Bathroom Faucet Leaks

Faucet leaks can waste more water than you think. Have you ever put a cup or bowl underneath a leaky faucet and actually seen how much water is wasted. Leaky faucets should be repaired as soon as possible to prevent the waste of water in your home. Water is a precious resource and should be used wisely.

One slow drip from the faucet can waste over 5 gallons of water per day. If you think that's not a big deal, let me put it in perspective for you. 5 gallons of water per day equals 35 gallons per week, times 52 weeks in a year, that equals over 1800 gallons of water, and that's a lot of water.

The problem with a faucet leak isn't just the amount of water it waste, it will soon start to deteriorate your sinks, bathtubs and showers and could damage other sections of the home, like the wood framing. I've seen a water drip in a steel kitchen sink, in just a few years, wear a hole right through it. Keep in mind water and wind formed the Grand Canyon, water can be extremely erosive.

Faucet leaks can attract house pests, like mice, flies, ants and a wide variety of other insects.

Most faucets can usually be repaired for under $20. Most of the time the problem will be in the valves or handles that turn the water on and on. If you're not familiar with plumbing parts, you could pick up a do-it-yourself home repair manual or go online and look up the manufacturer of your faucet, for more information.

Usually the manufacturer has a diagram of the faucet, broken down into sections and you could get a pretty good idea, what parts you will need to remove, in order to replace the damaged part or parts that are creating the water leak.

Calling a plumber seems to be most homeowners last resort. They only do it if they absolutely have to. If you don't understand how a faucet works and have no desire to learn how, I would suggest you call a plumber or contact someone who can help you with your faucet leak, but get the faucet leak fixed and quit wasting water.

Greg Vanden Berge is working on the internet to promote the education for creating simple to follow guides and home building books to help professional building contractors as well as the weekend warriors. He has just finished a Home Buyers Guide to take some of the frustration out of home shopping.
If your looking for some more bathroom remodeling or home building ideas.

Greg Vanden Berge Quotes

Laying Ceramic Tile - Important Details That Must Be Right

Laying ceramic tile is a simple process. Get the basics right and the project will be a success. Now there are quite a few tricks that you need to know for the project to turn out right. Overlook these few things and you may have problems. Actually some of the most important steps are before you lay the first tile.

Some tile projects fail because of the base over which the tile is set. That's because any movement of the finished tile surface will likely lead to cracks. You see a tile surface is brittle. Move the base around and the tile will crack either in the tiles themselves or in the grout. A cracked tile surface is because of movement of the base. You can easily prevent this.

Now on some surfaces you may need some bracing. But usually even if you have a bouncing mounting surface, covering the surface will solve the problem. Putting down a plywood base or a cement board base is often the solution. The cement board base is almost a standard professional first step. In any case, make sure your base is clean, smooth and solid.

Once you have a solid base, the next important step is to decide where that first tile goes. Get the first tile right and the project is well under way. You see the finished look of the tile surface depends on where the cut tiles are and how all the tile joints look. Usually most rooms aren't exactly square so it's a challenge to make the tile lines match best with the existing walls. Planning is the key to success.

You can often start a floor in the center and work out for the best look. Once you get started it's easy to keep joints even using regular tile spacers. Then you can check regularly with a carpenter square to keep all the tiles properly aligned.

Laying ceramic tile is a step by step process. No particular step is hard, but there are quite a few tricks that you need to know to have the best chance for success. Get off to the right start and you'll surely have a good looking finished project.

You can get access to video tutorials showing the professional tricks to laying ceramic tile on our tile website.

Al Bullington invites you to visit http://InstallingCeramicTile.net for answers to your tile questions.

Options for Improving the State of Your Roller Shades

Roller shades have been around for many years. Long ago in history many people had roller shades installed in their windows. Some of these roller shades still look quite beautiful. However it should be understood, and expected, that by now many of these roller shades that are in windows have deteriorated and gone by the wayside. Some of the wear and tear may be quite natural, including control systems that break down or fabrics that have ripped and torn or simply don't look right anymore. In any case, for most homeowners or business owners want to have attractive window treatments in their spaces.

Among the most common problems that consumers have with roller shades are failures in the control system. Sometimes roller shades "don't want to roll up anymore." Other times, they are stuck in position. For the first of these situations, you may simply find that if you can reroll your roller shade, you can tighten the springs and have it roll up better. In the case of a shade that is stuck, you must be very careful to not damage the fabric while trying to fix the shade. Many of these situations are complete losses, meaning that you will need to replace the roller shades. This is because the older control systems, those managed by springs, are no longer the commonplace or easy to obtain shades. So in the end, if you have a shade control system that is not working properly it is often advisable to get a new roller shade with the new control system.

Many consumers ask whether they can get a new roller shade control system for their existing fabric. This would seem the most logical way of reusing the same fabric and saving money by not having to waste that same fabric on a new shade. However given the updates and new fabrics that are available on the market, as well as the new methods of manufacturing roller shades, it is not as cost-effective and easy as many would think. It may not be so much of a waste, however, to buy new roller shades. For one thing the new fabrics are technically more capable. For another, the new control systems are substantially more durable and will protect your roller shade fabric so it will last much longer in your windows.

Another common roller shade problem is ripped, warped, or otherwise damaged roller shade fabric. The heavy use of vinyl coated fabrics, those that are typically called blackout, were substantially more common in the past. Those fabrics, unfortunately the lighter weight ones, were more often susceptible to ripping than modern-day fabrics, particularly those from woven polyester or other threads. The damages to these roller shade fabrics have often created ugly or less than presentable roller shades. Many consumers have wondered if it is possible to repair this fabric by replacing a section of the fabric. Unfortunately, replacing a section of fabric is not a possibility. However, some roller shade fabrics can endure a slight repair, like sewing or other repair. Beware though, excessive sewing may lead to an expanded problem. Often times, the sewing of roller shade fabric will simply delay the inevitable- the entire destruction of their roller shade. In the end, it is usually advisable for consumers to begin thinking about replacing roller shades when this type of deterioration begins.

Some roller shades will cause damage to the surrounding area. The scraping of a roller shade bottom rail against a window frame is not uncommon. Sometimes, this bottom rail, also called a hem bar, will run into a wall or otherwise run into a window frame. This type of damage can usually be corrected by making slight changes to the bottom rail like cutting it with a saw. Sometimes this hitting into a wall is a sign of other problems. A roller shade that is not properly squared up may have other damage to the fabric at the controls at the top of the roller shade. It is important to make sure that the roller shade is rolling up properly and that there are no other damages to the fabric or the control system.

While many consumers would like to try to repair or update or otherwise renovate their roller shades, it is usually considered advisable for simple replacement of that one shade or the several with problems. The new control systems will help your shades last longer and look more beautiful for a longer period of time.

Judith Persit is a student of interior design. She started in this direction due to a search for design options in window treatments. Ms. Persit writes about roller shades. Roller shades can be interesting, you can learn more about shades at her sponsor's website, with many pictures.

Cost Effective Stair Building

What is the most cost effective way of building stairs? Why do the tract homes use on site methods of construction? When you think of a factory assembling a product on a assembly line you think why not a home. Why do they still build homes on lots or residential home sites?

If homes could be built in a factory cheaper than on site that is exactly what every home builder would be doing. They just haven't quite figured it out yet. When dealing with the large amounts of materials required to build a house and of course the expense of shipping. It is not cost effective to build a conventional home in a factory and ship it over long distances.

This is the biggest problem with cost effective stair construction. Most prefabricated stairs you will notice are spiral stairs. These stairs are smaller than most stairs that are used for multi level construction.

Spiral stairs are hard for your average carpenter to build. These stairs can be purchased from a factory easily and quite inexpensive.

The stairs in your average two story house are going to weigh about 3 times the amount of a spiral set of stairs that could be shipped in a cost effective way. Spiral stairs are not going to be the main stairway in a home and normally go up to a loft or an attic. Most spiral stairs don't meet the minimum building requirements for the main stairway in your home.

When building tract homes the lumber is shipped in bulk directly to the house site where it will be assembled. The lumber and other building materials will be shipped once. If it went to a factory and then assembled it would also have to be sent to the site on which the house was to be built. This added expense in shipping the materials twice is the problem for such a large and heavy item such as a set of stairs.

There are other prefabricated types of stairs that are built locally and the shipping usually is not a major expense. If you are building a stairway that is not to difficult to build for the average carpenter it will normally be cost effective to build the stairs on site. This would require having the carpenter build the stairs as part of the rough framing and then after drywall have the finish carpenter build the stair handrail system.

Visit us now for easy Home Constuction Help

Greg Vanden Berge is working on the internet to promote the education for creating simple to follow guides and home building books to help professional building contractors as well as the weekend warriors. He is currently working on more building stairs books and adding useful content to help solve problems created by the lack of construction knowledge in the building industry.

Are Christians Really Interested

Home Remodeling Contractors - Helpful Solutions

Well this is about the third time for me, going through some tough times and the bad economy, in the construction business. If you're a remodeling contractor or are currently working in the remodeling business, you're in a better position than those who are used to working in new construction, track framing or commercial tilt ups.

I got out of and will probably never go back to, track house framing. There were some pretty tough times and plenty of ups and downs, during the first recession I went through, which started in 1980. I was working one day a week and just barely making enough money to pay my bills. I would actually buy a box of doughnuts and make it last me for three days. Not the most healthy thing you could eat but financially, it did the trick.

I never wanted to go through that, ever again and decided to try my luck in the remodeling field. I've never had to go through the tough times like that ever again. I hope I never have to either, even though things are pretty bad right now, for those reading this article in the future, the date is March 3, 2009 and the economy is on the verge of going into tougher times. It seems like everyone is holding their breath, for the government to bail us out, with a stimulus package.

I don't know about the stimulus package, but I do realize, that once the interest rates drop, I would imagine, and that most remodeling contractors are going to have a free-for-all and plenty of work. People right now are waiting to buy homes, and when the interest rate drops, I would imagine the prices of some of these homes will actually increase as they start to get snatched up, remodeled and repaired to either rent down or sell at a profit.

Home owners that are waiting to remodel their bathrooms, kitchens or other home improvements, are waiting for signs that the economy is going to get a little stronger. This will provide them with a sense of job security, I know a few people who are waiting until we come out of the recession, to do any home improvements, because they're afraid of losing their jobs and not having the money in the bank to make their payments.

I live in Southern California and when I go to my local home improvement center or lumberyard, the parking lot is full. This tells me, that people are still working, buying and selling things and the economy isn't really that bad. For those remodeling contractors who aren't doing much work right now, there is hope and light at the end of this economically miserable tunnel. Things will get better and if you look back at history, things always do get better.

You are free to copy this article to your site as long as you include the following resource information with an active link to my site:

Greg Vanden Berge is working on the internet to promote the education for creating simple to follow guides and home building books to help professional building contractors as well as the weekend warriors. He has just finished a home buyers advice to take some of the frustration out of home shopping.

If your looking for some more Remodeling Pictures or home building ideas.

Building Your Lake Home

You might have a dream of building a lake home for retirement, for enjoying summers at the lake or for an investment. No matter what your reason for owning a lake home by starting out with a good builder and knowing some of the basics about home building, you will be able to have a positive experience during the home building process.

Start by looking in your area for a builder that suits your needs and has a good reputation in the area. Make sure that the builder is sensitive to your needs and will listen to what you want in a lake home. Notice whether promises are kept or broken. Some contractors are skilled at giving good impressions early but lack the character to do what they say. You can save yourself many headaches by learning to spot this deficiency early on.

Ask your builder the following questions:

1. How many years of experience do you have in building lake homes?
2. What special skills and qualifications do you have to offer?
3. What happens if the project goes over-budget?
4. What type of homes do you normally build?
5. How much input will we have into the design of the home?
6. Are you licensed and insured?
7. Who is responsible to get building permits?

Take your time when looking for a builder. Some of the best builders in the area may be booked up several months in advance, but they also may be able to fit you in as many times builders work on several homes at one time. For instance, as the concrete is drying and setting up at one location, they may be doing the framing on another home.

Have a one-on-one meeting with the builder and see if he/she is open to your ideas and suggestions. Does the builder give you his/her complete attention? Or is he busy taking phone calls during your meeting? If so, the builder might not devote his/her full attention to your project. Then ask to meet some of the key staff who will be working on the home. Do the employees seem professional and interested in their work?

By taking your time when looking for a builder, you will go a long way in the process of having what you want in your lake home. Make your dream home a reality by taking things one step at a time - and starting with a qualified builder.

For more information about what to look for when building your lake home go www.bluestoneconst.com.

Jim Raboin and Larry McCulley are co-owners of BlueStone Construction (http://www.bluestoneconst.com) and have over 20 years of experience in the building industry. Jim has been in the building industry since the early 1990's and is a visionary who has built BlueStone on the idea of giving more than is expected. Jim has close to 15 years of residential construction experience and is fast becoming known as a new kind of developer/construction leader in the Brainerd Lakes region. Larry McCulley has been in the building industry since 2000. He has built BlueStone by taking what he has learned from our clients and creating truly unique lakehomes that reflect their lifestyles. Achieving excellence through relationship building is his passion. Larry has 7 years of commercial and residential construction experience and received his bachelors degree in construction management from Minnesota State University Moorhead.

Glass Blocks Give a House Or Office a Special Touch

With new home construction on the rise, there is no shortage of new and innovative designs. When we drive around some neighborhoods we cannot but help noticing how the builders of these structures have gone all out in making their homes unique and competitive. We now have homes in almost all shapes and sizes. Even people with existing homes have joined the fray. Since they cannot outright demolish their homes and reconstruct, they make a spirited attempt to modify their homes using innovative techniques. One of those techniques is using glass blocks.

Glass blocks as building blocks have been around for some time but they have become more prevalent in recent times as more and more people discover their inherent advantages. Glass blocks are not made of regular glass as there are many types of glass. Rather, they are made out of what is called tempered glass which is a specially made to specially-treated glass that is heated to certain degrees and then left to dry. This produces a type of glass that is more resilient than regular glass and can even be as hard as marble. This makes this a very attractive building material. Glass blocks have several advantages that make them an attractive building option.

One of their advantages is that they are obviously attractive. Having a section of a wall or building wing made entirely of glass is extremely attractive and is becoming popular. Hardly can we visit a number of offices than we see glass blocks adorning sections of the offices. This has translated to people's homes who prefer glass blocks in some patios and even entire walls of the homes.

What makes glass blocks attractive is the fact that they allow light in without necessarily being brittle. We normally associate glass with being brittle and delicate as with drinking glass. The same is not the case with glass blocks. These can be set to allow light while at the same time be as hard as marble. They can even be set to allow some light and not all, meaning that they become translucent rather than totally transparent. This can allow light to enter into the building without necessarily compromising privacy.

Another reason that makes glass blocks attractive is their resilience. We mentioned this before; that they are made out of treated glass which is enhanced with the addition of increased chemicals and moderated heat levels to create a glass substance that is hundreds of times stronger than regular glass. In the event that is cracks and breaks, it does not shatter the way regular glass does. Who would not want a strong glass block to form part of their walls at home or at the office which is very beautiful to look at and also very strong?

Glass blocks, because they allow a lot of light into the room, contribute to reduced power bills. This is because with the block, there is less artificial light required since the room can now be lit with natural outdoors light.

Need information about about glass blocks? Theodor Cartman recommends the best glass blocks when buying.

Dangers Using Wood Stair Cleats - New Stair Construction

I would imagine most people don't even know what it wood stair cleat is, in construction we have so many words that describe the same thing. A stair cleat is another word for a thread bracket. In other words it's the part of the stairway that connects the stair stringer to the stair step. These have been used for years and over time, most of them will develop the same problem.

Most wood stair cleats loosened up and create a safety hazard. If the stairs are located outside in extreme weather conditions, for example, if it rains or snows a lot, extremely humid humid weather, or extremely hot and dry temperatures, your staircase might not last that long, if it is or isn't maintained properly. It's not a bad idea to use steel or concrete for stairways in these climates.

If you're ever walking up a set of stairs with wood cleats and the stair steps feel a little loose or wiggly, make sure you examined the stair cleats for safety. It's not uncommon for someone to be walking up or down a set of wood stairs and having the stair step or tread giveaway because the wood cleats has loosened.

If the wood stair cleats are nailed to the stair stringer, the nails can loosen up, causing it to become loose, as you walk up and down the stairs applying pressure to the stair cleat, this will create movement in between the stair step and the stair stringer. This could cause the cleat to crack, break and separate the connection between the stair step in the stair stringer.

I would suggest using metal brackets instead of wood cleats. The metal brackets will not crack or disintegrate like some wood cleats. Stair building brackets of course can loosen up and should be maintained regularly.

If you decide to use wood stair cleats, I would suggest using screws instead of nails and drilling holes in the wood stair cleats, most of the time this will prevent cracking the cleat. Try to use a thicker material for the stair cleat, for example using a 2 x 4 with lag screws and washers would be better than using a 1 x 4 with nails.

If you're walking up a set of stairs and a stair step feels loose, contact the owner of the property and let them know, they have a problem with their staircase.

Greg Vanden Berge is working on the internet to promote the education for creating simple to follow guides and home building books to help professional building contractors as well as the weekend warriors. He is currently working on more stair building books and adding useful content to help solve problems created by the lack of construction knowledge in the building industry.

Does God Make Mistakes

Tips on How to Finish a Basement Wall

The walls are something you should take account of when you finish a basement. Finishing a basement is very important if you want your basement not only to look good. The walls in the basement are very important because they provide the structure for your basement and carry the weight of your home above it.

Tip 1: Make sure your walls are dry enough to work with.

Check how much moisture content your wall has. If it has too much moisture, there are probably leaks either on the walls itself or on the floor.

Tip 2: Install drywall.

Installing drywall to your concrete walls does not take a genius. It is also more time efficient as compared to applying plaster instead. Drywall is also made out of gypsum that helps prevent the spread of fire. When attaching your drywall, make sure that nothing is protruding on its surface (ex. nails).

Tip 3: Add furring strips

Furring strips will prevent water from leaking in your basement and will provide a more leveled wall to work with. A leveled working surface is very important when you finish a basement.

Tip 4: Insulation and Vapor Barriers

Attaching both of them, will aid in possible heat-related problems in your basement .Insulation is important or less heat loss. It is needed to help maintain a suitable room temperature especially during the cold months.

Tip 5: Design your walls.

The design of your walls is really up to you. You can paint over the surface of the drywall or create a textured finish with the use of wooden boards and other similar materials.
To finish a basement wall is one of the few things you should remember if you want to be able to enjoy your basement longer.

Want to learn how to decorate your basement wall a little more creatively? Discover practical basement remodeling ideas online and turn cheap basement ideas into dream basements at a budget.

Follow Your Instincts When Looking For a Contractor

One of the most popular search terms on the Internet is the word "contractor." People are searching on how to find good ones, recommendations, reviews, and information to back up who the contractors actually say they are. The largest global topic about contractors is "how do I find a good one?"

If you're looking for a contractor, or have recommendations or names, the first step in getting to know someone who's going to be doing work in your home is to call them.

When you call them, set up a sit down conversation about your project. Remind them to bring their license numbers and credentials. Having them provide pictures of past jobs only helps you to see their individual style and how it might coincide with yours. This first meeting is for them to get an idea of the job and for you to feel out your reactions to them being in the home.

My first rule with this is simple: Trust your gut.

If you get a funny feeling having the person in the home, most likely it's not someone you're going to trust to have there and in the long term this can and will cause problems. Not only will they feel like you're trying to "watch their every move" through the whole project, you'll be uncomfortable with the whole process. Avoid this at the beginning, smile and nod, and kindly say "I don't think we're going to be a match."

Second rule: Once you find a contractor you get along with check their license number against the state records.

Simply put, there are many capable people out there who are trained to do your home improvement job the right way. There are also many capable people who don't really follow the rules. To further narrow down the field of people you're going to let do work in your home, compare their contractor license number against state records.

You can easily do this on most State's Public Safety Department websites as well as over the phone. This information will let you know who's up to date, keeping certified and if "everything is in order." Not to say that people who are carrying out of date license numbers are bad, but it means that the state won't protect you against something that goes wrong in the case that something does in deed go "off-plan".

Always trust your gut and always check the information they give you. Just two ways to keep yourself protected, prepared and on your way to finding the right contractor for your job.

Jacob Lee - pioneer basement
http://www.pioneerbasement.com

Slow Market Home Pricing Advice

Homes are going to be sold in good markets and bad. When times are good, people often forget that bad times will be coming eventually. During good times, people often get caught up in the hype of the real estate boom. During tough times, houses will be sold eventually, or taken off the market and sold later. If you need to sell the home as soon as possible, for financial or other reasons, you will have to adjust your price with the current market and don't get greedy.

This is the hardest thing for most people to do, lower the price of their home in order to sell it in a slow real estate market. Don't get caught up in the value of your home, six months or even a year ago. Last year's prices are not going to be this year's prices and you need to get that through your thick skull. If the average homes in your neighborhood are selling for $250,000 and you have a swimming pool or done some upgrades, maybe a room addition. Your home is going to be worth more than the average selling price.

Most real estate professionals will price your home according to the length of time you have to sell it. If you're in a hurry to sell, they don't have time to test the market. The price of your home would need to be competitive or lower than homes selling in the area. Whether homes are selling fast in a good market for selling slow in a bad market, if you have time, you can ask a little bit more for your home. If the market hasn't reached the bottom, waiting could actually hurt you, because the prices of the homes in the area would still be dropping.

Listen to your real estate professionals advice when pricing your home. That's what you're hiring them for, they are in the real estate business. Your neighbors, relatives, friends and people you work with, will probably be guessing if you asked for their opinion on pricing your house.

Your house is only worth what someone is willing to pay for it. Finding that person is the key to selling your home, finding that person as soon as possible could give you the illusion that you sold your home to cheap. Don't worry about it, your final objective is to sell the house.

Greg Vanden Berge is working on the internet to promote the education for creating simple to follow guides and home building books to help professional building contractors as well as the weekend warriors. He has just finished a home buyers guide to take some of the frustration out of home shopping.

If you really think your home is safe, check out these pictures about home water damage.

Wrong With Bible Verse

Growing Up Around Christians in Organized Religion

I was born in the 1960s and raised in Southern California, United States of America. During that period of time, and in the area I was raised, there was basically one religion that dominated every aspect of mine and my friends lives. That religion was Christianity. When I was in elementary school, I knew one Jewish boy and he looked different than the Christians and even talk different. He was very smart and spent a lot of his time reading, instead of playing at recess.

There were no Muslims or Hindus and it was a predominantly white environment. The first black students I seen was when I entered the eighth grade and by the time I finished high school, I could count all of the black students I had met on both of my hands. So now you have a pretty good idea of my life, living in a white neighborhood that was 90% Christian.

As you can guessed it, I was raised a Christian, but not a regular Christian, I was a Methodist and proud of it, until my parents got tired of the church elders asking for money or if my father could help build the new church. My father explained to them, that he needed to work to support his family and could only contribute, what ever he could to the church and no more. They were very unhappy and made it uncomfortable for us to go to the church anymore.

Hard to imagine, isn't it. Christians asking for money and then when they don't receive it, getting mad at one of their brethren.

Well it was time to switch churches and we are now going to the Crystal Cathedral Church in Garden Grove California. These people had everything and it was a large church. This was before they built the massive glass structure that is presently the church sanctuary. I enjoy going to this church, because we didn't have to go to Sunday school and got to sit with the adults to worship.

By the time I was 15, neither one of my parents were going to church anymore and my life didn't seem to change that much, even though I prayed every night with my brother. Maybe that was it, I didn't have to go to church as long as I prayed every night... By the time I was 18 years old, I was more confused about organized religion than ever before and this included Christianity.

How can someone kill in the name of God? The Muslims were doing it, the Christians were doing it, the Muslims were fighting the Hindus in India and it all seemed normal. It didn't seem normal to me, when I was supposed to love my neighbor and live a life like Christ who never seemed to start fights or even get mad. Maybe a couple of times, over some money, in the Temple.

I have chosen not to be a part of organized religion. I'd figured out that most of our religious beliefs came from our upbringing. This seems to have brainwashed us into believing we are better because were right and know for a fact, that we have chosen to belong to the right religion. What if were not right?

I want to ask you a question, do you think that other religions are wrong and yours is right? If you really spend some time and think about this, you will see, that your religion is not that different than someone else's and neither was their upbringing. Most religious followers, belonged to the religion of their childhood.

Who Is Jesus?

You are free to copy this article to your site as long as you include the following resource information with an active link to my site:

Greg Vanden Berge is a published author, internet marketing expert, motivational inspiration to millions of people all over the world and is sharing some of his wisdom with experts in the fields of writing,marketing and personal development.

Greg is currently working on a spiritual videos filled with great movies on a wide array of topics, like religion, self help and spiritual changes in the world.

DIY Bathroom Remodeling Or Hiring a Contractor

The first question you need to ask yourself when remodeling a bathroom is can you actually do the work yourself or do you have someone that can help you with the remodeling. If you don't know anyone and can't do the work yourself, I would suggest hiring a contractor with experience remodeling bathrooms.

If you can do the work yourself or think you could do the work yourself, why not give it a shot. Any experience you have in construction or home remodeling, is going to be beneficial to your bathroom remodeling project. There is plenty of information on the internet or in your local libraries on bathroom remodeling and these often prove to be great resources for do it yourselfers.

As an experienced contractor I have gathered a great deal of information through books, at work and watching local home improvement shows. The biggest problem with the show's and quite a few of these books, is they don't provide enough information. Most of the time they provide you with the basics of bathroom remodeling and you could soon find yourself in trouble or seeking the advice from a home improvement professional.

The largest benefit for doing the bathroom remodeling project yourself, could be the money you save, along with the satisfaction of completing the project. It makes homeowners feel good when they've completed a large home remodeling project, like a bathroom remodel.

If you don't have the time, lack the experience or a combination of both, I would suggest hiring a contractor to relieve you from the stress and frustration of your bath remodeling project. The more complex your bathroom remodeling project is, the greater the degree of difficulty, the longer it will take to complete the project. Some of these projects can take up a lot of your time.

If you're working on galvanized water supply pipes or old cast iron waste pipes, you could find yourself hiring a plumber to install your bathtub and fixtures. These old pipes create problems for most do it yourselfers and I would suggest hiring a professional, whenever you run into a problem you don't feel comfortable with.

Choosing to tackle some of these difficult problems yourself, could lead to water leaks and more damage to the home eventually costing you even more money than the original cost of hiring an experienced plumber in the first place. When it comes to water, structural framing and electricity, think twice, especially if you're not experienced in these areas.

My advice to do it yourselfers is to hire a professional if you're not comfortable or seek the advice from a contractor or someone with considerable experience bathroom remodeling.

Greg Vanden Berge is working on the internet to promote the education for creating simple to follow guides and home building books to help professional building contractors as well as the weekend warriors. He has just finished a Home Buyers Guide to take some of the frustration out of home shopping.

If your looking for some more House Remodeling Pictures or home building ideas.

Luck is What Happens When Preparation Meets Opportunity

You must be ready when an opportunity comes before you, opportunity often comes in the form of work and that's why most people seem to miss it. Most people are too busy looking for the easy path through life. They seem to lay around waiting for the opportunity of a lifetime,... to simply fall at your feet.

Why would you want to spend so much time complaining about something, or someone? Other people can help you along the way, if you let them, but it's up to you, ultimately, to become the most you can possibly be. I have had plenty of opportunities in my life and have took advantage of some, while letting most of them pass by.

I'm no different than most people but now seem to be aware of my surrounding opportunities, all the time.

How many times do you wish for an opportunity to come along? It's probably one that you missed already, at some point during your life. Are you going to be prepared for the next opportunity when it comes along? These opportunities seem to repeat themselves throughout our lives and if we're not in the right state of mind, we often overlook them and let them pass by, time and time again.

You need to prepare yourself in advance for the next opportunity. If you are prepared and have your eyes open, you will be able to see the next opportunity that comes your way. Preparation will increase your chances for success and good fortune always.

Opportunities come in all shapes and sizes. Be on the lookout, when you're walking to the grocery store, taking a break at work, reading the newspaper, talking to your neighbor, walking down the street or even while you are sitting alone, letting your mind wander away. Your chances for success could come while your in your quiet places, or relaxing. Be prepared.

Greg Vanden Berge is a published author, internet marketing expert, motivational inspiration to millions of people all over the world and is sharing some of his wisdom with experts in the fields of writing,marketing, and personal development.

Greg is currently working on a video library filled with great movies on a wide array of topics, like religion, self help and spiritual changes in the world. His views on religious freedom are slowly changing the way people think about institutional religion.

Will All Men Ever Hate Jesus

Home Maintenance Schedules - House Ideas

If you have trouble remembering when you purchased that new refrigerator, washer or other home appliance, you're not alone. What is probably even tougher is remembering when you serviced the furnace filters, checked the hot water heater or when the stove fume hood was last cleaned.

All of these tasks are made easier if you develop and maintain a simple system of recording when these tasks are done. This record should be added or completed as the last item on the list that's kept with the appliance or in a 'home maintenance record book or file.

Having trouble finding the proper tags or file system? Try the local office products store or office products section of your local grocery or hardware store. A simple Journal book will work to keep a running record of home, yard and auto repairs and maintenance. While this record takes a bit longer to find what was done when, it is recorded in chronological order...all in one place.

Another tip is similar to that used by the fire department to record the maintenance schedule of such things as the fire extinguishers. Various tags and holders are available in hardware or home supply stores that permit you to record the date, month, day and year, of the service or repair. This tag is invaluable for items as water heaters, water and furnace filters or any other appliance that receives periodic checking and maintenance by the home or apartment dweller. Many times these appliances are installed by the owner or delivery person and simply "forgotten about" until something goes wrong!

Then it is not only a scramble to get the fixture back in service, but also a hassle to find out the make, model, last service date etc. If you take the extra minute or two to record the purchase, date, location, date, model, serial number or model number, you know have the information you need to contact the local dealer or service department. Also, if you're not inclined to fix, repair or replace the unit yourself, you have the minimum information to begin the process of finding the help or aid of the local 'Handyman'.

Dennis Bries
http://briespix.com

Self-Help - Happiness - Want a Good Day?

The Happy Musing for the Day: Sweet Holiday wishes touch us all.

The Holiday spirit is everywhere during the Holidays, inside and outside. Garlands hang from street posts. Sleighs filled with gifts are parked on neighborhood lawns. White lights twinkle around the edge of shop windows and colored lights dangle from the eaves of homes on every street. Children make paper chains to hang on trees. Cards arrive in the mail. Mothers bake sugar cookies and grandmothers bake gingerbread men. Presents are hidden under beds and in closets. Thoughts are of others. Smiles are everywhere. People are happy and wishing others the same. And every wish that goes out touches us all.

I once knew a man in Los Angeles named Harry. In fact his nickname was Never-A-Bad-Day-Harry because that's what he said when anyone asked how he was. The answer was permanently, "Never a bad day!"

Harry had come to this country from Sweden long ago. He was given a sum of money and shoved out the door. He was the black sheep of his family and they wanted no part of him. He got on a ship and sailed to America. By the time he arrived in New York he had lost all the money gambling.

From there he bounced around the country until he righted himself and landed on the West Coast. It was there that I met him. By this time he was settled in business and thriving. I was invited to his home for a party and was surprised to find that his entire place was covered with Christmas decorations - lights, trees, garlands, balls, bells, candles, tin foil and ribbons -- and it was the middle of summer. To Harry every day was Christmas. That's the way he lived. There was never a bad day. Perhaps that's the way we should all live -- full of good wishes inside and out.

Happy Holidays to you!

"Life is wonderful!"
copyright 2008 Sally Huss

You may receive FREE Sally Huss' Happy Musings weekly by e-mail and previews of Sally's new self-help downloadable books (10 GREAT THOUGHTS ON LOVE and 10 GREAT THOUGHTS ON FRIENDSHIP) by going to http://www.sallyhuss.com/sallyhuss_signup.htm Also you may download her Have-It-All Formula FREE.

Sally Huss has been creating her bright and happy art, combining it with her whimsical and uplifting thoughts, for over 25 years. King Features syndicated these Happy Musings for newspapers 3 years ago.

You are allowed to use this article as long as you include the resource box, which is the first paragraph above.

HVAC Home Improvement Tax Credits

HVAC home improvement tax credits are back by popular demand, or should I say, unpopular demand.In 2005, the Bush administration implemented the federal tax credit for energy efficiency.This tax credit covers a broad spectrum of home improvements, but for the sake of this writing,we are concentrating on the HVAC, home improvement tax credits that allow homeowners to take advantage of direct tax credits for replacing older inefficient heating and air conditioning systems with higher efficiency, Energy Star rated appliances.

The original 2005 program ran through and expired at the end of December, 2007.Home improvements made during 2008 were not eligible for this program, but, in light of the ever increasing economic downturn nearing the close of last year, on October 3, 2008, President Bush signed into law the "Emergency Economic Stabilization Act of 2008."This bill extended tax credits for energy efficient Home Heating & Cooling System improvements. Tax credits for these residential products, which had expired at the end of 2007, will again be available for improvements made during 2009.

The following Tax Credits available for these HVAC improvements include:

$300- Split System Air Conditioning- 15 SEER Minimum
$300- Air Source Heat Pumps- 9HSPF or 15 SEER Minimum
$150-Gas, Oil, Propane Furnace or Hot Water Boiler- 95% AFUE Minimum
$50- Advanced Main Air Circulating Fan- < 2% furnace total energy use

What this means to you the taxpayer, by purchasing.For example, a qualifying air conditioning unit, along with a qualifying gas furnace, where the additional advanced Main Air circulating fan, which in layman's terms "variable speed drive", you would qualify for up to a $500 tax credit that you can apply to your 2009 federal income tax filing.

If you're considering upgrading you're heating and air-conditioning system, 2009 will be a great year for that, and these additional tax credits will allow you to upgrade your homes energy efficiency.It is important to note, that not all ENERGY STAR qualified homes and products qualify for a tax credit. Tax credits are available for a number of products at the highest efficiency levels, which can cost more than standard products.ENERGY STAR distinguishes energy efficient products which, although they may cost more to purchase than standard models, will pay you back in lower energy bills within a reasonable amount of time, even without a tax credit.

These tax credits are not automatic.You must submit a form that authenticates your specific qualifying brand and model numbers.Your HVAC contractor or supplier should furnish these documents.Qualifying brands and models can be found at the U.S. Government Energy Star Website.

Jay Boyd owns his own heating and air conditioning store Home Air Direct where he helps the do-it-yourselfer save money. His blog site Ask Boyd contains numerous tips and stories involving the HVAC industry.

Putting God on Trial

I was listening to something interesting the other day when someone mentioned putting God on trial for some of the atrocities in the world. If God is the creator of the universe and all that is, or all that ever will be, how can we put him on trial, he's our creator. We can't put our spiritual master on trial can we, he'll just escape anyway if we convict him, won't he. He's got to be smart enough to break out a prison.

As a child I often thought about God and why he would allow such suffering throughout the world. It never made sense to me when I was child and it still doesn't make sense to me today. Why would the creator, want us to suffer, with even the littlest of problems. Other religions have explained it as if God was teaching us a lesson and that's why we have hardships in our lives.

Do you think God ever went through these hardships? Did God have problems finding a job or gathering some food? Does God even eat? Okay now I'm getting off the topic here,(I wonder what God does eat)... if children do something wrong, most of the time their parents will discipline or correct them. If adults to things wrong, the government will discipline and reprimand them. Sometimes these punishments can be severe. It depends on the crimes committed.

If man has to be put on trial for committing crimes like murder, genocide, and general atrocities towards mankind, should God also be put on trial or is he above man because he's God. I can't imagine the creator of the universe ever being put on trial for man's crimes against humanity or other men, but it seems like someone who is all powerful and all knowing could help his children out of this little mess that we're in today.

Couldn't God help us like we help our children. We as parents might not have all the answers, but we do not claim to have them. We are not all powerful and all knowing, like we would assume God to be. When is God going to help us solve some of our major world problems, like genocide and starvation.

Putting God on trial might not solve all of our problems today but it would be nice to have some help with our problems. If he created us to please him, do we have to go on trial one day, for all the things we did or ignored while we were alive. Something to think about isn't it.

Greg Vanden Berge is a published author, internet marketing expert, motivational inspiration to millions of people all over the world and is sharing some of his wisdom with experts in the fields of writing,marketing and personal development. Check This Out What Happened to the Wise Men's Gifts

Greg is currently working on a video library filled with great movies on a wide array of topics, like religion, self help and spiritual changes in the world.

Questions To Ask Your Pastor

Kitchen Redesign Mistakes to Avoid

A new kitchen is one of the most rewarding projects you can begin on your home. After all, your kitchen acts as the heart of your home. It is where family meeting occur; homework sessions are held; and holiday celebrations happen. More memories are made in your kitchen than any other room.

Unfortunately far too many people begin this project without seriously thinking of everything involved. First of all, redesigning your kitchen is an expensive venture. Any changes or mistakes can end up costing you a lot of money. It isn't a simple and cheap fix to switch from a run-of-the-mill stove to a soapstone stove. You better have a plan of action.

Here are some of the more common mistakes people make when remodeling their kitchen:

Mistake: Over-customizing and No Flexibility

Difficult and over specialized items can be a nightmare for both you and the contractor. Not only are some items expensive, but they are also difficult and time consuming to replace. Replacing a granite counterop to soapstone slabs or soapstone blocks costs money. Unless money isn't an issue, it is wise to remain flexible regarding materials and the design for your new kitchen.

Mistake: Changing Plans

Changing the kitchen design plans once the work has started is never a good thing. Most of the materials have already been ordered and the measurements calculated. If you are unsure of going with a soapstone stove, don't order it until you are certain you love the look of soapstone stoves. It will make things much easier for you and your contractor.

Mistake: Allowing A Designer to build Your Kitchen with No Input

It isn't uncommon for a designer's taste to vary from your own ideas on what you want your kitchen to look like. By not expressing what you want, you probably won't be very happy with the finished results. If you love the look of soapstone or want a soapstone counter, tell the designer so in the beginning. Work with your designer and stay involved throughout the entire process.

Mistake: Spending Too Much Money on a Project

The average kitchen makeover adds only 8% to the market value of your home. Never invest more than 20% of its current market value. While you may love the idea of adding soapstone slabs or soapstone blocks, if you don't have the extra money for it, I would try another idea or make cuts in the projects somewhere else.

Mistake: Spending It All In One Place

One of the most common mistakes is not planning the budget well enough to cover unforeseen expenses. Circumstances pop up during your project from time to time. While you love soapstone and have your heart set on a soapstone counter, the manufacturer may be out. You now need to come up with a Plan B. The general rule for a remodeling project is to plan for 80% of budget should go to the remodeling itself and rest for unforeseen circumstances.

Anne has worked on many home improvement projects with a soapstone counter. Her specialties are redesigning ordinary kitchens into the extraordinary using soapstone slabs and soapstone blocks.

Why Should We Give Thanks To God?

On Thanksgiving Day, families all over America sit down to dinner at the same time -- halftime.

"Thanksgiving has two good words," says Hollie, age 9. "They are 'thanks' and 'giving,' and that's what we need to do -- thank others and be giving. Those are two things my mom taught me."

Hollie, your mom has taught you well. Gratitude is one of the most important lessons parents can teach their children.

"Gratitude unlocks the fullness of life," writes Melody Beattie. "It turns what we have into enough, and more. It can turn a meal into a feast, a house into a home, a stranger into a friend. Gratitude makes sense of our past, brings peace for today, and creates a vision for tomorrow."

Adrienne, 9, is fortunate to have a father who's not ashamed to offer thanks to God: "I like when my dad prays before we eat. I don't know why, but I just do."

Tori, 6, is already following the example of godly parents: "I like Thanksgiving because I get to eat chicken, and my mama is with me, and my daddy is with me. I get to see my cousins. I get to be with God because I say the blessings."

Tori, you might have the wrong bird, but you've definitely got the right spirit and company.

You have a kindred spirit in Ally, 11: "I like Thanksgiving because it is good to thank God. He gives us so many blessings that we don't even realize. It's the least we can do to give him one whole day of thanks, but we should be giving thanks daily."

Robert, 8, goes even further: "I can give thanks when I broke my finger and that it didn't get cut off. I can give thanks when my dad got shot four times and that he didn't die."

Wait a minute! How could anybody find a bright side to a broken finger or gunshot wounds?

This kind of worldview sees all circumstances as divine tapestry. Faith in God's sovereignty and goodness transports the believer into a realm where giving thanks in everything is as normal as breathing. This doesn't mean that everything we encounter is good, but rather that God's goodness and power will work it out for his purpose and our benefit.

Why, then, do we complain instead of giving thanks?

"Pride slays thanksgiving, but an humble mind is the soil out of which thanks naturally grow," wrote 19th century minister Henry Ward Beecher. "A proud man is seldom a grateful man, for he never thinks he gets as much as he deserves."

Kimberly, 8, is an example of someone who is grateful even in the midst of great loss: "My grandmother died of a heart attack, and it was hard to thank the Lord for that. I was very close to my grandmother. I saw her almost every day. But now, she doesn't have any more pain, and she is in heaven."

Think about this: Even though we sorrow over the loss of loved ones, not even death can make spiritual Christians ungrateful. The Lord Jesus absorbed death's sting when he offered himself as the perfect sacrifice for our sins. Faith alone in Christ alone guarantees everlasting life.

Memorize this truth: "In everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you." (I Thessalonians 5:18)

Ask this question: Can you give thanks for everything?

Carey Kinsolving is a syndicated columnist, producer, author, speaker and website developer. To see more material like this, visit http://www.KidsTalkAboutGod.org. The Kids Talk About God website contains free, online content for children and families. See Careys Kid TV Interviews. Print free lessons from the "Kids Color Me Bible" and make your own book. Let an 11-year-old girl take you on a trip around the world in the Mission Explorers Streaming Video. Print Scripture verses illustrated by child artists. Receive a complimentary, weekly e-mail subscription to our Devotional Bible Lessons.

Bible quotations in this Bible lesson are from the New King James Version.

Copyright 2006 Carey Kinsolving

Bathroom Faucet Leaks

Faucet leaks can waste more water than you think. Have you ever put a cup or bowl underneath a leaky faucet and actually seen how much water is wasted. Leaky faucets should be repaired as soon as possible to prevent the waste of water in your home. Water is a precious resource and should be used wisely.

One slow drip from the faucet can waste over 5 gallons of water per day. If you think that's not a big deal, let me put it in perspective for you. 5 gallons of water per day equals 35 gallons per week, times 52 weeks in a year, that equals over 1800 gallons of water, and that's a lot of water.

The problem with a faucet leak isn't just the amount of water it waste, it will soon start to deteriorate your sinks, bathtubs and showers and could damage other sections of the home, like the wood framing. I've seen a water drip in a steel kitchen sink, in just a few years, wear a hole right through it. Keep in mind water and wind formed the Grand Canyon, water can be extremely erosive.

Faucet leaks can attract house pests, like mice, flies, ants and a wide variety of other insects.

Most faucets can usually be repaired for under $20. Most of the time the problem will be in the valves or handles that turn the water on and on. If you're not familiar with plumbing parts, you could pick up a do-it-yourself home repair manual or go online and look up the manufacturer of your faucet, for more information.

Usually the manufacturer has a diagram of the faucet, broken down into sections and you could get a pretty good idea, what parts you will need to remove, in order to replace the damaged part or parts that are creating the water leak.

Calling a plumber seems to be most homeowners last resort. They only do it if they absolutely have to. If you don't understand how a faucet works and have no desire to learn how, I would suggest you call a plumber or contact someone who can help you with your faucet leak, but get the faucet leak fixed and quit wasting water.

Greg Vanden Berge is working on the internet to promote the education for creating simple to follow guides and home building books to help professional building contractors as well as the weekend warriors. He has just finished a Home Buyers Guide to take some of the frustration out of home shopping.
If your looking for some more bathroom remodeling or home building ideas.

If I Hate My Brother

Four Great Home Improvement Projects - Decks, Patios, and More

Expanding your living space by adding exterior structures is not only a smart way to add value to your home, but value to the quality of your outdoor life. There are many types of structures to choose from and virtually something for every type of yard and design aesthetic. Deciding whether to build a deck, patio, sunroom, pergola, covered patio, or screenroom is the first decision the homeowner needs to consider. The benefits of each of these structures are numerous, and any one of these structures will add value to your property.

1. Decks - These relatively uncomplicated structures are one of the most popular exterior additions. Decks can be made of treated lumber or composite decking material, which comes in a wide variety of colors and textures. The addition of a deck, like any other exterior living space structure, alters the exterior of the home and should be carefully planned to incorporate the style of the home. Consideration for the site of the deck should be given to take advantage of all outdoor conditions in order for the homeowner to spend time outdoors in the conditions they prefer.

2. Sunrooms - Another great way to extend living space with year round comfort, sunrooms can include heating and cooling, lighting, ceiling fans, tile flooring, and energy efficient windows. The addition of a customized sunroom adds light, gives the home a more spacious look and adds tremendous value to the home. Sunrooms blend with any style of home while bringing added visual esthetics to both the interior and exterior of the home. Customizing a sunroom to match exterior siding such as Hardie siding is easy and affordable. If an existing sunroom needs replacement windows for more energy efficiency, consider that cost as added overall value to the home.

3. Pergolas - Also referred to as arbors or shade covers, pergolas are a beautiful addition to any home. A pergola can either stand-alone or be attached to an existing structure and can be made of wood or termite resistant metal. Pergolas provide dappled shade and can serve as a trellis for climbing vines. Pergolas can transform a yard and landscape by adding elegant style to the backyard. Freestanding arbors can also play an important part in great garden design and can lead from one garden area to another.

4. Screenrooms - Screenrooms are making a comeback from the first half of the century, when virtually every home had an attached screenroom. They are a great way to add living space to the back or side of your home. Screenrooms allow for enjoyment of the outdoors in shaded comfort while staying free of insects and pests. Screenrooms are simple, economical, and can even be built using an existing patio or deck! Patio covers are another great option for expanding outdoor living space and staying out of direct exposure to the sun.

Home improvements, whether adding a carport, replacement windows for energy efficiency, Hardie plank or siding for a long lasting exterior, or upgrading exterior paint will all add great value to your home. Whether you are adding a carport to protect an extra car or boat or adding outdoor living space by building a deck, sunroom, pergola, arbor, screen room or covered patio, these structures are sure to add to the enjoyment of your home.

Chris Robertson is an author of Majon International, one of the worlds MOST popular internet marketing companies on the web. Learn more about Decks, Patios, and More

Torch Down Roofing - A Cautionary Tale

Don't spend a dime on torch down roofing until you've read this cautionary tale. While the names and places change, this tragedy is a common occurrence. It goes something like this...

Two roofers are installing a small flat roof over a lanai while the homeowner is at work. The tear off goes well. Perhaps there's a little rotted wood to fix but that, too, is no problem.

Then they start installing the new roof system. It is a type commonly referred to as "torch down roofing". The official name is "modified bitumen" (pronounced buy-TOO-men). It is a rolled roofing product that consists of a tough membrane embedded in a thick layer of asphalt. Rubbery additives in the asphalt allow the roofing to expand and contract, where other roofing systems just crack. The roofing can bond tightly to metal flashings and move with them, while maintaining the bond. This flexibility is the main benefit of modified bitumen and is a big factor in its success.

Some types are applied with an adhesive, some types are self-adhering and some types are hot mopped as the cap sheet in built-up roofing systems. But it is the type applied with a propane torch that is referred to as "torch down roofing". It is also one the most dangerous of all roofing products...

One of the roofers gets a little careless with the torch and starts something smoldering in the attic. And they don't notice the small wisp of smoke coming out of the soffit vents. Just after the roofers go to lunch, the smoldering turns into a fire that spreads quickly in the dry, dusty attic.

With nobody home, the fire is going pretty good before the mailman notices the black smoke billowing up from the back of the house. He dials 911 and the fire trucks are there in a matter of minutes. But they have trouble putting the fire out because it is mostly contained within the attic. Finally they chop a big hole in the roof so they can put lots of water on the raging inferno. They get the fire out, but not before the home suffers extensive smoke and water damage, in addition to the actual fire damage.

One of the neighbors calls the homeowner, who rushes to the scene to find that the lovely home she had a few hours before, is now pretty much destroyed. About that time, the roofers come back from lunch... and wish they had taken up plumbing instead of roofing!

Fortunately, this scenario is completely preventable. For a good discussion of the alternatives to torch down roofing, check out: "Roofing Secrets: How to Avoid Leaks and Save Thousands of Dollars!" by John C Bishop. It will make the job easier and help you avoid big mistakes.

For details, go to: http://www.roofingsecrets.com

When We Choose Misery Over Happiness

I am not one to feel sorry for most people. They seem to have a unique ability to cause themselves the most damage during certain parts of their lives. I have met some pretty self destructive people in my life. Being raised by a mother that lived in misery and love.

My mother had a difficult childhood. It seemed as if every corner she turned there was a obstacle either right in front of here or waiting just around the corner. Her father died when she was 12 year old. He was a farm laborer and didn't make much money. In other words they were poor...... She got sent to live with a few foster families and according to her she was molested by one of the fathers she lived with.

Soon her older sister invited her to live with her. My aunt was married to the owner of a pottery business and had 2 children about 10 years younger than my mother. My aunt soon realized she had a live in baby sitter that allowed her to stay out drinking most of the day.

My Uncle was what you would call a drunk back then, now we call these people alcoholics. Well any way I think you are starting to get a picture of my mothers life up to this point. It is probably safe to assume that this isn't the ideal life for a young woman.

The next event to happen in my moms life was for my uncle to fall in the shower one night after tying one on that night. He died soon after but my aunt seemed to make a another good choice and ended up marring the owner of the bar that they spent most of their time in.
The Grand essentials of happiness are: something to do, something to love, and something to hope for. Allan K. Chalmers

By this time my mom was in High School and met my future father. It wasn't exactly a marriage made in heaven. My dad was always an easy going man. He seemed to let most stuff go in one ear and out the other.

As you guessed it they had a few children. Nice one Dad and Mom. According to the books I have read on Angelic beings. People that believe in the after life and angels. They tell me I had a choice and was able to choose my parents....... What was I thinking...... I should have choose someone with some money and a couple of parents that were deeply in love .

How did I end up here in this situation.

I ended up loving my parents like most of us. They seemed to be doing the best that they could possibly do raising me, my bother and my sister. My mom and dad ended up getting a divorce and I went to live with my father.

My Father is remarried to a wonderful woman that seems to bring him a lot of happiness.
I haven't seen my mother for a while now. She lives with a life of excuses and misery. Her childhood was not the greatest but that doesn't give her the right to bring misery into other peoples lives. She has made a conscious choice to live what seems to be a painful life. Maybe her choices in life have made me choose happiness over misery.

I have always wondered what it is that motivates someone to live a life of true unhappiness when it takes the same amount of energy to live a life of joy. Life is meant to be full of joy and happiness so start today by making the right choices to live a fulfilling life of happiness.

If you are reading this and can't make up your mind what kind of life you truly want to live visit me at http://live.spiritualideas.com/ . Change your thinking and change your life.

Greg Vanden Berge will help you create a new approach to life and discover talents you never knew you had. We can help you get the most out of yourself all the time. Start developing your innate strengths and abilities to start enriching your life TODAY !

Ask And You Might Receive Or Ask

Roof Shingles Three Time Saving Tips

If you're looking for "how to roof shingles" information, you've come to the right place. It's a tough job, but there's no sense making it take longer than necessary. Here are three tips to speed things up.

How to Roof Shingles - Tip #1 Stand Up!

Some roofers shingle sitting down or kneeling, but they have to keep jumping up to change position, get more shingles, get more nails and dispose of wrappers. You can save a lot of time and energy by just standing while you shingle. It takes a couple weeks for your back muscles to adjust, but after that it is definitely easier and faster.

At the end of the day when you're beat, you can always sit down and knock out a few more bundles.

How to Roof Shingles - Tip #2 Don't Set Your Nail Gun Down!

Some speedy roofers set their nail gun down between every shingle, but frankly, I don't know how they do it. I like to hang onto the gun between shingles. Using the gauge on the bottom of the nailer, you can position the shingle and nail it with no delay when you're ready. You will save a little time on every shingle you install.

How to Roof Shingles - Tip #3 Grab Them Right!

Make it a point to grab the shingle in the exact spot you will be holding it for nailing. For me, since I'm right-handed, that would be the bottom left corner.

By grabbing it in the right spot, you can butt it right up against the adjacent shingle, while checking the bottom edge for alignment, all without any wasted motion.

These may seem like little things, but they can add up to a lot of time saved on your roofing project.

Of course there's a lot more you need to know about "how to roof shingles". To make the job easier help you and avoid big mistakes, go to: http://www.roofingsecrets.com

John C Bishop is the author of "Roofing Secrets: How to Avoid Leaks and Save Thousands of Dollars!"

Choose A Bath Over A Shower Any Day

Taking a shower will leave us feeling clean and fresh but it will not provide as many benefits as taking a bath. Let's take a look at the benefits of bathing, and you can decide for yourself, which is better for you.

Showers are quick, but baths encourage us to relax and take our time. Taking a bath is more soothing than taking a shower, will help to draw out toxins from the body and if bathing with bath salts you can actually replenish your body with essential minerals required to keep your skin soft and supple. Taking a bath also will help to relieve stress, and gives stressed people a chance to have a time to take a deep breath and stop for a while, and put things in perspective. You can combine aromatherapy with your bath to create an exceptionally therapeutic experience.

If you have a cold, there is nothing better than a bath to clear congested lungs and relieve sinus pressure. Even breathing in the steam while taking a bath is really healthy and a sore throat can feel a lot more comfortable.

Taking a bath, and especially with bath salts warms your body, eases muscles aches and pains, and is especially nice during the cold, dreary winter months. Bathing can also be very romantic. Between the warm water, sweet aromas and moisturizing bath bubbles, baths are just plain sexy when shared. Light some candles around the tub, play soft music, and step into the bath together - you will have a memorable, romantic evening.

So next time you think you are in a hurry to take a quick shower, slow down and think again - Maybe it's time to take a nice warm relaxing bath.

Basics of Sauna Heaters

If you have a sauna, of course, it's not going to be complete without a heater. The heater is what makes it possible for you to relax and de-stress for a while. This is true whether you utilize a sauna at a place such as a health club, or have your own home version. However, technology has made it possible for you to pick from several choices when it comes to choosing the type of sauna heater you want. There are several choices and sauna heaters available weather for a home unit or for a commercial application.

There are several different types of models you can choose from when you're picking out your sauna heater. Each provides its own benefits, and in some cases, consumers are confused as to what type they should buy. Some experts and manufacturers provide tips so that you can choose the best one for your sauna, as well as one that will fit your budget and your needs.

First, decide on the type of sauna you want to use. Do you want an "old-fashioned" one, where you have to use wood to create a hot environment? These are perfect for places that don't have electricity, or for where putting in an electric system would be a lot more work. Some of the places these types of heaters are often used are in vacation homes or in other rustic settings. Some sauna establishments also use this kind of heater, since it provides an atmosphere consumers like to experience.

You can also decide that you want an electric heater. These are usually made of stainless steel or aluminum, so they're very durable. You can install the electric heater in the sauna wall or place it in a corner. You can also usually easily adjust your sauna's temperature with an electric heater, because they usually utilize remote controls that you can use for easy access.

After you decide the type of heater that you want to have, choose your brand. Purchase your heater from a reputable company instead of from a manufacturer who does not have a solid reputation, or whose service is less than stellar. Credible heater manufacturers will sell their products at higher prices, but the quality you'll get will be well worth it. If you buy an inexpensive sauna heater at a low price, it's likely that you'll pay for it n the end with a cheap product that doesn't work as well. In some cases, it could even be hazardous and cause damage to you or your property. Therefore, make sure you keep your health and safety in mind, and buy a sauna heater that is of quality, so that not only will you be safe, but will allow you to use your sauna for years to come.

Thomas Oak writes articles for http://www.hot-sauna.com/ If you are in the market for a new sauna stop and take a look at what new in the world of far infrared saunas and get of all the latest information on new saunas, sauna heaters, steam saunas, sauna kits and steam saunas for your home.

Finding Homes Using the Internet - Home Shopping

You can simply type the words real estate or homebuying into any search engine on the World Wide Web and you will come up with hundreds, maybe even thousands of websites that are extremely helpful and full of great information. Like the one you're on right now.

Finding homes with the internet, combined with a skilled real estate salesperson, provides you with the most effective technology available today. Most websites start out, having you select a state you would like to search in and then, select a city, with your price range.

By answering their questions, this narrows the search down to all of the homes available in the area. The internet has made home shopping very simple. Considering what you had to go through in the 1970s. You found a realtor or by looking in the yellow pages, sometimes you found a good realtor and if you are lucky, maybe you would find you a good home.

Most of the time, the first homes you would look at, were owned by the real estate professional you were working with.

There are however a couple of problems with using the internet to find your dream home. Some of the verbage used and photographs taken can create a wonderful illusion of a tropical paradise but the reality, it's a regular home in a decent neighborhood.

Some of these photos are taken by skilled photographers who take advantage of every angle and tend to give an illusion of grander. When you actually start driving around and looking at these homes, only then will you get a reality check, of what the home actually looks like. You'll get used to it.

After you've looked at a few of your future dream homes, you will get a better idea of what I'm talking about with these wonderful pictures and the extraordinary home descriptions like "Beautiful Three Bedroom House with an Ocean View." When reality it's a two-bedroom house with an extra closet for the third bedroom and the ocean is 45 miles away, but you can see it on a clear day if you actually climb to the top of the largest tree on the property.

Take your time when searching for your dream home and don't let any one push you into making a decision if you're not ready. If you find your real estate professional a little too aggressive or pushy, get out of your contract, if you've signed one and find another, more helpful real estate salesperson to help you with your home purchase.

Greg Vanden Berge is working on the internet to promote the education for creating simple to follow guides and home building books to help professional building contractors as well as the weekend warriors. He has just finished a home buyers guide to take some of the frustration out of home shopping.

Find other real estate tips and great advice, from another one of the Internet's best website creators.

Will All Men Ever Hate Jesus

My Walk With Farrakhan - Can Righteous People Sin and Can Wicked People Do Righteous Deeds?

I have written 7 articles detailing different aspects of my faith walk with my spiritual guide, The Hon. Louis Farrakhan. I have been blessed by God during my time of being a student of God's word under his direction to make some amazing changes in my life since my acceptance of Islam on March 20th, 1996. However, I don't want anyone, for one second, to think that my life has been perfect for the past 12 years since walking in the path to become a Muslim. I have made an equally fair share of mistakes and yes "sins" since becoming a Muslim.

Sometimes, many religious people let their supposed new righteous life give them the false arrogance that they are better than others. But, I take the view that I am on a journey in the path of God striving to be qualified to be one of his righteous servants. I don't look down on others, but rather try to encourage others to reach for the best everyday.

I, after 10 years of being a Muslim, during the year 2006 had a major fall in my personal life that tested my faith and made me reflect on my journey deeper.

I will be exploring this sensitive subject of my fall to sin during the 8th part of my article series, My walk with Farrakhan. I won't give the specific instances where I fell, but I will say that I went from the highest of high to the lowest of low in my personal life.

Before we get into exploring this subject let's define a few words to ensure we have the clearest possible understanding of the words used in this article. One of the things both The Most Hon. Elijah Muhammad and his student The Hon. Louis Farrakhan teaches us as students is to get definitions of the words we use. Also, Minister Malcolm X began his journey to enlightenment just by reading the dictionary and learning the meaning of words.

The word Righteous, according to Merriam-Webster Online Dictionary is defined as,
"1: acting in accord with divine or moral law : free from guilt or sin 2 a: morally right or justifiable righteous decision> b: arising from an outraged sense of justice or morality 3 slang : genuine, excellent"

The word wicked, according to Merriam-Webster Online Dictionary is defined as,
"1: morally very bad : evil 2 a: fierce, vicious wicked dog> b: disposed to or marked by mischief : roguish does wicked impersonations 3 a: disgustingly unpleasant : vile wicked odor> b: causing or likely to cause harm, distress, or trouble wicked storm> 4: going beyond reasonable or predictable limits: of exceptional quality or degree throws a wicked fastball.

The word sin, according to Merriam-Webster Online Dictionary is defined as,
"1 a: an offense against religious or moral law b: an action that is or is felt to be highly reprehensible c: an often serious shortcoming : fault 2 a: transgression of the law of God b: a vitiated state of human nature in which the self is estranged from God"

Now with a clear definition of the key words used in this article, we will now proceed to explore this subject of righteous people, wicked people and sin.

Understanding Adam, Sin and falling from grace

"And certainly We gave a commandment to Adam before, but he forgot; and We found in him no resolve (to disobey)." Holy Qur'an 20:115

Both the Bible and The Qur'an speak of ALLAH creating a new man, giving that man specific instructions and that man ultimately falling from grace. This is the daily story of the human family of the earth that is striving in the path of God. Whereas both the Bible and Qur'an relate the same story there are differences in understanding of meaning. The Holy Qur'an takes the position that human beings are created in a state of Islam(natural submission to God) and are pure until our parents, environment or our own deeds take us from the path of righteousness.

The story of Adam and Eve has been used to promote the position that it is natural to sin or the "human" thing to do. In one sense yes humans inevitably make mistakes, but we are not created in the image and likeness of Almighty God to act less. Also, the Holy Qur'an doesn't blame the woman for leading man into temptation. We learn from reading Sura(chapter) 20:125 that Adam didn't intend to disobey his Lord, but rather he forgot. We are taught in Islam that all deeds will be judged by our intentions while doing the deed. Some people do good deeds for wicked intentions. Likewise, some people do wicked deeds while feeling the pangs of their conscious.

Yes, Adam fell from his great glory, but did Almighty God give up on him or turn his face from him? The Qur'an teaches that ALLAH turned mercifully towards Adam and "reminded" him of the promise of divine guidance.

I will use the biblical story of the prophets to make the next points in this analysis of righteous people and wicked people. Before I proceed I must make a clarification. The Holy Qur'an accepts all of the prophets mentioned in the Bible as true men of God. However, The Holy Qur'an doesn't accept the stories attributed to them of unrighteousness. The Qur'an teaches that for the prophets to be examples to purify others they must be pure themselves.

The Bible teaches us of man named Noah who was chosen by God to be a fulfiller of his will. The story further teaches us that Noah was a "righteous and "just" man(Gen 6:8-9). He was chosen by God to build the Ark and be a savior of his people. After Noah had fulfilled his mission from God and survived the flood, the Bible teaches that the sons of Noah found him in a drunken state. One of the sons of Noah saw the drunken state of his father and told the other brothers. We then learn that the two brothers refused to look at the nakedness of Noah and covered him.

Later, when Noah awoke he cursed (and God upheld the curse) the son (Ham) who looked and blessed the sons (Shem and Japheth) who covered him. The point to this story (from the biblical perspective) is that Noah was a righteous man who did an unrighteous deed, but that didn't stop God's favor on him. As for the sons, their refusing to look at their father naked could mean: they chose to look at the good of their father instead of the bad or they refused to judge this aspect of his life.

Another biblical story teaches us of a great king named David, who was the father of Solomon and a forerunner of the Messiah. The Bible teaches that David had a heart after God's own heart. Yet, despite these great qualities the book informs us of several misdeeds of David. Some scholars have suggested that David violated about 9 of the 10 commandments. However, David is still held up as an example of a true man of God and his kingdom set a standard for all others.

Travelling (travail) on the path of God

I like to describe my faith walk with God as being a journey. I have been on this journey for 12 years and will be on it for the rest of my life. I want you to think about something related to a journey. Imagine if you lived in Pensacola, Florida and you decided to travel to Chicago one day. You would find yourself travelling up I-65 N for a long period of time. Let's also say this is your first time travelling to the destination, so you are checking your map closely trying to stay on course. Yet, you made a mistake and took a wrong exit, therefore ended up in Kentucky. What fool would sit on the side of the road, give up and never try to make adjustments (checking the map) to get back on the interstate towards your destination. Likewise, in our journey to godliness we may find ourselves making some wrong exist Ex. drugs, alcohol, adultery, lying, stealing etc...

However, we don't have to stay on these wrong exists. As one would get back on the interstate to continue travelling to a city, we should, if a wrong exit was taken, get back of the path to continue our journey to God.

The Bible perfectly illustrates this point in the following words
"For a righteous man falleth seven times, and riseth up again; But the wicked are overthrown by calamity." Proverbs 24:16

If you notice that while the above scripture describes a man (or woman) as falling he still has righteous attached to him name. Why is this? Though we are taught that all have fallen short of the glory of God; is there a difference between righteous people who sin and wicked people who sin? As I wrote the last sentence, I thought how it could sound like a major paradox or contradiction. I think people can make unintentional departures from the right way and still be righteous. Yet, other people live a lifestyle of sin and are blatantly ignoring the will of God. This is what I think is the difference between righteous people and wicked people.

The example of The Hon. Minister Louis Farrakhan

Brother Farrakhan, to me, is a great example of a Muslim, because of his strong insistence that me must submit totally to ALLAH's will, fear no one but ALLAH and his ability to be honest about his short comings. After the Nation of Islam "fell" in 1975, Brother Farrakhan said that he became "disillusioned" with religion and fell from his former resolve. After reflection on his life, the condition of our people and the teachings of his spiritual father, The Most Hon. Elijah Muhammad, Minister Farrakhan recovered from his "fall"

Concerning this The Most Hon. Elijah Muhammad, ALLAH's messenger to us, reminds us

"So this is the thing that you must remember, that trials, sometimes, are so terrific that they will weaken the most strongest person sometimes." (The Most Hon. Elijah Muhammad 1964 Laborer meeting)

His example teaches me that the true strength of a person is not that you wont get knocked down from time to time, but can you get back up from a fall, make adjustment and go on to shine.

As I mentioned at the beginning of this article, I had a major fall in my spiritual life after 10 years of striving to be a good Muslim. Yet, after much reflection and the help of God, I am now returning to the path of God and am seeking to be qualified to be called by his name. The Bible teaches us: "All things works for the good of those who love the Lord." It is important when you are having a down moment to have the "right mental attitude", which will determine your response to a down moment.

I want to encourage you to examine Minister Farrakhan and his example of being a servant of Almighty God.

Thank you for reading these few words!

Mustafaa Muhammad is an "African American" who is a follower of the Islamic faith. Through independent religious studies developed an ecumenical view of the world's religions and the people of God. And while he is devoted to Islam as his faith he is at home in the Church(or other religious institutions) as he is in the Mosque.

He has been featured on the Radio, Newspapers, public speaking events and at Mosques/Churches telling his story and offering his understanding of Almighty God's plan for salvation.

Mustafaa is involved in community activity. He believes that our faith must inspire us to greater service to humanity or we may be making a mockery of the purpose of faith. Contact him @ http://brothermustafaa.com

Set Goals Without Limits

Everybody on this planet has the ability to dream. But what exactly is a dream? The Websters Dictionary offers sixteen definitions of the word dream, but here we will only list two.

1. A succession of thoughts, images, or emotions passing through the mind during sleep.

2. A vision voluntarily indulged in while awake; daydream; reverie.

Whether we remember them or not we all have dreams while we sleep. But for the most part our dreaming occurs while we are awake. What are your dreams? Do you dream of making more money at your current job or do you dream of owning the company? Do you dream of owning your own home with a white picket fence or do you dream of owning your own ocean front estate on a tropical island with your own private beach? Maybe it's your dream to become president of your country or to become a motivational speaker and help millions of other people to realize their dreams. Whatever your dreams, the only thing stopping you from achieving them are the limits that you set up in your own mind.

This may seem difficult to believe but the only person that can stop you from attaining all that you desire is YOU! All the power and ability you would ever need to make your wildest dreams come true already resides within you. Inside your head is the key to ultimate success. Your mind is a vast source of energy that can never be fully consumed. The problem is that most people never learn how to direct this energy to create the lives they desire.

Dreaming, in and of itself is not enough. You must create a dream big enough to keep your interest, turn it into a goal, and in turn transform that goal into a burning desire. Anything short of that is a waste of your time and effort.

Goal Setting:

1. You must decide what you want and must absolutely have. Remember to make your goal big enough to keep you excited about accomplishing it. Nothing is impossible unless you believe it is!

2. Determine where you are now in relation to reaching your goal.

3. Once you know where you are, you need to determine what steps are necessary to bridge the gap between where you are and where you want to be. This will act much like a map on your journey to success.

4. Chart all this information down on paper. This step is absolutely necessary. Writing down your goal on paper is the first step to transforming your vision into its physical equivalent.

5. Review your written goal various times throughout the day. As you do this, try to imagine already having achieved your goal. Visualize yourself in possession of that which you want most, or of the person you will be in the future as if it were right now. Perform this step until your goal becomes a burning desire. Once you reach this point, doubt about your ability to succeed will fade away, and the vast source of energy which your mind contains will now back you in your effort to achieve.

Visit http://www.inspirationtochange.com for life improving resources!

Old Versus New Construction Adhesives

When I first started building in 1978 as a young carpenter and an apprentice to my father. I had the grand illusions of becoming what they call on the east coast a master carpenter and on the West Coast a journeyman carpenter.

Part of my training in construction was learning to use the proper adhesive and caulking for different parts of the building project. We used to use a standard solvent-based construction adhesive when we were building our stairs and they would also use this adhesive on the floors to eliminate squeaks.

This glue dried extremely hard and everyone thought the harder the better. This construction adhesive was great when I started using it in 1978. There wasn't the polyethylene super elastic expandable multi-use glue and caulking construction adhesives at that time.

We used this brittle glue and it always seemed like a waste of time. As the wood dried and started to shrink the brittle hard glue would crack and break away from the wood it was glued to. Normally the glue was breaking away from plywood floor sheeting. I have seen 2 x 12 shrink 3/8 of an inch before in as little as a few months during the summer.

Now as time went on the old construction adhesives were replaced with a new window sealant made by a company called TOPS. This stuff was the hottest and best product of the decade to me. I used this stuff for everything.

This new urethane glue was now being used for sub floors, stair treads, sealing the windows flashing and siding. This stuff is still in use today and is a great choice for all of the uses I mentioned above. The price for this sealant is about double that of most water-based or solvent-based glues. But it's worth it.

So there you have it I like the urethane glues because of their flexibility, elasticity, their ability to adhere to wood concrete or metal and their performance in the years ahead.

There is one thing to keep in mind when using construction adhesives. Most construction workers seem to ignore the fact that the wood needs to be dry and clean before applying the construction adhesive. There have been quite a few times I have witnessed carpenters working with me and ignoring my advice.

Don't put yourself into this category. Doing quality work and following the manufacturers recommended installation instructions for their product will decrease your liability if there is ever a problem. Read the instructions carefully on all of the building products you use.

The manufacturers of these construction adhesives have thoroughly tested them. So use them properly and follow all safety warnings.

Greg Vanden Berge is working on the internet to promote the education for creating simple to follow guides and home building books to help professional building contractors as well as the weekend warriors. He is currently working on more Building and Remodeling Library and adding useful content to help solve problems created by the lack of construction knowledge in the building industry.

Visit us and get more information on building and remodeling your homes and Carlsbad Structural Repairs

Wrong With Bible Verse