Entries from October 2009 ↓

My guess is that you don’t know much about dust mites aside from they are small, unseen creatures that sicken you. crawl space moisture Perhaps someone in your family is allergic to them. what is a michigan basement Here is some background information on dust mites and how you can minimize them in your house. Dust mites don’t live in your air ducts, even though most people tend to focus there when attempting to remove them. They live in soft places, prefer higher humidity, and discharge a protein which causes an allergic reaction for many people. crawl space sump pump If you don’t have any reactions to dust mite proteins then reducing your exposure may not be a priority for you but these fundamental treatment steps should still be taken to reduce their presence in your home and affect on your life. If you need motivation to do a number of these steps you can see pictures of dust mites by doing a google image search. They’re coarse enough to scare anybody into a quick cleaning spree. Dust and vacuum your house on a frequent basis.

The more dirt you have, the more dust mites you have. Use a dehumidifier to reduce the humidity levels in your home as dust mites love high humid environments (anything over 70%). Wash your family’s bedding in hot water at least twice monthly, possibly weekly. Get machine washable plush toys if you have children, the fabric harbors dust mites. If you have someone allergic to dust mites, there are more intense fighting steps to take. Do your best to eliminate every cloth surface as they tend to harbor these creatures. Replace your carpets with wood or laminate flooring. Take away fabric covered furniture and change to wood or plastic pieces. Wrap your mattress, pillows, and box springs in zippered covers that are dust proof and allergen proof. You probably won’t totally eliminate dust mites, but you can go a long way toward reducing their numbers by maintaining a clean healthy living environment. Your family will thank you for it.

Most people do not recognize that one of the biggest places in a house to find dust mites is in the Crawl Space under the house. The crawl space is like party central to a dust mite. There is usually plenty of moisture there. So much so it is like having an unlimited supply of water bottles. Plus there is a lot of dirt there to roll around in. There is also plenty of food. People stock up all sorts of edible insect foods down there like sticks of wood and lumber, old furniture, old sleds, and old wooden handle tools. So what do you imagine dust mites ate before people showed up? That is correct, there were insects here on planet earth for millions of years before people arrived.

When constructed correctly and by means of the appropriate air conditioning and ventilation, a basement should be dry. But many basements are prone to dampness because of their poor design and ventilation. flat rock Wetness like this is a perfect breeding ground for mold and mildew, especially in basements where old books, magazines, clothing, and suitcases are stored. When the humidity level goes over 50%, the water vapor in the air can cause furniture to warp, humidity to reduce on walls and floors and promote growth of fungus. west bloomfield It will also accelerate wood rot. For those family members with allergies, a basement dehumidifier is essential to lessen the health risks linked to toxic mold and fungus. rod hole repair

But before you purchase a basement dehumidifier, consider taking some time to examine the reason behind the high humidity, and then repairing the underlying problems.

Your basement should ideally be the same temperature as the rest of your house, and not an exceptional cool temperature zone. Try adding weather-stripping to any basement doors and windows. If the basement is uninsulated, you’ll have to evaluate the costs of adding insulation against that of running a basement dehumidifier. Buying a basement dehumidifier will require a little planning. Know the cubic footage of the basement space that it will be going into. In addition you will need to decide on getting a permanently installed unit versus a portable dehumidifier. Another shopping point to consider is the size of the unit- will it fit in the space you are planning for? Also be aware that some models are noisier than others, so inquire about a demonstration before you buy.

A dehumidifier works on the same principle that refrigerators and air conditioners do. They distribute the humid air over a bank of cold coils and in the process extract a good portion of the dampness via condensation. This condensation drips off the coils into collection pockets inside the dehumidifier. Meanwhile the dry air flow, heated somewhat by the extraction of humidity, is directed out of the unit back into the room. Since the dehumidifier is in the basement and out of the way, a lot of people forget that it requires some maintenance. It is important to empty and wash the collection container inside the unit periodically, otherwise it could be prone to bacterial growth. Some companies manufacture basement dehumidifiers which have no inner collection container, but minimally a hose that can be run to a floor drain, and these are an absolute solution to the problem.

Also, be careful to keep an eye on your sump pump. These culprits are by far the biggest problem.

When it comes to home improvement, one of the more cost effective ways versus a more intensive renovation that will bring new life to any room and add value to your home is to upgrade your flooring. Renovating your floors with a hard surface such as with popular hardwood floors is one of the most commonly selected home improvement options. There are many styles and types of hardwood to flatter any room in the house. Since they are easy to care for, long lasting, and can be recycled, hardwood floors are a satisfactory choice. Bringing elegance to your decor, hardwood floors can turn your house into a home.

From traditional species like pine, oak, or maple to more fashionable corkand bamboo, or sourcing reclaimed wood, options run from the environmentally-friendly to those with unique characteristics that add a special touch. There are also many types and styles of wood floors from engineered or solid and parquet or strip that will suit your budget and styling needs.

With minimal care, even in high traffic areas, they can be maintained so that they keep looking new. Eventually with years of wear and tear, solid hardwood floors can also be refinished and brought to looking brand new again. Hardwood floors can be installed anywhere in your house, on concrete, plywood, or over existing floors (not recommended however, as it adds weight to your joists).

Some Install Tips

Think of yourself as handy? Installing your own hardwood floors is time consuming, but ultimately a gratifying project that once you get the hang of it, is pretty straightforward. When you are deciding where to start your install, use a focal point of the room, such as a mantel. Before laying the first board, draw a line to use as a reference point. In this installation, a manufacturer’s recommended underlayment is placed on top of the subfloor.

All wood subfloors must be screwed in place before you install. While you are doing this, use a level to insure that floor is even throughout. After the subfloor is installed, make sure that the surface is sanded and smooth. Once the subfloor is in place, sanded, smoothed or filled to provide a level, even surface, installation of the boards can begin. Some manufacturers recommend using a foam underlay that is placed on top of the subfloor and underneath the new floor. This helps minimize creeks and noise from the new floor.

Level the first row of planks with the draw line to make sure that all following planks will be aligned.

Before you nail in the planks to the subfloor, map out the area like a jigsaw puzzle. Fit the boards, making sure that the planks fit together and they are staggered with at least 12 inches between one another.

Blind nailing tongue-and-groove boards hides nails. Nails should be driven through one board’s groove, and hidden by the next parallel board. With other installs, nails are hammered through the face of the board, a process called top nailing. Planks can be glued together as well.

If DIY is not for you, knowing how to choose the right flooring company is helpful. When selecting a flooring company, make sure installation is offered according to your schedule. Flooring installation should be where you need it and when you need it, and some companies offer next day installation. Home improvements shouldn’t be an inconvenience. Your flooring company should have a commitment to and be recognized for customer service and for standing behind their products and installation.

Quality products sold at low warehouse direct pricing is a good sign your flooring company of choice is focused on keeping prices competitive while still offering top name brand products. It is recommended that you choose your flooring where you use your flooring – at home. The best way to select the right flooring is in the home itself, with the assistance of a qualified sales representative. The flooring company you select should offer free, in-home sales appointments.

If you prefer a softer surface for your home, or want hardwood only in some rooms and carpet in others, it’s helpful to know what your options are. Purchasing a new carpet for your home is not an easy decision and can be a large investment. There are several options that you will need to consider such as types and colors. Depending on the types of carpet you choose, you should be able to find the perfect one for nearly any setting.

Types of Carpeting

Cut Pile is one of the most popular types of carpet. The textured cut pile is less resistant to crushing than other types of carpet. Cut looped carpet fibers create a cut pile with yarn bundles standing straight. Pre-shearing cut pile several times creates a luxurious appearance.

Loop carpet is a favorite in many houses, condos, and apartments for high-traffic areas. It is also called “level loop” because it is made of loops that are all the same height. The loop heights are high and uncut, creating a level, tougher surface that is much more resistant to wear and tear, to footprints and streaks from vacuuming. Another popular type of carpet in homes is cut and loop. This carpet uses different heights of loops, cutting some and leaving some uncut to create different textures and patterns. Cut and loop carpet is used for lower-traffic areas, as it does not hold up to streaks and marks. It is, however, a supple, more attractive carpet, making it perfect for living areas.

A Saxony style carpet is very comfy and elastic, although the display can be deceptive. This appearance is developed by rigidly crafted twirls of thick twine that are fused with heat. Since Saxony is made from thick threads, it is heavy, warm, and a popular selection for your home. Berber carpets however, are becoming more popular than any other type of carpet. Berbers eliminate any footprints and vacuum tracks. Berber has a thicker surface than most other level loop pile carpets for high durability. Because the loops are thicker and higher, they tend to keep dirt and become damaged from snags. Velvet carpets can provide a more elegant look, where each tread will appear. Velvet carpet is shredded several times to develop a satin-like shimmer. It is created and designed with shapes and colors to accent your home and personal taste.
interior designer

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architectural drawing

Umbria Design Studio is a young Interior Decorating firm serving Houston, TX and extended areas. Here in UDS we focus on quality as well as building long-lasting relationships with our clients. We provide the highest quality of design by combining talent with the best education and experience.

Vesselina Andreeva, the Principle Designer and owner of UDS, has 8 years of cumulative experience and training in Commercial and Residential Design. Born and raised in Bulgaria, Eastern Europe she has a wide cultural prospective on design. She graduated with an Interior Design Major from the College of Design at University of Minnesota, Saint Paul, MN.

After 8 years of working for Leading Architectural and Design Firms Vessi ventures on her own and soon after founds Umbria Design Studio. The name Umbria was inspired by her visit to Italy in 2002. Umbria is a region of Central Italy, bordered by Tuscany to the west, the Marche to the east and Lazio to the south.

Vessi’s credentials include professional membership in NEWH (The Hospitality Industry Network) and she is an allied member of ASID (American Society of Interior Designers).

For any commercial or residential design project, I will complete all project details from initial conception phase to the final installation and will make sure client satisfaction is the final outcome. I will provide an exceptional service at every level of the project including overall project management and will make sure all of your personal design style requirements are met.

Color, Space Planning, Finishes: floor, walls, hard surfaces, wood finishes, cabinetry, hardware moldings Furniture, Accessories, Artwork and much more.

I will come to your house, listen to your ideas, help you establish your particular design style, examine the needs for your space and come up with a practical plan to get the job done.

The environment we dwell in reflects as well as determines so much about what kind of unique personas we are. Some say environment is created by people and therefore, we the creators should be able to design our own environment to fit our unique needs and personal tastes. Others state that environment can impact us and change our ability to be creative, can motivate and sanction intimate and social behaviors. I believe both of these statements to be true. We create environment designed to suit our unique personal needs and tastes and in return the environments we create empower our creativity and make us the unique personas we are, impacting every part of the life we set ourselves to live.

Every project is a unique, one of a kind opportunity to impact someone’s life and to “color” their existence in the way it best showcases them to the world. Therefore I like to involve clients in every phase of the design process and to show them while we work together, one thing they never knew about themselves. We all are creative, we were made that way.
umbriadesign.com

Understanding the correct terminology found within the lighting industry can be a major advantage when looking to resolve an issue. Whether it be shopping for glass lamp replacement shades or an entire new lamp or perhaps you may just need other spare parts, understanding industry jargon can really give you the leg up on your efforts.

Tiffany style-

An ornately heavily leaded stained glass form of art originally created by Louis Comfort Tiffany over a century ago. (Art Nouveau style). Finding glass lamp replacement shades for collectors of Tiffany’s can be a real challenge at times.

Finial peice-

The decorative top piece for a lampshade. (Usually screws onto harp and holds down the lampshade)

Ginger jar-

The round, oval, or even square ceramic or glass type base for lamp.

Bridge lamp style-

Usually a floor or table lamp with an extended arm to hold the shade out away from the base. The light is usually focused downward.

The Harp-

A piece of the lamps construction used to secure lamp to base. Harps usually vary in size depending on the depth of the shade.

The Base-

The main decorative body of the lamp.

Drum style shade-

Much like a typical cylinder, the diameter of a standard drum is most always the same on the top as it is on the bottom.

Waterford Lighting-

Very high quality Irish Crystal in classic, traditional, and modern design lamps, chandeliers, and on occasion other varieties of lighting fixtures.

The Reflector bowl-

The typically Glass, open topped bowl on top end of a floor or a table lamp that connects shade.

The Uno socket-

A threaded socket usually on a bridge style or make of lamp. The shade screws directly onto this style of socket.

Wire frame-

The Shade frame construction for most if not all silk-type shades.

Parchment style-

A translucent type of paper used in many hardback style shades.

Fitter-

The top part of shade frame. Some of the main types are Washer, Uno, and Chimney.

Silk style shade-

A style of shade made with a fabric inner liner and outer show material typically over a wire frame.

Hard back shade-

A shade typically made with a hard paper or hard vinyl backing.

Cooli-

A shade with a small top diameter, large bottom diameter, and short vertical flare that looks like traditional old Chinese rain hats.

Socket-

The Electrical connector into which the bulb is affixed by screwing it into place.

Torchere-

A standing floor lamp which directs most of its light upwards.

Sure there are a few more terms in this industry but none that will be required unless your aspirations are to become a professional or consultant in this line of work. The above terms should be all that you need for simply shopping for glass lamp replacement shades or finding an entirely new lamp for just the right place in your home.

Comforter sets can get expensive, especially if you like to have a few different ones so that you can change them out frequently on your bed. You may be interested in looking for a few discount comforter sets for this purpose. You can buy good name brand comforter sets at a discount that will hold up just as if you had purchased it at retail price. The first thing you have to know is where to look for them.

1. Department Stores

When you are shopping in a department store, you will want to look for a discount comforter set. Many times they will mark their comforter sets down to sell them fast, and make room for new stock. This is a great way to get a comforter at a discount price that you can afford.

2. Bed and Bath Stores

With all of the many bed and bath stores available, you are sure to have one or two that are local to you. You can always scope out their bedding section for a discount comforter set that you can afford. While they may not be the latest comforter craze style, you can rest assured that they are probably of good quality. This is an excellent way to find a comforter at a discount price.

3. Online

You can always search online for that discount comforter set that you are looking for. Doing this may very well bring you the search results that you are looking for, as well as that comforter that you love, at a discounted price. You will want to be sure that you are not being over charged for shipping and that the comforter is of decent quality and a brand that you trust.

4. Close Out Store

Shopping at a close out store is a great idea when you are looking for a discount comforter. Close out stores carry things that the larger retail stores no longer carry or discontinue for some reason or another.

As you can see, a discount comforter is not that hard to find when you know where to look. Use the ideas above and see if you can find a good deal for yourself.

The Difference in a Bed Spread and Comforter

You may be surprised to learn that yes, there is a difference in a bed spread and comforter. Many people often think of these two things as the same thing. While they really both serve the same purpose, the two are quite different in deed. Telling the comforter apart from the bed spread is not that hard to do. Once you know the difference, you will be able to spot the difference in no time, and tell the two apart yourself.

While both the bed spread and comforter are used to cover the bed, and keep you warm at night, they both have very noticeable differences. If you care to take notice, you will find that the comforter is quite fluffy, and full of stuffing. The comforter is also thick, and can even be heavier than a bed spread is. If you have ever had a hole in your queen comforter sets, you will see that there is stuffing inside, and even sometimes there are feathers.

While the bed spread and comforter are quite different, you may still want to learn a little more about the bed spread. A bed spread is always thin, and sometimes referred to as a coverlet. You would be more apt to use a bed spread in the summer and warmer months, and pull the comforter out of storage during the cooler months. That is how different the weights are in the two. You will be able to tell quite a difference sleeping under a bed spread when it is cold outside, if you are used to sleeping under a comforter. A bed spread is not stuffed with any stuffing, but will at times have a thin batting between the two layers of the top and bottom, kind of like a quilt. You will also find bed spreads that are as thin as a blanket, with only one layer of fabric used to make the whole thing.

Deciding which you prefer between the bed spread and comforter will be a personal preference. However, it is not unreasonable to own one of each, nor is it odd to use one or the other all year round. You should decide how you would be the most comfortable sleeping, and go with that choice. Some people do use the comforter year round, even in the warmer months in hotter climates. However, these people also probably keep their home quite cool when it is hot outside, and like the look of the comforter on the bed rather than the bed spread. There are also some that prefer the bed spread year round and go with that choice. You will have to make the choice for yourself. However, you now know the difference between the two, and will be able to choose accordingly.

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Due to ever rising costs of commercially sold electricity its not surprising that more and more people are looking to install solar panels to save money on electricity. However, their enthusiasm is pretty quickly shattered once they discover the price of a ready made commercially sold solar panel system. It can cost thousands of dollars to have someone professionally install it for you but you can save big bucks by learning how to make solar panels on your own.

Contrary to popular belief, learning how to make solar panels is neither too technical nor costly. You don’t need to have an engineering degree or be some basement geek to be able to go solar. In fact the truth is making solar panels is nothing more than a fun weekend activity. Moreover, you can build your own solar panels for a fraction of the cost of a commercially sold solar panel.

Another great thing about learning how to make a solar panel on your own is that you will have greater control and flexibility over the size of the solar power system. That means that if you have a small space than you can just make one solar panel to power common small home appliances such as the TV, DVD, or CD player or maybe a laptop or computer. If there is no issue with space than you make a solar panel large enough to power the entire home. Talk about living off the grid!

A quality manual is absolutely essential while learning how to make solar panels. You will be pleasantly surprised to learn how simple it is to find the required raw materials. Almost all of the required components can be easily picked up from the local hardware or electrical store. The components required are copper rolls, plywood, a plastic bottle, wires, and sheets of glass etc.

The most vital part of making solar panels is the solar cells, also known as the photovoltaic cells. These cells are comparatively cheap and can be found online for as little as $1 per cell. However, it is imperative to do your research and make sure you are buying good quality solar panels, as the market is full of reduced, low quality solar cells.

It won’t take you a very long time to make your own solar panels. Even a complete inexperienced novice can very easily make a 100 watt panel in a day. 100 watt does not sound like much but when you take into account the amount of time spent to make it…its worth it!

The most vital thing to do before you start making your solar panels is to get your hands on a quality manual that will provide even the minutest detail and help you to learn how to make solar panels even if you are a complete novice with no previous DIY project experience.

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If you are thinking about setting up solar power, you would certainly want to know how to make a small solar panel for your home. Nowadays with the advancement in technology and due to the widespread availability of the required raw materials, more and more people are building their own solar panels rather than buying from the stores directly. But exactly how much does solar power cost? That’s what we are going to have a look at.

How To Make A Small Solar Panel

Making a small solar panel can be quite an easy task. However, before you start with anything you need to try and learn as much as you can about solar panels and solar power. You can use the internet to your advantage, get more information about solar power, how it works, how solar power is converted by solar panels into usable electrical power..etc.

To make a small solar panel you don’t need an engineering degree of any sorts…it’s not rocket science! The required raw materials such as copper sheets, sand paper, plastic bottle, a big jar and other tools are quite cheap and will be readily available at the local hardware or electrical store.

A step-by-step DIY guide is essential to learn how to make a small solar panel. By getting hold of a DIY manual that shows even the most specific details ranging from the purchase of the required components to the set-up of all the components, learning how to make solar panels is going to be a piece of cake for you.

However, if you are not too sure about making a solar panel yourself, you can go ahead and buy a solar power kit…follow the simple step-by-step instructions and build your own small solar panel. These kits simply do not require any technical knowledge and are pretty much self-explanatory. Moreover, these can be bought for a fraction of the cost of a ready made solar panel sold commercially.

How Much Do Solar Panels Cost

If you intend to build the solar power system by yourself from scratch then its just going to cost you……drumroll please………$200! The same solar panel with a much lower power efficiency is sold commercially for more than $5000!

The cost of the commercially sold solar panels will give a much clearer view of how much you are set to save should you learn how to make a small solar panel. Solar power is a great source of renewable energy, which is not going to diminish any time soon. Solar panels have an average life-span of 25-30 years, so we are looking here at a saving more than hundreds of thousands of $$$$! Go ahead and solar power your home for a very small investment and never pay for electricity again!

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One of the privileges of living is having easy access to water. However, there are places which have water shortages. This will come as a surprise to many. Therefore this is an important issue for many of us who take our water for granted. There are ways of keeping water, and once we start doing this, we will reap the benefits .

Rainwater harvesting is collecting rain water that would otherwise go down the drain. If everyone began harvesting rainwater they would be surprised to learn how much water we could save. Rainwater harvesting is a practice that has been around for centuries and is still used all over the world. Homeowners often do not know about the benefits associated with rainwater harvesting. For instance, if we find ways to save rainwater, our water bills will be reduced dramatically.

One very cost efficient way of collecting rainwater is to place a water butt on your down-pipe and preserve the water for use in the garden or for car washing. If you have a large garden, you could even place two water butts next to each other from the downpipe.

If you want to go one step further, you may try upgrading to a simple harvesting rainwater pump and filter. This pump makes a pressurized system that can then be used in conjunction with a hosepipe; good for watering the garden or washing the car or patio area.

How can we use the rainwater?

You may use rainwater for outdoor needs such as filling up swimming pools, washing windows, watering the garden, and cleaning yards . As well as saving on drinking water use, rainwater is good for other needs too. For example, it results in less build-up of calcium deposits in pipework.

Using rainwater in the house

Once the rainwater is filtered, it can even be used around the house to supply toilets or washing machines. However, it is important for the rainwater to be filtered and siphoned in order to make it appropriate as a source of non-drinking water.

In deciding which tank to set up next to your house, you should think about a few things. The kind of area you live in, the quantity of people that are staying with you, and the amount of water that will be used all play a big part. The procedure is then as follows; once the correct tank has been set up the rainwater is then filtered and pumped into a header tank in the loft of your house where it is distributed into a household and non-drinking supply. Do not be surprised to learn that some improvements will have to be carried out to your existing plumbing. This is important so that the rainwater supply will be separate from your fresh water supply.

As water continues to get more expensive, more people are getting concerned about how to save money. This is why rainwater harvesting is now becoming a serious consideration to the household owner.

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There is no doubt that the bathroom is the one room in the house that gets used the most. This room is used by friends and family multiple times each day. The way your bathroom looks and feels makes a statement about you and can leave a lasting impression.

You have plenty of options to give your bathroom a much needed make over. You can spend the money and give it a complete overhaul by redoing the floors, walls, counters, and sink. Or you could just redecorate by creating a bathroom theme and finding the many bathroom accessories there are to fit your theme.

Create a theme for who uses the bathroom the most. If it is a girls bathroom, purple is a very popular choice. You could buy a purple shower curtain and design a purple colored theme for a child’s bathroom. Clear shower curtains would give you many options to mix it up with different accessories and give it any look you’d like. The plethora of options will make it easy for you to find a theme to fit your personal style.

Buying new bathroom accessories can really make a difference in the ambiance and mood of your bathroom. Here are a few tips to consider when shopping for new bathroom accessories.

All of the different choices can be somewhat overwhelming. Organize your thoughts by writing out what you want. Divide it in to a few sub lists. You should include all of the things that go on and in your shower on the first list. This includes shower curtains, shelving, soaps, and trinkets. The next list would include all of the rest of the bathroom accessories outside of the shower. Things here would be towels, soap dispensers, trashcans, toothbrush holders, and even towel racks or hooks.

Making lists will help you stay organized when you finally get to the point where you are ready to shop for the accessories to redo your bathroom.

Choose the style, design, and colors you want to select for your shower and use that list as the center of your new bathroom theme. Deciding what you want to put on the first list will take some time. The second list then would just correspond with what you chose on the first list.

Really take your time and know what you want before you spend money.

The amount of options are unlimited so get exactly what you want and nothing less. If you are stuck on ideas check on the internet to see what others are doing.

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