mill faucet, but there are ways to save. Online bathroom furnishings wholesalers, such as http://www.modernbathroom.com, offer discount contemporary bathroom fixtures at prices that are significantly lower than most high-end bed-and-bath retail stores. These online wholesalers partner with manufacturers to get bargain-basement deals on everything from modern bathroom vanities to contemporary bathroom mirrors. Then, they pass the savings onto you, the consumer. If you purchase a faucet at the first place you look, you’re going to end up paying too much. If you want to save on your bathroom remodel, you need to shop around and definitely check out the online bathroom wholesalers.
Bathroom faucets no long look like they used to. Today, they’re highly stylized, sleek, and made of the highest quality materials. However, this new influx of contemporary bathroom faucets means higher prices for bathroom fixtures. That’s why if you want to save a few bucks on your bathroom remodel or faucet swap out, you need to find a retailer that offers discount bathroom faucets.

About the Author:From discount bathroom faucets to state-of-the-art cabinets and shelf units, Modern Bathroom has the furnishings you need to transform your bathroom.
Article Tags: bathroom, contemporary, faucet

Read more articles by: Frank Johnson Article Source: www.iSnare.com Permanent Link: http://www.isnare.com/?aid=75619&ca=Home+Management

Faucets And Sinks For Your New Kitchen Design

Kitchen sinks get a lot of use. Fortunately, they are one of the most inexpensive features to replace in the kitchen. There is a wide variety of sizes, shapes and styles available. The cost varies considerably according to the style and material used in the sink. The decision is important because your sink will last for a long time. You want to choose something you will love for a long time.Single or Double Kitchen Sinks
Most sinks can be classified into single or double basin models. There are a few triple basin sinks, but they are less common. The sizes of these vary in both width and depth. Consider your kitchen and how you use your sink to help make the choice between a single or a double.
The size of your kitchen will help determine the best choice. Single models are often best for smaller kitchens. A small kitchen can seem overwhelmed by a large double sink. Double sinks have some benefits as well. They are nice for washing dishes and preparing large meals.Materials Used in Sinks
Stainless Steel is the most popular choice in materials for sinks. It is light weight and easy to install. In addition, it is easy to maintain. The gauge of the steel determines the quality of the material. The lower the gauge, the better the quality. Another factor is the percentage of chromium and nickel in the steel. The more of each the better the quality.
Porcelain is very attractive. It is most often chosen for aesthetics. Porcelain looks great in country or traditional kitchen décor. There is a wide variety of color choices available in this material. There are more color options in porcelain than in any other materials.
Solid surface kitchen faucets and sinks are often used with custom counter tops. These are composite materials used in expensive kitchen remodelling projects. Solid surfaces are durable and resist both stains and scratches. They are easy to clean and relatively low maintenance.
Enamel is a less expensive alternative for the sink. There are many color and style choices in enamel. It is not as durable as solid surfaces or stainless steel. More care and maintenance is also needed. The enamel can chip and scratch easily. Abrasive cleaners should not be used on these sinks.Consider the number of holes you need in the sink deck. Faucets and extras like spray nozzles and soap dispensers should be taken into consideration. Also consider the number of handles that will be used with the faucets.
You may want to consider the faucets you like when selecting a sink. They should look good with the material of the sink and be functional. Consider the size of the sink when choosing the faucets. You may want a longer spout if you have a double or triple basin. If you have multiple basins, make sure to choose a faucet that will swivel at least 180 degrees. This way the water will reach each bowl of the sink.

About the Author:Peter J. Mason reveals many news to the http://www.kitchen-cabinets-tips.com internetsite. The author is featuring kitchen sinks and various articles in the field.
Article Tags: kitchen, sink, sinks

Read more articles by: Peter J. Mason Article Source: www.iSnare.com Permanent Link: http://www.isnare.com/?aid=83883&ca=Real+Estate

Designer Sinks And Faucets For Your Bath

Sinks have certainly come a long way. The sink, and the accompanying faucet are more fashionable today than our grandmothers, or even our mothers could have imagined! You are only limited by your imagination.
Imagine a gorgeous glass sink seemingly floating upon a rod iron filigree base, this is what is called a vessel sink. Imagine washing your hands over a glass sink of shimmering gold opalescent that looks like something from Dale Chihuly's glass studio. How about a lovely ceramic sink that has decorations reminiscent of a blue Ming vase? Is that really the Mona Lisa looking back up at your from that sink? These sinks are available in glass, painted ceramic, stone and granite, wood, copper, or mosaic. Then, there is the decision of shape of the sink, round, oval or square, or perhaps somewhere in between.
Don't worry, if you have a Victorian home you are restoring you are in luck. The good old white ceramic pedestal sink is still alive and well, if you want one.
Needless to say, along with the modernization and beautification of sinks has come the modernization and beautification of faucets! There are still the traditional two handle faucets, single control faucets and wall mount faucets. Again, only your imagination holds you back in the creation of your new bathroom. Faucets can now be mounted on the floor behind, or beside a vessel sink instead of taking room on a vanity. Faucets for vessel sinks are found in a wide range of finish and style. Polished chrome or brushed nickel, brass, copper and pewter are just some of the finishes available. You will want to look for a faucet with a PVD finish. This "physical vapor deposition" finish is state of the art and bonds the finish to the faucet. It is the most durable finish available in faucets today. PVD protected faucets will not corrode, tarnish or discolor.

About the Author:This article courtesy of http://www.about-faucets.com
Article Tags: faucets, finish, sink

Read more articles by: Jeff Slokum Article Source: www.iSnare.com Permanent Link: http://www.isnare.com/?aid=16705&ca=Home+Management

Kitchen Faucets And Maintenance

Faucets in your house will not cease to function properly at a very frequent pace, but when a faucet packs it in it can cause quite a mess in your home. The most important part of preventing a really bad faucet accident that can cause considerable damage to a house is proper faucet maintenance. In other words, make sure that you take care of the problem as soon as you see kitchen faucets start to drip, instead of waiting to see how much water damage your kitchen cabinet can take! Most indoor plumbing problems are easy to remedy, even for the novice handyperson. There are some common leak problems within homes, and this article will help you decide how to deal with them.
The first common problem is leaky pipe joints within the kitchen. In the average house, the kitchen sees as much water flowing through it in a given day than any of the bathrooms. It is not surprising, then, that joints will spring leaks as time passes. In order to repair leaks, first locate the valve that controls the water output in the sink. Once you have located it, shut the water off. Next, remove the joint that is leaking and hold it up to the light. You should see light filtering through any holes or cracks in the line, and these need to be replaced. This can be done with plumber's tape, but make sure to wrap it tightly around the damaged portions. Once this is done, replace the joints and turn the water back on. If there is still a leak, you might have to repeat the process and check other areas, such as the fittings.
Another common problem area, especially in colder climates, is that pipes may freeze. This problem can be pretty annoying, as home owners will not always know which pipe it is that is frozen and is causing the problem. First, turn on all the faucets in your house. The ones that are not putting out water are the ones where the frozen pipe is attached. Shut off the faucets that are producing water and leave the other valves open. Now you will have to turn off the valve that brings water into the house.
There are several ways to thaw a pipe once you have located the frozen one. Determine the material the pipes are made of; a blow dryer or a heat gun can be used to thaw them out, but too much heat on a plastic line might melt it. If the ice plug formed due to a hole or crack in the pipe, you will want to repair it before your job is complete. In order to prevent more frozen pipes in the future you should consider wrapping them with insulation or heat tape, or building a heated space for the pipes to run through.

About the Author:Jerry Blackburn very often publishes online reports on news associated to kitchen cabinet and countertops. You can learn about his work on kitchen faucets over at http://www.kitchen-cabinets-tips.com .
Article Tags: faucets, pipe, water

Read more articles by: Jerry K. Blackburn Article Source: www.iSnare.com Permanent Link: http://www.isnare.com/?aid=98590&ca=Home+Management

Why Replace Your Kitchen Faucets?

When it comes to making your kitchen stand out and look great even the littlest things can make a big difference, so if your kitchen faucets are causing you a problem it is well worth forgetting about trying to mess around with repairing them and instead consider replacing the faucets altogether. This is a very cost effective and simple procedure that can make a huge difference to the appearance and practicality of this room. You can find faucets to suit all needs, and by installing faucets that fit in with any theme you have going in your kitchen or with the general décor you can enjoy really adding to the appearance of the room. You will find the perfect sink faucet to match your kitchen, as there is such a great choice available, and you can find accessories to match your kitchen cabinets, countertops, sinks, and decoration of your kitchen.
Replacing your kitchen faucets can make a real difference
When you replace the faucets in your kitchen you will enjoy a range of benefits. You can look forward to finding accessories that really fit in with your décor. You can add to the style and class of your kitchen as well simply be replacing the faucets for one of today’s modern and sleek styles. And with these faucets boasting a range of features you can also increase practicality in the kitchen, making life easier for yourself and others that use the kitchen. You will be able to select from many wonderful styles, with designs and features to suit all needs. Enjoy a choice of brass, copper, chrome, stainless steel, and more, which ensures that there is something to suit every taste and pocket. You can select the features that best meet your needs too, with choice that include filter faucets, double or single handle faucets, wall mount faucets, mixer faucets, shower faucets, and many others.
You won’t have to spend a fortune on your faucets
By shopping for your faucets online you can make really huge savings, as well as enjoy a far greater choice of faucets. You will find many top manufacturers offering great deals on faucets via the Internet, and the deep discounts on offer mean that you can enjoy excellent value for money. Enjoy comparing the faucets on offer to find the designs and features that best meet your needs, and look forward to saving money on the cost, ordering with ease, and even getting fast and convenient delivery of your order. Plumbing your faucet in should prove no problem, so once you receive them you can get your kitchen looking perfect in next to no time.
Whatever the theme or décor of your kitchen, you will be able to really complement it by installing the right faucets to match the style of your kitchen and the kitchen fixtures. This is a great and cost effective way to add to the look and functional benefits of your kitchen.

About the Author:Focusing on the area of kitchen cabinets, the columnist writes at large for http://www.kitchen-cabinets-tips.com . You might find out more about his publications on kitchen faucets over at his website .
Article Tags: enjoy, faucets, kitchen

Read more articles by: Ken J. Morris Article Source: www.iSnare.com Permanent Link: http://www.isnare.com/?aid=95460&ca=Home+Management

Kitchen Faucets Are Just As Likely To Leak As Bathroom Faucets

A broken faucet is not a common occurrence, but when it does happen it is a messy one. If you own your own home you have to expect these incidents from time to time. The key is not to panic when there is water spraying around the room, but to concentrate on finding out where the problem is and get it fixed. The solution to most indoor plumbing problems is a lot simpler than you expect. It helps to have a basic knowledge of the general plumbing issues that you might encounter and how to fix them, or even better, prevent them from occurring in the first place with a little faucet maintenance.
Your kitchen gets at least as much use as your bathroom and kitchen faucets can spring a leak just as easily as those in the bathroom. Often the leak is not spotted as quickly as some faucets are hidden with a kitchen cabinet. Fixing the leak is fairly simple. Firstly you need to turn off the water valve that leads to the kitchen sink. Remove the leaky section of pipe and hold it up to the light to check for cracks or holes. You will need to replace the part of the pipe that is damaged. Wrap the open end of the pipe in plumbers tape or Teflon tape, with four or five rounds. Put the pipe back together and hook up the faucet. Turn the water back on to check that there are no more leaks in the pipe.
Waking up to find you have a frozen water pipe may be annoying, but you will probably find trying to track down the offending pipe even more frustrating. Try all the different water systems in your house to determine how many pipes are actually frozen. Turn off the ones that are working but leave the valve open on the ones that are not producing water. Next you need to turn off the main water valve to the house. You can now try to thaw the pipes.
Check what kind of pipes you have under your house. They could be made from plastic, or from a metal alloy. You will need a hairdryer or heat gun to thaw out the pipes, but be careful with plastic pipes as it is possible to melt them with too much heat. Before crawling under your house to thaw the pipes, make sure you have a long enough extension cord, the thawing device, and a flashlight. You may need to repair a hole or split in the pipe, and that may be the cause of the ice plug. In this case you will need spare pipe and plumbers tape as well. Assuming there is no hole you can heat the pipe by running the hairdryer or heat gun over it in a swishing motion, for no more than five minutes. Turn the water main back on and make sure there aren’t any leaks that you haven’t spotted.
Of course it would be better to prevent the pipes from freezing in the first place and this can be achieved by surrounding them in a heated pipe space, or installing insulation around them. Wrapping the pipes with heat tape, which can be purchased at your local hardware store, can also do the trick.

About the Author:Jerry Blackburn writes principally for http://www.kitchen-cabinets-tips.com , a web publication about countertops . You might see his work on kitchen faucets over at http://www.kitchen-cabinets-tips.com .

Read more articles by: Jerry C. Blackburn Article Source: www.iSnare.com Permanent Link: http://www.isnare.com/?aid=97822&ca=Home+Management

Ready to Assemble Kitchen Cabinets

Ready to assemble kitchen cabinets are the best options for many people. You can save thousands of dollars by purchasing them instead of getting traditional cabinets. Ready to assemble cabinets are easy enough that just about anyone can put them together. They come with all the assembling parts along with easy to follow instructions. The basic tools needed are a hammer and a screw driver.
You may be wondering why these types of cabinets are thousands of dollars less than traditional. The quality of these cabinets is just as good and even better, but for a fraction of the price. A reason the price is lower is because the buyer assembles it themselves. Merchants do not have to assemble the cabinets in their factories which save them money, making their prices go down also.
These types of cabinets can be found at local hardware stores, but are very easy to order over the internet. The websites even have designers that can assist you with planning on which cabinets would suit your needs the best. There are a lot of options to choose from. You will find cabinets that are contemporary to rustic looking. You can also choose the color finish. They even have a variety of different pulls and knobs.
Ready to assemble cabinets are often times more durable than the traditional kinds. The cabinets are made from top grade raw materials that can last for very long. They also do not need as much maintenance. Water damage such as peeling is not a threat.
Installing these cabinets can be a family project.
It does not take many hours to complete your cabinet transformation. This could be done over the weekend. You will most likely need at least one other person to help. A great idea is to have your family or friends pitch in. This will make things much easier on you and get the job done even quicker.
There is also the option of having a contractor come into your home and install them for you. Not everyone feels like doing their own. If you have a budget and cannot afford a contractor perhaps you can ask family members or friends to do it for you.
Ready to assemble kitchen cabinets are amazing when you think about it. A homeowner can update their kitchen with only a hammer and screwdriver. It takes a day or two to complete and once you are done, your kitchen has added value and beauty. This is ideal for if you plan on selling your home sometime in the future.
You do not need to be a handyman to change your kitchen cabinets. So why not plan ahead and start your kitchens transformation. This may just be the easiest and most convenient way to begin.
For more information on the benefits of refinishing kitchen cabinets as a low cost kitchen make over try visiting http://www.remodelingkitchenguide.com, a popular website that provides kitchen remodeling ideas, resources tips including updating the kitchen faucet with a premium Delta kitchen faucets.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jeff_Stevens

Helpful Hints To Help You Sell Your Own Home

Most buyers predictably respond to the same things - clean, clutter-free homes in a good state of repair. You may want to spruce things up with a fresh paint job and definitely ensure that you address any major repairs that may be required. Those are big ticket items, but what can you do on a smaller scale (and budget) to get your home ready to compete successfully on the real estate market?
There are a number of tried and true things you can use to make sure your prospective home buyer sees what you want them to see, and overlooks what you want them to overlook. Keeping your home in tip-top shape for showings will insure that your prospective home buyer will offer more money than for a home that isn't ready.
Always look at a home from the prospective home buyer's perspective. Be objective and honest with yourself. If something bothers you about your home, chances are good it will bother the prospective home buyer, too. Do what you can to eliminate the problem. You want to minimize any negative objections that the prospective home buyer may have. Preparing your FSBO home for sale generally means you'll be putting some elbow grease into it, so get ready.
Have a garage sale before the home is listed. This is a great opportunity to get rid of any clutter and provides the prospective home buyer to really see your home. Clean out and get rid of anything that you think you won't need in your next home. Pack away all that you can. Be sure, though, to find the fine line between clutter and emptiness.
Clean the drain gutters. Buyers nearly always comment if gutters are full of leaves and it makes them question other maintenance issues.
Store or organize items that make the yard look untidy.
Touch up any exterior paint that needs it, faded or chipped exterior paint is an immediate buyer turnoff. New paint is not inexpensive, but is a great way to add appeal and increase market value.
Remove debris from the roof such as tree branches and leaves. Straighten the television antenna. Untangle or remove, cable, telephone or other exposed wiring. Make any necessary repairs to worn shingles or cracked surfaces.
Flowering plants and outdoor furniture add appeal. Remove any unnecessary items such as gardening equipment. Clean and tidy any visible items, such as an outdoor grill or barbecue. Repair cracks, missing slats, enclosures and screens.
Swimming pools, hot tubs, saunas, outdoor showers and their pumps and filters should be clean and operating smoothly. Ensure that the sprinkler systems and outdoor faucets are working properly.
Make your front entry inviting. Decorate it, paint the door, or buy a new door. It's the prospective home buyer’s first impression, so make it a good one. Good curb appeal is a critical part of a successful home selling process. Your goal should be to make home buyers stop and say 'Wow!'
Welcome the buyer at the entry. Put out a new doormat, clean and polish the brass doorknob and knocker. Put potted flowers on the porch. Make sure the front entry floor is sparkling clean and the porch and steps are swept. Remember you only get one chance to make a good first impression.
Stimulate the buyer's imagination by setting the stage. Set the dinner table with your best china and linens. Use the coziness and romance of the fireplace to advantage. Put a pair of wine glasses and a vase of flowers on the coffee table in front of the fire.
Most potential home buyers like an interior with lots of natural lighting. Start on the outside by trimming any overgrown trees and shrubs to make sure they do not obscure views or keep natural light from streaming through windows.
Make sure windows sparkle, inside and out. Clean your home's skylights, buyers always inspect skylights and sun tunnels to make sure they aren't cracked or leaking.
Be ruthless about odors. If there is a smell, your house won't sell. Use cleansers of all kinds to make the home smell fresh, but make sure you don’t create a “cleaning agent” odor. Use carpet fresheners, potpourri, room deodorizers, and scented candles. Deodorize cat litter and scoop litter daily. Put cedar chips inside the closets. Bake some cookies put them out on the kitchen table.
Create a spacious feeling. Make sure that all doors, cabinets and drawers open all the way without bumping into anything or sticking. Clean out the entry closet and put only a few hangers so that the buyer can visualize winter coats. Move any oversized furniture to a storage facility or a friend’s house. Make sure entrances to all rooms have an open flow.
Put a screen or a basket of flowers in front of a fireplace if not in use. Let the breezes move your sheer curtains at the window. Make sure the interior is visible from the street.
Create counter space. Store away those extra appliances. Put away dish racks, soap dishes and other clutter. Decrease kitchen clutter further by removing magnets, notes and kids "art" from refrigerator.
Inspect your home's closets (prospective home buyers certainly will). Do a general cleanup, store your off season wardrobe, and remove items to make closets appear more spacious.
Paint interior rooms if they are dingy. Neutral colors are usually a preferable choice, but don't feel you have to cover up an existing, dramatic color scheme.
Clean the carpets. Polish wood floors. Clean dingy grout and reseal it if necessary. Keep all floors spotless.
Make sure all doorknobs and cabinet pulls are clean and functioning. Consider a new set of kitchen cabinet pulls to make your kitchen more appealing. It's sometimes an inexpensive way to update one of the most important rooms in your home.
Repair leaky faucets. Make sure toilets flush properly.
Avoid eccentric decor. De-personalize your teenager's room, the games room or other areas by removing posters or any decorative item that could be construed as offensive. Remove hanging beads in doorways, your children's bedroom clutter and anything that won't appeal to a prospective buyer.
Increase the wattage in light bulbs in the laundry room, kitchen and bathrooms. For showings, turn on lights in every room.
Put photos of the family enjoying your home in different rooms throughout the home.
Now step back. Stand outside the front door, as much as 30 feet away and evaluate the feeling you get. Is the house warm and inviting? Does it feel like home?
If so, then perhaps it will to your prospective home buyer too.
Mark Camphaug is currently President of FreeFSBO.com and it’s parent Martcam LLC. FreeFSBO.com is a For Sale by Owner (FSBO) website (http://www.FreeFSBO.com) that offers a free online listing and free real estate lawn sign to prospective FSBO home sellers. Camphaug has spent the last 6 years as Vice President of one of the world’s largest and most successful Interactive Marketing Agencies where he specialized in all aspects of internet marketing, including SEO, PPC, Email and Affiliate marketing. Prior to that Camphaug spent 12 years in the competitive new home industry, duties included sales, marketing and client relationship management.
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A Guide to Acrylic Kitchen Sinks

Unlike laminates, acrylic and/or polyester plastics are homogenous nonporous material. Kitchen sinks made from acrylic come in different thickness and numerous colors. They can be polished but are often seen with a matte finish. They can be expensive and in many cases, more expensive than granite.
Acrylic sinks are non-porous and stain and scratch resistant. They are easy to clean. Each sink can be cleaned with ordinary non-abrasive cleaners and can be sanitized with household bleach. They are seamless. One major disadvantage of acrylic is that hot pots can melt the material.
Acrylic sinks come with authentic solid surface and in a wide variety of styles and solid granite colors. The same sink can be installed as drop-in or undermount, because they are light in weight. It can go with a variety of faucets as holes can be drilled easily into them.
They withstand temperatures up to 365° F and won’t chip or rust. The sound-absorbing construction gives relief from noisy dishwashing and provides quieter garbage disposal operation.
Acrylic sinks tend to have a ""shiny"" look, which appeals to many homeowners because they brighten up a kitchen. They are also popular because they come in a variety of colors.
These types of sinks are the most sleek and stylish and are made in a variety of shapes and sizes.
Kitchen Sinks Info provides detailed information on stainless steel, copper, vintage, granite, corner, and acrylic kitchen sinks, faucets, and more. Kitchen Sinks Info is the sister site of Granite Counter Tops Web.
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How to Save Money on Bathroom Fixtures

New bathroom fixtures can make up a big part of your redesign budget-especially if you're replacing your shower and tub. But replacing your bathroom fixtures doesn't have to cost a great deal. Whether you're planning a big remodeling project or a few small changes, here are a few ways to save money on your fixtures.
Do you really need to replace that tub? Replacing a shower or bathtub can be expensive. If you're looking to save on your bathroom redesign project, ask yourself: can you live with the tub and shower you have now? If your tub is cracked, chipped, or stained, a refinishing job might be all it needs. If you're looking for a spa bathroom on a budget, consider a new showerhead instead of a new shower. On the other hand, if you're already neck-deep in a redesign job that involves ripping out walls and floors, putting in a brand-new tub may be cost-effective.
Choose a one-piece shower instead of a tiled shower. If you want to replace your shower, a prefabricated unit may be your least expensive option. Tiling can cost a lot of money. And the reason for it isn't the material-it's the labor. A tiled shower stall must be hand-built by professional carpenters and expert tilers. And you can't expect to take on tiling yourself to save money, unless you have the skills to ensure your tiling is waterproof.
Instead, look into a prefabricated shower stall. These typically include a shower pan and three walls made of acrylic or fiberglass. Some can be disassembled to fit through the door of your home. And they're easy to install, so you may be able to save on labor.
Be informed about the work you need. Some fixture-replacement jobs are easier than others. For example, it might be expensive to install a new tub; but it shouldn't cost a lot to replace the toilet. Do some research on the work you need before hiring a contractor. This will give you an idea about what should cost a lot in labor and what shouldn't. If you have any doubts about the price your contractor is charging, get a second opinion.
Want an expensive item? Compromise elsewhere. You may have your heart set on a whirlpool tub or a new steam shower-even though you're on a budget. If this is the case, consider cutting costs elsewhere to afford it. If you want that whirlpool tub, for instance, maybe you should opt out of replacing your shower. Or maybe you can decide to keep your bathroom's layout the same.
Redesigning your bathroom? Buy the fixtures yourself. If you're planning a redesign, become familiar with the cost of fixtures and faucets. Your contractor may want you to let him buy your fixtures because he can get a discount from the supplier. While it's true that contractors can get discounts, some will mark up the price for their customers. Be familiar with the going rates for the fixtures you're looking for, so you know whether your contractor is truly offering the best deal. It might be more economical for you to buy the fixtures yourself.
Look in unconventional places. New fixtures can sometimes be found cheap at auctions, estate sales, and even secondhand stores. This can be a great option if you're going for an antique look. You may need your fixtures restored if you buy them secondhand, but it can still cost less than buying new.
Don't skimp on your faucets. It's usually not a good idea to buy faucets on the cheap. Your faucets have moving parts, and they can experience quite a bit of wear and tear over the years. To make sure you won't have to replace them after a few years, it's best to buy them new.
Still can't find good prices? Look online. There are some great places to buy bathroom fixtures online. Online stores often have wider selections and lower prices than you'll find in a conventional store, and you can shop around and compare prices without driving to different locations. Look for an online store that's been in business for over a year, and you should be able to find what you're looking for at a good price.
Redesigning your bathroom isn't cheap. But your fixtures don't need to break your budget. Know the going prices for what you need, be informed about the work you need done, and don't be hesitant to look for the best deals on your own. This way, you should be able to get a bathroom you'll love for a price you can afford.
R Dobson is managing director of WD Bathrooms whose website is http://www.wdbathrooms.co.uk For a wide range of bathrooms and showers including bathroom accessories visit http://www.wdbathrooms.co.uk/acatalog/Bathroom__Accessories.html
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How To Choose A Clawfoot Bath Tub

The clawfoot bath tub has come a long way starting 4,000 years ago in the island of Crete. Now it has made a big comeback and is now being sold widely in the market today.
The typical clawfoot bath tub is made of cast iron with porcelain painted over for that glossy touch. Today, though, a variety of designs have been created and there are now clawfoot bath tubs that are made of acrylic and fiberglass for lighter weight and easier installation. During the earlier years of the clawfoot bath tub's comeback, the clawfoot bath tub used to be popular only among collectors. Now it is made so much more affordable for all home owners who wish to have a beautiful antique-style bath tub.
Clawfoot bath tubs come in different styles and designs. There are those with the classic roll rim, where the rims of the tub elegantly slope outwards. Similarly, slipper tubs have that slightly raised end that delicately curves backwards where you are able to rest your back comfortably. Double slipper tubs are those that have two ends that are raised and curved. A tub that is double ended has two sides that are rounded instead of flat. Whether you are looking for that feminine touch, clean modern lines, vintage feel or playful design, the clawfoot bath tub offers you many styles to choose from.
Another thing to consider is the feet. Clawfoot bath tubs usually have iron feet with the shape of a lion's claws. Antique clawfoot bath tubs often have cast iron feet that is coated with porcelain enamel. Some are gilt and bear a resemblance of other animal feet. Clawfoot bath tub feet now come in different colors such as iridescent and two-tone.
Now, let's get more into the technical aspect of buying a new clawfoot bath tub. An important feature to consider is the placement of faucet holes. Wall holes are made so that your faucet and shower is situated from inside the tub. On the other hand, you can have faucet holes on top of the rim if you want more space and water in the bath tub. Another alternative is the absence of faucet holes, where water lines are attached to the bathroom wall instead.
Next step is to select your water supply line, once you've decided on the placement of the faucet holes. Water supply lines come in many designs, too. They can either be silver or have that gold tint. Here are the types of water supply lines you might want to inquire about from your supplier:
- Single offset supply lines. - Double offset supply lines - Pressure balance supply system - Deck mount supply lines - Freestanding water supply - Tub deck mount water supply - Tube wall mount water supply
Choosing a clawfoot bath tub that best suits your taste is all in the matter of getting to know basic styles and designs. You can begin your search with local suppliers or online.
Get the latest additions to clawfoot bath tub. Get more luxury bath guide info for the cheapest deals online!
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Bright and Shiny Baths Return

Bright is back. After years of matte bathroom fixture finishes, the bright and shiny bathroom fixture has returned in all its gleaming glory. No longer passé, polished chrome denotes a definitive turn for bathrooms and using chrome in the bathroom again can create just the right statement for your bath retreat.
Selecting finishes
Choosing the right fixture for your bathroom usually starts with finding the finish that’s right for your home. The starting point at selecting a finish is with the style of the fixture, whether that’s contemporary or traditional. If you have an old-fashioned claw foot tub, you’d want to select a finish that looks appropriate for a vintage style bath. Accessories are another guiding element in selecting finish. If the lighting and towel bars are brushed nickel, then brushed nickel fixtures make sense. But when it comes to plated chrome finishes, some bathroom styles are natural choices for shiny fixtures.
Design drivers
Bright and shiny finishes are becoming the finish of choice since the introduction of the spa bath. These bathrooms have the feel and appeal of a spa and brightly polished fixtures look terrific here. Likewise, polished fixtures look beautiful in vintage bathrooms and art deco baths. Contemporary bathrooms also are complemented by polished fixtures. Shiny chrome fixtures have an ageless appeal and this could be the driving factor in its resurgence in popularity. It’s also less expensive than bronze, brass, or nickel fixtures. I think there might be another reason, too: it’s clean-looking. More and more people are looking for that clean feeling in their baths. What’s the drawback to gleaming chrome fixtures?
The reason for the appeal – cleaning. American Standard has introduced a new faucet finish called the EverClean™ Faucet Finish that only requires one wipe and no cleaner according to American Standard. They claim the finish doesn’t require abrasives and resists soap and water from adhering to the surface, making them easier to clean without using an abrasive. If you’re thinking of replacing your faucets or selecting a chrome finish, this new faucet finish just might make your cleaning easier. Polished chrome is a beautiful finish but it does require the extra step in cleaning and that’s the step many homeowner’s neglect but that five star hotels get right.
Final cleaning step
I’d always wondered what it is about a hotel kind of clean that’s so appealing and why a hotel often looks so sparkling clean as opposed to a typical home. The first thing that came to mind is that hotels know all about cleaning. Unlike most homeowners, cleaning is what hotels do every single day. Besides the usual making of beds, vacuuming, scrubbing, and dusting, there’s one final thing that hotels do that most homeowners don’t think about and that’s polishing. Yes, polishing is the often overlooked “final act” in cleaning. For instance, a tub faucet might be scrubbed with cleaner, then rinsed, and then forgotten during the typical home style cleaning. However, a hotel maid would take the final step and wipe the faucet off with a soft, dry cloth and polish it to make it spot-free.
If you have polished chrome fixtures, this small extra step is all you need to keep your chrome looking good and make the finish last longer – and make the whole bathroom look and feel cleaner. My cleaning cloth of choice for this is microfiber because of its polishing ability and because it can take dried splatters, like toothpaste, off easily. Polished chrome fixtures are beautiful – and with American Standard’s new EverClean™ finishes and wonderful microfiber cleaning cloths – keeping those fixtures gleaming might not be as difficult as it once was.
Kathryn Weber is the publisher of the Red Lotus Letter feng shui e-zine and is dedicated to helping her readers develop successful, prosperous, and supportive environments with feng shui. To subscribe, logon to www.redlotusletter.com and receive this Special Report FREE "16 Feng Shui Secrets for Greater Prosperity."
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Faucet Water Filters Can Purify Your Drinking Water By Removing Chlorine & Many Harmful Contaminants

Investing in one of the many faucet water filters on the market is the best way to ensure that the water you drink is clean and safe. Many consumers feel that there’s no need to invest in a filter when they can buy bottled water from their local grocery store. Unfortunately, what many of these consumers don't know is that bottled water isn’t really much safer than your everyday tap.
This may come as a shock, but there are no government standards that require bottled water to be safer or purer than your everyday tap water. Basically, that means you are paying more for bottled when it’s essentially the same as what you can drink from home, oftentimes even worse. In the long run, owning your own filter will allow you to save money and have healthier water available all of the time.
There are over 2,000 cancer-causing contaminants in our water. Unfortunately, with the production of more man-made chemicals, the toxicity will only continue to get worse. Before the invention of these chemicals, the population had a 1 in 50 chance of getting cancer. Since the creation of these chemicals, water consumers now have a 1 in 3 chance of getting cancer. Faucet mounted water filters are a wonderful way to purify the water used for drinking and cooking.
Another great benefit of quality faucet water filters, is that they remove contaminants without stripping the water of the natural trace minerals our bodies need, like distillers and reverse osmosis systems do. These two types of filters give you de-mineralized water with a very acidic pH, which is highly unhealthy.
One of the best faucet water filters you can purchase is a twin cartridge system. A quality filter will have a dual system that uses a combination of carbon filtration, ion exchange and sub-micron filtration. This produces healthy and great tasting water. Even better, it can be available at the convenience of your kitchen tap, by hooking up directly to your faucet, or being installed under the sink.
These multi-stage faucet water filters are a wonderful investment because two cartridges are more effective at purifying water. The first stage removes chlorine, sediment and other microscopic particles. The second stage then removes lead and volatile organic chemicals such as pesticides, herbicides and industrial solvents that can be damaging to your body.
As stated earlier, dual filter systems make great water. However, there are some faucet mounted water filters that also add potassium. When potassium is added to water, it enhances the mineral balance, which gives water a natural spring-like taste. If you’re looking for that extra bonus for your water, this is the way to go.
If you still feel like faucet water filters are unnecessary, think about this--there is no new water. This means that what goes down our drain gets recycled for future use. Yes, this also includes what gets bottled for sale. Due to the lack of standard regulations concerning the purity of water, the equipment used at your local water facility remains very primitive.
When you understand that low-grade equipment produces low-grade water, the importance of faucet mounted water filters becomes quite clear. The best way to have pure water on a regular basis is by investing in a filter for your home.
Remember, the best faucet water filters are the ones that eliminate contaminants using a dual filtration system. These filters use a combination of carbon filtration, ion exchange and sub-micron filtration to effectively remove chlorine, lead, volatile organic compounds, MTBE and other chlorine resistant chemicals. There is nothing wrong with investing in a more basic product, but if you want a truly effective product, this multi-stage process gives you more for your money.
In order to make a wise investment in faucet mounted water filters, it is best to ask the distributor for a performance data report. Doing so will prove a company’s reputability as well as the product’s reliability.
A reputable company will want to prove that they can provide the best faucet water filters. Therefore, they will want to assure you that they have the proof to back it up. If you find a company unwilling to oblige, steer clear and find a distributor you can trust.
Your health is important and owning faucet water filters for your home can help you maintain it. When you have control over what you put into your body, you can easily improve your quality of life.
Martin Spencer is a health researcher who has been studying water filtration for over 25 years. He is a regular contributor to Water Filters Guide, a site dedicated to various methods of treating and purifying water. Learn about faucet mounted water filters as well as undersink and whole house systems on our site.
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The Dripping Faucet in Every Organization

Each day millions of workers spend 8 hours or more at their respective jobs with many contributing to the dripping faucet within every organization. This faucet much like the leaking kitchen or bathroom faucet’s steadily waste drops of a previous resource – water – every minute of every day until fixed. Yet, the dripping faucet is considered a minor annoyance until the drips become steadier. During this time, thousands of gallons of water are wasted costing the owner probably more money than it took to correct the problem.
Organizations also have dripping faucets not only in their physical plants, but within their people’s productivity. During the last 5 years, I have surveyed thousands of individuals who all believe that their plates are full, but admit to wasting a minimum of 12 minutes each day. For employees who are paid $30,000 not including benefits, this amounts to $14.42 each week for the one lost hour of work or $721.12 annually. If you have a facility with 50 people, the annual cost is at least $35,056. For organizations with at least 1,400 employees, the annual cost rises a minimum of $1,000,000. Dripping faucets are very expensive!
How can you repair this expensive drain on your limited resources? First, consider that most people don’t intentionally come to work to waste your resources. Their performance in many cases is a result of lack of knowledge and skills supported by negative attitudes and habits. These negative attitudes and habits probably contribute much more to their performance.
Second, begin to ask questions about how the organization is communicating its message. If you were to survey 10% of your employees from upper, middle and front line levels and asked them to name the top 3 goals of the organization, would you receive the EXACT SAME ANSWER from each individual. Different responses contribute to people not knowing what they may need to do next and contribute to that ongoing dripping faucet.
Third, determine if your employees truly understand how to plan and achieve their personal goals. If your employees are achieving their personal goals, the likelihood of them achieving corporate goals has been greatly enhanced. Time management is the apex of goal planning and achievement. If individuals don’t have goals, then why worry about time?
Fourth, as you train your employees include interpersonal development along with the job specific skills. If your company promotes from within, the individual is recognized for her or his job specific skills. However, as these individuals moved up through the organization, job specific skills become less while interpersonal skills become greater. Yet, much of the training fails to develop these individuals and the result is that these individuals leave which increases bottom line costs or return to their original position again increasing bottom line costs.
Five, finally, think about the words that you select. For example, ask your employees how they are investing their time instead of spending their time? Frame your questions and statements using positive words that generate powerful mental images. People hear words, but they think in pictures.
Six, align your systems, strategies and people to create loyal internal customers that discover those “moments of truth” leading to external customers. Southwest Airlines understands the power of alignment.
These are just 6 ideas that will help you begin to repair your dripping faucets. So, grab the toolbox and begin to create a culture that does not support wasting your resources, but instead looks to invest them. Remember, the faucet continues to drip and this is very expensive.
Leanne Hoagland-Smith, M.S. President of ADVANCED SYSTEMS, is the Process Specialist. With over 25 years of business and education experience, she implements and realigns processes to build sustainable change for individuals and organizations and delivers ROI solutions within a variety of industries. As co-author of M.A.G.I.C.A.L. Potential:Living an Amazing Life Beyond Purpose to Achievement due for August 2005 release, Leanne speaks nationally to a variety of audiences. If you desire AMAZING RESULTS, please call Leanne a call at 219.759.5601 or leanne@processspecialist.com.
Copyright 2005(c) Leanne Hoagland-Smith http://www.processspecialist.com/organizations.htm
Permission to publish this article, electronically or in print, as long as the bylines are included, with a live link, and the article is not changed in any way (grammatical corrections accepted).
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Classy Bathroom Faucets Bring Amazing Life to a New Bathroom Vanity

Are you an excellent do it yourselfer? If so, then remodeling your bathroom may be an excellent home job that could be enjoyable and rewarding for you. The bathroom is usually the smallest room in your home and if you have any doubts at all regarding your abilities, such as plumbing, electrical, etc. then you may want consider having professionals do the remodeling job for you. Regardless of the task, whether it's installing a bathroom vanity, bathroom showers, bathroom faucets, bathroom sinks or even shower curtain rods, they all take some type of specialized skill. When it comes to compiling a list of the professionals required you will need a flooring installer, painter, bathroom vanity installer, electrician, tiler, and a plumber.
The bathroom can be a showcase of your wildest creativity. You may choose to do a cosmetic redecorating job only or a full remodeling job. One thing about a bathroom, when it comes to wallpaper or paint, this room is usually more receptive to colors that you wouldn't normally use in any other room in the house. Sometimes materials that are prohibitively expensive when it comes to decorating larger areas in your home will fit into your bathroom-decorating budget. In new homes, special attention is being given to large bathrooms with custom bathroom shower stalls, multiple-sink bathroom vanities, toilet and bidet combinations, custom tile work, and huge walk-in closets.
One thing to remember is that there are always the basic necessities when it comes to a bathroom such as a sink, tub, shower and toilet. The extra accessories are always nice and when it comes to redecorating your bathroom the sky is the limit! Consider the following custom touches such as a claw-foot bathtub, a sunken whirlpool tub, and one of your least expensive alternatives are pre-molded fiberglass bathroom shower stalls and tubs. Regardless of what theme you choose for your bathroom, it's important to have fun and create a bathroom just for you!
By Terry Price - The bathroom shower is a very important part of your overall design: http://www.bathroomvanitiescurtains.com/bathroom-showers.html Cultured marble is fantastic in a bathroom vanity! http://www.bathroomvanitiescurtains.com/custom-bathroom-vanity-tops-cultured-marble.html
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Faucet Repair

Faucets have internal parts that eventually wear out. The first to go are the washers and o-rings, then the seats, and then possibly the stem. As these parts wear you will start to get leaking from your faucet. The leaks could come from the spout and drip into the sink, or you could get leaking from the handle(s) and have water running on to your counter or under the counter. Just before we get into repairing your faucet let’s consider a couple of things.
For you water conservationalists its out there did you know that 1 drop of water per second equals about 2,500 gallons of water per year? And most people that I have repaired faucets for wait until there faucet is leaking about 6-10 drips per second. That is about 12,500 to 25,000 gallons of water per year. That’s $80 to $140 per year. Plus most of your leaks will start on the hot side way before the cold, since the hot water will deteriorate the rubber in the valves much quicker. So with the way energy costs are today you can add 30% to 60% to those costs.
If your bathroom faucet is 10 years old or older you may wish to change the faucet out with a new one. I definitely recommend doing this. The reason I believe you should do this is that the labor for repairing the faucet and the labor for replacing the faucet are fairly close to the same. And the parts for repairing the faucet will be around $35.00. A new faucet will cost you around $75.00. So for only an extra $40.00 you will have a nice new faucet to brighten up your bathroom.
With your kitchen faucet the price difference can be much more significant. In either case you will need to make a decision that fits your situation the best.
Now with the bath tub or shower faucets, since the valve is behind the wall, then I recommend repairing the leak. The best time to replace a bath tub or shower faucet is during renovations. It is possible for you to replace sooner if you have enough access to the faucet from the back. So you could replace with a similar faucet or there is a flange made by delta that will cover holes left from a two or three handle faucet when you install a single lever faucet. Faucet styles
This is an absolutely huge area. There is literally thousands of different faucets and models of faucets over the last 30 years.
A short list of the more common styles are:
Two handle bathroom, kitchen, bathtub or shower faucets with seats and washersTwo handle washerless bathroom, kitchen, bath tub or shower faucets Three handle bath/shower faucets with seats and washers (these will have a hot and cold tap as well as a control for the bath/shower)Single lever bath/shower faucets with cartridgeSingle lever kitchen faucets with pull-out head and cartridgeSingle lever kitchen and bathroom faucets with rubber seats and ball control
The reason I say short list is because each of the above can have many different variations. There are dozens of different seats, washers, and cartridges. Because there is so many different styles and variations the time to make the repair can become longer because quite often you will need to go to a specialty shop to match the parts with the parts you removed. So you can understand that if you are paying a plumber $75.00 per hour (that is the going rate here) the replacement of the faucet may be cheaper than the repair of the faucet.
Now on to the faucet repair job
Each type of faucet will have a similar repair procedure. I suggest putting the parts in order on the counter beside you as you pull them out so that you know exactly how to put them back again.
1. Turn off the water.2. Pry off the handle screw cover.3. Take the screw out of the handle4. Remove handle (you may need handle pullers to do this)5. Remove escusion if there is one (usually on two handle bath tubs and showers)6. Loosen off the holding nut (in single lever bathtub showers there is a holding ring)7. Remove the stem (cartridge in single lever bath/showers)8. Check the brass seats for cuts (use your baby fingernail or flashlight)(remove rubber seats if you have a washerless faucets)9. Replace brass seats if necessary (the seats might be chrome as well)10. Replace the washer (replace the cartridge in single levers)11. If need be replace the stem.12. Put back together 13. Check for leaks.
Congratulations! You just saved yourself $100-$200 repairing your own faucet
Kelly Kramer owns a plumbing company and flips real estate. His renovation experience is vast and knowledgeable. You can see more of his writing at http://www.edmontons-business-directory.com
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