If choosing a vessel bowl sink there are several options for the small bathroom. Wall mounted or a corner sink can be a good choice as a vanity isn’t necessary for either. That said, small vanities are also a great choice as they do offer storage. If choosing a small vanity the “critical” measurements will be the size of the vanity top vs. the size of vessel bowl. Example, if the vanity top is 18 inches the bowl should be no more than 14 inches. This leaves room for the faucet as well as a little space for a cup or toothbrush holder.

If vessel bowl sinks are not the style desired, there are certainly options such as wall mounted or pedestal sinks. Pedestal sinks come in a large range of sizes the smallest being a child size pedestal sink. For a truly unique space that is limited the corner wall mounted sink or a pedestal sink made for the corner are also a great options.

After all of the measuring is out of the way, the next choice will be wall color. If there is a lot of natural light choosing a rich deep hue accenting in lighter accessories may be the route to go, however, if there is only one small window it may be better to choose a lighter wall color and accent with the deep rich hues in the vanity, vessel sink and accessories such as towels and flooring or floor mats.

That being said, the choices are vast and many, from simple stream lined to old world southern charm, yes, even in a small bathroom. Colors from rich deep hues to lightly tinted glass, hand carved stone or wood vessel sinks always add a unique spin.

One last piece of advice, be sure to measure the shut off valves to the sink. In the older homes the standard size was smaller than the current standard today. Find the master plumber at the local hardware store letting him know what is needed. He will become your new best friend and help retrofit the vales.

Good luck with the renovation and remember, measure, measure, measure.

]]> http://www.megablab.com/renovating-the-small-bathroom/feed/ 0 http://www.megablab.com/planning-your-kitchen-makeover/ http://www.megablab.com/planning-your-kitchen-makeover/#comments Sun, 05 Feb 2012 17:00:39 +0000 admin http://www.megablab.com/?p=3083 Having a whole new kitchen fitted is very exciting but don’t rush into it. It can save you a lot of time, money and mistakes if you plan it really carefully.

The first thing to do before you go ripping everything in the kitchen out is to consider what you are going to change and what is going to stay the same. If you are making any structural changes to the room such as removing a wall or moving doors and windows then you’re likely to need to replace everything in the kitchen, but if not then have a good think about it. If your kitchen cabinets are in decent condition you could consider simply replacing the doors rather than the whole cabinets. Even if you want to change the layout of the kitchen this may still be possible if you carefully remove the cabinets first. Then consider your flooring. If you have a good but tired floor, consider how it would clean up before changing it for another. Old terracotta floor tiles for example can be restored and look really beautiful.

Next you need to put some thought into your budget. If you have a strict budget then this is going to restrict what you can do, so keeping anything from the old kitchen that you can, will be important to free up cash to spend elsewhere in the room. If you’re not replacing the kitchen floor tiles then you can spend more on some really stunning kitchen wall tiles for example.

Consider the layout of your new kitchen. You are most likely going to have to live with it and use it daily for many years, so it’s important to have it just how you want it. A lot of kitchen showrooms will now be able to take the measurements of your room and show you various layouts on a computer in 3D, which is incredibly helpful, but only you know your actual needs so you need to work out what they are. If you entertain a lot then you might need a large table and a lot of chairs. If you do a lot of cooking in bulk you might want a chest freezer in your kitchen. Every family is different, so determine your specific kitchen requirements and make sure they are taken into account at the design stage. You can also buy software for your home PC that will enable you to design rooms, this can be a great help if you have some time to spare.

The most fun part of choosing a new kitchen is picking out the kitchen itself, along with the kitchen wall tiles and other accessories. Again do put plenty of thought into it. You need something that isn’t going to date too quickly and that you’re not going to get fed up of in a few months! If you know you won’t be replacing the kitchen again for several years then try and pick a classic design that will last rather than the latest trend that may tend to look old fashioned more quickly.

Stitch and glue plywood boat plans

The stitch and glue method involves cutting multiple sections of panels which when joined up correctly will form the hull. This method can be tricky in the beginning as you will need to measure accurately each panel and then cut it using a high level of craftsmanship. Otherwise what you will tend to get is panels that just do not fit together to form a smooth framework for the boat. Alternatively you could just use the plywood boat plans to find out what dimensions you need for panels of the stitch and glue method and then order them from a reliable woodworking company. All you would need to do yourself is simply get some epoxy resin and glue to different components together. This method is one of the fastest to build your boat and go sailing but there are two drawbacks which are that it will cost considerably more to get plywood that is cut to specific dimensions and you are not really building the boat yourself which is what you set out to do in the first place. All you really need is the great drawings supplied by the designer and a good set of power tools such as circular saw in order to get started on this project.

Fiberglass for advanced boat building

Fiberglass can be used in conjunction with your plywood sheets in order to add strength to the overall structure whilst at the same time keeping the weight to the minimum. Introducing fiberglass can be difficult as the joints required will not be easily achieved if you have little experience in wood working and general use of power tools. However you can do a little research online such as watching some videos on how the professionals do it. This will give you a general understanding of what you need to do in order to successfully complete you plywood boat plans.

There are a lot of things that you can do on your roof that will help you save money in the long run. Although you will be spending time on doing these things, the tasks that you need to do are not as hard as what you think. As a matter of fact, you can even do it on weekends, giving you something to do while staying at home. If you want to learn more about simple maintenance and repair tips that you can do on your roof, then this article is the right one for you.

If you have trees near your house, chances are there are dried leaves on your roof and in the gutter. If you want to be sure that the roof of your house is in perfect condition, all you have to do is to remove these leaves at least once every week. Aside from the fact that it can worsen the damages on your roof, dried leaves will also block the gutter, and can cause rust on your roof. If you are going to keep it clean, you will be able to avoid all the problems in the future, and you won’t have to worry about hiring a roofing contractor any time soon.

After you cleaned the roof, the next thing that you need to do is to check for leaks and damaged parts. If the damage is small, all you have to do is to apply a sealant on the part and let it dry. For big damages, you may need a piece of iron sheet that is enough to cover the damage. You can have it glued on the roof of your house with the help of a sealant or roof nail. Just make sure that you will be cleaning the damaged part and make sure that you remove the rust around it before you seal the damage to prevent it from worsening.

If you think that your roof is still in its perfect condition, then it would be better if you are going to apply several layers of paint. This will act as an added protection on your roof, and with its help, you can be assured that your roof will last longer than average. Just make sure that you will be using a paint that is made for harsh weather and could withstand high heat and rain. This will help you save more money, since you won’t need the service of a roofing contractor anytime soon.

There are a lot of advantages that you can get from hiring the best Roofing Contractor Westchester County. This is the reason why you need to make sure that you will be taking your time in finding the best. If you are still looking for a reliable Roofing Contractor Westchester County NY, then it would best for you to visit our website now!

Motivation is one of the biggest challenges when it comes to renovating. I’m sure everyone would prefer to be at the beach, rather than scraping floors, sanding and painting your um-teenth wall.

No matter how motivated you can be, motivation is not constant and consistent. It comes and goes, and comes and goes again. If you’re on Struggle Street, that your motivation will eventually come back. It just depends if you have time to wait or if you can handle living with that unfinished job. In the meantime, here are some ideas that have helped me stay motivated:

1. Get cracking

It’s like going to the gym-once you’re out the door and 5 minutes into your workout it’s fine. Or ripping off a bandaid-pull it off fast and it really hurts, but then it’s over and done with. Throw your reno clothes on and just try not to think about it. You might surprise yourself.

2. Take a trip down memory lane

Grab a beer or glass of wine and browse through your before, during and after photos. You’ll see how much you’ve already achieved-it’s a great feeling. And it will make you want to get stuck into creating more ‘after’ photos.

3. Remember that it’s not forever

The more you get done now the sooner you will finish. It won’t always be like this.

4. Mix it up

I’m by no means suggesting that you start many different jobs at once, but if there is a task that is really getting you down, mix it up a little. Have a go at finishing off another job that’s already on the go just for some variety. Some jobs become mundane and having a break from it for a few hours can make all the difference.

5. Baby steps-break each job into smaller, more manageable chunks

Some jobs are just plain overwhelming. Whether its one huge job or a what-feels-like a million little jobs, break it down into manageable chunks. You could do it by area (e.g. the hallway or the laundry) or by type (e.g. all of the plastering or painting)… whatever works for you. It will make it feel more achievable and easier to recognise progress.

We had to scrape glue off and sand every square inch of our concrete slab before putting floors down. It was like prepping walls for paint, but on your hands and knees, on cold concrete in winter, times 80 square metres. Yep. My husband and I originally started at opposite ends of the house working to meet in the middle. But it became way too overwhelming. Every hour that passed by it felt like we hadn’t even made a dent. Later on, we tried working together to do a room (or section of a room) at a time. We got there twice as fast working together, and each time we finished a section there was a sense of relief that we had made it to another milestone.

6. Find inspiration

Visit a display home, look at magazines, check out photos online. Anything that makes you think “I can’t wait until my place looks like that!”

7. Establish (realistic) goals

And make them exciting. Leading up to Christmas and our birthdays is always a very productive time. We’ll say, by my birthday, I would like to complete the patio so that we can have a party. Or, by Christmas, I want to finish the floors so that we can put our lounge back together and put a Christmas tree up. This way, it gives you something to look forward to other than just getting that work done.

8. Celebrate your successes

It’s important to celebrate your achievements, no matter how small. It doesn’t have to be a party-it could be a few beers on your new garage slab. Or a roast dinner in your newly-renovated dining room. It makes the journey a lot more enjoyable.

9. Reward yourself

Creating a reward for yourself when you reach a milestone is a great motivating tool. It doesn’t have to cost money-it could be a month off from renovating, a day watching TV or lazing by the pool, or a massage. Decide on your reward in advance so that you have something exciting to look forward to.

Furniture and home wares make great rewards. After your hard work getting the house looking great, tired non-matching furniture and accessories just don’t do it justice. But don’t buy furniture until that room is finished. You don’t want to be painting over a new couch, for example.

10. Get help

Get some of your family and friends over for a working bee, followed by an afternoon BBQ. It’s amazing how much you can get done and how good you will feel afterwards. Plus, you’ll get some much-needed social time.

11. Take time out for fun

All work and no play is no good for anyone. Don’t forget to make time for fun and to catch up with friends and family. If you are constantly working there isn’t anything much to look forward to. Make plans and stick to them. Just make sure you allow enough time to get the paint off you before you head out;-)

12. Make a to-do list

Seeing items ticked off is a great feeling. If you’re having trouble getting moving, start with the easy jobs on your list and tick them off. It will give you a sense of achievement and help you keep going.

13. Don’t give up

Whatever you do, don’t give up. Even if you aren’t feeling any motivation today, or you haven’t been ticking many things off the list lately, don’t give up. You WILL get there.

14. Focus on the end result

Think about how great it’s going to look when you are finished. This is your light at the end of the tunnel. It might not look so great right now, and you might be sick of working, but you won’t regret it once it’s done.

15. Stay positive

Don’t underestimate the power of positive thinking. Swap “This is too hard!” and replace it with “I can do this! If [person you know] can do it, so can I!” It might sound a bit lame but it really does work.

Hang in there!

Louise Excell
Communications professional by day, renovator by night
http://renobrickroad.blogspot.com/

Nothing can really beat wooden doors when it comes to longevity. Processed wood is more resistant to fires compared to the synthetic type. It can adapt to any weather conditions, be it extreme heat or freezing cold. Most people prefer wooden doors because of their distinct aesthetic value. Wood has that kind of effect that dictates the ambience of any room. One can choose from wood doors with high arches to classic wood designs with intricate carvings. The possibilities are simply endless.

Unfortunately, woods luster does not last forever. Eventually, the quality of wood will deteriorate. In this case, the unsuspecting homeowner is left with two choices. He or she can either replace the old wooden doors or prevent the onset of deterioration. It appears that the practical choice would be to choose the latter.

Wood, despite its durability, is susceptible to decay. This is especially true for wooden entrance doors, timber floors, window frames and lofts. The problem starts when wood becomes exposed to elements that could damage it. The good news is that rotting can actually be treated using an effective wood preserver like Cuprinol. Still, it is important that you remove the source of leaks before you even start the wood treatment process.

In some cases, what you think as a sturdy wooden structure can actually be rotting from within. Rotting can also occur on the hidden side of the wood. When these things happen, it is imperative that you inspect the wood thoroughly. Seek the advice of wood experts regarding this matter. Should you decide to take matters in your own hands, then Cuprinol Wood Preserver can help you. Wooden doors inside the house can rot due to many different factors. These include condensation due to poor room ventilation, weakening of wood due to insect infestations and rotting caused by exposure to damp conditions. To save the wood from further damage, you have to find the right solution for each detrimental factor.

Wood damage caused by condensation is quite common in basements, cellars and other enclosed spaces. This can be prevented by creating more vents so that air can move freely. If these rooms are out of your central air conditioning units reach, the next best thing to do is to install exhaust fans on walls. Damp conditions, on the other hand, can be avoided by sealing pipe leaks or closing out small openings on the wall where rain and moisture could penetrate. You can use draught proofing sealants for minor leaks, but relaying new pipes should be done if the leaks are getting out of proportions.

As for wood infestations, you have to look for flight holes and tunnels below the wood surface. These are mostly caused by the larvae of wood boring insects like beetles and woodworms. Clean the wood surface and then use Cuprinol Woodworm Killer. Apply the solution onto the whole surface area of the wood using a paint brush. Better yet, buy the aerosol version of the fluid. You can also apply the solution to wooden doors that are covered with varnish or paint. Simply use an air sprayer with smaller nozzles to inject the fluid directly into the flight holes and tunnels. After that, you can fill the holes using a wood filler that matches the colour of the wooden door. Once done, your wooden door will be as good as new.

Now that your wooden doors are back in their pristine condition, make it stand out by replacing their old handles or knobs. You can choose from a range of modern to traditional door handles that come in different styles and finishes. Some of the popular finishes include nickel matt, satin chrome, stainless steel and polished brass. When choosing for replacements, you should not only consider the aesthetic value but also the durability and security features. DIY enthusiasts need not worry as most of the door knobs and handles are easy to install. Removing the old door handles can be a bit tricky, so you should have the proper tools for replacing them.

Proper maintenance is essential to make wooden doors stand out. You do not have to repaint or varnish them every other year. Just make sure that the wood is free from harmful elements that could eventually damage it. It would also help to use wood preservatives like Cuprinol Wood Preserver to keep the natural shine of wooden doors. For insect infestations, the Cuprinol Woodworm Killer can be the ultimate solution.

Iain Jenkins writes articles for Lords of Notting Hill, who supply a range of home improvement goods online from top brands such as Cuprinol. Whether you’re looking for Cuprinol Wood Preserver, paints or even door handles, Lords of Notting Hill have got it.

Real estate companies always consider the longevity of their properties as a primary selling point. The simplest measures to achieve this longevity such as the use of a gutter system to redirect water runoff is done to prevent undue damages to homes and other buildings. Below you will find some basic installation tips for hanging gutters.

But first, you need to prepare for the installation by finding a pencil or chalk, tape measure, hacksaw, downspouts and outlets, metal fasteners, elbow joints, end caps, gutter hangers, deck screws (1-inch), a screw driver bit, and a drill.

Installation Tips for Hanging Gutters:

1. First get your tape measure and use it to determine the dimensions of the areas along the roof that need gutters. Next, you also need to know the measurement for the downspouts up to ground level. Knowing this information will give you an idea as to how much gutter you’ll need.

2. For long gutters of 35 feet or more, you may need to install downspouts at both tips to make it more efficient. In addition, it is best to slope the center of the gutter so that water will be redirected to the tips or sides faster. When you first try to align your gutters, you must ensure to hold them still so that they will be more accurately places. Holding them steady, make your pencil or chalk markings on the wall so that you’ll know where to hang them. For shorter gutters, the basic rule is to choose the end where you install the downspout and place its end a little lower than the gutter’s leading edge. Many experts suggest that a downward angle of 0.25 inch per 10 ft. of gutter must be followed.

3. With regards to the downspouts, you’ll need 1 inch deck screws to install them at the tip of the gutter run. Just make sure to secure them at the end of the roof, not where the house actually ends. This is because the roof is normally extends a little farther away from the end of the house. This tactics will provide sufficient runoff during a rain storm. Finally, spouts should also be mounted well on the roof overhang’s underside to avoid it from dangling or coming lose in a strong storm.

4. One of the most important pieces of material for the installation tips for hanging gutters is the gutter hanger. This may even be more important than the quality of your gutter itself, as it provides support and strength to the entire gutter system. Without it, your gutters will just fall apart during heavy rain and fail to keep water away form the base of your house. Gutter hangers should be secured at at an interval of about 2 ft. from each other and use the same deck screws for mounting them. Make sure you follow the chalk or pencil line that you laid out earlier so that the angle is correct. Also, you will need to leave about an inch at the supporting ends for installing the gutter caps.

5. Next, ensure that the gutter width can fit within the hanger’s installed in the previous step. You can do this by meticulously cutting some gutter sections with the use of a hacksaw. Install the cap at one end of the gutter, and attach the other end to where the downspout outlets are. After which, install the hangers to keep the gutter secure. Again, always follow the markings on your wall so that the angle is constant across the entire gutter system to allow proper drainage. Repeat this step for all gutter sections that still need to be installed.

6. One of the most significant installation tips for hanging gutters is the preparation of the drainpipe. Make sure that it is kept 1 foot above the ground after being fit to the downspout outlet. Leaving it a foot off the ground will allow you to install elbow joints to redirect the water. Experts also say that it’s better to have another joint at the bottom of the pipe and connecting it to another 3 ft of downspout to guide the water farther away from the building’s primary foundation. Wraparound fasteners can also be used in occasionally where the pipes or spouts seem to travel longer distances.

Knowing these installation tips for hanging gutters will surely help prolong the life of your property.

Leading online resource for metal building kits for barns, carports, garages, shops, and storage sheds, and pricing options for steel buildings.

Most amateur boat builders will probably have an out of town house by a large lake or river and will be keen to take a ship on to those waters. The most adventurous option is to build a small boat yourself made primarily out of wood due to its low cost and ease of use. To find out how to begin this what might seem as mission impossible check out the simple steps below:

How to build a simple small boat in 4 easy steps

1. Firstly you will need to choose a big enough workspace so that the completed boat can easily fit inside. However once the project is completed you must be able to transport the vessel out of the work area. With a project like this future planning will allow you to see and solve problems before they happen. The ideal location work the workspace would be the garage, but if you do not have one then it might be and idea to build an external one to your house.

2. Now you must buy the power tools and wood in order to complete the small boat plans you have chosen. This can be done from online retailers or at your local hardware store. It would be a good idea to check out multiple sources for the best deal so that you can save some money. For the power tools ideally you would have a circular saw, jigsaw and cordless screwdriver. Whereas for the wood you will need plywood, laminate and lumber. Buying these items in bulk and from one location will be easier logistically and can save you money as you get get a good deal on large purchases.

3. Now you need to look carefully at your small boat plans and follow each step to the letter. For those of you who have never used many power tools in your life or done any boat building it will be hard in the beginning. However you will soon get to grips with the different skills that you will need in order to successfully build a good sturdy functional boat. My advice would be to use epoxy of gluing the plywood joints together and fiberglass in order to reduce the overall weight of the ship.

4. Once the small boat plans have been completed you need to test the functionality and safety of your work. Have the boat brought out to shallow waters for several days then check for leaks. Anything that you notice at this stage is crucial and should not be ignored, because once you are out in deep waters it will be too late for any type of serious structural repairs.

Get more information at Small Boat Plans

Also checkout Wooden Boat Building

In today’s world where everything from computers, electronic devices, and other gadgets are geared towards full automation, reusable calendars continue to be of good use. Of utmost importance are the blank calendar printouts where households and offices use to post weekly reminders. In addition, most weekly reusable calendars are part of the several DIY home projects that are created via a computer and printer.

Since reusable calendars should last throughout weeks and weeks of use, the blank calendar printouts should be made of thick and durable media. Some even apply plastic lamination over it to ensure that it can take the rigors of posting multiple notes and reminders everyday of the week with the use of wipe-off markers. As a DIY home project, the degree of importance and convenience of weekly reusable calendars is immeasurable as even trivial notes on children’s school assignment, trips to the parlor, and repair person service schedules are posted on it.

In order to be successful, DIY home projects look for a suitable weekly calendar format from the Internet. The project also requires an inkjet or monochrome laser printer, self-adhering magnetic strips, durable plastic laminate, and dry-erase markers. Listed below are some tips to make a reusable calendar.

Since the DIY home project is the source of daily instructions or household memo, it must be placed in an area where it is prominent and noticeable.

Remember that even today, amidst the presence of electronic gadgets to help busy households cope with everyday activities, reusable blank calendar printouts have always been of great use and importance. They never cease to remind us with our appointments so we could always perform our daily task with ease.

For your laser printing requirements, check out tonerrefillstore.com for its line of toner refill kits, compatible toner cartridges and other affordable printer consumables.

The Makita 18v battery- lithium ion – is a straight replacement item for your Makita 18v batteries and can be used to replace an existing battery or can be purchased to provide extra capacity so you can always have another battery on charge and ready to use. If you are doing a lot of work with your Makita hand tools then we would strongly recommend that you have more than one battery in your tool chest. However for home users it is perfectly acceptable (and cheaper) to run multiple tools with only one battery – it is also cheaper to buy the tools without batteries (naked tools).

Makita Lithium Ion batteries can be recharged at any point without risking damage to the battery as, unlike other battery technologies, they do not develop “memory” which reduces their effectiveness. They can also be left for extended periods without being charged and this also should not damage the battery or its effectiveness.

The Makita 18v battery typically lasts two to three times as long as standard batteries and therefore delivers great value for money and longevity. As they are lithium ion based they also have very rapid recharge times hence minimising your unproductive time and letting you get on with the job in hand (although as mentioned earlier it can be more productive having two or more batteries so you can absolutely minimise the time you are without a power tool!)

The Makita 18v lithium ion battery will fit a range of Makita tools including their drills, circular saws, impact drivers, reciprocating saws etc

Built to the usual rigorous Makita quality standards the Makita Lithium Ion battery a reliable and long term purchase.

They are available in both 1.5 amp hour and 3.0 amp hour derivatives so you can purchase the one most applicable for your work style and requirements. The smaller 1.5 amp hour version weighs in at only 1.2 pounds and is compact so it is easy to use for extended periods without causing too much fatigue. They are charged via the Makita Lithium Ion rapid charger which is an intelligent charger that has protection circuitry to make sure the batteries do not get damaged during the charging cycle. The batteries themselves also have a built in micro chip that works in conjunction with the charger to ensure the most effective and safe charging. If you do not already have one of these specific chargers.

4li.net is the leading site for your makita 18v battery lithium ion. Check out makita 18v battery lithium ion now!. So visit: http://www.4li.net/ now!

All the best from
Ian William