Saturday, April 13, 2013

Master bedroom furniture is traditional dark brown (new), what color can I paint walls?

Q. Bedroom furniture consits of King size bed, two night stands and nine draw dresser. Considering to have 50" TV over dresser, sitting area and include small kitchenette.

A. Hi!

Brown is a neutral color, so basically, you can paint any color under the rainbow with it... it all depends on what you like. There are a few things to remember though, and I have a few suggestions... Hope this helps:

To have complete color harmony in any room, you need to have 3 colors: 1 dominant color (usually the walls), 1 medium color (usually the trim, molding, ceiling, furniture, etc.) and 1 accent color (usually decorative accents such as cushions, vases, throws, etc.). You can use the same color as your funiture as you do on an accent wall or all the walls... it depends on lots of things like your lighting, but we'll get to that later.

In decorating, black and white are not considered colors. White is the absence of all color. That's why you can match it with any color under the rainbow. Black is the mixture of all colors. That's why it too, can be mixed with any color under the rainbow. It's not necessary to have any white in a room, but it is very important that you have at least one black item: a vase, a picture frame, a throw rug, a cushion, a curtain rod, a lamp, etc.... you get the idea). The black will ground ALL of your colors together. So don't forget to add something black in your room.

What color of brown is your furniture: Black-brown (as in very dark espresso coffee), dark chocolate brown, etc. Since you didn't say, here are some color schemes that work with different types of brown furniture. The way to use them is for the 1st color = dominant 2nd color = medium and 3rd color = accent. Of course, you can use them in any other way you like, thought the ones listed here are best together in just this way. (after, you'll get some links to some nice color inspiration).

Chocolate brown & Terra-cotta & Taupe
Chocolate brown & Metallic Gold & Neutral bisque
Chocolate brown & Delicate teal & Teal blue
Chocolate brown & Teal blue & Gernaium red
Chocolate brown & Brick red & Sky blue

Espresso brown & Soft Orange & Coffee with cream
Espresso brown & Aquamarine & Silver
Espresso brown & Blushing Pink & Silver
Espresso brown & Hot pink and Icy Silver
Espresso brown & Candy apple red & Graphite gray
Espresso brown & Cinnamon & Pale sky blue

Light purple & Teal Blue & Geranium red
Cream & Earthy green & Cinnamon
Gold & Copper & Brownish Taupe
Coral brown & Cream & Rich brown
Brilliant yellow & Lavender & Light brown
Orange & Burnt Orange & Brown
Gray brown & Red & Cream
Orange & Dark brown & Metallic gold
Golden yellow & Sky blue & Velvety brown
Aquamarine & Butterscotch gold & dark brown
Cinnamon & Dark brown & Sky blue

This part would have been easier if you would have given us the style of furniture you have, but the pics should help for color inspiration... I hope you enjoy this, because I certainly enjoyed doing the research for this. I LOVE doing this !!!! :)
http://www.spacify.com/linksimages/bedroom-sets.jpg
http://www.buzzle.com/img/articleImages/44923-30.jpg
http://www.color.interiordezine.com/images/green-feature-wall-color.jpg
http://www.greatpricedfurniture.com/images/website/products/51236543/1.jpg
http://themagazine.info/56/Pictures/Bonsetti/BenzThree.jpg
http://img.hgtv.com/HGTV/2007/07/30/dod1810-aft1-bedroom-after_w609.jpg
http://www.techline-cu.com/images/showroom2s.jpg
http://www.home-decorating-room-by-room.com/images/bedroom.jpg
http://bedzine.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2007/05/feng-shui.jpg
http://www.ladddesigninc.com/images/bed.jpg
http://www.pointclickhome.com/files/web/images/roomservice0907_01.jpg
http://www.designerfocus.com/mediac/400_0/media/master$20bedroom_concept$2002.jpg
http://www.thekirivillas.com/images/4bedroom.jpg

So... hope that was fun...

The best and most trusted way to find the color for any room, is to take an accessory or decorative item that will be going into that room: the duvet cover, the curtains, a painting, a rug, blinds, shutters, upholstered furniture, a lamp... you get the idea). Choose the item with passion. Make it something that you ABSOLUTELY LOVE, perhaps it was handed down by your great-grandmother or a cherished item you worked hard for. Or make it something that just SCREAMED out your name when you were shopping, so you knew you had to have it! Choose your color pattern from that item. And take it from there.

Keep in mind too, that color is an amazing thing! There's psychology behind color - it can make you have wonderful, relaxing dreams... or it can keep you from falling asleep, especially if you're already a wound-up 6 year old little boy! It can make you feel warm and comfortable, or hot and stifled. It can make you feel nice, fresh and cool - or it can make you feel like parts of you are going to freeze off. Color can be your friend or your enemy. And really, the earth can "shed some light" on us to help decide every color scheme. Here's how:
What direction does your room face - North, South, East or West? It makes a difference. If you've got the sun pounding down on your bedroom window, you'll want to stay away from warm colors, such as reds, yellows, oranges, etc. They'll make you feel too hot. Opt for cooler colors, such as blues, turquoise, cool creams... think mediterranean beach style here. In a room facing North, that doesn't get much light, you'll opt more for warmer colors and brighter colors: yellow, bright pinks, golden hues. Here's a most interesting link about how color affects us psychologicallly:

http://keelynet.com/biology/coloraff.htm

That's all I guess... Hope I helped you choose your color ;-)

You're always welcome to email and I'd enjoy knowing what color scheme you chose...!

How can I refinish my bedroom furniture?
Q. My bedroom furniture is worth about $5000, it came from my grandmas, it is all over 50 years old. It is called Hitchcock furniture. Tips or advice on all steps to refinish it? Help please!

A. If the furniture is solid wood, stained and varnished, you can strip the varnish off with paint stripper. Follow the directions on the can.

If the pieces are stained, the stain will remain. It is soaked into the wood. You can now apply a new coat of varnish, water base poly or tung oil (easiest).

If you do not like the stain color, you can paint the furniture. All poly or varnish should be removed. Prime first with a good quality primer. Get it tinted to 1/4 the color of the paint you plan on using if the paint is a dark color. Otherwise use the primer as is.

Then apply a couple of coats of the finish color.
Satin latex for low sheen.
semi-gloss latex for more sheen.

My opinion on old furniture. It if good quality, solid wood, I wood remove the varnish down to the stained wood. then rub on a couple coats of tung oil. Preserves the wood great, shows all the grain, easy to use, no mistakes.

If the furniture has some veneer on it, thin pieces of good wood, you will have to be careful with the refinishing as you could easily cause these thin pieces to lift or if sanded, sand too heavily and sand right thru them.

To paint, you really should remove the doors, hinges, etc to get a smoother job and buy a good quality brush too.
It really makes a difference in the finish looking good or cheap.
A 2" brush should coats $8-10. Home D or Lowes.

What furniture maker makes solid wood bedroom furniture?
Q. I'm looking for furniture makers/brands that make solid wood bedroom furniture without veneers, and preferably ones that use old-fashioned carpentry techniques like dovetails, mortise and tendon, etc... Also, on another note, is Broyhill a good furniture company? My sister is looking into getting the Fontana collection for her room and I wanted to check that out for her. I'm still trying to see if I can find solid hardwood furniture before I give up and go with something else that uses veneers. Thanks.

A. A-America has really nice solid wood furniture. We just bought a bedroom set made from New Zealand Pine....it is very nice and reasonable. www.a-america.com




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What local building materials are available in Haiti?

Q. What building materials are readily available to construct housing in post-quake Haiti? Is their concrete production local or imported? Do they have wood available and if so what kind (hardwood, softwood, timber)? Also are earth-made dwellings common in vernacular architecture?

I'm doing a school design project on this topic and I'd like to her from preferably a first hand source who has been there and had a chance to see for themselves what the situation is like.

A. I was there in July 2010. They haven't really started re-constructing any buildings that were damaged in the earthquake. Most of the buildings in Port-au-Prince were made out of concrete blocks but they are mostly demolished now.
At the church I was working with, they had hired a group of guys to build a wall around the property. The guys mixed their own cement and molded the blocks with it. So they do build with locally made concrete blocks.
The people who have been relocated after the earthquake are mostly living in designated "tent cities", in houses made from tin sheets, cardboard, and tarps if they can get one.
Samaritan's Purse also are providing houses for some villages. They are very simple and small- pretty much a wood frame with some tarps stretched across it.

tent city- http://www.flickr.com/photos/59993791@N08/5474414499/
port-au-prince after earthquake- http://www.flickr.com/photos/59993791@N08/5475010422/
samaritans purse village- http://www.flickr.com/photos/59993791@N08/5475010384/

Have home building material prices decreased since the home building boom went bust?
Q. few years ago I had an estimate done for a home addition. They claimed back then prices were high because the housing boom in the Southeast and Southwest was pushing up the prices of building materials. Given that the boom has gone bust, anyone know if the price of construction materials has eased?

A. Some building materials have in fact increased in price. It's a case of supply and demand. In the UK there are the effects from the high demand from Europe and the rest of the world.
Ja.

How can I find out what company supplied the cement and building materials for a state construction project?
Q. If anyone knows about the building materials used in Boston's Big Dig... that would be helpful. I am very interested in the cement...not the bolts holding up ceiling.

A. There are hundreds, perhaps thousands, of separate contracts for the project known collectively as "the big dig". "Aggregate Industries" supplied much of the concrete, but virtually every plant in the New England area supplied at least some of the mix used on the project. Many construction contracts included both construction and materials, so the concrete supplier did not submit a separate bid, but was priced in with the contractor's bid.

The custodian of records at the Massachusetts Turnpike Authority has a list of all bid opportunities and all bidders selected. The material is public record.

Massachusetts Turnpike Authority
State Transportation Building
10 Park Plaza
Suite 4160
Boston Massachusetts 02116
617-248-2800




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What are the most active and respected web discussion forums/groups for interior design and decoration issues?

Q. I'm trying to find which interior design web forums (on Yahoo or elsewhere on the web) are popular and generally seen by professional designers and decorators and enthusiasts in the field as the primary forums for such discussions (on decoration, paint, fabrics, furniture, lighting, accessories etc.)
They could be in english or multilingual.

A. Go to Affordable Website Design Info website which is: http://affordablewebsitedesigninfo.com/

or go to www.graphicday.com

go to these websites and ask your question!

What fuse is the fuse for the Cigarette lighter and Accessory power outlet on a 2006 Suburban.?
Q. What fuse is the fuse for the Cigarette lighter and Accessory power outlet on a 2006 Suburban and where is the fuse located on the fuse block?

A. IT SHOULD SHOW YOU IN THE OWNERS MANUAL.

Will a 6 volt bulb work in a 12 volt socket if the power source is 6 volt?
Q. My old collector car has a 6 volt system, but most new lighting accessories (like a license plate lamp) are listed as 12 volt. Can I use a 6 volt bulb in the new 12 volt socket as long as the power source is 6 volt? 6 volt bulbs are still available in various configurations. Are any modifications to the accessory necessary to insure the 6 volt bulb works?

A. No problem as long as the VOLTAGE is only 6 volts. Good luck.




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What will get toothpaste stains off of countertops?

Q. There are toothpaste stains on the bathroom countertops of the house we are renovating. I think they have been there 3 years. They are white and look ugly! The countertop is mauve and they show up very well. They are not marble. Help! Or do I have to replace them?

A. TRY NAIL POLISH REMOVER, SEEMS TO TAKE EVERY STAIN OFF OR BLEACH OR OXYCLEAN

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! :)




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Americans, what would be the best gun for home protection?

Q. I'm from the United Kingdom and I am looking to move to the USA in April, I have always wanted to purchase a gun but they don't give us that right back here. So my question is, what gun would you say would be effective for home safety? And also what gun do you use?

A. For home defense I would recommend a Remington 870 pump shotgun 12 GA or 20 GA if the recoil from the 12 is to much.

If you want a handgun, depends on you price and what is comfortable to you.

For beginners I recommend you practice with a. 22 and move up to the 9mm.

For home defense/ carry with a handgun the 9mm and .45 ACP are good.

Since I'm 19 I still got another year and a half before I can get a CCW and handgun. But there are many great choices these are popular brands:
Colt
S&W
Ruger
Glock
CZ
Beretta
H&K

In America you can go to a shooting range and rent a few guns to shoot and see what you like.

Normally I would say the larger .45 ACP for home defense but given your lack of experience a 9mm hollow point would be best. The Glock 17 and 19 are good aswell as the CZ 75 sp-01 and Beretta 92. If you decide to go with the .45 ACP try a Glock 21 or 1911. For a revolver a S&W chambered in .357 Magnum is good also. You should try each to see what fits you best.

Here's a link to S&W website:
http://www.smith-wesson.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/Category4_750001_750051_757767_-1_757751_757751_image

What is your favorite weapon of choice for securing your home? I'm about to make a purchase.?
Q. I'm about to purchase a Mossberg 500 Tactical Persuader and a Glock 21 .45 or M&P45. Let me know if there are any better selections for personal and home safety.

A. Moss 500 is excellent with either pistol grip only or fold out stock. Glock in .40 S&W is tops. a S&W M&P .45 is a good choice too.

However, I personally prefer a standard Gov't 1911A1 and for a long arm, nothing makes them think twice like racking back an L1A1.

What kind of gun is not lethal but can stun/immobilise a victim? (specifically i'm thinking of home security)
Q. It is specifically meant for personal and home safety. Should not be lethal - hence free from hassles of licensing but have power to stun or immobilise victims; it should be simple and cost-effective enough to make, preferably on our own; it may use chemicals, minor explosives or electronic devices etc but should not be dangerous to keep it; also handy enough to carry around
It should have a reach of at least 30 meters.

A. The very first thing that you need to think about is your safety and the safety of the others in the house that you live in. That also includes any small children that may get a hold of such a thing.Then why non-lethal? Because you would rather not kill a person, if that is your view I completely respect that, or is it the permit issue? Tazers and other non lethal devices can kill or seriously injure a child as easy as a gun. You will need to think about where to store it, how easy it will be for you to get to it, and how effective it will be. They make guns that shoot rubber bullets, or nets that are very effective, but they cost a lot. The cheapest and most reliable device you could use is a 12 gage shotgun. Typically there is no permit issues because they are primarily used for hunting. You can get them with shorter stocks and barrels so they are easier to maneuver in your home. Remember what ever is dangerous to intruders is dangerous to you. If this device is not strong enough to keep them under control until help comes then you only have an angry, injured, criminal which is not a good thing to have in your house.




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What essential accessories should an student photographer have?

Q. What filters should I have, or lighting accessories, I'm more the outdoors type so I don't need a lot for studio shooting.

A. You should get a gray card. It is about 8x10 inches and costs under $10. It should actually be required. And I agree that a reflector and a diffuser are indispensible when you need one. These are all great for an outdoor photographer. The gray card will help to get proper exposure readings from your meter. The reflector and diffuser are used to control the sunlight to get better natural light without harsh shadows or splotches of light and shadows. Do a good search before buying a diffuser or reflector. B&H and adorama are good places to buy one.

And a good tripod is definitely nice to have. You can get a good quality Manfrotto for as little as $60:

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/search?ci=2635&N=4291756644+4291348219+42&Ns=p_PRICE_2%7C0

Few beginning classes are going to go over flash much if at all so you may not even learn how to use it if you buy one. I would wait on that unless your instructor can help you learn to use it. A better idea is to get a diffuser for the built-in flash on the camera just in case you need it for fill flash.

Where can I get the Batman Batarangs and Safety Light Accessories?
Q. I am searching the best quality Batman Batarangs and Safety Light Accessories for buy.

A. As neighborhood drama teachers began patronizing the Fun House, the stores reputation grew. With each year came new and strange requests (the stranger the better!) Halloween products now consist of costumes, masks, boxed costume sets, accessories, makeup, wigs, prosthetics, theatrical costumes and other specialty designed products. Rubies also manufactures a wide array of Carnival, Christmas and toy merchandise. Their catalog consists of so many products that it will take us a very long time to get all of them up on our website. If you are looking for something specific, drop us an email. We might be able to get it for you.

http://www.nothingbutcostumes.com/batman-batarangs-and-safety-light-accessories-p-15193.html

How do I install LED lights into my new car?
Q. I recently got a package deal on LED Neon lighting accessories for my 2001 Chrystler 300M. I dont have much running through the car, I've never had any power problems at all. My question... if I were to install everything that came in my package (White Underbody Neon, White Interior Under Dash Neon, New Blue Halogen Lights, and White Blinker Arrows that attach to the Side-View mirrors) do you think it would put a drain on my battery? I know lighting doesnt take too much to run, but is that pushing it a little too much?

A. No. You should be fine.

I have no idea why you'd want to mess up your underbody or under dash with neon lights, but you'd have to install much much much more than just lighting to put enough drain on your altenator to keep it from charging your battery.

Also remember that LED lights draw much less current than regular incandescent lighting.

Install your lighting and enjoy your new found artificial daylight.

Hope this info helps.




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Friday, April 12, 2013

What is the best place to start a wood flooring business?

Q. I had success running a wood flooring biz in Colorado, but I moved to San Diego and I'm finding that th pay vs cost of living arent too good here, plus alot of work is taken by immigrants. I dont want to mov back to Colorado so I'm looking for a city I could have the same success. Thanks

A. Excellent question. My sand and finish guy moved from Nebraska to Central Florida when Central Florida was having a housing boom....now that times are tight, he's looking at moving to Texas. He quickly found out the cost of living there is not great, plus...he has to start over from stratch. Personally, I think he's going to have the same problem there.

I fully appreciate what you're experiencing, fighting the substandard labor market. The problem is, when times get tight - new home builders start looking for ways to cut costs, and that usually means quality goes as well. Focus on retrofits....people with wood floors who need them redone. Make sure you visqueen off any areas not getting redone. Make sure you put plastic over the kitchen cabinets. Make sure your equipment is in perfect working order. Make sure you have sanding equipment with a vacuum attached, and then after you're done....vacuum with a heavy duty vacuum again. Make sure when you say you're going to be there Tuesday the 6th at 9:00am...You are there the Tuesday the 6th of the month you discussed at 9:00am...not 9:30 - not 4...but 8:45am to 9am. You and your crew should have matching shirts, khakis(they do sell them at WalMart), no visable tats, piercings, a sign on the van, and look like you can walk into a 5 million dollar home or a $5,000 home, with no issues whatsoever.

In this day and time of things getting tighter...NOTHING is going to go as far as customer service. Setting yourself as better than the rest. And word of mouth, is the most powerful advertising form. If you cost a bit more...make sure you have a reason why, and be able to back it up. This is not a quick solution, but one that takes time and patience. We've all had to take a second job to support our passion, but quality in workmanship, with the right clientele will always win out....you might have to do a job or two for "the fun"....and tell them....I'm doing this at a reduced rate - to prove what I can do. Of course, you'll always have your tight wads, who don't care if their floor has swirls, and bubbles - but most people want their friends to come in and say...Wow...who did your floors! NOT ....ummmm..so who did your floors?

So, while that didn't answer your question as to geography...if you're happy in the area....work your butt off....call on commercial companies as well, don't forget - to keep up with your education on every product.

Good Luck!

Can laminate wood flooring in two adjoining rooms be mismatched?
Q. We are moving into our first home and we are replacing the carpet in the living room with laminate wood flooring. The floor in the dining room is already laminate wood and joins up with the living room floor. We are trying to pick out new floors and are wondering if we can get a different color wood floor for the living room or if we need to match it perfectly with the dining room. Would mismatching the wood look tacky?? Calling all interior designers! I need your help!

A. What you are asking is a question of personal taste. I (being a wood lover) think it's kinda cool to bounce to contrasting wood off one another, But thats just me.

What wood flooring should I use for my table tennis room?
Q. What wood flooring should I use for my table tennis room? Some recommended floating interlocking laminate flooring with good underlays is good but I don't know what the hell are they talking about. I was wondering if some could suggest and explain some wood that can be used to play Table Tennis. To help Table Tennis requires good shock absorption and cushion from underlays. Those expert wood people out there please help.

A. Vinyl floor tiles are probably the best choice for your play room. These tiles are easy to install and are extremely durable




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Website for bedroom and bathroom designs?

Q. I want to look online at websites that have pictures of teen bedrooms and bathroom designs. I'm a sixteen year old girl and im sick of looking online at pbteen or just plain google images. If you have any websites that would help then please suggest..
Thanks! :)

A. Try http://www.interior-decorating-diva.com/the_bedroom.html

For architectures and interior Designers, What kind of floor is this?
Q. http://www.google.com.ph/imgres?imgurl=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.digsdigs.com%2Fphotos%2Fstone-bathroom-design-ideas-006.jpg&imgrefurl=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.digsdigs.com%2F35-amazing-raw-stone-bathroom-design-ideas%2F&docid=P9OqdYFbpzOyzM&tbnid=3Wpl8vB8PeF0BM&w=352&h=530&ei=YYdWUZjvBcz-rAeG7YCwBw&ved=0CAgQxiAwBg&iact=ricl


The white one.

A. the white one with rocks around the baths or the white one with the circular shower?
I'm not an architect or interior designer but to me the one with rocks looks like sandstone bathroom tiles (I'm in australia and we have a lot of sandstone, including my back covered patio which is paved with it)
The white one with circular shower looks like white quartz.
I could be wrong but check google images. This link is for the sandstone bathroom tiles

https://www.google.com.au/search?q=sandstone+bathroom+tile&oe=utf-8&aq=t&rls=org.mozilla:en-GB:official&client=firefox-a&um=1&ie=UTF-8&hl=en&tbm=isch&source=og&sa=N&tab=wi&ei=muNZUc6dMuGjigfYhYFI&biw=1525&bih=666&sei=n-NZUcqoLYi6iAed24DwBw

And this one is for the white quartz bathroom tiles
https://www.google.com.au/search?q=white+quartz+bathroom+tile&oe=utf-8&aq=t&rls=org.mozilla:en-GB:official&client=firefox-a&um=1&ie=UTF-8&hl=en&tbm=isch&source=og&sa=N&tab=wi&ei=P-RZUf-1E8iUiAfDoYGoDQ&biw=1525&bih=666&sei=RORZUYSBA7GyiQfQ9IDQDQ

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.




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How do you keep your home smelling good?

Q. I am always going into homes where everything smells so fresh and even sweet, what do you use to keep your home and linen smelling so good and long lasting?

A. Dryer sheets, lysol, and carpet powder are your best friends. Potpourri and candles do good to mask the smell, but that's not what you want. It's artificial. It's nice for a scent, but it's not a clean smell, really.

After cleaning, sprinkle some scented carpet powder on the floor and let it set for a couple of minutes, then vacuum it up. The scent remaining is very faint and fresh. Put a dryer sheet between your linen to keep them fresh smelling. You can also stick a bar of soap or dryer sheet in your closets to keep them fresh smelling. You can even rub a dryer sheet over your furniture (test it first) to give a nice scent AND reduce any static cling. Dryer sheets also clean and de-static-ify (LOL) tv and computer screens. AAAANNNDDD you can put a dryer sheet wedged or taped into an air conditioning vent in every room to spread the fresh scent around. No one will even know it's there.

What is the best vaccum or comercial vac for big home?
Q. I have a 3500sqft. home. We need a new vaccum the one we have is not doing it. We have a Hoover windtunnel. It does not perform well even when maintained. I have had a dyson in past and don't like the suction on that either. I would love a commercial vac with the best suction. Please help I have shaft carpet, hardwood, tile and stairs.

A. Print this articleDyson DC14 All-Floors Cyclone Upright
The Dyson DC14 All-Floors Cyclone Upright Vacuum Cleaner is designed for use on all surfaces. It features a motorized brush bar that when activated removes dirt and pet hair from carpets. This function can be switched off to protect fine rugs or delicate flooring surfaces. The vacuum cleaner uses Dyson's Root Cyclone technology to ensure that there is no loss of suction. The Cyclone has a long telescopic wand to clean areas that are hard to reach. Dyson upright vacuums are certified asthma friendly by the Asthma and Allergy Foundation.

Electrolux EL 7020B Oxy3 Ultra Canister
The Electrolux EL 7020B Oxy3 Ultra Canister Vacuum cleans traditional carpeted, hardwood and laminate flooring. The vacuum cleaner features a Beta power head option that increases power on carpets. The Optimal light informs the user about the performance level of the Oxy3 Canister. Electrolux guarantees that the Oxy3 captures 99.97 percent of the dust, allergens and small particles in a home. A simple cord rewind function at the touch of a button is a user-friendly addition.



produtools.comHoover 5507-900 Elite Rewind Upright Bagless
The Hoover 5507-900 Elite Rewind Upright Bagless vacuum cleaner is powered by a 12-amp motor. A lifetime HEPA filter is included, and a light indicates when it requires cleaning. The vacuum cleaner covers all surfaces and cleans wide strips. The vacuum features a headlight and furniture guard. Each Hoover vacuum includes a pet-hair removal tool, a dusting brush and an upholstery tool.

Kenmore Progressive 36932 Upright
The Kenmore Progressive 36932 Upright Vacuum Cleaner is bagless and designed to clean many surfaces, such as carpets, bare floors and rugs. The vacuum cleaner features a rotating brush roll that moves the vacuum across the floor. It also works well with tools, which are necessary when cleaning stairs, drapes and upholstery. Another feature is the Inteli-Clean lights, which change color to indicate when an area is completely clean.

Best furniture for a studio apartment with no closets?
Q. We're moving from a house with walk-in closets to a studio (one room) apartment while our home is finished. My hubby & I both have a TON of clothes. Any good ideas on make-shift closets?
Thanks for the info. Do you know how much they cost and are they durable? We will prob be here for about 6 months.

A. If you have a moving company like Eastern van lines, American----------or, even a U-haul company near by, they have boxes that have a side that opens with a metal bar that goes across the top of it. I can't explain them, but, they're called, wardrobe moving boxes. Since this is temporary for you, why buy furniture? You can fit quite alot of clothes in one of them. Just set it against a wall in your apartment. I had them for a state to state move and now even use them in an attic for seasonal clothes storage.




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Exploring Options for uising a General Contractor for a kitchen remodel?

Q. We are considering a kitchen remodel. We've hired a general contractor and a kitchen designer for the DESIGN PHASE (a seperate agreement will be presented for the BUILD PHASE). We would like to explore other paths in lieu of hiring a GC.

We are interested in hearing from homeowners who have done kitchen remodels as to the options they pursued? How many served as their own GC's? How did that go? How many worked with the local home center for cabinets, floors, etc and left the structural stuff to someone else? How did that work? We're not interested in being our own GC, but there has got to be a less expensive way! We're making quality decisions and downgrading OUR choices for OUR kitchen just to pay the GC's fee and overhead costs. For example, we did all the work to select over $10K worth of appliances (which will be delivered and installed) and the GC will stand to earn quite a bit for what appears little work (enough for another appliance). Are there any other options?

A. best thing is go to places research your materials price them out & compair prices through differant places to save money, then go home measure then measure again! sometimes sandpaper, new paint & hardwear, with some ellbow grease goes a long way man save alot of money to then you can buy new appliances lol to go with new look!

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...




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What are some ideas for redoing a teen girls bedroom?

Q. I want to redo my bedroom and i love the color blue. I can't find the color blue paint i want though.. Where is the best place to get bright blue paint. I was thinking of having a black and white bed spread. Have any other ideas? please help. I also wanted to add sparkles to the paint as well. Here are some pictures with the color blues i like. Please help.

http://www.google.com/imgres?imgurl=http://hgtv.sndimg.com/HGTV/2010/05/14/HSTAR5_Hampton-blue-black-white-bedroom_s4x3_lg.jpg&imgrefurl=http://www.hgtv.com/decorating/colorful-teen-bedrooms/pictures/page-5.html&usg=__-a_wP5s5BLzi1ujPMpUwZKITM9s=&h=462&w=616&sz=68&hl=en&start=46&zoom=1&tbnid=Qimb8EGHKWiwNM:&tbnh=136&tbnw=199&ei=Euz7TYG0NoqftweE7py8Dg&prev=/search%3Fq%3Dblack%2Band%2Bwhite%2Bteen%2Bbed%2Brooms%26um%3D1%26hl%3Den%26biw%3D1041%26bih%3D469%26tbm%3Disch&um=1&itbs=1&iact=hc&vpx=563&vpy=139&dur=1575&hovh=194&hovw=259&tx=150&ty=137&page=6&ndsp=9&ved=1t:429,r:2,s:46&biw=1041&bih=469


http://www.home-designing.com/2009/03/teen-room-design-set-6-random


Please add pictures if possible:)

A. Movie theme pillows, bedsheets and table cloths.

where can i go to look for new cute teen bedrooms?
Q. I get really bored sometimes and i LOVE looking at teen bedrooms. So if you could give me a website i would love that!

A. well, i got a room ''makeover''!
walmart and target r gud places to look and some ideas can based off of youtube.
walmart has good comforters and target has good accesories.
hoped we all helped:)

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!




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What should I use my gift cards on?

Q. I have a good amount of gift cards from a well known home furnishing store. My plastic containers fall out at me from the cabinets, as do my pots and pans. We have a small condo. I'd also like a metal trash can (which are expensive) or a nice toilet brush set. I love vacuum cleaners, but already have a Dyson and Hoover (so I think I don't need another?). We are expecting a baby next month too. What are some good items to get?
Does anyone have an ideas on what to use them for as far as decorating or remodeling the interior goes?
Bed Bath and Beyond doesn't have all those things. Their sister store might, but its too far.

A. Baby crib, mattress, blankets, clothes, bottles, formula, bottle sterilizer, potty, diapers, stroller, car seat....they do cost a lot, don't they.

Define Home Furnishing?
Q. How can you define "Home Furnishing"? Most internet dictionaries redirect this to furnishing and I can't find any definitions for it..thanks.

A. My opinion is anything that goes inside the home. This includes carpets, furniture and wall decor.

Can I claim my grandmother who is 70 year old and lives in a nursing home as a dependent?
Q. My grandmother is 70 and lives in a nursing home, I furnish all of the support for her, I paid over $12,000 for the nursing home, bought her a wheelchair, paid for her doctor's fees. Can I claim her as a dependent and deduct those expenses?

A. Yes. Provided, as it is very likely, that she ...

1) does not earn more than $3,650 gross income. In this case, if only social security, that does not count as gross income.

2) Including all her income, such as pensions and social security, you still provide over 50% support. As you say, you furnish all support.

You can deduct medical expenses on your tax return for a dependent, but not the entire cost of the nursing home. Ask them for a breakdown of the expenses, the room and board portion will not count. The other expenses, wheelchair, doctor fees, medications, etc. do count.




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Thursday, April 11, 2013

How can i make a good exterior paint myself?

Q. i live in australia and paint here is very expensive compared to back home in america. I have alot of exterior painting to do some on stucco and some on metal. I know that some people know how to make paints them selves and i would like to find a recipe for paint please

A. with the word good you can't.

Can exterior paint be used to paint an interior room?
Q. I was wondering if I could use exterior paint to paint my son's bedroom? I want something that will be very durable. If I can't use exterior paint to paint his room then I would like to know why I can't and a suggestion for something else that can hold up to being in a child's bedroom. Thanks!

A. exterior paint is a bad idea. it is very durable for outside, but stays much softer than interior paint, so that it will give/flex with the expansion/contraction of your exterior siding. also, it will smell much worse when applied. the epoxy idea that someone suggested is really stupid. you cant put epoxy over regular paint, it will lift/melt the latex paint that is on the walls. bad bad bad idea!!!
my solution:
first: quality if key to a good paint job
use benjamin moore paint, it is very good. i would suggest either an eggshell finish, which is more durable than a flat. as an alternative, the best, most durable, washable paint you can buy is a product called Regal Matte finish. it is a scrubbable flat finish that will be more durable than any other paint on teh market. it is expensive, but VERY good. you can get the regal matte finish at your local benjamin moore retailer. find one at http://www.benjaminmoore.com

What if I use exterior paint on the interior?
Q. I have some leftover exterior paint and I'm thinking of painting the inside of my garage with it. Is it okay to do that? Please explain.

A. It's okay to use exterior paint on the interior, but not vice versa. Exterior paint is more weather- and wear-resistant. Won't hurt a thing to use it indoors.




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how do i properly reset my bathroom plug in?

Q. my bathroom electricity plug ins are not working along with one wall in my room.
the reset buttons do not work i guess because i have unplugged everything and reset it!

A. Have you checked the breaker? If you don't know anything about electricity, don't fool around with it in a bathroom. All the pipes are grounded. Get someone who has done this before.

How do you keep your bathroom walls from getting moldy?
Q. Our bathroom was redone fairly recently (within the last 5 years) and the ceiling and tops of the walls are spotted with mold! Ewww! I don't recall that happening before, at least not to this degree. How can I get rid of it? And how can I prevent it? Is there a certain paint or a certain type of drywall that prevents this sort of thing from happening?
And also, how can I get rid of the mold that's already there?

A. Bleach will remove it and deter it coming back. Next time you repaint use a special bathroom paint. If possible install an extractor fan and ventilate, ventilate, ventilate.

How do you keep your bathroom clean?
Q. My Bathroom is a disaster how do u keep it clean and tdy. And how do u give it a scrubbin .

A. After we are finished getting ready in the morning i wipe the counters and sinks down with one of those clorox wipes every morning. When i clean my bathroom i take the rugs out and wash them in the wash machine, i bleach my toilet,sinks and tub. i also dust off the shelves,baseboards and top of the toilet. i then vaccuum the floors really good before washing them on my hands and knees.




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Where can I get the Batman Batarangs and Safety Light Accessories?

Q. I am searching the best quality Batman Batarangs and Safety Light Accessories for buy.

A. As neighborhood drama teachers began patronizing the Fun House, the stores reputation grew. With each year came new and strange requests (the stranger the better!) Halloween products now consist of costumes, masks, boxed costume sets, accessories, makeup, wigs, prosthetics, theatrical costumes and other specialty designed products. Rubies also manufactures a wide array of Carnival, Christmas and toy merchandise. Their catalog consists of so many products that it will take us a very long time to get all of them up on our website. If you are looking for something specific, drop us an email. We might be able to get it for you.

http://www.nothingbutcostumes.com/batman-batarangs-and-safety-light-accessories-p-15193.html

How do I install LED lights into my new car?
Q. I recently got a package deal on LED Neon lighting accessories for my 2001 Chrystler 300M. I dont have much running through the car, I've never had any power problems at all. My question... if I were to install everything that came in my package (White Underbody Neon, White Interior Under Dash Neon, New Blue Halogen Lights, and White Blinker Arrows that attach to the Side-View mirrors) do you think it would put a drain on my battery? I know lighting doesnt take too much to run, but is that pushing it a little too much?

A. No. You should be fine.

I have no idea why you'd want to mess up your underbody or under dash with neon lights, but you'd have to install much much much more than just lighting to put enough drain on your altenator to keep it from charging your battery.

Also remember that LED lights draw much less current than regular incandescent lighting.

Install your lighting and enjoy your new found artificial daylight.

Hope this info helps.

Is it legal to add light accessories to a motorcycle (or driver) in the chicago area illinois?
Q. I'd like to add some lights to my bike, jacket, and backpack, to make myself more visible at night, but I can't find the local (chicago area, and northern suburbs) laws regarding light accessories. Anyone know the ruling on this?

Like this: http://www.instructables.com/id/how-to-add-EL-wire-to-a-coat-or-other-garment/

A. As long as they are not flashing or red or blue, you should be ok.




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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.

How to find out a Quality Bathroom Remodeling?
Q. How to find out a Quality Bathroom Remodeling?

A. contact bath fitters they are quick, fast and approachable.




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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.

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.

Visit this website, this may help you
http://buildyourownhomeenergy.blogspot.com/




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What does it mean when the security light comes on, in a 1995 buick lesabre? is the car safe to drive?

Q. The security light came on when I started the car, and stayed on. The car did not seem to have any problems. How safe is it to drive the car? How do I get the light to go off?

A. only light that is coming on,more than one,low charging system that light should be on too,if not turn the key over three times ,on,off no start,since it is still running fine for you if that does not work,have your remoteless key checked for free at a lot of places

Why is the security light on my Camaro coming on all of the sudden?
Q. I've had a '97 Camaro for a few months and all of the sudden the security light is coming on when I try to start it disabling the starter. I've been using the same key the whole time. I have had no problems with this car until now. I have to wait 3 minutes and then it will start. The key is in good shape. Not dirty or wet. Is there an underlying issue I should check out? Thanks.

A. Do NOT replace the ignition by yourself! My car's ignition was replaced by the dealer (not a Chevy dealer, just a used car lot) and now my light will NEVER go off. Take it to a Chevy dealer and they CAN help you. If it is the ignition then they will be able to fix it, but if you replace the ignition yourself then you risk having that light on forever because the ignition was not programmed into the car's security system. The guy I got my car from said they didn't have a key for my car and that is why they replaced the ignition but if he would have actually read the owner's manual it says that if you take it to a dealer they can make a new key that is made specifically for that ignition. I don't know what could be wrong with it, but if you have the funds to do so, I would take it to a Chevy dealer.

How to get past a security light?
Q. I'm sneaking out tonight, and we have security lights in our yard. How do you get past them without making them turn on?

A. best way is to go to your circuit breaker in the garage and find the breaker for the security lights/that side of the house. turn it off. then wala, problem solved.
another way would be to remove the sensor on the lights
remove the light bulbs
avoid the lights/sensor
tape the sensor up (during the day or something)
or as someone else said, avoid emitting Infra red radiation

actually, I think the way you COULD do this seriously, is the following:

find/buy one of those "space blankets". (reflective blankets meant to keep you warm by keeping in all IR heat) you can buy em at walmart and camping store as well as the kennedy space center if your interested haha.

then, cover yourself in it COMPLETELY shielding yourself form the camera, and go for it, walk, dont run, past the sensor, and you may be able to sneak past it because the blanket will hide your IR radiation from view of the sensor.
I haven't tried it, but I think it might work, seeing as how the blankets ar meant to keep IR radiation in. so they wont let it out and will act like a sort of camo from the sensor.
btw, the blankets go for like a max of 20 bucks.

*edit*
The walking slow thing, may work a bit, but you must understand how this stuff works to understand that it wont work well. maybe at all. the security light sensor is looking for a "change" in the IR temperature it is sensing. so if you move really slow, it might not detect a change. but then again, it might. its not worth trying. US a highly reflective material like a space blanket or shiny shiny aluminum.




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Wednesday, April 10, 2013

Is a cheap home security system really sufficient to prevent a burglary at my apartment?

Q. I don't want NO monitoring fees, AND NO Install fees. I want a DIY alarm, but I don't want the lowes or walmart or home depot home security system. I just want a cheap home security system. Are they really effective?

A. It is said that we get what we pay for. Does this mean that when you buy a cheap home security system, you donât get the right protection you need? And on the same token, does a really high dollar home security system assure you that your home or apartment is already immune to burglary? While the expensive home security systems are nice, let us not disregard common sense when picking out a home security system. Remember, there is just no such thing as total security so no matter how much cash you spend for electronic security devices, the risk is still going to be there. What you should do is to carefully select the security devices you actually need and get the best out of your budget. Several factors should go into your consideration with one main benefit is the DIY factor. You want at the least a DIY home security system that is easy to install. The rest of the story is in the source below.

How to choose home security cameras?
Q. I live in a town that many burglaries have happened lately. I would like to install home security cameras in my house. Does any of you know where I can find some information about this issue?
I'd appreciate any help.
Thank you.

A. Hi,

I had the same problem in my area and was looking for some information about home security cameras. I found a great website which gives tons of information about various types of home security cameras and helped me a lot to buy what I was really needed. The website is http://homesecuritycamerasinfo.com/. This website will give you all the information you need and will help you to find the home security system that you need.

What home security system should we get?
Q. My wife and I are thinking about getting a home security system. We live in the Los Angeles area. Any thoughts or suggestions?

A. This is a pretty general question and is really influenced by what your looking for. Security systems range from the ghetto ones you install yourself that just make noise, to really high tech equipment. Most people tend to settle for a home security system that is sold by a dealer that is installed by a trained technician, and is actively monitored by a company and can link up with the police. I'm not sure which dealers would be selling around there if any, but a little research should be able to tell you that much. After that it's just a matter of finding out how much you want to pay, because the standard monthly monitoring rate varies from about $35 to $49.99. Typically two-way systems which communicate trough the landline are cheapest, while cell primary systems which communicate through a cell unit attached to the system cost more. Don't get fooled into paying any activation fee's though, and fight to get at least 6 points of equipment. Motion sensors, glassbreak sensors, and smokes are worth 2 each, while door/window sensors, and keyfobs are worth 1. That way the sales rep won't be ripping you off. Just be sure to READ the contract they'll make you sign, because they won't tell you the whole truth.




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How do I get home improvement reviews?

Q. I am helping http://www.showroom411.com launch their new site and they need product reviews. What is the best place to find people interested in Home Improvement?

A. Every women is passionate about their house and definitely go for home improvement reviews.
I have gone through your website. I saw affiliate ads, rather than becoming an affiliate i suggest you to introduce contextual ads in your web.
You can either get codes from google that help you to get your company listed in most frequent searches.

Federal Home Improvement Grants, how do they work, how do you apply?
Q. I see advertisements for federal grants that do not have to be paid back that are for everything from small business funding to home improvements. I was wondering if anyone has ever received a grant for home improvement and how you apply and/or qualify to receive one. Basically, how do I get one to do home improvements and renovations??

A. Most of the home improvement grants are for renovating property in low income areas, and you have to use the property for section 8 rentals, not your own home. google search it, I found the site that way. There are grants for everything you can think of. It's a .gov website. Don't subscribe to any service that wants to charge money for finding grants for you, those svcs. are just a scam. Anyone can research and apply. I spent two days scrolling through all of the grant information just to find out that I didn't qualify for anything. Some of them are pretty funny, I saw one grant for immigrants from Africa to study ancestrial drumming. The comedian David Letterman has set up a grant for " mediocre students with little ambition". The only grant I was eligible for was down payment assistance for first time homebuyers, the application process was so long I closed on the house and moved in before I heard anything.

When doing taxes can you deduct home improvement expenses every year or only the year you sell?
Q. I was told that you could deduct home improvement expenses until the year you sold your house. Is this true?

A. Home improvement costs generally increase your adjusted basis to your house and not deductible during current year. If you took a loan to pay for these improvements, the interests you paid are deductible. Also, if your home improvement is only repainting the house, it is not considered home improvement and you cannot add the costs to your adjusted basis regarding capital gain taxes. But if the repainting job is part of a bigger home improvement project, then it's ok to add the costs to the your adjusted basis.

Now make sure you keep very good records on the costs for home improvement so you don't run into problems when you sold your home and report it to the IRS.




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I would like to listen opinions.does it looks good for a 15 y/o men teen to have its room decorated NYC theme?

Q. I would like to know if it looks good for a 15 year old men teen to have his room decorated with everything NYC themed or if that is only for girls? Thank You!

A. bring in silver, chrome with black white and red. Very sophisticated.
http://teensthemes.com/black-and-white-contemporary-bedrooms.html

What are some decorating ideas for a 9 year old boys room?
Q. We just moved and are looking for a new fun way to decorate his room. It is his first time having his own room he had to share with his sister up until now. So this is new and exciting for him! Its hard because there are far less boys room decorating options out there. We dont want a charcter theme, he is "too old" for that. :) Thanks in advance for your ideas they are highly appreciated!

A. Get some plywood, some upholstery vinyl fabric ( I like the carbon fiber one), some carpet cushioning and cover one wall with squares of upholstered plywood. Looks very nice. Also Get a small dead tree with the roots if possible and paint it flat black. Looks surreal and nice. Also some kind of posters such as a movie poster or posters with sick cars in them. I like the Dub magazine posters. TiS. That's how my room is and I get a lot of complements!!! Well, except for the gargoyles!!!

what colours are currently fashionable for decorating a bedroom?
Q. ok so i'm having my room decorated this week and i'm not sure what colours etc to have it. it is currently painted pale pink with silver tv/bed/clock etc and i have lilac bedding and curtains. i'm a 16 year old girl. any suggestions are welcome.

A. Bright colors are "in" right now, but so are pale colors. It really depends on your style.
If you're into brighter colors then lime green, bright purple, bright blue, hot pink, etc.
If you're into paler colors then a light orange, grey, sky blue, white, etc.
But like I said, it depends on your style.




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Can someone recommend a good three part art print series for a dining room?

Q. I'm looking to get some artwork for my dining room. The furniture is dark wood, almost black. I would love something with scenery cut into three parts. Thanks!

A. Go to a craft store and look for a picture you like have them cut it into 3 pieces and frame it for you or do it yourself. Roxanne

how to get rid of cigarette smell in furniture?
Q. I bought some dining room furniture and the previous owners were smokers. It is glass and wood. I have cleaned all surfaces but everything still smell the smoke.What can I use?. Air freshners, Fabreeze and plug ins just mask the smell. It is still there.

A. You can get rid of the smoke smell with White Vinegar.

Vinegar destroys cigarette smell on a molecular level. It doesn't just cover it up, like air fresheners do. It destroys it.

Pour undiluted White Vinegar into a spritzer bottle and spray the furniture with this.

The vinegar works best at 100% strength.

Yes, vinegar stinks, too, but unlike cigarette smell, it dissipates within hours. And once it does, the cigarette smell will be gone, too. It works every time.

-

I need a wall color that will work with a sage green sofa & loveseat. The living & dining rooms are 1 area.?
Q. The dining and living rooms form a "L" and both areas are open to the kitchen. The dining room furniture is dark brown wood. I plan to purchase an entertainment center or armroire in the near future that I may paint or stain. My kitchen cabinents are red oak and so is the flooring throughout all 3 spaces...help!

A. I would go with a soft beige color; that color goes well with any decor.




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Tuesday, April 9, 2013

Does the home loan interest rate vary between online quotes and the real ones ?

Q. - I am planning to buy a home
- i have put an offer on a house and almost 100% done deal

Now I have to look out for a home loan. I am looking at several online interest rate quotes what lenders are giving based on my facts.

Some of them are sending quotes for 4.78% 4.5% , now does these rates change when we actually sign there application or do they have to stick with the rates what they have quoted me online ?

A. John Paul,
First, I hope you contacted a good, reputable loan office BEFORE putting an offer on a home. And I hope you are getting good professional guidance through the process. The home buying process can be a thorny one if not handled properly...and the same is true of the home loan process.

There is no question that there are some great deals out there...and some great rates. But you have to think of the online deals as "big tent" offerings ... while they may well apply to your particular circumstance ... they also very well may not. Every lender, online or off, has their pool of offerings ... some broader than others. Each has certain criteria that must be followed in securing that loan. And not every loan is available for every borrower. Are you self employed? Do you have a regular salary? Do you get hourly pay? How long have you been working for your current employer? What other fixed debts do you have? Do you pay child support or allimony? Do you have any positive or negative offsetting factors? What are your credit scores? These things, and many other factors, impact what type of loans you may qualify for ... and what types may not be available to you at all.

I've never been a fan of "shopping rates" for the simple reason that they don't tell the whole story. I remember a buyer of one of my listings "got a great deal" from a particular lender (which he happened to find online). Problem was when he got to closing NOTHING in the loan package bore any resemblance to the loan he THOUGHT he was getting! He thought it was a fixed rate loan ... it was not. The rate he'd been quoted was not the rate he actually got. He'd never heard of "negative amortization", and his loan had it. He never gave any thought to a "prepayment penalty" ... his loan had that, too! With a lot of work we were able to get the prepayment penalty waived (this is a BIGGIE because the penalty was over $7,000 in the event he sold his home or refinanced within the FIRST 3 YEARS of the loan!) Even though the terms were horrible, he DID close on his purchase ... and went right out and immediately refinanced his new home!

My point is that WHAT YOU DON'T KNOW can cost you big time. This is not something to "wing it" with. Talk to friends & coworkers & family who've dealt with reliable lenders in the past and ask for recommendations. Most certainly if you are working with a real estate agent, ask them for recommendations as well. We deal with lenders all the time and if the agent is experienced, they have an assortment of lenders they know are professional, reliable, ethical people ... and they also know who to avoid!!!! Talk to a few recommended lenders ... have them prequalify / preapprove you, making recommendations on programs they think your financial profile best fits. As long as the rates they offer are "in line" with with the market in general, I wouldn't worry about getting the best "deal". When you're looking at just raw numbers, you don't know what is being "cut" to get to that number. Quite often it's reliability and/or service.

By the way, my preference is to ALWAYS deal with a lender who will shephard you through the process from application to closing on your purchase. As the process moves along, you want to have a real live person you can call to answer questions, follow up to be sure all the proper steps are being taken, and to hold accountable if/when they're not.

Good luck! I know this is an exciting time and I hope all goes well for you!

What will happen to my home loan if WaMu closes or gets bought?
Q. I have my home loan, home equity, checking and savings accounts at WaMu. I know my checking/savings in insured by the FDIC but I am concerned about my home. Is it safe?

A. Your home loan would get bought up by another bank. For instance, Bank of America would buy it from WaMu. Often at a discount, but that has no roll down effects to you. They'll contact you and tell you the loan has been sold and where to send your monthly payments.

How long does someone have to wait after applying for a home loan?
Q. After applying for a home loan, and all the information is in for them, how long does it take? An average would be nice.

A. Oh ok... I got this for you...

better check on it... Im pretty sure you'll discover something

http://www.home-loan-made-ez.com




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IM SICK & TIRED of people saying i cant be a minimalist if i have a computer in my home and tv. Im a minimalis?

Q. t because i dont buy things i dont need
and i throw away a lot of stuff every week, at least 1 bag of junk.

and just because i have a big pile of books, i like to read, how does that make me non-minimalist?

A. You will be a true minimalist when you are no longer dependent upon the approval of others to affirm your identity. ( :

But anyhow...I never heard of a minimalist before. That's cool. I'm kind of like that. I don't have a microwave or television or a car or a computer. I housesit to get caught up on tv, I use the computer at the library, and I like to make healthy meals from scratch. Thanks for the word. I'm going to add it to one of my profiles.




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How do you keep your bathroom walls from getting moldy?

Q. Our bathroom was redone fairly recently (within the last 5 years) and the ceiling and tops of the walls are spotted with mold! Ewww! I don't recall that happening before, at least not to this degree. How can I get rid of it? And how can I prevent it? Is there a certain paint or a certain type of drywall that prevents this sort of thing from happening?
And also, how can I get rid of the mold that's already there?

A. Bleach will remove it and deter it coming back. Next time you repaint use a special bathroom paint. If possible install an extractor fan and ventilate, ventilate, ventilate.

How do you keep your bathroom clean?
Q. My Bathroom is a disaster how do u keep it clean and tdy. And how do u give it a scrubbin .

A. After we are finished getting ready in the morning i wipe the counters and sinks down with one of those clorox wipes every morning. When i clean my bathroom i take the rugs out and wash them in the wash machine, i bleach my toilet,sinks and tub. i also dust off the shelves,baseboards and top of the toilet. i then vaccuum the floors really good before washing them on my hands and knees.

How to stop bathroom floors from being wet?
Q. Okay so I have 2 brothers and my mom complains of the bathroom floor of being wet because were in and out from the bathtub to the sink. Sometimes water is dropped to the floor and sometimes people slip and fall. She always puts towels to dry it up but that doesn't work that well. So can anyone tell me ways to reduce water on the floors on my bathroom, tips would also help. THANKS!

A. You could put some bathroom rugs down. I have some in my bathroom. Hope this helps!




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Where can I rent a thermal imaging camera to peform my own home energy inspection?

Q. Does anyone know where I can rent a thermal imaging (infrared) camera to perform my own home energy audit? How much $ for a 1 day or weekend rental? I'm in Northern Virginia. Do any national stores rent them?

A. Seems like i remember you could buy a type of 35mm film for a camera that picked up infra-red heat. You may ask a camera store. Who knows maybe they rent thermal imaging camera's

Anybody ever get a home energy audit?
Q. Has anyone ever hired someone to do a home energy audit where they connect a blower on your door and test your house for leaks? Was it worth it? Did you notice much change in your utility bills after doing it and having the leaks fixed?

A. yes and no.

What home energy saving scams have you found?
Q. open4energy has published a list of home energy scams to help energy conscientious home owners avoid being taken advantage of. They range from down loadable plans to build a magnetic generator, a solar panel or a windmill, to energy saving plug in gadgets, to full blown sales promotions for kvar power factor correction units which have negligible savings capabilities for even the biggest homes.

Each one we find is another community we can protect!

A. The most common website I encounter is DIY solar panels. The claim is that "for under 200 dollars you too can build your own solar panel and save thousands" I do not dispute the validity of that claim. I do take issue with what they don't say. There are some building code violations to say the least. I have posted a blog on this very issue, and will continue to do so on a weekly basis. It is my goal to bring clarity to the cyber solar world. Check out my post "To build or not to build that is the question" at http://www.solarmandan.com.

P.S. Maybe we could post links to each other"s sites.




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Can laminate wood flooring in two adjoining rooms be mismatched?

Q. We are moving into our first home and we are replacing the carpet in the living room with laminate wood flooring. The floor in the dining room is already laminate wood and joins up with the living room floor. We are trying to pick out new floors and are wondering if we can get a different color wood floor for the living room or if we need to match it perfectly with the dining room. Would mismatching the wood look tacky?? Calling all interior designers! I need your help!

A. What you are asking is a question of personal taste. I (being a wood lover) think it's kinda cool to bounce to contrasting wood off one another, But thats just me.

What wood flooring should I use for my table tennis room?
Q. What wood flooring should I use for my table tennis room? Some recommended floating interlocking laminate flooring with good underlays is good but I don't know what the hell are they talking about. I was wondering if some could suggest and explain some wood that can be used to play Table Tennis. To help Table Tennis requires good shock absorption and cushion from underlays. Those expert wood people out there please help.

A. Vinyl floor tiles are probably the best choice for your play room. These tiles are easy to install and are extremely durable

How to prep subfloor for wood flooring?
Q. I've installed prefinished wood flooring before but the kitchen has ceramic tile glued to 1/4" plywood, which is then (I assume) glued and nailed to the original sub floor. I need to remove the tile and 1/4" plywood so I can put our new wood flooring on the original subfloor. What is the best way to do this? I was planning on using a hammer and chisel but is there a specialized tool i can use?

A. Yes there is.. A hammer and wide chisel... In your case , and I ve removed 100s of floors over the years and that what you need to do. Hammer and chisel off the tile, using caution. Chips FLY!! Then you can use a crow bar to get under the wood and go at it.If your lucky it was screwed down and you can unscrew a lot of them. But most will pull through the 1/4" luan and then deal with that later.
Your lucky it was installed wrong this is an easier rip out, Suggestion. Safety glasses, long sleeve shirt sand ear protection to prevent chips in the ears ( I m not kidding) Cover doorways to help prevent dust and put a fan in a window to suck dust out.
Any questions you can e mail me through my avatar and check my qualifications GL




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How would you tear carpeting out of your house , is it possible to do it yourself?

Q. What tools are required for tearing out your own carpeting and how would you do it?

A. Of all home improvement products, ripping out carpet is the best!!

I first tape off section of carpet. I wouldn't say that everyone does this, but it's what we do.

Then you take a very sharp hooked carpet knife and start to cut. Between that and a box cutter, you have to be careful. Just cut away until you reach the end, roll up the carpet and toss outside!! I can't say a pro would do it like this, but it's fun. It's great. And it works with the padding too.

If you have hardwoods underneath, I would use a different rolling method to avoid injury to the wood.

I am desparately in need of a way to remove the odor of dog urine from carpeting. Solutions ?
Q. Carpeting is BERBER ... 1 year old. Has been cleaned professionally and by myself.

A. There are a couple of new products out there - One is called "Urine Gone". I think the other is called "O". Both are supposed to work really well, and go through the carpet to the under pad to get rid of the entire smell. I've seen the "Urine Gone" at our local JC Penney's before.

How do you remove mildew stains from carpeting?
Q. We live on a boat, and there is always some degree of mositure inside the boat. There is carpeting on the walls, so I need to remove the mildew, but I don't want to use a cleaner that may change the color of the carpeting. Any ideas?
We live on a boat, and have carpeting on the walls. There is moisture constantly inside the boat, and mildew stains have grown. I need a home made remedy, as we are traveling on the Meditterean sea, currently in Spain. So USA store products are not available here.
We live on a boat, and have carpeting on the walls. There is moisture constantly inside the boat, and mildew stains have grown. I need a home made remedy, as we are traveling on the Meditterean sea, currently in Spain. So USA store products are not available here.

A. There are commercial mildew stain removers available. Before moistening the carpeted walls with any product, check to be sure that under the carpet is not wood. Moisture soaking into the wood and not drying will compound your problem.




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Monday, April 8, 2013

For architectures and interior Designers, What kind of floor is this?

Q. http://www.google.com.ph/imgres?imgurl=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.digsdigs.com%2Fphotos%2Fstone-bathroom-design-ideas-006.jpg&imgrefurl=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.digsdigs.com%2F35-amazing-raw-stone-bathroom-design-ideas%2F&docid=P9OqdYFbpzOyzM&tbnid=3Wpl8vB8PeF0BM&w=352&h=530&ei=YYdWUZjvBcz-rAeG7YCwBw&ved=0CAgQxiAwBg&iact=ricl


The white one.

A. the white one with rocks around the baths or the white one with the circular shower?
I'm not an architect or interior designer but to me the one with rocks looks like sandstone bathroom tiles (I'm in australia and we have a lot of sandstone, including my back covered patio which is paved with it)
The white one with circular shower looks like white quartz.
I could be wrong but check google images. This link is for the sandstone bathroom tiles

https://www.google.com.au/search?q=sandstone+bathroom+tile&oe=utf-8&aq=t&rls=org.mozilla:en-GB:official&client=firefox-a&um=1&ie=UTF-8&hl=en&tbm=isch&source=og&sa=N&tab=wi&ei=muNZUc6dMuGjigfYhYFI&biw=1525&bih=666&sei=n-NZUcqoLYi6iAed24DwBw

And this one is for the white quartz bathroom tiles
https://www.google.com.au/search?q=white+quartz+bathroom+tile&oe=utf-8&aq=t&rls=org.mozilla:en-GB:official&client=firefox-a&um=1&ie=UTF-8&hl=en&tbm=isch&source=og&sa=N&tab=wi&ei=P-RZUf-1E8iUiAfDoYGoDQ&biw=1525&bih=666&sei=RORZUYSBA7GyiQfQ9IDQDQ

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




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Federal Home Improvement Grants, how do they work, how do you apply?

Q. I see advertisements for federal grants that do not have to be paid back that are for everything from small business funding to home improvements. I was wondering if anyone has ever received a grant for home improvement and how you apply and/or qualify to receive one. Basically, how do I get one to do home improvements and renovations??

A. Most of the home improvement grants are for renovating property in low income areas, and you have to use the property for section 8 rentals, not your own home. google search it, I found the site that way. There are grants for everything you can think of. It's a .gov website. Don't subscribe to any service that wants to charge money for finding grants for you, those svcs. are just a scam. Anyone can research and apply. I spent two days scrolling through all of the grant information just to find out that I didn't qualify for anything. Some of them are pretty funny, I saw one grant for immigrants from Africa to study ancestrial drumming. The comedian David Letterman has set up a grant for " mediocre students with little ambition". The only grant I was eligible for was down payment assistance for first time homebuyers, the application process was so long I closed on the house and moved in before I heard anything.

When doing taxes can you deduct home improvement expenses every year or only the year you sell?
Q. I was told that you could deduct home improvement expenses until the year you sold your house. Is this true?

A. Home improvement costs generally increase your adjusted basis to your house and not deductible during current year. If you took a loan to pay for these improvements, the interests you paid are deductible. Also, if your home improvement is only repainting the house, it is not considered home improvement and you cannot add the costs to your adjusted basis regarding capital gain taxes. But if the repainting job is part of a bigger home improvement project, then it's ok to add the costs to the your adjusted basis.

Now make sure you keep very good records on the costs for home improvement so you don't run into problems when you sold your home and report it to the IRS.

What type of lincensing do I need to start a home improvement company?
Q. I want to start a home improvement company
in the state of Maryland

A. You need an EIFN number so you can setup an LLC or some sort of corporation (See: http://www.maryland.gov/portal/server.pt?open=18&objID=419626&mode=2&cached=true ). You also need a Sales and Use tax certificate. The license info you need can be found here: http://www.dllr.state.md.us/license/occprof/homeim.html for home improvement.




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What paint colors would be ideal for a serene home office with Scandinavian-modern furniture and aesthetics?

Q. My stepmom is in the process of converting two small guest bedrooms into one large home office that is adjacent to a nursery. The room that is connected to the nursery (by a bathroom) is currently painted a medium-hued turquoise called Blue Ground by Farrow & Ball, and will serve sort of like the sitting area of the office. She adores the color, and will most likely keep it. The other room is wallpapered, but they're going to remove the paper and paint. There is still a partial wall up, so even though the space is open, there is a separation between the two rooms. This is why I think it would be nice to have the rooms two different colors that harmonize with one another. She is considering painting three walls a cloud white and having one accent wall with color.

All of the furniture that will go in the room has a Scandinavian-modern aesthetic to it, sort of like the IKEA style but higher quality. Most pieces are either white or blonde wood, and have clean lines. There is a lot of natural light streaming in. She is wanting the space to have a serene vibe to it with colors that are calming but not boring. We're in Southern California, so she's considering incorporating some ocean-inspired decor, like a driftwood coffee table and maybe sea glass colors, but it won't be like a "beach theme."

Do you have any paint color suggestions? Unfortunately, I'm in college several hours away, so I don't have any photos to share of the space.
This is the color of the room that is already painted: http://us.farrow-ball.com/blue-ground/colours/fcp-product/100210

A. I think I'd go for a light grey, either true grey or possibly a little on the blue side. It's certainly serene. It looks businesslike. It can go with an ocean theme. Think of the colour of an ocean just after a storm.
It will go with the furniture. A sand colour might be all right too but you'd have to be sure it goes okay with the blond wood. You could accuse grey of being boring, but it makes an excellent background colour and if you put an interesting piece of art or two on a wall, that will liven it up a lot.

I like that turquoise colour a lot too but combining with other colours is a bit tough without having it look like a kid's playroom. Anything red, pink, or coral is out. Yellow might work but it better be a very subdued yellow. Green just won't go. A medium blue might be okay but if it's too pale it will look cheap beside the turquoise and too dark will overwhelm everything else.

What are essentials for a home office?
Q. I want to convert a section of our home basement into a home office? What are essentials to creating an excellent home office environment?

A. The first step in creating a home office plan that works is to evaluate what you plan to do in the space.

A home office can have different zones for various tasks, equipment, and furniture needs. A desk and computer area may be one zone, while bookshelves, storage, and filing are another.

Furnishings. Make sure that you allow for adequate desk space for your equipment, and space to store materials, records and supplies.

Outlets. Are there enough electrical outlets to safely accommodate all of your business equipment (computer, telephone, copier, fax, clock and desk lamps)

Invest in a second phone line for your office.

Choose bright colors that will reflect light and keep you in a productive mood.

you'll need some sort of bookshelf-or shelves-and file drawers that are easily accessible without you having to get up.

Bulletin and chalk boards are a great way to keep home office reminders front and center.

accessories like pencil holders and divided containers.

personal art and pictures, family portraits.

A computer, desk chair and obvious things like that also.

Plants help make it more inviting.

Warm lighting, stay away from fluorescent lighting.

Help with becoming a better sales person?
Q. I work for a company called Winport USA. It's a small company that imports school, home, and office furniture. The company actually has really, really nice furniture, that is not common in the US. I have to start calling schools and asking them if they are interested in buying any school furniture. I am supposed to set up a meeting with them if possible, and give them our website address.

I honestly don't even know where to start. This is my first sales job, and the entire company is counting on me. I have no experience whatsoever. Any advice?

Thanks!

A. The trick is to listen. hear what they want or need and fill that gap. Keep working even when everyone says no.

Good luck!




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