Archive for November, 2010
Scotland from Home: Message in a barrel
How would you answer the following question? For your entire home or office – building repair, does anything ever slip by you? If you are one of those rare people who thinks of absolutely everything, and have never had costly home or office building- repairs; then congratulations because you are definitely the exception. Or are you the exception just for the time being? The rest of us mortals tend, have things happen to us and we are caught fully unaware.
There are six home-repairs ‘ifs’ that are real budget busters:
1) If you are unaware of them,
2) If routine maintenance is not observed,
3) If you don’t recognize the hints or tell tale signs,
4) If the problem is discovered and you go to the wrong repairman,
5) If the discovered problem is misdiagnosed,
6) If the discovered problem is over diagnosed.
We’ve done a little research and found out that just as you should know the proverbial 3 R’s in education: “Readin’ Ritin’ and Rithmetic” you should also educate yourself as to the top 3 Repair R’s of homeownership: “Roofing, Radon and Rotten Sewer Pipes”. When considering the 3 nemesis of your wallets that we mentioned earlier, such as: your home’s Roof, Radon seepage and Rotten Pipes, they certainly can all be devastating. These top three costliest home repairs sneak up on nearly everyone often without warning. Just as you go to a mechanic, doctor or dentist for your scheduled check-up, there are things that you need to have looked at out, in and around your house. They have devastating consequences if not caught in time. Whereas Radon and roof leaks can be detected through a thorough inspections, the rotten-, cracked or block sewer pipes may only give you a clue when it is too late and at the most inconvenient of times. Instead of replacing your sewer pipes there are companies out there who specialize in relining pipes. Relining pipes, is not something too many sewer experts even practice or specialize in, so buyer beware it is best to find an expert pipe re-liner.
Troubling situations that made some owners consider that foreclosure, property abandonment or even a bad bankruptcy are the real or only options open up opportunities for some savvy investors. Successful real estate insiders got wiser through experience and of course they allowed their nastiest lessons as well as other people’s difficult situation to be part of their acquisition strategy. While speaking to some real estate investors we were amazed to discover that sometimes they look for properties that have had some of the problems even sewer line problems that they were able to fix at a cost that made sense. Some of these property mavens ferreted out opportunities where the previous owners had to walk away from amazing properties some of the expenses that were the game changers, the budget busters.
By learning the useful differences between the technological advances and maintenance options that are out there you can understand which options can resolve the 6 budget busting if’s, that are definitely not myths.
This article is submitted by Wolf Krammel for Craftsman Pipe Lining in South Florida. Visit http://www.craftsmanpipelining.com is a site we’d recommend that could help you dispel both (ignorance and fear) and to find out without obligation how to save money and receive “Insiders Secrets” Pipelining e-book absolutely free. For your awareness and to learn about what to look for don’t think whether or ‘if’ – just to take charge, now.
Practical Gifts For Those On Your List | Repair Our Home
You are probably still debating a few gifts for the last couple of people on your list. Everybody wants to dazzle and wow, and I have compiled a short list of.
Home Improvement Idea: Repair Holes in Drywall for Home Improvement
Guide to reliable information on popular complementary and alternative home improvement topics. FREE resource for expert help with home improvement, remodeling houses, home repair, decorating, DIY, and tips for buying appliances and …
Repairing Your Home and Keeping the Price Low
When it comes to home repairs keeping the price low while still achieving your goals can become very difficult. Many times it necessary to use a home repair contractor because the repair is too much or too detailed of a job for you to complete on your own. However it can be very cost efficient if you can find a way to do some of your home repairs on your own. There are many information outlets to help guide you to a successful end of your project. If you have the right tools, the time, and a general knowledge of repair it can be the difference of hundreds of dollars in expense.
There are many small home repairs that must be done every once and awhile around the house that is very beneficial to be able to fix on you own. Most sink drains especially bathroom sinks are gonna clog from time to time. With all the hair that goes down those drains and the general small size of the piping it is almost a given that it will clog up on you. While unclogging those drains may be a very dirty job it can save you a lot of money in the long run to roll up your sleeves and take the pipe apart.
Some other reoccurring home repairs that you will probably want to attempt on your own are: painting, gutter cleaning, wallpapering, tiling, repaving a driveway, and other modern inconveniences. It is very important that before you attempt your repair or remodel on your own you make sure that you have a good idea of how to get the job done. It may end up costing you more in the long run if you start a repair and have to call in outside help in the middle of the project, or if you damage something else in the home.
There might be times when the work that a job takes seems to overwhelming or you may not have the right tooling for the job. This is when you might have to think about bringing in outside help to assist you in your repair. When searching for the right home improvement contractor you are gonna want to access exactly what you want done and how much you are willing to spend on the project. Then you will have to call in different contractors to give you an estimate on the project. Most home improvement companies will give you a free estimate.
It is a very good idea to get more than one estimate to try to find the best price you can. Also if you think you might be able to attempt the project on your own you may be able to get some free tips from the contractor by asking them questions about what steps they will take if you chose them to do the job. They might give you enough information to do the job. If you do end up calling in a contractor you might want to consider get more than one project done at a time. The company may give you a discount for more work.
Another helpful tip for home improvement is looking for government grants to help you fund your repair project. Certain criteria will qualify you for such assistance. First you will have to get an estimate and then you can contact the US Department of Housing and Urban Development or HUD and ask for help to see if you qualify or look online for criteria.
Repairtipsblog.com is everything about repair and more tips.
http://repairtipsblog.com
Home Repair Grant – Do You Qualify?
In case you are seeking a home repair grant for the purpose of repairing your existing home which has been damaged due to the rains and storms, then government funded grants is the best answer to your queries. The best part of these grants is that these grants will not be required to be paid back. This is what makes these grants more lucrative. This is because the grants provided by the government are not loans that require to be paid back.
Many cites in the country offers one time home repair grant for senior citizens. This will be very helpful in case you are on a limited income source. The only thing you will require to be done is to visit the source of your local body and verify the details of the scheme. There are other sources for such grants that include private businessmen and foundations. For this you may find some local advertisement running for the same purpose.
Special programs for disabled citizens also exist. These citizens are also eligible for these grants and they can also apply for such home maintenance grants. To look for all this information, internet will be the best source of data. You can find all the relevant information on your local body web sites and also on your state government web sites.
The main feature of such grants is that the no requirement of collateral condition which is always the best for any one looking for a grant. Moreover, the grant is not a loan. Thus the beneficiary is not required to pay this back to the government. These grants are better option to the beneficiary as these grants make you get your home repaired instantly and also you will not have to repay these debts. Thus these are the best options available for your dreams to come true.
Let me show you how to get $12,000 Free Government Grant from the US Government as little as 7 days.
FEMA: FEMA Teams Offer Home Repair Advice To Harlingen And Weslaco …
FEMA Teams Offer Home Repair Advice To Harlingen And Weslaco Residents. Release Date: September 28, 2010. Release Number: 1931-084. » More Information on Texas Hurricane Alex. LAREDO, Texas — Teams of hazard mitigation specialists with …
he's right – Fix-it Forum: Home Improvement & Do It Yourself …
also consider the more complicated the furnace is the more maintenance it is going to require. another five percent means five dollars savings per hundred.
Brothers ride lucrative renovation, remodeling wave – Memphis …
Memphis Commercial AppealBrothers ride lucrative renovation, remodeling waveMemphis Commercial Appeal”We wanted to stay in our home so the smart decision was to remodel our kitchen,” said Golwen, who, with her husband John, …
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Home Appliance Repair and Service , Orange County
It’s amazing how many things can go wrong in a home that requires attention. The windows in your home are extremely sensitive and also very important to privacy as well as heat and cooling issues.
Everyone has heard the saying not to leave a door open when the air conditioning or heater is on. When something is open to the outside, it allows the outside air to come rushing into the house. When you have a crack in your window, even though your air conditioning may be running at full blast your house still feels warm, because of the hole in the window. Vice versa goes for people who utilize their heat during cold winters or chilly nights.
There are a few quick fixes that you can do to your window, if it will be a few days before you can get a professional from NJ home repair services to fix it. So what can you do, to ensure that your home stays at the correct temperature and most importantly provides your family with adequate protection?
1. Something small has made it through your window – First you must remove all the broken glass, while wearing protective gloves to ensure that you don’t cut yourself. Remember a window is made of glass, and glass can cause extreme danger if it is handled carelessly. You can then staple clear plastic to the inside of your window pane to hide your home away from intruders or worst yet bad weather.
2. Small cracks on your window- A quick fix for cracks in your window is to apply ordinary masking tape to the crack from inside and outside your home. As long as you get the crack repaired in a timely manner the tape will hold up just fine to any harsh weather conditions.
3. The window is shut- A lot of people make the mistake of painting a window shut for a variety of different reasons. If you long for a breath of fresh air and can’t seem to get the window open, take a box blade and cut along the edges of the window. You may also use a utility knife to cut along the windows edges. Since the window has probably not been opened in a while it’s going to take a little muscle behind trying to get it to budge.
4. Rocks or small objects chipping at your window- Don’t run out and replace your whole window for a few small nicks. Grab some clear nail polish and fill in the discrepancies. Since the hole did not make it through the surface of the window, there is no need to replace the whole pane.
5. Swollen windows- Windows can become swollen for a number of reasons, the number one reason however rest on humidity. If you are trying to get your window to pull loose, simply get your blow-dryer to apply hot air to the window, grab a candles and slide it across the outside of the window. Wiggle the window a little as you go to try to loosen the edges.
Chris Almeida is owner of Inside Out Painting LLC. They are a paint contracting company that works in Essex and Union county New Jersey. More information can be found at their website http://www.njpaint.com. They provide painting, power washing, crown molding, faux finishing, and deck restoration.
Home Appliance Repair and Service , Orange County
Life Fitness treadmills have been designed in such a way that they fit well in almost any home. Not only that, but Life Fitness treadmills are also priced to be affordable for most of the people looking for a treadmill and they have all the features that they need in order to get a good workout without having to travel anywhere.
Life Fitness treadmills are being used by numerous world champion athletes, top athletes, military personnel and health club members.
Life Fitness offers two Life Fitness treadmill lines: Life Fitness Cardio and Life Fitness Sport Cardio. There are seven different Life Fitness treadmill options in the first line (T3, T3i, T5, T5i, T7, and T9i/e) and two in the second line.
Life Fitness offers the T-series as a direct descendant of its commercial model series, starting with the standard quality T3, their ‘benchmark’ value model, and topping out with the Life Fitness T9i, recommended by Health Magazine.
Basic treadmills are included in the T3 series of Life Fitness treadmill models. There are two choices in this category viz the T3 and the T3i. Both of these Life Fitness treadmill models offer a large number of features including classic workouts (hill, random, manual), sport training workouts (sport training, 5K sport training, 10K sport training) and EZ Incline TM workouts. Display options on the T3 and T3i models of Life Fitness treadmill include display of elapsed time, distance, speed, incline, heart rate, calories per hour and calories burnt.
Both Life Fitness treadmill models can accommodate speeds up to 10 miles per hour and an incline of 15%. The T3i Life Fitness treadmill includes heart features including Polar Telemetry® and heart rate zone training workouts (cardio, fat burn, heart rate hill, heart rate interval and extreme heart rate). Life Fitness treadmills in the T3 series consist of a 2.5HP motor and supports inclination up to 15%.
Life Fitness treadmills in the T5 series are meant for competitive running. The main difference between a Life Fitness treadmill in the T3 series and the T5 series is that those in the T5 series are capable of speeds up to 12 miles per hour.
The Life Fitness T5 treadmill provides a wide & long walking area and a powerful drive motor. It has a few less programs and a simpler display than the T5i but features the same durable construction throughout.
A Life Fitness treadmill from the T7 line, adds daily training workouts to the package (30-minute walk, 3-mile jog, 45-minute cross-train) and customizable workouts.
Finally, the T9 series of Life Fitness treadmill models additional customizable workouts, speed interval training, pace mode, calories goal, distance goal, and time in zone goal, as well as Life Pulse TM digital heart rate monitoring. The Life Fitness T9i treadmill bears up to 400 pounds weight and features a 5/8 inch 60 x 20 inch belt with cushioned deck, 3.5 inch roller and 4.0HP motor. This treadmill series offers a top speed of 12 MPH, inclines up to 15% and provides readouts/feedbacks. It also provides 16 preset programs as well as six custom memory slots for personal workouts and it monitors heart rate through Ergo hand sensors and a wireless chest strap.
The warranty period on Life Fitness treadmill models is impressive. Life Fitness treadmill provides lifetime warranty on frame and shock absorbers, fifteen years warranty on the motor, three years warranty on electrical and mechanical parts and one year warranty on labor. The Life Fitness T9 treadmill series provides a lifetime warranty on the motor and ten years warranty on electrical and mechanical parts.
A Life Fitness treadmill can get users well on their way to fitness. With the wide variety of workout options available, even on their basic models, users will never be bored. If users are keeping a close eye on their cardiovascular fitness, the heart monitoring available on a Life Fitness treadmill can’t be bet.
A Life Fitness treadmill might be the best treadmill choice for users. If users are going to use a Life Fitness treadmill, they should make sure that they know what they are doing before using it. Users should always make sure that they are very comfortable walking on their Life Fitness treadmill device before they decide to start running. This is always the case no matter what model or style of Life Fitness treadmill they own.
Before buying a Life Fitness treadmill model users should take a look at the different features that are offered with the treadmill model. Users should make sure that the treadmill motor has a high continuous duty rating and has a long warranty.
Life Fitness treadmills have an excellent life span. Some of the popular discount Life Fitness treadmills are model numbers 5500, 8500 and T3i. No matter how strenuous workouts users desire (use of hand weights to tone arms and body while walking/running on the treadmill), Life Fitness treadmills are a great piece of exercise equipment.
Saurya Ghosal for http://www.treadmill-walking.com Read more about Treadmills http://www.treadmill-walking.com/treadmill-stress-test.html Copyright 2005 http://www.treadmill-walking.com
River Country Journal – St. Joseph County Commission on Aging …
Prompted by an increase in requests for home repair assistance, the St. Joseph County Commission on Aging (COA) has allotted another $5000 for the program. In approving the request for additional funds during their October meeting on …
Home Remodeling Projects in New Jersey: Survival Tips Part I
Santa Clarita Home Repairs – 7 Tips On Safety When Using Power Tools
Home repairs and improvement projects can be dangerous. If you are using sharp tools or power tools you must take extra precautions to avoid injury. Here are 7 tips to stay safe when you are working around your home:
- If you are working with wiring be sure to turn off the circuit.
- Unplug your power saw before you change the blade.
- Keep your power tools dry and only plug them into grounded electrical outlets.
- Read the instruction manual and follow the manufacturer’s safety instructions before using a power tool.
- Keep your fingers away from a power blade. Clamp down small pieces of wood instead of holding them.
- Take off your gloves and roll up your sleeves when you use a power tool.
- Wear eye and ear protection when you are working with a power tool.
Some of these tips may seem silly or like common sense to you when you read them here, but safety is a very serious matter. Thousands of people are injured each year by using power tools. The vast majority of these accidents could have been prevented if the person had followed and adhered to these 7 tips.
You also want to remember to lift with your legs and not your back. Be sure to have a helper if you are working on something strenuous. Try not to work with your body in an awkward position. Also, take regular breaks while you are working. You can always call a handyman if you need help completing a project at your home.
Connie Ragen Green has bought and sold hundreds of properties since 1983. Visit her at http://www.BuyRealEstateForProfit.com
Hiring a Home Repair Specialist
Hiring a Home Repair Specialist – What I believe can be confusing to many people would and could even have something that very few people give much to think.
RV vs Travel Trailer: Pros and Cons | DoItYourself.com
The RV does not include a mobile home. Most RVs include a kitchen, refrigerator, bathroom, shower, dinette, sleeping area and other living and storage space. Many RVs offer easily maintained floors, a dedicated work area and a … Complete Tear-out And Remodel. updated by walks. September 22, 2008. previous|next. Submit Your Project. DoItYourself.com®, founded in 1995, is the leading independent home improvement and repair website. We welcome your comments and suggestions …
Learning About Kitchen Remodels And Appliances
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10 Tips To Home Repair
Owning a home is just the beginning. There are regular upkeeps and maintenance that ensure that your home not only looks beautiful all the time but is also secure from internal damage and external weathering. Home repair is an exhausting and challenging proposition for homeowners. Especially if you are totally new to the task.
As a result, the long list of tasks to be delivered within a short span of time can be quite unnerving. Most the times some minor tasks are overlooked leading to further damages. This hampers the job even further. A ready list of ‘KNOW HOW’ before the next session of home repair can act as quick tips to help you get the job done easier and better.
Dos -
1.Go through a quick inspection of your building or apartment. Maintain a checklist of the areas that have to be repaired. Always invite the home inspection officer a few weeks ahead for consulting and thorough inspection. It would help to identify the problems areas before home repair.
2.A lot of time the DIY technique helps to save your valuable resources. It includes activities cleaning, waxing, remodeling of furniture and floors. Even issues like painting, redesigning the rooms and gardening can be accomplished without any professional help.
3.Always check whether your home insurance covers the cost of accidents and home repair costs. Only a few banks and mortgage firms provide additional loans for home repairs. Often the home insurance provider cover gardens as well as your home office contents.
4.It very important to check with the homebuilders and home improvement firms before signing a contract. Consult your real estate attorney regarding the legal details of the working terms and conditions.
5.Always opt for the builders and home repair service providers who cover an annual maintenance and repair. It is done over minimal fees that can be repaid within no time by the home loans. Always remember to renew the service contract with your home improvement firm.
Don’ts -
6.Never assign the task to a home improvement firm outside the territorial or zonal builders. You would be breaking the laws.
7.You must hire professional help for specialized technical home improvement tasks like plumbing, wiring, gas lines, roof repairing and brickwork. When comes to installing your fireplace or repairing the electric geysers never rely solely on that do-it-yourself tendency. Neglecting serious cable wires or that plug on the kitchen sink may cause further accidents.
8.Do not ever tie-up with any contractors or builders outside a working contract. Do check about the background of the company.
9.Never forget to ask your home insurance provider the details of the contents insured. An ideal home insurance would provide the costs of home repair. It should include your house and its fixtures, fittings, garages, bicycles. Some of the companies would even provide you with insurance for the tennis court, swimming pools, bathtubs, gates, walls, patios, driveways, walks and fences. Most often the insurance firms are not willing to cover such objects. But with the monetary funds from mortgage and home loans it becomes convenient to pay for home repair.
10.Never sign any legal documents regarding work contract before scrutinizing.
And most importantly — planning plays a crucial role. It becomes necessary to discuss the details and the schedule with all members of the family before conducting any home repair activity. This will add to the comprehensiveness and reduce the need for change later.
Martin Lukac represents RateTake.com Home Equity and Refinance Loan mortgage marketplace. RateTake.com matches consumers with mutiple lenders offering low mortgage rate quotes.
For more information please visit 10 tips to home repair [http://www.ratetake.com/home-improvement/2.html]
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The answer: less than you might think.
Plaster repair is one of those do-it-yourself projects that a motivated homeowner can tackle, and do so successfully.
One hangup someone might have goes like this: “I don’t know anything about plaster. I don’t have time to take a class or spend a lot of time doing research to figure out what to do with my plaster problems.”
But at the same time, they might worry about hiring a plastering professional to fix their plaster, because they don’t have lots of extra money lying around.
The real facts are different. You don’t have to know anything to speak of about plaster or how to use plaster. Because, for home repair projects of this kind, you have simple alternative methods of approach. You don’t even have to use plaster to repair plaster.
Years ago, as a new trainee in the drywall field, I learned how to treat plaster problems with drywall finishing tools and materials. To the surprise of my boss and me, we simply applied these materials and finishing methods to a large cracked plaster ceiling and the results turned out quite nice. Our customer was very pleased.
Ever since then, in my drywall business, I have been called upon to do many hundreds of plaster repair projects, and I have left behind a trail of contented clients. And even more, I have given instruction to homeowners who wanted to take on their own repair project, and they went ahead to do a job they were proud of.
The secret for dealing with plaster cracks was to regard them like drywall joint seams, and (after cleaning out any loose material) glue down paper drywall tape over them, and apply a couple coats of joint compound topping to hide the tape. The tape provides reinforcement and keeps the cracks from opening again at a later time.
For holes in plaster, drywall scraps can be employed to close the hole once backing is in place. Then the edges of the patch are treated with tape and topping.
One common situation with old plaster is that people grow tired of the old look – the texture, or the unevenness of the surface, etc. By putting on two or three thins layers of skim coat, you can render the old plaster look invisible and create a new smooth surface for wallpaper, or perhaps for a new texture. Or, just stay with the smooth look.
This isn’t rocket science. It just takes some good instruction and then some motivation and dedication. The great thing about it is that once you have completed your plaster repair, you will never forget that the ugly plaster spot is gone forever, and you made it happen.
Want to take a shot at your plaster problems? Check out the author’s information for access to some good instruction regarding tools, materials and techniques.
Edwin Brown provides helpful resources for the motivated homeowner who wishes to tackle his own plaster repair problems.
To read more about materials, tools and techniques and to gain access to his free email plaster repair course, go to http://hubpages.com/hub/PlasterRepair
Home Improvement Equity Loans For Your Repair Needs | dr30.com
If you need to have home repairs on your houses, you can get cash from a home improvement loan. Indeed, while some residence owners will go and take out a secon.
Howstuffworks “Ultimate Home Repair Quiz”
This ultimate home repair quiz will test your home diy handyman skills. Take this ultimate home repair quiz at HowStuffWorks.
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Architect designs a kitchen to fit the needs of both mother and daughter. Blending efficiency and Zen-like flair, a clever designer creates a tailor-made kitchen.
Log Home Restoration Contractor – Making the Right Choice
Most home owners request 2-3 estimates to compare companies, service and price when choosing a contractor to restore their log home. Contractors may offer various products and solutions such as oil based or water based stains, media blasting or power washing, full log or half log replacement. The price may greatly vary but keep in mind you are not always comparing “apples to apples”. So, where do you begin…
Below are some ideas to consider when reviewing your estimates:
Verify License and Insurance
Check References
Small Local Company Versus Large Company Based Outside of Your Area
We are associated with both large and small companies and found it is not the size of the company or how far they travel that determines the quality of work or the satisfaction of the home owner at the end of the job. We encourage you to entertain all your options and not let the size of the company weigh too heavily on your decision.
Time Frame
If you need to restore your home in the near future for a particular reason, ask when they are available to start. The time may vary due to weather conditions but most companies try to be as accurate as possible. Most restoration companies schedule months in advance. If you are interested in only a specific service such as media blasting, maintenance (light wash & top coat), or log repair they will do their best to schedule around restoration jobs in your area.
Price
Please remember, you may not be comparing identical services and products. Although you would like to spend the least amount possible, there is much more to consider. You may want to start with the details regarding the estimates:
-Are all estimates from licensed log home professionals with insurance and references?
-Do all estimates include decks, porches, railing, etc.?
-Are there log outbuildings or log garages included?
-Prep work (window covering, electrical, cable wires, etc.) included?
-Clean up (removal of debris, media and other work items) included?
-Are materials included in the estimates (stain, borate, caulk, etc.) included? -Written warranty regarding their work and your satisfaction?
Log Repair or Replacement
If your log home requires log home repair or replacement make sure all estimates are calculating the same amount of repair. Many times it is difficult to determine exactly how much decay there is until they begin, but you can get a price of what the approximate cost is per foot. Also, is the estimate for 1/2 log or full log replacement? If the log is more than 50% decayed, full log replacement is usually necessary. If the log is decayed less than 50%, the decayed area can be removed and 1/2 log used. Verify the contractor is using the same log species and log profile to match your existing structure. If you are having log repair only, most restoration companies will include staining the new logs to the best of their ability, blending the stain to best match the existing logs and caulk if necessary.
Removing the Existing Finish
There are different methods for removing the existing finish from the logs. Corn cob blasting, chemical stripping and other blasting media such as; glass or walnuts may be used. All methods have pros and cons and are effective when done correctly although either method can damage your logs when done incorrectly. Please Note: Many log professionals find what works best for them and they have years of experience mastering the technique. We encourage you to talk with each company about their specific method however, keep in mind they can be very “opinionated and passionate” about the method they use to remove the existing finish.
Log Wash
Once the old finish has been removed, verify the logs will be lightly washed. This removes the dirt, media debris, mold spores, etc.
Borate
Borate is applied to clean, dry, bare wood; therefore it can only be applied when the home is first built or after blasting. This is a fairly inexpensive, yet a very important step that we strongly suggest you take advantage of while you have the opportunity. Borate will help protect the wood from insects, fungus and decay. If you are not having the logs blasted and they are being washed, you have the option of applying Bug Juice, which is an additive to the stain to help prevent insects.
Log Home Stain
There are many quality log home finishes available. Ask the contractor what product is being quoted and investigate the particular manufacturer. Be sure the suggested number of coats will be applied and are stated in your estimate. If you are uncertain about the color choice, ask if you can receive samples prior to staining. If you plan to stain your log home yourself, it is very important to closely follow the manufacturers specifications and use the proper technique to avoid lap marks or drips.
Making Your Decision
When choosing a log home contractor, deciding on a log home finish or determining which way is best remove the existing finish, please remember there are many reputable log professionals, effective methods and quality finishes available. Review your estimate, research the methods and products and talk with the log home professionals. You should feel confident and comfortable with a full understanding regarding the details of your project prior to making your decision. You share a common goal with your contractor… restoring your log home! Most log professionals are passionate about maintaining log homes and take pride in their work. They want you to be satisfied, after all, you are their next reference!
Do-it-Yourself
We do not recommend restoring your log home yourself. However, we realize you may find the project either cost prohibitive or feel confident performing the work on your own. You may decide to have a professional do the more skill oriented tasks such as media blasting, log repair or caulking and most companies are happy to contract a portion of your project.
We wish you the best in your log home project!
Article written by Tom Tydeman, Owner of Log Options, LLC. Our services include Free Log Home Maintenance Consultations, Log Maintenance Inspections, Pre-purchase Log Inspections, and Referrals. We network with professionals throughout the country, allowing us to assist home owners in most areas. Visit our web site for more articles and useful information on log home care at http://www.logoptions.com.
Pest control in the home can be much easier, cheaper, and possibly even more effective than hiring an exterminator. Many or all of these next listed home pest.
Canon adds six LV-Series LCD Multimedia Projectors | Home repair …
Canon announced six new LCD multimedia projectors, expanding its affordable LV-series. The LV-8310 and LV-8215 both have 1280×800 native 16:10.
The Perfect Laundry Room Organizer Solutions | Home Repair …
Laundry space is that one place in your home, the size of which is never enough. Doing laundry for everybody in the household is surely a daunting task and.
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How to Do Basic Home Repair Like Re-Leveling a Sunken Floor
Many a home owner can save tons of money by doing the work themselves. All they need is a little guidance in the right areas.
Take a sagging floor for instance. You might look at the floor as a fixed immovable object but in reality it is generally suspended in the air atop posts and beams. The scope of this article is not able to cover a sunken concrete floor. That is an entirely different matter.
Now back to the sunken wooden floor. Under it is either a crawl space or maybe a basement and you would need to determine where the floor is sunken to be able to find the support member that needs to be repaired. This is pretty easy to do with a level.
Go to the room that has the most noticeable lean in the floor and lay the level on it to see which direction the floor falls. Now go all around the room and lay the level in different directions to find the lowest point. Sometimes the lowest point is in a different room but it is pointing to where the repair needs to take place.
Some of the causes of sinking are rotted wooden members that support the floor, the concrete or stone pier has sunken into soft earth possible from having the soil under the pier being disturbed during excavation and not getting it compacted before placing the pier or there was a shift in the earth below and it cause an area of the house to sink.
All of these causes can be fixed so do not despair. There are simple and easy to apply steps you can take to do the job yourself.
The main tools you will need are;
- 25 ton or bigger jacks (you should have two of them. You can get away with 12 ton jacks but it is harder to pump them.) Or house screw jacks.
- Pressure treated lumber for new posts like 4X4 or 4X6 to go under the beam and down to the concrete pier.
- Some 2X4 pieces to nail the posts to the beams when done or metal straps if you like.
- A hammer,
- A sledge hammer,
- 4 two foot pieces of 2X6
- 2 pieces of 1′X1′ 3/4″ plywood for the jacks to stand on.
- A good 4′ or longer level
- clean plastic sheet to lay on under the house
Now that you have all the tools ready and you have located the part of the house that is low. It is time to get to work. You will want to be close to the post when you jack up the beam. That way you are only lifting the low end of the beam and not trying to lift the whole beam from the middle.
Generally two beams meet over a post and you will need two jacks to safely lift each beams weight off of the post. Once. To place the jacks properly you first lay down the 2X6 pieces side by side (2 of them) and then you lay the 3/4″ plywood on top of them in the middle then the jack goes on top of that. This gives you a nice big footing to lift from. Make sure the platform you build is level. The jack has to be pointing straight up and down to work safely.
The last thing you want is a leaning jack with a bunch of house weight sitting on it and it decides to fall over. Work safe and you will have a good time fixing the sunken floor.
Now begin lifting the beam or beams up If two beam ends are being lifted they need to go up at the same rate and height. Now go and check the floor periodically to make sure you are getting it level. You may hear some loud poping and creaking sounds. This is natural so don’t be alarmed.
If you have to lift the floor up more than 1/2 to 1″ you may get some cracks in the walls and they are just cosmetic so they can be patched without too much difficulty. Doors may also not fit their openings if you had to lift a wall with a doorway in it.
Once you have the floor level again give it a pump or two more on the jack and cut yourself a new post to fit the new gap from the beam to the concrete pier. Place a piece of tar paper on top of the concrete pier and then the new post on top of the tar paper so the wood cannot touch the concrete. This will prevent the wood from rotting. The wood should also be pressure treated.
If there are two beams make sure the joint lands in the center of the new post and then lower the beams to the post. Now take the 2X4 pieces and lay them against the beam and down each side of the post and nail them together.
You are now done and can pick up all your tools. This is the time when you experience the pride of doing the work yourself.
If you are lifting beams in a basement you would use pole jacks for safety and ease of use. You still want to build the wooden base for the jacks to stand on so you don’t take a chance of cracking the concrete floor.
Glenn Gehrke / Professional builder / remodeler.
http://www.newlinepubs.com
Let’s build something! With 36 years building experience you can be assured that you will get experienced help. All the way from excavation to the final piece of trim to complete the house. That just covers the new construction aspect of it. Also there is the repair and remodeling aspect of building. From rotting damage to collision or fire damage it has all been dealt with. No stone unturned here. this list can go on and on.
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