Students Of Success

The garage door is typically the largest moving part in your
home and is probably used every day. With normal use, parts can
wear out and break, creating potential safety problems. There
are a few light maintenance duties and inspections a
mechanically inclined person can perform to ensure maximum
safety and increase the life of their door.

Check the rollers, hinges and safety devices to be sure they are
fastened securely and in proper working order.

Check the balance of the door by lifting it a few feet off the
ground and releasing. The door should not travel more than a
couple of inches in either direction. If the door drops to the
ground then your springs either need adjusting or replacing.
When operated manually a garage door should go up and down
smoothly.

In the event of spring failure extension springs can cause
severe damage if they are not contained. If the door’s springs
don’t already have safety cables installed, now would be a good
time to get them installed. Remember even the highest quality
springs eventually wear and break.

Replace springs if they show signs of wear such as uneven gaps
between the coils, bent or damaged ends.

Inspect the cables for fray. Replace frayed cables immediately.
Check the pulleys for nicks or excessive wear that can cause
damage to the cable. Replace worn pulleys if necessary.

Verify that the tracks are level and plumb. Tracks should line
up parallel to the door sections without binding. Ensure that
the lag screws securing the track brackets to the jambs are
secure. Replace bent, missing or rusted lags immediately.

Tighten all hinge and bracket screws, bear in mind that garage
door bottom brackets are under extreme tension when the door is
closed and can cause serious injury if accidentally or
deliberately loosened or removed. Replace bent or broken hinges.
Check the door’s rollers for excessive wobble and replace as
necessary.

All garage door openers manufactured and installed after 1991
are required by law to have a reversing mechanism. Garage door
openers manufactured and installed after 1993 are required to
have photo eyes connected at the bottom of the track to trigger
the reverse mechanism when an infrared beam is broken. A
defective or improperly adjusted reversing mechanism on your
garage door opener could cause damage, injury and possibly
death. Check your door opener regularly to be sure that the
reversing mechanism is in proper working order.

Lubricate rollers, hinge pivots, pulleys, torsion spring coils,
bearings and the electric opener chain and sprockets.

With periodic inspections and maintenance the average garage
door can safely provide many years of trouble free performance.

Now that you’ve spent the money on the home of your dreams, have you stopped to consider the cost of NOT doing home maintenance? You are putting your family at risk if you are not taking care of your homeboth in terms of their safety and their health. Here are some free home maintenance tips that will keep your bathroom germ and worry free.

Recent headlines have alerted us to the cost of NOT doing home maintenance. The prevalence of toxic black mold has been found in old buildings, schools, and even the household bathroom because of a lack of household maintenance. We all know that we should clean the bathroom, but here are some free home maintenance tips that will help you avoid this dark problem.

Keeping your shower and bath tiles clean and dry are essential when you consider the cost of NOT doing home maintenance. Of course, when you shower, you will get the tub or shower wet, but one of the simple free home maintenance tips is to dry off the surfaces as soon as your step out. You can even make this fun for your children to do if you use a squeegee to accomplish this. Mold is caused by a buildup of moisture that then becomes a breeding ground for bacteria. By preventing the moisture, you can help to prevent the mold.

Of course, some of the surfaces are porous and will need special attention. This is where tile and grout cleaning tools can come in handy. These may include special brushes (Shower Track and Grout Brush) or in the form of heavy duty cleaning solutions (Tile and Grout Cleaner). The combination of these two kinds of tile and grout cleaning tools will help to clean the surfaces in and surrounding the shower and bath that may be harboring potential bacteria.

A little elbow grease is the best way to avoid the cost of NOT doing home maintenance. What you may want to consider is making up a schedule of when you will regularly clean the shower. Because many of the tile and grout cleaning tools can be dangerous to children, you will want to clean the areas yourself. You may also want to schedule a cleaning time that allows the area to be avoided for a whilemaybe when the children are in school. If you have two bathrooms, you will want to do them on two different days to keep one ready for use. The fumes of some cleaners can be toxic, so you want to keep the area closed off and well-ventilated until the fumes have dissipated.

Gather the tile and grout cleaning tools and start with the tub or shower. You want to follow the directions on the package of cleaner and then use the brush to work in the chemicals. These chemicals prevent the cost of NOT doing home maintenance by killing any bacteria that may have built up or making an environment where it is difficult for bacteria to multiply. You will want to scrub at the tile grout especially since it is porous and bacteria can sink in.

Another area that might contribute to the cost of NOT doing home maintenance is the edges around the tub where it has been caulked. You want to make sure that you are using a disinfectant cleaner (Industrial Germicidal Cleaner) along these edges. Pools of water from water splashing or even the shower itself may settle there and cause mold and mildew as well. This mold and mildew may begin to spread and if left unchecked, you will have to replace the entire affected area.

You will then want to make sure that the grout or caulk around the sink is also clean. It is good to note that if you do notice any cracks or pieces missing in your grout, you will want to have them sealed. It’s when water gets through that mold can build up and begin to cause more severe damage to your bathroom. Call a professional to either patch up the holes in the caulk or grout, or replace it entirely.

When you consider the potential health effects on your family, the cost of NOT doing home maintenance seems too high to calculate or even consider. Take the time to keep your bathroom clean and well-maintained. Hopefully, these good habits will rub off on your children, and not any toxic mold.

By Vincent Platania. Fuller Brush ProductsIn business since 1906, Fuller Brush has been offering families high-quality household products for nearly a century. Fuller Brush natural cleaning products are environmentally friendly. Visit www.fuller-brush-products.com“>www.fuller-brush-products.com

Porch swings are a great way to enjoy your porch environment. They offer an excellent location for a great summer read, a refreshing drink on a hot day, or a slow evening with a loved one. Teak porch swings come in many shapes, sizes, and styles.

There are many variations in porch swings.

One difference among porch swings is size. The standard porch swing size is five feet in length. While they can be special ordered to come as small as two feet or as long as ten feet, you will typically find the four to five foot model in your local supply store.

Another variation among porch swings is back style. Some porch swing backs are straight from top to bottom. This is, perhaps, the most traditional style for a porch swing. Another back style is straight from the bottom to the base of the top. At that point, the top rolls toward the back. Another type of back offers decorative carvings along the top rail. Another variation in back styles is the carved back. In this case, shapes like hearts or ovals replace the traditional rectangular back. One final, yet important, variation in back styles is slat placement. Slats can be either vertical or horizontal, and spacing can vary from swing to swing. Some people find the variations in slats more or less comfortable depending upon the body style of the individual.

One final difference among porch swings is construction material. Most swings are made of vinyl or various types of wood. Both materials offer different benefits. Vinyl or plastic porch swings are a great maintenance free option. They are ecologically friendly in that they are usually composed of recycled materials, and after the life of the swing has ended, they can be recycled again. Moreover, they never rust or rot. They also do not require paint, and they are available in a variety of colors, shapes, and sizes. Several different types of wood are also used to create porch swings. One of the most popular types of wood for this use is cedar. A cedar porch swing offers a traditional look with very little maintenance. When you first purchase a cedar swing, it might be beneficial to coat it with some type of sealer, as it might extend the life of the swing. Cedar, though, naturally repels wood rot even in wet climates. Moreover, cedar resists bacteria and fungus quite well. Porch swings are a nice addition to any porch area.

Matthew Anderson contributes adding interesting articles to www.outdoor-porch-swings.com. Your guide on home improvement and how to choose from hundreds of outdoor porch swing ideas. Matthew will inspire you to capture the look you wish. Further information in teak swings at www.outdoor-porch-swings.com/teak-porch-swings.php

In 2004 The United States department of Labor reported that the number of injuries and fatalities from falls from roofs and ladders had increased. This report focused on occupational injuries that generally occur among trained personnel, which speaks to an even greater safety concern over DIY projects utilizing ladders.

Most accidents occur from incorrect use of the ladder or materials. Before you begin a project make sure that you have gone through safety preparations and are familiar with the tools to be used. As in most DIY projects, the best safety precaution is to think out your task thoroughly before beginning. You should have confidence in both yours and your equipment’s ability to complete the project.

Getting Started:

Once you have decided that you need to use a ladder to complete your project, make sure that you have the right type of ladder. There are many types of ladders all with their own advantages and disadvantages, which may include weight and height limits. If you are not sure that your ladder is the best fit for the job, make sure to consult a professional.

Some general things to look for in a ladder are:

How strong is it?

How tall is it?

Is it made primarily for indoor or outdoor use?

What material is it made out of (certain materials can have unique weaknesses or safety concerns)?

Does it have any cracks?

Does it have a coating such as paint that could cover defects?

Are the rungs secured?

Are the footpads secure and dry?

Diving into your Project:

While you may be eager to get started on your project, please take the time to ensure that your ladder is set-up correctly and that you know how to use it safely.

1. Make sure your ladder is steady. Place the ladder on a surface that is strong and level; also make sure that the ladder is not on top of any slippery materials.

2. If using a stepladder, make sure that the spreader arms are in the locked, open position.

3. If you are using a straight or extension ladder, make sure the ladder is resting at the correct angle to the wall or structure it is leaning on. The angle is normally 75-80 degrees. Or for every 4 ft high the ladder is on the wall, make the base 1 ft away from the bottom of the wall.

4. If using a straight or extension ladder, make sure that the top of the ladder is resting against a straight and solid surface.

5. Make sure that you have at least three points of contact with the ladder when working, such as two feet and one hand.

6. Wear flat shows or boots with grip when working on a ladder

7. Do not carry heavy items while climbing the ladder, use some type of hoist or pulley system to retrieve the items instead

8. Don’t work on a ladder in strong wind

9. Don’t allow children near the ladder

10. Never stand on the top two rungs of the ladder

11. Stay centered and facing the ladder when climbing or working

These ten tips will help keep you safe, however they are not all-inclusive. If you have any questions about your ladder or safety concerns about your project, make sure to consult an expert.

Amanda Miller is a writer and a home improvement expert. She offers reviews and advice on home improvement projects and products such as the little giant ladder system.

Closet organizers are cleverly designed to optimize the use of the space available, and can work wonders at transforming a cluttered closet into a neat and tidy storage place. We all know how annoying it is to have an a closet crammed full of old clothes and to never be able to find what we’re looking for. Or when we do find that favorite dress, all too often it’s lying in a crumpled heap at the bottom of the closet. A built in closet organizer can change all that, providing a dedicated storage place for different types of clothing and shoes.

Bedroom closet organizers can be installed in both walk in and reach in closets, and can be custom made to meet your particular requirements. Most closet organizer systems come with a variety of adjustable features, such as shelving and hanging rods, which can be fitted to best meet your storage needs. For instance, two short hanging rods one above the other, can be perfect for shorter items of clothing like shirts and folded pants. Wood shelves or wire racks can be useful for smaller items. Hooks are handy for ties and belts. And there are all kinds of options for shoes, from cubby holes to door hanging racks or organizer boxes.

If you’re feeling inspired to tackle your messy closet and have a good clear out of all that clutter, then installing a fitted closet organizer or even just adding the separate components that you need most, can be very worthwhile. Once you’ve got your closet organizer system in place and arranged all your things in the appropriate storage compartments, it should be much easier to stay organized and not succumb to the clutter in the future!

Caroline Smith is a regular contributor to FindClosetOrganizers.com - an online resource offering a huge selection of closet organizers, including bedroom closet organizers, garage organizers and more.

You cannot stand it. The same old dreary windows that do little to add life to your home. It is time for a change. But, where do you start? How do you keep from making an expensive or embarrassing mistake? In fact, how can you know what you really want?

1.Start with one room at a time.
There may be the temptation, especially when moving into a new home, to decorate all of the rooms at once. This takes far too much energy and can sap your creative juices, leaving the decorating flat and less interesting. It can also make decorating your home an overwhelming task. Go slow. Do one room at a time and then move on to the next one.

2.Assess, review your needs.
With pen and paper in hand, jot down some notes about all of the windows in the room. Measure them and note their size and shape. Rough sketches will help. Are the windows too large? Too small? Odd sizes? Mismatched sizes? Is there too much light in the room? Not enough light? Do you want to block an unattractive view? Do you want to enjoy the beautiful view? Do you need privacy? Daytime privacy? Nighttime privacy? Or both? Do you want to liven up a dreary room? How do other family members feel about these needs? What is your budget for the windows?

3.Look for help, tips and ideas.
Seek inspiration. One thing is for certain, no matter what the challenge or situation that you are facing with your windows, someone else has already dealt with the same situation. There is a way, or many ways, to attractively treat the windows in your room. You can find examples of how others have decorated their windows in magazines, window decorating books, window decorating websites and by talking with friends and relatives.

4.Make a plan.
Using your list of needs, rank the needs in order of importance and then make a plan that addresses your needs in that order. There is a way to treat issue.

5.Address your window coverings in stages.
This is especially if you are uncertain about your preferences or if you are working on a budget. Begin with the shades, blinds or shutters. Once these are selected and installed, move to draperies or curtains, including the traverse or curtain rod. Finally, add the finishing touches such as cornices, decorative tie backs and finishing hardware.

6.Combine and contrast colors.
Using color in your window treatment is an excellent way to put life and energy as well as set the tone and mood of a room. Experiment with mixing colors from opposite ends of the color spectrum.

7.Mix fabrics for texture.
Fabric is composed of either natural or synthetic fibers and how they are woven, knitted or felted together. The type fiber and the weave or knitting will determine the texture of the material or fabric. Mixing fabrics and textures can be an excellent way to create interest and set the tone of your window treatments. For example, you may consider using velvet over organdy or silk over linen. Common fabrics for window treatments include brocade, cambric, canvas, chintz, cotton duck, crewel, damask, gingham, lace, linen, muslin, organdy, satin, silk, taffeta and velvet.

8.Mix patterns.
Mixing patterns can also liven up and set the mood for a room. Here are some tips for mixing patterns.

a. Match the scale, of the pattern to the area where it is going to be used. For example, use larger patterns on the drapes or curtains, medium patterns on valances or cornices and small patterns on accent pieces.

b. Use geometric patterns with one another. For example, you can use stripes with checks, plaids or dots.

c. Common colors in mixed patterns tie the two together. For example, blue stripes mixed with matching blue dots will tie the two patterns together.

9.Make small windows big.
Make big windows smaller. One of your goals should be to make the room harmonious. Mismatched windows or windows of dissimilar size and shape can disrupt this harmony. You can make small windows appear larger by placing a heading such as a valance or cornice on the wall above the window and using curtains or drapes of similar length. Large windows can be treated with a series of blinds or drapes breaking up the expanse. Large cathedral windows can be treated by installing a curtain or traverse rod on the lower part of the window and leaving the upper portion untreated.

10.Let your window coverings evolve.
Like a garden, the interior decoration of your home, including window treatments will be subject to change. Let your windows evolve as the interior of your home changes to reflect changes in your lifestyle or tastes. The first order for your windows is to provide privacy and light control. This will be accomplished with shades, blinds, miniblinds or shutters. Then you can begin creating mood with decorative treatments of color, design and texture. As you gain confidence and experience with decorating, you can change and expand your window treatments.

If you are tired of the same old boring drapery and curtains, now is the time to make a change. Follow these steps. Look for tips and ideas in books, magazines and websites. You are on your way to a complete window make over.

Here are some tips to help you begin your window coverings ( http://www.curtains-drapes-coverings.com/window-coverings.html ) makeover.

The writer Rob Carlton publishes for www.curtains-drapes-coverings.com. He is helping people finding the best solutions for window coverings www.curtains-drapes-coverings.com/window-coverings.html and home decoration.

Wood floor installation

Wood is a superior floor covering in all but wet locations. Wood flooring is available in strips, planks and tiles, either solid or laminated. Made of hardwood, generally maple, cherry or oak; the strips and tiles have tongue-and-groove joints for secure laying. Most types are available finished or unfinished, and rough planking can be up to one foot wide, although rarely used because wide boards are more susceptible to curling and cupping.

Laminated wood flooring

Laminated wood floorings are normally comprised of a hardwood veneer over a solid pine core, or several layers of hardwood glued together under pressure, much like plywood. They are available in a variety of sizes and designs, and sometimes parquet tiles will be attached to a fabric backing, to facilitate faster, easier alignment. Laminated wood flooring is usually glued in place, and can be laid over any clean, dry sub-floor. Special methods and precautions must be observed when installing hardwood flooring on concrete, especially in basements where potential humidity levels may be sufficient to cause the wood to swell and buckle upwards.

If your sub-floor is rough or uneven, an underlay of 1/4″ plywood properly installed, will aid in the installation, appearance and longevity of your hardwood floor. It will also help reduce squeaks and the potential for cracking. If the new floor is higher than any adjacent floors, the edges (especially in doorways) should be finished with rounded or tapered hardwood mouldings.

The underlay can be covered with 15 lb. felt (sometimes known as tar paper, roofing felt, or building paper) which will further reduce squeaking and add to the life of the floor. Handling and storage is extremely important, and wood flooring materials should be allowed to rest for a minimum of one week in the area in which they are to be installed. This will allow the moisture content of the wood to reach some equilibrium with it’s surroundings; otherwise the floor boards may shrink or swell, sometimes quite drastically. The flooring should parallel the room’s long dimension, scattering the end-to-end joints, and leaving a perimeter gap equal to the thickness of the boards. Experienced flooring people will know just how tight to lay the boards, depending on the moisture content of the wood, and the relative humidity level in the room(s) on the day of installation.

Nailing hardwood

The choice of nails, or other fasteners, is also critical to the successful installation of your floor. With unfinished flooring, the fasteners must be properly set, to facilitate sanding prior to finishing.

FLOATING FLOORS are made of laminated floor panels, laid over 1/8″ high-density foam Floating wood floor system, over concrete slab.underlay, and glued at the joints. For basement floors, 6-mil polyethylene vapour barrier can be laid under the foam. Consult with your materials supplier and/or other experienced people before attempting to install a hardwood floor in a basement.

THE BOTTOM LINE: Selecting, installing and finishing a hardwood floor can be a rewarding experience, but do your homework first! If you have minimal experience working with wood, or you’re unsure about the particular installation, you should consider hiring a professional. The cost of the materials is quite high as compared to other floor coverings, and a professional installation will guard against damage, and guarantee satisfaction with your new hardwood floor.

It’s hard to find good help and especially if your planning to market your home or you have just purchased one that needs some updating. Complaints about home improvement contractors rank high on consumer agency lists. Mark Nash author of 1001 Tips for Buying and Selling a Home offers do’s and don’ts for home buyers and sellers when planning to hire an outside contractor to repair or renovate their home.

Do’s

-Verify their insurance. Ask to see copies of liability insurance and amounts before signing a contract.

-Ask for references. Request a list of references from past and current clients. Call and discuss with them the pluses and minus’ of the contractor. Take the time to visit homes where work was done, check for timeliness and attention to detail on work sites.

-Request information on suppliers and subcontractors. Contractors are only as good as their support system. Vendors and subcontractors can share insight into the business practices of your potential contractor.

-Check with local Better Business Bureaus and with local building and planning officials. Most likely you’ll need building permits and certificates of occupancy from the local office that regulates renovation and building. These officials should be familiar with you contractor and their work.

-Get at least 3 estimates. You will be surprised at how different the costs can be for the same work. Have plans and specifications in writing to deliver to contractors who bid on work. A flat fee for a project is more cost effective than time and materials. Detail materials, paint colors by brand, appliance make and model and warranties.

-Draft a complete contract. Make sure it lays out who is doing what, when it should be done by and what happens if it is not done to your satisfaction. Include payment schedules and how changes to plans will affect costs and the contract. Options should be listed separate from the main contract.

-Address refusal to complete work. It’s not likely that your contractor will refuse to complete work or abandon the project, but it pays to include a course of action if these situations arise in any contract.

-On occasion provide food treats and beverages. On hot and humid summer days or below freezing winter ones, make the effort to provide chilled bottled water, steaming coffee and a quick pick-me-up to contractors.

-Be appreciative verbally. After a rough or long day at your home, I have found it always pays to let contractors know that you appreciate their extra efforts. Staying late to complete the plumbing to get a toilet running or leaving the job site broom clean without asking is worth a hearty thank-you.

Dont’s

-Ignore making scheduled payments on time. A sure bet to get slow follow-through from contractors. If the contractor is performing as stated in the contract, so should you.

-Forget patience. Delays by cabinet or door manufactures can be out of the contractors control. Don’t be afraid to double-check though if they have been ordered to meet job lead times.

-Make the contractor guess what you want. Start a clip file before you have a contractor over to review job. Pick up some home magazines and tear out colors, finishes, appliances and overall looks for a room that you like. Develop a list of dislikes, anything helps to eliminate and communicate your thoughts.

-Be cheap. Good work costs sometimes comes at a higher price. And buyers know chintzy materials and craftsmanship. Don’t nickel and dime your contractor, and pay for all change orders you request.

-Be unavailable for contractor questions. There are always a couple of items that sneak past the drawings and specifications or surprises that you run into in an older home. Make al your contact information to your contractor so if they need to reach you to make a decision that if you don’t could hold the job up.

-Forget that we don’t live in a perfect world. It’s difficult to have strangers in our homes and even more so when the inconvenience of a remodeling job interrupts our personal refuge. Contractors like to complete work in a timely manner, but they don’t control all the remodeling moons to align them perfectly on every project.

Mark Nash’s fourth real estate book, “1001 Tips for Buying and Selling a Home” (2005), and working as a real estate broker in Chicago are the foundation for his consumer-centric real estate perspective which has been featured on ABC-TV, CBS The Early Show, Bloomberg TV, CNN-TV, Chicago Sun Times & Tribune, Fidelity Investor’s Weekly, Dow Jones Market Watch, HGTVpro.com, MSNBC.com, The New York Times, Realty Times, Universal Press Syndicate and USA Today.

Improve or repair your home using drywall. To drywall a home for repair is easier said than done; however, it is never as difficult as some lead you to believe. When you start to drywall for home improvement, you must follow a few straightforward steps. As for tools, you will need a Putty Trial, Tray, sandpaper, and joint putty, scraper, hammer, paint, thinner, patches, plaster, and a few other items to finish the task. Of course, it depends on the size of the area as to what exact tools and materials are needed.

You will need sandpaper, since you start the drywall procedure by sanding down the walls and removing any lumps. You should sand until you see clear white area. You will need a cloth to finish the procedure by wiping down the wall removing any drywall dust.

Plaster comes in handy if there are holes in the wall, thus use the putty trial and scraper to apply the joint putty to fill in the holes and patch if applicable. From time to time, a second coating of plaster is required, thus repeat the course of action until the hole is filled and scraped down to smoothness. You will need to sand the plaster when it is dry.

Never start to drywall until you have sanded down the area, smoothed out the surface, and have washed the wall, freeing the area of any dust. Furthermore, make sure the region is dry previous to sandpapering the area. Start the drywall modus operandi by following the systematic steps provided to you in the kit purchased, and not until you have a clear smooth area.

You need to ensure that you avoid simple mistakes when planning and putting up drywall. Install the ceiling drywall before installing any walls. Work from top (ceiling) to bottom (floor). Try to run the drywall sheets perpendicular to the framing and mark joint locations so they are easier to find. If you can mark the stud locations on the ceiling and floor, do it so it is easier to fasten the drywall sheets. Check the plans for provisions for insulation, ventilation, moisture control and wiring prior to using drywall. Use dry wall nails or screws and cover the wallboard tape with compound. Make certain that you sand the drywall compound to ensure a smooth finish. If not sanded correctly, the bumps will show twofold when you apply paint. Most importantly, do not apply the drywall with the wrong side exposed.

After adding the drywall for home improvement, you are ready to paint. Thus, choosing the paint and brushes appropriate for the job will help you receive a grand effect. Paint the base line area before relocating any furniture in the home. Allow the paint to dry and touch up by re-arranging the furniture, curtains, etc.

Dry walling is not difficult and does not require a lot of technical skill, rather it is time consuming…

If your walls are in serious need of construction you might want to consider other options rather than dry walling and painting the area. Sometimes you merely cover areas that are deteriorating by adding new lining, paneling, covering, etc. Thus, checking into additional options might benefit you while saving you money and time.

Sometimes you can get away with repairs rather than entire makeovers. The walls are layered, thus a bit of plaster or spackle and other tools and materials could dress of the area. If you have rotted area, again you may want to consider other options, or else hire a drywall contractor expert to repair the home.

Sometimes you simply cannot get away with home improvement by doing it yourself. At times, you may need assistance, thus preventing deterioration is critical to save you money.

If you notice areas of the home that are starting to show wear, by taking care of the problem now will save you heartache later. The repairs are easier than entire improvements, thus repairs are also cheaper.

If you have dents, cracks or holes in the walls, buy a plastering or spackling kit and follow the instructions to repair the problem now rather than allow it to linger.

For repairs you will need paintbrushes, knives, spackle, latex bonding liquid, paint, patching plaster, sandpaper, fiberglass wallboard tape, and that about sums it up. For holes, you cover the area with the wallboard tape and then spackle to make the tape stick.

After the spackle is applied, using your sandpaper sand the area repaired until it is smooth. If you notice peeling, paint or loose plaster around the area, use your scraper to remove or clear up the area. After the spackle starts to dry and is sanded, add a second coating to cover the hole entirely. Again, sand and prime the patched area. Finally, you are ready to paint.

See how easy that was. Now, if you allow it to set without attention you will be doing a lot more work later and probably paying out a lot more money. You can use spackle to fix dents and cracks in the walls as well. Plaster or spackle will cover nail holes or holes made from screws. These home repair materials are affordable, thus cover now and save later.

K Hoyng is the web master and operator of www.quickcash2u.com which is an excellent source for home improvements and much more interesting information to personally help you with your home and finances. Visit us at www.quickcash2u.com/ or www.quickcash2u.com/basementremodeling.html

Since the early part of the 20th century lighting designers have
created lamps and fixtures to captivate our senses. Much like
the tranquility one feels staring at a warming fire or the
excitement one feels staring at the spectacle of a lightening
storm, accent lamps - those with colorful stained glass
patterns, mythical figures, pastoral scenes or action, evoke our
emotions.

While illumination is a function of lighting, many of the lamps
of the sensory ilk, including lava lamps of the 50’s and 60’s,
and animated action lamps of the 20’s and again in the 1950’s,
favor more the sense of accent, entertainment and decoration
than the practical function of task lighting.

Static yet colorful stained glass lighting appeals as eye candy.
Beautiful patterns of Wisteria, Iris, and nature captivate,
whether lit or not. Not much has changed since pioneer Louis
Comfort Tiffany introduced his first stained glass art lamps
more than 100 years ago. Vintage original Tiffany fixtures can
be bought for more than the cost of a down payment for a San
Francisco home. (see:
http://www.chandeliers-and-home-lighting.com/tiffany-chandelier.h
tm )

Motion lamps, like the animated lamps of the 1920’s, feature
popular scenes such as water cascading over Niagra Falls or
flames burning around a log. It’s no wonder why advertisers
sought to reintroduce action lamps again in the 1950’s. In the
50’s these moving lamps were brought back to life featuring Cole
Swimwear models or popular snacks and drinks such as popcorn or
coke and would rest upon the counter of a bar for all to enjoy!

Lava lamps also captured our fascination with colorful lighting
and movement. Today, these, and the above mentioned vintage
lamps, continue to be popular. Collectors may seek higher valued
originals, whereas the homeowner may be just as happy with a
modern day reproduction. Adding to the feel of a place, these
kinds of fixtures are here to stay!