Because the typical garage has a concrete, uninsulated floor, it will require insulation.  Furring up the concrete with wood firing strips and plywood is a good first step.  Use pressure-treated lumber floor and and put down a layer of felt paper or other insulation between the lumber and the concrete.

Keep in mind that almost all garage surfaces involve some quantity of downward slope from the back wall structure in order to permit water runoff, so it will be necessary to level the floor before proceeding.

Oftentimes, garage walls aren’t even with the foundation they rest on.  The walls may be set back or overhang the foundation.  This should be remedied for both cosmetic and insulating concerns.  Be prepared for the small road blocks you face regarding such obstructions as plumbing, ductwork and electrical wiring.  Will the remodel require a water heat tank?

Remember, too, that a building permit may likely be necessary for your garage makeover.  Make sure you’ve checked into all local regulations and requirements before you get too far into your remodel and you discover that some of your work may have to be re-done.

Each garage presents its unique challenges and opportunities.  And with some research and careful planning, yours can be transformed into the addition that best suits the needs of your household.

Source

Furniture and furnishings are the third largest user of wood and wood products, after building and paper, and there is a high transport cost of wood. So, if imported (from Asia especially), wood products will have a high “carbon footprint” for furniture sold in the US. However, there are some choices that you can make as a consumer, and a big one is the source of the lumber used.

In wood furniture and in the wood frames of upholstered furniture—there are two certifying organizations that the manufacturer will tout if they used certified sources. The most stringent is “FSC” (Forestry Stewardship Council) and is used mostly for export lumber and by European lumber suppliers. The same is true for PEFC (Programme for Endorsement of Forest Certification). Many domestic (US) lumber mills are smaller and only sell to domestic users and so adhere to and are certified by the SFI (Sustainable Forestry Initiative) which is less stringent, but still requires much more environmentally friendly practices than non certified sources. The last audit of certified timberland in 2006 showed that less than 16% of US forestland is sustainably certified and virtually no Asian forests are sustainably managed.

The use of fiberboard, particle board and plywood in furniture does save on the amount of lumber that has to be harvested to make the product, and has less lumber waste associated with its manufacture. However, these products may include toxic adhesive components. Many countries are introducing more stringent requirements on the chemicals that can be used in adhesives, but there are still many that do not have any restrictions, and enforcement of the US regulations is difficult and spotty, at best.

Furniture also uses almost 1/3 of the polyurethane foam that is made worldwide, and it is wholly petrochemical based. Some upholstery manufacturers are now using “bio-foam” which has some level of soy-based foam as a component. Complete soy foam does not yet have the durability and resilience needed, but the foam manufacturers are working to increase that percentage and make progress each year.

Fabrics used in furniture also have an eco-friendly component available. Certified organic textiles such as cotton are grown with no pesticides and herbicides, but still require a great deal of water to sustain the long growing cycle, and requires a more limited climate to thrive. Nonetheless, cotton accounts for more than 90% of the “natural fiber” market.

Some alternatives to cotton that are eco-friendly are linen, bamboo, hemp, abaca, wool and silk. The plant fibers are all “rapid renewal” grasses and have much shorter growing seasons and wider climate ranges than cotton. The drawbacks to some, like bamboo, is that harsh chemicals are required to release the fibers. Linen (flax) and hemp have been used for ages for fabric and so have more environmentally friendly methods of fiber release for weaving.

None of the eco-friendly choices are black and white; there are land use conversion issues with materials like bamboo and even wool, where forests are cleared for plantations or pastures. Deforestation is an issue with lumber harvesting and the renewal process. Sustainably managed forests can take decades to renew, and some forests are replanted with only one species, so bio-diversity is affected.

This information will help you become a more knowledgeable consumer and your choices can be made with conscious thought, rather than with little understanding of the complexities involved.

Source

Creative foresight means selecting countertops, wood finishes, cabinets, flooring and even door handles in the right colors and textures to pull off that picture-perfect new kitchen.

Kitchen Blueprint

The first critical step to building your kitchen design plan is having precise dimensions and understanding the layout of the space you are ultimately looking to build or to fit.

Like our human body, we can’t change the shape without major reconstruction, so if knocking and rebuilding walls is not in the cards for your new kitchen, expect to work with the existing shape. The most common spaces are classified as L-Shape, Galley, U-Shape, and G-Shape.

• L-Shape: As the name suggests, your kitchen layout is in the shape of an L with cupboards and worktops on two sides and a corner. Use of a carousel in the corner is important to minimize loss of functional space.

• Galley: A galley kitchen layout means two parallel counter surfaces usually running the length of the kitchen.

• U-Shape: Again, as the name suggest, this layout is in the shape of a U and typically combines the L-Shape and Galley. The U Shape has cupboards and workspace on three adjoining sides.

• G-Shape: With space usually at a premium, a G Shape layout has work surfaces on two walls and a third coming off at an angle.

In addition to the shape or layout, it’s important to understand the special relationship between the three classic kitchen workflows. Sometimes referred to as the kitchen triangle, the three points of the workflow or action are 1) sink, 2) stove/oven, and 3) refrigerator. A well designed kitchen will permit the cook to move unimpeded between these three points within a short distance.

Shape and layout needs to be accompanied with precision dimensions. Knowing the size of appliances is only a small portion of completing your kitchen’s blueprint. Measuring a room incorrectly is the most common cause for fitting problems. Quality fitted kitchens will utilize every inch within the kitchen and like a good recipe, plans for the right ingredients.

• Measure twice, cut once – When in doubt, leave it to the experts to get the final measurements but start with an outline and know the boundaries of your kitchen space. Remember to include height along with length and depth. Just as your walls are most likely not straight, plumb, or square, neither is your ceiling likely to be level.

• Windows – If you are lucky to have one or many, do they open in or out, slide up or down? Make sure the window is not obstructed by a faucet or competes with the height of an appliance.

• Furniture and Free-Standing Islands – Like the built-in portion of your kitchen, if you have space to include movable items like table and chairs, or free-standing work islands, know these dimensions so they can also be incorporated into your kitchen blueprint.

• Taps & Outlets – It’s so much easier to plan this right the first time, rather than to refit a mistake. Like planning the placement of your appliances, account for the measurements and spacing of water taps, waste disposal, electrical sockets, ventilation, fuse boxes, and gas inlet valves, just to name a few.

Like so many things in life, there may not be a right way or wrong way to implement your complete fitted kitchen. Know your strengths and be conscious of your limits. Let the costly mistakes be minimized, hire professionals to help you execute your dream space, rather than find yourself ‘fit to be tied!’

Source

One of the best available storage options comes in the form of prefabricated shelving units. These are made from materials such as various types of steel and plastic. Galvanized steel is a popular choice for shelving that combines strength and economy.

These are delivered in a flat pack and can be assembled and ready for use in minutes. Assembly is a very simple procedure requiring the use of just a mallet and a screwdriver. The frames are pre-built so it’s just a matter of locking in the beams.

Other than simplicity of assembly, these storage shelves have a number of other great advantages.

These types of storage unit are highly versatile. You can get them in a range of sizes and move them around and position them to suit your needs. Most units comprise five shelves constructed from plastic or high-density chipboard and feature plastic feet to securely grip the floor.

In addition, the shelves are fully adjustable which allows you to customize your storage space. Some units give you the option of using as one tall bay or two short benches, for example.

Other than making your life much easier, these storage shelves make your home much safer. You no longer have your possessions cluttering up the floor and posing a danger to walkers. Another plus is that you can store dangerous items such as chemicals or sharp objects on higher levels where children can’t reach them.

Getting your possessions organized with shelving leads to increased efficiency in both home and business. Whether you need a add little extra storage space for your home, or you want to create storage solutions from scratch, home shelving is the perfect way to de-clutter your premises.

Source

Though spring is the time to apply lime to your grass, this should only be done if the soil deems it necessary. Most lawn grasses grow best at a pH level of 6.0 to 7.0, so it’s good to have your soil’s pH analyzed every two to three years to be sure you are staying in that range. Horticultural experts always say that the soil test result should include recommendations on how much lime to apply on your lawn soil.

Horticultural studies have also proven that seed sowing efforts will have a good chance of getting optimum results during spring as long as your lawn is well watered and cared for with the right amount of fertilizer.  The grass will be stronger and healthier if you can water daily until the plants are established. Water approximately once a week throughout the summer, keeping in mind that the tops of the grass may look great, but the roots are not as long and dense as those of the grass in an established lawn.

Avoid cutting too short when your lawn requires its first cut. Mow to about two inches during the spring, then raise the cutting height another half inch when summer arrives. Mow frequently so that no more than one third of the grass blade is removed at one time.

It is recommended that you apply pre-emergent herbicides between the middle of March and the middle of April to control crabgrass and the emergence of bull worms. Crabgrass generally emerges about the time of dogwood bloom, and the pre-emergent herbicides used to control it will not affect crabgrass that is already up and growing.  March is still a little early for dethatching and actual pesticide application, so after taking care of the few necessary lawn chores for early spring, you can relax and save your energy for summer mowing.

Trees and shrubs surrounding your lawn will also need extra attention. Make sure you apply some amount of fertilizer on surrounding trees and shrubs so they won’t absorb the nutrients meant for your lawn.

These easy-to-follow maintenance tips can make your lawn the envy of your entire neighborhood.

Source

The clever use of lighting can work wonders in your home. Just by clicking a switch, you can create the mood you want.

If you’re building a new home you can plan your lighting system from the ground up. You could install recessed ceiling lights, for example, for a sleek and modern look. Or you might choose to attach wall lights at key positions in the room to provide both task lighting for functional use such as reading, or accent lighting to highlight items such as paintings, tapestries or plants. These lights are surprisingly economical to buy and install but work wonders to make your home that special place to live.

If you live an established residence, or rented accommodation, or just don’t want to indulge in major installation work, you can still use affordable lighting to transform your living environment. Many types of lights can be fitted without the need for major structural work.

You could install track lights on your ceilings to replace your old fluorescent strip, for example. Track lights are spot lights fixed on a track. Each spot light can be directed to a particular part of your room as needed. Thus one set of track lights could function as accent and ambient lighting in your living room. This is a highly economical way to illuminate your home.

Then again, you could replace old, worn out fixtures with modern stylish ones. Adding wall lights is a straightforward task. These sconces, as they’re known, are easy to fix if you have the electrical supply in place. An even easier method is using table and floor lights to create warm areas of illumination that also function as task lighting.

Another option for a fast, low-cost makeover is to fit stylish new lamp shades on your table lamps. You’re not limited to traditional white and cream; modern lamp shades come in a wide range of styles and colors to suit every situation.

When it comes to buying cheap lights you also have to consider the type of bulb used. Your main choices are fluorescent, incandescent and LED (light emitting diodes). Fluorescents give off a harsh functional illumination which makes them most suitable for task lighting in rooms such as kitchens. You may be tempted to choose incandescent over LED as they’re cheaper. However, LED lighting runs much cooler, uses less electricity and lasts much longer.

Don’t neglect the outside of your home. You could add some stylish porch lights or wall lights lining the entrance.  These create a great look, make your home safer, and the costs are very reasonable.

You can transform your home from gloomy to groovy and on a shoestring, too. There’s no need to spend for pricey furniture and fittings. Just get some budget lights and you’re set. The best way to check out the range of cheap lights available is to browse the web sites of online lighting dealers. You can find a wide array of lights at bargain prices.

Source

Source

When the water in fresh concrete freezes, the ice takes up more space than water.  Ice crystal growth causes an overall volume expansion of the concrete.  This expansion weakens the concrete by creating void spaces and disrupting the bond between the cement paste and the aggregate.  Later, when the concrete thaws, voids left by melting ice makes the concrete porous and can cut concrete’s 28-day compressive strength in half.

Before you place concrete in cold weather, you need to make sure your forms and subgrade are ready.  Otherwise, the subgrade will likely thaw unevenly, resulting in uneven settlement.  Thaw the subgrade out first.

Never place concrete on snow and ice.  Clear the ice and snow from both forms and subgrade before you pour.  The subgrade should be at least 35 degrees F before you place the concrete.

Place concrete in the late afternoon, after the sun has heated the subgrade and forms.

If your concrete freezes, it can be disastrous—the strength loss may be unacceptable, and tearing out concrete and doing it over is not light work.

In addition to thawing the substrate and pouring the concrete at the right temperature, in cold weather it’s important to protect fresh concrete from freezing.  The most common and easiest way to protect it is by insulating.  During the first three days after placement, the chemical reaction between cement and water generates heat, called the “heat of hydration.”  If you can keep that heat in, you often won’t need to supply extra heat.

Six inches of straw held in place with tarps or polyethylene sheeting will keep heat from escaping.  But straw has disadvantages:  It’s bulky, it’s flammable, and if it gets wet, it loses its insulating value.  For light construction, insulating or curing blankets are the most practical way to maintain heat and moisture during cold weather.

Your goal should be to keep the concrete from freezing until it reaches a strength of 500 psi and most of the water is gone.  This takes longer if the concrete gets cold.  To be on the safe side, protect all fresh concrete from freezing for three days.  After that, protect it from rain, snow or any other source of water for a few days before exposing it to freezing temperatures.

Whether you insulate or tent out, do not allow the concrete to cool too fast at the end of the protection period.  Sudden drops in temperature will cause thermal shrinkage cracking.  Remove the protection in a way that lets the concrete cool gradually—no faster than a 50 degree drop in 24 hours.

A green lawn is an enormous plus.  A weedy, crabgrass-filled lawn can be a quick turnoff.  It will take a few weeks, but it’s not hard to green your lawn.  It shows you care and cared for your house.  Well-placed shrubs, trees and flowers make a property much more inviting and hide things like meters, hoses, pipes and other outdoor detriments.

Paint or pressure-wash the exterior.  You can brighten up your walls with just a quick pressure washing that removes dirt, cobwebs, stain and mildew.  Painting is more involved and expensive, but will definitely add curb appeal.

Look closely at your driveway.  Does it have oil stains, spots, or simply look aged?  Again a pressure washing can work wonders.

Spruce up your entryway with a decorative glass door, nicely trimmed potted plants or shrubs and other attractive touches.  Remember:  95% of all home buyer purchases are heavily influence by a woman, and women will look more closely at these things.

Touch up interior paint and trim work.  Little dings, marks, scuffs and such will detract from your home’s value.  Homeowners tend to overlook the minor smudges they see every day.  A potential buyer walking into your house will spot them immediately.

Make sure that all appliances staying with the house are in top working order.

Have your carpets professionally cleaned.  Potential buyers will be looking at your place with the mindset of how much money and time they will have to put in to make it livable and homelike.  The more you can help them with that vision, they better off you will be.

Look closely for pest infestation of any kind.  Bring in an exterminator if you have even the slightest concern.

Have your home inspected.  Be sure to have the foundation, roof and plumbing checked out.  Being able to present the results of a positive inspection to potential buyers shows that you know you have a good, well-cared-for house.

Source

Scientists are not sure that radon really is a problem. Though some scientists dispute the precise number of deaths due to radon, all the major health organizations agree that it causes thousand of preventable lung cancer death each year.

Radon testing is difficult, time-consuming and expensive. On the contrary:  Testing is easy and you can do it yourself or hire a qualified testing company.

Homes with radon problems can’t be fixed.  There are simple solutions and thousands of homeowners have already fixed radon problems, for about the same cost as other common home repairs.

Radon only affects certain kinds of home.  No, it can be a problem in all types.

Radon is a problem only in certain areas of the country. High radon levels have been found in every state.

A neighbor’s test result is a good indication of whether you have a problem. No.  Radon levels vary greatly from home to home.

You should test your water for radon. Though radon gets into some homes through water, it is more important to test the air.  If your water comes from a public water supply that uses ground water, call your water supplier.  If radon levels are found in your home and you have a private well, call the Safe Drinking Water Hotline at (800) 426-4791.

It’s difficult to sell homes where radon problems have been discovered. Where radon problems have been fixed, home sales have not been blocked or frustrated.  The added protection is sometimes a strong selling point.

I’ve lived in my home so long that it doesn’t make sense to take action now. Even if you’ve lived with an elevated radon level for a long time, you reduce the risk when you reduce radon levels.

Short-term tests can’t be used for making a decision about whether to fix your home.  Though a long-term test is more comprehensive, a short-term test can be used to deicde whether to reduce a home’s high radon levels.

For more information read the EPA’s Citizen’s Guide to Radon.

Source

Many of the wall upgrades can be handled by an experienced do-it-yourselfer with a bit of know-how and the time to undertake the projects.

If you have dents in the walls or ceilings and/or holes, you will need to have scrapers, plaster, knife, spackle, cloth, sandpaper and paint.  You may also need the patches that come with plastering kits in the event some of the holes require additional attention.

Before you start with the spackling, make sure the area is clear of dust and other debris.  Apply a coat of spackle to the area and wait until it dries.  Then sandpaper the area and dust it again to remove any remaining particles.

If you are peeling off old paint, use a putty knife or paint-scraper to remove as much of the material as possible.  Spackle around the edge of the chipping paint and then sand down the area and dust it thoroughly before applying new paint.

Removing stains will require solvents; some require nothing more than a damp sponge; you can also try dish soap in small quantity.  Tougher stains will obviously require a stronger cleanser.  If mildew has collected, particularly mold spores, this should be cleansed with a bleach solution to prevent it from reappearing right away.

A larger quantity of nail holes or other more significant damage may require re-plastering an entire area.  Obviously, this is a much larger undertaking, not necessarily beyond your ability to do it, but it’s well worth considering if, at this time, you would be better served by engaging the services of a professional remodeler/repairman.

In any event, maintaining the upkeep and look of your walls and ceilings has more than just cosmetic value; it keeps the integrity of your home at its best, as well.

Source