Wednesday, November 30, 2011

Shop For the Different Styles of Interior Wood Doors

A lot of home owners are in doubt of what interior wood doors can do. Thus, they would skip them in favor of others, such as glass. What they don't know is that they are not only going to be able to save hundreds of dollars - they can last for so many years and require very little maintenance-but there are also wide variety of doors that you can choose from.

6 panel interior doors

What styles are available?

INTERIOR DOORS

There are a number of styles for interior wood doors that are available in the market. These include the following:

1. Flush doors. If you're looking for cheaper interior wood doors, you may want to consider flush doors. Manufacturing companies can produce them with fewer materials and less labor. Thus, they can offer them at a very affordable price. Moreover, they are covered with veneer, which actually does something good to the interior doors. With them, they are given protective coating. They become more resistant to dents and scratches, and their life span can extend for more than 10 years. The flush doors can also be hollow or solid core. The hollow ones are more lightweight, but they are also less durable than the latter.

2. Panel doors. Panel interior wood doors are very easy to detect. The entire door can be divided into different sections, the designs of which can range from simple to elaborate. You can also be more flexible with your design choices when it comes to panel doors. You have stiles and rails. Both can allow you to add plywood, solid hardwood, or even glass right into the panels. With stiles, you can run the additional designs vertically all throughout the door at every side. Rails can go across the panel interior wood doors.

3. Hinged doors. Interior wood doors can also be attached to hinges, so you can add more motion to them-you can make them swing. These doors are also very practical, especially for those who are always in a hurry. They don't need to constantly turn the knobs every time they want to go in. You can usually find hinged interior wooden doors in kitchens. They also add more uniqueness into your house. When installing a hinged interior wood door, you need to have at least 2 or 3 hinges to attach the door frame. Hinged doors can also be made up of one huge door or two smaller doors of similar sizes.

Shop For the Different Styles of Interior Wood Doors

Doors are not only meant to protect but also to enhance the beauty of your home. If you're looking for the most beautiful designs of Interior Wood Doors, you can visit Lenfex. The company has great partnerships with several of Europe's and America's finest wood door manufacturers. You are assured of your choice's quality.

INTERIOR DOORS

Hinged Shower Doors For the Bathroom

Many homeowners know that when updating the home, the bathroom should not be overlooked. Hinged shower doors can be used as a replacement for framed or frameless sliding doors as well as old shower curtains. This modern appearance can be used in appraisals of homes to add as much as ,100 to the equity in a home. Maybe this is why hinged door sales have increased drastically over the last 2 years.

doors with doggy doors built in

Hinged shower doors offer the same tracks as the sliding kind, but the hinge in the center of the two panels of glass allow the doors to open into a wider area. This is ideal for those that have mobility or weight issues and are unable to maneuver in the small 24 inch area that is left open by sliding doors. When open, hinged doors take up less than 4 inches in width, still leaving as much as 44 inches of space in the tub or stall area. Since most tubs and showers are standard sized at 48 inches in width, it makes sense that you would want as much of that area open to enter the shower as possible. Using hinged shower doors will open up wider and allows for those with mobility issues to have the help needed, or allows the room for those persons to maneuver more easily.

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Prices for hinged shower doors will vary based on many different things including materials, finishes, hardware, glass options and enclosures as well as model. The two models of these doors are the framed and frameless. The framed kind have the metal surrounding the panels of glass, just the same as the standard sliding doors. Frameless doors do not have this metal surrounding the panels, therefore when the door is closed, the glass meets in the center for a more secure seal. Materials for most all framed doors and enclosures for replacement or original installation are anodized aluminum, which accounts for the waterproofing and non-rusting appearance. The finishes available will vary based on your location, retailers and budget. Finishes include brushed aluminum, nickel, chrome, gold tone and even wood tone. The enclosures are generally the same for all hinged shower doors: a magnetized bar inside the door that will meet a small magnet that is placed in the side track the door meets on the opposite side when closed. This not only helps to keep the doors in the closed position, but the enclosure also helps to waterproof the area with the seal created.

Glass options for these doors include smoked, pebbled, frosted, clear and even etched glass designs. These can be found at your local home improvement retailers, and also from many professional installers in your area. Retailers will normally help to refer you to a company if they have any recommendations from other customers based on experience. Depending on your requirements, experience and knowledge, you may require a professional for installation. This not only gives you receipts for future reference, but also helps to prove the cost for appraisal uses.

Hinged Shower Doors For the Bathroom

For more information concerning the Hinged Shower Door and other door types, visit http://www.thebathroomshowerdoors.com.

DOORS

Residential Painting - Painting Solutions For Common Interior Painting Problems

There are a myriad of problems that can occur with interior painted surfaces. Some happen to a newly painted surface and others happen over time. The best way to handle these unfortunate painting problems is to be aware of how to take preventative measures before you begin applying new paint. The following are a couple of the more common problems and how to correct or prevent their return.

6 panel interior doors

There is something that commonly occurs called 'blocking' when two surfaces that have been painted end up being stuck together like the door jamb sticking to the door. This can happen because there has not been enough time for the paint to dry completely before the door or windows were closed. It can also be the result of using an inferior grade of gloss or semi-gloss paint. Using a better grade of gloss or semi-gloss acrylic latex paint is an easy solution. The lower grade latex paint, especially in humid conditions, does not have enough block resistance to prevent blocking from happening.

INTERIOR DOORS

Burnishing is something that happens when there is a lot of brushing or rubbing against the painted surface. It causes a glossy or high sheen to appear. Flat paint in areas that have high traffic can get rubbed so much that the once dull painted surface gets glossy spots. If there is a lot of spot cleaning in this high-traffic area then this can cause burnishing. When a piece of furniture is rubbing against the flat paint surface, shiny areas will appear. If the paint that was used does not have scrub or stain resistance then this is the forerunner of the burnishing effect.

Painted areas such as window sills, trim and doors, need a higher grade of latex paint to endure the excessive use and cleaning. Also, areas that have high use or traffic and need to be spot cleaned often should not be painted with a flat paint but rather a gloss or semi-gloss. These paints are easily cleaned by using a sponge or soft cloth and a cleanser that is not abrasive. If the washed area is rinsed with clean water it will not end up have the burnishing problem.

A problem that happens as soon as the paint has been applied is called sagging. It is where the paint looks like it is drooping and the coat of paint then looks very uneven. There are several reasons this can happen. It can be the result of paint that has been thinned out too much or it can be from using too much paint or too thick of a coat of paint. Using a spray gun to apply your paint and holding it too close to the surface can also cause sagging. Weather conditions like humidity or really cold conditions will also make the paint droop.

To correct this problem while the paint is still wet, quickly reroll it or brush it to spread the excess of paint out evenly before it dries. If it is too late and the paint has dried you can sand the area lightly and then put on a new coat with high grade paint after the residue of the sanding is removed. To avoid this type of problem you need to use the paint as intended and not heap the paint onto the surface.

Residential Painting - Painting Solutions For Common Interior Painting Problems

This article was written by Rick Hayden who works for two great Durham Region companies whose goal is to make Durham Region Ontario a Better place to live:

An Ajax based renovation company: Lakeside Trim & Renovations - http://www.lakesiderenovations.com/ servicing Pickering, Ajax, Whitby, Oshawa and Durham Region in Ontario Canada.

An Ajax based painting company: Sterling Professional Painters & Decorators - http://www.sterlingpainters.com/ servicing Pickering, Ajax, Whitby, Oshawa and Durham Region in Ontario Canada.

Check out our websites for other great tips on DIY or for professional Renovation & Painting

INTERIOR DOORS

Tuesday, November 29, 2011

Bathroom Remodeling

There is a wide range of projects you can undertake when remodeling your bathroom. You need to think about your budget, how much time you can afford the bathroom to be out of use, and who will be using the bathroom before making a decision about the scope of your bathroom remodel. There are lots of wee things you can do if your budget is limited. There are some remodeling projects that can be done in a day while others could take a week or more. If the bathroom you are considering remodeling is for your children to use, then you might want to hold off on installing costly cabinetry and marble counter tops. Kids can be hard on furniture and it might be best to remodel the bathroom again once they leave the house.

lowes sheds

Small changes can make a big difference in a bathroom because the room is not large and there are a wee estimate of things to draw the eye. Sometimes, just a good cleaning and changing the accessories like the rugs, shower curtain, soap dish, etc. Can make a bathroom look like new again. Other times, you need to do a wee more to give your bathroom a new lease on life. Replacing a sink and vanity cabinet is an easy do it yourself scheme that you can perfect in a day and inexpensively. If you shop colse to you can find bathroom vanity cabinets that are cheap. Large home furnish market like Lowes or Home Depot often sell the floor models they use for display when they make changes at a discount. As long as you keep the style and shape of the sink and its hardware the same, you will not need the aid of a plumber and this is an easy project.

LOWES

If you want to do a wee more, you could consider changing the floor. You can buy tile at any home improvement or bathroom furnish store and installing tile is pretty easy too. Tearing up the old floor can be tricky depending on how the bathtub or toilet were installed, but you shouldn't run into too many problems. You might have to rent a extra saw to cut pieces of the tile, but most of the tile installation can be done with uncomplicated tools. You will need to give the grout and mortar at least a day to condense and then someone else day to let the sealer dry. So if you replace the tile floor, you will not be able to use the bathroom for at least two to three days.

If you want to knock down walls and enlarge your bathroom space or do a major remodel where you move colse to the bathroom fixtures and need the aid of a contractor, plumber, or electrician, then the scheme will obviously be more costly and take more time. Major remodeling projects like this should be planned carefully so you do not have to backtrack and pay for extra time with the professionals. You might want to try using bathroom remodeling software that can help you plan. Software tools will tell you exactly how much material you will need and can give your hired professionals a clear idea of what you want because you can print out pictures and plans. Sometimes your wishes can be lost in translation if you just try to recapitulate what you want.

Bathroom Remodeling

LOWES

It Is Time For A Small Bathroom Remodeling task

If you live in a small home chances are you have the same qoute as millions of people who struggle with ideas for remodeling a small bathroom. Small bathroom remodeling can be tricky, but not overwhelming. This record will survey a few tips, tricks, and suggestions to make your next small bathroom remodeling scheme better.

lowes store

Plan A Map

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Before you begin your small bathroom remodeling scheme you must have a plan of attack. You need to make a list of your goals for your bathroom room. If increasing the room to make it larger is not an choice then you must resolve if you are finding to use the space to make it roomier finding or are you just after production it as nice as inherent for what you have to work with.

If a roomier look is what you desire you may try adding an extra mirror on a dissimilar wall or production your existing mirror much larger, proving the wall will adapt this. Mirrors are a gateway to a roomier look and feel. You may also consider a dissimilar paint scheme to give the appearance of larger bath room.

One of the best small bathroom remodeling ideas you can incorporate is by adding a fancy sink to your bathroom. Sinks can speak volumes about a room and should not be overlooked. You may be able to find some fabulous examples online, but the best way to as a matter of fact see how nice a new sink can add to your bathroom is by visiting your local construction supply.

If you are on a tight funds then the plumbing items such as sinks, toilet, and showers are not going to be a good idea. Instead you may want to consider a unique paint scheme for your next small bathroom remodeling project. Maybe a mixture of lighter and darker colors may spice up the bathroom, but also give it the appearance of a larger space than it as a matter of fact is.

Small bathroom remodeling is a challenge but one that can bring great joy and satisfaction when done with a itsybitsy planning and creativity. Check with your local construction supplies and also some of the larger associates like Home Depot or Lowes to get some ideas and advice.

It Is Time For A Small Bathroom Remodeling task

LOWES

Redecorating With Today's Designer Bedroom Sliding Doors

The latest designer bedroom sliding doors for closets have looks which are modern, sleek, and functional. There are many which are green and environmentally friendly. Whether you are looking for plain closet doors or trendy doors, you are bound to find something to suit your taste amongst the new designer lines of these doors. Many of these doors are also very affordable and easy to install. All you need is a little creative vision and some basic hardware and you are ready to do your own sliding door replacement with these doors.

doors with blinds between glass

Many of the newer designer products available on the market today and are made from wood that will compliment almost any room décor. They are made from wooden materials such as oak and even bamboo. The bamboo options are much greener option to those which are made of timber. Bamboo sliding doors are just as durable, and are sometimes stronger than their wooden counterparts. The bamboo door designs are often offered in lines which also feature room dividers, and an external wardrobe. These additional other bamboos furniture options can be added to your room and further compliment the new look you are giving to your closets.

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Wood and Bamboo Doors

There are also options for sliding closet doors which are made from other sustainable woods and recycled wood products. These green options are made in designs which range from contemporary bifold designs, to other designs which are both modern and sleek. Many of these green door options use other environmentally friendly products to enhance their look. You can find sliding doors which have been painted with earth friendly, non-toxic paints. These options make it possible to redecorate your bedroom without having to do damage to the environment. It is no wonder that these designers' eco-friendly options have become so popular amongst today's consumers.

Mirrored Doors

Bedroom sliding doors can also be found in designs which are made of mirrors. While mirrored doors have been around for some time, the more modern versions look incredibly impressive. The reason that they are still being made is that they offer so many positive features the rooms that they are placed. To begin with, they enable a person to use wall space for something other than a full length mirror. Plus, the mirrors on these doors are much larger than the mirrors typically available to hang on a bedroom wall. Another feature they offer is that they make a room appear much larger and add more space. All of these reasons are why they are another great new designer option.

Redecorating With Today's Designer Bedroom Sliding Doors

Want more important information on selecting your bedroom sliding doors?

Please visit:

http://www.internal-slidingdoors.com/bedroom-sliding-doors.php

DOORS

Storm Doors

When you are living in an area renowned for its damaging weather and harsh environment, the next thing that you will want to get is a good storm door. In addition to that storm doors also protect you and your family not just from damaging weather but also from thieves and possible intruders.

doors with doggy doors built in

Typically these types of doors are second doors built in front of exterior doors and usually come with screen panels to keep insects and dusts from entering your house even when both doors are opened. These doors are usually 8' feet tall and usually have 30" - 36" for the width with materials either made of wood, aluminum, and vinyl. Wood is the most traditional and offers an attractive look especially when painted and prepared carefully but it is not long lasting since it rots when exposed to weather changes. On the other hand, vinyl is the cheapest and great in concealing cuts and scratches but does not have reliable durability. Aluminum is the most durable and most elegant however it is the most expensive usually at 0. Aside form that, aluminum are also hard to clean and needs proper maintenance. Storm doors can either be styled with a full view, for ventilating and for a roll screen. Furthermore storm doors come in different colors and designs and such factors can greatly affect prices. When choosing to buy one, stick to the more durable type and save your self from constant door replacement and worries from the harsh elements against the environment.

DOORS

Storm Doors

Learn more about storm doors at this page!

DOORS

Monday, November 28, 2011

How to Get Around Home Security Monitoring Costs

Keeping your family secured and safe from danger should be the top priority of every household. Home security monitoring costs can be pretty high but considering the protection you will be gaining, it is just a small price to pay. There are a lot of other different ways to add protection to your house but home security monitoring is one the best ways to go.

lowes interior doors

There are a lot of companies who offer this service at a low cost. ADT is one of the companies that is top-notch when it comes to security services. They are reliable and trusted in monitored security and have fast response to fire, burglary and other medical emergencies. They also offer a lighting solution in which you can turn on all the lights in your house in one press of a button. Video solutions would offer remote video surveillance access to monitor loved ones and they can provide an additional service called SecurityLink which gives you the option of talking to one of their ADT professionals when an alarm goes off. To get a quote on home security monitoring costs from ADT, you can schedule a free no-obligation evaluation for your home.

LOWES INTERIOR DOORS

Brinks is also another world recognized name in security devices, who now use their Broadview name. They utilize state-of-the-art technology for their security services which are affordable and easy to use. The standard home security monitoring costs from Broadview can be as low as . The premium security system starts at 5. The best thing about their service is that you have the luxury of customizing your very own security system to fit your needs and budget as well. Their standard security system includes: a standard keypad, two door or window sensors, motion detector, interior siren, master control panel, yard sign and decals. The price for the standard system is considerably very affordable but enough to protect your home. When you choose security systems like these, home insurance rates can be discounted up to 20%. For another option, you can also try the Honeywell Security Group. They too, have integrated security systems for residential use.

Since home security monitoring costs can be quite high, many people just choose to install their own security system to be able to save more money. There are countless of different models and brands you can choose from. There are two types of security systems you can do: wireless and hard-wired. Hard-wired systems are most often used when the house is just being built because it can be difficult installing it in a finished house. Wireless systems are much easier to install because it won't require a lot of drilling renovation. You can install surveillance cameras in critical areas of your house to monitor activity. Evaluate your house and check the places that are vulnerable during a break-in and install sensors that would sound the alarm when disturbed. You can find alarm systems in Lowes and Amazon with a price range of - 0.

Home security monitoring costs would differ depending on the kind of system you want to use. Although most of these are a bit pricey, the benefit of being able to rest better at night is priceless. There's nothing better than providing the best blanket of protection and security at home for your loved ones.

How to Get Around Home Security Monitoring Costs

Fay Salmons writes about home security monitoring costs. Please visit www.betteroutdoorlighting.com to learn more about how to take away fear from things that go bump in the night.

LOWES INTERIOR DOORS

French and Patio Door Window Treatments

The majority of homes have some form of glass door leading to the backyard, outside patio area, deck, or balcony. These patio doors generally fall into three categories: French doors, sliding doors and single doors with panes of glass. For each type there are certain window treatments that work the best in terms of style and function. It can be very difficult to find the right door window treatment that matches the décor of your home and provides the appropriate operating features to meet the needs of your room. This article will offer some very helpful information on which door window treatments are available and which ones should be used depending on the type of glass, patio door.

interior doors home depot

French doors, which consist of two glass doors opening in the middle, are very tricky to decorate. The problem with finding window treatments for French doors is the positioning of the handles, which makes them stick out. To overcome this problem of protruding decorative handles choose a window treatment that will hang flush against the door. Some possible window treatments that will fit snug against French doors are roller shades with standard roll option and one inch wood blinds. Both of these window coverings are not too deep and therefore will not interfere with the use of the handles. Another concern with decorating French doors is how often you will be adjusting the blinds or shades. If you will be opening the French door blinds or shades frequently you will want something that is easy to use and if you will be leaving them closed you can add brackets to hold the bottom closed.

INTERIOR DOORS

Sliding glass doors generally slide from one side of the door frame to the other. If your patio door slides side to side, you'll want a window treatment that mirrors this side to side operation. Since there is a wide variety of sliding glass door window treatments that operate this way, it's simple to cater to your existing home decor. For example, many fabrics choices for panel track blinds are also available as roller shades or roman shades. Also, keep in mind how you want the patio door blinds or shades to stack when they are open. They can stack on either side or both if the sliding glass door window treatment opens down the middle. If you want the stack of vanes or slats to be fully off the window when gathered, you will need to add extra width so they will leave an unobstructed view. This is very important for the aesthetic of your window.

Single doors with glass panels are also decorated with window treatments. The main factor with this kind of patio door is the size of the internal window. If it spans the entire door then you should use either a vertical door blind or shade. These panes of glass leave your home vulnerable to the outside weather. To insulate this glass you will need to use cellular shades otherwise known as honeycomb shades. For smaller windows you may only need a horizontal mini blind or a small faux wood blind.

Overall, blinds and shades are hard to pair with patio doors and hopefully this article provides useful information for those in the buying process. Always remember to keep in mind both style and function when choosing your door blinds.

French and Patio Door Window Treatments

Whether your patio doors are French doors, sliding doors, or single doors with glass panels, there are a variety of door window treatments including door blinds and door shades that will look and function beautifully.

INTERIOR DOORS

Workbench Plans - Build a Workbench Or Buy?

Who Needs Workbench Plans?
Today my knees are legitimately killing me, again. Even after promising myself that I would never try to build something on the floor, last night I was in the basement, back down on the concrete trying to replace the belt on a vacuum cleaner. I tried to make the job more tolerable by tossing down one of those foam pads you see for working in the garden. I even tried throwing down some old pillows and blankets, but nothing seemed to legitimately work. Then I started thinking about those professional-style knee pads I always see at Lowes - which I always walk past because I think I'll only use them once.

lowes electric fireplaces

So today I decided that what I legitimately need is a way to get my work up off the floor and keep it at a reasonable height...something that my back will appreciate. That's an easy one. But where do I get one? I'm not even sure what "get" means at this point. I suppose I've seen a join of workbench kits at places like Home Depot and Lowes, but I didn't see much of a choice really. I could buy one of those bright-red, metal frame workbenches that have the particle board top and a pegboard back. Those workbenches would probably be easy sufficient to set up without too much trouble. That is, if I'm willing to pay the 0 bucks or so to buy it...and, also if I have a way to get those huge boxes into my car.

LOWES

Build a Workbench or Buy One?
I guess I'm thinking that a easy workbench should be a fairly easy thing to build myself. And doesn't it make sense to build my own...especially if I'm going to use that workbench to build more stuff? That makes sense. Besides, a lot of the workbenches I've seen in other people's basements look fairly simple...like they're put together with 2x4s. I could deal with that. If only I could remember (or even understand) how all went together. That's kind of the problem. Even with my rough sketches of the kind of workbench I think I'd like to build, I'm still a miniature fuzzy about what kind of joinery I should use in the corners where the legs come together. I'm not an engineer after all, and I don't want this thing to be wobbling all over the place after I get it set up.

A miniature Help with a Plan
What I'm seeing for is just a miniature help with the uncut establish of the workbench. So with a quick hunt on Google for "workbench design" and "workbench plans" I'm seeing lots of websites that say they can help me out with a plan... And most of these I can get for free. At first I'm pretty excited that there's so much to pick from.

Woodworking or Just Work?
First thing I notice with my Web hunt for workbench plans is that the word "workbench" is mostly about woodworking...which might not be what I'm seeing for exactly. Here's the test: If you have no idea what a mortise and a tenon joint is, then most of the workbench plans that come up in a Google hunt are probably not what you're seeing for. Nothing against woodworking, really. In fact, I hope someday I can delve into the fine craft of construction fine furniture. That would be wonderful. Maybe build a baby crib for a grandkid. If this is something you are leaning towards, then by all means you should reconsider taking the leap into construction (or buying) a nice woodworking bench.

A workbench can be a beautiful pieces of shop furniture, actually. And experienced woodworkers take no greater pride in having a beautiful workbench to show off to their friends. It's a very passionate kind of hobby, where serious woodworkers get all perky and excited from just a miniature whiff of sawdust in the air. That kind of thing. But believe me, serious woodworkers pay out the wallet for their woodworking passion. Most legitimately nice woodworking benches (made from hardwoods like oak or maple) will cost you no less than about 0 for a kit (like at Rockler.com) or at least any hundred dollars in wood and materials just to build it yourself. Not to mention that you'll also need some fairly sophisticated shop tools to build the legitimately nice woodworking benches...like a planer, drill press, router table, that sort of thing.

Something Simple
But back to my former problem, what I need is plainly something to get my work up off the floor and at a reasonable height - and not spend a lot of money doing it. The kind of bench I'm talking about goes together with legitimately easy materials...like 2x4s and wood screws that you can buy at Home Depot or Lowes. And this is stuff I might even be able to fit in the back of my hatchback (and save on a delivery charge). Heck, you can even slide 2x4s in the back trunk with some cars (if you have an open panel behind the back seats).

But I'm not ready to head off to the lumber store just yet. I still need to have a rough idea how the 2x4s should go together, and then how many of the boards I'll need to buy once I get there. This is where at least some type of workbench plan can come in handy, especially if you want to get started right away on the project. Believe me, starting off with someone else's establish can remove a lot (and I mean a lot ) of the guesswork you'd otherwise be facing if you establish your bench from scratch.

Finding a easy Workbench Plan
If you haven't already noticed, there are tons of websites on the topic of construction a workbench. However, be ready to do some digging to find the kind of easy workbench establish I've been talking about so far. Remember, most "workbench" plans you'll find on the Web are designed for some pretty serious woodworking. They might look nice, but be prepared for instructions that want you to do work on a planer, a drill press, a router table, and some other tools I've never heard of.

Free Plans?
The next thing you'll notice with your online hunt is that a lot of the listings advertise free plans. Believe me, I've meticulously gone through these "free workbench plans" websites and I can tell you without hesitation that this stuff is mostly junk. Like a lot of stuff on the Web, it's plainly a ploy to get you interested in seeing at something else...like a new cell phone or a free reputation report.

A better Plan...under
My opinion in regard to workbench plans uncut is that you're better off to spend the - and get something that more resembles what a real workbench plan should be-step-by-step instructions with nice illustrations, cutting diagrams, and shop tips and techniques. What I'm talking about here are plans that have at least five pages of content (unlike the photo-copied isometric drawings that some free sites have) and some reasonably good-quality photos of the done product. The photos alone can be real life savers when you're trying to put all together the way it should go together.

Workbench Plans - Build a Workbench Or Buy?

LOWES

Sunday, November 27, 2011

Home Security Checklist - 10 Simple Steps to Securing Your House Interior - Residential Security

Homeowners can stop most Residential Break and Enters (B & E). B & E offences are perpetrated mostly by unsophisticated criminals who seize immediate opportunities. Unfortunately, opportunities provided by homeowners themselves.

interior doors

Specific things (opportunities) the potential offender looks for:

INTERIOR DOORS

1) Homes which appear unoccupied (i.e. Owner/renter on vacation) - lawns not mowed, newspapers piled at the front door, mail accumulation, no lights at times (usually night) when a family might be expected to be at home;

2) Homes and neighborhoods where the owners/renters appears to be at work - mail in mailbox, packages at door, advertising flyers left at front door. A simple act of ringing the doorbell or knocking on the door can confirm this;

3) Homes in upscale neighborhoods (more to steal);

4) Open garages (entry point to the house, place to hide or steal contents);

5) An easy method of entry offering concealment - fenced-in or hedged back yards, rear or side doors/windows completely or partially shielded from view by fences, screened patios, shrubs, sheds, basement window wells;

6) Easy entry points - unlocked doors/windows, easy-to-open doors/windows (sliding windows or patio doors that can be lifted out of their tracks), breakable glass in or near doors that could allow door to be unlocked, doors that can easily be forced open using a foot, plastic card, crowbar or chisel (poor quality locks or poor installation).

Here are 10 ways to Target Harden your Dwelling whether you are away for the day or for a lengthy trip:

1) Create Light and Sound. Use automatic timers for your lights inside and motion detector lighting outside your house. New timers have a random on/off time and battery backup in case of power outages. Make it look like your house is occupied both during the day as well as at night. Attach lights and radios to these timers.

2) Leave a key with a trusted friend or neighbor so they can check, at least every 48 hours, on your home. Some home insurance policies stipulate such regular checks of your home or you void your insurance coverage. Consider a house sitter.

3) Create that lived-in look. For lengthy trips away from home, have a neighbor park a car in your driveway, keep your front door clear of newspapers/brochures and mow grass/remove snow.

4) Ensure all windows, all doors and all garage doors are locked. Disconnect power to automatic garage doors. Proper dead bolt, hinge, lock, latch and door frame installation is important to ensure doorways and windows cannot be pried open, spread apart or screws removed to allow easier forced entry into your home. Change locks on new homes or if your key has been lost. If they want in make breaking glass the only option for a criminal. Glass can be hardened, especially in and near doors, with tempered and special break-proof laminates. Use steel solid exterior doors only. Install through-door viewers to ensure you can see who in at your door before you open it. Video surveillance cameras connected to your PC and also your PDA are now reasonably priced.

5) Install an alarm system that wails loudly when tripped. Just like the flashing alarm light in your automobile, have a similar visible indicator in your front and back windows. Make potential intruders know that you have a burglar alarm system.

6) Install bars or grill work in your basement windows (these can be opened from inside in case of fire). A window well provides a convenient place for a would-be thief to take lots of time to enter your home through the basement.

7) Don't leave your garage door opener in your car when you are at work. If a thief breaks into your automobile they know your home address from your vehicle permit. If you leave your garage door opener in the vehicle, they now also have easy access to your home, while you are at work.

8) Document your possessions. Take Photos and/or Videotape all your valuables. Every year video your entire home, belongings and property. Record serial numbers on large valuables. Store all this information off-site. You now have a record of all your property incase of theft or fire.

9) Register and mark valuables through Operation Identification (contact your local Police). Obtain an engraver from your Community Police Office or buy one. Etch or engrave your driver's license number (not SSN or SIN) on valuables. If stolen and later found, Police can check with Motor Vehicles for your name and address. Keep minimum cash and valuables in your home. Secure valuables off-site (bank safety deposit box).

10) Maintain a good neighbor community. Organize a Neighborhood Watch [http://www.neighbourhoodwatchregistry.com/]. Look out for each other. That snoopy neighbor can be a perfect burglar alarm system.

Your home and property are part of a community and neighborhood. There is always strength in numbers. Expand your home security network. Work to have your community burglar unfriendly. Clearly let the bad guys know, "Go Somewhere Else"!

Home Security Checklist - 10 Simple Steps to Securing Your House Interior - Residential Security

Carl Chesal is a business and channel development consultant, trainer, internet marketer and professional photographer. He operates BizFare Enterprise Inc, providing business, marketing, and internet marketing consulting services. Bizfare Enterprise also operates a number of secure on-line shopping sites, like Home and Body How To Plans Recipes Hobbies and Collectibles.

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Basement Remodeling Materials to Purchase

Ever since I started remodeling basements way back in 1992, I have always relied on just 2 primary suppliers for better than 90% of ALL of my contracting supplies. Those 2 suppliers are 2 of the biggest SUPER STORES for building supplies on the planet and they are the Home Depot and Lowes.

lowes interior doors

And since I do not supply bathroom and wet bar fixtures and appliances for my clients jobs, my clients are asked to shop at these stores for their supplies as well. At these two stores my clients have a huge selection of bathroom fixtures, faucets, sinks, and even appliances. They also have a great selection of bar and vanity tops in solid surfaces (like granite and marble) and several brands of good old fashioned Formica tops!

LOWES INTERIOR DOORS

Just about the ONLY materials that I choose not to buy at these Super Stores are a few misc. special order plumbing and electric supplies. Occasionally I will purchase my drywall from a supplier who just sells drywall supplies, normally they can beat the "big box" stores prices because they buy in such volume.

If you did not watch the video I did about "How much will my basement remodeling project cost me to do?" In this video I give you a long list of materials EVERYTHING INCLUDED) that I use to finish a typical basement. I can get over 90% of everything on this huge list I talk about at either Home Depot or Lowes!

Most every town USA has at least one of these Super Stores close to home! Open up a contractor account and a lot of times they will give you a 10% discount on your 1st purchase! Get it all on one order and store it some place until it's needed on the job site and you could save hundreds of dollars if not a thousand or more!

As an additional service of my basement remodeling company I also offer basement designing and floor plans for my clients. This service is for clients that want to do the work themselves, but need a professional Designed Layout and a detailed Floor Plan from which to build from and use to order building permits.

When a client asks me for this service, I will also include a detailed materials list with an estimated material cost sheet for the home owners to shop from. This way no materials are missed and the client has an estimate for how much they need to spend on materials from the gate! I am getting ready to begin offering this service over the internet and will soon be adding this service (Basement Finishing 101) to my website

The plan also comes with 6 hours of video instruction and training that details a finished basement remodel from A-Z for the client to follow! It's like having a subcontractor from every trade standing beside you showing you exactly what to do next! The videos are extremely detailed and very technical. I will be offering this service over the internet for a limited time!

So there you have it! Home Depot and Lowes for almost all of your building materials shopping!

Basement Remodeling Materials to Purchase

For more information and ideas about basement finishing visit: [http://site.1basement.com/Free_Videos.html]

Here's to "Living Down Under"

Edward Case

Since 1992 Ed Case has remodeled 350+ basements in the Harrisburg, PA region. Ed is an expert in basement conversion projects and high-end basement interior design. Ed regularly holds training classes designed to teach local home owners in the Harrisburg PA region how to remodel their own basements successfully!

LOWES INTERIOR DOORS

The Best Residential Garage Doors - Why Buy Them?

Residential garage doors are fixtures in many modern homes. Because of the many attractive and interesting styles and designs, residential garage doors are becoming one of the major focal points in many homes.

doors exterior

That is why it is important that you choose the best garage doors because installing one that looks incongruous is a waste of your time and money. So how do you choose the right model? Start off by doing some research.

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Residential garage doors are available in many design options. You have sectional, rollup, overhead, side-hinged or carriage style. There are many manufacturers willing to custom built your garage doors to fit your special needs. When it comes to materials, there are also varied choices such as wood, composite, steel, iron and even glass reinforced plastic. Your door can be insulated or non-insulated.

Many garage doors such as steel are easy to maintain and repair while wooden doors require extra care. Take a look at some of the best residential garage doors that will suit your contemporary home and your needs.

Model 200 Tough Duty Sectional Steel Overhead Doors from Windsor Republic Doors:

This heavy-duty steel door is made from 20-gauge hot-dipped galvanized steel, primed white on both sides. It has integral reinforcing ribs for roll formed, pre-painted sections, a weathertight tongue and groove meeting rails, steel ball bearing rollers that come with case hardened races and Tog-L-Loc mechanical fastening system. Optional features are insulation, joint and full perimeter weatherseal.

European Union CE Certificate Qualified Garage Door:

This remote-controlled steel door has finger protection design to prevent injuries when you open and close the door. You can customize the sizes and colors of your door, such as ral green, brown, cream or grey. Polyurethane foam is inside the double thick layer of steel plates. It features galvanized steel hardware to prevent rust, weather-proof seal at the bottom, emergency lock and double track system. View this door at http://feilongmaster.en.made-in-china.com.

Avante Collection-Contemporary Aluminum Garage Doors by Clopay:

This aluminum door is the best replacement if you want to have a stylish-looking home. The residential applications for this door are not only confined to garage. It is perfect as patio door and indoor loft partition. Just press a button and the door automatically rolls up. When closed, the door creates an attractive and elegant wall of windows to add a stunning panoramic view of your living space. The glass is protected by a 2 and 1/8 inches thick, rust-proof aluminum frame. It is available in 9 window options and 5 factory finish options.

Gold Edition--Models RMT 610, 670, 680, 690:

These masterfully crafted and precisely engineered doors feature galvanized steel so it would not warp, rust or rot. The doors feature wood-grain embossed steel to provide you with CFC-free 1 and 3/8 inches thick polyurethane insulation for maximum energy efficiency. The doors are also manufactured in such as way that they require less maintenance and repair. Other features are weather seals, polyester finish coat and flexible vinyl bottom. Color options are almond, brown, sandstone, white, grey, bronze and hunter green. These doors sell at haasdoor.com.

There are many ways and places to purchase the best residential garage doors-online retailers, home improvement stores, dealers or hardware stores. Many are offering residential garage doors at competitive prices. For a really good buy, choose a residential garage door that has tax credit or rebate and a reasonable period of warranty.

The Best Residential Garage Doors - Why Buy Them?

For more info concerning the Best Residential Garage Doors available in the marketplace, pay a visit to http://www.bestresidentialgaragedoors.com.

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Saturday, November 26, 2011

Sliding Closet Doors Provide Understated Elegance

Most people design the interior of their closet to suit their needs, but don't give much thought to one important point - how to actually get into the closet. That is to say, the door! But in order to fully complement your bedroom, you should give a bit of thought to what kind of door your closet should have.

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It all depends on what kind of closet you have, of course. A walk-in closet requires a different door than a reach-in, for example.

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If you have a long closet (as opposed to a deep one), then you'll probably want to think about installing sliding doors.

Drawbacks to sliding glass doors?
What are the drawbacks to a sliding door? Are you worried about the doors coming off the rails? If the doors are properly installed, this won't happen. YOu will also always hear the sound of the door sliding on its rail. That can perhaps irritate people with sensitive nerves. But again, properly installed, this noise wouldn't be that loud.

An over-the-door system on which to hang your ties or shoes wouldn't work to well on a sliding door, or a bifold door, for that matter. But depending on your needs, that is a minor matter, as you can purchase under-the-bed rolling racks for your shoes - which will get them off the floor of your closet and also out of sight.

When searching for a sliding door, you will want to buy one of good quality - that comes with silent rails and a damper system so that the doors won't slam into the jambs with too much force.

Once you've decided on sliding doors, which type should you get? There is a large variety of designs to meet any need.

Mirrored doors double the size of your room
If you feel that your bedroom seems rather small, mirrored doors might be the solution. Floor to top mirrors will reflect the room and make it seem twice as large. You'll also be able to see yourself from head to toe when trying on a new outfit, so that's an added bonus.

Frosted or smoked glass doors are another alternative, and can offer a unique look.

If you like the warm tones of wood, then you've got the choice of wood or wood laminate. Wood laminate doors are lighter than solid wood doors and slide easier, solid wood usually looks more elegant to the eye.

The wooden doors can be solid, paneled, or louvered. It all depends on what looks good to your eye.

Comparison shopping
As with any major purpose, you want these doors to be with you for a long time. So you'll want to do some comparison shopping, which is easier than ever now with the internet. You'll also want to visit a few home improvement stores in your area so you can see how they look in their proper setting, before you invest in the doors that are right for you.

Sliding Closet Doors Provide Understated Elegance

Andrew Caxton is the author of many articles on different web publications, with subjects like furniture and decoration published at http://www.home-decorating-reviews.com. A website with tips on closet organizers, amongst many related topics.

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5 Very Easy Steps to Secure Your Sliding Patio Doors

Well I see you're looking to protect your patio doors, excellent idea. When sliding patio doors first became popular for home owners, they also became popular for robbers. At first most people placed jamb bars to prevent the robbers to gain access after picking the patio door locks. Of course as it is in the profession of burglars to find new ways to break in to your home fast and easy, soon burglars began lifting the patio doors and removing it all together to gain fast and easy access.

interior doors with frosted glass

The more recent variations of sliding doors have been reinvented to fit more rigorous security measures to make it harder for robbers to get access in to homes.
Here are five surefire things you can implement to secure your sliding patio doors. Some of the things you'll need include:

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• Sliding glass door jamb bar with swinging hinge and saddle.
• 6 - 1.5 in pan head screws.
• Drill and drill bits
• Tempered screen-reinforced glass placement
• Alarm sticker
• Keyed interior patio door lock
Interior dead bolt lock for patio doors.

1) Install an alarm system if possible. You can't afford it right now? Not a problem, you can easily buy an "alarm on premise" sticker and place it on the glass of your patio door, or a sign on your lawn. Make sure to position it where it's very visible to would be burglars. The idea is to give the impression that your home is protected by an alarm system, which in return will deter or turn off any hopeful robbers.

2) You need to have the glass replaced on you patio door with tempered glass. You will need a professional to do the work. Of course this could be an expensive option but it is sure to deter the hopeful burglars from breaking your glass door to gain entry.

3) You need to open you patio door completely and screw the 6 - 1.5 inch screws into the upper part of the door track. Make sure to drive a pilot hole before using the screws and place them evenly along the track. When placing the screws make sure to only go far enough to have the door operate without striking the screws. At the same time make sure that you leave them out far enough so that the track cannot be lifted.

4) Set up the swinging hinge door jamb bar to the interior rail of the sliding door. Install the saddle in the inside of the sliding door frame. Make sure to align the saddle to the end of the jamb bar in order for it to rest properly in the saddle. Once more use a drill bit to drive a hole prior to screwing anything in.

5) To finish install the keyed interior patio door lock at the bottom of the interior track to add more protection. This part is only for extra reinforcement of course, the jamb bar will already protect your home very well. I reiterate, use a drill bit to drive a hole before using a screw to fasten the door lock.

So there it is, five simple yet effective steps to protecting your door with little effort. As the years come and go something might change, obviously you want to stay ahead of the burglars to protect your home and family.

5 Very Easy Steps to Secure Your Sliding Patio Doors

Alberts is an enthusiastic and adventurous writer with experience in home design and internet business. To read more tips and techniques like the ones in this article, Click Here: Sliding Door Guide

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