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Contemplating some home improvements? Whether it is a small project or a major renovation there are two primary keys to success:

1. Planning: Have you considered what disruption the project will have on you and your family’s day to day ability to function? As an example, laying some ceramic tile on the bathroom floor may take the bathroom out of service for two days. In a one bathroom home this could prove to be a major obstacle to any bathroom renovation. Kitchen renovation can also cause complexities if major appliances have to be temporarily moved, besides the necessity to make sure floor surfaces are not damaged while providing a temporary relocation, refrigerators need to be powered. Even a small project such as repainting a room can create major inconveniences because of furniture relocation and paint odors.

Always make a list of material and tools that you will require, before starting the project. Then make sure you know where the tools and material (the material that you believe you already have is) are, collect them, verify that they are useable and then place them all in a convenient location so that you can find them when you need them.

2. Knowledge: Whether you are going to do the project yourself or hire a contractor, knowledge is the second key to ensuring that the job will be completed to your satisfaction. Invest some time in learning about the materials that you are going to use and the tools needed to install them. Believe it or not the manufacturers of the materials and products that you are going to use know more about them than you do. If a manufacturer says allow the adhesive to cure for 24 hours before applying the grout, don’t apply the grout in 12 hours. If a manufacturer says that his flooring needs to acclimatize in your home for 72 hours before installation, don’t bring it home and immediately start installing it.

If you are hiring a contractor you must check his references and you must understand what material he is intending on using. There are vast differences in quality levels of materials. If a contractor says he will install an oak plank hardwood floor, there are many questions to ask about the grade, dimensions and finish of the material. Prices can vary from $2.00 to $15.00 a sq. ft.

Proper planning and knowledge will make a big difference in the overall success and satisfaction with your next home improvement or renovation project.

For additional information on all the aspects of home renovation visit Renovation Headquarters.

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Not to long ago my water heater went out. Just like that you think all is well then whamo a small leak appears. I was faced with a decision, fix it myself or call the plumber. Well after getting several estimates ranging from $1500 to $2500, I decided to do it myself.

It’s really not that to hard to repair plumbing. In this article I will give you some pointers to help aid you in this endeavor. And hopefully spare you from the high cost of paying for a plumber. Nothing against plumbers but this project is doable.

Steps it will take:

1) As soon as you realize that the old water heater has to go start draining it. It can take several hours to drain. Remember to turn off the main water valve and open up all of the faucets to eliminate any pressure. if it’s a gas unit make sure that you turn off the main gas line in the house and if it is electric turn off the breaker. Think safety first.

2) Try and purchase the same unit. This will prevent you from adding pipe and new valves.

3) Size up the job and disconnect the tank from the water pipes, gas line or the electrical connection. If it’s gas you will need to disconnect the flue as well. Save all parts in order to match them up when you purchase your supplies.

4) You will need to have on hand plumbers tape, small gas torch, solder, flux, plumbing sandpaper, pipe cutter, gas tape (to seal gas line) and maybe some pipe glue. Ask the sales person at the hardware store for a more defined list.

Once you have disconnected the tank remove it from your work space. Do a thorough measurement of the remaining pipe for reference when you go to the hardware store. I will be honest with you, you might need to make a few trips back to the store. Once you get the new tank, slide it into place to line up the plumbing.

If you bought the same unit it should line right up, if you were unable, you will need to remove or add length to the existing piping. This may require you to splice together copper with plastic, don’t let this scare you the hardware store will have all of the necessary parts.

If you need to add copper pipe make sure that you clean the old and new pipe by using sandpaper, inside and out. If it’s not clean the solder will not flow into the joint. Another tip is to not over wrap the mail threaded pipe with tape, this can cause a leak. Twice around should be enough. Also, don’t over tighten it.

This may sound complicated but trust me, if I can do it, anyone can. Just take it slow, ask questions from the hardware specialist and go online for more instructions. One last item, if you have a gas unit your county or city may require an inspection. The inspector will verify that the gas connection is right and that the angle of the flue is right. Don’t take a chance with gas, make the call to have someone come out and inspect your work.

Your should be able to complete this job for $500 or so and the tools and supplies will be available for when your dishwasher goes out. Good luck.

Dennis Watson - Just helping others succeed.

Zeoh.com Free Classifieds Web Site =>http://www.zeoh.com/

You Can Do That - Blog =>http://www.you-can-do-that.blogspot.com

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Without a doubt, patios have now become more of an integral part of the home rather than just a concrete pad sitting forlornly in the back yard. But as patios are increasingly used for outdoor dining, BBQ’s or just a place to relax and enjoy the outdoors, that old, drab and maybe cracked concrete pad is most likely in desperate need of a bold makeover to meet the changing requirements. And a makeover of your outside entertaining area can be one of the most cost effective home improvement tasks you can undertake to lift the value of your home.

A number of options are possible for remodeling or transforming existing concrete pads, depending on the condition of the concrete, your budget, the amount of disruption you can tolerate and material preference. For example, if the concrete is in excellent condition, then the concrete surface can simply be stained, given a textured coating or a stenciled tile pattern applied. These options involve only minimal disruption and are applied by specialized contractors.

If the concrete surface is basically sound, perhaps with only hairline cracks, then resurfacing with porcelain or stone tiles is an option that could be considered. Porcelain tiles are available in a multitude of colours, styles and sizes. Textured finishes are generally applied to exterior tiles to reduce the danger of slipping under wet conditions. Check to ensue the tiles are suitable for your local conditions as tiles with high water absorption characteristics may crack in freezing conditions. Be aware that any existing cracks in the concrete which extend through the entire pad are likely to open further and eventually can lead to cracking in any tiles laid above.

Natural stone products such as sandstone, limestone, slate or granite may also be considered but may need to be sealed against moisture or to prevent staining. Another option where additional height is not a problem is to use new or reclaimed bricks or clay pavers.

Perhaps one of the simplest, most cost effective and attractive options however, is to install modular wood deck tiles. Such tiles can tolerate a certain degree of cracking of the concrete and will not cause problems if cracks in the concrete pad are likely to expand. These DIY decking tiles are typically available as 12′ x 12” squares and are easily installed by just clicking the modules into place (see for example http://www.swiftdeck.com). The tiles have special tabs built onto the sides of the plastic base which keeps them firmly in place and avoids the need for any particular surface preparation, adhesives or other fixings. The plastic base is designed to allow water to pass freely under the tiles and keep the wood clear of the sub-surface. A typical patio area can be fully laid in just an hour or so and is ready to use immediately.

Most manufacturers produce wood deck tiles in several different designs, so it is possible to create borders, centerpieces, feature areas etc. to suit your individual preference. Check to ensure the wood species used is a high natural durability species such as Jarrah, Ipe, Bangkirai etc. Most tiles are pre-oiled with a penetrating deck oil but regular re-oiling every 12 month or so is recommended if it is desired to retail the original wood colour as long as possible.

In addition to interlocking wood deck tiles, a range of ceramic interlocking tiles is now available which gives further opportunities to individualize your patio. These tiles are designed to interlock with the wood tiles, so for example you could have a central patio area paved in ceramic tiles where tables and chairs are situated, surrounded by wood tiles. With the addition of some large pots, attractive plants and maybe a favorite piece of sculpture, that dull patio can soon become a place you can be truly proud of again.

Malcolm Kay is the CEO of Intex Pacific Pty. Ltd. an international supplier of landscape materials including patio deck tiles. For more information see http://www.swiftdeck.com

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