If you’re not removing or moving a wall, framing a new wall is a task that most homeowners with very little skill can do quite easily. Let’s start with the basics, most walls are built from 2 x 4 framing lumber, which can be purchased at any lumber yard or home improvement center.

Let’s start with measuring the length and the height of the wall. For example let’s say that the wall you intend to frame is going to be 8’7″ long and 8 foot tall. If I was going to figure the lumber for this wall, or how much material I would need. I would start with some simple arithmetic.

We need one bottom plate and one top plate. This would be the lumber that’s going to run horizontal or right to left in our wall. So now we know that we need two pieces that will be 8’7″ long and since they only sell lumber in 2 foot increments, our choices will be narrowed down to a couple of 10 foot two by fours.

The height of the wall is 8 foot tall and will require us to buy 8 foot two by fours. Now how many two by fours am I going to need? Most walls require 16 inch on center placement of the vertical two by fours, or in other words the two by fours that go up and down will be spaced 16 inches apart. If I was to divide 16 inches into 8’7″, that would require 7 – 8 foot two by fours.

It’s pretty simple math and don’t forget to convert your measurements into inches to make the job easier. 8’7″ can be converted to inches by multiplying the number of feet times 12, 12 times eight and then adding 7 to it will give us 103 inches. We can now divide 16 into 103 inches to give us the amount of vertical two by fours needed to frame our interior wall.

Don’t forget there’s 12 inches in a foot.

House Wood Damage or Wall Framing Tips

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.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=”Greg_Vandenberge

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Realize that the mess can wait

Some women believe that they are being constantly judged by how their house or their living space looks. However, this is far from the case. Instead of making cleaning the majority of your free time, why not allow yourself to let more things go at the end of the day to make room for your relationship? Instead of having the laundry always done and the kitchen always shining, isn’t your relationship worth the time?

Take time for yourself

Many women will feel more connected in their relationships if they take the time to make themselves look good. Something as simple as getting out of sweatpants and tee shirts at the end of the day and into nice jeans and a well-fitting top can help you feel more confident and thus, more attractive to your partner. You don’t have to look like a model, but taking care of your appearance can help you feel like one.

Create a date

At least once a week, you and your partner need to get out of the house and on a date. Too often, long relationships think that they are ‘past’ that, so they settle into a dull life of staying at home. When you were first dating, you went to the movies and out to eat – why not try to do that more now? Sure, you won’t be able to do it every week, but if you try, you will both have something to look forward to.

Stop your thinking

Many times, a woman can become frustrated by everything that she is handling, especially when she’s a mom as well as a career woman. When this happens, you might feel as though you could scream at your partner for not being helpful enough, romantic enough, etc. But is this really going to reconnect your relationship? It can help to stop your thinking for a few seconds before you share these kinds of feelings. You might find that you’re actually feeling something else that’s not directed at him.

Put the spotlight on him

When you take the time to do something special for someone else, you will reap the benefits of feeling closer to them as well. Something as simple as packing a lunch or writing a love note in their wallet can be a great way to help your partner know that you care. Everyone likes to feel special.

When you can’t get away

It’s time to be creative if you’re unable to get away from the house. Maybe you can create date night at home, or work together on some goals that you’ve wanted to accomplish. Play board games – do whatever you both like to do together. If you have a home remodeling project, don’t leave it just for him, do it together to get more couple time.

Getting out of town

One of the best ways to reconnect as a couple is to head out of the house for a few days. There are numerous bed and breakfasts that you can visit for only a small expense. You don’t even have to leave the room if you don’t want to, but the time away from your normal distractions can help you get back in tune with what your relationship needs.

About The Author

Cucan Pemo

Relationship Tips – Relationship Advice – Relationship Help

http://www.retrievealover.com/home.htm

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If you’re repairing an existing asphalt driveway, before you consider taking on the more expensive project of laying new asphalt you may want to look at some cheaper alternatives. For a generally cracked, ugly driveway, you can buy driveway sealer and crack sealer from most any hardware or home improvement store. This is the fast, cheap way to seal up cracks, seal the surface as a whole, and black it again. For everything else, you’ll want hot-mix asphalt.

Hot-mix asphalt is the very same asphalt you see burly highway road crews laying down. For the homeowner, though, hot-mix asphalt does not involve big machines. It’s the same material but the application process is more basic. Hot-mix asphalt is an aggregate of gravel and sand mixed in with hot, liquid asphalt. When we say “hot” we mean it. Hot-mix applies at over 300 degrees F, and quickly cools to a workable 175 degrees F.

With hot-mix asphalt driveway, you have two options: overlay or full-depth asphalt paving. As the name implies, overlay is a thin “overlay” of a thin layer of asphalt driveway over your existing driveway. Your existing driveway, as bad as it might be, still needs to provide a firm, substantial base, or this option will not work. The second option is to jackhammer your existing driveway and lay down a full-depth asphalt driveway.

As you can guess, the full-depth asphalt driveway is the more expensive option. Not only do you incur the cost of jackhammering the existing drive, but you must lay down a bed of gravel before the asphalt. Oh, and did we mention that the layer of asphalt must also be thicker? That adds to the cost, too.

Read up as much on the subject as you can before calling any contractors. The topic of asphalt driveway paving is pretty much dominated by the industry, with few voices dedicated to the consumer.

For more information, come see us at http://www.EasyRenovate.com

About The Author

Edwin Reitstein, Acting Editor of EasyRenovate, has extensive on-hands home remodeling experience as well as journalism experience. Read some of his articles at http://www.easyrenovate.com

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Technorati Tags: Home Remodeling

Secret #1: Plan for the Project

One of the most critical – and overlooked – steps to home renovation projects are proper plans. This entails outlining what you intend to achieve, any budget limitations you have and a timeline you’d like to stick to. Evaluate the rooms in your home that you’d like to replace any home hardware. Hardware pieces most easily – and inexpensively – replaced include door knobs, cabinet units and matching floor registers.

Secret #2: Create a Budget

With the downward spinning economy, you may believe that now is not exactly the best time to start a home renovation project. Wrong. Though superfluous spending is not encouraged, purchasing home hardware essentials like cabinet knobs, matching hinges and drawer pulls are affordable, especially when you have – and stick to – a budget. Creating a budget is easy; simply start by taking what you would spend on unnecessary luxuries and place that money in an area for your renovation project. Things such as coffee, breakfast on the go and unneeded trips to the mall can be eliminated. Or, better yet, take the money you’d spend and place in a separate account or hiding spot where you will not touch the money. You’ll notice that this money adds up quickly and you will not have to cut down that much.

Secret #3: Make Necessary Space

If you are going to be replacing cabinets in your kitchen, bathroom, bedrooms or closets, you’ll need to prepare extra space ahead of time. By taking the time to create additional space, you’ll save yourself from a headache in the long run. Who wants to tear up their kitchen and try to cook spaghetti and meatballs for a family of four amidst the dust and grim? Create a make-shift area in another area of your home, or prepare frozen meals (if you’re renovating your kitchen) that you can easily bake without using pots and pans.

Secret #4: Getting Started the Right Way

Now that you’ve planned appropriately and will not have to disrupt your life too much, it’s time to get your do it yourself home renovation project underway. The easiest way to remove your existing drawer handles and cabinet units is to enlist the help of your entire household. By slightly unscrewing hinges and handles, you can let your children’s smaller fingers finish unscrewing the smallest parts. Be sure to collect all the screws so that you will have an accurate estimate of how many replacement knobs and pulls you will need.

Secret #5: Get Quality Cabinet Accessories

With the hardest part of the project completed, you are now ready to purchase and install quality cabinet accessories. These can be easily purchased online, so you will not even have to leave the comfort of your own home. Stylish replacement accessories are available in many materials and finishes. Materials include iron, brass, wood, chrome, colored glass, nickel and stainless steel. Finishes include matte, burnished, weathered, satin and polished. Depending on your home’s style, you’ll need to mix and match material and finish to create the desired effect. To create a French country theme, choose a wood or dark material to add a boost to your kitchen, bathroom or bedroom. Be sure to choose a finish that is not too dark so that it does not compete with other elements in each room.

Amanda works for Your Home Supply (YHS) the definitive website for home improvement tools, and gardening supplies. Your Home Supply offers a wide range of french country cabinet knobs and door knobs. Visit them now for home remodeling ideas and supplies.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Amanda_Bashore

Author: Amanda Bashore

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Don’t let your next remodeling project turn your home into a dust collector.

Nearly all of us have experienced allergies at one time or another. The runny nose, itchy, watery eyes, and sneezing. If you are contemplating a remodeling project in the near future, your Allergy Symptoms will become a lot worse unless you take the necessary precautions. The information on this article will show the most effective steps to take.

Discover how to get allergy relief pre-planning your next construction project. If you suffer from allergies, the probability of suffering an allergy attack is significantly increased when you are exposed to dust. Guess what happens when you start a remodeling project and you do not take the necessary measures to limit the amount of dust produced.

Nearly all of us have experienced allergies at one time or another. The runny nose, itchy, watery eyes, and sneezing. Symptoms of allergies can strike anytime or anyplace, depending on what the allergy trigger is for an individual. If it is dust and dust mites, take all the necessary precautions.

The moment you start construction, dust will “flow” everywhere. Your home will attract more dust and it will become a dust collector. You will not be able to clean up. Trying to clean the dust during a house remodeling project is like shoveling snow during a snow storm. It is losing battle.

That is why allergy proofing during any house remodeling project is extremely important.

Some of the most effective measures to take are:

• Plan you project in detail. Ask your licensed general contractor which measures he is going to take to limit the dust. Do NOT forget to inform your residential contractor if you have any allergies or asthma.

• Keep children away from the remodeled areas

• If possible consider living somewhere else close to your home. In this way, you will be able to stay away from the dust and stay abreast of the remodeling progress.

• The remodeled area needs to be enclosed and sealed. Your contractor should be hang plastic sheeting and use barriers to contain the dust to the work areas. In addition, the HVAC ducts will need to be closed to prevent the dust from going to the rest of the house. After the remodeling project is done, it might be a good idea to have your air ducts cleaned.

• Have the appropriate ventilation. If possible set up a fan blowing out of a window away from the work area.

• Clean up the work area every day before wrapping up the day.

• Use a dust mask in the construction area.

• Change Air filters after the remodeling is complete.

• Covering your furniture with plastic material will limit the dust on your furniture.

If you are allergy sufferer and are about to start your home improvement project, it will be to your advantage to pre-plan with your residential contractor how to dust proof the working area.

House Cleaning Articles
The information on these articles will show the most effective steps to prevent the dust from overwhelming you.

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Even Luxury Home Owners Are Remodeling

Luxury Home Owners Are Adding the Latest and Greatest Custom Remodeling Jobs to Make Their Home Stand Out on the Real Estate Market.

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High priced homes all over are getting a quick remodel in order to the best house available on the market. Homeowners are updating the kitchen, putting in the best patio, or remodeling the master bathroom at all costs. These folks know that whatever the price of a fabulous remodel will pay off in the end when their house is the best and has the quickest sale.

One of the key ways to raise the value of an already valuable home is to do an extensive kitchen remodel. There is just nothing like a new Thermador range or that gourmet kitchen space. Thermador offers appliances from ovens to refrigerators to coffee machines. They are high-end items and add value to the home as well as making a fine presentation. In fact, a kitchen remodel can be the focal selling point in a luxury home.

Curb appeal goes a long way when it comes to a luxury home standing out from the rest. Concrete, for example, has been around for ages. However, stamped concrete is quickly becoming a designer touch that luxury homes use on their driveway, sidewalk, or patios. New stamping tools have made the designs of stamped concrete endless. It often takes a double take to tell the difference between quality tiles, slate, or concrete. Remodeling the outside of your home adds a special touch as well as value.

Many are willing to buy the upscale home and then do extensive remodeling once they take possession of the residence. People buying luxury homes are looking for something a bit above the rest and they want amenities in the home to reflect their leisurely lifestyle. They are open to adding any features that aren’t already present in the home if they want it bad enough. These buyers have specific requirements in the homes they buy, such as elaborate security systems, gourmet or designer kitchens, home theaters to seat 6 or more, and even wine cellars. As a result, they are willing to do extensive remodels on their homes to raise their property value. They desire furniture and décor to match their lavish taste.

Luxury home owners are always looking for the best way to sell their home quickly and get the most value out of it. Remodeling key areas of the home is a great way to make your luxury home stand out!

Alexis Hunter is the Marketing Director for The Morel Group which specializes in Fine Rancho Cucamonga Homes. The Morel Team Marketing Experts spare no expense in showcasing your property and bringing focus to the uniqueness and beauty of your home.

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Technorati Tags: Home Remodeling

When you live in old house like I do, remodeling is always a challenge and a surprise. I am currently involved in a major kitchen remodel. Our kitchen like many kitchens, has seen better days. It was installed in the house was built back in 1945 and I’m sure it’s has served its previous owners well. However, modern kitchens are large and open. This kitchen, like most kitchens of its era, a small enclosed off. We decided to open the kitchen out by removing part of the wall, removing old tile from the walls, and updating the entire kitchen with new cabinets and appliances.

Our first surprise came when we moved the refrigerator from its current location. The refrigerator sat up on a platform about 1 inch off the kitchen floor. We never gave it much thought and assumed that it had always been like that. When I move the refrigerator and lifted up the old flooring, I discovered why. Plumbing from the sink did not go through the floor to join a drain pipe in the basement. It did, however, run across the floor and under the refrigerator. This required some major engineering to move the drain line for the new sink and dishwasher.

Surprise number two was the ceramic tile on the walls. The ceramic tile wound up not being ceramic tile at all! It was tin tile that was glued to a masonite backing board. The backing board was itself glued to the plaster walls and nailed every eight to 10 inches. So while the tiles came down very easily using just a screwdriver, getting they masonite backing board off the plaster was a nightmare. Not only were the plaster walls full of holes from the nails, big globs of glue was smeared all over the walls. At first I tried sanding. All that did was create a cloud of dust. After two hours of creating dust clouds I had only managed in clearing off a 2′ x 2′ square area. I talked to a number of contractors who only shook their heads and offered me luck in removing the glue from the walls. Someone suggested I use glue remover but I didn’t want the fumes in the house. Someone else suggested a strong scraper but I wasn’t strong enough to remove this glue. Finally, someone suggested a heat gun. I was skeptical. How would a little heat gun remove 60 years of hard and glue? Much to my surprise, it worked! Now it didn’t work easily. It was still a lot of hard work, but by working slowly, and steadily, I was able to remove all remnants of glue in about four days.

I hope this tip and technique helps you if you ever encounter a similar situation. I know what I first started removing the glue from the wall, I would get discouraged thinking it would never end. However, by working slowly and steadily, I managed to get a little bit done each and every hour. I took frequent breaks, and went outside for a breather every couple of hours. It didn’t help that I was doing this in the middle of summer when the temperature was in the 90s. However with perseverance, this task can be finished easily. And if you do it yourself, you’ll save all the money that you would pay contractor to do the exact same thing.

About The Author

Dean Novosat is an avid do-it-yourselfer and remodeler. He writes for http://build-decks-patios.com and http://www.the-kitchen-designer.com and http://www.the-bathroom-designer.com.

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