Home Related Questions and Answers: 2013-02-24

Saturday, March 2, 2013

How do I restore rusted iron patio furniture?

Q. My mom has this great iron patio furniture that has, over the years, rusted and I'm interested in fixing them up for her. I'd like to be able to do it as a mom/daughter project. Any ideas?

A. Unless you are unusually thorough, sanding or rubbing with steel wool will not remove all of the rust. If you do not remove all of the rust it will likely come back fairly quickly.
As others have pointed out, the absolute best way to remove the rust is by sand-blasting or bead-blasting but this is not a DIY project.
If you want to DIY, I would recommend you brush the furniture with a wire brush, apply naval jelly and wash off, dry thoroughly, lightly sand and immediately apply a rust inhibiting primer and coats of paint.
If you want the best result possible, find a shop that does powder-coating. They will generally blast off the rust and apply a baked on durable finish in an assortment of colors, generally for a reasonable price. We had this done to a set of old furniture and the results far exceeded our expectations

What is the best product to use on my teak wood patio furniture to keep it looking new?

Q. I have exspensive teak wood patio furniture, now a couple of years old, but they need help. They are seasoned and need to be brought back to life. Is there a simple way to clean & finish them? Is there an oil to rub on them?

A. The Premium Teak Wood Oil gives your teak wood long lasting protection against the elements. The ultraviolet absorbers in the oil helps maintain the warm natural coloring. This particular brand is rated #1 in independent testing, and lasts 4-6 times longer than other standard teak oils.

http://www.outdoordecor.com/product_detail~item~NWD14014:Furniture-And-Leisure:Furniture:Teak-Furniture:Wood-Care-Products.asp

Have a Great Day

The wind blew over my patio furniture table top and shattered the glass, how do I go about replacing it?

Q. I have had the patio furniture for about 8 years.

A. Good Luck... We had a wind storm and same thing happened to our 7 year old glass table... Couldnt find no one to replace the glass we had to go spend $ on a new one...

Need help finding a website like Pinterest but is about home decorating only?

Q. A while back I found a website that was like Pinterest but for home decorating/planning your dream home... if you know what it is, please help.
Thank you for yalls help, I found the website it's www.houzz.com :) thanks again!

A. I don't know of one but try these boards :

Nice homes :
http://pinterest.com/kaitdelallo/dream-home-decorating/
http://pinterest.com/smoutsatsos/decorating-home/

http://pinterest.com/search/boards/?q=home+design

More a teen girl style-
http://pinterest.com/onlyforforever/drop-by-when-you-can/
http://pinterest.com/nstanford28/home-decorating/

Will you be going out on Black Friday or be at home decorating for Christmas?

Q. I'll be at home decorating for Christmas! I do all my Christmas shopping online! :)

A. I would rather take a leap from a tall bridge than fight the crowds on that day.

I will spend the day eating as much as I possibly can of the wonderful leftovers from the meal of the day before, and beginning to decorate my house for Christmas.

I will actually spend more time with the eating and then some napping than getting much work done.

Online shopping websites for home decorating?

Q. I am looking for some websites where I can purchase home decorating products (from furniture to decoration, like candles and cushions!) Something along the lines of the Ikea website would be great (unfortunately most of their items must be bought in store - and I really need home delivery) I am based in Italy, but am from the UK so anything that delivers to either of these countries would be great!

Any ideas are welcome, thanks!

A. Look on apartmenttherapy.com & etsy.com.

is there a catalog like AVON, that people can work for commissions selling home interior decorations?

Q. I know someone who saw this particular catalog, but did not get the name other than "home interior decorations". the door to door seller
would go with this catalog in a very AVON-lady way.

Is there one particular company or many? I'm not talking about direct mail services, but where an individual seller can work on commission for.

A. I believe it what you are referring to is Home Interiors & Gifts, Inc. It has no relation to Avon although Avon has its own separate home design catalog. Anyway, they're not in business anymore because they got bankrupt.

Can you help me identify and locate an old home interior picture?

Q. I can remember almost 30 years ago my mother bought me a home interior picture that was in a very heavy metal frame with a rounded glass, the print was a small boy kneeling and praying into a beam shining down on him.
I know that I have seen the picture in some bibles and I would like to know the name of the print. I would also know how I might be able to buy the picture, frame, glass etc. that was purchased for me. I have tried the homeco and the home int. web site but without the name of the print I'm having no luck.

A. If you go to "vintage pictures.com" you may get the help you need. Lots of luck to you!

Looking for contemporary log home interior pics?

Q. My husband and I were looking to build a log home, but only if we can have a somewhat modern/contemporary look for the interior. Neither one of us are really into the primitive or Americana decor, but we do like the look of the lighter log home interiors like this one:

http://www.mhwood.com/images/image41.jpg

Anyone know of any log home interior pictures that have a modern look?

A. http://search.yahoo.com/search?p=contemporary+log+home+interior+pics&fr=yfp-t-501&toggle=1&cop=mss&ei=UTF-8

How to make my kitchen bigger and get the most return value?

Q. My kitchen is tiny - I guess you could call it a kitchenette, but it does have full size appliances.

Anyways - what can I do to get the most money when I sell the house? I am thinking new countertops (the ones now are just standard cheapy stuff), and new appliances.

Any ideas?

Thanks.

A. The kitchen is the one room that has the most "stuff", bathrooms next. The other rooms are just boxes with labels like livingroom, bedroom, etc. There's not much you can do to improve the look of the boxes short of adding recessed lights, ceiling fans, crown molding, paint, etc.

If your kitchen has any non-load bearing walls that can be opened up to provide a visually larger area, do it. If it's possible to combine a dining area with the kitchen, do it as well. This will result in a larger kitchen.

There are companies that re-face kitchen cabinets with new doors, rather than spend the money on new cabinets. This has the appearance that there are new cabinets without the cost.

The majority of interior home improvements are in the kitchen. The highest return on investment is, (guess where?) the kitchen. Replacing your counter top with granite slab will make it look like an updated kitchen. Replacing the appliances is another fast way to increase the saleability of your house.

I have many Asian (Chinese and Indian) clients in the past that replaced all the appliances and all the toilets (obvious reasons) when they moved into a home. They didn't want to spend the time to clean the old owner's mess, regardless how spotless it appeared.

Here are a few hints to get it ready to sell:
1. Clean everything
2. Clean everything
3. Clean everything (get the idea?)
4. Remove all personal pictures from wall, tables, desks, etc.
5. Your taste may not be the same as the buyer's. Decorate with neutral items, rather than what you dearly love.
6. Shampoo all carpets
7. "Curb appeal" is what draws them into the house. Be sure the front of the house is spotless! No dead leaves, garden hose, lawn cut, etc.
8. If you have messy neighbors and they don't want to clean their front yard, volunteer to do it for them. Nobody wants to live next to a mess.
9. Clean out and organize your closets. Everyone opens them and if they see a mess, it reflects on the owner.
10. Reduce your furniture count. Comfortable lounge chair is great for you to relax in, but may be way oversized for the room it's in, making it look a lot smaller than it really is.
11. If possible, re-arrange large furniture (couch, TV, etc.) along the wall, rather than in the middle of the room. Makes the room look larger.
12. If possible, hire a "home staging" company. They do this for a living and can guide you.

When should floor kitchen cabinets be screwed to the wall if at all?

Q. Should kitchen floor cabinets be screwed to the wall when installing? We just finished installing the wall cabinets. The floor cabinets are level. We have shemed the cabinets. Any suggestions? Do we need to wait until we have our counter tops installed?

A. Yes, screw them to the wall and to each other. You need to start with the corner cabinets. For complete instructions, see www.kitchen-design-angel/how-to-install-kitchen-cabinets.html

How/where to install kitchen cabinets: directly on wood subfloor or on the tile?

Q. My kitchen has been gutted. The walls, the electrical, and the wood subfloor has been preped. Should the base cabinets be installed directly onto the wood subfloor (my house has a 3 to 4 foot crawl space...not concrete slab), or should the kitchen floor be tiled first and then install the base cabinets on top of the tile? What is the proper way to do it? Thanks in advance for your answers.

A. http://www.woodweb.com/knowledge_base/Kitchen_Cabinets_and_Floors__Which.html

Is it normal for contractors to include a fee on cabinets as a part of a kitchen remodel?

Q. The quote from our contractor includes an 8% contractor's fee. This fee is applied to all aspects of the kitchen remodel-the demo, electric, etc. and it even includes the cabinets although the cabinets are ordered through a separate company and that company is responsible for installation. Just curious if it's normal to pay this as we could save over $1,000 if the fee was removed for that portion of the project!

A. Sounds like he is being upfront that he is charging 8% for being you contractor on each area. Do it yourself and save that plus you can hire who you want, not his buddies?

What color kitchen cabinet finish would best go with mahogany flooring?

Q. Kitchen Remodel

A. Go to this web page http://onlinedesigner.hgtv.com/visualizer/GettingStarted.do;jsessionid=23152D44CA959BEB25FC6832BB81A3D0 and look at all the options...it may help you. I am partial to colored plastic front cabinets...go wild! You can do mahogny cabinet with glass fronts too...that would be pretty...

How much should I expect to spend on new kitchen cabinets?

Q. I'm on a shoestring budget for our kitchen remodel. It is a tiny galley kitchen, with cabinets (top and bottom) running about 12.5 feet along one wall. Is it possible to find cabinets that would fit this space for under $2000 (including labor)? Thanks for any input!
I should say - I don't care how plain and simple they are. Just going for a clean, updated look with no frills.

A. That is a tight budget but doable if you dont include tops in that price. You have to forget about all the bells and whistles and not be afraid of that horrible curse word "particle board' which by the way is far superior to plywood cabinets. The other thing is you have to stay away from the big orange who only wants your little green. They charge full list price. You would not pay list price - MSRP - sticker price for your new car so dont pay it for cabinets.

There are discount kitchen dealers in every major city. Most everyone today discounts from list. Do not be tempted by those ads that say all complete wood cherry kitchen for $895. What that is would be cheap junk formaldehyde and sulfur infested Chinese made junk. Fall for these and you will be putting your families health at great risk.

where in Dallas or Ft. Worth can I find home bar furniture in a store not on line?

Q. small home bar set

A. Try Rec Warehouse. I don't know if there's any in Dallas, but I know there's 2 in Arlington and a handful in Fort Worth. They sell pool tables, spas, pools, gameroom stuff.

How can I build an in-home bar?

Q. I'm thinking about building a small bar for my living room just for when friends come over. Are there manuals for that sort of thing? Can you suggest any sites?

A. Seems obvious it won't be a WET bar, and answer number one truly has a decent suggestion. The BAR can be almost any type of furniture,,,even a converted TV/Entertainment center, antique buffet from Gramma; etc.

I'd pass on building; but that's just one wolfs opinion.

I've BUILT a few bars in my life, and they actually served no different function,,,in general,,, than a plank sitting on milk crates could,,,no offense, and no that isn't a suggestion...smiles.

It should either Blend/coordinate with what furnishings you have,,,or be a showcase piece that people might actually be attracted too, and doesn't even have to suggest in any way that it's a BAR. A Louis the 14th Desk would work,,,and maybe for multiple uses.

Certainly too there are PURCHASE options. One might be a mini thing on wheels/casters, that doesn't have to live in the Living room.

Again, my opinion. this project could be an enjoyable one just in the shopping experience. Good Will, garage sales, etc.

How expensive,on average, does it cost to build your own basic home bar?

Q. hey, moving towards a house on campus and want to build a bar at my new place. Just kinda want to know what i'm getting myself into.

A. It really depends....if you go to home depot and buy the materials you can get great materials for 400-500 dollars (small bar)or you can go cheaper. Or you can go really cheap and look over thrift stores and antique malls for an older piece of furniture and re-purpose it for $100-200 dollars. This assumes you have the tools you need to get this done. But a major factor is what you want. Somewhere to store drinks and set them on will be a lot cheaper than your very own "cheers" style bar.

Friday, March 1, 2013

What kind of wood is used or how is it treated to prevent it from splitting?

Q. I want to dabble in rustic log furniture building. Wondering what kind of wood is used and/or how is it treated to prevent it from splitting as it ages. See http://www.yellowstonefurniture.com/images/alderchair.jpg

A. For branch-built furniture, willow is a good choice.
For log furniture, it's fairly typical to use species of pine... as the knots provide interest. (Sometimes the splits do, too.)
To keep from splitting, would recommend using seasoned wood... wood that has been dried in a kiln or left to dry naturally for at least a year. More is better. Moisture is the enemy and if you work with green wood, it will eventually shrink and may split. Another tactic is to pre-drill all the fastener holes and use dowels and/or mortise/tenon joints.

But, that's for big things like beds and large chairs. For bentwood... it's branches and brads or binding material to hold shape. Rawhide makes a good lashing... put it on soaking wet, let it dry = super strong.

And, of course, I'm sure there are a host of DIY sources on the web.

Good luck.

What are the most sought after type of wood in Australia?

Q. I reside in a country in Asia which is rich in its natural revenue and I have a wood manufacturing business. I'm looking to expand it to Australia via exportation and I need to know what the market demands nowadays in Australia - for furniture, building, whatever it is - I heard that the most sought after right now is Red Oak for flooring is that right? What other type of wood is popular over there?

And any legal requirements, unwritten rules among manufacturer/exporter, ANY info would be very much appreciated! :)
Thank you

A. the Aussies have a problem with termites so any high quality hard wood might be useful. There is an abundance of Eucalyptus trees in Austrailia but I don't think they are used for flooring.
Other hardwoods could as hickory, cypress, chestnut, walnut, ash, teak, mahagony.
I presume if you are in Asia you have access to teak & mahagony.
Beware of the Asian Long Horn Beetle. It comes from Asia & has been killing a lot of trees in part of Noth America.

What are the most sought after type of wood in Australia?

A. Have a look at companies like Bunnings and Colli they are builders merchants that stock timber.

Jarra is popular in western Australia but WA is also the only place on earth it grows so unless you can sell ice to eskimos..

What is the best home design/home fix-it show?

Q. Just bought a house and I want to do some work on it in the future. I would like to start watching a good home design/home fix-it show to give me some ideas. Can someone suggest a good one to watch that is on a basic cable channel? I only have 78 channels.

A. All of the best one are all gone now. all that is out there is like game show ones

So if you find one please let me know. I don;t even watch them any more. There are way to fofo and only decorating stuff. But before there was this old house, bob vilias home again, michal halagans, that guy and girl team that sells the cutting thing infomercial, I learn more from the tv show "home improvement with time the tool man taylor" then I do from all of the shows that are on now.

Are there any free online home design tools that work like the Sims games?

Q. I played the Sims for years...only to creates houses on it. I'm looking for a free online home design tool. I found some that come close, but aren't what I'm looking for. I want one that will create a roof for me, let me design the interior, exterior...etc. Not just blue prints and layout software.

A. Check out piratebay

What type of home designing software should i get?

Q. I'm looking for a software that is easy to use and very detailed to design my new home with. I'm short on money so AT LEAST $100 or less...

Can anybody help???

I've seen the Home Design Software from Better Homes And Gardens but I dont know if that's a good program or not.

A. Please contact me troyalamillo@yahoo.com. So I could further help you.

need cheap decorating ideas for 10 yr old girls room who loves neon green and purple?

Q. I need room decorating ideas for a 10 year old girls room, she loves the colors neon green and purple. Any ideas would be great? I am her aunt and would love to buy her some things to decorate her room and surprise her for Christmas!

A. Find a cheap clock that is either neon green or purple and take out the paper that has the numbers on it and color it the opposite color. you can try getting those colorful storage bins..curtains? bed spread and or sheets? The light switch thing? hampers? also picture frames and mirrors

Do any of you know if there is a funeral flower arrangement book in the market?

Q. I need to buy books that has a great deal of photos for funeral flowers arrangement. I also need to get books on room decorating tips for funeral parlor.

A. Contact an established local florist in your area. The florist would have several books on funeral flowers and could either sell you some of their books or give you a good source of where to secure one. Also, look for the nearest Floral Syndicate store, or a First Distributor - these are wholesalers for florists - they have books on sympathy flowers by John Henry. The books show the flowers in the funeral home setting, so you could get ideas on decorating your funeral home.

What should i do to decorate a dorm room like hollywood?

Q. I'm leaving for band camp soon & we're having a room decorating contest me & my roommate are doing hollywood & so far we have a hollywood sign putting the walk of fame on the floor putting celebs pics on the wall & prolly getting glow in the dark stars & lineing the room w/ boas but idk what else to do

A. I like the "red carpet" idea, you can also make the Hollywood movie clapboards. If you have a film camera (and want to waste a roll of film) you could pull the film out and use a decoration. Be sure to wear the BIG sunglasses, they are really in now.

Here is a website, they have all kinds of Hollywood ideas.

http://www.shindigz.com/catalog.cfm?cat=15147

Good luck.. Hope you win!!

Whats the best way to catch mice?

Q. I have tried the humane way, but gave up on that when they moved in to my babies bedroom. Since then i have used 2 different types of poison, glue boards and snap traps. they dont go near the poison and have escaped the glue, and licked the chocolate off the snap trap without setting it off.
Im at the end of my tether, this is a new property and all the flats have been infested with them due to shabby workmanship.
please help me im going out of my mind!

A. Use a mouse trap. Usually, a mouse trap is rectangular in shape and it is made of iron wire mesh. However, u may have to keep a piece of meat or good smelling stuff inside the cage. You will not find blood and flesh splattered. But you will surely find the mouse very much alive and kicking

How do I trade off waking up for the baby with my husband?

Q. We have one baby, 3 bedrooms, and one baby monitor. We have been all sleeping in separate rooms. My husband and I both work and we both seem to be losing a lot of sleep. I am still nursing at night. How do we share the load?

A. If you are still nursing this really makes it difficult... it probably should still be you in the middle of the night unfortunatly. Unless you want to pump and then put it in bottles for him to give to your baby.

That's really the only option right now... or possibly you can do all the getting up and nursing one night and then the next night he could go get the baby - change him/her and bring the baby to you in bed to feed it. then when you're done - he can take the baby back and get him/her back and settled down again. This trading off can work out if you don't want to pump.

good luck. I know what you are feeling :/

Can someone find me a picture of Miley's new bedroom in Hannah Montana Forever?

Q. i cant find a picture of her new bedroom on Hannah Montana Forever on google or anything. Not her old baby-ish bedroom from tennesee. her new room her and lilly share in the barn. i want a picture of at least just miley's half of the room because i want to do my room somewhat like that. someone please find me a picture and post the link on this question ! thank you !

A. http://s3.amazonaws.com/data.tumblr.com/tumblr_l9d3yrz9XV1qdcy7so1_1280.png?AWSAccessKeyId=0RYTHV9YYQ4W5Q3HQMG2&Expires=1294104000&Signature=r5aN%2BpN1afV7xBw1J9mbOEv4o48%3D

http://24.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_l9xibjwaNB1qdcy7so1_500.png

hope that helps, it was all i could find

I want some really comfortable outdoor furniture?

Q. I've been looking at all sorts of home stores at all-weather patio furniture. I have found styles I like, but when I sit on them they just aren't comfortable. Or the style is awful, but seats like a nice indoor leather sofa. Anyone have outdoor furniture that just makes you saw "ahhhh" when you sit down? I use my patio after work to relax and would like an "ahhhh" style couch/love seat and a couple of chairs.

A. Those sets of plastic wicker with cushions made of weather resistant material are pretty good if you find one of good quality but the most comfortable outdoor seating I have found are those round multi position loungers. You can sleep on them. Can be found at most patio furniture stores, at least in my area. Hope you are as fortunate.

outdoor bar furniture, where can i find it around orlando florida?

Q. looking for outdoor bar, and stools and outdoor furniture

A. Hey neighbor!! Try Furniture Land, Badcock, and Sears. I saw some nice stuff at the Florida Mall too.

How much does it cost to rent furniture for a one day event?

Q. I am trying to rent outdoor furniture for a reception. There are places like CORT online but they do not indicate how much? Any idea how much it would cost to rent some outdoor furniture?
I'm looking for outdoor furniture, couches, club chairs, coffeetables. Not fold up chairs and tables. I'm looking for furniture that stagers would use. Sorry I didn't give explicit detail, If you would like to help please put a response if not, don't bother.

Yeah, that's right.

A. Your best bet is a party rental company in your area.

how can I convert my home air condition system into solar energy?

Q. i want to convert the electrical system in my home air condition into solar energy. I have central air at this time.

A. Depending on your location, the size of your home and cooling capacity of your central A/C unit it might be hard to covert 100% of the power use of your central A/C to solar. Not to mention very expensive.

Now if you have a 2,500 sq-ft house and use a 3 ton standard A/C unit at 16 EER it could draw as much as 25amps at 220v you would need about 5.5KW of PV plus a large battery bank to handle surges at (start up, blower, ect.) 250w PV panels are about $1000 each and figure about 2x the PV costs for batteries, inverter, installation, wiring, ect. You can see how this gets expensive quickly.

Living in different part of the US may require even more PV panels. Plus, you will need to put the PV panels on a tracking system (a mount that tilts the panels to be perfect aligned with the sun's path) There are always cloudy days, so if the humidity is not too bad you can hopefully shut the A/C off and credit your electric bill by turning your electric meter backwards.

A better option might be to sell your central A/C and replace it with a heat pump system. A heat pump uses the ground temperature to cool and heat. It may seem more complex but is rather simple can be far less expensive than a full blown PV system. The heat pump can run 24/7 cooling or heating as needed and can provide 4 times the amount of energy they consumes.

Dept of Energy Heat Pump information
http://www.eere.energy.gov/consumer/your_home/space_heating_cooling/index.cfm/mytopic=12610

Hope that answers some of your questions!

Info on Solar energy in a home?

Q. Where can i find information about building a home that uses mostly solar energy? Are there websites for this?

A. Google search "solar builders" for a good start.

Can solar power really be cost effective in the near future?

Q. In the next year or two, Will consumers choose to power their homes with solar energy based on saving money alone?

A. Solar energy is definitely an alternative to wasteful and harmful burning of fossil fuels. Now I will admit solar panels used to produce energy is a bit costly but in the long run it pays for itself by cutting your energy bill dowm drastically

Thursday, February 28, 2013

How to make my bedrrom more like a teen bedroom!?

Q. Hi everyone! So im 14 and I want to make my room alot more like a teen bedroom, but i dont mean like posters of bands and all that stuff, i want like bright colors and cool stuff like that, somewhere where me and my friends can just hang out, right now my room is soo broing, the walls are a light pale purple white yellowish-white carpet and white furniture and my bed doesnt have a headboard, it has one of those white net-canopy things, I;v tried re arranging the furniture and everythign but it still doesnt work. Is there any way I could make a huge difference without having to paint the walls or buy a bunch of new stuff, I can buy some new stuff just not paint and new bed sets and stuff. Anyway, any help would be appreciated, Thanks! And by the way if anybody knows any sites with good tips for teen bedrooms that would help alot too! Thanks!By the way, my room isnt very big and the furniture is pretty outdated.

A. Don't worry, Mine is the same way...only i'm redoing everything.
Why can't you paint it? New paint is one of the best ways to make a room cool-looking.
I'll share what i'm doing, and you can take any ideas that could work for you :)
I'm painting my walls, three grey ones and a silver one. Taking out my carpet and putting in that wood stuff. I'm also getting plants, like bonsais and cool little ones for my desk. I'm getting a navy bedspread and navy curtains with lime green beads. Stereo, and pictures of all my friends and pets and family in cute picture frames, and all my old Tshirts that either got holes or too big/small I'm turning into pillows, in addition to buying some new pillows. lamps are also a great way of lighting up a place and making it look cool. I also need to get a cute little chest for my dog's toys.
Good Luck ffrom a fellow 14 year old! :)

How do I paint on textured walls and create a cute teen bedroom?

Q. I want a cute teen bedroom but my walls are all textured and its really hard to paint on them! I wanted to stripe my walls, but idk how to get a clean line. Also if anyone has any cute color ideas. thanks!

A. Have your mom or dad help you use a laser level and put up painters tape where you want the stripes. Usually it looks better to have them horizontal, rather than vertical.

As far as colors, it depends what theme you want in your room!

Beachy theme: go for a greyish/muted blue
Tuscan/Italy: A rich apricot color
Mexican/Siesta: Rich golden yellow or bold green

You can do whatever your favorite color is! Because your wall is textured it will take multiple coats, unless you want a more weathered look, then you can do a quick fast coat on the taped off area.

Good luck!

What are some good furniture stores for teen bedrooms?

Q. Im looking to get a room makeover. And was looking for white wood or metal (perferably wood) furniture for a teen bedroom. Pls and thanks:) Will vote for best answer

A. ikea!!!! My old room at my moms house is done all in ikea furniture. We're definitely an ikea family, they have so many great pieces

http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/categories/departments/bedroom

How do you install insulation in attic with flooring?

Q. I need to put more insulation in my attic. It is finished for storage and has a wood floor. Where do I insulate? Do I just lay it on the floor for the winter and put my boxes on top? Do I need to do something special along the edges? What kind should I use and is there a tip for installing? Thanks!

A. If there is no insulation under the flooring (plywood or OSB usually used, you'll have to pry up the floor and place the insulation between the joists. Installing between the joists like I described is merely rolling it out and stuffing it in. Nothing special needed. Typical R-Value for an attic is R-38, but R-values of the insulation will depend on your area of the country. Check out this site for your areas specs:
http://www.powerhousetv.com/stellent2/groups/public/documents/pub/phtv_se_in_gs_000570.hcsp

How can I contend with the heat in an attic room during the summer?

Q. ...I am a renter, my room being upstairs. There are 3 knee doors to the attic space around the room. The attic is not insulated and has one slatted opening at one end of the space.
I am pondering on a cheap and easy fix for the unbearable heat that will ensue this summer. Should I maybe insulate just the knee doors? Someone recommended a dehumidifier, but moisture isn't the problem. And if I were to get a high-powered attic fan or two, it might be a little pricey on the electric bill...

A. If you leave the door to your attic room open and place just a regular fan in an attic window(facing out) you will replace the hot air in the attic with cooler air from below in no time at all.

How is the ventillation in the normal attic?

Q. If there is a gas leak in the attic or some air pollution in the attic, how does the attic vetillate it? In a normal house, the attic ventillation is good enough to circulate air quickly?
I don't have a gas leak. But if there is possibly a gas leak in the attic where gas furnaces are located, do I need to worry about it?

How strong is the attic ventillation? Sometimes, I feel the negative air pressue when I open the door that leads to the attic.

A. A gas leak in any enclosed space is dangerous. You should be able to tell pretty easily how ventilated the attic is. If the house is old, and has not been reroofed recently, it is likely not to have ridge vents, or soffit vents and may not have much ventilation.

Even with ventilation, you don't want a gas leak in the attic. "Pollution" on the other hand will likely be drawn outside instead of into the living quarters, as you indicated in your question (air is drawn out of living quarters into attic). The attic has a chimney effect, drawing air out of a house.

The specific answer to this question of how quickly it is ventilated has a lot to do with age and style of the house, and where it is located. It is also pretty common that people shove insulation over soffit vents, reducing the ventilation.

is there an inexpensive or free home design software out there for a normal homeowner?

Q. its just that I want to play around with some home design ideas with my house for a small addition, & I need some kind of basic program to use. Thanks!

A. I know they can be hard to find. I think Lowes has one on their website, I used it for a kitchen once, but it takes some patience. I have always done my design ideas in The Sims 2, because it is much more user friendly and quick. I never really get around to playing the actual game though. The only problem with this is sometimes the location of things isn't exactly where you want it, but it's a good way to get the idea of what you want to do.

what is the difference between interior design and professional home design?

Q. i am interested in becoming an architect. i know what kind of architecture i want to be. but i dont know what its call. i just want to draw a single homes w/ rooms, bathroom, living room and ext from foundation up. what is it call? interior design or professional home design?

A. That is called an architect.
An interior designer is a licensed professional (as is architect) who is the type of person who helps out on the show trading spaces. They "design interiors." They will usually be knowledgeable in fabric, color, material, and geometric organization.
A professional home designer is usually a person who is not licensed or registered and draws up house plans. They call themself home designer because they are not licensed and not allowed to use architect.
An architect is a registered professional licensed to practice architecture and design buildings (including homes)

What is the best home design/home fix-it show?

How do you remove laminate flooring that was put down and glued to the floor?

Q. I have this horrible laminate flooring in my house but it's hard to take off the sub-floor because the laminate is glued to the floor. I have been taking it out with a screw driver and hammer and it kinda damages the sub-floor. Is there a way to take out the laminate with little damage to the sub-floor?

A. Depending on the glue used and the subfloor material it is very likely that the subfloor will suffer considerable damage and may also need to be replaced before a new floor can be reinstalled.

New flooring generally will require a subfloor that is clean, sound and level (flat really).

Laminate flooring is generally a âfloating floorâ system and should not have been glued to the subfloor. It should probably have had an underlayment installed prior to the laminate being installed.

Sorry to say it looks like you have quite a project on your hands.

G. Borders
Home Repair, Improvement,
& Handyman Services

Plano Home Repair

What are good flooring options for a cottage that won't be winterized?

Q. We were hoping to put down laminate flooring but have been told we'd have to heat the floor at all times as stepping on it if it's been exposed to freezing temperatures could cause it to crack (shatter?) open. Real hardwood flooring is expensive and we don't really want carpet or linoleom. Any suggestions or advice?

A. Most quality laminates are meant to serve interiors which are not environmentally controlled all year long. You just have to make sure you're getting the good stuff. Ask your seller about the laminate floor's AC rating, to make sure it's likely to be durable enough for what you've got in mind. For a residence, you shouldn't settle for less than an AC3 rating. Generally, the fiberboard core of a quality laminate floor will help it to weather temperature changes.

Also, you're going to want to choose a type of flooring which is low-maintenance for a cottage. You don't want to be spending too much time with refinishing and waxing flooring when you're meant to be relaxing. Laminate flooring requires dry or damp mopping or a vacuuming, but otherwise retains its look without too much intervention on your part.

Don't ever install hardwood flooring in an area which is not environmentally controlled. The wood will expand and contract radically when in non-controlled conditions. For hardwood, this spells disaster - warping, cupping, the works! The great thing is, laminate flooring has really come a long way in terms of look. You can get laminate flooring which looks almost exactly like solid hardwood - even a "handscraped" look, or a beveled edge effect. And you still get that look without having to worry about the practicalities of maintaining a natural product in a less-than-friendly environment when it comes to extreme conditions.

Whatever you choose to do, enjoy your new floor!

What is the best kitchen flooring for a home with a very slobbery dog?

Q. My dog slobbers a lot on the kitchen floor when we are out. We come home to lots of very watery slobber on the floor. Our current linoleum flooring is old and needs replacement. I would like something in style but it needs to withstand the slobber. Thanks for any suggestions.

A. The subject of kitchen flooring and dogs can be a real dilemma for those who have large rambunctious pups and a small budget. Some of the more durable floor types can be somewhat expensive. When it comes to flooring, you get what you pay for. While some kitchen floor types can entail high upfront costs, in the long run, they may just help you save money.
Some Kitchen Floor Types for Dogs:

Linoleum flooring
Ceramic tile flooring
High-pressure laminate
Rubber flooring

Hardwood is affected by changes in humidity and is not recommended for bathrooms, kitchens, or below grade. Many laminate floors are water-resistant, but you should check the warranty to be sure what is and is not covered.

who to go to for a design of a Bathroom ?

Q. Who or what is the proper place to go to when you have a bathroom design and you want it to come into reality and not just an idea?
Oh no, I mean I have a bathroom design and I want to bring the idea to a place, I haver an invention is more like it. =).

A. Your local plumbing supplier,should have many bathroom designs set up. The average bathroom is 5'x7'. How ever you can make it bigger and add what you want.

How do you find out what paint color was used here?

Q. http://www.besthomedesigns.org/trends-on-modern-bathroom-design-remodeling/nice-modern-bathroom-ideas/

Or does anyone know something similar to this color or what it is?

A. Answer above is good. I would call this color slate blue. http://www.computerhope.com/htmcolor.htm

Interior Designs - Bedroom and Bathroom Designs?

Q. Hey people, my house is under renovation and I need a good website that is realted to Interior Designs, decoration, painting, bedroom and bathroom designs.
Thanks

A. Google your search, that is the best way out! You may also try http://www.smartken.com for Bedroom and Bathroom designs

what is the meaning of Musical Ladies on chinese wall decors?

Q. my sister in law gave it to me it has 4 oval piece for wall decor?

A. relaxation

Where is the wall decor on stardoll?

Q. I am looking for the zebra wall paper on stardoll. I searched wall decor but the zebra print wall decor didn't show up. I am looking for the zebra print one that DOESN'T have the blue stripe on it. Thanks!

.

A. MINISHOP > DIY > Wall treatment > Pg 1 > Zebra Stencil

That's the only one I can find that isn't the one with the blue stripe.

Info on learning how to make wall decor signs with lettering?

Q. I would like to learn how to make those wall decor signs that always have some quote, phrase, name or word on it. For example I have seen some that say "cafe" or "this is where our story begins". Does anyone know if there are places that have classes for this or a book or magazine that teaches you how?

A. I think you need special machines for that. They arent that expensive and I know of a company that can customize what you want and at fairly cheap. You should email them. I had a friend who put cool quotes throughout the ceiling with their vinyls... looked great.

check out http://www.carfacial.com/gallery.html adding decal to your wall would look super cute!!!

Wednesday, February 27, 2013

What are some unique home decor wholesale suppliers/companies?

Q. I own a small gift shop and business has been pretty slow so I've been looking for some unique home decor gift lines to expand my shop a little bit. Does anyone know of any wholesale home decor lines that are like pier 1 imports or of that nature? Thank you for your help!

A. wholesalepages.co.uk

You can easily find here all authentic and reliable â Home DÃ©cor â wholesalers, Dropshippers, manufacturers, importers, distributors from UK and all over the world.

What are some good online stores for home decor or clothing?

Q. Please list any good online stores that you can think of for home decor or clothing. I'm always looking for new places to shop. Thanks.

A. At Directly Home , also pick up a 10% off coupon for them at http://www.007coupons.com/Home---Garden/DirectlyHome-com-Coupons/index.html for a discount

What are some good online stores for home decor stuff?

Q. My husband and I want to buy some of the home decor stuff at the end of this year. Please, mention some good online store that you can think of for home decor. I'm always looking for new places to shop. Thank you.

A. Home Goods

What are the most sought after type of wood in Australia?

Can you recommend a good interior designer to do a 30-sq condo in the Philippines?

Q. I need an interior designer for a 30-sq condo. in Quezon City Philippines. We have a new baby, need a working little kitchen, and a nice bathroom. I prefer Japanese design, minimal furniture, built-in cabinets. Interested parties can reply to this question or email me:tometooo@yahoo.com. Many thanks.

A. I am a decorator and home stager and it would be my pleasure to design your new room. I can even give you testimonials from my clients. All you have to do is pay my air fare round trip. I can also work with email and digital photos. Feel free to contact me at info@divadecors.com

How can I know if I'll be a good Interior Designer?

Q. I really want to be a good Interior Designer but I keep getting scared that I won't be able to do it. There are many things on my side such as creativity, good taste, like to research products and have an interest in all things related to it (even learning some electrical, plumbing, construction, and furniture building). But I think I can be a little ADD and miss details which I know are important. I'm going to try some medication for this but it still scares me. Also I can be impulsive. Any suggestions? How will I know if I'll be a good Designer? Also how would you recommend getting into the field. I'm in school for my ID Associates Degree but would love advice on how to get in there. (No furniture sales store rep!) If you were to hire an intern what would you look for? Thanks

A. Are you able to envision the finished project before you begin? People who are creative enough to have a vision for their work seem to make the best Interior Designers. However, you have to be practical enough to integrate your client's financial preferences for spending and also, you have to take into account practical considerations like natural lighting, color & style preferences, and the intended use of the space. You can be the most creative visionary, but if your client thinks it is just impractical, you won't get much return business.

where to find good contractor for bathroom remodeling in san jose?

Q. I need to do bathroom remodeling and need to get some estimate from contractors. I'm in san jose, ca

A. Get a free bathroom remodel estimate from local contractors.
You can check
http://remodeling-advisor.com/bathroom-remodel-estimate
and click on the link
It is a great time saving option.

Bathroom remodeling, when should we have windows installed?

Q. We are planning on having our bathroom remodeled. We want to replace the bathroom window, replace the floor tiles, tile and paint the walls, and have a sink and mirror installed. Here's my question: do we have the window installed first before the other things or last?

A. You'll want to tile around the window and make sure it is well sealed so the window goes into the framing, then tile backer board, then the tile. Window first, in other words.

Are there any places that will assist in bathroom remodeling for the elderly in Northwest Ohio?

Q. My father has had 3 strokes. It is hard for him to balance himself to get in and out of the tub. I would like to have his bathroom remodeled for him. I want to have the tub taken out and replace with a walk in shower. The toilet doesn't work like it should, but it works. I would like to get that replaced also. They both need rails around them so he can get in and out the shower and on and off the toilet with ease. Can anyone help me in finding assistance with these needs?

A. Most all Counties and or Cities have programs to aid Seniors- has to be low income person .
Look in phone book for Senior services, or call city hall.

What home improvement, home renovation and home restoration grants should I apply for if I live in upstate NY?

Q. Hello. I live in Broome County, NY. My family needs money to fix up our house with. What home improvement, home renovation and home restoration grants should I apply for since I live in Broome County, NY? Please let me know. Thank you.

A. The first step is to check with your local bank and realtors...there are also national grants available from the government. Take a look at this article 'How to Get a Home Improvement Grant' http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/459112/how_to_get_a_home_improvement_grant.html for some tips.

Good luck!

What is the Average Annual Salary for a Home Renovation Technician?

Q. I am considering taking a home renovation technician program at Humber College or Conestoga College (Ontario) - if anyone knows which would be better please feel free to give feedback - I couldnt find a number in regards to salary online so i was wondering if anyone in that profession would be able to tell me a rough estimate of annual earnings?
Thanks

A. They are self employed, no salary.

Am i required to get my home renovation inspected?

Q. I am planning on doing a major revnovation to an old home, new basement, new roof, remodel interior down to the studs, new flooring, walls cabinets, etc... Am i required to have the remodel totally inspected by a building inspector? or because its a home renovation its not required?

A. you are going to have to get permits and more than one inspection ex after electrical but before sheet rock is installed

What is the difference between pre aproval and pre qualify in home loan?

Q. I keep seeing people talking about being pre approved for a home loan or being pre qualified, one being quicker and easier than the other. What is the difference/benifit of the two?

A. Preapproval is a conditional approval usually received after you have applied for a home loan. A final approval is given once a underwriter has reviewed the loan.

A Prequalify is given to people that have passed a general screening process based on the lenders guidlines. A prequal doesn't mean you are preapproved, preapproval will usually be given once you apply and meet the the lenders qualifications.

The process for either or will be the same. If you have a preapproval from your current mortgage provider then that means they did a more in depth research to prequal and the process maybe quicker with them.

What's the difference between home loan modification and mortgage refinancing?

Q. home loan modification vs mortgage refinancing, are they the same thing?

A. A mod will take your existing loan and make changes to it it can lower your interest rate and your payment or just lower your payment the bank will take your financial information from you and then they will determine how much you can afford to pay a month then the mortgage company will make a decision based on the information they have got from you if they will do the mod but with the new obama plan they will give you a mod for 3 months to see if you can make the new payments is you can then you get the mod if you can't then you don't and the obama plan will give you a fixed interest rate instead of an adjustable one
A refinance will give you a completely new loan so you could get a lower interest rate and a new payment but if you are behind in your current mortgage most banks will not touch your loan and you will have to try and get a modification

Who has the best home loan interest rate for right now?

Q. Who has the best home loan interest rate for right now? Please provide websites if you have them.

A. Best home loans are easy to get if you know where to look. Home loans with low interest rates can make a sizeable difference in your savings, both on a long term and short term basis. However in order to get the best interest rate on your new home loan, you need to follow some tips.

http://www.worldbestloans.com/homeloans.htm

A sure-fire way to finding some of the best home loans rate is by comparing between 3-4 different lenders prior to deciding who to opt for. While most lenders have a wide range of interest rates and schemes, those who offer flexibility in terms and conditions or can customize to your preferences can work the best for you.

What are some good online stores for home decor stuff?

A. Home Goods

What crafting, home decor, and/or fashion magazines can I subscribe to from the USA?

Q. I'm looking for inspirational crafting, home decor, and/or fashion magazines that will ship to the USA. I found a magazine called Frankie, but it's only available in Australia as far as I could see. Google searches didn't bring up anything that fit what I need. The magazines I do NOT want: sewing, crocheting, knitting, embroidery, quilting.

I plan on reading these magazines and cutting them up after I've finished them, all to add these inspirational images and articles to an inspiration board, and turn the remainder into envelopes for snail mail.

Please help?

A. ad title

Lcd tv installations

Ad details

SIGHTS & SOUNDS OF SOUTH florida,INC. has been in business in South Florida since 1999.
We specialize in Home Theater Installations, Plasma, LED and LCD Flat Screen TV Mounting, Projector & Projector Screens Installations, Security Camera Systems, Remote Control Programming and Sales & Installations for all of the Audio-Video Industry.
We also do Installations for Yachts, Schools, Colleges, Corporations as well as Local & State Government jobs.

Don't be fooled by trunk-slammers or hackers that claim they are professionals, and leave your home a mess. We are insured professionals. Are they? Ask for reputable referrals. Don't get ripped off!

We give a 100% POMG (Peace-Of-Mind Guaranteed). We will do it right the first time, and stay and finish the job until you are 100% satisfied. That's our promise.

Our list of Clients is a vertual "Who's Who" of referrals:
NBA Basketball Star - Raja Bell,
NFL Football Star Denver Broncos Running Back - Willis McGahee, Ex-NFL Miami Dolphin Linebacker- Derrick Rodgers,
Ex-MLB 1990 World Champion Cincinnati Red's Pitcher - Rob Dibble.
Miami-Dade Fire Rescue (EOC) Emergency Operation Center,
Weston City Hall,
Miami-Dade Department of Children & Families,
Jackson Memorial Hospital,
United States Central Command (McDill AFB, Tampa, FL)

However, even with all these accolade's, we do not overlook the smaller installations.
At SIGHTS & SOUNDS OF SOUTH FLORIDA, INC. we don't care if it's a call for a simple TV mounting or an elaborate full blown Movie Theater. No job is to large or to small to handle.

Call for a free quote. We are here to help you, and make your Home Theater a fun experience for the whole family.

Thank you for the opportunity to earn your business.

Sincerely,
Ken Nichols, President
SIGHTS & SOUND OF SOUTH FLORIDA, INC.

phone

3057881895

address

Fort Lauderdale, Florida, United States

category

services,other services

From: Ahsan Saleem <ahsansaleem644@yahoo.com>
To: "dataonline21@yahoo.com" <dataonline21@yahoo.com>
Sent: Monday, January 14, 2013 7:45 AM
Subject: (mr ahsan001)-(14 jan 2013)-(form filling)

Where can I buy really cheap home decor?

Q. I am buying my very first home, and I want it to feel exactly like that. HOME. Who wants a plain house with nothing in it? Besides the outrageous cost of getting the house, and having to fix up a few things, plus furnishing the place, I need some decor to make it feel more homey. I dont have much money left after buying all the other things. Does anyone have suggestions for cheap, nice home decor?

All suggestions are much appreciated! Thanks!

A. The very best way to obtain home decor at a rock bottom price is to always be on the lookout for these types of places:

Garage/Yard Sales
The GoodWill
The Salvation Army
Thrift Shops
Second Hand Shops
Consignment Shops
Your Friends and Family's Basements and Attics

Look past the finish on furniture and pay attention to the lines. You can refinish or paint just about anything. A $3.00 lamp base at the Salvation Army that is ugly can have new life with a can of spray paint.
Gaudy picture frames can become great frames for a mirror. Take the drawers out of a dresser, sand and stain them along with the dresser top, then paint the dresser black. A great look, indeed. An outdoor bench is a great asset in a house. You can get anything from rugs to liquor decanters at thrift shops. Shop for pillows in the clearance sections of Marshall's, TJ Max and Home Goods. Do not overlook new or used outdoor furniture to use inside. I made a great headboard out of a three paneled door turned sideways after filling in the doorknob hole and the hinge screws.

Find out when bulk pick up day is conducted in surrounding towns. Go out with a truck and you will be amazed at what people are throwing away. The best time to shop the Salvation Army and the GoodWill is in October, November and December when people are getting rid of their old furniture and replacing it for the holidays.

Paint is the least expensive and single most dramatic change you an make in any room. Pick warm colors and please do not pick white paint for your walls because it seems like a safe way out. Color in your home will instantly add the homey look you are after. Really.

Remember, buy only things you like and are capable of fixing up or you will end up with a bunch of stuff you hate in the long run.

Good Luck to you in your new home.

Tuesday, February 26, 2013

How do I remove hair dye stains from my countertops?

Q. I dye my hair by myself using Just For Men, but the stupid thing bubbles all over my bathroom countertops, especially if I run it through my hair. Does anyone know how I can get these stains out? I don't want to be charged a cleaning fee for my appartment...

A. Hydrogen peroxide should take it out.

How do you get a stain out of a corian countertop?

Q. Help! I accidentally left a glob of hair dye on my corian bathroom countertop overnight and now I have a burgundy red stain left. I tried alcohol but it didn't budge. Any other ideas? The counter is off-white. Would bleach hurt? OOOOPPPSSS!

A. Try some bleach water....
I found this web site it may be of some help. Good luck! :)

can i add a ceramic bullnose tile to my already existing laminate countertop and how?

Q. I have a bathroom countertop that is very nice. the only problem is someone put a horrible color laminate for the edging. Can I do a bullnose tile over it and will I have to add any wood to it first or just go right over it. Im also doing tile backsplash

A. ODD... no offense meant. Why not just bite the bullet and cover the existing top with Concrete backer board, and tile the entire thing? To just bullnose the face and backsplash would leave an area that you claim is NICE as a depression over all.

More directly stated "CAN I?" is a question I so often answer in the same way..."CERTAINLY."

"Will you be satisfied" is often an add on I apply to the question.

Steven Wolf
thousands of sq. ft. of tile/ many bathroom remodels

I want to start building a miniature house, how should I get started?

Q. I'm a psych major but have a guilty pleasure in designing homes and architecture. I have many sketches that I want to bring to life. How do I get started? Not only have I sketched homes but I've also dobe the interior layout. What type of wood should I use? Not anything super huge just a decent size and I plan on doing all this by hand and from scratch.

A. All my experience says to first have a good complete set of plans and secondly have a good complete set of plans. I honestly believe an arcetec is a good investment in this venture to finalize the plans and bring everything into conformity with building codes When it comes to wood you can save a small fortune by getting green or partially seasoned (recommended) wood from a small independent sawmill in fact many small mills can take the materials list from your complete set of plans and cut out your house for you at a tremendous discount over what a building supply will charge. Pneumatic nailers will also save you a great bundle of time

Photos/ideas for cottage or country themed landscaping?

Q. I want to do work on landscaping the and lawn and need to get ideas that would complemtnt with home architecture. links to websites, additional tips/ideas would be really helpful. thanks

A. Add a picture of the area that you want to work on please, and I will tell you, One set up won't work in two different places.

describe how mature boulevard trees add curb appeal to residential neighborhoods?

Q. how do they work together with old homes and architecture to make a neighborhood 'appealing' to a homebuyer?

A. A large percentage of home buyers decide whether or not to look inside a house or take it seriously based on its curb appealâthe view they see when they drive by or arrive for a showing.
Trees add value to a home as well as being essential to a healthy community. The well-placed tree can:
Cut utility costs in half
Protect a home from wind
Cause people to spend more time outside
Act as a sound barrier/buffer
Add dimension to a home's landscape
Contribute to a lower rate of neighborhood crime,it's actually been proven that adding trees to a streetscape lowers crime!

Also, trees in front of an older home evoke a snese of nostalgia...summer days spent playing, the lemonade stand you were sure was going to make enough to buy that bike. They give a sense of the amount of time the house has been there, and the family that must have grown there. People want to feel that the home they are buying has a history, that it has been lived and loved in. Trees do this.

What is the best bedding for dwarf hamsters?

Q. I have tried a few different kinds of bedding, but I am not sure what is the best.
I have also heard that cedar and pine shavings are bad for their lungs.
Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

A. Eco bedding is a shredded paper bedding that lasts longer than just regular shredded paper. They like to tunnel through it too. I use it for my hamsters and gerbils.

What type of bedding do you like best for hamsters?

Q. Has anyone tried the shaved pine for hamster bedding? I found some but it looks like pine dust instead of shavings? What do you think?

A. i don't understand why people are getting thumbs down on the use of cedar and pine, some people like to argue "oh, it has never hurt my hamsters, and its fine for you too!" this is completely wrong, cedar and pine releases toxins into the air when urinated on, and over time cause respiratory problems, and if long enough, death, its so sad but its so preventable, you should never purchase cedar or pine wood shavings or dust, any type of dust shouldnât be used because it gets in the hamsterâs eyes, and can cause repiratory problems

the ONLY wood shavings you should be using are aspen wood shavings, they are safe for the hammy, and absorb odor fairly well, its also fairly cheap, the only downside to this is that sometimes there can be a particularly sharp piece, and can cause cuts on your hammyâs feet =\

my favorite type of bedding by far is carefresh, it is the best as absorbing smell, making a soft bed, and it comes in bigger pieces so it wonât get kicked out of the wire cage as much as other bedding will, the only downside is that it can be a tad expensive, but its really worth it

yesterdayâs news is also a very good bedding, it is made of recycled newspaper, it is soft, absorbent, and has other good characteristics like carefresh, downside being that it isnât as widely available as carefresh is, and i have yet to find it in a pet store near me

timothy hay is another bedding widely used, its probably the cheapest bedding to buy, but I personally donât like timothy hay, it doesnât help with smell, it is ALWAYS getting kicked out of the cage, and the sharp edges of the hay can cut the hamsters feet

there are also pellet forms of bedding, I have never used this kind, but its fairly inexpensive, plus it is very good at absorbing odors, the only thing i can think about it that would be bad, is it probably would get kicked out the cage constantly because of its small size

oh btw, donât use newspaper either, the ink on the paper is bad for the hamsters if they ingest it, some hamsters donât have a problem, but most die from ink poisoning, so donât run the risk with your hamster and donât use newspaper

EDIT: THANK YOU hamsterzgurl for just copying my answer, thats really mature, and is against the rules

At what age can I start butting ârealâ bedding on my 2 year olds bed?

Q. I hate that I do not have ârealâ bedding on my 2 year olds bed yet? When Can or should I start doing this? I would love to go in and see a bed that is made up and not just a crib sheet.
And I am not sure that they will even sleep under the sheets!

A. Like yesterday :) Two is usually the age where they can start using real bedding so have at it!

Why are the front doors of some homes painted red?

Q. Why are some front doors to peoples homes painted red??? Is this for good luck?

A. It's what they wanted.

How long should I wait to refinance my home? We bought it 2 years ago.?

Q. I pay extra principle each month on it and would like to refinance enough to pay off my vehicle and to do some remodeling on my home, painting, etc. I would appreciate all insight. Thanks!!

A. There is a great chance you have built up enough equity over the past two years to make this possible. Keep in mind your rate will more than likely go up and so would your payments but it may still save you some money. If your not sure if you have a prepayment penalty you can always check your original documents you signed. Many home owners do debt consolidation like you are considering as the interest you pay on your vehicle is not tax deductible like the interest on your home is. Make sure you consult a CPA to go over the pros and cons. If you need any help or have any questions feel free to email me tadgeman@yahoo.com.

How do you remove paint from ceramic tile?

Q. The previous owner of our home painted all the ceramic tile in the bathroom and now it is a peeling mess. Is there any way to remove this paint without damaging the tile?

A. try not to damage the tiles so use a putty knife or razor blade to scrape the offensive paint off the tile surface. use harsher abrasives only as the very last alternative. when the paint has been removed they may look very dull. so insted of replacing them you may want to try using some tile wax. this site has some very helpful advice if you plan to take that route

Am i required to get my home renovation inspected?

A. you are going to have to get permits and more than one inspection ex after electrical but before sheet rock is installed

Can the Canadian Home Renovation Tax Credit be deferred to 2010?

Q. Can the Canadian Home Renovation Tax Credit be deferred to the 2010 tax year instead of declaring it as part of the 2009 tax year? Thank you! Sources please!

A. I'm afraid not, it has to be claimed on 2009 tax return.

who pays on the home renovation shows?

Q. Who pays for the costs on these home renovation shows?

A. A lot of them follow the show by saying thanks to the companies that provided low cost or free samples of their products (like paint, lumber, sinks, etc) just for the publicity on the show. If not it comes out of the show's budget. On some shows they will say "we spend our $1000 budget and the selling homeowner paid the cost of the new carpeting to complete that beautiful room."

It is never a secret and it is always less than you would spend for the same stuff.

What does every GIRL teen bedroom need?

Q. What does every GIRL teen bedroom need?
besides::
bed
dresser
bedside table
lights and a
mirror

WHAT DO I NEED?
thanks

A. A desk and privacy!
You are good to go!

What are some decorateing ideas for teen bedrooms?

Q. Cool ideas for teen girls bedroom something funky, cool, and teenager like. Ages 14-16 years thanks

A. Choosing a strict color scheme that you like is really important, because often this is what determines the flow of your room. Have two main colors (eg. blue and brown) and one neutral color.

Paint your walls a neutral color like cream or beige (white can be a bit harsh). Studies have shown that a neutral color on the walls and floor of a room increases motivation and self-esteem, if you're interested!

Personally, I love pbteen.com for teen bedrooms. Not all the products come cheap, but all of them could last you a lifetime. PBTeen offers great textiles for any look. If you are a bit strapped for cash then the images on the site on their own are great for ideas.

http://www.pbteen.com/gift/thm/thmgrl/thmgrlpub/
http://www.pbteen.com/gift/thm/thmgrl/thmgrlmcl/
http://www.pbteen.com/gift/thm/thmgrl/thmgrldvc/
http://www.pbteen.com/gift/thm/thmgrl/thmgrlblm/
http://www.pbteen.com/gift/thm/thmgrl/thmgrlmer/
http://www.pbteen.com/gift/thm/thmgrl/thmgrlzcb/
http://www.pbteen.com/gift/thm/thmgrl/thmgrlpre/
http://www.pbteen.com/gift/thm/thmgrl/thmgrlftl/
http://www.pbteen.com/gift/thm/thmgrl/thmgrlhen/
http://www.pbteen.com/gift/thm/thmgrl/thmgrlpas/

Good luck, hope this helped.

any ideas for a glamorous california theme teen bedroom?

Q. anyone has any ideas for a glamorous california theme teen bedroom give me any websites please that would help =]

A. http://teensthemes.com

Monday, February 25, 2013

What brand should I stick to when buying home appliances?

Q. So, I want to buy new home appliances for my new house but not sure which brands are most reliable. Currently I am thinking of buying a refrigerator, washing machine, microwave, and put range hoods on my kitchen. Some brands that I consider are Samsung, Fischer and Paykel, Electrolux, and BOSCH. Which of the best brands for common home appliances? Thanks

A. Well for a washer dryer set I recommend Maytag. In 44 years I have had 3 sets of Maytag and NO REPAIRS.

Dishwasher, I recommend KITCHEN AID In 35 years the Frigidaire lasted 6 years and two ;Kitchen aids have lasted at least 15 years each. I cannot remember when I got the current on. But I keep it really clean in the bottom so it still does a great job.

lI like Kenmore for a stove and the Microwave/ hood. By combining those two you do not take up counter space.

I think I have a Frigidaire refrigerator, but previously had a GE model that was still running after 28 years.

When I upgraded all of these appliances we dropped out electric bill $100.00 a month. We also changed to all fluorescent throughout the house. Our hot water heater is 35 years old and still works great. I know we could save more on the electric bill but it works so well, I hate to spend the money when it isn't necessary just now.

We also have a 5 ton heat pump by TRANE, at 9 years 11 month and one week out compressor went out
It was replaced for free the warrantee was for 10 years. ASTOUNDING DON'T YOU THINK.

What brand you recommend when it comes to home appliances?

Q. I need new home appliances for my home but not sure which brands are reliable. I am thinking of buying a small appliances, washing machine, and small microwave ovens. Some brands that I consider are Samsung, Kithcen Aid, GE, and BOSCH. Which of the best brands for home appliances?

A. Depends on prices and features: For entertainment I would stick with Samsung. I have Samsung microwave and Whirlpool everything else big, except dishwasher which is a GE brand - and I have to keep cleaning the filter on it which I have never had to do with other dishwashers.

Does Nevada require to install home appliances in a house to be rent?

Q. My friend is thinking to rent her house, and she said it will have no home appliances include fridge. I once heard before that Nevada requires installing certain appliances in a house. Do you know what kind of home appliances has to be equipped in a house for rent in Nevada?

A. There is no law but it would be really hard to rent a house without appliances.

Why does turning my outdoor lights on trips my circuit breaker ?

Q. I have 4 outdoor lights, 2 lanterns and 2 recessed lightings. The switch is part of 3 switches that controls indoor lights and sockets. Whenever I turn on the outdoor switch, it triggers the circuit breaker. The other 2 switches don't do this. The 2 lantern lights worked when checked individually. But I didn't check the recessed lights yet. What could be the problem?

A. The easiest way to figure it out is to try the process of elimination. The easiest to eliminate and the most likely source is one of the light fixtures. Remove one fixture at a time and recheck the circuit to see if it trips. If the circuit stops tripping, the problem is in the last fixture removed. If that doesn't help you find it, try reinstalling one of the fixtures and messing around with the switches. It's not uncommon for the 4-way switches to go bad. Like the other contributor said, never upsize a breaker without the recommendation of a licensed electrician. It goes without saying that if you're uncomfortable working around electricity, leave this one to the professionals. If the 120 volts doesn't kill you, the fire will.

How do I make my outdoor lights emit red without changing the bulb?

Q. In my film class, our professor mentioned some type of fiberglass gels that you use to change the color of the light. However, I don't think I heard him correctly and now someone wants to put it over their outdoor lights to make them red for the holidays. I'm pretty sure I have the correct material (the woven fiberglass) in mind, but I just want to make certain. if this is the incorrect material, what else can I use to put over my lights as a gel to make the light reds.

A. yeah ur right its the woven fiberglass
i also did this for the holidays

What is the best outdoor lighting systems in USA?

Q. What is the best outdoor lighting systems in USA?

A. The sun.

How do you make fleece bedding for a Guinea Pig?

Q. I've heard that fleece bedding is cheaper thank regular Guinea Pig bedding. How do you go about doing this? Do you put twoels underneath the fleece or something? Also we have several fleece blankets already at our home. Will thoes work?

A. The first response is extremely incorrect. The only way hay can be used as a bedding, is if it's changed daily. Hay molds very quickly.
Fleece is an excellent and inexpensive bedding.
For my fleece, I use fleece with an under bedding of matress pads.
This is an excellent article on fleece how-tos.
http://www.guineapigcages.com/forum/bedding/21568-fleece-project-study.html

How often should i clean the bedding of my snake?

Q. I have aspin bedding on the bottom and im getting him soon so how often should i clean it? Its a ball python btw and how would i bathe him or is it not required?

A. Ball pythons only need to eat once a week. The packaging on most bedding says to change it every 2 weeks, but I only change my once every month. The aspen bedding collects the snake's waste easily so you can just take the waste balls out. You should change it immediately; however, if you ever notice mold or anything that shouldn't. That is possible since you need to spray the bedding often with water to keep the humidity up.

What kind of bedding is good to use for my rabbit?

Q. I got a rabbit and we are moving him outside. I use care fresh bedding now but would like to change it to something more cheaper and better for outside. If you can please include specific details on how to use this bedding or where to get it from. All information is helpful.

A. I use to use straw with ASPEN bedding underneath which is dust free with no harmful chemicals like pine and cedar have. But now my bunny is inside so he has fleece :D But you can use fleece outside too if he is litter trained.

how can I make a window blind for a child's bedroom with my own vinyl sheet?

Q. I have a long vinyl advertisement poster that I want to use to make a blind to match the theme of my child's bedroom. I don't know how to construct it.

A. Try these websites:
http://www.hutchal.clara.net/curtains/blindindex.htm
http://www.alternative-windows.com/blindindex.htm
http://www.homes-furnishing.com/blinds/index.html
Good Luck

On Skyrim's Hearthfire DLC, can you make your child move home?

Q. I adopted a child on Skyrim but because it wouldn't let me adopt one at the home i built, i added a childs bedroom on to Breezehome. Now i want my child to move to my build house in Falkreath because i hate Breezehome. Is this possible? Thanks.

A. see the skyrim adoption guide:
http://www.rarityguide.com/articles/articles/3332/1/Skyrim-Hearthfire-Adoption-Guide-How-to-adopt-a-child/Page1.html

also the list of children you can adopt:
http://orcz.com/Skyrim_Hearthfire:_Adoptable_Children

why can't my female character in skyrim hearthfire build a house?

Q. when i started the game up this time the yarl said i could buy a childs bedroom, but i do not get the message to build a house as a female character. am i missing something ?

A. well.....im not exacttly sure but....i know its not because your a female and i hope you have a great time with heartfire when you get it to work i would suggest visting the jarl of....marthal maybe?

Can any one recommend a good home energy auditor for GTA ?

Q. Looking for a good home energy auditor for GTA. How do you determine whether one is better than the other ?
Does it matter or are they all the same ?
Was wondering whether anyone could recommend good ones.
Area : GTA -Canada

A. HERS Raters are trained in energy audits

CRESNET is the authority in Canada They have a list of HERS Raters

I would want one that has the following equipment.

Blower Door checks the leakage on your home

Duct Blaster checks the leakage of your ducting system.

IR Camera finds areas of heat loss, moisture, and missing insulation

I would want to know the fee over the phone

Where to find a home energy auditor?

Q. Trying to get a comprehensive home energy audit on my house. Google brings up a lot of home inspectors, are they the same thing or are they qualified to do that?

Any information would be great, thanks. I'm in Atlanta also.

A. I've got one coming to our house one of these upcoming days.
I found one close to me on www.energygroup123.com, maybe you can too, or at least get a referral.
Their audit is free too!

Oil hit over $90 per barrel. What are you doing to cut back or use less home heating energy/gasoline?

Q. Do you drive as often, as you drove prior to the oil increase, for vacations, work, recreation, etc...?

Is the utility company in your community helping, ignoring or hurting (increasing bills) the current home energy costs?

With the cost of per barrel of oil rising to $100 per barrel of oil and is expected to go past the $100 per barrel mark, do you have any thoughts/suggestions as how to cope with the high cost of energy needs.

A. people can get together and demand cheap solar electric cars, hybrid cars, (that car that makes water is a GM disaster)... we are making allot more ethanol . oil will always be needed for plastics.

plus we got plans for building alot more Nuclear plants.

Sunday, February 24, 2013

What are some decorateing ideas for teen bedrooms?

Q. Cool ideas for teen girls bedroom something funky, cool, and teenager like. Ages 14-16 years thanks

any ideas for a glamorous california theme teen bedroom?

Q. anyone has any ideas for a glamorous california theme teen bedroom give me any websites please that would help =]

A. http://teensthemes.com

How do you decorate a a teen girls bedroom?

Q. I was wondering if there are any good places to shop to get quality Items such as furniture such desks for studying, places to keep clothing, pillow cases, sheets, curtians, etc for a teen girls bedroom that don't cost an arm and a leg. If you have any online places to shop let me hear'em. I'm speifically looking for stylish/different pieces. Also if there is any book you known of that has suggestions on how to organize and decorate a space to it's best advantage let me known.

A. this cool site has everything
http://teensthemes.com