It is time for you to get started on your most recent home & furniture project. However, you just have run out of ideas or just do not know where to start in the first place. One thing that has helped many people is to read the countless supply of free expert interior design tips available. The following are some of the most common tips employed by top designers today:

• Dare to try new decorating tips.You want to create an atmosphere in each part of your home. This is so that the design of each area of your home is as unique as possible. However, during this process, upon choosing peculiar home & furniture pieces and accessories does not does not take away from the beauty and value of other pieces or sets of furniture place in each room.
•  Keep in mind that your theme of each room should be "simple but not boring." No matter which period of history, or what specific them you choose it is always best to implement the simplest plans possible. Yet the end result should be effective enough to make an impact. One way you can remain from becoming "boring" is learn the art of mixing a variety of neutral-colored pieces of furniture with a variety of unusual accessories. Another tip often involves the placement of contemporary furniture along brightly-colored painted walls.
• Consider the lighting of the room. Whether you prefer softer or brighter lighting might have an effect on the style or type of furniture or accessories you choose. Take advantage of various types of lighting in order to create the right mood every single time.
• Apply room-specific themes. Planning designs that are appropriate for each area of your home is of the highest priority. This is probably one of the most important aspects of creating the right atmosphere. For instance, the theme of your shower bathroom or shower area might be very different from that of your dining area. Likewise, some areas of your home may require use of livelier cheerful colors and patterns while others might require implementation of more neutral color combinations.
•  Never be afraid to ask for help:A large number of qualified professionals can probably contribute valuable insight regarding the choice of specific combinations of home & furniture colors, patterns, styles, etc. Take the advice of these educated individuals to heart, yet of course you always have the final say no matter what.

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Cleaning Tips For Your Living Room Furniture
Buying  living room furniture is a big investment that requires a lot of search time and preparation. Daily use can have a great impact on the longevity and look of your furniture, and you want to make sure you properly care for it in order to extend its use for as long as possible. Here are some great cleaning tips to keep your furniture looking as fresh and beautiful as the day you bought it.

Avoid Harsh Chemicals
Stay clear of upholstery cleaners that use harsh chemicals or toxins to clean your furniture. These furniture cleaners may leave your furniture smelling and looking clean for some time, but there are risks associated with cleaning your furniture with them. For starters, these cleansers are typically full of harsh chemicals and toxins that can actually cause more harm than good to your furniture. Additionally, they are known to actually foster resoiling, resulting in more cleaning. These cleaners may also remove the protective layers of your furniture fabric, resulting in furniture that looks more worn, as well as causing harm to your upholstery.

Stay Clear of Steam
Steam cleaning initially sounds like a great idea when it comes to cleaning your furniture. However, it is important to consider what moisture can do to your furniture. Excessive moisture can cause odors, mold, and soil build-up. When steam cleaning is done the excess water must be sucked up, which can take days to fully dry. Even when the fabric appears dry on the surface, the moisture can still be present deep down. Steam cleaning may also strip your furniture's upholstery, leaving it more prone than before to stains and soil.

Bring Out the Vacuum
Vacuuming your furniture regularly is a great way to clean debris and dirt off of your furniture before it has a chance to seep down and cause problems. Vacuuming will also allow you to prolong the need of more extensive and deep cleaning. Vacuuming should be done at least once a week. Make sure you not only do the visible parts of your furniture; you will also want to make sure you vacuum under the cushions and in the crevices of your furniture.

Spot Clean as Soon as Possible
Accidents happen frequently, and most likely your furniture will not be able to avoid them. Spills are likely to occur, and can lead to permanent stains if not taken care of quickly. Here are some ways to take care of these spills quickly and properly:

* Always blot from the outside to the center of a spot. Doing so will control the spread of a spill
* Test your fabric in a hidden area to make sure the color doesn not come off with the stain, or that a ring is not caused by the cleaning agent.
* If the spot is liquid, use an absorbent white cloth or white paper towel to gently blot up the excess.
* If the spot is solid material, remove the excess by lifting it off with a dull table knife or spoon.
* Never rub, scrub, or brush a spill.
* Never use strong chemicals such as bleach, solvents, or acids unless they are recommended by a specialist.
* Never use sudsy detergents, as they leave a soapy residue that attracts dirt.
* Avoid using tap water. Use distilled water or plain seltzer water. Minerals in common tap water can cause rings, even on treated fabrics.

Know Your Furniture NeedsThere are a wide range of furniture fabrics and styles available. It is important to know which ones may or may not be best for your particular lifestyle. A leather sofa may not fair well with a home full of cats, but can work great with children because it is simple to clean and wipe spills. If you are decorating a room that will be low traffic and more for entertaining you can choose virtually any furniture fabric. You should also be aware that certain fabrics are more resistant to sunlight damage than others. If you need help finding out what fabrics fit your lifestyle, our trained associates will be happy to assist you at any store location.

The sofa and other various items that comprise the living room are often the center piece and the focal point for guests that you invite into your home. You want to make sure you are caring for them properly in order to keep them clean and increase their life. Following these tips will assure that your living room furniture is properly maintained and cared for.
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Simple tips to assure you properly care for your Leather Living Room Furniture

When choosing a particular style of furniture for your living room, leather can be an exceptional choice. There are a wide range of leather sofas, leather sectionals, recliners, loveseats, and chairs available in various colors and styles. It is easy to clean, stylish, and quite durable when taken care of properly. Leather furniture is great at handling stains and spills, and typically does not require as much maintenance as other fabrics. This is not to say that leather furniture does not require any maintaining. It is "low maintenance", but certainly not "no maintenance."

Here are some great ways to care for your leather furniture:

Clean Stains Immediately

* Make sure you take care of a spill immediately. If the stain is given time to sink into the fabric, it can be much more stubborn to cleaning. Additionally, it has a higher chance of reappearing months later.
* Blot the stain lightly with a soft cloth or towel. Avoid rubbing and smearing the spill, as this will spread the stain.
* It is best to clean spills on your leather furniture with warm water and mild soap.
* It is advised to avoid harsh cleaning chemicals that may contain solvents, bleach, or acids.
* Avoiding commercially available furniture cleaners is recommended as they tend to foster rapid resoiling.

Avoid Direct Sunlight

* Placing your leather furniture in direct and constant sunlight can cause it to fade over time.
* It is best to place your leather furniture in a more shaded area of the room, or keep curtains closed when the sun is casting on the furniture.


Keep Away From Heat

* Make sure your leather furniture is kept away from strong heat sources such as furnace vents.
* Exposure to heat causes your leather furniture to dry out, making it vulnerable to cracks and splits.
* It is recommended that you keep your leather furniture at least two feet away from potentially harmful heat sources.

Avoid Air Pollutants

* It is best to not expose your leather furniture to potentially harmful air pollutants such as cigarette smoke and excessive cleaning fumes.
* Air pollutants can fade or change the color of your leather furniture, and sometimes even distort the fabric in other ways.

Dust Regularly

* Keep your leather furniture debris free by dusting at least once per week.
* You can do this by wiping your furniture with a soft, dry cloth or gently vaccuming it.
* Make sure you dust in between crevices and under cushions where dirt and dust may hide.
* Dusting regularly will prevent your furniture from long-term damage from dirt and debris, and assure your leather furniture remains as fresh and new as possible.

Avoid Potentially Harmful Objects

* Avoid sharp objects that may scratch or puncture your leather furniture including pens, needles, and animal claws. Although small scratches are fairly simple to repair, large rips and tears cause lifelong damage to the furniture
* It is also wise to avoid leaving magazines and newspapers on your leather furniture as the ink tends to bleed and may leave ink marks on the leather.

Following these simple steps for caring for your leather furniture will affect the life and condition of your investment. With proper care, your leather furniture can last for many years to come and look just like it did the day you purchased it. Leather furniture is easy to maintain and clean, but taking simple steps to care for it properly is often overlooked. Following the simple tips above will assure that your furniture will remain looking, feeling, and smelling new.
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When choosing home furniture accessories, often seems as though you have too many choices. This often leaves many people frustrated, wondering which items to choose and which items to pass up.

Obviously, the best way to learn how certain home furniture accessories would best look displayed in a room is to view pictures. Attending furniture shows and interior design exhibits may also help.

In the mean time you might need some answers fast-right now. In that case, please take a look at suggested placements for each of them:When choosing home furniture accessories, often seems as though you have too many choices. This often leaves many people frustrated, wondering which items to choose and which items to pass up.

Obviously, the best way to learn how certain home furniture accessories would best look displayed in a room is to view pictures. Attending furniture shows and interior design exhibits may also help.

In the mean time you might need some answers fast-right now. In that case, please take a look at suggested placements for each of them:

George Nelson Ball Clock: This is a very common accessory that might be displayed in just about any room in the home. It is multi-colored so it can brighten up any bland furniture blend. It might be quite appealing in a children’s room of an appropriate age, or in a living room or guest room. It also might accent a dining room, kitchen, or study room. Other pieces made that are inspired by this designer include the following: George Nelson Eye Clock, Kite Clock, or Star Clock.

Paul Andes Art Work: Of course the availability of this piece varies. It often looks divine in living rooms, parlors, or common areas. These contemporary works of art might also look very fine in dining areas or libraries. They might also blend will with certain models of contemporary glass coffee tables.

Ludwig Mies van der Rohe Barcelona Hall Bench: These are made into various lengths. Often they are more suitable for business settings. However, they might also be suitable for placement in large estates or front vestibules of larger homes.

Eileen Gray Cocktail Table: Nowadays, this is made in the same vein as the original which was first produced in 1926. This extraordinary piece usually fits in most lounge areas. It would probably look very attractive off to the side, in between a sofa and chair, or in the centre of a room. The frame of it is constructed of carefully polished steel which shines like silver. It is often placed in a living room, dining room, or other common area.

More Advice

Of course, as you plan your home & furniture scheme, you may also gain inspiration from friends, family, or acquaintances. Those who have an eye for interior design might be especially helpful to you.

Furthermore, keep in mind that the number of home & furniture items mentioned above is an extremely limited selection of items available. Many more home furniture accessorizing tips are offered on a daily basis. Please check back regularly to learn more.
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1. The land
Maximising the investment you have made in your land, not only as a financial investment but as an emotional investment is important. You'll want to build a home that will make best use of your land and its aspect to enhance your lifestyle. Our design consultant will visit the site with you to ensure that the design incorporates what you want and makes best use of the attributes
of the site.

2. The plan
You have decided to build. You may know exactly what you want or you may just have some ideas. The first step is it to turn these ideas into a concept plan. Sit down with one of our design consultants and discuss these ideas.

Look at designs and photographs of homes we have built. These will help clarify what you like and what you want in your new home.

3. The investment
At this stage you'll have a draft plan. Go through our inclusions brochure and decide what you'd like. Once you have done that our consultant will be able to give you an estimate of the investment you'll be making in your new home.

4. Soil test and contour survey
The next step is obtaining an engineers survey of the site. This is a legal requirement and it is essential safeguard in ensuring that your home is built with proper foundations and on the correct position on the site. This is also the point where we require a deposit to cover these costs. Once the design consultant has this information he can finalise the design with you and provide a base price with standard inclusions.

5. The final price quotation
At this stage we can give you a quote which includes all the details. You'll need to go through this thoroughly with the consultant to make sure that you are happy that it's exactly what you want. With this signed off it's time to turn your dream into a reality-and that begins with signing the contract and paying the balance of the deposit. With that paid can get on with preparing the building permit applications and all the paper work that's involved to get the plans approved.

6. Colour and finish selection
Now it is time to meet with our colour consultant who will assist you in colour selection and those final touches which will your turn a house into a home. Our inclusions brochure is a great start here and it's worth browsing through it before your free appointment with our colour consultant. And in the meeting you'll see sample finishes too-so much easier when you can see the real thing.

7. Beginning the build
This is your dream home-it can't be thrown up in a few weeks from mass produced elements knocked up offsite and still maintain the quality you want. So we'll agree with you on a reasonable time to build your home without compromising quality. With all the paperwork done we'll begin the preplanning and within a few short weeks construction will begin..

8. During the build
It's hard to keep away from the building site while your home is being built! You are encouraged to visit the site on a regular basis however, it is standard practice to be accompanied by your site supervisor due to safety requirements. You'll meet the building Supervisor at the beginning and he will keep you up to date on the progress and explain each stage.


9. Completion
When everything is complete and when we have thoroughly pre inspected the house it will be time to hand over the keys. But before we do that we'll accompany you on your own inspection to make absolutely sure that the home we have designed for you has been built as promised.

10. Moving in
You've moved in but we still want to make sure that our promise to you to build the home you want is kept. The six month maintenance period is your opportunity to make sure that we have kept our promise and a further six year structural guarantee.
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1. Licence
Does the designer, whether a builder, engineer, architect or building designer have the appropriate BSA licence or professional registration? This you can check prior to your meeting. Yes No

2. Does the designer provide the following services?
Site inspections to ensure the characteristics of the site are taken fully into consideration in the design process? Yes No

Elevation sketches of the house in 3 dimensions to show what the house will look like when built? Yes No

Preparation of documents and plans and lodgement with the authorities for their approval? Yes No

Check for easements and utility locations (e.g. sewerage pipes) that could affect the design and siting of the house? Yes No

Check with Local Government or private certifier to ensure that plans include any special requirements before lodging? Yes No

3. Contract
Does the designer provide a standard contract? Yes No

Have you obtained a copy and read it carefully? Yes No

Will it accurately cover any agreement you have reached with the designer in terms of costs and service? Yes No

4. Deposits and fees
Have you ascertained what deposit the designer requires up front? Yes No

Have you ascertained how the designer's fee is calculated? (e.g. fixed sum or percentage) Yes No

Are there additional costs involved in varying the plans once they are complete? Yes No

5. Timeframe
Have you ascertained how long it will take the designer to draw up your plans? Yes No

Does this fit into your timeframe? Yes No
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So you're thinking about building your own home... It's a great idea, because you can get a lot closer to what you really want when you build rather than buy. But there are some critical things to be aware of, in order to keep risks and surprises to a minimum, and end up getting the home you want. We've compiled this helpful guide from a number of industry sources and our own experience.

We hope it gives you a good introduction. ...the team at DJ Builders & Son

1. How important is it to choose the right builder?
Your new home is going to be one of the most important investments you will ever make both financially and emotionally. You want to get the design and construction right so that it suits both your present and future needs and lifestyle. There are a lot of builders out there prepared to build you a house but which one is the right one? Which one will turn your dream into reality? Follow the steps in this information pack and you will be several steps closer to fulfilling your dream.

2. Your role in the process
Before beginning the design the following needs to be conveyed to the designer:

• Your budget
• The size of the house to be designed - including room numbers, their locations and functions
• Facade type including exterior finishes for walls (e.g. rendered, face brick) and the roof type and finish (e.g. tiled, metal)
• Individual design features that you would like
• Specific details like ceiling heights, window sizes, and bathroom and kitchen fittings.
• The time frame. Note that plans have to be submitted to various authorities and this may take longer than expected. Build this into the construction time frame.

3. The designer's role in the process
When using an architect, building designer or engineer the charge for designing the house will be in addition to the construction costs. When using a builder who provides a design service as part of the package the design is factored into the price. This will have some bearing on the amount of time that can be spent in working with you on the design. Consider this as well when selecting who designs your home.

Designers must be up to date with the following:

• Latest legislation
• New building trends
• Environmental and energy considerations like insulation, water saving, building materials and energy saving systems like solar power and solar water heating

They should also be able to advise you on the most appropriate house orientation in relation to the sun and prevailing winds. They should also be able to advise you on how best to make use of a site's topography.

For example it is often better to build a house on a sloping site that makes use of the shape of the site rather than bringing in a bulldozer to reshape the site. Earthworks can be expensive.

At your first meeting with a designer you need to assess whether they will be able to meet with your expectations in terms of being qualified to do the job. Attached is a checklist (see page 8) of questions that you should consider asking the designer.

4. Builder's reputations
Once you have a list of builders your next step is to find out about their reputations and the quality of their work. Probably the best way is to visit homes they have built and talk with the owners. A reputable builder with satisfied customers should have no problem in providing the names and addresses of recent customers that are willing to talk to you.

Some questions you can ask:

• Are you happy with your home?
• Was the house built within the agreed time frame?
• What problems did you experience?
• Were they attended to promptly and to your satisfaction?
• Would you have this builder build another house for you?

Some observations you can make and note down:

• Quality of the finishes including cabinetry, paint and trim
• Quality of the construction
• Style of design
• Construction type

Don't hesitate to ask questions. Your new home is probably going to be the biggest investment you have made to date!

5. Advantages in working with a builder to design your home
There are some definite advantages in individual designs. These include:

• Personalised and flexible design process
• Design suits your lifestyle and budget requirements
• Inclusions not limited
• Tailored to your particular site

Reputable builders that specialise in individual designs have examples of their work in display villages. This gives you the opportunity to see examples of their work without confining you to the plans you see displayed.

6. Project homes
Project home builders usually offer a range of standard plans in different price ranges including varying fittings and inclusions. They may specialise in single or double storey homes but are limited in inclusions and colour selection choices, design changes and site falls.

7. Individually designed homes
Building designers, engineers, architects and licensed builders provide design services. Probably the most commonly used design service is that offered by builders who specialise in individual designs. They both design and build the homes and the service is included in the price whereas building designers, engineers and architects will charge for the service.

The majority of builders who build custom designs will have a portfolio of plans of homes they have built or standard plans, often based on their display homes. They will quite happily adapt these plans to suit your requirements or design a completely new plan. In addition they may specialise in a certain style of home like colonial or federation or in designing and building homes to suit difficult or sloping sites.

Regardless of whom you select to design your home you should feel comfortable with them. At the outset you should ensure that you both clearly understand each other's roles and responsibilities. This will reduce the likelihood of misunderstandings and disputes.

8. Designing your home
Design services are provided by the following:

• Licensed building designers
• Architects
• Licensed builders
• Engineers

Licences can be checked on the BSA website, www.bsa.qld.gov.au. or by phone. Note that architects and engineers do not require a licence but must be registered with their professional associations.

9. Design choices
There are effectively 3 design choices:

• Make use of a standard design package supplied by a builder. They will usually have a range of designs from which you can make a choice. Often referred to as project homes.
• Review the builder's standard plans and adapt them.
• Have a builder, designer, engineer or architect do a custom design.

10. Colour consultation
Uncertain about your homes finishes? Reputable builders have qualified colour consultants who can guide you through this important process.

They usually have sample finishes available to view, either in-house or at their display homes. They ensure that you get the finish that suits you, right down to the smallest detail.

Working with the colour consultant to choose your finishes usually occurs after the deposit has been paid and the design agreed (note not all builders provide this service so take this into consideration when selecting your builder).

You will be provided with a pack of information on finishes and invited to meet with the builder's colour consultant for a several hour appointment to review the various options. This is your opportunity to ensure that all the finer details are not missed or taken for granted.

11. Inclusions
As mentioned earlier, project builders often have houses on view in display villages. Be warned that these houses are quite likely to have inclusions that are not included in the base price.

The following items will probably not be included in the base price, Inside:

• Floor coverings with the exception of wet areas like bathrooms, toilets
• and laundries.
• Blinds, curtains and light shades
• Items like wallpaper, fixed mirrors (outside of bathrooms) and picture rails
• Furniture that is loose
• Dishwashers and washing machines
• Security systems

Outside:

• Garages and carports
•  Paths and driveways
•  Security and fly screens
•  Tiled and concrete floors under verandas and entry porches
•  Landscaping
•  Garden sheds, outdoor furniture, pergolas and fences
•  Clothes lines and letterboxes
• Spas and pools
• Connections to services

However some builders will offer several levels of fit out as different price packages. Take care to identify exactly what you are being offered and ensure that the builder has an in house colour and fittings consultant to guide you through the process.


12. Additional costs
Do you have a sloping, timbered or difficult site on which to build? Be aware that the type of site on which you want to build can add considerably to the overall cost of the project. Note that builders are required under the Domestic Building Act 2000 to provide customers with foundations data before finalising the contract. Most project homes are quoted for building on flat stable sites with little underground rock. A site that is steeply sloping, unstable or has rock beneath the surface can add considerably to the cost of building a home.

If you have a difficult building site then it may be worthwhile to consider approaching a builder who specialises in building on this type of site. They usually design a house to suit the site minimizing the amount of excavation and making best use of the inherent benefits of a sloping site.

Check whether the builder has included the cost of soil tests, contour surveys and building approval fees in the required deposit.

Note that despite a soil test being done it is usually only from two or three boreholes and may not accurately represent the entire site. The builder may have rock removal as a provisional item in the contract and it may become very expensive.

Ensure that your contract has a fixed price for the footing excavation and footings (excluding rock removal) and that you have copies of the survey reports on which this is based. Also ensure that the contract specifies who is responsible for removing excess earth left after excavations.

13. Building complaints
The Building Services Authority has a website that keeps a record of disciplinary proceedings against builders. The BSA site can be accessed at
www.bsa.qld.gov.au and you should check the record of each of the builders on your list against the information on this website. No guarantee that you will not experience problems with a builder but past history often determines future behaviour. You can then cull from your list any builders that you doubt.

14. Queensland Master Builders Association

The first step in process is to decide on the type of home you would like to build and to work out how much you can spend. You then need to make a list of local builders that can build your chosen home style within your budget.

One way is to go to the Queensland Master Builders Association's website at www.masterbuilders.asn.au. They have a search function that will provide you with a list of local builders in your region. Contact details and links to websites are included but no detailed information. This means that a lot of searching is required to find key information so you may want to consider other sources.

15. Other sources
If you want another way then advertisements in property supplements, magazines like Homebuild, website searches and display homes will provide more information in easier to use formats. Identify those builders that specialise in the style of house in your price range.

Make a list of these builders. You might even want to create a file with information printed off their websites or sourced from property supplements and magazines.

16. DJ Builders
A great way to find out more about designing your own home is to contact DJ Builders and Son. We have been building homes in South East Queensland since 1973 and have thousands of examples for you to view.

We specialise in individual designs and have skilled designers who can assist you in designing your dream home. No architect or designer fees on top-they are included in the price.

We'll give you the home you want, designed for you, built as promised.

And to make it even easier, turn the page to read out our 10 step guide to designing and building your home:
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Most people are familiar with the dangers of carbon monoxide, but very few know of the dangerous gas, radon, that can be in found in your home. And, like carbon monoxide, radon exposure causes serious threats to health, and thousands of deaths a year.

Scientific studies indicate it is the second leading cause of lung cancer with smokers having eight times the risk of non-smokers to radon exposure. It is estimated by the U.S. Environmental Protective Agency and the Surgeon General’s Office that 20,000 people die each year from radon exposure and is responsible for over $2 billion a year in health care costs.

I didn’t know what radon was until I did some research on it. The dictionary defines radon as a colorless, radioactive, inert gaseous element formed by disintegration of radium. Radon is found beneath your home in the soil, of naturally decaying radium and uranium the soil, rock and water and gets into the air you breathe. So when you breathe the air that has radon, (you are actually breathing a radioactive gas), your chances for lung cancer increase especially if you are a smoker according to the Surgeon General. Radon can enter your home or any type of building through well water supply, cracks in the floors, walls, service pipes, gaps and cracks in the building materials of your home and the amount of radon varies with each house. Soil and water are the two main sources of radon entering your home.

It is estimated that one out of fifteen homes in the U.S. test for elevated radon levels. Radon is odorless, colorless, tasteless and invisible. The only way to know if your home has elevated radon levels is to test for it. The good news is that there are a number of things you can do to protect you and your loved ones. First, buyer-beware. If you are planning on purchasing an existing home, or renting an apartment, it is important to have the structure tested for elevated radon levels. If you are considering building a new home, you can include radon resistant features, or ask the builder of a new home if it has these features. Testing is very easy and inexpensive and home kits are available in hardware stores, through the mail and internet sources for measuring levels of radon. Of course you can always hire a qualified tester to do it for you through your State Radon Office.

If your home tests for elevated levels of radon, there are a few things you can do. One way to reduce the levels of radon in your home is to use a soil suction radon reduction system (a vent pipe and a fan), and sealing foundation cracks and openings. Warm air rises in the house and exits through the attic and upper floor windows creating a suction action, pulling radon out of the soil up into the house, much like a chimney. Once you have tested and taken preventative measures, it is important to monitor any radon leaks that might occur by installing a radon detector. We have all heard about how every home should have a carbon monoxide detector, and smoke alarms. A good radon detector should be added to this list for the safety of you and your family.
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When you decide to sell your home, and it's going to be vacant, you may be thinking of installing an home security alarm system. But before you do, you have to make sure you understand a few things. For starters, the secret code won't be a secret for long. Whether it's published on the MLS, or given to all potential buyer's agents via phone or email, the secret will be out.

Alarms provide protection while your home is vacant or not. But you have to remember that the alarm can actually become a nuisance when instructions aren't followed, whether it's the instruction on the listing page stating that the buyer's agent should call beforehand for the code (and they don't) or if the step-by-step instructions hanging on the wall directly next to the alarm seem to be written in some other language.

To avoid these mishaps, selling agents can opt to show the house by appointment only, since too many times buyers agents don't call for the code and the proper authorities are contacted, the alarm company is contacted and eventually the selling agent is contacted. But there are other options too. That's why you have to decide whether or not the alarm system is actually a good idea.

Here are some tips you can utilize if you don't want the hassles of an alarm system:

• Fool the dummies with dummies. Dummy cameras, yard signs and window decals are all great ways to try and fool an intruder.
• Install motion detectors for all areas. Front yard, back yard and the sides of your homes will light up if motion is detected and generally scare the intruder away.
• Timed interior lights could also deter intruders and trick them into thinking someone is home.
• As a selling agent, recommend to your clients that leaving some furniture in the home, including knick-knacks on windowpanes and a couch or hanging plants will help make the home look like someone is living there still.

Again, these are just some ideas to help you get through the joys of home selling, with hopefully, less stress. Alarm systems are a great way to secure your home, however sometimes they're more of a hassle than a luxury.
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There are several things to consider when thinking about starting a home based business. The first being whether or not you are motivated enough to work without being told what to do or how to do it. A successful home based business entrepreneur is a self starter who enjoys personal success. Small business owners work well independently, thrive on challenges, and do not fear learning new things or bringing their unique ideas to others.

The good news for all of the clean-tech entrepreneurs is the added boost that the U.S. Government is placing in the ACESA stimulus legislation. The American Clean Energy and Security Act of 2009 has a few main parts or provisions; all of which lead many people who wish to start a small business straight in the direction of solar energy.

1. A clean energy section that promotes renewable sources of energy; such as residential and commercial solar energy on a very large scale.

2. An energy efficiency section that increases energy efficiency across all sectors of the economy, including buildings, appliances, transportation, and industry.

3. A global warming provision that places restrictions on the carbon equivalent emissions and other environmentally damaging pollutants.

4. A transitional program that protects U.S. job seekers, consumers, businesses in these tough economical times with training, career adjustment, and transitioning support.

5. A very large program that promotes green jobs during the transition to a clean solar energy economy.

Having a home based solar energy business is work. Even with large incentives and the backing of the government, industry, and most citizens, you must still do the work in order to enjoy success. If you are the type who is self directed and motivated then the next consideration is what will you do? Consider what you are passionate about. What gets you excited enough to want to share it with others?

Use this information to create an ideal home based solar energy business.

Do some Internet searches or talk to other small business owners related to home based work that they made into a successful business and see if you might want to do the same. A clean-energy entrepreneur can create a operational statement for the way and type of solar energy business the wish to operate. This will be the bases for the services they can offer. Ask yourself the question "what will set my home based solar energy business apart from others?" Then write out a small business plan.

If you know that starting a home based solar energy business is right for you, then your next step is educating yourself about the requirements that govern home based businesses locally within your state, county and also with the US government and IRS. After completing due diligence, as a person should for any type of business consideration, decide if they possess the financial capital to get the business started. Fortunately, many new solar energy opportunities really do not take any investment (other than marketing costs) to get started. A person can just plug into a larger system. The landscape is change in a great way towards renewable, solar energy. This provides unparalleled opportunity for businesses as it relates to the U.S. Government's interest in fast-tracking our transition to a clean energy environment.

United States Green Jobs: Worker Transition to Solar Energy Industry

The latest draft legislation related to an economic stimulus, a plan to address climate change, and a strategy to move into a renewable energy environment includes several provisions to promote solar energy jobs. One section authorizes the Secretary of Education to award grants to universities and colleges to develop curriculum and training programs that prepare students for careers in renewable solar energy, energy efficiency, and other forms of climate change mitigation. Under another section, the Secretary of Labor is authorized to carry out such training programs.

There are good opportunities out there that do not require an upfront investment. Emerging technology in renewable energy is creating what are called green collar jobs. Solar energy is now a viable business opportunity for the home based business owner. The outlook for renewable energy in 2009-2010 is very bright.

In fact renewable energy is in the forefront of business opportunities right now. For those who are passionate about saving money, going green and creating a home based business, a solar energy business is a golden opportunity.

The solar energy market is a largely untapped sector of the business and renewable energy industry. Home based business owner's need this type of information and the support the U.S. Government is showing to really kick start exciting new career options for many U.S. citizens.

It is the win-win business of 2009 because everyone benefits from a solar energy business.
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The fire alarm wakes you in the middle of the night (you do have one installed in your home, don’t you?). You have three sleeping children in their upstairs bedrooms. Do you know what to do? Do you have an evacuation plan and have you educated your children as to what to in case of fire?

One hundred sixty two minutes ago, someone just died in a house fire. Thirty-two minutes ago, someone was injured in a house fire. In 2007, there were 214,000 fires that resulted in 2,895 deaths and 14,000 injuries. Most people die from smoke inhalation or toxic fumes during a house fire. Some of the causes of house fires are cooking (the number one cause), heaters, candles, arson, smoking, children playing with matches and fireplaces. Fires are estimated to cost society an unbelievable 165 billion dollars a year. Switzerland has the lowest rate of deaths by fire, and the United States has the highest.

The people who are at risk the most are the elderly, children, the poor, African and Native Americans, people living in rural areas or substandard housing or manufactured homes, and please – don’t forget about your pets.

However, there is some good news. These numbers have been on the decline in recent years due to fire education, installation of fire alarms, sprinkler systems, fire code standards, better construction materials, better fire fighter equipment and higher training standards for firemen.

Some precautions you can implement to minimize the risk of a house fire are check your furnace every year, keep all flammable materials away from the furnace, use extreme caution when using a space heater. You can have your fireplace chimney cleaned and use a screen to prevent sparks from igniting rugs, furniture or anything in the room, keep the lint screen free from lint in your dryer and make sure the dryer vent is outside your home. Don’t overload outlets with power strips, if possible try not to use extension cords as they can overheat easily (and never use one that is damaged or frayed), keep the television away from the wall to prevent overheating, do not smoke when you are in bed, tired, or have been drinking. Keep matches away from children and never leave them alone when there is a fire in the fireplace or a space heater in the room. And always have a watchful eye when you burn a candle, never leaving one burning while you are sleeping. Place your candles on a surface made particularly for candles. Since cooking is the number one cause of house fires, never leave a pan unattended on the stove – not even for a minute!

It is good to have on hand a fire extinguisher (and know how to use it), install smoke detectors on every floor, especially near the bedroom, kitchen and laundry room, checking the batteries every year, especially if you live in an apartment that doesn’t have a sprinkler system. And the latest form of protection is to have smoke hoods for everyone in the house which will provide a way to breath safely in the event of a house on fire as the smoke is the most common reason for death in a house fire.

In a matter of moments, you can lose everything or those you love. Time is the most precious thing if there is a house fire. Don’t waste it by being unprepared or uneducated. Start today and take the steps needed to protect you and your loved ones.
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A backyard isn’t the same as it used to be – a place to grill, where kids play ball, or just an extra spot to mow. Now the trend is to make the backyard an outdoor retreat or an extension to the house. The Home Remodelers Group® can help transform your outdoors into a beautiful year round sunroom, a deck for entertaining or even an outdoor kitchen.

As reported in the May 2006 Consumer Reports, designing and furnishing an outdoor room is the second most likely home-remodeling project to do. Specifically, approximately 1.2 million U.S. households will install a fully functional outdoor kitchen, according to a study by the industry research company inquiry.

In 2004, Better Homes and Gardens magazine received survey responses from nearly 60,000 Americans describing home improvement projects and future home-building aspirations. Better Homes and Gardens found that people want indoor/outdoor livability, technological innovations, flexibility for family needs and a kitchen-centric focus. (REMODELING Magazine, September 1, 2005)

Homeowners are seeking ways to make the outdoors a functional part of the living area. To accomplish that, the barriers between outdoors and indoors, such as walls and solid doors, are going away. As cited in “A Simple Way to Increase Outdoor Living Space” at HGPgal.com, for homeowners looking to add to their living space, improve their lifestyle and increase the resale value of their home, the perfect solution is to extend living areas outdoors through the addition of decks, patios, outdoor kitchens and entertainment areas.

"The line between the house and the outdoor space continues to disintegrate," says Julie D. Taylor, author of Outdoor Rooms. "Many designers are using the same, or similar, materials both on the interior and exterior to extend the house to the outdoors. It breaks down the barrier and gives a feeling of a larger house."

Alternatively, instead of thinking of the barriers disintegrating, another solution is effective indoor-outdoor connections. These connections can include French doors opening up onto a porch, or the addition of a window to expose a lovely view. Indoor-outdoor connections can be as simple as adding a mudroom between the garage and the home, or more complex, such as an outdoor entertainment area placed just outside the doors of a home's main gathering space. Adding visual connections to the outdoors, such as through the addition of glass doors or enlarging a window, adds value to your home by making its interior space appear larger than it actually is. (“Connect Inside of Your House with the Beauty Outdoors,” Ann Robinson, Deseret News, April 2005)

To create the outdoor living space that you want, start by determining your budget and your desires.

Consumer Reports provides some tips about what to consider for building room extensions or outdoor entertainment areas:

• Determine how you will use your space
• Consider location
• Be sure to weatherproof
• Incorporate lighting and heat
• Consider safety

No matter what extension you decide to make, it will undoubtedly add value to your home. As cited by Ann Robinson in Deseret News, “Exterior living space adds usable square footage to your home without costing you the $120-plus per square foot you'd spend for the construction of an addition.”

The Home Remodelers Group® can work with you to determine your indoor-outdoor remodeling desires. We have many gorgous sunroom plans and other renovating features available on our website at www.homeremodelersgroup.com. So, if you need a new area to relax and enjoy reading your favorite book, a place to create a new home gym, a place to add a spa to create your own special oasis, or an area for entertaining family and friends, a new sunroom, deck, or outdoor kitchen may be the perfect solution. We can help bring the outdoors in or take your family out in a comfortable and relaxing setting.

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While it is not necessarily the most inexpensive of the flooring options available on the market today, hardwood floors are certainly one of the simplest and most lovely options available. Wood matches just about everything, and you don' have to worry about vacuuming or those nasty smells that just won't seem to leave carpet. It is an effective option for floor covering and if you take care of your hardwood floors, they will last you a very long time.


However, having hardwood flooring in your home is about more than wishing it was there and deciding to have it. Here are the three things that you should know about installing hardwood flooring in your home.

DIY Is Not Always Cheaper

Hardwood floors are certainly something that those handy people out there in the world are able to take care of. Buying wood and laying it down as flooring in your home sounds a great deal easier than it is. There are many different kinds of wood that can be used for flooring in your home and depending on your needs; there are great deals of different styles to choose from. You want your flooring to resist nicks and scrapes, but you want it to be able to get some character as well.

There are all of these things and more to think about, and if you install your wood flooring all on your own, chances are that you will not be able to get the solid advice that you might wish you had later. You want your floor to last as long as possible and although you might be very willing and able to put in your new hardwood floor all by yourself, the costs down the line might make this not-so worth it. Do you want to end up having to have your floors redone because of an error on your, the amateur's, part?

Not All Wood is the Same

The more money that you spend the better quality of wood flooring you will be able to get as far as outward appearance goes; although a floor may not look as uniform and sleek as another type of wood floor it will probably last just as long. The quality and type of wood that you select for your floor has a lot to do with how you want your flooring to look when it's down. Do you want a smooth look or do you like the way that natural knotholes look in the wood? Do you prefer the way that wide planks look on the floor or do you prefer the look of thinner, smaller pieces of wood for your flooring?

Depending on what you are willing to spend, there are a great deal of different ways that you can go with the wood for your flooring. You can buy First, Second, or Third wood, which is a description of the type or quality of wood on the market ranked in order of quality. Clear is the finest wood that you will be able to get a hold of. It has little to no grain marks or knot holes in it, so if you want the best quality that is the way to go.

You Are In It for the Long Haul
While hardwood floors are a great option for the floor covering in your home, be sure that that is what you want to do, and that it is an acceptable long term solution for you and your home. While the hardwood floor will not have to be vacuumed, it has to be specially cleaned and probably swept constantly (unless you are a fan of dirty feet). Also, keep in mind that depending on the quality of wood that you purchase you may have to deal with some small repairs due to warping or splitting, or simply due to damage that is unsightly for your home. Either way, hardwood floors are much easier to maintain than they are to replace and although you will probably be thrilled to keep your floors for years to come, it will be rather difficult to do otherwise.

This article is sponsored by My Dream Home Registry, the gift registry for everything home. Visit them on the web at www.mydreamhomeregistry.com
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There are many different ways to spruce up your home little by little. Whether you are interested in fixing up the exterior of the home or the interior, there are ways to go about doing so which are cost effective and easy to complete. If you are eager to give your home a quick makeover on the inside one way to do so is to change the hardware on various fixtures throughout the home. Items such as door fixtures and plumbing fixtures can be changed and this will bring about an entirely new look to the room.

Reasons to Change Hardware in Various Rooms of the Home

There are a few reasons why you may wish to change the hardware on fixtures within your home. First, changing the hardware on items such as doors and plumbing fixtures will add a more modern look to the home. This is especially true for those who have outdated fixtures and have not changed the hardware since they moved in. Another reason to change the hardware in the home is that the current items may be worn out and changing the hardware is a quick way to make the rooms look fresh and new. Also, changing the hardware on doors, cabinets and plumbing fixtures will make a room match better, especially if the current hardware is mismatched in some way.

Choosing New Hardware for Items in Your Home

Prior to heading to the store to buy new knobs, handles and plumbing fixtures for the rooms in the home, determine what type of look you are striving for. Consider the room in which the hardware will be replaced and note the furnishings within the room. You want to choose hardware which not only matches the other fixtures in the room but also all of the furnishings that are in place within the room.

You also want to figure out what style of room you are searching for when it comes to giving the room a quick makeover. Determine if your taste is more along the lines of a contemporary look or you wish to exude a look of the past. You will be able to find hardware in various styles and there is certain to be a style to suit your individual tastes.

Determining What New Hardware Pieces are Essential

If you are on a tight budget and wish to replace hardware pieces within the home, there are a few ways to determine which ones are essential. The first thing you should do is to look around the home in the different rooms and see which rooms contain hardware that are in complete disrepair, whether it be plumbing fixtures, doorknobs or cabinet handles. It is always best to start with the items that need to be replaced and then move on to those which you would like to replace in order to give the home a quick makeover.

Once you have replaced the hardware on the necessary furniture or fixture items, then if there is money remaining in your budget you can move on to those items which could use a new look. Try replacing hardware a complete room at a time so that all of the new hardware pieces will match within the room. This mini home makeover will work best if your finished product is a room with a completely new look and all of the prior hardware pieces which used to be in place are now long gone.

Obtaining a Good Deal on Hardware Items

There are a few places you can shop for your new hardware pieces. Home improvement stores, general product stores and online retailers are the best places to start your search. If you are looking for a large number of items such as knobs and handles, ask the retailer if they offer bulk discounts. If you are searching for plumbing fixtures in order to give your bathroom or kitchen a new look, try to find quality items on sale as this will be gentler on your wallet than if you simply purchased the items for full price.

Why not register for your new home fixtures and hardware? Check out www.MyDreamHomeRegistry.com, the gift registry for everything home.

You have decided to purchase your first home – together. This is a very exciting time, but it is not without pitfalls. Communication is the key. What do you need from your home? What do you want in your new home? How much can you afford to pay? Are you going to use a realtor? Where do you want the new house to be located? Where can you find furnishings for your new place? These are all important questions you should discuss prior to looking for a new home.

Wants vs. needs
The decision is made that a new home is to be bought, but what features are wants and which ones are needs? How many bathrooms do you need? Are you planning to stay in the house for 30 years or only 5 years? Will you need room for your family to grow? Will your new house have a pool? How about a hot tub? Do you need a large yard or a small yard? The number of bedrooms and bathrooms is an important consideration.

Obviously, the number of bedrooms and bathrooms greatly influence the amount the final price will be, but if you will be enlarging your family, make sure you buy as much house as you can afford. As you tour the various houses, it is important to also envision your furniture or your prospective furniture to ensure there is plenty of space. Make sure you talk about closet space, furniture placement, color for the walls, and future renovations. Dream together and paint the picture of your future. Remember, this can be more fun that exasperating.

Will you be able to afford a house with a pool or hot tub? Do you need outdoor furniture? A pool/hot tub is usually considered a want and may need to be forfeited to obtain the number of bedrooms and/or bathrooms you desire. Make sure you have discussed this in advance to ensure you are in agreement.

Can We Afford a New House?
 Before you start looking for a new house, you may need to be pre-approved for a loan. The financial institution you have decided to use can help you determine how much house you can afford to buy. Try to remain well below the upper amount of the range given to ensure you are able to afford to also furnish your new home and do any upgrades you would like to do in the future.

Is a realtor important?
You may want to consider using a realtor especially for your first house purchase. A realtor is priceless for finding a house in a good location and for negotiating all the paperwork for a purchase. (Of course, it helps to have a lawyer to have around for the closing). Realtors know the areas that they sell. They are usually versed on which schools are good and where various entertainment venues are.

Closing
Closing is the best and worst part of buying a house. You will likely wish to have a lawyer available to look over all the paperwork before you sign anything. Make sure you have a clean title and all the necessary papers are in order. You will be signing until you think your wrists will break. When all the signing is done, you will be handed your keys for your new house. Congratulations as you have survived the process of buying a new home. Now the fun begins.

Home at last
Once you have gotten your new key, you will need to move in. During the moving process, take time to reflect on your dreams for the future. Don't forget to have a house warming party once you have settled in and invite all your friends to your lovely new home.

Need some help paying for that new home or what goes in it? Take a look at www.MyDreamHomeRegistry.com, the gift registry for everything home.
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As the seasons change, so do the elements and storms we are exposed to. This time of year, hurricanes and flooding rains are major problems we face. A by-product of these mysterious weather phenomenons is lightning. A lightning storm, also known as an electrical storm, can be extremely dangerous and destroy a home with a single blow. These erratic ribbons of energy seek to find refuge by kissing the earth with a tremendous force of energy and destroying anything that may be in its path.

At any particular moment, there are over 1,800 thunderstorms in progress somewhere around the globe and 25 million bolts of lightning reach out of the sky, coming in contact with the ground, annually.

Watching a good lightning storm zigzag across the sky is an awesome visual experience. The ominous ness and the electrical displays are extraordinary to watch. But, these displays of dancing energy come with a destructive power that steals more lives and causes more damage than floods, hurricanes and tornadoes - combined.

There is a way you can help to protect your home from being destroyed by these flashes of energy. Installing a lightning protection system can provide a path for the lightning to follow into the ground and help to direct it from melting the shielding in your homes electrical system and taking out the electronics and appliances plugged into your outlets. These systems do not prevent lightning from striking nor do they attract it, but help to direct its energy out of harms way.

Lightning protection systems that meet the latest standard requirements are considered to be 99% effective by Underwriters Laboratories. These systems can be partially concealed on the exterior or completely concealed during construction.

If lightning strikes the ground, it can affect whatever is within a 60 foot radius and 10 times that area, if it strikes water and can be lethal. On average, it can strike over 50 times within a quarter-mile of your home and is the leading cause of fires in suburban and rural areas.

There are several factors to determine if your home is at risk:

1. 1. If your home is located in an open area
2. 2. If lightning strikes were reported or seen within close proximity
3. 3. If your home is located in an elevated area, like a mountain.
4. 4. If you do not have a system to safely direct the path of electricity into the ground

A Few Lightning Facts

• A lightning bolt can travel from 25 – 45 miles horizontally prior to hitting the ground and can be from 6 to 8 miles in length.
• The size of a bolt is about 1 - 2 inches in diameter with the surrounding light making it seem a lot larger.
• A single bolt of lightning can become up to 5 times the heat of the sun and carries with it 1 billion volts of current and up to 20,000 amperes.
• The Empire State Building is struck by lightning over 100 times per year.
• Most lightning strikes occurs between 12 noon and 4 PM

In homes located where sandy soil conditions are prevalent, more elaborate systems are necessary. Sand is dryer than normal soil and does not conduct electricity in the same way that moist soil does. For areas with sandy soil conditions there is a system that dissipates the energy over more of an area than the simple lightening rod, cable and clamp system.

Although the rod and cable system is easier than the more elaborate systems, for the best results and to ensure that you meet the requirements for a lower deductible and discounted premium from your insurance carrier, have a licensed professional evaluate and install the best system to protect you, your family and your home.

To get your copy of Hector’s book,

What Your Parent’s Never Told You About Owning a Home

Visit www.americashomeimprovementcoach.com and with your purchase his book you will receive 5 reports on

Selling Your Home In Any Market
Hiring the Right Contractor For You
Staying Within Your Budget
Looking Out For Contractor Scams
What Questions Should You Ask a Potential Contractor
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