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Finding the Right Plumber for your job

Plumber installng a tankless water heater courtesy of Renovatemyspace.com

Services like Consumers' Checkbook and Angies' List are good places to start when you are looking for a plumber. Remember though that there's no strong relationship between price and certain plumbing jobs. Prices among firms vary widely so get several bids and make sure you use a licensed plumber for your job.

We seldom think of plumbers except when a pipe bursts or leaks or the facilities just don't work according to plan. Then again, we might need a plumber to install a new faucet, tankless water heater, sump pump or to layout rough plumbing for that new bathroom or kitchen. Plumbers are also needed when you want to install a natural gas fireplace and hook up a gas range. And don't forget the plumber if you are installing a solar water heating system.  There are several things you can do to make sure you select the right plumber for your particular job.

Going Green when furnishing your home

Old furniture at Upscale Resale

So you want to "go green" when you decorate or furnish your home! Just the thought of doing that may conjure up going to a chic city showroom and choosing some expensive furniture made of native materials from the rain forest. Of course that may be a part of going green, but you don't have to spend a lot of money to go green. Instead, just consider buying plain old furniture made in the U.S.

Why we chose Ipe wood decking

Ipe decking

My original deck was built in 1990 with PT bones and cedar decking and elements. All of the cedar literally starting falling apart all at once in the summer of 2008. I tore off all the cedar in the spring of 2009. It lasted 20 years but still seemed to fall apart sooner than we had expected, especially since it had regular upkeep.

Distinguishing why you are buying windows can save you a lot of time

Finding the right window can seem like a daunting task. One thing important to consider when thinking about your new windows for your home is often overlooked by many people. When it comes to buying windows, you must ask yourself why.

Why are you buying new windows for your home?

Do you want to replace those old drafty ones just because of their poor shape and because they leak?

Cost of porous paver system

How much does the porous pavers system cost per sq ft. These were discussed at
http://www.millennialliving.com/Activities/Renovation/gravel-driveways-a...

Thanks. James

Earthquakes- more common than you think

Seismograph showing waves generated by earthquake

The earthquake in Haiti has made us keenly aware of the damage to life and property that these forces of nature can do. If you live in California, the Pacific Northwest or Hawaii, you are probably more aware of their destructive power. However, earthquakes occur routinely every day in the world and in places not known for them.

Earthquakes occur every day

Places like Washington DC, New York City and Chicago have all had earthquakes in the last 10 to 15 years. Luckily, these quakes have not made the front page or caused much damage other than frayed nerves and some broken dishes. Most people were barely aware of them when they did occur.

Commercial Contractors doing Residential Remodeling

Take good notes when interviewing Contractors

I received a question in the forums about commercial contractors doing residential remodeling work. Instead of responding to it in the Forums, I thought it was very important to many people who are looking for a remodeling contractor. It's also important for commercial contractor to fully understand what they are getting themselves into if they want to do residential remodeling. Here's what Gloria Z asked:

"Hello, I saw site and read some of your articles about contractors. We have narrowed the selection to two contractors. One is very easy to talk to but they have only done commercial and apartments projects. The other contractor does residential projects but not of the quality or price range that we are looking for. Do you have any advice on which to choose. Thanks, we are really don't know who to turn to." Gloria Z

Choosing Bathrooms sinks and Countertops

Xylem Vitreous China Countertop

Selecting a bathroom sink and countertop can range from being very easy to a real pain in the neck. That's because you have to consider the vanity cabinet, countertop, sink, and faucet all together. We lay out an approach to simplify the process and tell you the pros and cons of your options.

Develop a plan first
You'll be tempted to just go to a bathroom show room and start ordering. You will find that there are lots of choices and all are tied to how much you want to spend in terms of time and money. Get organized first. We suggest you organize your bathrooms into four categories according to the money you will spend: master bathroom, powder room, every day bathrooms, guest bathroom and utility basement bathroom. Spend the most money in the master bathroom and powder room and the least on that basement or utility room bathroom.

Even more important, decide on a common color theme for the vanity cabinet. If you don't do this you will go crazy trying to mix, match or coordinate the colors of the countertop, and sinks with the vanity cabinet.  If you have a cabinet color in mind and can get a sample take it or a door sample when you shop.

Any good alternative to Trex Decks?

just wandering what you would recommend for decking. i have seen this mold problem that you mentioned in http://www.millennialliving.com/Activities/Renovation/Landscaping/trex-d... for choice dek & trex so i'm thinking it is going to be the same for all composite materials. thanks for any help.

Getting Serious about Green Construction Materials

Green jobs badge by Serious Materials

We are always on the look out for products that will reduce pollution and our carbon footprint. It's seldom that we find a company that is attacking the problem with drywall, windows and soundproofing materials that are important components of every remodeling and new construction project. Serious Materials is such a company and it's CEO Kevin Surace was named Inc. Magazine's 2009 Entrepreneur of the Year.

Serious Materials provides three kinds of products- windows and glass, drywall and soundproofing materials. When you buy these products from the compnay you can be assured that they were manufactured in an environmentally conscientious manner and that they will save you money, energy and reduce your environmental footprint. If buying American is important (we think it is), you can also feel good that this is an American company that is creating green jobs here in the U.S. Serious materials manufacturers it's products in Sunnyvale, California; Newark, California; Boulder, Colorado; and Vandergrift, Pennsylvania.

Should you be pouring concrete in cold weather?

Cold Weather Concreting Guidelines

Much of the country is an ice box and that has put a stop to most remodeling and new construction projects in the northern part of the U.S. However, those of you who live in the South have experienced some pretty cold weather too. You may be wondering if you should delay your remodeling or go forward with the concrete work.

American Standard's fixtures save 30-40% more water

I found your site via links on other blogs. I truly enjoyed browsing through your posts and I want to thank you for the great content. I really appreciateyour advice and insights. I bookmarked your site and plan to pass it along to my parents who are gearing up to renovate their home.

Instant Pendant Light

Tom- wanted to share a first-of-its-kind lighting product with you and your community. The Instant Pendant Light converts recessed lights to hanging pendants without rewiring and tools. It installs as easily as changing a light bulb and saves remodelers the expensive of electricians, drywall repair and painting. Let me know if you would like a sample to demo.

7 Tips to Successful Remodeling

Plumbers are very important in any remodeling project

You've heard the horror stories and unfortunately many are true. People handing over their hard earned money to contractors who can't deliver or worse construct unsafe projects. No one can promise that it won't happen to you, but we can tell you how to reduce your risks, protect yourself and improve the chances of getting the remodeling project that you want. Just follow these steps.

Remember the "Unwritten Clause" in every Remodeling Contract
HGTV's Mike Holmes of "Holmes on Homes" recently said that it seems that on the projects he fixes there might as well be an unwritten clause in the contract. The clause is reads "Beware, you could be screwed." Those may not be the exact words, but they are pretty close to it even if you have done your home work, checked references etc. before going with a certain contractor. If we got it wrong, we apologize Mike. By the way we love the Holmes on Homes website and show.

Best way to repaint nearly new trim

We're planning to replace all the trim in our house over the next couple of years (to something with more impact). In the meantime, the "golden oak" trim is really bothering me, and I'd like to paint it white, or stain it darker.

Can I strip it with a liquid or gel, or do I have to sand the finish off before priming and painting (or staining)?

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