Contracting Companies to Remodel Your Home

For homeowners who do not want to remodel their homes by themselves, there are renovation companies that provide the professional results without the hassle. When you are ready to remodel, you may want to make a deal with a company that specializes in the work you need. Though some companies have all the resources in the world give the consumer every kind of home remodeling option, smaller contractors might only be able to offer a small range of services.

Before you start contacting companies by simply searching through your local yellow pages, take the time to think about what you need and get some information about companies in your area. The kind of work you need should determine the remodeling company you contact. And if you try contacting a home renovation company that offers to do all the work, the final price tag may be slightly higher than that of a niche business.

SHEETROCK PRICES

If a home renovation company only does one kind of job, they may have plenty of parts and fixtures left over from other clients, which could save you money. If a large renovation outfit needs to line up a smaller company to work on your home, they will charge fee just to make the call.

The largest gripe that home renovation companies have with their clients is that it is not always clear who makes the important decisions about the project. If couples start to bicker about which way to go, the contractor frequently gets caught in the middle. Usually, all parties are on the same page in the beginning, but if ideas change mid-way through and disagreements begin, those working on the project need to know who is ultimately in charge.

Usually, it is best to work out the details with the contractor before beginning the project. Then, the client would do well to sit back and let the workers complete their job so the project gets finished by the target date and without going over-budget. A lot home renovation companies would rather work this way, instead of the homeowner contracting four different companies for every stage of the remodel. With one company in charge, it is far easier to get the timing right and finish the project according to the homeowner's original vision.

If you are planning a project in the near future, remember that more is not always merrier when it comes to home renovations. Be sure the decision-making arrangements are in place prior to the project and maintained throughout. This will ensure a smoother process for all parties involved!

Contracting Companies to Remodel Your Home

Kurt Schefken published normally for http://www.insidewoodworking.com, a web publication with topics around drywall textures, ways to texture walls and many different issues. You can learn about his publications on drywall texture techniques and drywall textures at http://www.insidewoodworking.com

SHEETROCK PRICES

Textured Ceilings - What Makes This a Popular Home Design?

There are people who do not want their ceilings to look entirely bare. Good thing is there are ways for us to design our ceilings. Modern home interior designers have come up with a textured ceiling design. Some people think that ceilings with textures are really expensive to make and is very unmanageable. However, they are actually just very easy to install. These days, there are available texture designs that are very easy to install.

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Advantages of textured ceiling:

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· It can hide holes and imperfections on the ceiling.

· It helps conceal the leakage and cracks without being obvious.

· It makes the whole room more attractive.

· It looks more elegant than the bare ceiling.

· It gives the ceiling a three-dimensional look.

There are so many designs available for different kinds of room ceilings. There is what we call the "Roller Sheetrock Design" which is a form of mud that is used to add texture on the ceiling. It is made up of Sheetrock mud that is mixed with water, and then applied onto the ceiling. One can create different stroke patterns by using this material. Another is the "Knockdown Sheetrock Design" where in the Sheetrock mud is used like the latter one, but here, the consistency of the mud is thinner. A crow's foot stomp brush is used instead of the roller.

The most common of the ceiling designs is the "Wooden Design" where in the wooden furniture in the room is completed with the wood designs in the ceiling. This one is perfect for a room where we use a majority of wooden furniture.

Another one is the "Trowel-on Design". In this design, the texturing material is applied by the use of a standard trowel. It will create a plaster-like look into the texturing material.

Rooms where texturing of the ceiling can be applied:

· Office cabins

· Hotels and restaurants

· Showrooms

· Conference rooms

Creating a textured ceiling can be a very attractive design for our rooms. It will recreate a unique look for the whole room. The ceiling is one of the areas that are given much attention when someone enters the room, and having it textured is an advantage. It creates a vintage look, with a modern touch depending on what kind of material you are going o us.

If you will choose the material that is durable, it will last longer. That way, it can stay on the ceiling for years without having to change it often. The paint will then depend on your choice of color. Some people likes to keep the wooden furnish for their ceilings. It creates a shabby look for the room and it will be more elegant to the eye.

Textured Ceilings - What Makes This a Popular Home Design?

Related Articles
Installing Ceiling Texture
Installing Ceramic Tiles

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List of Top Builders in Houston

David Weekley Homes:

When speaking about the home builders in Houston, we cannot afford to miss it. The company was listed 7 times in "100 Best Companies to Work for", published by Fortune magazine. This includes their 17th rank in the year 2008. They have numerous award winning home plans that will fulfill your needs. The three main reasons for why people choose these Designs, Choice and Service.

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Lancaster Homes:

Lancaster Homes was started in the year 1974, by Eddie Franz. They are proving their excellence for more than 40 years. You can get your home built in the community you wish for. They have various plans and price ranges that are affordable for both luxurious and a single living one. Their experience is channelized to their customers in the form of professional workmanship, cost savings and affordability.

David Powers Homes:

Understanding that a dream home is very personal pick, David Powers Homes is highly flexible to make changes to their home plans as per their customer needs. This adds a good amount of reputation to this 20+ years old company. Another special thing about David Powers is, offering several custom features for each and every home such as art niches, rounded sheetrock corners, arched doorways, impressive floor and countertop choices and low E2 insulated windows.

Rohe & Wright Builders:

This company has got the name from the combination of middle names of the founders. Also, the name coincides with the two famous architects of the 20th century, namely Frank Lloyd Wright and Mies van der Rohe. Managing partners of Rohe & Wright, Chad Muir and Andy Suman share their 40 years of experience in home building. Also, many of their home plans fetched awards under various criteria.

Tilson Homes:

Tilson Homes build homes in and around Houston and East Texas, since 1932. Today, Tilson is one among the very large home builders in Texas. Tilson family is into the home building business from the very beginning and serving people for more than two generations. They have their model homes all over Texas. In Houston, their models are located at Bridgeport and Shiloh. You can have a look at their thousands of home plans, by paying a visit to any of their model homes.

Parra Design Group Ltd:

Founded in 1998, Mr. Parra, who holds Masters in Architecture, was awarded "Ben Brewer Young Architect" in the year 2008, in AIA Houston. They have built a good number in Houston. Apart from the homes, they have built commercial buildings too.

List of Top Builders in Houston

Paul is a principal of NewHomesSection.com. Search Houston new homes and Texas Home Builders today!

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Great Advice On How To Make Your Basement Livable By Remodeling It

Remodeling a basement can be simple or very complex. There are several factors associated with how easy the job in basement remodeling will be. Things such as whether or not there will be plumbing and whether or not there will be outside access points added are major contributing factors in this. However, by eliminating unnecessary features, one can remodel a basement to be functional wherein the job can add to the total room count and add for sufficient space where there is lack in the main part of the home.

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The easiest and quickest way to make a basement habitable is to add flooring. There are several flooring options available out there that would work perfectly in basement remodeling. However, whichever type is chosen, it must be durable and able to withstand moisture as basements hold a lot of moisture; much more than any other part of the home. Flooring options that are available for basement remodeling are: hardwood, laminate, or carpeting. Carpeting is the cheaper, less-expensive option but will have to be replaced ever so often. However, carpeting actually holds more heat if a warmer space is what is desired. Hardwood floors should be avoided unless a very moisture resistant type is used. Also, hardwood floors are more expensive than the other alternatives. Laminates are great because they are rather inexpensive and easy to clean and maintain.

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Some will leave out the sheetrock or drywall and simply keep the cement walls in the basement. However, adding sheetrock is a good idea for those that are looking for insulation and a better look than cement for walls. Sheetrock or drywall can be painted to give a fresh, appealing look as opposed to a dark, drab look that cement can give. Also, because of the insulation factor, drywall or sheetrock is a good idea simply because it insulates temperature very well and insulation can be placed between the cement and sheetrock to cut down on the heat or cold and therefore cut down on the electric bill.

A remodeled basement can be used for several purposes such as: a game room, home theater, childrens' play room, entertainment room, or home office. The most exciting part is designing for this purpose in mind. But, although it is the most exciting, it is also the most important. For example, if you are choosing to turn the basement into a childrens' play room, you want to of course make sure you choose materials that are easy to clean. Or, if you are choosing to turn the basement into a home theater, you must make sure there are enough outlets and input for various media devices. Not planning well enough before work is started could result in wasted materials and time, and therefore, lead to dissatisfaction and frustration.

Great Advice On How To Make Your Basement Livable By Remodeling It

Gordon has more tips on basement remodeling Northern Virginia over on his website at http://noxconstructionco.com/. Be sure to visit his website to get more information on Northern Virginia remodeling.

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Bathroom Remodeling - Using Durarock With Mesh Tape

When using Durarock, you can use the same Mud as you do any other Sheetrock, whether it is regular Sheetrock, Durarock, Water Rock or any other kind of Plasterboard. Regular Sheetrock Mud is fine for all of your sheetrocking projects.

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It's the way it is mixed that matters the most. In other words, consistency. You want the mud to be thick if you are doing a plaster project or remodeling out of the mud itself. You want it thinner for regular work.

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Q: I have durarock in my bathtub/shower area and moisture resistant rock on the rest of the bathroom wall. How do I mud and tape the place between the two different materials? Do I need a different type of mud? I am using mesh tape for the joints.

Water Rock is the same as Moisture Rock which is the Greenboard. No special mud is required or best when using Greenboard to Durarock. Regular Sheetrock Mud is just fine. You don't have to use any special type of mud when meshing up either.

There are two different types of mesh. Blue Mesh and Yellow Mesh. The Yellow Mesh is a little heavier than the Blue Mesh. The Blue Mesh is used mainly for doing inside corners. If you want to use Mesh Tape, Sheetrockers Secrets Recommends the Yellow Mesh for this type of project as it is stickier on the back side than the Blue Mesh.

When you mix the mud for the mesh, mix it as you normally would but the mesh will take more mud as the little squares need to be filled in. This will require more drying and sanding time.
After you apply the mud to the mesh, wipe it down evenly with a mudding knife and get it as smooth as possible. This will help with cut down the drying and sanding time. Don't push hard as it may cause the mesh to become distorted and you may have to use another piece and start over.

The only thing I would do different is not use mesh tape at all, I would use regular sheetrock tape. The reason for this is that mesh tape gives. Even after it dries and you have painted. As the house settles, the mesh tape moves more easily and it will eventually crack. This gives way to mold and insect infestations which may cause you to replace it with regular sheetrock tape later on. This is a whole other project in and of itself.

Mesh tape would be best used on inside corners or patch jobs as it kind of creates a fiber fortified spot. So if you have a patch job or corners, like the inside of windows, when the house settles, the surrounding area is the support and not the weak spot or corners and because mesh moves more easily, your project will last longer.

Materials

Sheetrock Tape or Mesh Tape
Measuring Tape
Sheetrock Mud
Mudding Tray
Mud Knife
Sander
220 Grit Sandpaper
Damp Cloth

Bathroom Remodeling - Using Durarock With Mesh Tape

Hanging Sheetrock

See All Sheetrockers Secrets if you need a quick Fix, Tool, Trick or Tip. Learn Secrets about Sheetrocking, Taping, Mudding and Texturing. Modify trouble spots making repairs easy. We Help You Turn Your Project into a Pleasure not a Pain. Have what You need at Your Fingertips! Take Pride in Your Own Projects.

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How to Get Low Prices on Plasma TVs

The first plasma television that was released in the market was a whopping ,000. It was 42 inches and during that time, that kind of technology was still a baby. Although LCD televisions were already giving quality images, they were smaller, about 32 inches. Quite a big difference from the 42 inches version of the plasma TV. When there are other manufacturers who went into the market and competition started, prices started to rocket down.

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Usually, when a new product is introduced to the market, it is quite pricey for the reason that the manufacturer wants to get back some costs. Since they are also the first to launch such new technology, they can get their investment back. However, their prices cannot remain as high as it first was. They have to mark down if they do not want to end up at the bottom of the ranks.
When manufacturers of LCD technology started to develop screens as large as that of the plasma televisions, plasma TV prices started to drop due to the competition and the less cost of manufacturing.

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Not every plasma is the same. There are still differences among the different models of plasma TV. This will confuse the buyers as to why there is a big difference between two plasma televisions since they believe that the plasma TVs are all HD.

With regard to the resolution of plasma televisions, two kinds of technologies are involved. These are true high definition and enhanced definition. If your plasma television is enhanced definition, then it is most likely that you will not notice the difference in the picture quality if the broadcast is not in a high definition format. The difference that is likely to be eye catching will be the price of the plasma television which utilizes high definition technology.

High definition means that a television has a height of 720 pixels. However, this might cause a difference since there are plasma televisions which are 1040 to 1365 wide. Larger monitors normally have a wider pixel count for a true HD resolution.

If an image is in the high definition format, and it is broadcast in a high definition monitor, the images will look better. But if the image of lesser quality is displayed in a high definition monitor, it will not make that particular image look better.

How to Get Low Prices on Plasma TVs

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Compare Energy Prices - The New Green Electricity Supply

To manually compare the energy rates or prices of different utility companies is very exhausting and time consuming job. Going to different utility companies personally to determine prices and rates, or you could use the internet. Electricity and gas have varied market prices; you will want to check on them often. Different energy suppliers have their own websites, with easy access to the internet; you can save money in selecting the best service available in your area for the best prices or rates.

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There are websites that compare the different companies in your local country.

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When you add solar and wind energy which is hooked up to the companies supply, know as a feed in tariffs they pay you a lower rate than what they sell it back to you at, so just watch this. The best way to examine if your really getting a good deal is to weigh up all the different charges on you bill. While connected to the grid you may not have any power bills because you have enough solar panels or wind turbines to support you usage, but where the energy companies get you, is in the supply charge. This can often be higher than the electricity used. Do a Google search, and see what others in your location think of certain suppliers and how their deals stack up, it wont take much to find a bad supplier and know to avoid them.

Also there are a few forums around that would be worth joining too, search through Google for these too.

If you feel like you are getting ripped off don't hesitate to change companies or think about changing your system to OFF the grid system then to have your own supply. There are cheap ways of doing this too, welcome to ask me how.

Compare Energy Prices - The New Green Electricity Supply

If you would like to know more on how to compare energy prices and save a small fortune check these out:

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Tips For Building an Enclosed Patio

Have you been thinking of a good way to increase the aesthetic value of your home? If you have already run out of good home improvement ideas, you can try converting your patio into a sunroom. With a sunroom in your lawn, you can already observe the beauty and tranquility of your garden regardless of the weather. You could also increase your time outdoors once you have succeeded in building this attractive home addition. Here are some tips that could guide while building your very own enclosed patio.

sheetrock dolly

Hiring a professional or doing it yourself
One important thing you should consider is whether you need to hire a professional or not. If you are confident with your capacity to build this simple structure on your own, you can explore your creativity by building an enclosed patio on your own. Without the costs of hiring professional contractors, you can also save some money while continuing this home improvement project.

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Gathering required materials
If you have decided to do things on your own, you should proceed to collecting some of the materials and tool you would need. Look inside your utility box and grab your cordless drill, tape measure, buckets of paint, nail gun, and nails. You should also visit some home improvement stores and look for enclosure kits with sheetrock supplies.

Measure the area, draft your plan, and gather permits
After preparing all the materials you would need, you could already proceed to measuring your patio. Use a tape measure or other measuring tool for estimating the total area of the porch that you plan to enclose. If you plan to install windows for your sunroom, it would also be a good idea to measure the area where you plan to place them.

It would also be best to draft your plan before doing performing any task related to building your sunroom. Imagine how you would want it to look like and sketch your construction ideas. Do not forget to scale your sketches because these would guide you while building enclosing your patio.

You should also ask your city government for a building permit. By doing this, you can make sure that you are not violating any important safety building codes implemented by your local government. It would also prevent you from experiencing delays in your home improvement project due to constant questioning by your homeowners association and local government.

Frame the area and put up the sheetrock
You can now frame the area you wish to enclose. Do not forget to add some extra support beams in your frames in order to make them sturdy and strong. You should also remember to consider the places where you plan to install doors and windows while framing the area.

After completing your task of framing the area, you can already proceed to erect the sheetrock. Hang it in the support beams you have added and use special sheetrock nails or screws for hanging it. Placing your doors and windows would be easier once you have finished putting up the sheetrock.

Now that you have learned these important tips, it would be easier for you to make your dreams of having an enclosed patio come true. Once you have finished the tasks mentioned in this article, you can already proceed to adding some finishing touches such as wiring some receptacles and painting its exteriors and interiors.

Tips For Building an Enclosed Patio

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Car Cover Prices

There are many factors that go into figuring out the price of car covers. However, regardless of the price of the product, it would cost far less to buy a car cover rather than paying for a new paint job.

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Factors that determine the cost:

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Factor that will determine how much a car cover will cost is how heavy and durable the material is. The heavy duty materials will generally cost you more money than the light ones. However, they will protect your car better, as well as have a longer life span than the less expensive products.

Another major factor that can determine the price of a car cover is the fit of the cover on the car. The typical car cover will not be as expensive as those which are custom made to fit your particular vehicle.

Cost:

The least expensive car cover will cost you less than . This type of product will be the very basic polyester-cotton blend, which is very lightweight. Even though this will provide you adequate protection, it is not as durable as the ones that are heavy-duty.

The heavier polyester-cotton blend materials are the ones that most car enthusiasts prefer to use. They are soft, yet provide superior protection and have a much longer lifespan than the inexpensive products. The ready-fit covers of this brand will generally cost you a little over 0, with the custom made products costing 0 to 0.

The most expensive types of car covers are the ones made of heavy duty acrylic. This material is exceptionally strong, as well as longer lasting, and gives your car superior protection from sun damage. The ready fit products made from this material can cost as much as 0, with the custom fit products costing over 0.

Car Cover Prices

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Windmill Designs For High Quality and Ultra Low Price

Let's skip a few chapters about how and why it's a good idea to get a windmill. I'm going to jump right into windmill designs that offer the easiest to follow instructions and great ways to make your project under 0.

If you look at the price of the modern windmill you will see that it depends on how well you cut corners. I don't mean making it out of cardboard, but getting the parts for cheap. Good windmill designs will show you how to get all the parts you need for either free or absurdly cheap. This is because they do research on the best ways to do this and the best of the best winds up in your plans.

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The only thing you will most likely have to pay for is a DC motor. That'll run you about which is peanuts compared to how much you could be spending. Other parts like the tower, body, and blades that are seen as the most expensive parts in most windmill designs can actually be found for free. Don't worry because this doesn't make your windmill any less efficient that if you had paid the hundreds of dollars most people pay.

Consider using PVC pipe for smaller windmill designs and wood for bigger designs. Of course, this is all explained in detail when you get the right plans. The idea is to give you some examples of how cheap modern designs can guarantee a good windmill. For another example, you can actually get a 40 foot TV tower for absolutely free!

Don't expect to make a high quality cheap windmill without referring to good quality windmill designs. Many try for some reason and most of them fail.

Windmill Designs For High Quality and Ultra Low Price

These windmill designs showed me where to get my parts and exactly how to put them all together in a really simple way. I highly recommend you check them out because I'm convinced anyone can build a windmill for under 0 using these excellent windmill designs

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DIY Residential Solar Energy Systems

Install The System on My Own or Hire Someone to Do So?

If you are considering having residential solar energy systems for your house, you may have two ways to do so. You can install the solar power systems on your own or you can find someone to do it for you. But before making the decision, here are some considerations you may want to have a look so that you can make the wisest decision.

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The most influential point is the cost. People who want to have residential solar energy systems also want to save money. You have to compare the prices of the two options. It is no doubt that the price of doing it yourself must be lower than that of the other choice.

But you still have to know the price difference. The reason is that although the price is lower, you have to spend time on figuring out the whole process. The high price implies that you need not worry about everything involved.

So the second thing you should think about is time. Do you have spare time to install the residential solar energy systems? Actually if you are focused enough, it will not take so long. You can build the solar power system in a few days. Some people claim that they can complete the task at one weekend. What if you are not sure about that, you had better find someone to do the job.

Assuming that you are going to make the residential solar energy systems by yourself, there is one step before you take action. You have to do research on how solar energy system works and how to build the different parts like solar cells and solar panels. It seems to be difficult but it in fact is not.

There are many solar energy programs available online. You just have to spend to dollars and then you will receive detailed and step-by-step guide and video made in plain English. Some of them even offer you a discussion forum with the membership so that you can ask questions whenever you want. So you have to ask yourself if you are willing to learn the instructions by heart.

These are the most important aspects you have to consider before deciding whether you want to do the job yourself or hire someone to help you. You have to spend a few hours thinking about it carefully. And you should bear in mind that it is really a simple job as long as you do research and get the instructions.

The last thing I have to point out is that the sooner you have the residential solar energy systems, the later our planet dies. Your little effort of using renewable and clean energy will save our world.

DIY Residential Solar Energy Systems

If you've enjoyed all the exciting information you read here about Residential Solar Energy Systems, you'll love everything else you find at Residential Solar Energy Systems.

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Build a Homemade Solar Water Heater Quickly and Easily With Solar Hot Water Kits

Did you ever want to construct a solar water heater? Luckily there are kits and plans that can help you start building your water heater that runs on solar power. With the advancement of technology, you can now build water heater powered by the sun, an idea once thought impossible. Building a heater that runs on natural energy can be beneficial both to the environment and to your wallet. The prices of gas and electric bills have steadily risen, and people are starting to try find ways to reduce the prices of their utilities. The prices of heating bills and gas bills vary anywhere from for small apartments to 0s and even 00s for larger structures such as homes and buildings.

When building a solar water heater, there are a couple of parts that you will need. One of the most complex and crucial parts is the solar panel. The solar panel is complex because it changes the energy of the sun into electrical power. Without there will be no power to heat the water. Solar panels can be bought in stores or ordered online. The prices online will mostly be the cheaper of the two. If you are on a very tight budget and are mechanically inclined, you can try to construct your own solar panel. This a rather complicated process and I would not recommend anyone doing unless they have a guide or solar hot water kits.

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There are some smaller things you will need such as metal pipes and wires. However I recommend getting a book, guide, or blueprint that can help you build a homemade solar water heater.

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Making Your Own Sheetrock Lift

The answer to your question, "Do I need a sheetrock lift?" is almost always "yes" especially when you are putting sheetrock on your ceiling. And, you can build your own lift and save the cost of renting or buying a new one. It is really quite simple to construct a lift and, once it's done, you will save endless hours of gruesome and painful sheetrock work.

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A lift for sheetrock is just a device that lifts sheetrock (or drywall) panels up to the ceiling, where they are nailed into place. New lifts can cost hundreds of dollars and they can also be rented by the hour from rental supply stores. You can save money by building your own lift and it doesn't take a "rocket scientist" to do so.

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In order to build a lift, you will need some basic equipment. Things you'll need to have are a circular saw, drywall screws or nails, a cordless screwdriver, a tape measure, a ladder and 2x4 pieces of wood. The first thing you'll need to do is determine how long to make your lift. This can be done by measuring the distance it is from the floor to the ceiling.

The next step in the process is to cut a 3 foot length of 2x4. Then, cut another section of 2x4 the exact same length as the length of your ceiling. Cut a third piece of 2x4 into a 4 foot length. This will be used to join the 2 other pieces together. These three pieces of wood will be attached together to help you when hoisting the sheetrock up to the ceiling. All you have to do now is put a piece of sheetrock on your lift. It may take more than one person to actually hoist up the sheetrock. (This is not necessary with store-bought lifts.) Once the sheetrock is in place, then all you have to do is nail it securely in place.

Making your own sheetrock lift is a project that you can do in no time. And, just think how rewarding it will be to know that you were able to make something that is not only efficient but useful as well.

Making Your Own Sheetrock Lift

Matt writes more about sheetrock lift at http://www.drywall-lifts.com/sheetrocklift.html

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Comparing Fein Tools Against Their Rival Multimaster Tools

Fein tools are acknowledged to be the best multi-purpose power tools in the market. Their multimaster tool used a special technology which enabled precise custom cutting and finishing of wood, drywall, as well as any other material you are likely to see in a house. Until their patents on this technology ran out a few years ago, they held a stranglehold on this segment of the home renovation tools market.

However, all good things end, and now there are rival manufacturers making and selling their own multimaster tools using this same technology. For the time being, the Fein Multimaster is still considered the best. However, its astronomical price tag of 0 for the basic tool or 0 for the basic tool plus a standard collection of blades and accessories puts it out of reach of many professionals and most DIY home remodelers. Fortunately for those who must have the best, it is possible to buy factory-reconditioned Fein tools for a 30% discount or secondhand on eBay and Amazon for even lower prices.

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Even with a 30% discount, Fein power tools still remain out of the budget for many people. One strong contender trying to replace Fein tools as the king of the hill is the Bosch Multi-X. It costs about half as much as a Fein Multimaster, and cuts just as well. The only problem is that it is a cordless tool and has a short battery life. On the other hand, it IS cordless and can be used in places where Fein tools cannot reach.

Besides Bosch, there are only two other brands of multimaster tools which are reliable and work well in the US market - the Rockwell Sonicrafter and the Dremel Multi-Max. Both of them sell for a quarter of a Fein Multimaster's price and work well enough given their price. Neither one is as solidly built as the original and their quality control is nowhere nearly as good, but their low price makes them useful and affordable choices for most amateur home remodelers and craftsmen.

Two big problems with all four of these power tools - Fein Multimaster, Bosch Multi-X, Rockwell Sonicrafter and Dremel Multi-Max- is the short life of their blades and the high cost of replacing them. If you are a casual user rather than a professional, the replacement blades and accessories all practically cost the same, within 10% to 40% of each other depending on the blade and which retailer is currently offering a special discount.

Right now, Fein tools remains king of the hill for the premium market. However, once Bosch cleans up the mess with its batteries, many home renovation contractors will probably start using it for its increased portability and lower cost. Until they come up with better offerings, Dremel and Rockwell are only able to compete at the low-end of the market.

Comparing Fein Tools Against Their Rival Multimaster Tools

Click here to learn whether the Fein Multimaster is right for you. Or you can click here to learn how to extend the lifespan of the blades of your Fein power tools.

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Basement Finishing Advice

Some homeowners tend to overlook the potential their basements have. A basement can be more than just a place to hold the unwanted garb from twenty years ago. It can even be more than a utility closet. With some planning, preparation and transformation, your basement can transform from a "could-be" potentially nice environment, to a totally-cool place!

sheetrock lifter

Clean the Space

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To begin the transformation, you'll first have to perform a thorough cleaning of all the surfaces in your basement and use caulking to seal off any cracks or gaps around the doors and windows. This thorough cleaning will prep the basement for finishing and permanent use.

Inspect and Repair

After you have cleaned the space, check the plumbing for water damage and pipe leaks or drips. If you do find moisture, it is best to call upon a professional to find its source and repair the problem.
If water is leaking into the basement from the outside, look closely for small cracks, holes or damage. If you find damage of any type, quickly have it repaired, and professionally seal and waterproof the foundation-this work will help to avoid further damage and cost. Think of it this way, it is easier to repair small cracks and holes than it is to repair the whole foundation.
Some homeowners overlook checking the grade of the ground outside their home to make sure it is slightly sloped away from the house; this is done to prevent water from flowing into the foundation when it rains. It is important to have any such problems repaired prior to finishing the basement.
Check the heating system to be sure it is working well and up to standard. Also, be sure to ask a professional to estimate the cost of additional heating in the basement-if necessary.
Hire a certified electrician to inspect all electrical connections for fire safety. This is very important for the safety of you, your family and home. An electrician will suggest the best locations for power outlets and lighting fixtures.
Inspect the flooring. Check the floors to make sure they are level, and remove all old flooring. If the floor is unlevel, the best option is to have it leveled with concrete.

Plan the Space

It is best to hire an architect or builder to design a floor plan for your basement, according to your own personal preferences. The architect or builder will help take the guesswork out of the placement of walls, doors and will take care of those pesky measurements.

Once the plans are complete and the framing is installed, it is time to insulate the room and exterior walls. Don't overlook insulating the ceiling with a fireproof insulation. Once the walls and ceiling are properly insulated, use sheetrock to cover the walls and the ceiling. Using a thicker sheetrock will act as a noise and fire barrier, and will withstand moisture longer than the standard sheetrock.

Select and Install the Choice Flooring

There are many options to choose from when installing the flooring in your basement, but it's best to use tiles, as they will last longer. In addition, carpeting has the tendency to attract and hold moisture, as hardwood flooring will buckle and warp.

Tiles will withstand water and moisture, and provides a very easy cleanup. Add area rugs to the space if you are looking to make the new living space warm and cozy. This will provide the comfort level you are looking for while protecting your new living space from the effects of moisture and water damage.

Basement Finishing Advice

You can begin transforming your basement into a worthwhile space by taking these steps into consideration. Instead of doing the work by yourself, contact your local experts at Alabama Foundation Specialists! They're the trusted and experienced expert providing basement finishing in Alabama, including Birmingham and Huntsville-and more!

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What is Foundation Piering and How Does it Work?

Today, more and more homes are being built on unstable soils, such as the ones that you learned about in previous chapters. Between expansive and hydro-compactable soils and subsidence, foundations are pushed and pulled, creating movement. Each year, thousands of homeowners are faced with evaluating and repairing foundation problems. Thankfully, this means that there are reliable, engineered solutions available.

sheetrock dolly

What exactly is available and is it the right solution for your structural problems?

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Since the root of structural problems is the soil, the first two solutions deal with taking the foundation's weight off of unstable soils and placing it on bedrock or other stable soil-these solutions are called push piers and helical piers.

Push Piers are basically long steel shafts that are hydraulically driven into the ground through the unstable surface soils until they reach bed-rock or other load bearing strata. Technicians can tell that the piers have reached bedrock by measuring the hydraulic pressure required to drive the piers into the ground until they meet an engineer specified depth. The home's weight is then transferred off of the unstable soil and onto the piers through pier brackets attached to the footing of the house.

Helical Piers are similarly driven into the ground using hydraulics, but they are turned into the ground like a giant screw. In fact, they are giant screws that literally hold up a house through resistance power. The home's weight is then transferred onto the piers using the same durable steel brackets.

Indications that You Need a Piering System:

You have an area of your foundation wall that is experiencing vertical movement, such as sinking.

Your chimney is not flush with your home.

Your soil conditions can be classified as expansive, subsiding, hydro-compactable, or active.

How Piers are installed in 6 Basic Steps:

Step 1: Outside, sod and landscaping around the home is removed and set aside.

Step 2: Soil is removed until the footing of the concrete foundation is revealed.

Step 3: Foundation pier anchoring brackets of heavy, industrial-strength steel are attached to the home's footings.

Step 4: Rugged steel piers are hydraulically driven down to solid bedrock or equal-load bearing strata.

Step 5: The weight of the home, anchored to the steel brackets, is carefully transferred from unstable soil to rock-solid piers.

Step 6: After an engineer's approval, the soil around the home is replaced and landscaping can be returned to its original location.

There are several other options that have been employed during different eras to resolve foundation problems. The oldest method is to jack up the house and replace the foundation and the newest method is to utilize piering systems either on the entire perimeter of the home, or just one portion. Here's a breakdown of the other methods that people have used to resolve foundation issues from oldest to most recent:

Replace the Foundation:

Destroys yard and takes several weeks to complete

No warranty against the same problem reoccuring (expect same result

Footings are still in the Active Zone

VERY EXPENSIVE-,000 PLUS

Concrete Underpinning/Spread Footings:

Can take weeks/months

Added weight of the concrete can make problem worse

Structure cannot be lifted

Footings are still in the Active Zone

Concrete Piers:

Concrete cylinders can break during installation and CANNOT be retrieved due to depths

Cylinders create too much skin friction to get through the Active Zone

May require additional shims in the future

Even if shimming is included in the warranty, the damage from re-settlement and re-excavation is not covered

Square Shaft Helical Piers:

Originally designed to provide resistance to guy wires on electrical towers during high winds.

Not designed to hold up weight through soils

Square shafts experience bending and folding when a foundation's weight resting on it.

Concrete Piers with Cable Reinforcement:

Engineered for specific soil conditions that are not present in Colorado.

Cylinders create too much skin friction to get through the Active Zone

Cabling in center of pier stretches over time, allowing for moment after piers in place.

Additional cabling on exterior of cylinders can increase skin friction of cylinder.

Finally, piering systems:

Push Piers WILL:

Allow the deepest penetration of any steel pier type.

Allow for the possibility of low impact interior installations (typically, with far less collateral damage than the exterior approach)

Provide a lifetime warranty, transferable for the first 25 years that vertical movement in the piered areas will not occur

Perform its job in most soil conditions for a designed life in excess of 100 years

Push Piers MAY:

Allow for the likelihood of lifting a structure to a flatter, more level condition

Allow for the possibility of closing or shrinking existing cracks in brick, stucco, sheetrock, or other interior or exterior finishes

Allow for the re-alignment of sticking doors or windows, and the straightening of leaning chimneys

Push Piers WILL NOT:

Guaranty that perfectly flat or level final conditions will be achieved

Provide lateral (horizontal) restraint to a bowing foundation wall

Improve the water tightness or lower the moisture level in a basement

Helical Piers WILL:

Perform its job in most soil conditions for a designed life in excess of 100 years

Allow for installation on relatively older, weaker, or lighter foundation types

Allow for installation as a pre-construction (or new construction) bearing system in poor soils

Allow for a horizontal installation as a "tie-back" system to provide resistance against land creep in hillside areas

With a few rare exceptions, require exterior excavation, with destruction to surrounding landscaping or paving

Provide a lifetime warranty, transferable for the first 25 years, that vertical movement in the piered areas will not occur

Helical Piers MAY:

Allow for the likelihood of lifting a structure to a flatter, more level condition

Allow for the possibility of closing or shrinking existing cracks in brick, stucco, sheetrock, or other interior or exterior finishes

Allow for the re-alignment of sticking doors or windows, and the straightening of leaning chimneys

Helical Piers WILL NOT:

Guaranty that perfectly flat or level final conditions will be achieved

Provide lateral (horizontal) restraint to a bowing foundation wall (unless specifically installed in "tie-back" mode)

Improve the water tightness or lower the moisture level in a basement

What is Foundation Piering and How Does it Work?

Cassi Henes
Peak Basement Systems http://www.peakbasementsystems.com/

Cassi holds over 15 years of experience in the construction, real estate, and education industries. She is certified in foundation repair technology, soil dynamics, and system design from the Foundation Supportworks Institute in Omaha, NE. For more information about foundation repair technology, check out her book at http://foundationtechnologyebook.com

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Chinese Drywall - Buying a Home

As of the writing of this article, there are still many questions left to be answered in relationship to Chinese drywall. This uncertainty has led many potential buyers to question the home of their dreams.

sheetrock screws

Estimates are that homes built between 2001 and 2008 could be affected. With so many homes potentially affected by Chinese sheetrock, it is no wonder that the market is largely paralyzed. The consequences of purchasing a home that has Chinese drywall problems are huge. For many, it means financial ruin. Homes that were once valued close to one million dollars are now worth a fraction of that, if they are able to be sold at all. Routed from their home, home owners have no choice but to escape to a safer living condition. Suffering from headaches, nose bleeds, and upper respiratory infections, many home owners opt for the comfort of a rental over the home that they own. Others suffer more dramatically. Chronic migraines, insomnia, and dementia have caused doctors to advise their patients to "get out" of their homes.

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Rightfully so, potential buyers are terrified.

The absence of the corrosion typical in homes with Chinese Sheetrock is not, in and of itself, comforting. Homes that are exposed to lower levels of humidity have been slower to show signs of Chinese drywall. A simple visual inspection for Chinese drywall is much like just kicking the front tires of a used car. While obvious signs of corrosion are a good indicator that a home contains Chinese drywall, the fact that those signs are not present is far from a guarantee that the home is free of toxic drywall.

There are a variety of testing options. I wrote in greater details about those options in another article. For our sake here, I will go over them again briefly.

Inspection options start with a visual inspection. This inspection does nothing but inspect for outward signs of a problem. While somewhat comforting, the potential consequences of relying on this sort of superficial inspection should dissuade buyers from basing their purchase decision on this Chinese drywall test.

More involved is an air sample test. Variations of air tests have been used for quite some time. These tests involve sampling air from a home and analyzing it for specific compounds. The Consumer Products Safety Commission, who is heading up the government's investigation into toxic drywall does not recommend these tests.

Yet more involved is material testing. There are several levels of material testing involving different numbers of samples. Because homes were often built partially with Chinese drywall and partially with domestic drywall, it is crucial that all of the drywall in a home be tested to guarantee it free of Chinese Sheetrock.

As a buyer considering the largest purchase of your life, it does not make sense do anything other than insist on the highest level of protection from Chinese drywall. In this real estate environment, buyers can insist that sellers of suspect homes pay for this testing so that they feel comfortable moving forward.

Chinese Drywall - Buying a Home

Certified Chinese Drywall Testing, LLC
571-238-6013
joseph@certified-chinese-drywall-testing.com

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Drywall Finishing Techniques Available

Installing drywall can not only enhance the beauty of a room, but also add insulation which can lower your heating bill. Many people describe the practice of drywall finishing as more of an art than a renovation or construction project. Drywall finishing is one of the most important parts of installing drywall. For instance, if not properly finished, the drywall can look unattractive, messy, and not properly aligned. If you are planning to do a drywall finishing project yourself, the following are techniques you can use to make sure your project comes out looking beautiful.

1. You should make sure that the drywall panels are accurately attached to the support structure. Use long sturdy nails, even two sets of nails, so that the panels are well secured to the structure. Make sure the nail heads are embedded in the panels so that it is easy to cover them with compound. Be careful when you nail so that you don't accidentally hit the panel and causes dents. If you do, you will still be able to conceal it with joint compound fill.

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2. The two types of tape you can use on the drywall are fiberglass-mesh tape and paper tape. Because it has its own adhesive, you can put fiberglass mesh tape directly on the drywall. The paper tape is placed over the joint compound.

3. The two types of drywall compound you can use are either powdered that you mix yourself, or a premixed container. Premixed is much easier to use as it allows you to place a consistent material that is not too thick or too loose. When you stir the mixture, do not stir it too much to avoid getting air bubbles on the covered joints.

4. The small section between the drywall will create a compression. To create a smooth and even surface that matches the rest of the panels, you have to apply the mixture over the compression or joint. First, spread a thin layer over the area and lay the tape over it. Make sure it is smooth and not over lapping. One you have it even and smooth, apply a second thin layer over the taped surface. Smooth it while making sure there are not tape pieces sticking up. You have to repeat this application for each joint. Apply it using a trowel or drywall knife. Then, leave it to dry. It is better if you let it dry over night. After it dries, you can gently sand the area so it is smooth and even with the rest of the panel. Make sure there are no compound dust particles remaining. As well, wear a mask when you are sanding so you do not inhale any particles. If you are not satisfied with the result, you can apply another thin layer and repeat the process.

Poor drywall finishing can make a room look grungy and unappealing. It is important to take your time to make sure you are pleased with the final result, especially when finishing the corners. If you use the proper drywall finishing techniques, you will end up with a beautiful dry wall installation that you can enjoy for years.

Drywall Finishing Techniques Available

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Tape and Finish Drywall Like A Pro

If you are trying to tape and finish drywall for the first time, chances are high that you will do what I and nearly everybody else has done on their first attempt at this art: You will glob on lots of joint compound on the wall thinking that the sand paper will level off the humps and bumps. In the end you end up with a humpy-bumpy wall and drywall dust all over your home!

sheetrock anchors

Sanding is not a good way to level the surface. Rather, you need to use your wide taping knives to level off the just-applied compound and also use your taping knives to level the surface before applying the next coat. Leave the sandpaper alone until the very end!

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Here are the basic steps to taping a joint:

1. Place a coat of compound a little wider than the tape. Pass your paper tape quickly through a bucket of water, shake it off, and then place it over the joint. Use a 4" or 4.5" knife to imbed the tape tightly and remove excess compound.

2. After the tape and compound dry, use your taping knife to knock off any chunks or bumps.

3. Place a coat of compound over the top slightly wider than the previous coat. Use your 10" wide taping knife to remove excess mud and leave a level coat.

4. Use your wide knife to "knock down" the surface so there are no bumps or ridges. The knife will make the surface level whereas sanding tends to produce humps and bumps.

5. Repeat steps 3 and 4 several times.

6. Again use your knife to level out the surface. Place small amounts of compound to touch up any depressions, and then finally when all is level, use 240 grit paper on a 3.5" by 8" sanding block to lightly sand.

7. Prime and paint.

For more details on these steps with photos included, go to http://drywallinfo.com .

Tape and Finish Drywall Like A Pro

Michael Sakowski has been doing his own drywall taping and finishing for the last 15 years and through his own experience and consulting with others has developed an easy technique for producing professional quality results. He has created the website http://drywallinfo.com as a step-by-step tutorial for finishing and taping drywall.

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Mobile Home Prices - How to Find Blue Book Value of Mobile Homes

The blue book value of a mobile home is exactly what it sounds like -- a numerical value found in a book. In the past, there were multiple books. Today, there is only one book that contains the blue book value of mobile homes. It is called the N.A.D.A. Manufactured Housing Appraisal Guide. This guide is what the professionals use to determine the value of a mobile or manufactured home. The blue book value of a mobile home is calculated using a variety of criteria. This criteria may include geographic location, make, model, size and age of the home in question.

pricesmart

Even if you can access this manual, it is advisable to have a professional appraiser do the job for you. The formula for calculating the value of your mobile home can be quite complicated. Book value is going to be most accurate for mobile homes and areas that are deemed average in nature. It also depends on the position of the housing market in your area. Because this is such an in-depth process, you must depend on the services of a professional if you want things done right. There are certain reports you can purchase on the Internet that help you determine the market value of your mobile or manufactured home.

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When you are buying or selling a mobile home, the blue book value will come into play. The majority of lenders require the book value when it comes to granting financing for people who need a mortgage loan in order to purchase their mobile or manufactured home. If you are not ready to hire a professional appraiser to come to your property, you can order an appraisal on the Internet. You will need to provide detailed information about the property for the online appraisal service to use. These types of services and reports provide you with an accurate idea of your mobile home's blue book value so you can decide if you want to sell or not. Mobile homes do not usually appreciate in value, but this is not a hard and fast rule but rather a more general one.

Mobile Home Prices - How to Find Blue Book Value of Mobile Homes

For more on mobile home values and prices and for mobile home mortgage loan information, visit the Mobile Home Shoppers Guide at http://MobileHomeShoppers.com Today!

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Mold - Causes and Remediation

The general rule is this: Anytime mold is found, get rid of it and correct the conditions that caused it. Those conducive conditions are, almost always, excess moisture and a lack of ventilation. Knowing these facts, we should all understand that reducing the moisture in the home is important. Where I live, Washington State, the experts suggest that relative humidity inside the house should be kept between 30% and 50%. To test your home, to see how it fares, you can buy a simple hygrometer or relative humidity gauge. These are easy to obtain online or at the local Radio Shack.

sheetrock joint compound

The sources of moisture found in the home include any plumbing leaks, window or roof leaks, steam from baths and doing dishes. Another source, we seldom think about, is respiration - people and pets breathing. To offset moisture, it is important to keep the house well ventilated. This can be as simple as opening the windows for a few minutes every day or, more complex, running exhaust fans or whole house ventilation systems.

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So, if your home develops mold, what do you do about it? In many circumstances, cleanup can be done by the homeowner. Mold loves sheetrock so often remediation involves cutting out the sheetrock and replacing it. Obviously this only works if the source of the moisture has been dried up. Also, before you begin, do some reading on cleaning up mold and wear a respirator. What is toxic to one person might not be to another. Molds produce airborne mytoxins. The two molds that have the worst reputations are stachybotrys and chaetomium. These molds, and it is controversial as to just how dangerous they really are, have been accused of creating human diseases from cancer and heart problems to arthritis and bleeding lungs. When dealing with mold, use common sense: Keep relative humidity levels low and make sure the plumbing pipes and the roof do not leak. This is a very complex topic but I am hoping that some of this elementary information will be helpful to other realtors and their clients.

Mold - Causes and Remediation

This article was produced by the writing team of Eric Badgley; specializing in Bellingham and Bellingham homes for sale, along with Glenhaven WA home inspectors. Making sure buyers are protected.

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Make Your Mailbox Stand Out

If you are a homeowner that uses a rural delivery for mail service, you probably purchased a bland, basic plastic or metal mailbox from the local hardware store. Look out your front door and take a gander at that boring, mediocre mailbox and now think of all the ways in which you can spice it up! Decorative mailbox posts are not only attractive but functional as well; a unique, colorful, specialized post can make the most of that otherwise bland box.

There are things you will want to consider when thinking about what to do with your post. The first thing a homeowner should look for is durability, it is very important that the post selected be sturdy and able to support the weight of the mailbox. The last thing you want to deal with is a mailbox that has fallen down and having to deal your mail being scattered all over the neighborhood on a windy, cold, rainy day!

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Decorative posts can also be purchased in a variety of shapes, sizes and colors and are manufactured using a wide variety of different materials. For some homeowners, a plain post is just fine, but for others that want to mix things up, a custom mailbox post could be the answer. Many stores and online companies offer hand painted plastic posts which could match the color of the house or mailbox, the choices are limitless.

Another consideration to think about when looking into decorative mailbox stand is the price; plastic models are cheaper and more durable. Nobody wants to pay through the nose for a mailbox post and with a bit of shopping around one can be found for the price a person is comfortable paying. It is a good idea to buy the highest quality of mailbox post one can afford because the cheaper models may not be as sturdy and can quickly fall apart and breakdown.

As you can see, a mailbox post does more than just hold up a mailbox, but also serves an important purpose and can add beauty and a stylish appearance to any home. With all of the options, styles, colors and sizes available, the choices for mailbox posts are unlimited.

Make Your Mailbox Stand Out

When building a house, get your mailbox post from a well established company. Make sure you educate yourself before purchasing.

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Why Do Share Prices Change?

Stock prices change every day according to the markets activity. Buyers and sellers cause prices to change and therefore share prices change as a consequence of supply and demand. And it's this dance between buyers and sellers, supply and demand that decides how valuable each share is.

prices for inground pools

If more people want to buy a share than sell it, the price goes up. Conversely, if more people want to sell a share than buy it, there's more supply (sellers) than demand (buyers), and the price goes down.

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Shares represent ownership in a company. So even if you own just one single share of a company, you own a part of it no matter how minute. Therefore, the price of a share indicates what investors feel the company is worth.

Stock prices can stay stable for months or fluctuate wildly which is referred to as volatility. There are hundreds of variables that drive stock prices, but the most important one is earnings. Attributable earnings can be described as the profit of a company after taxes and all other deductions i.e. it's the net profit.

There's often the misconception, especially with beginners, that a share that has risen will always fall, or a share that has fallen will always rise. Vice-versa, there's also the misconception that a share that has risen will always continue to rise. This is not the case though! Stock prices reflect the interest of investors, not the law of gravity!

However, no market operates in a vacuum. In a borderless and interconnected world like the stock market, the slightest rumour or threat of war, rising oil prices or interest rate hikes for instance, can detonate a reaction on world markets which then react speedy and unpredictable.

To make matters worse, markets also react to less alarming news and events like a slip of the tongue. One wrong word said by mistake by an analyst or politician can cause a chain reaction and panic sending the markets into red territory.

But whichever way the wind blows, prices can rise as quickly as they fell especially after someones blunder saying the wrong thing. Once investors come to their senses again the stock markets can even begin to rise the same day again.

We may not be able to predict the forces that causes the markets to swing either up or down, but by analysing and understanding them, we will be better equipped to weather the lows and wait for the tide of fortune to turn.

It can definitely be said though, that it is important to always assess a company on it's fundamentals. In the long term, good, solid and strong companies with good fundamentals usually return to their real value and strength, ironing out speculations based on rumours and innuendos.

Why Do Share Prices Change?

http://www.stockbreakthroughs.com

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Stud Wall Design For a Quiet Living Space

Stud wall design plays an important role in noise transmission from room to room in your home. Staggered stud wall design can help soundproof any area of your home.

sheetrock tools

Construction begins with a wider than normal top and bottom beam, usually a 2 x 6 or a 2 x 8 instead of a 2 x 4. 2 X 4 studs are screwed in an alternating pattern along the base plate. The studs are spaced 16 inches on center across the beam and two 2×2's are security each end to support the weight of drywall. This creates form of discontinuous construction. This prevents noise from being conducted from one sheet of drywall, through the studs, and into the next room.

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Metal studs can also be used in place of timber to further reduce the conduction of sound vibrations. You may also consider increasing the amount of dead space within the walls to accommodate larger amounts of thick insulating material to help absorb sound. All seams in the drywall must also be properly sealed in order to block out unwanted noise.

Finishing the wall with denser materials such as brick, sheetrock, or plaster can also significantly reduce the noise level that is transmitted from room to room. Double layers of sheetrock can be used with an adhesive layer of glue or silicon caulking in between. By alternating seems out of wall covering, the soundproofing qualities of a room are greatly increased.

Special order thicker doors such as those used in commercial applications may also be needed to prevent sound from being transmitted. Common interior doors are lightweight and have a hollow center. Heavier commercial-grade doors block sound more efficiently. If you are installing double layers of drywall or sheetrock, you may also have to special order thicker doorjambs to accommodate the increased width.

Discontinuous stud wall design is ideal for walls separating the garage and the living space of your home, as well as typically noisy areas such as children's playrooms and laundry rooms. Incorporating discontinuous stud wall design into areas such as your home office and bedroom can enrich your levels of rest and productivity by keeping out unwanted noise.

Discontinuous stud wall design used in conjunction with double layers of dry wall provides an adequate level of soundproofing for a fraction of the cost of using specially design soundproofing materials. The level of soundproofing achieved by changing the design of the stud walls and selecting denser building materials is usually adequate for the purposes of most homeowners.

Stud Wall Design For a Quiet Living Space

Josh Parker is a staff writer for Strucalc - Stuctural Analysis Software Company. StruCalc is one of the most intuitive structural analysis and design programs available. With structural analysis software, you can Quickly size beams, columns, and footings with StruCalc 7.0 Software. Strucalc offers quality, professional software, built with strict engineering methods and specifications to every business in need of an easy to use, affordable software package.

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Stihl Chainsaw Prices - The Truth About Stihl Chainsaw Prices

Price is a big consideration when purchasing a chainsaw especially for a first time or part-time user. Stihl chainsaw prices may scare a few non-professionals off but that's only because they are looking at the wrong models. One of the biggest mistakes newcomers make is to head for the heavy duty section and look at the biggest and most powerful machines on the market. Why? If you are intending to use it spasmodically then why not consider heading to the other end of the spectrum and looking at the smaller machines.

pricescan

For use around the home, the smaller machines are extremely effective in fact, don't let size put you off. For example, Stihl's new MS 192 C-E model is ideal for the work-at-homer. It features the advanced easy-to-start system and is comfortable for just about anyone to operate.

PRICES

Comparing Stihl chainsaw prices - at around 0, the MS 192 is ideally priced for someone not really hell bent on making a living with a chainsaw. Compare 0 to over 00 for the top of the line models and you can quickly get a guage on the difference between between the lightweight and heavyweight models.

Stihl Electric Chainsaws

One of the best pieces of advice a newcomer can get is to compare the electric chainsaws against the noisier, more expensive gas-powered models. The ideal situation is have have both electric and gas-powered but consider how much use you are going to put your new saw to and you may find an electric model under 0 may just be the ticket.

Don't worry though, while these electric models may be priced low, they have the necessary capability to perform well on minor jobs around the house. If you're comparing Stihl chainsaw prices, then buying a Stihl electric is stepping up a level again. While you'll be parting with anything up to four times the price you would for an electric saw at one of the main department stores, the Stihl models such as the MSE 220 are loaded with extra features.

What you need to decide is it could be more cost effective to purchase a good gas-powered model for the price you would outlay to buy the top electric model on the market.

Stihl Chainsaw Prices - The Truth About Stihl Chainsaw Prices

Want more chainsaw tips and advice including Stihl chainsaw price tips? Get reviews on major brand chainsaws like Stihl and Husqvarna plus the latest chainsaw news.

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Fixing a Hole in the Wall

It's pretty easy to make a hole in a wall, but it's not so easy to fix one. At least, it wasn't until now, when you came across these great tips for repairing holes in walls.

Tip #1. Determine what size hole you are dealing with. Measure the hole and determine the method as follows: small holes, such as nail holes only need a patching with joint compound. Sand it smooth after it has dried. For somewhat larger holes, about the size of a deck of cards, you will need to place a filler such as newspaper in it for a surface for the compound to adhere to. Medium sized holes (about 3 inches by 3 inches) need a hot patch, which is a piece of drywall applied by leaving a patch on each side. Very large holes, over 3 inches in diameter have to be treated just as a new wall. Remove nails and screws and cut a piece of drywall, secure it in place and then tape, compound and sand it just as you would a new wall.

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Tip #2. Get all of your tools and supplies ready before you start. Repairing wall holes requires quick work, so you don't want to be looking around for supplies in the middle of the job. If the hole requires more than just a compound patching, you will need to have newspapers, drywall material, tape, trowels, etc. on hand before you start.

Tip #3. Apply just enough spackle or compound. Excess will take longer to dry and be subject to lumping. The rule is to apply as little as possible and add more if necessary, letting it dry and sanding between coats.

Tip #4. Repairing a hole means working Wit spackle or wall compound, and this requires patience. This is not a job to be rushed. Make sure the patching material is fully dry before you sand and repaint. Don't skip coats; if you need to put more than one or two to make sure the hole is filled and covered, do so. It will be worth your while to take each step slowly, otherwise the patch will show through and ruin the look of your wall. Use the drying time to clean up your tools and work area.

Tip #5. No matter how smoothly you were able to put the compound on, you have to sand the patch. You may not notice now, but there may be ridges around the edge that will show up once you apply a coat of paint. Sand lightly around the edges and dust off the sanding before you paint the wall.

Follow these tips and you will guarantee yourself an excellent patch up job, one that nobody will be able to spot once you are finished.

Fixing a Hole in the Wall

Greg Hansward usually publishes reports on ideas associated with hammer drills. His articles on hammer drills and makita cordless drill are found on his web publications.

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Fender Strat Prices - Don't Pay Too Much!

Fender Strat prices can vary a lot even for the same model depending on where to buy. So if you're keen to get your hands on your new Fender Strat it pays to make sure you get it at the cheapest price you can, as fast as possible and hopefully with free delivery. It really does pay to do a tiny bit of homework first.

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For decades the Fender Stratocaster has been the guitar of choice for countess rock and blues musicians. The list is very impressive with guitar greats among the famous names including Jimi Hendrix (he used it on his 1967 album -Are You Experienced), George Harrison, Buddy Holly, Eric Clapton, Jeff Beck and Mark Knopfler who has his own Signature Startocaster model.

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At the extreme end of the Fender Strat prices scale is the Fender Custom Shop Stevie Ray Vaughan "Lenny" Tribute Stratocaster Electric Guitar which can be yours for a staggering ,000.

A more realistic option would be the iconic Fender American Standard Stratocaster Electric Guitar available from 9. This comes with a choice of maple or rosewood fret-board and a variety of colors including sienna sunburst, charcoal and Olympic white.

If you're just starting out to learn to play the electric guitar you can't do better than get a starter pack such as the Fender Starcaster Strat pack. This is a complete package ready to go including Squire SP-10 amp, guitar stand, strap, picks, strings, carry bag and instructional video. You should be able to pick up this pack for under 0.

Fender Strat Prices - Don't Pay Too Much!

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Comparing Air Conditioner Prices

Getting an air conditioner doesn't seem all that fun, but it is important to have to keep you and your family cool. Though ac prices seem too high to handle sometimes, looking around, and knowing what it is that you are looking for can help you get a unit that gives you a run for your money. That way you get the best machine you can within your budget, and end up having a nice cool home to stay in when the weather outside is too hot to bear.

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When you start looking for good quality air conditioners, try looking on the internet. Instead of wasting gas and time driving around from Sears to home depot to the next business, you can just do a few clicks online. This, other than saving you time and money, can help you decipher the air conditioner prices that you are looking for. This way you can find the brands, types, and sizes of units that are offered.

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On top of finding brands and types, you will be able to compare and contrast not only the air conditioner prices, but the warranties offered, the quality, and benefits of the different machines. That way, you can have a good idea of what you want, the price range you are looking at, and the benefits you want to receive. Looking at different units side by side on the computer can help you narrow your search from a two digit number to a one digit number.

The next thing to look into is getting a consultant to look at your home and help you decide what kind of unit it is that you need. Though it seems like it would be a lot of money and not worth it, it actually would be. That way you can have a professional tell you what kind of air conditioner you need, depending on the size of your home, its rooms, as well as the layout. That way you won't pay too much for an air conditioner that under works and costs you over what it should for energy output. Also you won't pay too little for a machine that works overtime and again makes those energy bills increase.

If you don't even know where to start when looking for an air conditioner, and don't know what brands you want to look at, ask around. Neighbors, friends, coworkers all have different types of cooling units, and can give you an idea of what it is you may want. See how they like their unit, how the company they bought it through has been treating them, and the air conditioner prices they paid. That way you can find the right kind of air conditioner that will suit you and your family, and cool your home how it needs to be cooled on those sweltering summer days!

Comparing Air Conditioner Prices

Shawn Hickman is the Search Marketing Manager for Sears Home Improvement. To get more information on Heating and Cooling Services visit the HVAC section of our website.

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Easy Drywall Ceiling Repair

A working knowledge of drywall ceiling repair is essential for anyone who owns property with drywall in it. Drywall wallboard can be damaged by water leaks, by hanging heavy paintings on them, or even by accidentally throwing a baseball through it. The good news is, repairing this damage can be a breeze if you've got the right tools, the motivation, and the general know how. In many cases, there's no need to call a professional to do the repair job for you. Below are some basic drywall ceiling repair problems you might run into.

Fix a Large Hole

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What You'll Need:

Pencil Level Drywall saw Utility knife 1 x 4 piece of lumber Construction adhesive C-clamps Scrap drywall Drywall screws Power drill Drywall knife Fiberglass mesh tape Drywall compound Hand sander Primer Paint

1. Draw a square around the hole using your level and pencil. Use the level to create one side of the square by centering it on a stud.

2. Saw three sides of the square with the drywall saw (don't cut the side centered on the stud just yet. Continually clean off the debris while you cut, so it doesn't fall into the hole.

3. Take out the drywall stud by using the utility knife. With the knife, cut all the way down the line centered on the drywall stud.

4. Back the repair with the 1 x 4 piece of lumber. Do so by putting a lot of constructive adhesive on the back of the board, and placing it in the square.

5. Secure the backing board to the rest of the drywall using C-clamps. You should see some adhesive coming from the joint. This shows a secure bond.

6. Allow the adhesive to dry, according to the instructions on the tube. While it's drying, cut out a piece of scrap drywall to fit the square. Fasten this to the piece of lumber, and the drywall stud, by using drywall screws and the power drill.

7. Place fiberglass mesh tape over the seams of the scrap drywall. Let the tape overlap at the corners to increase the strength.

8. Apply drywall compound over the fiberglass mesh tape with the drywall side of the drywall knife. Allow this to dry, and then smooth the compound using a hand sander. Try to match the look of the surrounding wall to make this repair as unnoticeable as possible.

9. Apply a few light coats of drywall compound over the area you've repaired. As before, you'll use the knife to do this. Allow each coat to dry before applying the next, and then on the final coat, use the hand sander to lightly sand it.

10. Apply primer to the drywall repair area, and then paint with a matching color. Allow the paint to feather out several inches beyond the repair area for continuity's sake. This will complete your drywall ceiling repair job.

While a little time consuming, drywall ceiling repair is not impossible to do. If you take care, and follow directions, you can complete a nice looking (and cost-effective) drywall patch crack repair on a weekend afternoon.

Easy Drywall Ceiling Repair

Gavin Cruise was born in New York, his mother encouraged him to write and read and his father was a wealthy business man in real estate. Gavin had the privilege of traveling extensively with his father learning about a wide variety of subjects. He attended Harvard where he majored in English and from the age of 26 Gavin supported himself by freelance writing through all the knowledge gained from traveling. If you would like to read more articles about Gavin Cruise, please visit http://www.ceiling-panel-reviews.com

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How to Remove Drywall Mold

Would you know what to look for if you had mold in your home? Sure it's easy to spot that green fungi growing on your sandwich bread, but what about the black stuff that can appear on places like drywall. If you're seeing black spots that look similar to the green stuff, you've got a serious problem!

Not only is that black fungus an ugly sight, it can also be very dangerous! While all molds should be eliminated immediately, most aren't as harmful as the black mold. If you even suspect it's lurking on your walls or anywhere else in your home, you need to remove it immediately. Drywall mold is a serious matter.

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Before doing so however, you need to protect yourself. Why? Because breathing in the stuff can be poisonous to your body. It can cause respiratory problems, bleeding of the lungs, headaches, dizziness, nausea and other serious health problems. So, before you get started, be sure to invest in a pair of rubber gloves, eye goggles and a respirator mask.

Your next step is to seal off the contaminated room to prevent fungus spores from becoming airborne while you work. You can use a plastic sheet and duct tape to seal off the area or room. Next you will need to determine how much damage there is. It's really not uncommon for fungus to spread to other nearby areas. Check the surrounding walls, floor and the ceiling.

Now here's the bad news. There's no way to save this type of a moldy wall. This is because the material cannot be penetrated below the area surface, which means any fungus below the surface cannot be removed. So instead of trying to disinfect the problem area, you must cut the area out using a utility knife. Once you have removed the affected area, you'll need to dispose of it in a sealed trash bag and remove it from your home.

Next, you'll need to clean the surrounding areas using a product that is specifically designed to remove molds. Use a light touch to prevent surface damage and avoid using bleach. While some may recommend using a bleach solution it's not advisable because it cannot penetrate below the area's surface.

Your next step will be to dry the areas thoroughly. If you don't, you will risk allowing molds to re-grow on the wet surfaces. Once you have completely dried the area and have eliminated all traces of the dangerous fungus, you can patch the surface where you removed the affected area.

On a final note, if you find that a rather large area of drywall is affected by mold, your best solution would be to hire a professional and have the entire wall replaced. While this may seem like a costly solution, please try to remember that your health is more important than your bank account. Stay safe, always!

How to Remove Drywall Mold

The Black Mold Removal. Guide is your one-stop resource for getting rid of black mold in your home. From home remedies for black mold and do it yourself mold removal, The Black Mold Removal Guide has the information you're looking for.

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Wall Construction Tips For Sound Isolation in a Home Studio

When I first moved into my house, I excitedly called over the guys to come and have a practice session in the basement. I had previously lived in a condo, so practicing there would be impossible, or very unenjoyable. The basement of the house had about 4 feet of ground surrounding it, and the upper part was a regular wall with windows in it. I figured it wouldn't be much of a problem, and since there was so much dirt around the bottom part of the house it would help absorb some of that vibration. I was dead wrong!

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As soon as we started, my neighbor notified me that he could hear the loud sounds at his house, about 300 feet away. Disappointed, we stopped. The sound was going right out the thin glass windows and, there was nothing I could do until I made some big changes. The noise from the back side of the house wasn't as bad, but there was still a window that let vibrations pass through easily. I had always dreamed about building a sound proofed room in my house, so I set off on a mission to do so!

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I thought about building a room within a room, but that might be overkill for what I was looking for. I wasn't worried about sound passing into the rest of the house, just outside. I decided that I would build a wall closing off the back part of the basement, and treat that as much as I could to stop the sound. I would also build an angled wall in front of the windowed wall to help fight standing waves, and stop vibration from passing through directly to the wall.

Design of larger wall

To help keep transfer of vibration from passing through the large wall to the windows, I utilized a staggered stud approach. The base and top board are 2x6 boards, with regular 2x4 studs placed 16 inches apart on each side. The layering is staggered, so the studs end up being about 8 inches from each other, but the important part is that each wall does not touch the other wall. The only way vibration can pass through is to go through the 2x6 at the top an bottom, so just by having that transfer is cut down dramatically. Next step would be sheetrock - lots and lots of sheetrock! The only way to stop sound is to absorb and isolate it. The staggered wall helps to keep it isolated, and multiple layers of different sized drywall help to absorb it. Each side of the wall has 3 layers of sheetrock, at different depths. Standard half inch, as well as 5/8th inch board (which was very heavy!). Sheetrock layers should alternate, so first batch vertical, next batch horizontal, etc... You can put as many as you like, and the more the better.

I used clear silicon on the studs before applying the first layer of sheetrock, and sealed it on the top and bottom. Buy a bunch of these containers, you're gonna need a good amount - they will help keep the pieces from vibrating against each other, and do their part in reducing transmission. You can also pick up a product called Green Glue which is designed for this exact purpose.

There are many ways to accomplish the task of sound isolation and absorption, and another good method is mounting the sheetrock on special hangers that keep it from touching the studs. Ceilings hung by wires, and floors resting on special pads can also be utilized to even further the affect.

In the end, I am now able to play with the full band and not disturb my neighbors - a job well done!

Wall Construction Tips For Sound Isolation in a Home Studio

Miles has been writing blogs and articles for the past few years. Some of his hobbies include playing the drums, drawing, and singing in a band. In addition, he builds informational websites. Check out one of his latest site at http://www.weedeaterparts.org where he provides some great information on Weedeater Parts.

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House Painting - Negotiating on the Price

One of the best and easiest ways to dress up the outside of your home is to have it repainted. A new paint color can do wonders on the outside of your home and give it an updated look. When it comes to how much the paint job will cost however, it can become very expensive if you do not know what you are paying for.

It is unfortunate, but there are many painters out there who regular take advantage of home owners and charge too much for their house painting project. With this mind, whenever you are hiring a new contracted painter, be sure to have them go over all of the pricing details with you before hiring them for the house painting. If the contracted painter can fully explain to you what the charges they have requesting are for, this is a sign that they may be trying to rip you off. A professional contracted painter will have some sort of pricing guidelines based on house size and the overall complexity of the house painting.

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It can help if you have had a house painting completed in the past because then you will have a general idea of what to expect when you start talking pricing with the painter. If their price seems too high, ask them what the charges are for and then see if there is any room for negotiation. Some times there is, some times there is not. Furthermore, if you have never had a house painting completed before and are afraid of getting ripped off, try asking some friends or family what they paid for their paint projects so you can get a general idea of what to expect before you go through the hiring process.

House Painting - Negotiating on the Price

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Does Construction Estimating Software and Takeoff Software Do The Same Thing?

So many people actually confuse construction estimating software with construction takeoff software. They are actually very different in many ways. When you speak about takeoff software, whether being performed with an electronic takeoff system or a digitizer takeoff system, you really are speaking about the quantity of materials, predominantly taken off by area in square feet (or square meters), linear foot (or linear meters), or counting. Some folks actually call that process quantity takeoff. But in reality, you really are speaking of an automated measuring method. However, when you speak of construction estimating software, you really are speaking about the quantity of a material item, then applying a unit cost to that item to come up with an ESTIMATED cost of the item. Once the cost is established, then a marked up price is determined to be the selling price. Some construction estimating software comes with an optional orthographic measuring takeoff component and some others do not.

The main reason why you need to clarify the differences between construction estimating software and construction takeoff software, is that many people think that the takeoff software is estimating software; which is absolutely NOT the case. One just measures orthographic views and the other uses a quantity (determined by manual/automated methods) and then calculates cost. Not all takeoff items entails square feet (or square meters) or linear foot (or linear meters). For instance, you may have an area but need to convert you a different unit of measure (UOM) such as cubic yards, or pallets, boxes, or some other UOM. So when you are thinking about measuring, there are many different other components that MUST be considered before a selling price can be determined.

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Many times, there are smaller contractors that perform specific types of work with a very small or tightly defined scope of work. They actually apply a selling (retail) price (not cost) to a quantity takeoff item since they may have (usually not) some historical prices of past performance to support that unit retail price. For instance, a good example would be a residential painter, drywall, or tile contractor. However, today those type of contractors with good historical cost data are extremely rare today, in any facet of construction. Most use a trial by error method and hope that the negatives don't exceed the positive for jobs they perform and that is a huge financial risk.

So as you can see, there is a real need to clearly define the difference between construction estimating software with construction quantity takeoff software. The next Super Important step for any type of contractor in the world of construction is to focus their internal estimating processes. Those construction estimating processes need to define cost on material and the cost of labor. You can get to a retail price only once your COST is first determined.

Does Construction Estimating Software and Takeoff Software Do The Same Thing?

Http://www.AskTheEstimator.com/ addresses all these issues in depth and in video format, all for FREE. The posting of your questions and our video responses are a FREE service as well. There are various postings that cover how to review a construction estimating software program based on 12 estimating processes. So please visit http://www.asktheestimator.com/2010/09/09/construction-cost-analysis-cost-estimate-labor-material-construction-estimating-software/ to get you onto the right track to Consistent, Profitable and Competitive estimates. Toll-Free 1-888-552-2520

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Amazing Drywall Secret That Can Save You Lots of Money

With the price of everything going through the roof in the past and just recently starting to come down a little bit, here's a few money-saving things that you can do on your next drywall project.

Whether you're building a brand-new house or remodeling an existing one, you will need to lay out the project before you start working on it. If you can lay the drywall out strategically, you could save yourself a lot of money and extra scrap drywall pieces.

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Not only do the scrap drywall pieces cost you money, because they are now being wasted and won't be able to be used, you need to pay someone to remove the trash or construction waste from your property.

Laying out the drywall can save you in two ways and try not to ever forget that.

Using this amazing drywall secret is how some contractors make more money, doing the same project than other contractors. Let's start with the different sizes of a sheet of drywall. Drywall can be bought and eight-foot, 12 foot or 16 foot lengths and this can be the biggest secret that most people don't know about.

Your job is to figure out what lengths of drywall will work best for your project. It's not hard to do, simply measure the walls in the rooms and figured the jobs accordingly.

If you have a room that's 12' x 16', you could order four sheets of 12 foot drywall, for the 12 foot walls and then you could order four sheets of 16 foot drywall, or eight 8-foot sheets of drywall for the 16 foot wall. It's that simple.

This little construction secrets can go a long way and save the builder quite a few dollars in labor, materials and construction waste.

Amazing Drywall Secret That Can Save You Lots of Money

Click Here for More Drywall Contractor Secrets

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.

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