Designing Web Success

Mother Nature can often times create serious problems for homeowners, especially where building foundations are at the mercy of weather related problems.
This article is meant to provide some helpful suggestions to homeowners about foundation problems,and what to do about them.

The signs of foundation problems are usually things like cracks showing up in walls and ceilings, sticking doors and windows, un-even or sagging floors, and obvious exterior visual signs such as twisted or un-even siding, cracks in brickwork,out-of-square garage doors, etc.

The important things to keep in mind are the following instructions that may be very helpful in providing solutions to the above mentioned problems.

DO: examine your home and identify possible problems that may be related to foundation movement, especially settling or sinking.

DO: Call professionals if you believe the situation to be severe,where the movement is greater than 2″ and apears to be getting worse each year.

DO: Look around the perimeter of your home for indications of down spout problems (water funneling back toward foundation), also notice any possible indications that groundwater may be flowing back toward foundation because of negative grade.

DO: Remove any plants or shrubs, small trees etc, from the near proximity of the foundation (within 8ft minimum) I know that alot of folks enjoy the beauty of plants close to the structure, but, unfortunately, this can be a common mistake if you live in a clay based soil environment. You may not experience problems with flower beds etc, if you have a very good grade, and have a reasonable sand and gravel based soil situation.

DO: make certain that any concrete walkways, driveways, etc, actually slope away from foundation, and not towards the foundation. If you notice slope toward foundation, you should have the problem corrected as soon as possible.

DO: Call professionals if you notice major cracks or bowing in your basement walls. Major cracks would be: 3/16 wide or larger, and bowing exceeding 1-1/2″ vertically in 7ft,, 2-1/2″ horizontally in 16 ft. (these are basic guidelines for modern foundations 10 years old or less).

By doing these things, you may be able to prevent further problems, and save a great deal of money. You can often times prevent problems by taking precautions and protecting your home.

DO NOT: Assume you will never have a problem because of newness of the construction, the area that you live, or the fact that the previous owner never mentioned any problems.. Sometimes homes that have been solid in their earth hold, may suddenly sink or shift because of a drought or other deep soil issue.

DO NOT: Accept first opinions from local contractors that may only have limited knowledge about soils, and geologic changes in your region. Find specialists that may be able to provide options and answers.

DO NOT: Allow the structure to settle further and further year after year. This can become a very serious problem and often times result in costing much much more than catching the problem early. If the frame of the home is twisting out-of-square, it is only a matter of time before the damage may become severe, and will be reflected in the massive decrease in re-sale value, and possibly even result in condemned status.

DO NOT: Panic if you notice problems and believe that it is going to be extreemly expensive. You may be surprised to find that often times the problems can be corrected at a very low cost compared to alternatives such as re-framing windows & doors, Replacing brickwork, etc. With the modern methods of
jacking and stabilizing, the home can often times be adjusted back to level and square frame condition, then the doors & windows may be operational once again, and the overall apearance of the structure can be restored.

There are several methods of foundation repair available and the
most important thing that homeowners, and building owners, need to know is this: Protecting your investment is the bottom line!

I have worked with some of the very best soil experts, structural engineers, mechanical engineers, design experts, architects, and contractors statewide in Colorado, and I would be happy to answer any questions, and would be honored to assist any of you that may be experiencing possible foundation problems.
Please visit our website: http://www.custombuildingsupport.com
or call:(303)279-5777

Building your dream home can quickly turn into a nightmare of
unmet schedules, cost over runs, shabby workmanship and endless
arguments.

I have been originating and closing construction loans for a
good number of years now and I have experienced clients dumping
contractors and even contractors dumping clients. By that time
in most cases the job is running behind schedule and over
budget. Choosing a new contractor at this stage is difficult and
further delays are inevitable.

Spending a little more time and paying a little more attention
to the process of choosing your contractor can avoid all this.

In most cases the writing is on the wall from the very first
day, but wishful thinking gets in the way of logic, which leads
to disaster down the road.

A good number of articles have been written on the subject, and
you should try reading at least one or two well before making
your choice of a contractor.

This article is based on my experience and personal
observations. You may whish to write the main points down and
add others that I have not covered and indeed add to the list
from your own experience of dealing with people. This way you
will internalize the subject and become a naturally better judge
of those you do business with.

During the processing of your construction loan, some
information is collected from the contractor but that should not
stop you from your due diligence. Here is a list of items to
check and to look out for:

1- If your state requires a state license, ask for the number.
Don’t stop at that. Call the relevant state board and check on
the license’s status. You don’t know who regulates contractors
in your state? Ask Him/Her. And pay attention to the reaction.

There is no need to be shy. A legitimate and honest businessman
will have no problem providing the information. We are involved
in a highly regulated business and we proudly provide the
relevant information along with phone numbers and links to the
state bodies on our About Us page.

2- Ask for references. Pay attention to the reaction. Too quick
a reaction and fast talk is probably a lie and a bluff. Too
cautious a reaction is a sign of uncertainty. In any event write
the names and numbers down and do call them. Go see them. Most
people will actually welcome you simply to show off their
achievement. 3- Are you building a home from the ground up? Make
sure the contractor has built a complete project in the past.
Experience counts; a ground up construction or a major remodel
is a very different animal from room and bathroom additions.

4- Visit his/her place of business. Not all contractors have an
office, but you need to make sure you are not dealing with
fly-by-night operation.

5- Your construction loan package will include paper work for
the contractor to complete. How does he handle that? The
following is a list of warning signs.

a- Doesn’t have the time to complete the lender’s line item cost
breakdown and insists on using his own.

b- Doesn’t understand why the lender should be asking for credit
references.

c- Doesn’t see why the construction loan lender should need to
see the construction contract?

d- Insists that in his experience non of the above are necessary
and that this lender don’t know anything about construction
loans.

6- Be wary of the contractor who prefers to give a “complete
package” price. No construction lender will accept that and
neither should you. The line item cost breakdown does not have
to be completed on every single line, but the more the merrier.
Read it carefully, it will dictate the quality of the home you
end up with.

7- Demand a material’s list. You don’t need the contractor who
doesn’t have the time for this. Some lenders don’t require this
and when they do little attention is paid to it.

Insist on a complete list of all materials and fixtures. Go to
the showrooms, choose them and list your choices by make, model
and /or quality. This list should be signed by the contractor
and you and be made a part of the contract.

Saying “A good kitchen will cost so many dollars per foot”
doesn’t mean much when you go to the showroom at the end of the
project only to find out that you hate what the construction
loan budget has allowed for.

8- As a part of the construction loan process the contractor
will be asked to provide evidence of Liability Insurance as well
as evidence of Workman’s compensation.

He/She may very well not have Workman’s Compensation Insurance
if he/she does not directly employ anyone. However, complaints
about Liability Insurance are a sure sign of trouble.

9- As material costs are rising, payment of deposits on some
deliveries may be required by suppliers and some construction
loans will allow that. But be aware of the contractor who asks
for up front money.

10- Construction loan disbursements are made in stages. Never
ever pay a contractor before your local county or city inspector
has signed off on that stage. The lender’s inspector only
verifies percentage of completion not compliance, so his
approval does not mean that your local authorities will also
sign off.

Razmik “Raz” Vartanian Construction Loans For Residential
Properties. Expert Advice and prompt Service
www.constructionloancenter.com

In our homes, as in other parts of our lives, we are happier when we live with balance and harmony. Just like the rest of our lives, balance in the rooms of our homes is sometimes hard to create.



For many years, decorators and home owners tried to create this physical balance by having pairs of everything: 2 matching end tables, a matched pair of wing chairs, even sets of twin beds in the master bedroom. This certainly created a balanced room. It also created rooms that were sterile, formal and visually boring. In a formal setting or a Federal or Georgian home, this is still the way things should be to look ‘right.’ Our ancestors valued this perfect balance so highly that they created false doors in hallways so that both sides matched or doors that looked like windows so that the right and left sides of the back of a house matched perfectly. This can still be seen if you go to visit some of our historic homes. A notable example is the Hammond-Harwood House in Annapolis, Md.
We, however, tend to prefer a more relaxed approach to our homes.



So how do we create a feeling of balance without matched pairs of everything? You can use:

Color

Dark colors have more ‘weight’ than light colors.

Actual size

Height, depth and width of an object

Mass

A thick bulky looking object has more ‘weight’ than a fragile, delicate one. Just visualize a blown glass vase and a terracotta pot of the same size.

Number

A group of several like objects in different sizes grouped together creates ‘weight.’ Think of an assortment of silver candlesticks.

Light

A dark corner has more ‘weight’ than one filled with light.

If you want to prove this to yourself, gather together a group of assorted objects and use a tabletop/mantel and try out different scenarios. Be sure you have different sizes, colors, textures and shapes. You can put a larger framed picture against one end and a slightly smaller one in front of it. On the other end of your table put a heavy pot. Do the same thing with a matching pot at each end. Try pairing the picture group with an assortment of candles in candlesticks. Each time you create an arrangement, step back and look at it. In fact, if you have a digital camera, take a picture of it. If you do this for a while you will start to get a feel for balance. You can actually give the illusion that the tabletop is tilted slightly by throwing off the visual balance.



The same effect can occur in your room arrangements. If you doubt this, close your eyes and try to ’see’ a room in which you felt physically uncomfortable or slightly disoriented even though there was no obvious reason. A room in which the heavy items are all on one side of the room, almost feels as though the floor tilts. Once you have a feel for balance you can start to create a harmonious home.



Stand in the doorway of any room in your house that you feel isn’t ‘right.’ What do you see? Does the burgundy chair stick out like there is a spotlight on it? Does the entertainment center overwhelm the room? Do you have a TV and a fireplace battling for focal point? Do your easy chairs look like they were made for children next to your mammoth sofa? Does your fireplace mantel look like you are setting up for a tag sale? Your room is out of balance.



Move the furniture around and try different arrangements until you have one that works. Unless you have a room that is just for show like a Victorian parlor, you need to be able to use the room comfortably. Once the practical set-up is done, look at the room from different angles. If the room is out of balance use color and accessories, plants and pictures, groups of like objects, light and volume to create an illusion of balance.



Try grouping the accessories on your mantels and tabletops. Balance the entertainment center on one side of the fireplace with a tall plant or group of plants on the other. Note: avoid having the tops of everything at the same height. You might as well draw a line around your room. Repeat the color of the chair in pillows, throws, lampshades or the matting around a group of pictures. You really will be amazed at the difference it makes.



We may all be born craving balance but except for the lucky few, we have to learn to achieve it. There is a myriad of books on the subject and it can help to read them and look at the pictures, but the best way to get a feel for balance is ‘hands on.’ Experiment with portable objects until you get a feel for what works and then enjoy creating your harmonious home.

Indra A Books, author of this and many other lifestyle articles is the owner and founder of ON THE GO 4 U, Personal Shoppers & Concierge Service in the Washington DC metropolitan area. The company’s creed is to provide its clients with the ultimate life management experience. In addition to its shopping and concierge services, ON THE GO 4 U also publishes a monthly e-zine and conducts workshops on wardrobe, entertaining and decorating. For more information about the author and ON THE GO 4 U, please visit http://www.onthego4u.net



Content for this article was provided by Suzanne Copenhaver, Design Consultant to ON THE GO 4 U. Suzanne has years of experience decorating in less than ideal situations and always provides us with tons of insight.



© 2005 Indra Books for ON THE GO 4 U

The average life of a roof is approximately fifteen years. If the roof is under fifteen years old yet you are having problems, it will likely be able to get repaired as opposed to having to install a completely new roof. However, if your roof exceeds this age it may be necessary to install a new roof. To accomplish either repairs or new installs, a roofing contractor should be employed. A roofer will be able to properly install or repair roofing materials to ensure a quality finished product.

Before hiring a roofer it is always wise to get recommendations from friends or family. Whether or not you have recommendations, get several quotes before determining the roofer to hire. A quote should be detailed and include the work to be done, cost, and time-frame for completion. Be sure clean up is included in the quoted price. If you want to save some money, offer to do the cleanup yourself.

Ask the roofer how long they have been in business. Roofers with many years experience are preferable. Also, make sure they have a physical address. Many roofing scams are conducted by people working out of a truck with no valid business license or permanent address. Ask for references and check them. Roofers should be properly insured. Ask for proof of insurance to be sure you are protected from any damage to your home.

Roofing repairs and new roofs may require specific building permits. Make sure the company you work with is familiar with local building codes and that they obtain proper licenses or permits. Most locations also require inspections during certain phases of construction and a final inspection when the work is complete. Check your local building codes to ensure the roofer is complying with all regulations. You may be liable if this does not occur.

Before starting the project get a contract. This should include all the details of the project, time frame for completion, and price. It should clearly outline payment policies and warranties. Read the warranty carefully to make sure you are adequately protected. Also, be sure the contract states they are responsible for clean up. Roofing materials can be very messy and you do not want to have to clean up and dispose of waste yourself. But keep in mind you can save yourself some money if you choose to tackle the cleanup process yourself.

Never be rushed into hiring a roofer. Take the time to interview potential roofers and check experience and references. Roofing repairs can be expensive and a new roof is a major investment. Protect your home by doing some research. Hire the roofer who has the best combination of experience and price and with whom you feel most comfortable.

Gray Rollins is a featured writer for YourRoofers.com. To learn about how to repair a roof and repairing a leaky roof, visit us.

Introduction
Smaller houses are very popular and there are many reasons that people are looking for the “right-sized” home. Empty nesters, those people whose children have now moved out on their own, have too much house to take care of and may want to use their equity for more enjoyable purposes. Small houses are popular for first-time buyers as well because it is easier to qualify for a loan (and make the payments!) when affordability is an issue. Whatever your reason to choose a smaller house, there are things to look for that will allow you to live much more comfortably in your home and bring the resale value to a premium. In this article, we will touch on the design, usability, and resale of your home.

Home Ownership
Although your thoughts are focused on the purchase or construction of your new home, it is necessary to look at the full picture of the ownership lifecycle. With this perspective in mind, you have several questions to ask, including: What are my current needs? What are the likely changes that will occur during the time I plan to live in this house? How should my house be designed to accommodate my changing needs? How do I retain the value and maximize my ability to sell the house in the future? Asking these questions will lead to many other questions that will help you to pinpoint and address the specific requirements of your new home and heavily influence your choice in design.

Current Needs
Assessing your current needs and wants is a fun process. Deciding on how you are going to use your home and anticipating the style and features you want takes a lot of thought and personal exploration. Don’t stop at determining the “must haves”. Continue your list with the “it-would-be-nice-to-haves”. Your nice-to-haves may not make it to the final design, but maybe some will. Get it all out onto the table.

Let’s take an example. We have a couple who is retiring and wanting to move to a smaller home that is easier to maintain and has lower operating costs. They have equity in their current home and will live comfortably off their retirement savings. Mom wants to continue working part-time from a home office and Dad always has some project he’s working on.

What might their current needs look like? To start, since they want to lower utility and operating costs, some thought may go into solar applications and good insulating materials; maybe alternative building materials, like straw bale. (Straw bale has great insulating qualities!) Proper orientation of the home on the lot and providing efficient exposure and shading to solar radiation will help cut heating and cooling costs tremendously. Since they have equity to roll over into their new home, they might consider installing photovoltaic cells tied to the community grid system and virtually eliminate their electric bill. There are many other energy saving items that they might consider in the design of their new home.

Their space requirements are fairly straight forward. They need an area for the home office and they prefer an open floor plan that doesn’t require formal dining and living rooms. The office area should be located so that the occasional client doesn’t have to walk through the whole house to get to the office. Also, a secondary bathroom should be located near the office. This bathroom could also serve a guest bedroom. Dad is considering a little extra room in the garage for tools and storage.

This home is beginning to take form! This is also the point where many people will make their biggest mistake and stop the thought process. It’s easy to take this info and begin laying out rooms, but there are some very important questions that are left unanswered. Consideration has yet to be given to the future needs of this couple.

Future Needs
Every bit as important as your current requirements is assessing your future needs. Are we a family starting out and planning to have a child or are we retiring and want to maintain our independence and stay in our home as long as possible? Regardless of the current scenario, it’s important to understand that your needs will change and that finding solutions up-front to accommodate those needs will benefit you greatly in the future.

Let’s get back to our previous example. Mom and Dad have retired and they intend to live out their lives in their new home. As we age, our functional abilities decline and our homes must be designed in such a way to accommodate those changing needs. This is where the application of “universal” and “adaptable” design criteria becomes very important. For this home to adequately serve Mom and Dad’s future needs, a professional designer that is trained in comprehensive client assessment and the application of universal and adaptable design solutions is required. Seek this person out!

One more note on future needs. Anytime we have areas dedicated to specialized activities, it’s important that these rooms are easily converted to serve other purposes. For instance, Mom will, at some point, discontinue her work and wish to give up her home office. If designed properly, this area could be easily converted to a study, library, sitting room or even a secondary bedroom and blend seamlessly with the rest of the house.

Resale of Your Home
Eventually you will want to sell your home, give it to your children, or maybe even use it as an investment property and rent it out. Whatever the case, your home must have the features that other people will want. Again, a good design will sell. A person walking into a universal designed home will not see anything “different” about the home. Universal features will typically go unnoticed until it’s pointed out. But it can be used as a strong selling tool. Because of the nature of universal design, the home will simplify life for everyone and benefit people regardless of age or ability. This really serves a win-win situation!

Even though you are designing the smaller home, you want to keep in mind what the market will accept! In general, a home with a single car garage loses market appeal, although it may work in certain areas. Also, a home that has a bedroom or bathroom door directly off the main living area is very undesirable. You want your home to complement your neighborhood, so be careful not to under-build (or over-build for that matter). Typically, three bedrooms and two baths is about as small as you should go, but the third bedroom may actually be a multipurpose room, like the home office in our example.

Summary
Designing a large, fancy custom home is not nearly as challenging as designing a small home that lives great and has broad appeal. The important thing to keep in mind when designing your home is the ownership lifecycle. If you carefully assess your future needs, as well as your current needs, and you apply the design criteria necessary to meet those needs, you will live much more comfortably and independently in your new home. Find out about universal design and how it will greatly benefit your family’s lifestyle. It will change the way you look at home design forever!

Thomas Hewitt is the President of Falcon Homes, Inc., a home design company located in Albuquerque, NM. Thomas is an aging-in-place specialist certified by the National Association of Home Builders and specializes in universal and adaptable design. The company’s website can be found at http://www.FalconHomesInc.com

Urinal blocks are a great way to keep urinals in restrooms smelling fresh and clean. Urinal blocks are made from many different chemicals but the most popular urinal blocks are made from Para dichlorobenzene which is basically the same as Paraffin. These types of urinal blocks are not water soluble, so as the urinal flushes the urinal blocks don’t dissolve away. Instead, the Paraffin urinal block will evaporate over a set period of time.

Most urinal blocks are round and look like hockey pucks which is why urinal blocks are sometimes referred to as urinal pucks or bathroom hockey pucks. Urinal blocks come in many different sizes ranging from 3oz to 20 pound blocks. Smaller urinal blocks are used in restroom urinals lasting anywhere from 30 to 60 days. Large urinal blocks are called Para blocks and are used in grease traps and dumpsters to mask odors. Urinal blocks also come in other forms, some can be clipped to the side of toilet rims, and others come in rectangular blocks and are used as odor counteractants and general-use air fresheners. Urinal blocks can also be incorporated into urinal screens and urinal mats that help filter out debris and help keep drains running clog free. Urinal blocks are also used as an animal and rodent repellant.

Most animals do not like the smell of paraffin and will leave the area. Urinal blocks can repel animals such as raccoons, mice, rats, possums and bats. The two most popular scents in urinal blocks are cherry and lemon but other fragrances are available. When purchasing urinal blocks be sure to buy the blocks that are individually wrapped in cellophane. Urinal blocks that are wrapped can be stored for longer periods by preventing the air from dissolving them. Water soluble urinal blocks are made from citrus products and tend to dissolve away very quickly depending on how often they come in contact to water. Wall block urinal blocks are used as general-use air fresheners and can be mounted in dispensers on walls. Over time these urinal blocks will dissolve with out leaving any residue or discoloration.

If you wish to avoid staining surfaces with urinal blocks make sure that they do not come in contact with water and the surface. In the case of using urinal blocks in urinals, a urinal screen or mat is recommended as a barrier between the block and the surface.

Great cleaning tips and cleaning information by Lee Harris can be found at www.monsterjanitorial.com. Lee Harris is an expert in the cleaning industry and can answer all your questions about urinal blocks. Our information is concise and will give anyone basic information about the right cleaning tool for any job. On our cleaning site we also have a cleaning forum where our users can assist each other with their own questions. A cleaning services directory is readly available for cleaning companies to advertise their site by the state in which they are located.

Popcorn ceilings are made up mainly of chalk, clay and an aggregate. To remove it you have to wet it, which turns it into a soft gooey mess. It’s not going to be an easy project, but with a little preparation you can control the mess.

Start by removing anything possible from the room. Protect the floor and anything that had to stay in the room with a thick sheet of plastic. Lay out some old newspaper on the floor on top of the plastic to soak most of the wet mess up.

A note of caution - if your popcorn ceiling is from the early 70’s it may contain asbestos. If you suspect your ceiling may be from that era, remove a small piece of the popcorn ceiling and send it in for testing. If it does contain asbestos, it will have to be removed by professionals who can also dispose of it properly to reduce the cancer risk asbestos can pose for you and your family.

Wear some old clothes, a hat to keep the goop out of your hair, and protective eyewear. A respirator of some sort or at least a mask to keep most of the dust particles out of your lungs is a good idea as well.

Use a spray bottle and completely saturate part of the ceiling. Let it soak in for a few minutes and then use a scrapper tool to scrape the gooey mess of your ceiling. A drywall-finishing knife works well. Hold a bucket under the tool to catch most of the removed popcorn ceiling. Work in small section and keep repeating the process until the popcorn ceiling is removed. Use a wet sponge to wipe off any remaining residue on the ceiling.

You may have to rewet some parts of the ceiling to get the popcorn to soften up enough to remove it. Try not to wet it more than 2 to 3 times. You don’t want the drywall beneath to get too saturated with water. It may warp or grow mold.

Once the entire popcorn ceiling is removed, let the ceiling dry completely. Now it’s time to sand the entire surface to remove any rough patches. A pole sander works great for this. Give the dust a chance to settle and then use a joint compound to patch any wholes, cracks etc that may have formed on the ceiling. Let the compound dry for about an hour, then lightly sand over it to smooth it out.

Once you get the mess on the floor cleaned up your new smooth ceiling is ready to be painted.

Visit http://www.LearnHowToRemove.com for a growing library of tips to remove those annoying messes in your life.

Home-Storage created out of and old door, this is imagination!

As you go along in getting better in your Home-Storage and
organization, you will accomplish three things:

1- Make your life easier, because everything will get their
own place.

2- Get rid of clutter.

3- RE-Arrange your living space.

In your clutter clearing, you will come across all kind of
items.

- Unfinished project.

- Clothes that you no longer wear.

- Some wood pieces left from your last home improvement.

Here some examples in converting trash into Home-Storage:

- An old living room door can be transformed into a storage
and hallway display.

Project execution:

In the middle of the upper part of the door, install a
rectangular mirror with molding around it. Each side of that
mirror, attach or screw 2 big decorative brass coat hangers at
6 to 8 inches from the top of the door.

At 36″ from the bottom, built a 2 shelves unit with closed
sides, you can save an extra space of 8″ under those shelves.
In the shelves, put wicker’s basket; 4 of them will do.

This can be used for storing games, fishing stuff, or anything
else. In the extra space at the botton, put a large basket for
sleepers.

The door can be painted to match the entire color theme of that
room, or left in the original color.

Note: Keep the knob, it will be a piece of conversation and a
reminescense of before and after.

- A round coffe table that you are ready to throw away will
become and hanging shelf adorned with a nice mirror.

Project execution:

Cut the coffee tabe in half.

Hang one half on a bare wall at around 36″ from the floor.
Place a round mirror simetrical to the size of the table on
top of it leaving 6″ of space in between.

You will have an original shelf to display pictures or
collectables.

- An old window with four openings can be used to create an
imitation window.

Project execution:

Replace the four glasses with mirrors.

Hang it on a wall horizontally.

Paint it the same color as the other windows in the house.

Install window treatement around it.

Your room will look larger because of the light’s reflection
in those mirrors.

- Home-Storage on the porch using a wood bench.

Project execution:

Attach your bench upside down on the wall. In turning that
bench over, you just created a shelf that will be great to
display potted flowers.

Sometimes, as you can see, there is almost no limit to your
imagination in Home-Storage.

Please visit us at: http://www.home-storage-solution.com -
Bathroom-Storage-Solutions - Shelving-Storage-Solutions -
Designer-Storage-Solutions

Would you like to add a personal touch to your home or office, but not sure how? Picture frames may be your answer. Picture frames are a fun and simple way to add color, character and style.

Decorating with picture frames is fun and simple. To add a splash of color to a shelf or mantle choose a series of similar frames in coordinating colors, such as three shades of green. To set a theme in the bedroom stick with one basic color and two or three styles of frames, such as silver or pewter antique-style frames. Or to make a dramatic statement on a wall choose one bold color, such as black or deep red, and identical picture frames, such as simple squares. No matter what look you’re trying to achieve, group picture frames together for impact.

Once you’ve decided on a style, it’s easy to find the perfect picture frames. Department stores and home decorating stores are a good place to start. But don’t forget about antique stores, flea markets, yard sales and thrift stores. These are all great places to find unique picture frames. Look for unique picture frames with beveled glass, unusual shapes, or matching sets.

Picture frames also make wonderful gifts and keepsakes. Decorate picture frames with silver charms, crystal beads, or grandma’s antique costume jewelry to make a special keepsake. Create a family display of picture frames by adding a detail to each picture frame that reflects each family member’s personality or hobby. For example, add a golf detail to dad’s picture frame, a fishing detail to grandpa’s picture frame, and a gardening detail to mom’s picture frame. Scrapbooking supply stores are perfect places to find unique items to add to picture frames. Just imagine the items on a frame, or inside on the matting, instead of on a scrapbook page. There’s no limit to the details you can add to a picture frame.

Whether you’re creating a keepsake or brightening up a shelf, picture frames are one of the most fun and versatile decorating accessories available.

About The Author

Johann Erickson is the owner of Online Discount Mart (http://www.onlinediscountmart.com). Please email the author and include an active link to this website if you’d like to use this article.

marketing@4intrepid.com

Copyright 2005 ABCD Publishing LLC

Remodeling a home can take many months from start to finish.
During the process you will need to decide what you want to
remodel, what you can afford, how to pay for it, and whether to
manage the project yourself or hire a general contractor. The
list of decisions goes on and on. Making these decisions is much
easier if you are organized, so as soon as you decide you may
want to remodel set up a filing system, following the outline
below.

Getting Organized An unbelievable number of decisions need to be
made during a remodeling process. For most people, this is a
daunting task. To make the job easier and to ensure your
percentage of good decisions is as high as possible, you need a
strategy to organize the information. You can use a three-ring
binder or an expandable file folder, whichever you prefer. You
can also buy a remodeling organizer which includes everything
you need. The newly released organizer at
www.remodelingorganizer.com will help most homeowners simplify
the remodeling process.

What ever organizer you choose make sure it is durable and easy
to carry because you will want to take it with you when you are
shopping for materials and whenever you are out, in case you
need to quickly contact someone that is working on your home.
Start with the following sections and customize the folder as
you go. While most of the organization system is optional,
keeping copies of all contracts, change orders, invoices,
receipts, and permits is a must. These will be invaluable if you
have disputes with your contractors and, when tax time comes
around, to calculate your investment in the remodel. Here are
the sections you can start with:

Ideas These are the photos, magazine articles, and notes on the
way you want the finished project to look. Have a section for
each room: bathroom, den, master bedroom, and so on.

Quotes Save the brochures and quotations from candidate
contractor and suppliers. You may also want to create summary
sheets of the quotes you have received for the same items so you
can quickly compare them.

Contact Information Each contractor will have a mailing address
and several phone numbers (cell, home, office, fax, pager) so
keep them handy and in one place. Since most of this information
will be on business cards, invest in a business card holder that
fits your binder or folder. Once you have signed a contract or a
purchase order, you need to keep a copy handy for your
reference. If you have questions about price, delivery, or
warranty, you can quickly review the document again. Change
orders are for changes that you and the contractor agree to make
during the project. Changes happen in all projects, so be
prepared for them and make sure that all the details of the
changes are in writing and signed by both you and the contractor.

Invoices and Receipts Keep records of all your expenses so you
can total them at the end of the project to see if you hit your
budget or not. You can also use this information later to
calculate your cost versus any gains you make on the price of
your home to determine your capital gains tax.

Permits Each permit-issuing authority has rules on how to make
the permit available to inspectors. Follow those rules, and
after the project is done, store your permit in the binder or
file.

Listing What You Want Now that you have a system to organize
your remodel project, start by creating a list of what you
want–a bigger bathroom, new kitchen cabinets, a fourth bedroom,
and so on. Once you have the list, group the items by room type.
Sort them as well by whether they involve remodeling an existing
space or creating a new space.

Once you have this list, try to get a few specific details.
Photos from design magazines, a sketch of the layout of the room
additions, and decisions on the type of materials, fixtures, and
cabinets you want will help you estimate the cost and time
required to complete the project.