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Friday, April 3, 2009

What are the common Bathroom Remodeling Tools You May Need



Are you looking to start a bathroom remodeling project soon? If so, do you have all of the items that you will need? When it comes to bathroom remodeling or just about any other home improvement project, many individuals automatically think of the materials that will be used. If you are looking to replace your bathtub, of course, you will need a replacement bathtub, but how will you get that bathtub installed without tools? You can’t. That is why it is important to know what you tools you will need before starting your next bathroom remodeling project.

When it comes to tools, you will find that the tools used with all depend on the remodeling that is being done. For instance, if you are planning on remodeling your entire bathroom, you will likely need more tools than you would if you were just replacing your bathroom cabinets. Despite the fact that different bathroom remodeling projects often call for different tools, you will find that some tools can be used on just about all bathroom remodeling projects. It might be a good idea to keep these tools, which are listed below, on hand at all times.

One of the many tools that you will want to have on hand, when remodeling your bathroom, is a pair of pliers. Pliers are one of those tools that you may need to use on a regular basis, not just for a kitchen remodeling project. Therefore, there is a good chance that you already have a pair of pliers in your home or on your tool belt.

It is also advised that you have a tape measure on hand, when preparing to start your next bathroom remodeling project. Whether you are looking to install a new light fixture or tile your bathroom floor, a tape measure could come in handy. In addition to a tape measure, you may also want to make sure that you have a level. Using a level with a tape measure will not only help to ensure that your cabinets or wall hangings are centered, but that they are also level.

Another tool that you should always have on hand, when remodeling your bathroom, is a screwdriver. In fact, unless you have a multi-function screwdriver, you may even need to have to have more than one screwdriver on hand. Even better than a multi-function screwdriver is a screw gun. Screwdrivers are a great, yet simple way to help speed up your next bathroom remodeling project.

It is also advised that you have a ladder on hand, when remodeling your bathroom. Ladders are used to help reach high places. If you need to paint your bathroom ceiling or even replace your bathroom lights, you may need to use a ladder. In addition to a ladder, it may be a good idea to keep a small stepstool on hand. Stepstools are great for helping you reach high spaces that are high enough to need assistance, but not high enough to need a ladder. Stepstools are also nice because most tend to take up a relatively small amount of space.

In addition to all of the above mentioned tools, it is also important to place a focus on safety. If and when you go out to purchase new kitchen remodeling tools, it is advised that you also purchase some safety equipment, especially if you don’t already own some. Safety equipment includes, but is not limited to, work gloves, construction hats, face masks, and safety goggles.

The above mentioned kitchen remodeling tools and safety equipment pieces are just a few of the many items that you may need. For an accurate list of tools that may need to be used during your next bathroom remodeling project, you are advised to review the remodeling projects that you have scheduled, as well as their directions. Doing so is the best way to not only know what to expect, but also to know what tools you may need to go out and buy.
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Thursday, April 2, 2009

How to spice up your kitchen…for cheap!



As a home owner in a down-hill economy, the thought of remodeling your kitchen probably seems way too expensive to even consider. Fortunately, there are ways you can spice up your kitchen with a nominal budget. All you need is some creativity and a helping hand and you are just a few steps away from upgrading your outdated kitchen to a modern delight.

The first improvement you want to do is paint. Re-painting your kitchen with a vibrant color will make your kitchen look bigger and contemporary. Grab a family member or one of your friends and get the paint rollers. All you need is one Saturday and you will have your entire kitchen painted. Most painters will charge you anywhere between $300-600 to paint your kitchen. Depending on the size, you should be able to paint the whole thing for under $150-200.

The next easy remodel you should consider is either re-painting or re-staining your cabinets (depending on the type of material). Just like you did with the walls, grab some rollers and a companion and you could have this job completed in a day. Re-staining your cabinetry will give your kitchen a fresh, new look without having to shell out thousands of dollars to get new cabinets installed. You could always buy new cabinets (depending on the condition) at wholesale, but the manual labor will probably be a big pain. Unless your cabinets are falling apart, just go with the re-stain/paint.

A couple of other really easy, inexpensive upgrades you can make to your kitchen are lighting and window coverings. You can go to any hardware or home goods store and buy your self both of these items. For light fixtures, recessed lighting is the way to go. You can achieve a very modern, clean look with recessed lighting. Plus, they are easy to install and there are hundreds of inexpensive options available. Window coverings, whether blinds or curtains, are also easy to install and relatively cheap. Just pick something that contrasts well with your paint job and the over all theme of the kitchen.

There are also a lot of little detailed improvements you can make that are character to you as an individual such as paintings, plants etc. Whatever else you plan on doing, keep in mind, that these minor, relatively easy improvements will undoubtedly help increase or at least retain the value of your home.

About the Author: Paragon Remodeling, Inc is a Residential Home Remodeling Company
located in Northern Virginia which specializes in replacement windows,
siding, custom built decks and patios etc. Paragon Remodeling is specialized in Virginia kitchen remodeling and Virginia kitchen remodeling.
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Wednesday, April 1, 2009

Types and Safety Tips in Power Washers




The many types of power washers today make it increasingly specialized in functions. It can be bought at any appliance store, or reserved online. Power washers have different surfaces. They may come in metal, painted surface, concrete and many more. These kinds of power washers can eliminate all kinds of stains and dirt oil. Even the toughest stains can be eliminated. In whatever surface it may be, power washers can eliminate the stains. It can also bring the surface’s original luster back.

People find power washers the best thing to use because they are naturally environment friendly. They use power washers because they do not need to exert full effort in cleaning and cleaning is done in a faster way. These power washers are environment friendly because it produces no pollution. Not even a gas fume can be produced from these machines.

These power washers come in different types. It can be an electric power washer, gas or industrial.

These types of power washers vary in pressure ranges. These power washers are very reliable equipment for removing stains and dirt. You can be sure that your money is very worthy of buying power washers because these machines are made of high quality materials. They are made of very durable materials. They are very strong even at the most busy situation, they do not back out. They are also easy to maintain machines. Each part of power washers are available in all stores that are present anywhere.

The ability of power washers to clean effectively is measured through the PSI (or the Pounds per Square Inch). This PSI can be measured by counting the gallons of the per minute water flow. The PSI decides how strong the power that is needed for cleaning a certain surface. The more is the ability of power washers to clean derbies and fight stains if it has greater PSI.

Remember that there is actually no perfect PSI. You just have to choose the exact PSI best suited for your type of cleaning work. Do not choose an excessive PSI because it may damage the surface that it is cleaning. Make some research on which PSI will fit your work.

Power washers also involve some risks. So before you buy and use one, follow the safety measures printed on the manuals. Always try to avoid causing injuries or accidents.

Here are some general guidelines to follow. Do not point the power washers to yourself or to anyone else while you are using them. Do not use sprays in moving or pushing object that are in the washer. If you have gasoline powered washers, do not use them in an enclosed space. Rather, use them in an open field.

The operator should constantly check the status of the circuit breaker and outlet if they are in proper condition and if it is still working before the pressure washer can be used. The outlet should be plugged properly to the ground receptacle.

For extension cord, choose the heavy duty ones. It is good if the cord is water resistant. It is safer to use even when wet accidentally. Keep the power cord and extension cord always away from the flow washer. The operator must wear rubber soled shoes when using the power washer. Rubber soles does not conduct electricity. There should be grounding for both the extension cord and the power cord to further prevent electrocution.

Read the owner’s manual and follow instruction in a directive way. Power washers should not be operated or even be at reach of children.

About the Author: For more information on Power Washers and Safety and Power Washersplease visit our website.
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Tuesday, March 31, 2009

Flooding – Is Your Home at Risk?



If you live in a high risk area for flooding, you need to be aware of the following precautions and home maintenance tips to better prepare yourself in the event of a flood. The first step, however, is to determine if your home is indeed at risk.

Different seasons bring different types of flooding possibilities. In the winter with the melting snow and hard, frozen ground, snow floods are common. Warmer months experiencing torrential rains are susceptible to flash floods. The collapse of dams or levees and tropical storms can present an unmanageable amount of water in a short time, and result in flooding. Determine whether any of these types of flooding could affect your home.

FEMA, or the Federal Emergency Management Agency, establish ratings for flood zones based on local water flow, storm tides, rainfall, and land surveys. Find out whether you live in a low, moderate or high risk area for flooding. If your home is situated in a floodplain, you are required to have flood insurance.

Find out what the town planners have done to reduce the effects of flooding in your area. These actions should be mentioned when you are establishing a premium rate with the flood insurance company.

Home Maintenance:

If you live in a flood zone, install anti-flood barriers in new housing and consider adding these to existing homes. They may not totally prevent water from entering the basement, but may slow seepage considerably.

Keep all nearby drains clean and free of any debris that may cause a back flow of water.

Clean your home's gutters to remove build-up that may clog and force rainfall to enter at the roof line.

Plug the drains in the sinks, bathtubs and sewer traps to prevent water from backing up. Unhook the washer, dryer and dishwasher and block the outlets.

Silicone sealant can be used to seal around doors and windows to prevent water from making it's way through small openings. Seal any cracks in basement walls and foundations.

You may want to consider relocating your electrical panel to the attic where it is less likely to be damaged by floodwater.

Necessary Steps:

Assemble a survival kit to include battery-powered flashlights, radio, extra batteries, first aid supplies, medications, rain gear, warm clothes, sleeping bags, enough canned food and water for several days, utensils, and personal items.

Prepare an evacuation plan and rehearse it with the family. Understand and be aware of the flood warning signs, local weather conditions and warnings. If an evacuation looks imminent, prepare a bag with a few changes of clothes and any necessary medications that you can grab at a moments notice. Keep your pet cages handy with extra food in case family pets also need transporting.

Make sure you have flood insurance. Most normal home owner's insurance policies do not include reimbursement for flood damage.

Keep important documents in an easily accessible, waterproof container. An inventory of your documents including a photograph of each, stored on a CD is worth the extra effort.


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About the Author: View the many Washington D.C. homes for sale at LynnBulmer.com. Let Lynn be your guide to Cleveland Park real estate.
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