Do You Need a Residential General Contractor

A residential general contractor is a professional who organizes and executes large home remolding projects. People often confuse these home remodeling professionals with home improvement contractors, who usually undertake smaller tasks. The residential general contractors can easily undertake projects to add space or make better use of established space; thereby ensuring a better living experience for homeowners.
Keeping in perspective the different requirements of homeowners, residential general contractors provide expert advice and come up with innovative ideas to ensure better return on investment. These professionals are experienced, skillful and proficient to carry out different home remodeling jobs with perfection. They do not do all the work themselves; rather they delegate it to a team of professionals, including home improvement contractors, also referred to as ‘subcontractors’.
Many homeowners prefer to do home remodeling projects on their own, especially to save money. However, most they do not realize that every job is not a ‘Do-It-Yourself’ task; and thus, they often end up making things worse; thereby incurring additional expenses for mending their mistakes. Additionally, it also leads to wastage of time, which homeowners could have utilized for doing something consequential. Hence, depending upon the job, you need to assess whether or not you need to hire a residential general contractor.

For example, if you are planning to remodel your kitchen all by yourself; you are only going to mess it up. Remodeling a kitchen is not a simple task; it demands at least five-six weeks of diligent efforts, which is usually not possible in today’s hectic lifestyle. There is plumbing, painting, flooring and electrical work to be done, which demand certain amount of skills. Additionally, counter-top, cabinet and appliances need to be installed efficiently. All this work requires significant amount of skill, hard work, patience, and time. More often than not, you will have to seek help of professionals, like electrician, plumber, carpenter, painter, floor installer and others, which may cost you a fortune. Instead, you must hire a residential general contractor, who not only coordinates the work of all of these professionals, but also takes charge of the entire project. He supervises the project to deliver quality work within the stipulated time-frame.
There are certain things that you can keep in mind while ascertaining whether you need to hire a residential general contractor or not. It is generally advised to avail the services of a residential general contractor if the job demands longer duration of time, such as more than a week. You need to hire a professional if the task requires few permits from concerned authorities; or if the job needs different experts for completion.
Depending upon these parameters, if you do decide to hire a residential general contractor ensure that he is experienced, skilled and proficient. Also make sure that he is licensed and has certain market credibility. In order to judge the potential of the contractor, ask for references and portfolio of projects completed by him. Before starting the work, make sure you finalize the payment details with the contractor well in advance. All these simple steps will help you make a wise decision and select the right residential general contractor for your home remodeling project.
Copyright © 2010 FlooringSupplyShop.com

Shower recessed shelves Make your bathroom glamorous!

Have you ever tried to imagine the latent power of your bathroom? Well, your bathroom can provide heavenly relaxation to your entire body and even help you completely recharge your batteries! Bathroom accessories like shower recessed shelves lend a very organized look to your bathroom and will make you feel like a princess.
Shower recessed shelves are the perfect accessory for the modern day shower. They provide you with a huge amount of space to store all your favorite shower materials like gels and soaps. A stone shelf will also add a rustic charm to your shower and help you enjoy a spa like experience in your bathroom!
Along with these shelves, the ceramic bathroom tiles and mosaic tiles also bring in a lot of elegance to a bathroom. The natural colors of these tiles allow them to blend perfectly with your bathroom interiors and create a mesmerizing appeal. The modern day stainless steel tiles are also anti slip, ensuring complete safety for your family. So light up those aroma candles and soak your body and mind into that heavenly experience right in your shower!
Flooring Supply Shop offers shower recessed shelves and other bathroom accessories. The website www.flooringsupplyshop.com offers complete information about the company.
Copyright © 2010 FlooringSupplyShop.com

Windows Not Just a Piece of Glass

It’s early in the morning and you’ve just opened the curtains to bring in the bright new day. Or perhaps the snow is falling softly outside as you snuggle up with a cup of hot cocoa at your window seat and take in the view. Windows have been around for hundreds of years, and while their basic purpose has not changed, they have gone from being a necessary “hole in the wall” to a significant element of design.
What is the definition of a Window? According to Webster’s dictionary, a window is an opening, usually framed and spanned with glass, built into a wall for light and air. We still use windows for this fundamental purpose. Properly placed windows can provide cross ventilation and eliminate the need for artificial lighting during the day. Most people have at one time or another been in a dark, dreary room that simply needed the light of a window. Current national code requires that the glazed area of the windows (that is the glass itself) equal 8% or more of the square footage of a room.
Windows can range widely in style and cost. If you prefer contemporary styling, you may choose to go with a casement style window (a unit that either cranks out to the left or to the right). A more traditional style is the double hung unit (a unit that slides up and down). Other styles include horizontal sliders, awnings, and transom windows. A window manufacturer can provide detailed descriptions of the various styles available. The styles are as plentiful as the prices are varied. Of course, you can mix and match units. For example: in your kitchen you may desire a casement unit above the sink because they are easier to open reaching over the counter; however, adjacent to the kitchen, in a gazebo shaped breakfast area, there is no reason you should not consider using double-hung units.
Let’s take a closer look at the two most popular units, the casement and double hung window. There are pro’s and con’s to both. The casement offers full ventilation when opened where the double-hung only gives about half. However, if you have a group of casements units overlooking your deck or patio, be aware that casements take up exterior living space. So be careful at parties; open casements can be very painful when walked into. Probably the best part of double-hung units is many new models tilt in for easier cleaning, where as the casement does not offer a similar feature.
Whether you are building new, adding on additional space, or renovating a room in your home, the windows you choose should play a major role. When looking at windows for your new project, look carefully at the hardware, is it well manufactured? Plastic hardware may provide a more contemporary look, but also tend to break sooner. Open the windows at the showroom, do they operate easily? Do they offer a good warranty on the unit as a whole? Most manufactures should cover the windows for at least ten years. Check the energy efficiency (insulation value) of the particular units you are interested in. I recommend a minimum insulation value of R-3. Most units nowadays carry an insulation value of at least this, and very often it is higher. Overall, examine the quality of the unit on the interior as well as exterior.
You will find that the cost of windows is quite significant, but you get what you pay for. You want your windows to last 30 to 50 years, therefore they need to be constructed from good quality materials and made to last for long time. If you skimp on quality, you may have problems in as little as 5 years. Depending on the number of windows your project calls for, you should plan to spend approximately 5%-10% of your entire building budget if you are adding on or building a new home. This percentage is higher for smaller renovations.
Windows provide much more than light and air today. A properly designed window can make or break the mood of a room. Today’s windows should be treated as an integral part of the design and NOT JUST A PIECE OF GLASS.

Dont Fall Victim to the DIY Hype

DIY home improvements are all the rage and many homeowners are choosing these instead of hiring professionals. Though it is an easy way to save a few bucks, one must ensure that the DIY task undertaken by you is successfully completed. A properly executed home improvement task will not only enhance the aesthetics of your house but will also add to its value.
You must realize that a DIY home improvement demands patience, perseverance, skill and tool. Hence, if you think that you have all of these you can surely complete any DIY task; but if you have even a slightest doubt about your capabilities, do not start the task. The most important thing that you need to have is time; because if you do not have adequate time to finish it then your house will be in a mess till the time you finish it.
The next thing that needs to be ensured is that you must know how to do the task, along with having all the necessary tools. With the increasing popularity of these tasks, more and more manufacturers are producing and marketing products for the DIYers. To get information about the task, you can take help of a friend who has done similar task as he will be able to guide you better as to what needs to be done. It is advisable to gather all the information about the project and then decide whether or not you have the abilities to complete the task. Moreover, something that may be cake walk for your friend may not easy for you; hence whatever you decide make sure you do not have to face incredibly difficult time while doing the task.
There are certain tasks that may sound simple but in reality they are not. For example, painting a room is a simple task but painting the whole house on your own is not because it demands significant amount of time, stamina and skill. You need to judge whether a task is actually a DIY task or not; fence building may sound easy but in reality it may not be that easy. In contrast, painting a fence is an easy task and can be successfully done by almost everyone. However, task like deck building and dry walling are daunting and should be left for professionals because even after putting in all the efforts you may not be able to replicate what a pro can do.
Since you can judge yourself best, you will be able to make a wise decision whether or not you can complete the task and that too with perfection. In case you feel that certain home improvement task is not your cup of tea, you must avoid doing it. Moreover, doing a task that gives an impression that an amateur did it, takes away the value and appeal of your home. To avoid this, you must hire a pro who is skilled, experienced and have completed similar task with perfection.
Hence, do not fall victim to the DIY hype and do a DIY home improvement task only because your friend or neighbor did the same. Keep every aspect in perspective and then make a final decision whether or not you should do a particular DIY task.
Copyright © 2010 FlooringSupplyShop.com

Paint Your Tile Floor for a New Look

Many homeowners choose tile flooring for their home as these are durable, attractive and available in an assortment of colors. However, over the years, tiles look dull and dated; hence, you need to change them. Instead of tearing them apart, an inexpensive and fast way of changing the look is to paint the tiles.
There are different types of tile paints available in the market, though the most commonly used ones are enamel and latex paints. Latex is a water soluble paint which is comparatively less dangerous than enamel. Enamel paint is soluble in thinner or alcohol which air dries to a hard and glossy finish. Though this paint lasts longer, one needs to be careful while using it because of its fume content.
An important factor to keep into perspective while choosing the paint is the area where the tile is installed. The wear and tear as well as the exposure to moisture the area is subjected to, plays a significant role is assessing whether a certain type of paint is right for a particular room or not. You cannot use latex-based paint in rooms which have high foot traffic because it tends to chip with the slightest impact. The tiles in such areas should be refinished, which not only make it long lasting but also enhances the look.
You also need to choose the right color which complements the decor of the room. The right color contrast can drastically change the look of the place, making it more appealing. You can even use two or more different colors to make beautiful patterns and designs. Only caution while doing this to have a proper layout and work accordingly. This requires certain amount of skill, hence do not do it on your own if you lack the artistic bent of mind. Instead take help of professionals to get beautiful floor designs and add uniqueness to your home.
Painting is not a daunting task and you can easily do it on your own. Before you start painting you need to thoroughly clean the tiles and grout, to remove the dirt and other buildup. You can use bleach or hydrogen peroxide for removing the molds and mildews on the grout. Once done, thoroughly rinse it with water. After cleansing, the next step involves sanding the tiles so that, the paint sticks to it. You can either use fine grit sandpaper or an electric sander. After sanding, remove all the dust.
Next apply primer on the tiles, use the one that is recommended for glossy surface. It is advisable to apply two coats and after it has dried sand it again. After this, clean the whole surface and once done, you can paint the tiles. Painting can be done by brush or spray paint. The spray paint offers better and faster results, in comparison to painting done by brush. Moreover, spray paint tends to dry quickly. Give enough time for the paint to dry before you step on the floor. Once painting and drying is over, your home will have a whole new look.
Copyright © 2010 FlooringSupplyShop.com

Trend Setter in Home Furnishing

Home furnishing has always been thought off as the most tedious task in home management. The time consumption that takes place is something that has always been a hindrance in home furnishing. House owners these days have shifted focus to an all new concept of home furnishing. Popular trends in home furnishing include mixing old and new, classic and contemporary. Furniture has always been on prime radar of the house owners. They look for a mixed blend of beauty of the art and color in the furniture. But, choosing the right blend and in appropriate measures is the key. Furniture makers have been very responsive to this fashion, so now it’s easier than ever to purchase fine reproductions of vintage and modern collections. So here are some important trend setting aspects and designs that make your living area complete. You can either opt for singular collection or blend of many depending on your requirements and taste.

Gold Furniture: This is one of the major trend setters as far as home furnishing is concerned. Regarded as one of the oldest and royal home furnishing design, gold furniture types are no more luxurious and costly. Gold French furniture is nowadays usually finished in genuine gold leaf, and artisans make sure to give a distressing look to those areas where most natural wear would have occurred. The outcome is just awesome. This is a hard earned creation as it undergoes a multi tasking process of hand sanding, filling, sealing, painting and antique aging. Rich Rococo pieces, such as beds and chests of drawers are hand-carved, again, following the methods used hundreds of years ago.
The Vintage Style: Again a very effective and costumer centric furniture pattern. Vintage is generally a blend of Rococo furniture and chateau style. Versailles style is way over the top, but using a few rococo and baroque style items, such as a reproduction chateau de Versailles chandelier or a beautiful gilt mirror will give a glamorous look to your contemporary home. People with large dining rooms generally prefer this style of furniture.

The Mirrored Furniture: This is generally used when house owners want to bring some sanity to the house. Instead of glitter of artwork, many a times the mirror furniture is preferred by house owners. If you want something more exotic, choose a couple of items from a popular silver embossed range and mix them with white painted chateau furniture.
The Real Budget Design Ideas: If a budget based home furnishing is your cup of tea, then here are some important designing ideas for you. De Cluttering is always a good idea to start with. Minimizing accumulation is the key. This can be done by deciding which items must be retained and which can be thrown out or given away. Then be sure to maintain this system on an ongoing basis. Color management also plays a very vital role. Consulting a home furnishing expert also can be of great help. You’ll better understand how to incorporate color, lighting and texture into a room and also receive valuable tips on ensuring furnishings are in proportion with other things in a room for visual appeal.
With the wealth of information available, designing your first home or redesigning the interior of your existing home becomes a fun and exciting and cheap project rather than a stressful chore. By combining your creativity with tips gathered from various cheap or free publications, your home interior design project is sure to turn out to be a stunning success. As a final suggestion, surfing the internet and finding different combination’s and permutations that work can also provide relevant inputs.

I hope these inputs help you enhance some knowledge on catching the right trend in home furnishing.
Copyright © 2010 FlooringSupplyShop.com

Tips for effective floor buffing

Like other parts of the house, hardwood flooring also requires maintenance. Over the years, with constant wear & tear the floor starts losing its luster. Though, a lot of people resort to changing the flooring when it starts to wear down; this however is not an advisable option.
One of the most effective ways of dealing with worn out flooring is by buffing it. One can easily use buffing for refinishing the floor, so that it looks as good as new.
Instead of replacing the old hardwood flooring with a new one, most homeowners prefer buffing the flooring, which saves them time as well as money. Using harsh chemicals is not advisable as it will actually harm the floor by either staining it or affecting its natural sheen. Buffing on the other hand is safer and can help keep the fresh look of the floor, as if it was new. Moreover, buffing can be easily done on every type of flooring, whether it is marble or hardwood, with the help of a buffing machine. In case of carpet flooring, one can use the brush attachment instead of pads in the buffing machine; which effectively cleans and scrubs the carpet thoroughly.
It is a process, which can easily be accomplished by DIY enthusiasts. Whatever may be the type of floor you wish to buff; it should first be dust mopped and cleaned thoroughly. Next, you need to install the buffing pad and set the speed of the machine at 1-2 ft. per second. Move the machine in a straight line, overlapping each pass by 2-4 inches. You need to buff the floor till the required gloss is achieved. Similarly, repeat the whole process in other areas of the floor as well. Check the pads, and change them in case they have become dirty or worn out. After buffing is complete, dust mop the floor and follow it by wet vacuuming. Make sure to clean all the equipment, before storage.
Although it is easy, there are certain things that one needs to take care of while buffing the hardwood floor. Replace worn out pads as it can cause scratches on the floor. You need to select the appropriate pad and solution for the type of floor to be buffed. It is advisable that you evenly spread the solution over the particular section of the floor, and buff the area two to three times for best results. While buffing the floor, you must ensure to start from the end of the room, moving backwards, so that you do not step on the cleaned floor.
You will need to apply three different solutions, namely stripping, wax and polish solution. Though using a floor buffing machine is not very difficult; it is advisable to exercise caution since the buffing machine is quite big in size.
Flooring is the most essential part of any house and hence, requires utmost care. By just following some of the simple measures mentioned above, you can have a clean, shiny and durable flooring.
Copyright © 2010 FlooringSupplyShop.com

budget friendly flooring options

Flooring is an integral part of any house; be it construction or renovation, it is essential to select the appropriate flooring material that not only provides durability but enhances the interiors as well. Amongst the numerous options available in the market, choosing the right flooring option can be overwhelming. Natural hardwood flooring and carpets, though makes a place look great, but are quite expensive and beyond the budget of most of the homeowners. Nevertheless, there are many budget-friendly and beautiful flooring options which can render a great look to your home.
A cheap but nice flooring idea which can make your floor look attractive is the bamboo flooring. Bamboo, a grass, effectively imitates the look of a wooden floor and is generally harder than most of the hardwood flooring. These are available in two shades, the natural light-color and the darker look which is accomplished after the grass is carbonized. Moreover, apart from being budget friendly, bamboo is also an environment friendly flooring option.

Another great budget flooring option is the laminate flooring, which is durable as well as attractive and easily simulates wood or in some cases, stone. These are available in a wide range of colors, patterns and designs which can easily complement the decor of any house. Moreover, the versatile flooring is easy to install and can be done by ‘DIY’ enthusiasts without any professional guidance.
Ceramic tile flooring is a cost effective flooring option, which is increasingly being used in residential and commercial buildings. It is one of the most durable flooring options which is available in scores of color; light, dark and blended colors. Furthermore, the tiles are available in different styles and sizes which can be customized as per your requirement. You can mix & match different tiles to render an attractive look or use mosaic tiles to enhance the look of the interiors. The ceramic tiles resist staining and are easy to maintain, without any special cleaning requirement. However, these tiles can sometimes be slippery, so it is advisable that you apply an anti-slip coating, which is readily available in the market.

Inexpensive than other types of natural flooring, the cork tiles provide natural and rich look to the house. This flooring option is especially perfect for those for those with an ecological bent of mind. Along with lending a striking elegance and finish to the room, one of the most endearing qualities of cork is that it is a great insulator. As a result, it keeps the floor warm during winters and cool during summers. Moreover, its soft texture gives a comfortable feel when you walk on it, similar to that of carpet. Available in both tiles and planks, you can choose amongst a variety of colors and finishes.
Concrete flooring is also a popular budget flooring option which gives the place an unfinished and earthy look. The option is nearly endless as these can be stained, colored, painted and even customized. Furthermore, these are easy to install, inexpensive, highly resistant to various elements, easy to clean and maintain.
Amongst all these flooring option, you can choose the one which best complements the house interiors. The right budget flooring can render a great look to your home, without burning a hole in your pocket.
Copyright © 2010 FlooringSupplyShop.com

Things to know about before tiling

Tiles are one of the most popular choices for various areas of the house, such as the kitchen and the bathroom. Some of the factors that make tiles so popular include high durability, ease of installation, availability of different designs and the related cost. Tiling is generally considered as an easy Do-It-Yourself project; however, there are a number of factors that you should keep in mind before initiating the tiling process.
The first major decision that you will have to make will be selecting from a wide range of tiles that are available in the market. This decision will be based on two factors, namely the tile material and the tile size. Ceramic, porcelain and stone are the most popular tiling material that is selected by people. A stone tile is renowned for its aesthetic appeal as well as its high durability. On the other hand, porcelain and ceramic tiles are comparatively inexpensive that stone times, and are aesthetically appealing as well.
Tiling size can significantly impact your project by affecting the effort put in by you as well as the end result. Generally, tiles of size 12”x 12” are considered to be ideal for a tiling project; however, these days you can find tiles of varying sizes. 6” x 6” tiles are also popular among homeowners, but they increase the effort required to complete the tiling project. Furthermore, large tiles are quite difficult to set evenly, thereby affecting the final outcome of the project.

After finalizing on the size and material of the tiles, it is important to select the pattern and design on the tiles. Since tiles can significantly affect the visuals of a room, it is important to select tiles that match with the décor of a particular room. For example, light colored tiles are generally preferred in the shower area to create a comfortable environment. On the other hand, the kitchen area should preferably be covered with dark colored tiles.
Next, you should carefully decide whether you want to use epoxy based grout or cement grout. Grouting is an essential aspect of a tiling project since it can ensure that the tiles stay in place for a long duration of time. Although epoxy grouts are highly effective, and errors during the installation process are quite hard to fix once epoxy grout has been installed. Grout color is also essential to ensure that the grouted area blends in with the tile décor.

Finally, you should have the proper tools and equipment to ensure an effective tiling job. Spacers are essential to ensure even spaces between two subsequent tiles. Leveling systems, such as the Tuscan leveling system, ensure that you are able to install tiles without any lippage. Being prepared with such tools beforehand will enable you to install a uniform and highly durable tiled floor.
Thus, it is evident that although tiling is quite a simple task, it is important to consider various factors to ensure maximum effectiveness. In case you are not confident of completing the job yourself, it is advised to hire a professional contractor.
Copyright © 2010 FlooringSupplyShop.com

DIY projects An ideal option for overcoming the economic slowdown

With the economic slowdown affecting everyone in some way or the other, people are on the lookout for measures to reduce their expenses. A major portion of a homeowner’s income goes towards several home repair and renovation jobs. It is one cost you cannot restrain as there is always some or other home repair or improvement required to be done. Hiring a professional contractor for house repair or improvement proves quite expensive and home owners are now opting to do these jobs themselves.
The ‘Do It Yourself’ (DIY) home repair or improvement measures have gained popularity over the past few years. Due to the rising price of materials as well as fees of professional contractors, homeowners are opting to do the repair jobs on their house, on their own. These require diligence as well as knowledge since, carpentry or plumbing activities not simple.
Moreover, with substantial information available on the net, the DIY enthusiasts can easily accomplish different projects such as tiling, grouting, carpentering and flooring, easily.
The DIY projects help the homeowners save significant amount of money which they would otherwise have to give it to their contractors. Before starting any DIY project you must gather all the information about the different aspects of the task, including tools and materials required. You can get information on the internet, or better, take help of your friends who have completed similar task before so that you can learn from their experience.

Moreover, since you are not dependent on the contractors for material, you can choose any material as per your requirement and budget. You must also survey the market so that you can get quality material at less cost. Be sure not to compromise on the quality just to save a few dollars. Since you are doing the job yourself, you can define the time and deadlines for the task. Along with saving money, it also gives an opportunity to test your skills and get the sense accomplishment on completing the job properly.
Home improvement and repairs, cannot be escaped if you wish to keep the house in good condition. However it can involve significant expenditure, which is not favored by many, especially due to the economic slowdown. In such a condition, doing the job yourself rather than hiring a contractor can save homeowners a lot of money. Irrespective of the size of the job, any opportunity to save on extra expenditure will always prove beneficial. Before staring any DIY project, you must gather all the information as well as tools required so that you can carry the job effectively. Only precaution while doing the task is that you must judge yourself and ensure you are fit for the task. Apart from this, you must keep in mind that, it takes a great deal of patience to perform any repair or renovation job; therefore you need to approach the repair or renovation task only after you have gained ample knowledge and defined a reasonable time line to finish it. This ensures that you do not mess up things and incur more expenses fixing it.
Copyright © 2010 FlooringSupplyShop.com

An idea for Kids Room Furnishing

Creating an environment which is a blend of fun, learning and comfort for kids is a challenging task. Parent these days try to make the kids room as exciting as possible so that they learn via every aspect of the room. But, room furnishing comes with knowledge and experience. There are certain aspects you need to keep in mind while furnishing a kids room. The process should be such that each corner of the room speaks volumes for itself. Here are some key aspects.
Bed: Here longevity is the key. Bed is the most expensive thing in the room. Without a doubt kids love their beds. You would often find kids even study on their bed. So, choosing the right bed is very important. There are some terrific theme type beds to really add to a room. There are theme beds that are cars, planes, ships, castles, and under the sea motifs. If you could do the right matching bedding, it can add extra charm to the room.

Book Case: This is where the learning factor comes in. A room should offer fun, but should also carry a weight of responsibility. The room should be a clever blend of enjoyment and study. An ideal book case should club both. If you are completing a theme room, try finding a bookcase that goes along with the idea. If you can’t locate a bookcase that matches the theme, try adding transfers or stencil theme type patterns on the bookcase.
Toy Box: Without a toy box, the kids room can only be described in one word- Incomplete. This fun box should have all the varieties of toys including arcade, sport and puzzles. Consider the room and theme, the child has before picking a toy box for the room.
Chairs: The chairs in the room should be bought depending on the color combination of other furniture items in the room. A chair that is comfortable for kids should be considered. Try purchasing a light weight chair so that kids can take them from one place to another easily. Chairs can be used around a small table for a play and art center, or can also be used to make a comfortable reading area in the room. The modern beanbag chairs can be a good option for the kid’s room.
Floor Heating: This is very important as far as the comfort and health of the kids is concerned. In winter seasons when temperature slips below zero degrees, it is important that the heat frictions between the floor and the foot should have a balance. There are many eco friendly floor heating options available that might be of great help. You can always opt for radiant floor heating mats for a perfect floor heating.
Bathroom: This is the most fun filled part of the kid’s room. A color full bathroom with fancy showers and bath tubs is something that kids look out for. Try to give a more grip based tiles in the bathroom. Greasy tiles may be slippery which is a bit risky for the kids. Unique looking towel bar and toilet holders are also a good idea.

Dresser: Kids like dressing well. So, a dresser with all the essential tools is a must. Having a solidly made dresser that can hold up to having drawers opened and closed is a must. At times people don’t prefer a theme based dresser in order to keep the option of room mobility open. If you don’t want the dresser to be part of the theme, you can always stick to a neutral or basic color such as white, cream or a solid color.
I hope the above mentioned aspects have given some important information on the various aspects of room furnishing for kids.
Copyright © 2010 FlooringSupplyShop.com

Don’t renovate your home only because your neighbor is doing it

Renovating a home is a daunting task which requires time, money and planning, hence, it is not advisable to start renovating your home, simple because your neighbor is doing so. You must renovate your home only if changes in your home are required.
Home renovation is generally done to make living more practical as well as enjoyable for people residing in it. Remodeling the home must ultimately justify the large portion of the cost that is invested, since renovating home is an expensive proposition. Furthermore, it is a time consuming process and hence you must be prepared to take out time from your busy schedule to supervise the renovation process.
In case you ultimately decide to renovate your home, you must be aware of the fact that there are quite a few important things that you need to do before the actual work starts. You need to plan well in advance so as to avoid high job costs or low quality work, along with wastage of time. Even before the work starts, there is so much to be done, such as formulating the plans and taking the necessary permits. Further, once you have the permits and bids, the next step is to arrange finance for the entire renovation expenditure, this will help avoid work-delay caused due to fund shortage. You also need to get a reliable contractor, for which you can take reference from your friends. Planning in advance will help you execute the renovation in an organized & timely fashion. In addition, you can shop around for things and take advantage of various sales and bargains, get the requisite items at less cost and increase your savings.

It is essential that you set aside some time for the planning and even plan to take time off work in order to execute the renovation process under your supervision. The time frame would depend upon the job, for example if you plan to renovate just your bathroom, it may a week; however, if the complete house is to be renovated then it may take weeks for the job to be completed. It is advisable to avoid rainy season for renovation work, generally January is a popular time for home renovations. Sometimes there may be delays in work due to accident or illness of any of the involved parties; hence you need to set aside few days as buffer. Therefore, keeping all these factors into consideration, plan your time accordingly. Moreover, your house can become quite a mess during renovation, with renovation material scattered all around, it will demand your constant attention to ensure tidiness.
The most important thing to be considered before starting any renovation work is the need for it. It is not advised to get into renovations when it is not required to be done. Apart from this, if at all there is a need for renovation then you need to be well prepared for it in advance, with sufficient backup of time & money.
Copyright © 2010 FlooringSupplyShop.com

The increasing popularity of DIY projects in the current slowdown

Most people refrain from undertaking a DIY project since they neither have the expertise nor the tools to complete it in an effective manner. Further, the fear of expensive repairs and maintenance in the future in case the project goes wrong also deters a number of prospective DIY enthusiasts. However, the current economic slowdown has forced people to look at different ways to save money, and DIY projects instead of hiring a contractor as one such option.
Although there is no comparison between a DIY enthusiast and a professional contractor in terms of the experience and availability of resources, one factor that makes DIY project more attractive is the cost attached to it. What you would be charged by a professional contractor would be significantly higher as compared to what you would incur if you completed the job yourself. This financial motive is one of the biggest reasons why the current slowdown has resulted in an increased number of Do It yourself enthusiasts.
Although financial motive is important, the sense of achievement involved with completing a job is something that is characteristic of a DIY project. The fact that you get to call something your own is what attracts most people to completing a job themselves rather than hiring a professional contractor.
One of the most important benefits of hiring a professional contractor is the years of experience and the resources that they bring into a project. You can easily check on the references provided by contractors to know about the previous work done by them. Further, professionals have all the tools and equipments that would be required to complete a job. Although a DIY enthusiast cannot match up to the experience levels of a professional contractor, it has become very easy to get access to high grade tools and equipment in an affordable manner.
Be it tiling, carpentry, or a plumbing job; you would require a specialized set of tools to complete the task at hand. Without the right resources you would not be able to achieve the right finish; thereby resulting in future repairs and maintenance costs. However, you can easily find highly effective tools and resources such as the grout grabber, Pro Pan, Kirb perfect, tile sealers, Tuscan Leveling System and trowels on the internet. These resources will not only make your job much easier but will result in a much more defined and finished look to your renovation work.
Although the financial slowdown is what is forcing people towards Do It Yourself projects, it is not as easy as it sounds. A DIY work gone wrong can result in more repairs and maintenance expenditure than what a professional contractor would have charged. It is for this reason that you should properly analyze the job at hand and should be prepared with the right tools and equipment before starting your project. A properly completed DIY project will give you a sense of achievement and will save you on a lot of financial expenditure.
Copyright © 2010 FlooringSupplyShop.com

How to improve the effectiveness of your hardwood flooring

Most people are opting for hardwood flooring over traditional wall to wall carpeting due to the various benefits offered by it. Some of the advantages of hardwood flooring include its longevity, easy to clean nature and its aesthetic appeal. Further, due to the longevity of hardwood flooring, the resale value of your house will also increase significantly.

Apart from the numerous benefits that are offered by hardwood flooring, you can take a few steps on your own to enhance its effectiveness. One of the first steps that you can take in order to ensure maximum effectiveness out of your hardwood flooring is to install it properly. There are numerous methods through which you can install a hardwood floor such as nailing or gluing it. It is always beneficial to consult an expert to get an idea about the best way to install hardwood flooring in your house.

Hardwood floors have a natural warm and cozy look, and wood is an effective insulator. You can further enhance the insulation properties of your hardwood floor by taking two steps; adding extra insulation and installing a floor heating system. Extra insulation can be added in the form of wool, cellulose, wood fiber boards and plant fiber boards. An extra layer of insulation will ensure that heat does not escape from the floor, thereby keeping it warm and cozy. You can also opt for an effective under-floor heating system to enhance the insulation properties of your hardwood flooring. An under-floor heating system will further enable you to save on your energy bills by not only heating the floor but the entire room as well. This will let you turn down your main thermostat a few degrees, thereby resulting in significant savings on electricity.

Regular cleaning and shining of your hardwood flooring will enhance the longevity of your hardwood flooring. You can use high quality varnish or vinegar regularly to shine your hardwood floor and to ensure that it remains shiny and smooth all year round.

Protecting your hardwood flooring from direct sunlight and denting is essential to keep it looking attractive for a long period of time. Portions of your hardwood floor that are exposed to direct sunlight will get discolored easily, in order to avoid discoloration you will need to keep your curtains closed or place a rug over such areas. In order to avoid denting on the floor you will need to provide padding under heavy furniture; also, you must avoid dragging objects over hardwood floors.

Finally, moisture is the biggest enemy of hardwood floors and excess exposure to it can lead to serious mold problems; for this reason, applying a waterproofing chemical is necessary, especially in areas where exposure to moisture is unavoidable.

Although hardwood floors are aesthetically attractive and long lasting, they require constant care and maintenance. By following the above mentioned steps, you will be able to ensure that your hardwood flooring remains attractive & strong for a long time to come.

Copyright © 2010 FlooringSupplyShop.com

Ready To Tile Shelves Bears everything

One of the most personal spaces in your home is your bathroom where you can spend some quality time and feel completely relaxed. The bathroom accessories can go a long way in helping you to provide an elegant appeal to your shower. The ready to tile shelves have emerged as one of the most fascinating bathroom accessories which can be fitted easily into your shower to create an organized look. You can customize the shelves as per your requirement to create a magnificent blend.

With a rapid increase in the exciting range of shower products you surely need some extra space in your bathroom. The shelves serve this purpose perfectly as they are designed to offer you sufficient space. The shelves allow you to store all your favorite shower stuff at one place to enjoy a complete shower. The shelves can blend perfectly with your surrounding walls and create an effect which is simply beyond words. The shower seats can also be an interesting addition to your shower which will help you give yourself a royal treatment while bathing.

The shower shelves have evolved as one of the most effective tools for managing space in your shower and lend a fresh and bright appearance to it. The shelves can be easily installed in your shower and blend perfectly with the interiors. The shelves can be used for storing your shower stuff and also for enjoying an extended session in the shower. Available in a variety of materials these seats and shelves are perfectly suitable for your shower and will add a new dimension to your bathroom.

The shower shelves have a tremendous load bearing capacity and can withstand heavy weights. This means you can carelessly sit on your shower shelf and enjoy a relaxed shower without having to worry about your safety. This capability is achieved through the engineering of shear force instead of tension loading. The shower benches can be easily installed in your shower area to enjoy an uninterrupted experience. The benches and shelves are very user friendly and do not require any additional waterproofing or structural reinforcement. Following proper installation procedures will ensure that the shelves are fixed in the best possible manner.

The shower seats are also a great addition for your bathroom as they can add an element of elegance to your bathroom. The shower seats will offer you a personal seating space in the bathroom and help you to rejuvenate yourself. These seats are also very helpful for physically challenged people as they can sit comfortably on them. The seats are designed to be water resistant which makes them anti corrosive and saves you the hassles of water proofing. The seats are generally made form granite and marble and a few also have marble flooring on the top. A few seats may also have ceramic tiles on the top and hence it is important to ensure that you use only certified chemicals to clean the seats.

Unlike the traditional shower seats which required hours to install the modern seats can be installed in a matter of time. The present shower benches come with one piece frame that can be installed easily with the help of fasteners which are supplied with it. This eliminates the need for any structural reinforcement and makes installation very simple. The high density Polystyrene shower seats are also gaining in popularity today. These seats are extremely light weight and can be installed without any hassles. Proper care of the shower seats will enhance their life and ensure that you enjoy a comfortable shower.

Choosing the perfect accessories and following the proper installation techniques will help you create a shower which stands out in all respects. Accessories like shower seats and shelves will enhance the appearance of your bathroom and also offer various capabilities. It is a sound investment which will help you enjoy each and every minute under the shower.

Copyright © 2010 FlooringSupplyShop.com

Select only the best ready to tile shower pans

your shower pan forms the base of your shower area, and it is important to make the right selection in order to avail maximum utility out of it. In most shower areas, a waterproof pan liner is placed below the tiled floor and the mortar to ensure that the sub floor is not damaged by the water that seeps through. However, the main concern with such a set up is that water can accumulate over the pan liner, thereby leading to mold growth. It is for this reason that you should consider installing a ready to tile shower pan under your tiled floor.

A ready to tile shower pan eliminates the need to create a separate layer of pan liner, thereby removing the chances of water accumulation and mold growth. Another reason why this system is gaining popularity is that tiling can be started as soon as the pan is installed. This significantly reduces the completion time of your shower area. However, while selecting a ready to tile shower pan you should ensure whether it is strong enough to hold the weight of the tiled floor. A strong and durable ready to tile shower pan should be made up of lasting materials such as polystyrene.

Another important factor to consider while purchasing a ready to tile shower pan is the slope of the pan floor. Since the pan floor will direct the accumulated water towards the drain weep holes, it is essential for it to have the appropriate slope. The standard slope of a pan floor should be 1/4” per foot to ensure that any water that seeps through the tiled floor is effectively directed towards the drain.

Since not all shower areas are of the same size, finding the appropriate sized ready to tile shower floor can become a difficult task. However, ProPan is a high utility ready to tile shower pan that can be easily cut or extended to suit to the specific size of your shower area. ProPan also comes with a curb attachment to ensure that an effective curb can be built on the shower floor conveniently.

High quality ready to tile shower pans such as ProPan also accommodate a square drain, which is much easier to install and tile as compared to a round one. A square drain is free of screws, thereby ensuring that you can easily open it to retrieve your belongings from the drain. Therefore, in case you are looking to install a square drain in your shower area, you should select a ready to tile shower pan that accommodate such a drain.

ProPan is an easy to install ready to tile pan floor that significantly enhance the effectiveness of your shower area. By installing ProPan in your shower area you will be able to ensure that it remains mold free and completely dry. Further, a ready to tile pan floor will also ensure that you do not incur excess expenditure on unnecessary repairs and maintenance to your shower floor and shower sub floor.

Copyright © 2010 FlooringSupplyShop.com

Eco Pads Diamond Stone Polishing instructions

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Floor Machines

17” – 20” (175-350 rpm)

Pads remove wear and provide a variety of appearance levels from dull hone (no shine) to highly polished. Use on floors with little to no lippage (uneven tiles).

Instructions

• Sweep or vacuum surface to remove abrasive soil
• Clean and rinse surface thoroughly prior to pad use
• Center selected pad on drive plate of floor machine
• Apply water to 2’ x 5’ area to lightly wet the surface – no need for huge puddles
• Move the floor machine in an oval pattern counter clockwise to keep the water inside the work area
• Check surface after 15 – 30 seconds to see if desired results are achieved
• If YES, repeat steps above on the rest of the floor one section at a time
• If NO, repeat polishing process until desired result is achieved (usually 15 – 45 seconds per 2’ x 5’ area)
• If second polishing does not achieve desired results, change pad grit level and repeat process

Hand Polishers

7” Variable Speed (600-3000 rpm)

Pads remove wear and provide a variety of appearance levels from dull hone (no shine) to highly polished. Use on floors, walls and counter tops with little to no lippage (uneven tiles).

Instructions

• Dust or vacuum surface to remove abrasive soil
• Clean and rinse surface thoroughly prior to pad use
• Center selected pad on drive plate of hand polisher
• Apply water to 2’x 3’ area to lightly wet the surface – no need for huge puddles
• At lowest speed setting, move the tool in an oval pattern counter clockwise to keep the water inside the work area
• Check surface after 15 – 30 seconds to see if desired results are achieved
• If YES, repeat steps above on the rest of the area one section at a time
• If NO, repeat polishing step until desired result is achieved (usually 15 – 45 seconds per 2’ x 5’ area)
• If second polishing does not achieve desired results, change pad grit level and repeat process

TIPS

• For best results with a 175 rpm Floor Machines use a 60 lb drive plate (not necessary for 300 – 350 rpm machines)
• Use more water when using lower grits (200 – 1,500)
• Use more weight (or pressure) and less water on higher grits (3,000 – 11,000)
• Overlap sections by 4”- 6” to keep an even appearance
• Rinse area thoroughly prior to changing grits
• Rinse and allow pad to dry after each use

• Avoid contaminating the EcoPads™ by using them only on a clean surface.
• Pad contamination is a major problem. This is how most people ruin the pads; they don’t wear them out.
• Thoroughly clean and rinse the surface to be polished before using the pads.
• Store the pads in the box making sure that the pads are NEVER diamond face to diamond face.
• Stack them with the colored side up.
• It is better to under use the pads than to overuse them.
• Overusing the 200 grit brown EcoPad™, the 400 grit black EcoPad™, or 800 grit red EcoPad™ may result in a textured appearance or the “orange peel” effect. That can only be removed by honing the floor with a resin bond diamond pad.
• You only need enough water to keep the surface wet; you don’t need puddles.
• Edge work can be done by using the 5″ or 7″ pads with a hand tool.

Eco friendly Instruction for polishing Granite and Marble

Eco friendly Instruction for polishing Granite and Marble- Read

Ready to Tile Shower Seats: Perfect Solution to your Shower Needs

Shower seats have always been in use to make showering easier for people, especially for those with disabilities and elderly people. Shower benches reduce the chances of falls and offer stability if your legs are weak. In case of patients who need a caretaker to help them bathe, shower seats prove to be really helpful.

The most commonly found shower seats are those that can be simply lifted into and out of the shower area. These are called free standing shower benches. Folding shower benches are also quite popular. They are mounted onto the shower wall and can be lifted up or placed down according to your wish. In recent times, however, permanent, built-in shower benches have gained immense popularity. These ready to tile shower seats can be installed in your bathroom during renovation or even later. However, getting them installed during construction of your house or renovation is always advisable if you desire sitting down to shower to become a permanent fixture in your bathroom.

Ready to tile shower seats offer great utility to even people without any disabilities. You can sit on them and relax as warm water runs over your body, after a long tiring day of work; after all you will never want to sit on the shower floor? Women can use the shower seats for yet another purpose; they can rest their foot on it while waxing their legs.

Ready to tile shower seats are usually made of heavy duty plastic or metal. They are also treated for being water resistant so that you don’t need to go for any additional waterproofing at the time of installation. Some models are also made of granite, marble, and some are even constructed of materials usually found on kitchen countertops. Some ready to tile shower seats have ceramic tiles on their top. These waterproof seats are easy to clean and maintain with standard bathroom cleansers. So, whichever material you choose, you can be sure of getting a shower seat made up of long lasting and corrosion resistant materials that never leak, rot or degrade.

Although, permanent, ready to tile shower seats are costlier when compared to free standing shower benches and retractable shower seats, they are easier to install and also offer more utility and comfort to the users. Most shower benches are designed for a standard 400 Ib load bearing capacity.

Unlike complex installation methods which once took hours to install, most shower seats available today can be tiled to your bathroom wall and other vertical surfaces quickly and efficiently. All leading manufacturers of shower benches now offer self supporting, one-piece frame that can be installed easily with the help of fasteners that are supplied with it. So, you do not require any additional structural reinforcement. All you need to do is apply some mortar mix (sand and cement), and tile as desired to mount it on the wall. It is a matter of just a few minutes.

Some ready to tile shower seats are also made up of high density polystyrene, fiberglass mesh, and a latex polymer liquid waterproof coating. These seats are extremely lightweight and can be installed in just a few minutes. Triangle shaped, these seats are extremely durable. Their unique design allows them to integrate with your bathroom walls and tiles perfectly. These seats can fit properly where walls are plumb. Also, you need to ensure that the place of installation is leveled so that the seat can fit to the walls perfectly. Installation of these shower seats requires leveling mortar mix, polyurethane sealant, a trowel, and latex modified thin set.

So, if you are looking for a permanent shower seat that can serve you for many years to come and offer a great showering experience, ready to tile shower seats is what you may look for.

For faster installations – Place it, Seal it, Tile it.

Copyright © 2010 FlooringSupplyShop.com

Bathroom accessories: Kaizen for your bathroom!

Don’t you feel like spending the entire summers in the cool confines of your bathroom! Well, now you can make your bathroom perfectly equipped to beat the summer heat with the help of bathroom accessories. These accessories will not only lend an organized look to your bathroom but will also help you enjoy the experience of being in a spa. So get ready for a great summer experience!

Bathroom accessories are dominating showers around the world! Stone is finding its way back into the showers and with lot of style. Ceramic and travertine bring an old world charm into your showers and help you bask in the glory of the Mediterranean charm! The corner shelves and shower shelves will completely redefine your bathroom space!

You will simply fall in love with the travertine soap case and towel holders. They will make your bathroom look very different and provide a charming allure to your shower! These accessories also allow you to organize all your stuff and lend a neat and clean appearance to your shower. A perfect solution to enjoy a comfortable shower!

Copyright © 2010 FlooringSupplyShop.com

Eco friendly flooring solutions for your child’s room

Whenever we think of renovating our child’s room, the first thing that comes to our mind is a safe and healthy atmosphere. This implies that everything in your child’s room, from the paint on the walls to the flooring has to be safe. Proper flooring is of utmost importance since children tend to play on the floor most of the time. Therefore eco friendly flooring materials should be the only choice for your child’s room. There are various eco friendly solutions to build a green playroom for your child.

Cork flooring is a very popular choice for kids’ playroom since it has a soft surface and prevents children from getting hurt. Moreover cork is naturally anti-microbial, tough, durable, biodegradable and does not stain easily. Since cork is derived from the bark of the cork oak tree, it can be stripped and removed several times without harming the tree. However, it is always advisable to avoid self-adhesive cork tiles since they may contain toxic chemicals.

For very small infants or toddlers natural woven carpets is an excellent flooring option. These carpets are made by weaving together natural fibers like coir, jute, seagrass or sisal and are extremely soft to touch. Seagrass grows naturally all around the world and helps in insulating houses and also acts as a barrier against sound. Similarly sisal is also a natural fiber and a sustainable resource and is grown without the use of any pesticides or herbicides which makes it highly environment friendly. These products are also appropriate for children prone to allergies or asthmatic attacks and require very little care and maintenance. Wool carpets are again a sustainable and 100% biodegradable choice and have various advantages like durability, fire resistance and are anti-static. Moreover, such carpets use only natural dyes, are not treated with harmful chemicals and are installed without the help of adhesives. All these characteristics make it a complete eco friendly product.

Another truly sustainable eco friendly flooring solution for your child’s room is bamboo. It is a fast-growing grass which can be re-harvested every 5 years and is by far the most abundant and renewable natural resources thus making it a popular flooring choice. Moreover it is extremely hardy, durable and moisture resistant. When we talk of eco friendly flooring solutions for a child’s room, it is necessary to mention rubber flooring. Rubber flooring apart from being an eco friendly flooring solution is extremely safe, durable, soft and appealing. It is stain and slip resistant, has anti-microbial and hypoallergenic properties and has shock absorbent surface; making it an ideal flooring option for your child’s room that is not only safe but cost effective as well.

Last but not the least linoleum flooring is also a safe and eco friendly option for your kid’s room. Linoleum is resistant to fungi and bacterial growth, has hypoallergenic qualities, and is very durable and also scratch and spill resistant. Whatever the option, care should always be taken to provide your child with a green, non-toxic and environmental friendly atmosphere.

Copyright © 2010 FlooringSupplyShop.com