Tips for Choosing Decorative Outdoor Lighting

[ad_1] If you were to drive around any neighborhood while paying close attention to decorative lighting, you would begin to notice a pattern of gorgeous homes with lighting systems that are too small or cheap in appearance. On the other hand, you would begin to see smaller homes where homeowners had installed oversized lighting systems. In other words, while everyone loves the ambience that decorative outdoor lighting provides, and the enhanced safety of illumination, many people simply do not make the right choices. As a result, the home and lighting system are off-balanced, which distracts from the beauty of the property. The goal when buying decorative outdoor lighting is to have a plan, which would include the size and style of home. From there, you would find it much easier to purchase a lighting system that would enhance and complement the home rather than create an awkward appearance. One of the next steps is to determine the appropriate size of outdoor lighting for your needs. Keep in mind that no hard rules exist as to size, walk outside, and standing at roadside look at the home. Try to focus on any architectural features that stand out such as a lamp post, statue, pillars, etc. Using good visual judgment, determine the size of decorative outdoor lighting that would create balance. Another important aspect of choosing decorative outdoor lighting has to do with illumination. Typically, you want the exterior to be lit up for security reasons but you also want to avoid harsh glares. Therefore, we recommend you again look for decorative outdoor lighting that provides balance. After all, this type of lighting should be fully functional. If you plan to place light fixtures along a driveway or up stairs leading to the front door, illumination should be bright enough to make walking safe while at the same time not so bright that illumination is actually distracting. If you need brightness, then it would be better to illuminate a broad area so the light is not so concentrated. Most decorative outdoor lighting systems come with a minimum of 100-watt capacity, whether as a single light or multiple lights. For creating light outside, this is plenty. In addition to size and illumination, you want to consider the material of the decorative outdoor lighting fixture. Today, the five most popular choices include iron, brass, copper, cast aluminum, and composites. Although there are other options, these are used because they can withstand the elements and remain beautiful and functional. The hardest material to find is cast iron but something hand-forged would be gorgeous. Just be sure the metal parts of the system are zinc coated to eliminate rust from developing. Brass is a popular choice simply because it has an elegant look. However, decorative options made from brass also ensures a long lasting system that can handle all types of environments. The only exception is that brass does not handle extreme heat but choosing fixtures that have powder coating would eliminate any concern. It would also be worth spending a little more for solid brass. No matter the choice, brass does go through a unique oxidation process whereby the surface color changes but for decorative outdoor lighting, it adds to the charm. Even if you were on a tight budget but desperately want new outdoor lighting, remember that companies have sales all the time but you could also make your purchase directly from a manufacturer. In addition, we suggest you look at options for decorative outdoor lighting online. Because companies that sell only via the internet do not have the same high overhead as brick and mortar companies, it is possible for them to pass incredible savings on to the customer. [ad_2] Source by Lydia Quinn https://4awesome.streamstorecloud.com/tips-for-choosing-decorative-outdoor-lighting/?feed_id=38213&_unique_id=64d2d3c3eb180

An Introduction to Home Kitchen Appliances

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In order to make life a whole lot easier, kitchen appliances were invented and developed in order to make food preparation and cooking fast and efficient. Over the last 50 years, a lot of major changes have been made to the most commonly used appliances in the kitchen. Furthermore, labor saving kitchen appliances have been brought about by the introduction of electricity.

Typically, the most familiar equipments that you can find in a kitchen are refrigerators and cabinets for food storage, a sink for dishwashing and cleaning food, and, of course, a stove for cooking.

For centuries, kitchens have been present in each and every household, whether big or small. Servants used to do most of the kitchen work in the past, especially in the homes of affluent families. However, housewives ended up doing most of the culinary tasks in the kitchen after the civil war period since most people don't have servants anymore. And because of this, majority of the kitchen appliance were invented to help in carrying out the job at a lesser time and with greater ease.

Choosing kitchen appliances can be a little overwhelming. There are both large appliances and there are also small ones. So it is necessary to plan your kitchen first before making any purchases so as to avoid going over the top. This will also prevent your kitchen from being cluttered with appliances that you might not even use at all. In that way, you can also avoid wasting money buying things that you don't need.

Another important consideration is the amount of time you are going to use a certain kitchen appliance. If you rarely have guests and you live on your own, buying a double oven cooker is not really a wise decision. It will just sit around the corner of your kitchen. So it would be better to purchase a smaller cooker instead and save a sizable amount of money.

You also have to consider the brand, size and style. You have to assess the available kitchen space and imagine how your kitchen would look like with the presence of your chosen appliances. Try to find something that would fit your kitchen and suit your cooking needs.

Before any kitchen appliances were developed, inventors and manufacturers were aiming to provide convenience. Users can save time and effort with almost all of the kitchen appliances available today. Because of the demands of modern society, households would truly appreciate the help that they can get from modern appliances because time is not a luxury that everyone can afford.

In terms of food safety, kitchen appliances can also fulfill this requirement. The quality and freshness of foods can be preserved with the help of large kitchen appliances like refrigerators and freezers. Also, one can cook at reliably hot and sufficient temperatures with the help of modern day stoves.

The development of kitchen appliances is endless with the acceptance of the public and with creative minds formulating technological advancements. Around the globe, people are always looking forward to new things that will help them have a more hassle-free time in the kitchen.

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Source by Stuart Max

Kitchen Appliances

Kitchen Utensils

Surge Protectors

Food Storage

Cookware

Indoor Grills

Camping Equipment

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A Comprehensive Guide to Get Started With Garden Care

[ad_1] Many people have not yet discovered the joys of garden care. They may not realize the value of plants, flowers, shrubs, trees, and other landscaping elements that give a home its beauty and charm. However, these elements will pay off in time and money. It may sound strange, but the quality of water that a homeowner uses can have a profound effect on the health of his or her plants. The water temperature, too, can be a contributing factor. Hot water can burn plants, which can lead to death. On the other hand, cold water is great for watering plants. The temperature is less than it is in a refrigerator, so plants do not freeze. Agarden pond needs to be maintained in order to provide a habitat for fish and other wildlife. Likewise, the layout of a garden may depend on how it will be used. If it is a wind-swept area, for example, then some designing may be necessary. Another important element in the maintenance of a garden is the use of mulch. This keeps a gardener's plants from getting soggy and prevents them from being affected by frost. It also prevents weeds from growing and can reduce or eliminate a garden's need for fertilizers. Garden mulch is available in a variety of types and textures. It comes in strips, stones, gravel, pebbles, and even seeds. Each has its own advantages and disadvantages. The type of mulch, a gardener chooses depends on the type of soil he or she has, as well as on the kinds of plants that will grow there. For instance, if the soil is sandy or rocky, a smooth rock would be more appropriate than gravel. If it is not, a smoother type of mulch would be preferable. Like all garden care, garden mulch maintenance is simple and inexpensive. Not only does the material itself need little upkeep, but mulch is also reusable. People who collect the mulch often put it in their flower beds and in their front yard. Because plants and flowers require such a good deal of water, gardeners must be mindful of their water use when deciding what kind of mulch to use. Leaf mulch, for example, is suitable for use with perennials and other plants that do not require constant water. It can help to save space in flowerbeds and other areas where plants are grown. Solid mulch is especially useful for people who have lawns and gardens with large areas of water that need more than sprinkler head time to dry out. This type of mulch works well for homeowners who have lawns and a variety of plants in the garden. The continuous spray of water keeps the area drier for longer periods. [ad_2] Source by Dan Licamara https://1home.streamstorecloud.com/a-comprehensive-guide-to-get-started-with-garden-care/?feed_id=38165&_unique_id=64ceb22e65913

Lawn Mower Service

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Reasons you should complete your lawn mower service

The maintenance on lawn mowers, especially push mowers is very simple. The average home DIY type person can easily handle their own lawn mower service. With a few simple tools, and a little bit of elbow grease, you to can handle the upkeep on your mower. The first place to look would be your owner's manual. If you don't have one, you should contact the manufacturer of your mower. This will list all the service intervals of various items on your mower.

There are many reasons to maintain your mower.

Longevity - You wouldn't drive your car without changing the oil would you? Then why would you neglect your lawn mower? When you keep up on the maintenance on your lawn mower, you lower the overall cost of ownership. Your mower will last you many years if properly taken care of.

Quality - When your mower is completely serviced, it will perform at its peak. This means engine running in top shape, and also your blade(s) are sharp and balanced. The end result is a mower that will start reliably, cut clean, and always be ready when you are.

Common Tasks during a lawn mower service

Basic maintenance goes a long way, and is simple. Most jobs can be completed at the end of the cutting season before winter storage, or can be completed right before season begins. These common items include the following.

Air Filter

Oil

Spark Plug

Sharpen and/or replace blades

Cleaning under the deck

Air Filter

Typical lawn mower air filter.

As cheap as they are, air filters should just be done once a year. Most lawn mowers have easy access to the air filter housing. Either unlock a couple tabs, or loosen a couple screws. Air filters for lawn mowers are usually the soft foam type, or paper type. If you allow your mowers air filter to become clogged, it will lose power and not burn the fuel completely. See you owners manual for the correct filter.

Oil

Oil catch pan

At least once per year you should change your engine oil on your lawn mower. This will usually require you to tip your lawn mower up on its side, and drain through the fill port as most don't have drain plugs. Many lawn mowers will run SAE 30, but there should be a chart comparing your climate temperature to recommended oil use. Simply unscrew the fill plug, tip the mower on its side and drain all the oil into an approved container. When your container is full you can bring it to a local garage or recycling center for disposal.

Oil Chart

Oil chart for recommended oil weight for climate. Consult owners manual for your specific engine.

The type of oil you use will change some, depending on your local climate. Most all manufacturers have a chart in the owner's manual showing temperature ranges.

Spark Plug

All small push lawn mowers have a single spark plug. The job of the spark plug is to ignite the gasoline to supply power to turn the blade. Overtime this spark plug may become dirty, or fouled. When this occurs your mower will either not start, or will run rough and not perform well. To change a spark plug you will need a spark plug socket. Spark plug sockets have a special rubber insert inside them to protect the ceramic of the spark plug, and also grip and hold it in place.

Once your spark plug is removed you will see what model number it is, by looking on the side of the ceramic. You should be able to see a number, usually in blue colored writing. This will tell which spark plug to replace. Install the new plug, and snug down.

Lawn Mower Blade

When the lawn mower blade is sharp, it will make for a cleaner cut obviously. But this also helps the grass grow better by actually cutting it and not ripping it. When you look at a blade of grass on the tip you should see a nice, clean cut. If its ragged and torn, it means you need to sharpen your blade.

Having a sharp blade also requires less work on the engine. This over the long term will result in longer engine life, as it is not loaded all the time.

Sharpening your blades at home is something a DIY person can do. At the minimum it requires a file, and would make it much easier with a vise to hold it securely while you will work.

Another option is also a grinder, which is much faster, but not everyone has a grinder at their home.

Newer styles of sharpening are using a blade sharpener. These work much like a knife sharpener found in your kitchen, but scaled larger for lawn mower blades.

Sharpening is pretty straight forward. But first we must remove the blade.

Removing a lawn mower blade

Securely raise the mower, so you can access the underside where the blade is located. If you do tip it on the side, drain as much of the gas as possible, and also put the muffler of the engine pointing up. This will keep the oil from running into the muffler, and causing quite the smoke show on startup.

Remove spark plug wire just as a precaution to accidental startup.

Using your blade holder, secure the blade from rotating. This tool is a life saver compared to using a block of wood.

Using a breaker bar and correct size socket, loosen center retaining bolt.

Remove blade.

This is also a good time to remove any grass buildup from under your deck.

Sharpening and Balancing

Now that you have your blade removed, its time to sharpen. Now considering you haven't hit any rocks or other solid objects you shouldn't have any major chips in the blade. If you do, just buy a new set of blades and install.

Hold your blade either securely in a vise, or you could hold by hand. It's important to wear gloves! This will keep your fingers intact. Using a blade sharpener, run from center to tip until a nice sharp edge is formed. Repeat on the other side.

Now we must make sure your blade is balanced. Using a blade balancer, set your blade on it and make sure it is setting level. If one side seems to dip more than the other, take more material off.

The purpose of balancing is to reduce vibration. It's the same concept as balancing your car tires.

When complete install blade back on your lawn mower. Installation is reverse of removal.

Final thoughts on lawn mower service

Doing your own lawn mower service is something just about anyone can do. This is a job that you should complete once a year, and is fairly low cost. Once you purchase all the tools you need, maintenance on your mower will cost next to nothing.

Completing your own lawn mower service is rewarding as you know the job will be done right. It will also save you money over and over again.

Enjoy your lawn mower service, and Happy Cutting!

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Source by Zachary Marlow

Lawn Mowers

Weed Eaters

Lawn Blowers

Fans

Repair Tools

Indoor Grills

Binoculars

Kitchen Gadgets

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Grass Colors and What They Mean

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Everyone knows that grass is green, but did you know that your lawn can change its color slightly throughout the year? The color of grass depends on the environmental conditions - how much sun and rain it gets and what the soil is like. Most subtle color changes are harmless, but if your lawn seems to be changing color drastically it could be a sign of an underlying problem. Below are some colors your grass may go, and what they all mean.

Dark Green

Dark green grass is a sign that it's producing lots of chlorophyll - this is a sign of a healthy plant. It's got enough nutrition to produce chlorophyll and thrive. Your grass may turn a darker green during the spring and summer when it has lots of sun, especially if you've fertilized during the spring. Make sure your lawn has enough water and you should have a lush green garden all summer long.

Yellowish

Yellowish grass isn't producing much chlorophyll because it isn't getting enough of the right nutrients from the soil. You may need to use a fertilizer to get the green color back. The best time to fertilize is during the spring and autumn, as this gives the grass time to take on nutrients before its main growing and 'sleeping' phases. If the fertilizer doesn't work your grass may have a disease.

Red

A red tinge to your grass could mean several things. Sometimes it's just a sign that the grass isn't producing a lot of chlorophyll. If your grass turns red during autumn and winter, wait for the warm weather to come round again because this might cure the problem. Some grasses, like Ryegrass, have a natural reddish hue so check what species your plant is. Red can also be a sign that the plant is under stress - this could be because of environmental conditions, or it could be because of disease.

Orange

Orange color is normally produced by fungi that live on the grass plant. Rust disease for example leaves orange-colored spores that come off if you rub the grass between your fingers. They're harmful and can kill the grass, but they usually don't kill the whole thing off. If you do have rust disease you'll need to treat your lawn to minimize damage.

Tan color

By the time your grass goes tan it's most certainly dead. Tan grass has been scorched and dried out in the sun, shriveled due to lack of water, or mown too harshly and succumbed to damage. If you've looked after your lawn and it's still dead it's probably been a victim of disease.

You should always try to make sure your grass has a healthy growing environment, as this may halt or reverse the color-changes you see. Make sure your lawn gets enough water and nutrients and ensure that you mow correctly. A stressed lawn is prone to weaknesses and this is when negative (although reversible) changes can occur. If nothing works then you should assume your lawn has a disease and look into that instead.

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Source by Sylvia Kittens

Hose Storage

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Health and Entrepreneurs

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5 Big Benefits of Portable Tool Boxes

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Portable tool boxes function wherever you require them the most. You can slide in your portable tool box inside your vehicle when there's plenty of work, or just set it aside when there is nothing to be done. These tool boxes often come in a whole range of colors, shapes and sizes where they are mostly crafted in wooden boxes, stainless steel and durable plastic. These portable tool boxes are frequently found in garages and sheds but these are also beneficial for more than just your tools and equipments.

Handy in kitchens

Portable tool boxes are also convenient in most kitchens. If you love to collect kitchen gadgets, a tool box are perfect storage systems for them where they can be organized neatly in its shallow compartments. There is no more hassle of digging for gadgets when you are in need of them. A stainless tool box would also go well in kitchens with stainless steel appliances.

Beneficial in craft rooms

Tool boxes are also convenient add-ons to your craft room. You can sort your brushes and place it in one compartment. Your paint in another one and your embroider threads could go well in another compartment.

Convenient in kids' bedrooms

A portable tool box in your children's room would certainly look great particularly if his decor is in a car theme. He can utilize this tool box to reorganize all his toys or he can simply shove his entire collections therein.

Make excellent gifts for newly-weds

A portable tool box might be a rare and bizarre wedding gift that you can give to a newly wedded couple where both can use it for several more years. Whenever they are going to dig for tools they will certainly think of you. They might seem unsuitable but no need to fret since tool boxes are convenient in every home.

Essential for do-it-your-own-projects at home

Each household must have a tool box with essential tools and equipments. Even if you are not mechanically inclined, you never know when you may require some tools and equipment for important projects at home. There are several essential tools offered for in the market that will tender everything that you might require for simple household repairs and maintenance.

There are lots of tool boxes that might be suitable for your needs. Searching for an excellent portable tool box might not be too hard for you since these are accessible everywhere. You can even go online to find the best tool box that will cater to your needs as well as your family.

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Source by Ryan Tyler

Tool Boxes

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Keyless Locks

Tire Pumps

Ladders

Safety goggles

Worx Tools

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Trimming The Tag End Of A Fishing Knot - How Short To Cut It

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In fishing, as in life, there are consequences to your actions. If you are constantly finding that your fishing knots are coming undone, then you may be causing that to happen by cutting the tag end of your fishing knot too short. How short should it be? That's exactly what you're going to discover in this article.

Let's back up a little bit and first give some definitions.

When tying a fishing knot, the "Main Line" is the end of the line that connects to your fishing reel. So this is the bulk of your fishing line. You obviously don't cut this end of the line, or you will have cut the knot you just tied clean off your line.

The "Tag End" is the short end of the fishing line that is left over after you tie a knot.

Now you could just leave the tag end as long as it is after you tie your knot and forget about trimming it altogether to avoid mistakes. But unfortunately a tag end that is too long can cause a whole new set of problems. The extra line gives your knot additional weight, as well as cause unnecessary drag in the water that can alert fish to your presence.

So as you can see, leaving the tag end untrimmed is not recommended.

My suggestion then for the tag end goes back to the basic principles of tying a fishing knot:

Tie your knot with the correct number of wraps required for the type and weight of fishing line that you are using.

Ensure that you lubricate the knot well prior to tightening it down. Using soap, rather than saliva is recommended, as it will not eat away at your line. You should keep a small squeeze bottle of dish soap in your tackle box for this purpose.

Tighten your knot properly. Using a small pair of pliers can help you tighten the knot evenly and securely. I keep a pair on a retractable cord on my fishing vest for this very purpose.

If you tighten your knot securely it will not slip and you can leave a short tag. A tag end of 1/16" to 1/8" on a securely tied knot is sufficient.

So as you can see, you may in fact have an issue with your knot tying technique, rather than the length of your tag end, that is causing your knots to come undone. Tighten it down properly and your fishing knots will never slip again.

[ad_2] Source by Pete Nalleweg

Best Choice Products

Muck Boots

Reeds Fine Jewelry, Watches and Gifts

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Writing Stand Up Comedy - Point of View

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When writing stand up comedy, consider the point of view you use in your stand up act. Comedy writers who use different characters are completely into the character point of view and comedians who use observations use the narrator point of view. However, most comics tend to use a variety of all three points of view.

The following exercise can improve your success at writing stand up comedy because you will learn to utilize the three points of view through four different stages. In stage one, you will be you as yourself in an argument. In stage two, you will become the other person using the you as other character point of view in the argument. In stage three, you will argue back and forth between the other character and you. In stage four, you will use all three points of view for writing stand up comedy. In particular, you will use yourself as the narrator to set the scene and make remarks throughout while the you and other characters point of views are arguing back and forth.

As a setup for this exercise, here are some guidelines to follow:

• You must create an argument between you and another adult.

• The other adult needs to be someone you can personify because you will only be this other adult in stage two.

• You must argue standing face to face.

• Multiple problems need to be included so that the argument will last for three to four minutes.

To help ensure the success of this exercise and writing stand up comedy, base this argument on a real argument that you have had. You do not need to reenact the exact argument, rather use it as a beginning point to get you started. Have fun and let the argument become whatever you want it to. You can even use this as an opportunity to say all those things that you wish you had said before.

Just as a caution, try not to use a recent argument or one that is close to your heart. This exercise is meant as a tool for learning and writing stand up comedy, not to analyze your life.

Using these guidelines, choose your argument. Now that you have chosen your argument and understand the different roles, you can get started with the exercise. One more thing; you may want to have a pencil and paper handy for notes. Successfully writing stand up comedy depends on many factors and choosing an effective point of view is a crucial consideration.

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Source by John Halas

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Handyman Do's and Don'ts

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If you own a home, you are well acquainted with the maintenance required to keep everything running smoothly. Patch and repair work will always be necessary for as long as you own a dwelling. Some homeowners are staunch do-it-yourselfers while others can't even stock a proper tool box. If you fall into the category that could use a bit of help around the house, hiring a handy person can be a wise idea. Here are some dos and don'ts for hiring a repairperson.

Do:

- Check his or her references. Ask for references and call them all. A word-of-mouth referral from a trusted source is even better. You want to employ someone who has done similar work for a friend, relative or neighbor. Ask about his or her reliability, skill and timeliness in job completion. If possible, take a look at the handiwork that the repair person did for your source.

- Talk about money up front. Get specifics in terms of fees and payment. Does the repair/crafts person charge by the job or by the hour? It is easier to gauge the price tag with a per completion cost agreement. It may sound like you're getting a great deal if they charge a low hourly fee, but if it takes them three times as long as the next person, the charges will add up. If they aren't sure how long something will take and only will accept the hourly wage, think long and hard about running an open ended tab. Who knows how high the final tally might end up?

- Do get more than one estimate. Price shouldn't be the only consideration, but it is one of them. Also notice whether the bid is given in a timely and professional manner. This will tell you a lot about his or her work ethics.

- Don't think every handyman is male. This occupation should actually be called "handy person" because there are many competent repair and craft persons who are female.

Don't:

- Don't pay them everything up front. It's customary to pay a down payment on the day that they start the job, something in the middle and the bulk at the end of the job. If you don't hold out the carrot for the end of the job, satisfactory completion may never occur.

- Don't accept a verbal estimate. Be sure that everything is done in writing. A written estimate is your contract and you won't have a leg to stand on without an agreement on paper.

- Don't hire a handyman without a license for crucial building components such as plumbing, electrical and roofing. It is important to select a highly skilled and experienced professional who is licensed with the Board of Contractors whenever dealing with the installation of plumbing, roofing and electrical.

- Don't forget to thank your handy person for a job well done. A verbal thank you, gifts of food while he or she is working and prompt payment will all show your appreciation.

A house should be well maintained in order to retain its property value by employing a handyman or handy woman.

[ad_2] Source by Alfred Ardis

Worx Tools

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Drywall Repair

Fishing Rods and Reels

Camping Equipment

Water Leak Detection

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Deck Design - Why Firm Foundations Are Essential

[ad_1] Preparing a deck design for your backyard is all the rage as a home improvement project for this summer, however there is great temptation to build a pallet like structure that just sits on the ground outside your back door. Yes there are many ways to prepare the ground so that an unconnected deck design structure will sit level to the ground, for example by using concrete slabs in four corners... but it's still just a big pallet sitting on the ground and the slightest soil erosion below will result in a rocky deck!. The only way to make a deck design that you can be proud of, that will stand the test of storms and wind AND that you can build onto as years go by, is to prepare firm LEVEL foundations before you start to build up. A ground level deck design should not just sit flat on the ground, its important to raise the deck frame off the ground to allow for drainage AND to protect the wood, however, keep in mind that the top level of your deck should not be higher than the entrance to your home - so that the rain doesn't run off your deck design and through your back door. The importance of anchoring your deck design at the very start of your project cannot be over emphasized and are an essential requirement for:

• Complying with planning permits for your area.
• Hopefully improving the value of your home.
• Quality workmanship will improve the usefulness of spaces in and around your home.
• Adding value to the time you spent doing the work -it's much more worthwhile when the job is done properly.
• Allowing you to extend your decking later - for example if you want to add an extension for a BBQ area or a step up to encompass your new hot tub with deck surround...

Your First Step in preparing the ground for your deck design foundations will be to find out where any underground pipes extend out into your backyard, you don't want to dig into any electrical or water pipes of any sort. Your second step, (with the details from step one in your possession) should be to apply for a building permit and benefit from their sound advice regarding deck design in your area. There is no guarantee, but if your deck is going to add any value to your home you must have your paperwork regarding the proper building permits in order. Once your permit comes through you will have permission to create an anchor ledger at the side of your home to which you can connect your deck design using masonry anchors and you will know where you can dig to place your concrete footings where your post anchors go. Get all these initial components nice and level and firmly placed and it's plain sailing for the rest of your deck design construction. [ad_2] Source by Arpad Nyikos https://1home.streamstorecloud.com/deck-design-why-firm-foundations-are-essential/?feed_id=37483&_unique_id=648f3ab9b44e1

Landscaping and Lighting to Quickly and Easily Increase Curb Appeal

[ad_1] A large proportion of home buyers choose whether or not to look inside a household or take it seriously based on its curb appeal. The curb appeal of a residence is the look many people look at when they drive by or come along for a showing. You actually can help be certain they want to come inside your house hold by just spending some energy working on the its landscaping visual appeal. Producing a pleasing front yard with the use of landscaping can subtly alter the all round feeling given by your property, making it a good deal more inviting and comfortable for your possible home buyers and your family. Even in daunting economic settings, an attractive, well-tended front yard can promote the selling price of your residence up-wards. When prospective buyers show up at your real estate for a viewing, the look of a enjoyable lawn will completely set them to thinking about 'coming home' to your residence. It is actually hard to look at your own household in the equivalent way that possible home buyers do, because when we become familiar to the way your home looks and functions, we are unable to see its faults. Decide right now to give up thinking of the residence as a household. It is a house-a commodity you intend to put up for sale for the highest dollar attainable. The next time you drive home, stop across the avenue or significantly enough down the driveway to get a decent view of the house and its setting. Just what is the original impression of the home and yard area? What are the finest exterior qualities of the household or property? In what way can you further enhance them? Just what are the undesirable exterior characteristics of the residence or lot? How can you minimise or upgrade them? Build a checklist of the trouble areas you identified. Tackle clean up and maintenance jobs initially, then set aside some time into projects that make the yard more desirable. Wipe out mold and mildew on the property, sidewalks, roofing, or driveway. Put away unnecessary garden accessories and gear. Thoroughly clean home windows and gutters. Pressure wash unclean house siding and run down porches. Tidy up sidewalks and take away plants growing between concrete or bricks. Trim the grass. Dispose of weeds. Rake and dispose of leaves, whether or not your yard is wooded. Trim tree braches that are near or touching the house's roofing. Perform your curb appeal activity over again at sunset, simply because it is not unusual for potential home buyers to cruise by homes in the evening. One quick way to enhance evening curb appeal is by working with illumination. Set up landscape lighting not only increases curb appeal but it also can make you property less dangerous and boosts home value. Landscape lighting need not be luxuriant or expensive to generate a remarkable effect. String low voltage lighting along your driveway, sidewalks, and around significant landscaping components. Include a ornamental street light fixture to a front porch. Make sure that lighting is visible through front gates and windows increases the home's appearance. Now there are occasions that bringing elements to your landscaping can improve curb appeal, however there are different circumstances when doing away with something is much more productive. Most buyers cannot visualize adjustments, and generally will not likely take a 2nd look at a residence if the first look doesn't appeal to them. Potential home buyers who can picture modifications, and are well prepared to make them expect you to cut down the price of the residence to make up for the labor they plan to complete. If you brainstorm, you'll discover that there is a alternative to most troubles-one that lets you keep within your price range. The trick is to find the areas where enhancements are needed, then work on them as best you can. Things you need to keep in mind are the total of space available, the height of walls and keeping path ways and window locations clear, as well as the time of year, weather situations and color combinations. It doesn't matter what plants or flower you consider to place in, whether it is flowers to cover ground, foliage to fill space or vines to climb walls, it will almost certainly boost the value of your home by far more than the cost of the landscaping alone. Fort Worth Real Estate [ad_2] Source by Alexander Chandler https://1home.streamstorecloud.com/landscaping-and-lighting-to-quickly-and-easily-increase-curb-appeal/?feed_id=37440&_unique_id=648cea3ee07d4

Repairing and Renovating Decks

[ad_1] Removing stains For bad stains it may be necessary to wean the timber with an oxalic acid timber wash, which is biodegradable, so any run-off from your deck cleaning will break down naturally and rot kill all your plants! Apply the mix to the surface with a stiff scrubbing brush. After about 15 minutes it will have done the job of removing dead timber cells and the residues of old oil finishes. It will have opened up the cellular structure of the timber surface ready for a fresh intake of protective oil. Wash the acid off with water, or better still with the high-pressure cleaner. If your timber work has gone black Many people over the years have mistakenly finished their timber decking with linseed oil, thinking it will protect the timber. But linseed oil is mildew food so when used on exterior timber and exposed to moisture it will eventually turn black. Linseed oil also offers little resistance to UV and is not particularly durable for surfaces under foot. Fixing the problem is not easy: Multiple applications of a commercial timber wash product may be necessary to remove many layers of built-up linseed oil, or you can make up a solution using oxalic acid flakes purchased from a hard-ware store. Be sure to test one or two timbers before proceeding with the whole deck. As a follow-up, or if your decking only requires a light treatment, you may also consider washing all the timber work with a strongly mixed oxygen bleach solution like NapiSan. Once the deck is washed (or if you've just laid a new deck), I'd recommend that you leave it to dry out and allow the natural mildew-killing action of the sun to work on it before applying a new finish. Make your decking go 'silver' If you replace some old rotting timbers with new boards, they may not match your existing boards, which possibly will have that grey silver look from exposure to the weather. The silvered look is a result of the natural tannins that give timber its colour leaching out and washing away, leaving the surface to become sun bleached. If you don't finish the new boards at all, they won't take too long to silver off and be indistinguishable from the original boards. If you're in a hurry, this process can be accelerator by mopping the new boards with a mixture of baking soda and water. One box of baking soda to a half bucket of water should do it. If you have a whole deck you want to silver, repeated treatments of an oxalic-acid-based timber wash, followed by cleaning with high-pressure water cleaner, will help. Once the timber does form the silvered surface you're after, no further protection will be required to maintain it In much the same way as tarnish works on metal, the silvery layer of dead timber cells provide a protective surface for the timber below, Don't be tempted to oil that surface or it will just turn it black. From time to time you can reapply the timber cleaner with a stiff scrubbing brush to keep the surface from becoming too rough. Making your silvered deck look new! To return deck timber to its original c dour, the deck can be sanded in the same way as a timber floor: 1 - Make sure you clean the deck really well, and remove all the debris that's collected in the cracks. 2 - Then make sure all nail heads are embedded below the surface with a nail punch and hammer, or the sandpaper will catch and tear. 3 - Use a belt sander if its a small deck, or hire a floor sander if it's large. Begin sanding across the wood's grain with a coarse belt, then diagonally with a medium belt, and finish with a fine belt going with the grain. 4 - Once the deck is sanded it can be left to silver off again evenly if you like that look, or you can use the opportunity to apply tinted decking oil. Refinishing the deck Keeping the coatings up to your deck is your best defence against its early demise. There are many choices of finish available, from clear oils to opaque acrylic paints. As you'll know by now if you've read the rest of this book, I'm a great fan of oil-based products on outdoor timber as it's a natural waterproofing agent. But you should choose a product that also contains pigmentation as a UV inhibitor. Staining a treated pine deck Treated pine timbers can be stained, but for best results wait three months to a year after installing if you can. This allows any excess resins to leach out. The slightly faded timber will also give a truer colour to the stain you choose, Most of the timber finish companies consider the colour of raw treated pine in their colour sampling, and if you have a look at the colour swatches at a hardware store you'll see the different colours applied to treated pine. The best bet would be to test stain a few off-cuts for you before purchasing all the stain required. Use a tinted decking oil rather than a straight stain; it's easy to apply and will help preserve the timbers of your new deck. It's also easy to reapply to high wear-and-tear areas, like stair treads. [ad_2] Source by Brad C Parker https://1home.streamstorecloud.com/repairing-and-renovating-decks/?feed_id=37347&_unique_id=6487757ae7b88

The Importance of Regular Home Improvement

[ad_1] Home improvement, by definition, is making changes to one's home by making improvements on the house's looks. Home improvement is usually done by professional contractors, handymen, and even the house owner himself. Home improvement is important because real estate's value appreciates more if a property is well-maintained. Home improvement is seen by many as unnecessary cost. However, losing value of a real estate is usually caused by neglect in a property's maintenance. Therefore, in the long run, regular maintenance is crucial for the property's value to appreciate. Regular home improvement jobs and renovations will surely make your current living conditions more favorable. People do not easily notice that some areas of the house need improvement. In the long run, regular maintenance will reduce the serious structural damages to your property. It is also important to note that there are different maintenance schedules for different areas of your house. For instance, plumbing should be checked monthly. Ovens, heating systems, smoke detectors, and the like should also be checked monthly to prevent unfortunate disasters. The garden area should be maintained regularly and should undergo rigorous maintenance every four months. This is to prevent insects and termites infestation which can cause significant damage in infrastructure. The landscape of a house should also be in good appearance to help preserve your property's value. Refrigerators should be checked every three to four months. Check for faulty or loose wiring and avoid energy overload. The roof, on the other hand, should be checked at least every six months. Check for shingles and leaks and take care of them right away. Watch out for blocked gutters as this can lead rainwater to go inside your house. If your house is made mainly of wood, have a regular termite exterminator team visit your house. Aside from these standard areas in the house that need improvement, remodeling or renovating is also a good idea. It can also add value to real estate. Remodeling can be as simple as changing the paint color in your living room or laying a different color of carpet in your bedroom. Something this simple can make significant changes in your house's ambience. Renovating can be as major as tearing down the common wall of two rooms to make them one big room. Tearing down walls creates a bigger space which can be used for many purposes. Additional extensions can also be done. Additional space that can be used as garage space is useful. Home improvement tasks that require massive construction should be done by professional contractors. Make a list on what you want changed inside your homes and consult with a team of contractors. This way, you will have an idea on the costs that will be incurred as well as the extent of the repairs and improvements you can do. Home improvement is important because essentially, it is considered taking care of your home. Aside from the additional value it gives your property, preventive maintenance and remodeling is always good to decrease future damages in your property. [ad_2] Source by Jaxson Smith https://1home.streamstorecloud.com/the-importance-of-regular-home-improvement/?feed_id=37123&_unique_id=64727400d1584

Recommendations for Routine Wood Deck Maintenance

[ad_1] Wooden patios and deck are a wonderful addition to any home or property that can be enjoyed throughout most of the year. But if you do not maintain your wood deck properly, it will begin to deteriorate quicker, leading to things like warped boards, wood rot, and moss infestations. Not only can these damages render a deck unattractive, it can make it unsafe to use too. Continue reading to learn how to properly maintenance and repair a wooded deck so that you may enjoy your wooden deck or patio all year long and for many more years to come! Common Problems With Wooden Decks It is important to regularly inspect your deck for problems so that you may solve them before they get out of control, become a hazard, or wind up being very costly to repair. A small problem can evolve into a major one over a short amount of time, which is why you must stay vigilant when it comes to routine deck maintenance and repair. Here are a few common issues to look for: Loose Nails - Replace damaged or corroded nails on floorboards, posts, sills, joists, railing, stairs, and more. Hammer down any protruding nails until they are even (or below) the wood surface. You may also replace protruding or loose nails with deck screws. Warped Floorboards - Cracked, warped, splintered, or protruding floorboards are hazards. Replace them as needed. Dry Rot - This type of fungal growth digests wood, rotting it from all over. Signs include soft or moist floorboards, musty odors, discoloration, or shrunken floorboards. Replace immediately upon discovery. Mold and Mildew - Additional types of fungal growth, like mold and mildew, are hazardous for wood decks and patios. Also, mushroom growth, moss growth, green or black algae, lichen, and more make for dangerous patio conditions. Debris - Leaves, twigs, branches, grass clippings, and more are examples of debris that needs cleared regularly from decks and patios. Accumulation can provide the perfect environment for mold and mildew growth, and more. Wood Deck and Patio Care All of the above problems, and more, should be addressed right away in order to maintain a safe and enjoyable deck or patio this summer. Nails should be hammered in or replaced with deck screws, organic growths should be sprayed with an eliminating solution, rotted or damaged floorboards should be replaced or patched, and debris should be swept away on a daily basis. All of this should prevent costly and hazardous wood deck problems. In order to preserve your wooden deck or patio, it is important to implement certain strategies and chores that will safeguard it all year long. For example, dry rot can be prevented by painting a layer or two of wood preservative underneath the bottom of the wood deck. Also, applying a quality sealcoat and deck protectant is vital for safeguarding against natural wear and tear. It is helpful to know that replacing boards with dry rot right away will evade the potential for it to spread to other boards. And last, continue to retreat your wood deck with fungal protection to keep it mold and mildew free all year. Consult a professional general contractor for advice, information, and assistance with deck maintenance and renovation. They retain the experience, knowledge, and tools to get you and your patio ready for an early spring! [ad_2] Source by Sarahbeth Kluzinski https://1home.streamstorecloud.com/recommendations-for-routine-wood-deck-maintenance/?feed_id=37012&_unique_id=646a8a9d9b3ec

Insulating a Slipform Stone House

[ad_1] There can be no question that insulation should be of primary importance when considering new house construction. Slipform stone houses are no exception to this rule. Helen and Scott Nearing, early proponents of this stone building technique, claimed that their New England homes were comfortable year-round without much thought given to insulation - indeed, their first slipform home was built right into a Vermont cliff-face, and made use of bare ledge as one wall. While the thermal mass of the earth itself surely served to maintain house temperatures above freezing, by modern standards, there can be no doubt that this uninsulated stone house would make for a chilly winter. Insulation is key to efficiency, and there are a number of ways to insulate a slipform stone structure. Stud Wall and fiberglass batting One common approach to the question of insulation in stone and concrete structures is the construction of a standard framed stud wall against the interior wall. This framed wall is then insulated in the traditional manner, using fiberglass batting insulation between the studs. While this approach works fine, and brings the comfort of familiarity to many builders, the construction of the stud wall is wasteful, and the studs themselves present the opportunity for thermal bridging, significantly reducing the overall insulation of the house. Rigid Insulation Rigid insulation offers a number of opportunities when it comes to insulating slipform stone homes. Rigid insulation, correctly installed, allows for no thermal bridging and creates a tight envelope inside the house. There are a number of techniques for building this type of insulation right into the walls themselves, either by laying the insulation inside the forms as you build, or replacing the interior forms entirely with nailbase - rigid insulation mated with OSB, plywood, or even sheetrock on one side. Adding rigid insulation after the walls are standing can present a challenge to the typical owner/builder. The biggest hurdle here is figuring out how to secure the insulation to the stone/concrete wall. One of the best ways to do this is using furring strips - narrow boards attached to the wall, into which screws can be driven. A powder-actuated nail gun, or ramset can be used to attach the furring strips to the wall. Another approach is to embed the furring strips into the concrete itself as you build the walls. The downside to this approach is that the furring strips will degrade and rot away over the decades, leaving gaps in the wall and weakening the overall structure. Fully removing the furring strips and replacing them could be a challenge. Spray-on Insulation This nifty product could be used to spray a seamless layer of insulating foam directly onto the interior of the slipform wall. The insulation would then be cut, sanded, or squashed flat before a finish layer of sheetrock is applied. Both of the above approaches present difficulties when it comes to hanging anything on the walls, as there are no interior studs for screwing or nailing into. Strategically placed furring strips could be used for this purpose. There are any number of other conventional and unconventional approaches that you might pursue in insulating your slipform stone masonry structure, but these three options are both simple to implement and proven in many homes over a number of years. Whatever you decide, it's very important to ensure that your slipform stone house is snug and well insulated. [ad_2] Source by Rick R Young https://1home.streamstorecloud.com/insulating-a-slipform-stone-house/?feed_id=36965&_unique_id=6467d4965bdff