Archive for September, 2009


Where To Begin When Choosing Window Coverings

Filed Under: Windows
Sep.11, 2009

Decorating your home is a rewarding experience, and with many options available today it can enlighten your home with an amazing atmosphere. Not only does it create a new ambience to complement your interior, it can also create a fresh mood and effect to the overall feeling in your environment and the way it appears from outside.

There is pallet of colors, textures and designs, available to complement your personality, reflecting your home lifestyle. There are many facets to consider for decorating your windows, such as: it’s an essential part of your home so needs not only to be aesthetically pleasing to the eye, but also functional. It can provide you with the privacy you need in individual rooms and the amount of light that you want to come into each one, which can make it cooler or warmer in certain parts of the house. Therefore window coverings can allow a lot of comfort and beauty while adding character to your special home.

This attention to detail is worth investing your money into, as it benefits re-sale value and can introduce a sense of cosiness. Having a nicely decorated home creates a peace of mind to make your family and friends feel totally comfortable and that they can adjust to their individual needs when staying at your place; such as letting the natural outside light come in or not.

First, you must consider what type of atmosphere you wish to create when covering your windows. Look around and then decide what you really want, whether it is classically traditional or more modern and contemporary, the choice and is yours. Window treatments can be customized to your specifications and you are limited only by your imagination.

The fabric you choose for curtains is extremely important, as different patterns and colors will have a different impact on the feel of your home overall. A busy, bright pattern will be best for rooms where there is a lot of activity, whereas a plainer look is best for places of relaxation. The embossed look is very popular, where the fabric is plain in color but has shiny patterned areas as well.

Consider the amount of light you want to let in, since some windows may require a lot of privacy while other windows may only need a simple border instead of being completely covered. If you have windows where no neighbors can see into your home, you may be happy to leave those free of window coverings or alternatively choose something sheer so you can easily see outside.

There is a wide range of blinds, curtains, swags, shutters, shades, valances and drapes, and all are available in different lengths. Many are ready made in various standard lengths and widths, fabrics, textures and colors, and there are many different ways of attaching the curtains to the window.

Window blinds come in a wide selection of colors and finishes, which include aluminum, wood, vinyl and an assortment of fabrics. There are horizontal blinds that enhance doorways and corner windows, though you must choose the right type of blind for enhancing rooms that are more humid. Vertical blinds work well on sliding doors and bay windows whether they are long or short in height.

Curtains can open and close at the center or side, and can be lined or unlined block out more or less light. The selection of styles and colors is practically endless.

Swags can be featured over blinds, curtains and shutters and are attached with basic or fancy hooks positioned at the top of the window. Often a beautiful piece of material can be draped around the frame work of the window in a variety of fashions.

Valances are like a mini curtain positioned at the top of the window, and there is a variety of ways the material can be gathered at the top. It borders the top of the window and usually compliments other window coverings. Contrasting the valance with the other colors you may have already introduced in your home décor can create a wonderful look. There are panels, laces, and a huge selection of curtain materials to make these beautiful valances. They border the window and create an effect that makes the room and window feel bigger.

Shutters are quite beautiful, generally made out of wood, and custom made to fit within the frame of the window. They are made up of a series of panels that are adjustable to filter the light in or totally close. They can add gorgeous character to your home decor. Shades on the other hand are very popular as well and are available in thick and light weight materials, depending on how much sun light you like to come in. There is a huge selection and they are generally set in the frame of the window.

The perfect window treatment for your home is one that fits your personality and lifestyle while adding a certain character to the areas you decorate, which will allow you the pleasure of being comfortable in your own home whether you have company or not.

Visit us for more information on parts for wood blinds, fabric window treatment ideas and window blinds

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The Difference Between Public Storage and Self Storage

Filed Under: Storage & Garages
Sep.10, 2009

In the past, public storage was more common than it is today. With public storage facilities, such as train stations, bus depots, and even airports, goods were not as privately stored as that in self-controlled self-service units. Public storage is, as its name implies, storage at a public facility. There is no freedom for the user of the unit to enter the facility at will after closing times. There is also less freedom in the kind of goods that you can store in a public facility. Just a suspicion that you are storing something illegal allows the management to enter your unit at their discretion.

Self-storage, on the other hand, is more private with users holding their own keys and locks. Many gates are operational as early as 6 a.m. and as late as 9 p.m., even on most holidays. It’s rare for management to enter a unit unless the user of the unit has not paid the monthly rent. They have confirmation that the user is storing illegal goods in the unit. This privacy element is what makes self-storage units more popular with people than public storage. Add that to the size of the units in question – self-storage units are large enough to store furniture and appliances. Most public storage units are not, unless you are renting units in a public warehouse facility. Though these types of public storage units do exist, they are customarily for the benefit of businesses rather than individuals.

Self-storage units are much more convenient, since users have the ability to enter their units earlier in the day and later at night. This convenience even allows those with small businesses to storage their goods in their unit. For example, someone may have a vending route for which he rents his truck and buys his own products. The storage units are much cheaper than having to buy a store or warehouse in which to store the goods. It is more economical than a public storage unit, since it would likely be necessary to lease a unit much larger.

Self-storage units are more versatile, since they come in several different sizes, allowing for use by both businesses and individuals. The set up of self-storage allows larger vehicles to enter and bring the items to be stored right to the door of the storage unit. Thus, in reality, the convenience is enhanced when one can use a self-storage unit. Many public storage facilities are no longer even available, such as those at airports. In the past, people who use airport or bus terminal public storage units to transport illegal goods such as drugs or even for the drop bags of money for illegal purposes. Many of these are either closed or highly scrutinized to the point that many people fear putting anything in them, les they be ransacked by management of the storage facility. That doesn’t mean that self-storage units allow illegal activities. It just means that they are not as likely to search a unit without cause as a public storage facility is.

Migson storage offers low cost self storage rooms. Provides public storage facilities for businesses and individuals.

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Amish Furniture for Your Home

Filed Under: Furniture, Interior Design
Sep.09, 2009

AmishBuggyAmish craftsmen are known the world over for their beautiful and high-quality solid wood furniture. The Amish only use solid wood, and their creations are therefore strong and durable, lasting for many generations. In addition to using the best quality wood, their workmanship is without equal in the modern world, where most products on the market are mass-produced in factories. The Amish art of furniture making is not so much a matter of personal pride as it is a way of worshipping God through their actions.

The Amish take great care in choosing the right wood for the right project. Although they predominantly use oak and quartersawn oak, one can also find examples in cherry, maple, hickory, black walnut, cedar, and even pine. Oak’s beautiful grain lines and honey coloration make it popular in both the United States and Canada, but other styles call for different types of wood, such as cherry for Queen-Anne-style pieces. Another trend is the use of cedar for storage chests, which produces a lovely scent perfect for storing clothing and other linens. For other projects, a craftsman might choose hickory and maple for their extreme hardness and light coloring.

Amish furniture comes in a variety of styles—the most recognizable being Mission, Shaker, and Queen Anne—ranging from artfully simple to ornately curved. Other popular styles include: Traditional/Heritage, Contemporary, Bavarian, Bunker Hill, Carlisle, Hampton, McCoy, Modesto, Slat Mission, Shaker Hill, Spring Hill, Rio Grande, Royal Mission, West Lake, Southwestern, Rustic, Cottage, and Beachfront. Styles such as Mission and Shaker feature a simple square design, whereas others like Queen Anne and Bunker Hill have much more curve and ornamentation. Styles vary from area to area, although most Amish furniture comes from  woodworkers in the Lancaster and Indiana communities. What’s nice about Amish furniture is that each woodworker adds his own individual touch, rendering each piece unique.

You can find Amish furniture for any room in the house, including living room, kitchen, dining room, home office and Amish bedroom furniture. However, the most popular pieces seem to be beds, dressers, and dining room tables. A matching set in any room will complete a distinctive room décor. For a more unique look, consider a heirloom-quality baby crib or rocking chair. The newest trend in Amish pieces is durable outdoor furniture for your patio or deck. Whatever you’re looking for, there is definitely something for everyone.

Although the Amish maintain their principles and remain free from electricity, they do take advantage of diesel generators to power pneumatic or hydraulic tools to mill and construct their fine furniture pieces. This correlates with their belief system, because while electricity is supplied and controlled by the outside world, the diesel generators are in Amish control. Furthermore, they allow more time for the final finish detail work to be done by hand. Each piece of wood is carefully selected so that the colors and wood grains work together to create a pleasing effect. After an older son finishes his formal classroom schooling, his father will then train him in all the intricacies of woodworking, and so the expertise passes from generation to generation.

Until recently, Amish furniture was primarily available in antique shops and in local stores near Amish settlements. Fortunately, today a large number of those stores offer online shopping to consumers and Amish furniture is now accessible to the world. “English” intermediate businessmen either buy directly from the Amish or work with them to establish and manage an online storefront.

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Organizational Tips for a Cleaner Small Apartment

Filed Under: Storage & Garages
Sep.09, 2009

Living in a small apartment has its benefits and its challenges. One of the benefits is since the apartment is small there is less cleaning involved. However, since it is a small apartment, you are faced with one big issue of storage space to keep all of your important things. Unfortunately, moving to a bigger place or renting a storage space isn’t a realistic option due to money or lack there of. You’re left with coming up with interesting ideas to use exiting space as storage.

Small apartments have little space and if it isn’t organized, the clutter and chaos will build up and make our very lives overwhelming, spending most of our time trying to find one thing or the other. Where most people run into problems is their landlords do not them to make any drastic changes to their apartment or install new cabinets or shelves. Here are some hidden storage spaces you may not have considered:

  • Storage ottomans – One the main keys for a well organized home is to have furniture that is multi-functional. An ottoman with more than one use is a great place to start and is easy to find as well. Ottomans are normally used as a foot prop when you are relaxing in your favorite chair or couch but there many nice looking ones come with removable lids for storing items. You can put things that you regularly use like books, the TV Guide, or the remote control for the DVD player in it.
  • Shoe organizer – If there is anything that can cause a giant mess, it is a whole bunch of shoes. For some reason, they just have a way of piling up over time to create this giant mountain of shoes and sneakers. Any woman with a shoe fetish can attest to this. The best way to avert this problem is to put them all into a shoe organizer which hangs over the back of a door such as a closet door. There really isn’t much you’re going to be able to hang there anyway so hang up those shoes and save some space on your floor.
  • Under-the-bed storage – When you think of essential storage pieces then you are thinking of those big plastic storage bins designed specifically for keeping seasonal items and what not under your bed. They’re perfect for storing heavy winter blankets, winter or summer clothes, or even tools and books. These bins keep everything out of sight and, more importantly, out of your way.
  • Bed frames with drawers built-in – Not all of us have the luxury of having the room for a chest or a bunch of drawers when we are running low on closet space. That’s why finding a bed frame that has storage drawers built in underneath mattress make such great items to have. Not only do they look very nice but they are also much easily accessible than the above mentioned under the bed storage bins.
  • Hooks – Hooks act similarly like wall shelves do, turning boring, empty walls into places of storage. Hooks let you keep items that you use everyday out in the open and accessible but also out of the way. They work great with coats, bags, and even umbrellas. One neat little trick you can try is hanging a container from a hook and you have a nifty little place your keys, cellphones or ID’s.
  • Stackable plastic drawers – Find some storage drawers that can be stacked one on top of the other. They are inexpensive and used in your closet beneath your hanging clothing to store folded clothing, laundry supplies or your gym clothes.

Shogging.com unifies shopping and blogging. From online department stores like Wal-Mart, Target and Buy.com, to niche e-tailers like Petco, BabyPhat and igourmet, the Shogging.com Comparison Shopping Blog boasts over 20 million products! Visit us at http://www.shogging.com.

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Garage Storing Is Handy For Tools

Filed Under: Storage & Garages
Sep.08, 2009

If you need a place to store everything from sporting goods, home improvement equipment, or tools then garage storage could be perfect for you. You can put up great storing shelves to take care of all the space you need. You can also use your garage for other activities if you don’t park your car in it all the time. For instance, try using it as home gym, ping pong room, or an office. You can find that garage storing has a lot of pluses, especially keeping lots of clutter out of your main family rooms.

When you want to buy garage shelves than try getting them prefabricated or built in your garage. You can get site-built shelves for quite a bit cheaper than the other kind and you can make them fit your garage better than ones you buy that are already made. If you go to a home improvement store, a lumber yard, or a hardware shop you can find what you need at a great price.

Use plywood that is ¾” thick with a length of 1x or 2x. You can put this on some brackets for a really sturdy fit. If you mount it by putting the brackets on the studs and then use screws to attach them to the brackets. You can also make the shelf stronger by putting a brace with each stud.

You can also considering buy floor supported shelves. You can make them by running 2 x 4′s going vertically and then rest some on the floor and others can connect with the rafters or ceiling joists. You can also put them at the edge between the upright area and use a particle board to make the shelf. If you want a common dimension then you can use 19-25 inches and space then about twenty five inches apart. You may need to change up the sizes depending on what you plan to use them for in terms of storage.

If you just want to store things of a small size then think about how big of a space you will put between the studs. If you want to put down a strip of 1×2 boards going horizontally and make them about six inches away from each other. You can also use some other pieces and put them on top to make smaller shelves that you can change up. These are good for tools or games or anything else small.

If you want prefab shelves then try using steel as the material of choice for garage storage cabinets. Since plastic works well for light objects you could use that too. It really depends on what you need for storage in your home or garage. So choose your storage objects well then choose your prefab material.

Ray Walberg very often publishes short articles on things relating to garage organizer and garage storage subjects. With his detailed writings on garage organizer and garage storage cabinets the author improved his deep knowledge in the area.

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Standing Seam Roofing – Taking Metal Roofing To Another Level

Filed Under: Roofing
Sep.07, 2009

People might think of the roofing industry as a boring field, but it is actually a dynamic trade that has been around for quite a time. With the great advancements in roofing technology coupled with a wide array of choices, there is actually more to roofing than meets the eye. One of the great breakthroughs that make roofing exciting is the emergence of standing seam roofing.

Standing seam roofing is considered to be among the most important breakthroughs for the roofing industry within the past two decades. It is highly recommended for builders who need a durable protection that is puncture-resistant and strong enough to withstand extreme weather conditions.

The Benefits of Standing Seam Roofing

What people like most about standing seam roofing is its durability. With the revolutionary sliding and concealed clip system, this type of roof can manage thermal shock. The clip system lets equivalent amounts of force to be diffused in two directions, allowing for better shock absorption. This is made possible through rigid base upon which the clips are attached to the structural members of the building. The roof panel is clipped to the upper pat to form a seam.

Standing seam roofs are also lightweight. A square foot of panel weighs merely from 1 to 1.5 pounds. This contributes to the roof’s ease in installation. They can practically be installed any time of the year. Standing seam roofs can easily be installed over an existing roof, eliminating the need to tear the previous layer off.

Standing seam roofing is also quite easy to maintain. The roof may perform problem-free for at least 20 years with minimal or no maintenance measures. This is so much better compared to other roofing options such as built-up roofs, which need to be maintained frequently.

Standing seam roofing is also weatherproof. It can withstand win, rain, and even snow because of the weather-tight seam that join panels together. Sealants may even be applied to these seams to further increase its protective properties. When properly installed, the roof can withstand high wind conditions, passing standards as high as UL 580 for wind uplift, as well as ratings as high as ASTM E-1592 for structural performance standard. The fire rating is high as well with a classification of Factory Mutual Class A, passing the highest standards for the industrial setting.

Standing seam roofing is also very reliable. The drainage of snow and rain is quite efficient, and thus water ponds are avoided as well as leaks and other problems that usually plague other flat roof systems. The effects of thermal movements are also prevented with the fastening system used for standing seam roof panels. The metal panels are securely locked in their places by clips within the raised seam. These clips are subtly movable, allowing the panels some room for contraction and expansion during extreme weather changes. The concealed clip also helps prevent leaks while keeping the roof attractive.

Standing seam roofing is also very cost-effective. They come with at least 20-year warranties, which is rather long compared to conventional roofing options such as single-ply and built-up systems. Because of their durability, owners can save a lot from maintenance costs.

Even if standing seam is made of metal, it can be designed to resist corrosion. To reinforce the roof’s durability, it only needs a coating of aluminum, zinc or, better yet, an alloy of aluminum and zinc. As a bonus, the protective coating may even add to the roof’s aesthetic value especially for additional coatings of organic paints with special protecting pigments. Standing seam roofing also allows for great flexibility in designing. It can be attached to both flat and steep profiles.

Another great thing about standing seam roofing, especially for those who are environmentally concerned, is that it is highly recyclable. As it is made of steel it can be recycled better than other roofing materials. It may also be reused in some cases, so standing seam roofing is a great choice for those who want to help save the planet.

The roofing industry has definitely come a long way. Standing seam roofing is one of those things that has made this industry an exciting one. So if you are choosing a good roofing material then standing seam might be the one for you.

Ernest Jarquio is a dedicated family man hopelessly addicted to do-it-yourself projects. For more information, visit his website, where he discusses various subjects such as standing seam roofing, asphalt roofing shingles and plastic roofing

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Timberline Roofing Product Line – A Review

Filed Under: Roofing
Sep.06, 2009

It’s often an overlooked part of the house and its importance is only acknowledged when it starts leaking. That’s how many homeowners treat their roofing, not realizing that it is actually more costly in the long run if roofing does not receive the attention it deserves right from the get-go.

To make sure they don’t make a mistake when constructing their homes, many homeowners, on the other hand, opt to choose wisely and ensure that their roofing will withstand the weather and the test of time. One of the available choices is Timberline roofing.

Timberline roofing is one of the more popular roofing products in use today. It is a series of dimensional shingles made to be tough, durable and beautiful, meeting common consumer expectations that roofing should be protective and decorative at the same time.

Which Timberline?

These days, there are so many brands of Timberline from too many manufacturers that it’s almost difficult to tell which is the real Timberline series. The name Timberline has become a general term referring to shingles but it is actually a brand name of one of GAF Materials’ roofing products. Founded in 1886, GAF became one of the forerunners of quality roofing and has become the largest residential and commercial manufacturers of roofing in North America. Timberline is just one of their many brands.

Because of its popularity, Timberline has had its share of copycats and clones and has actually become a generic term used to refer to dimensional singles. However, the product name itself is trademarked to GAF. If you want to be sure about the manufacturer of your Timberline roofing, simply take a look at the back of a piece of shingle. Most manufacturers print their names on their products and that should give you a good reference in order to determine from which manufacturer your shingle came from.

What Makes Timberline Special?

Timberline has become a favorite among many consumers because of its strength and durability. It has the patented Micro Weave Core which makes the material tougher and the Dura Grip adhesive seal to ensure better hold. The weight of the material is also a factor in keeping it stable. Once it’s installed properly, Timberline roofing are specified to stand bad weather, even when winds are pummeling your home at 80-110 miles per hour.

Types of Timberline Roofing

Timberline is just one of the brands in the GAF Materials product list but there are several choices under this series, so you have several options for your roofing needs. They include:

Timberline 30. Made with tough fiberglass asphalt, these shingles are affordable and stylish. This series features the Shadow Accent and Dura Grip adhesive seal. Shadow Accent produces a gradation in the shingles’ color, so you can see the gradual shift from dark to light.

This creates a beautiful effect when seen from afar. Depending on your area, algae protection may even be offered. Thanks to Dura Grip, Timberline 30 comes with the 70 miles per hour wind warranty. The product’s limited warranty itself is 30 years.

Timberline Select 40. Also made from fiberglass asphalt, this series features the classic wood shake look. The shingles are also thicker and heavier and boast some of the best features in the Timberline series, including Dura Grip, Shadow Accent and a Micro Weave core. They are also rated Class A in fire and wind protection. Limited warranty is set at 40 years.

Grand Timberline Roof Shingles. The shingles in this series are about 50% larger than other products and also at least 30% thicker. If you prefer a stronger contrast in color blends, this is the roofing choice for you. This series has a Class A rating for fire and wind and also features the tough Micro Weave core.

Timberline Ultra. This is the premier set of shingles in this series and shingles are at least 25% thicker than other products. Because these are heavier, these are also the roofing of choice for areas where storms are common – Timberline Ultra has a limited warranty for winds up to 110 miles per hour. This series is also the most durable and longest lasting.

Where to Find Information

Probably the best source of Timberline roofing is GAF Materials, which has product and installation information on its website. However, you also have other choices, although not all of them carry the Timberline series from GAF itself.

When purchasing your Timberline roofing, make sure to ask for the warranty because this will serve as your protection. They may be tough and durable but like most roofing, Timberline will not last forever. A day will come that they will need to be replaced although that’s likely to take a really long time.

Ernest Jarquio is a dedicated family man hopelessly addicted to do-it-yourself projects. For more information, visit his website, where he discusses various subjects such as Timberline Roofing, GAF Roofing and ABC Roofing.

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The Choice About Metal Roofing Shingles

Filed Under: Roofing
Sep.05, 2009

Metal roofing shingles are the most suitable choice if you are looking to either get your existing roof replaced or install in new building because they have much more benefits to offer than any other roofing solution.

Why Choose Metal Roofing Shingles

The choice about the metal roofing shingles comes with many advantages. The first one is the durability and strength of the metal roofing shingles. They last much longer than any other roofing shingles. The standard asphalt shingles last up to twenty years but the metal roofing shingles last more than fifty years. The second advantage metal roofing shingles have to offer is that they reflect much of the light of sun; hence they keep the interiors of the building cool. This results in the reduction of the cooling costs. This makes metal roofing shingles most suitable for the warm conditions.

Choosing a metal roof is always a wise choice as it comes in so many colors and designs so it is up to you to choose what suits your mood and your building requirements. Also metal roofs are dirt-proof and do not loose their shape even after years of installation. Metal roofs are tough and light weight and they have a very simple installation process. Metal roofing shingles do not rot, crack split or break. They are simply the most optimum choice.

Some Issues Regarding the Cost of Metal Roofing Shingles

Beside the fact that metal roofing shingles are better than many roofing solutions, they have a high price as compared to the others. But this high price is once paid hence it should be considered as an investment because they are not likely to be replaced or repaired for a long time. Still the cost paid is not as much as benefits are gained by installing a metal roof. They are corrosion resistant, durable, tough, weather protected, available in different designs and colors, pest resistant and easy to install without any professional help. The roof is a very important part of a building or a home and one doesn’t install roof of his house or building every other day, so when you are planning to install the roof, be sure to pick the right choice because even a little high price paid at a single time can save a lot of repair expenses to be paid later. Therefore it is highly recommended to choose the metal roofing and especially metal roofing shingles to choose when installing the roof, so that you can be trouble free for many years to come.

You can also find more info on install metal and residential metal. Homeroofinghelp.com is a comprehensive resource to known about metal roofing.

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Build a Three Season Sunroom – Before You Build

Filed Under: New Construction
Sep.04, 2009

Are you planning to build a three season sunroom? Well, if you are, you are going to be thrilled to have a wonderful place where you can relax. Sunrooms provide you with a great place to enjoy the view, the sun, and all the elements of nature without being too hot or having to deal with bug bites. However, in order to get the wonderful sunroom that you are considering, there are many things to consider before you build. Here are a few of the things you need to consider and ask yourself before you begin to build your three season sunroom.

Decide on Dimensions
First of all, it is going to be important that you decide on the dimensions for your sunroom. Are you going to want a small sunroom of about 10′ x 12′ or do you want something a bit larger. Just remember that the larger the room, the more you are going to pay. Also, you’ll be taking away from the nature and scenery out there that you want to enjoy as well. So make sure that you have a great idea on the dimensions and make sure that the size is not going to have you looking at something boring and unattractive, such as your neighbor’s garage.

Find Out About Homeowners’ Association Guidelines
Before you begin to build your sunroom, you’ll also want to find out about homeowners’ association guidelines as well. If you belong to one, make sure that you find out their number and figure out if there are going to be any ground rules that you have to follow. You want to make sure that you follow the rules of the homeowners’ association or you may have a hard time selling them home and you may end up with some hefty fines as well.

Will it Be an Exercise Room?
Decide whether or not you plan on using the room as an exercise room. This is important because it could change some of the construction of the room. Some people decide that they want to include exercise equipment, pools, or even a nice hot tub in the area, and you’ll want to make sure that your room is built to deal with this if you are really wanting to go with a room where you can exercise.

Are You Using the Room Year Round?
Another consideration that you should think about is whether or not you are going to use the room year round. If you are not going to use the room all year round, then you can go with glass that is not as insulated and with materials that are not quite as expensive. However, if you do decide that you want the option to use it all year, then you are going to need to make sure that it is properly insulated.

For more information on sunrooms and sunroom additions visit The DIY Home Guide.

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Final Walk Through on a Newly Built Home

Filed Under: New Construction
Sep.03, 2009

So you’re within days of closing on your newly built home and you’re already to move in. Before you close on your home, however, it is important that you first do a final walk through on the newly built home. If you are intent on closing on the planned closing day, then you should preferably do the final walk through at least several days before the closing. This will enable the general contractor to have some time to address any issues that may be uncovered during the walk through.

Walk Through Checklist Around the Outside of the Newly Constructed Home

When doing a final walk through of a newly built home, start by walking around the outside of the home. Check for loose siding and roofing shingles. Also check the outside foundation for cracks. Make sure screens are in all windows, and that entrance ways are properly and completely installed e.g. stairs, decks, and walkways. Also check that the outside water spigots and outlet boxes are operational. Also make sure all outside lights are working. In addition, make sure ground fault interrupter circuits have been used on outside outlets. Finally take a careful look at the gutters to make sure they have been installed properly and have a good pitch towards the drain pipes.

Next examine the grounds / landscaping. Has the turf been properly installed and looking healthy? If grass seed was planted, has it germinated? Are retaining walls properly constructed and were they installed where you expected them to be? Make sure that all the shrubs that you paid for were installed in the right locations and were of the right species. If an underwater sprinkler system was installed make sure it operates correctly.

Also check the grade of the landscaping around the home foundation. The grade should be such that water will drain away from the foundation. If this is not done, expect regular basement water problems. Also check for pooled areas, where water is sitting stagnant. If you see pooled areas this is a sign that grading was not done properly. Finally, make sure the driveway was installed properly and to your satisfaction.

Walk Through Checklist for the Inside of the Newly Built Home

Once you have completed the walk through around the outside of the home, it’s time to check the inside. When doing the inside walk through you may want to bring along an outlet tester or small appliance such as a hair dryer to check to make sure power is operational to all outlets.

When performing a walk through on the inside of the home, start with the basement. Make sure there are no leaks or puddles in the basement. In addition, check the walls for cracks. Also make sure the plumbing and wiring is neat and properly secured. Make sure that you confirm that the heating and cooling system work properly. Also check to make sure that major beams are sitting properly in the foundation sockets. On occasion I have seen center beams floating at one end of the foundation. Either the lally columns were placed too high or the socket was placed too low for the beam.

In the main part of the home, check to make sure that the floors do not squeak and that all the doors and windows open and close properly. Also check every light switch and outlet to make sure that they work properly.

In the kitchen make sure that all of the appliances are correctly installed and are functional. Also check all of the cabinets and drawers to make sure they are functional.

In the bathrooms make sure the ceiling fans are all working. Also make sure the fiberglass tub has not been damaged in any way.

Both in the bathrooms and the kitchen make sure ground fault interrupter circuits have been installed.

Make sure painting is complete throughout the home and that all flooring has properly been installed. Make sure you check for cracked tiles, or cuts in the vinyl flooring.

Finally check the smoke alarms, and home security system. Make sure they are working properly.

If problems are uncovered, write them down and submit a copy of the list to your general contractor. After he has addressed the issues, go back to the home and revisit the issues you uncovered on your first walk through.

Conducting a walk through on new home construction, prior to closing, is essential in making sure you get what you pay for. If you find problems after the closing it will more than likely take more time and effort to get them corrected, even if you have a home warrantee/guarantee. A general contractor wants his paycheck, and if he knows he won’t get it until the problems are resolved chances are he will resolve them very quickly.

For more help on building a new custom home, see HomeAdditionPlus.com’s New Home Construction Bid Sheet. The New Home Construction Bid Sheet provides you with the knowledge on how to plan a custom home building project, and what to look for when hiring contractors for your new home construction. It also includes a detailed cost breakdown table and spreadsheet for estimating your own new home construction building costs.

About the Author: Over the past 20+ years Mark Donovan has been involved with building homes and additions to homes. His projects have included: building a vacation home, building additions and garages on to existing homes, and finishing unfinished homes. For more home improvement information visit http://www.homeadditionplus.com and http://www.homeaddition.blogspot.com

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