Building A Positive Company Image Around Safety Management Plans

When it comes to business success a huge factor involved in attracting new customers relates to the firm image that you portray to the public. The image of your firm and the fame of your work history play a big role on what influences a prospective consumer to choose one business over another.



When you are a business involved in the construction industry, one factor which can aid your company image refers to how you employ your safety management plan. Whilst many construction companies consider the safety management plan as a burden forced on them by authoritarian industries, the reality is that a safety management plan can offer a great deal of support in your business, displaying a positive construction image.



Firstly, the correct support and implementation of a safety management plan will fix the tone for how your workforce work and react in the high risk surroundings of construction. For an associate who is conscious that they'll be held responsible for following the safety management plan a new perspective of safety is adopted in the daily activities.



This new safe motivated perspective would assist to cut down any of the job accidents or injuries, resulting in work being finished on time with hardly any interruptions to create any delay. Your capability to stay on schedule with your safety management plan inspired staff will reflect in your work and reflect in the feedback you would get from completed projects.



A reduction in on the job work injuries and accidents created by the safety management plan implementation will also help in keeping your budgets practical. One of the main issues several hiring companies have with the construction industry is that financial proposals are often under cut to get the contract and later readdressed as new expenses arise.



When you're on the job incidents are decreased you would have fewer unforeseen incidents or expenses which would help your company keep the cost that was promised to the client. This honesty in your bidding and contractual efforts would create one of the greatest impacts on getting future contracts and this opportunity starts with implementing your safety management plan.



When company image plays such a large role in your capability to attain monetary stability and growth becomes essential to maximise every opportunity you have. While a business might recognise the benefits of creating and implementing an effective safety management plan, it does not mean they have the resources to accomplish this goal. There are many regulations and stipulations which a company needs to deal with in their safety management plan and it could take a large amount of man power and time to attain this goal.





Rather than spending your limited time and hard earned cash, turn to an agency which specialises in the generation of safety management plans by visiting http://www.safetyplans.com.au

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Types of Testing of Protective Control Relays

A type of control relay known as a protective relay must be tested before being put into service and then on a regular basis, like once a year, to make sure they are working reliably. The most common in use is the electromechanical type, where a mechanical device, such as a magnetic plunger, induction cylinder or induction disc, moves in response to an abnormal change in some parameter of an electrical system.

Most protective relays are used in medium voltage circuit breaker applications running above 600 volts. They are designed to sense a parameter abnormality and then isolate the trouble with the minimum disturbance and least damage to the electrical system to find faulty equipment. Beyond the technicians needing to understand the construction and operation of the relay itself, they will also need the right testing equipment.

There are essentially six types of testing done on a protective control relay.

The first is testing the insulation resistance to determine its condition. 1,000 volts DC are applied between the frame of the relay and any relay connections brought to the outer part of the relay. If the reading is of infinite quality on the testing mega-ohm meter, the cause must be found and fixed.

A relay with a time dial should be zero-check tested. When the relay is fixed and the moving contacts become closed by manually rotating the time dial in the direction of zero, the time dial reading is determined and checked to make sure it has the correct value according to the manufacturer's specifications.

A pick-up test determines the maximum or minimum power, current, voltage or frequency that will allow the relay to operate and close. The test is performed in a similar manner on both a time overcurrent relay and voltage relay. The contacts should eventually creep towards a closed position, where the magnitude of current that is introduced in its induction coil is equal to the top setting.

A timing or time characteristics test is run to determine elapsed time of the relay operations when an abnormal amount of power, current, voltage or frequency occurs. For example, with a time overcurrent relay, two to ten times the top setting is tested to verify its time characteristics. Only one timing point in the settings should be specified. When running the test, the relay should be in its case and panel. The timing test should be run at the settings for calibration. Most protective relays should have a timing test performed on them.

Some protective control relays are instantaneous in operation or may have some kind of separate instantaneous element. These are called instantaneous because they have no intentional delay built into them. There should be a 0.016 and 0.030 second pick-up for any instantaneous element.

There is a combination seal in unit and target for most types of protective relays. The success of the operation of the relay is indicated by the target. Seal in units are adjustable to 0.2 amps or 2.0 amps to pick up. Along with the relay settings, the setting for the seal in unit must also be specified for the test. It is important to make sure that the contacts will hold in close position using the minimum DC current applied to the seal in unit.

The final type of test that should be made is to verify that operation of the contacts of the relay will actually trip the breaker. A protective control relay is probably the most important type of plant equipment a professional can have. Any failures of these to operate properly will usually result in large periods of down time and can result in major equipment loss.

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Beauty Salon Interior Design Ideas and Advice

Each area of your beauty salon should be organized, functional and ergonomic as a benefit not only to you the owner, but for your employees and clients as well. Planning and careful consideration of the entire flow of your salon or spa will impact the experience for your clients. Remember that the quality of your beauty salon will effect the quality of your stylists, clients, and inevitably the success or failure of your business.



Salon Interior Design Tip #1: Consider Your Clientele

Is your salon strictly for "the girls" or do you cater to men's grooming needs? Do you offer couples massage? Do you invite young teens to pamper themselves? Are you a family oriented salon? The most important element to interior design of your beauty salon or spa, is to know who you will be serving and keeping your design decisions consistent.



Salon Interior Design Tip #2: Consider the Layout

According to an article published by "Entrepreneur" Magazine, the average salon space usually range from 1,200 to 2,000 square feet, although some can be considerably smaller (fewer than 1,000 square feet).



You'll need four separate areas in your hair salon:

- Reception and retail (20% floor space)

- Shampoo and Drying (10% floor space)

- Cutting and service (50% floor space)

- Storage, break room, and the employee/client restroom (20% floor space)



http://www.entrepreneur.com/startingabusiness/businessideas/startupkits/article79550-5.html



Salon Interior Design Tip #3: Color Palette

Colors affect people's moods and attitudes. Consider how you want your clients to feel when they are in your salon or spa. Your service line will influence what colors you use. If you offer spa services, consider calming colors to help your clients relax. If you are going for more of a fast paced salon, you may want to use energizing-warm tones. Don't be afraid to experiment with materials such as glass, metal, or stone to create a calming or energetic environment.



Salon Interior Design Tip #4: Lighting

The way you choose to light your facility can lead to a tranquil or an edgy atmosphere. Again, consider the image you are trying to project to your clients. Low light settings include candlelight, lamps, and accent space with track lighting or small spotlights. This creates a tranquil atmosphere. High light settings incorporate natural daylight, large lighting fixtures such as chandeliers, and open space that allows light to sweep from room to room, or through deep spaces. Your best bet would be to incorporate the two lighting styles to create a unique atmosphere with ambient and direct light.



Salon Interior Design Tip #5: Quality Salon Equipment

Today, when you walk into a modern beauty salon, you will find a wide array of unique and comfortable chairs, manicure tables, and massage equipment. This is a sign of beauty salon that cares about it's clients conform and satisfaction. Not only will quality salon equipment increase your clientele, but will also enable your stylist with all the tools they need to ensure they can create a unique atmosphere and safe work environment.



The salon environment is part of the package. People will judge your salon based on how it looks, the flow of operations, and the cleanliness of the facility. If you create an appealing environment for your clients and employees, you will have greater success than if you ignore or neglect these elements.





About the Author

Keller International is the leading salon equipment wholesaler offering salon furniture, salon supplies, and other essentials for a successful salon.

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Getting Your Drivers License

Can you remember when you turned 16? It was a huge day in my life as I'm sure is in millions of other American youth for this was the day that we got our drivers license. Don't even try to deny it. We all wanted that little card so badly we could hardly stand it. It was going to change our lives. If you are a male, I know you were dying to acquire that legal piece of plastic that said you could finally drive on your own. It meant cruising around with your buddies and taking your best girl out on a date.

Indeed, the very definition of a drivers license is freedom. So many of us actually believe that we can venture out to any place, near or far, once we've earned the almighty drivers license. I guess that was little overly optimistic. Not to sell the access card short, but like many other things, the reality never quite lived up to the expectation. Nevertheless, it's great to finally get your drivers license and enjoy the sweet freedom that it brings. When did you get your drivers license? I remember that I got mine the very day I turned 16. Where I came from, we could get our learners permits when we turned 15, so I already logged some pretty good miles. Finally the license was attainable. What I find funny now days is the change in mentality. I see our 17 son and scratch my head. He was pretty apathetic about getting his drivers license right when he hit that milestone of 16. What's that all about? Have things changed so much in the last couple decades? He more or less said that he would did when he got around to the end that wasn't anything to be all that concerned about. Although we were clearly puzzled, we decided not to push it. Six months later I guess he found the proper motivation and got his official drivers license.

Do you have a drivers license? The majority of adults do. I think it's kind of pain that we have to get new ones each time we move. Why can't I just keep the same one? We seem to move quite regularly, and I dread always having to go back to the DMV or BMV as they call it here, and test for a new drivers license. But I understand why there's been a turkey the current including your present address. Having a drivers license makes our day-to-day life quite a bit easier. If you have not yet received your first drivers license, you can always get a head start by hopping online. The great thing is that nowadays it is relatively easy. You can prepare for that much-anticipated license to freedom before you even reach the age of 16. There is one of information they had so go ahead and get a head start.

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Leather Storage Ottoman - A Great Way To Dress Up Your Room

Ottomans have come a long way since they first came out as square, tasselled pieces of furniture made just for tired feet. Today, ottomans come in many shapes, sizes, and they can serve a number of different functions. Perhaps the most stylish of these is the leather storage ottoman.

The leather storage ottoman is a small part of living room furniture, but it can be a big part of what sets off the style and décor in the rest of the living room pieces. A living room is a place for relaxation, a place to spend time with the family, entertain friends, or to simply sit and watch a good movie.

These eye-catching ottomans can come in different shapes such as, the typical square, oval, round, rectangular and even different heights and widths. Some come with more than one storage compartment, giving people even more use for them. The ottomans can also come with different sizes of storage. For example, some ottomans come with the whole of the inside made as a storage compartment, and some have been crafted with only a part of the inside as storage.

There are furniture sets that are available for purchase that come with leather storage ottomans. The buyer will not have a choice of which kind of ottoman he or she would like. For this reason, many buyers like to purchase a furniture set that comes without an ottoman and then they shop for the ottoman of their choice. Because ottomans are not an essential part of the living room furniture set, the buyer has a nice number to choose from. Also, since leather storage ottomans come in so many different styles, the buyer again, is presented with quite a few options.

Whether or not your living room is decorated with a modern touch or in country tones, the leather ottoman can and will work with both of these styles. Besides being a lovely addition to your décor, this leather piece gives what everyone is always looking for: more storage! An ottoman can store a number of things inside of its comfortable outer-casing. Also, because these ottomans are not see-through, like a lot of other typical living room storage furniture, you do not need to worry about what you out into the ottoman, and how it is arranged inside.

The leather storage ottoman is a great supplement in any living room. It can, however, be used in other areas of a home. For example, if you have a home office, this ottoman can make a very stylish addition to your office décor. It can also mix well in a spare bedroom, or even a large bathroom. The leather storage ottoman is a versatile and stylish piece of furniture that will make a great room look even better. These leather storage ottomans would make the perfect place for lounging as you can use them for so many different things.

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Home Improvment Ideas

There are many home improvement projects that you can carry out to make your home a more comfortable space and to add to its value as property. These home improvement projects include remodeling the basement, kitchen, and bathrooms, and painting both the exteriors and interiors regularly.

Whenever most people think of home improvement projects, they think in terms of doing up the living areas, such as the bedrooms, drawing room, and dining room. However, there is just so much that you can do in a bedroom—maybe add a comfortable bed, a reading lamp, a table or ceiling fan, a bookshelf, and a study table. Most people seldom entertain formally, so areas such as the drawing room and dining room seldom get used. You can, however, put in some comfortable sofas, chairs, end tables, and coffee tables, and put in an expandable dining table, chairs, and breakfront in the dining room. You are most likely to use your kitchen as an area to not only prepare and cook food, and wash utensils and laundry, but also to serve family meals and entertain informally.

You can add electric floor warming systems for kitchens, bathrooms, and basements to make these areas of your home more comfortable. If you waterproof and ventilate your basement and use glass blocks to let in natural light, you can use it as a gym, study, home office, or home entertainment room. You will need to put in an intercom system so that you can not only make and receive calls in the basement, but also keep in touch with other family members.

To make your kitchen a visually appealing space, you can add countertops that complement or match the cabinetry, floor, or walls. Your countertops could be of granite, marble, wood, or stainless steel. To bring in more light into the kitchen, you can place a large ceiling fixture in the center of the kitchen, with track lights near the sink, range, and countertops. You can also use warm colors for the kitchen walls and floor, add recessed lights and dimmers, and highlight your cabinets. You can use tiles, laminates, and hardwoods as flooring. Your cabinets can complement or match the colors used in the walls and flooring. You can even use stained glass panels for kitchen cabinets.

To make your bathroom a truly relaxing space, you can always add a steam shower, a body spa, or a comfortable bathtub where you can soak for hours and allow the tensions of the day to flow away from you. See that your bathroom is well-lit. If you are interested in chromatherapy, you will find several products, such as bathtubs, shower systems, and sinks, which feature chromatherapy options. You can also install multiple showerheads and a waterfall in the bathroom to get a spa-like experience. You can also include a large bathtub, fog-free mirrors, and a towel warmer for more comfort. The tiles and walls in your bathroom should be in warm colors. You can also put plants and pictures in the bathroom to give a lived-in feel, and replace the sink sunk in a counter top with a pedestal sink. Nowadays, sinks come in a variety of materials, such as glass, stainless steel, stone, and copper—you can select a material that suits you. Your vanity cabinet could be of stone, wood, or glass. You can select from a wide variety of faucets, including single-hole and single-lever, widespread, centerset, and wall-mounted faucets.

At Total Remodeling ( http://www.totalremodeling.com ), we can help you with home improvement ideas and projects. We can improve your home in line with modern trends, thus adding to its comfort and value.

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Avoid Plumbing Issues At Home: Handle Carefully

Every home owner aspires to live in a safe and secure house which is easy to maintain and pleasant to live in. So what happens when you realize that this is the fifth time your bathroom tap needs a replacement ever since you started living in this house?

Here it is, plumbing time once again thrust on you as you reluctantly head to the phone to call up your trusted plumber. Ever thought what actually caused the mal-functioning of your tap? Is it the fault of your plumber who is not fixing it correctly every time or is it your fault when you handle the tap carelessly or forcefully?

Either of the options may prove to be true. So what can you do if you need a durable bath area? Here is what you can do to avoid plumbing issues. Living in your home will be both a pleasurable and hassle-free experience if a certain ethics are maintained in the handling of all the furniture and gadgets in the house. The same holds good for the bathroom area too.

In order to avoid small leakages in the pipelines and malfunctioning of the taps one needs to keep control on the temperature fluctuations of the water in the pipelines. Also careful handling of the equipment is required in order to ensure a longer life. Proper flushing techniques and periodic cleaning of the drainage system must be adopted in order to have lesser clogging problems. These few points kept in mind makes it easy for the plumbers when it comes to sewer cleaning and pipeline maintenance in the long run.

In spite of these measures there might be a few incidences of blockages or pipeline damage. These occur mainly underground as there are many reasons that are not under human control that can lead to pipeline damage. One main reason is the chemical composition of the sewage that runs through the pipelines. These react with the material of the pipelines and cause damage to the pipeline. Often this complicates the sewer cleaning process if it is undertaken after a long gap of time.

In order to avoid this, it is essential to use pipelines that have protective coatings against such possible chemical reactions at the time of construction. In case this has been missed out, it is always possible to replace older pipelines with new better ones using the trenchless technology during sewer cleaning process.

Natural causes of pipeline damage are the temperature fluctuations that occur in the soil surrounding the pipeline. Therefore, regular check ups in the pipeline system ad sewer cleaning must be undertaken in order to avoid sudden incidents of blockage or pipeline blockage or leakage or bursting.

In case you are looking for experts in sewer cleaning, Glendale CA may have the right answer to your needs in the form of Bob’s Rooter and Plumbings, a firm established in 1969. The company has been successfully solving sewer cleaning and other plumbing issues in the areas in and around Los Angeles. They come to your aid in answer to just a single call from your side and help fix any plumbing problem in your house.

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How to Get a New Kitchen

Do you want to improve the look of your home? Have you thought of adding value to your home with a brand new kitchen?

The thought of home improvements, like a new kitchen, can be lingering thoughts. Projects like these can be expensive endeavors when most of us do not have the additional funds sitting in a bank account screaming for you to spend.

Maybe it’s time you consider a Home Improvement Loan. You may have heard different terms like Home Equity Line of Credit (HELOC) or Line of Credit. A HELOC could be the easiest and cheapest way to make improvements to your home and have your dreams become a reality.

A HELOC offers a low interest rate, usually tied to the prime rate and a low monthly payment, secured by your home. As the home owner, it frees you up to do whatever improvements you want on your home or property.

With a HELOC, you can have up to 100% of your home’s value available to you for improvements, rehabbing and life’s unplanned emergencies. You only pay for what you spend leaving funds available for other projects and/or emergencies. The loans are typically repaid over a 10 year amortization schedule.

A mortgage lender can better provide details and current rate information. Your available income, credit score and equity in your home will play a part in determining your rate and ability to qualify for different program options. Your lender will also be able to explain to you any tax savings and other advantages the loan may have for you.

A HELOC can help you with: getting that new kitchen, remodeling a bathroom, building a home addition, buying new furniture, landscaping in the Spring, and so on. What you spend your money on is entirely up to you.

Remember, financing shouldn’t be the most difficult part of getting that new kitchen you’re dreaming of! With a simple Home Improvement Loan, you’ll be on your way to harder decisions- like picking out the new cabinets and light fixtures!

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Install uPVC Cladding to Weatherproof Your Home

Every home requires repair, particularly after a season of bad weather. One has to repair the home to make it fit for living, to prevent damage, to enhance its beauty and to refurbish it before a sale. The best method for a quick makeover is to use cladding on the exterior walls. Cladding can be used as an extra covering for plaster or bricks, which are prone to damage due to weather conditions such as rain or snowfall. Cladding boards can be easily fitted over these building materials to prevent damage. uPVC cladding, also called rigid cladding, is a popular building material in the UK and the US. It has almost become a standard in the construction sector over other components, such as metal, wooden or brick cladding, that were traditionally used.

Advantages of uPVC Cladding

Some of the advantages of uPVC cladding over other cladding options available in the market are:

• Unplasticised Poly Vinyl Chloride (uPVC) is a premium quality building material extracted through a slow manufacturing process to produce durable plastic boards. Made up of dense plastic components, uPVC cladding retains its texture, colour and shape for years without any need for major repairs.

• uPVC cladding has thermal insulation properties. Unlike wooden or metal cladding, a uPVC surface helps in preserving heat inside the room. Thus, it saves energy bills for cooling or heating the room.

• Being lightweight, it is easier to handle and does not load your building with excessive weight. You can use uPVC cladding throughout the exterior surface of a building without adding any significant pressure to the foundation of the building. While using wooden, concrete or metal cladding, one has to check the load threshold of the foundation to eliminate possible collapse.

• uPVC cladding has soundproofing properties. The property of soundproofing depends on the density of the uPVC material. The higher the density, the better protection from external noise. Due to this property, it is an ideal building material for hospitals, libraries, museums and schools.

• It has impact-resistance properties. Thus, uPVC cladding can withstand strong winds, sea waves and heavy rains without any significant damage. While buying uPVC building material, look for impact resistance options.

Contrary to popular notion, uPVC cladding is not a fire catalyser. It has a high combustion temperature which inhibits the spread of fire to other areas for a longer period than normal plastic products. Also, it does not lead to the formation of fire droplets while burning. In fact, good quality uPVC building material has high chlorine content which acts as a fire retardant.

How to Install uPVC Cladding?

Installing uPVC cladding is very simple and can be done without hiring experts. There are two types of plastic cladding available in the market – shiplap cladding and V joint cladding. Both types are manufactured from the same raw material and have similar properties. The only difference lies in the shape and form of the finished product. The installation process involves fixing the first layer of the cladding to a wooden frame on the wall by nailing them. Then, cover it with a top layer to achieve high quality finished surfaces. However, if you want to install cladding on a large area, it is better to call in experts. With years of experience, they can arrange different cladding pieces into a perfect-fit. Without proper installation, one cannot enjoy the soundproofing and thermal insulation properties of uPVC cladding.

Before purchasing uPVC cladding in the UK, look for industry standards recommended by the British Board of Agrement (BBA). Research the market for BBA-approved manufacturers of high quality uPVC products. CSTB (French Scientific and Technical Centre for Building) also certifies uPVC fascias, soffits, cladding and other roofing materials. Ensure that the product carries the BSI kitemark to make an informed and safe decision.

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Choosing Right Kitchen Remodeling Contractor Or Company

The kitchen is your home’s epicenter. It is a place your family can gather to eat, talk, and enjoy the space. However, remodeling your kitchen can be a complicated endeavor as it takes much more than some paint and new flooring. Professional Remodeling located in Fairfax, Northern Virginia says that one of the only ways to make this task less complicated is to ensure you hire the right kitchen contractor or company. This means hiring someone who is reliable, knowledgeable, credible, and easy to work with.

Professional Remodeling Group suggests that prior to hiring a kitchen contractor, you must first plan how you would like your kitchen to turn out. Create a budget for yourself and have a rough kitchen design in mind so that you can easily see who will be able to accomplish these ideas for you within your budget. When remodeling, it is often very easy to get off track resulting in a project which is way over budget if that budget is not at least estimated beforehand.

Once you have the budget and design in mind, it is useful and safe to gather referrals and search for good kitchen contractors from anyone who may have gotten work done from a credible contractor in the past. This will give you several options and you can avoid having to settle for a Remodeling Contractor or Company, who you are not completely comfortable and satisfied with.

During the initial meeting with each kitchen contractor, it is extremely crucial to ask the right questions. This includes questions about their past experience and work. They may even be able to show you pictures of their past work if available. Allow the contractor to present any licenses and a company portfolio for your review. Present your idea about the kitchen remodeling to the contractor in as much detail as you can while allowing them to make suggestions and provide you with an estimate proposal which will outline your project in detail. A good kitchen contractor will include details about your kitchen renovation needs along with a viable budget in their estimate proposal.

Once you have received at least 3 to 4 estimates, you can compare the estimates received and select the contractor or Company who you feel most comfortable with, who will be able to meet your kitchen remodeling plans, and who best suits your budget. Professional Remodeling Group warns to keep in mind that you get what you pay for. Choosing the cheapest estimate provided by a contractor may mean you are also giving up quality.

Some further points to consider include ensuring the kitchen contractor provides you with proof of insurance in case something goes wrong, avoiding contractors who ask to be paid in cash only, and avoiding kitchen contractors who are too enthusiastic to jump into a deal without asking their own questions about the proposed project. The initial meeting is also an opportunity for the kitchen contractor to ask the client questions to see if they can truly meet your needs with their experience and skill.

RememberÂ…don’t settle for a contractor or Company you are not completely confident will be able to meet your remodeling goals. With the right contractor the job can be clean and easy, but with the wrong contractor the project can be a complicated mess.

Our Contractors proudly serving following cities in Northern Virginia :

Burke, Centreville, Chantilly, Clifton, Dunn Loring, Fairfax, Fairfax Station, Falls Church, Fort Belvoir, Great Falls, Herndon, Lorton, Oakton, Mclean, Reston, Springfield, Vienna, Sterling, Ashburn, Alide, Woodbridge, Manassas, Bristow, Gainesville, South Riding, NOVA, Fairfax County, Loudoun County, Prince William County, DC Metro Area

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What Should You Know About House Flooring

Having a nice house is everyone dreams. In fact, everybody wants to have their own house. Unfortunately not everybody is fortune to have a house of their own. So, once you have, you sure what to arrange the house as good as you can. But sometimes you have difficulties in choosing the best materials for you house, especially for your floor.

Obviously they are different rooms in you house and each room may need different flooring. To pick what best flooring material for you house is something that you have to think about. Picking the right type of flooring for your home involves asking some questions and giving some honest answers. You need to pick what's right for you, your finances and your lifestyle. Finding a floor covering that is suitable for every aspect of your circumstances is key to getting the equation right.

When you shop for flooring materials you will find great range of wonderful flooring materials in the market. From what you see, sure it will be difficult for you to decide. Buying flooring material certainly need some honest judgment from yourself and also the condition of your house.

To help you finding the right flooring materials for your house, here are some check lists you might want to consider:

* Find out about your area. Is your house located in the moisture area, cold or warm climate? Is it a high traffic area or quite? Or is it occasionally prone to flooding? Knowing your house location will make you easy to choose the right flooring materials. For example, if your house located in the moisture area, find out what is the cause. If it can be eliminated you could then enjoy a much wider choice of flooring for your home. If moisture is a permanent problem you should choose flooring that does not rot and will not absorb water, such as stone, marble and granite, or concrete slabs. If you live in a very cold area and especially if you have children, you'd probably be better off using carpet as a favorite, with other flooring materials such as linoleum thrown in for areas such as the kitchen.

* Now, let see about you. Do you like the contemporary look for interior decorating? Or are you fundamentally a traditionalist at heart? If you look for different flooring which matches with interior decorating, maybe you could consider hardwood flooring materials. Or for a cheaper alternative, think of using laminated flooring or bamboo flooring. These two are perfect for those who like modern decorating styles too. This is the stylish, yet practical answer to the question of what to put on the floors. Laminated flooring is just so easy to take care of, you can't do anything but love it. A quick wipe over from time to time is all it needs. No oiling and no scrubbing are needed.

* See how is your house foundation is. If you don’t want to have your floor covering became unstuck or crack and chip, better not laying any of the natural stone flooring products on a base that is in any way unstable. It won't work. Take the time and expense to put right any defects in your foundation first so that you can really appreciate the look of your finished new floor. Probably you may use wood for that kind of foundation. . It will adding atmosphere to your home too. You will find that it copes with the structural movement where it is pretty resistant to a great deal of family traffic.

* Check your garage flooring. Garage is one part in your house which most people fail to take advantage of their garage, which is a shame. In order to get the most use out of your garage, you need to take care of it. This is where garage flooring comes in. Floor covering in your garage can totally change the look of the room. More importantly, it can save you a great deal of concrete floor repair over the life of your house. Without any protection, your concrete garage floor is doomed to crack and suffer from moisture exposure. Not only will the right garage floor coat improve the look of your garage, but it will also protect this excellent space from moisture and the elements.

* If you are redecorating your home and your budget is limited, by all means get the best price you can find. A building materials wholesaler who supplies the trade can be your best bet for quality discount flooring. You can take advantage of their bulk buy savings Buy the best flooring materials you can stretch to. Why? Basically because the floor you choose will have a profound effect on the finished look of your home.

By knowing that information, hopefully you can choose what best for you. Having a good and comfortable house is everyone’s dreams. Home Sweet Home. Good luck!

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Remodeling Your Bathroom for Under $2,000

Bathrooms are generally the same, there are larger ones and small compact bathrooms, but all of them have the same basic pieces. Some might have additions and exotic features but if you start at the basic principle of what a bathroom is, you realize that it starts with some common components.



Most bathrooms have three or four pieces to them. This means the room consists of a tub, toilet, and sink. Or a four piece is a tub, toilet, shower, and sink. Either way when you're renovating a bathroom; there is a good chance you can save one or two of the items -- like the toilet or the tub. By saving these items you obviously save money, but at the same time, you are not sacrificing the look or quality of your bathroom. The reason is that most toilets do not go out of style or become worn out; instead a porcelain toilet can last for decades. (One note on toilets is that the newer toilets are built to save water, hence this saves on your water bill and helps the environment). As for the tub, most bathroom tubs can be cleaned and made to look new. This may take some scrubbing and handwork, but you will be saving hundreds of dollars. So check you toilet and tub and consider saving both of these features.



Next is the bathroom vanity. This item can be costly, especially if you go to an over priced big box store like a Lowe's or Home Depot. These stores will sell you a low quality vanity and you will be receiving a low grade item. Note, that it may look good, but these items are made of particle board and this is something you want to avoid. A particle board is prone to absorbing water and then breaking down; so avoid any products that contain particle board. One exception - you can use particle board for a book shelf or TV stand, but not in the kitchen or bathroom. What is the alternative? RTA bathroom vanities that are made of paneled wood sides (not RTA made from particle board) is the best way to gain a quality bathroom vanity.



Where to find that RTA bathroom vanity is easy. Go online and do an RTA bathroom vanity or RTA kitchen cabinet search, from this you will find better prices than retail and better quality. This is where you can find the way to re-do your bathroom for under $2000. Adding up the savings - RTA bathroom products like vanities, linen closets, tank toppers, and medicine cabinets will save you on average $1100 dollars on your bathroom renovation. We did our entire bathroom (saving the tub and toilet) for $1723). We are completely happy with it and it was very easy for us because we ordered all the items online.



So if you're renovating a bathroom, price out the items you need in RTA style vanities and other bathroom accessories, you will see the savings verse traditional bathroom products. From this you can renovate a bathroom for under $2000.

I have been remodeling house for 15 years, and I have the secret to getting high qualitykitchen cupboards at an affordable price. Interested in finding out my secret? Follow these links to find out the secret to getting kitchen cabinetry and kitchen cupboards at 30-40% below retail prices

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Alternatives to Custom Built Bathroom Vanities

A custom bathroom vanity may sound like a great idea when you are remodeling your bathroom (who doesn't want their bathroom to be truly unique). People usually change their minds right at the point when they find out how much a custom vanity will cost. To find a true craftsman that will hand-make a custom vanity for you, can easily end up costing you thousands. Not to mention the fact, that it could take months for it to be built. If you have plenty of time, and a lot of disposable income, then a custom vanity may still be an option for you (for most homeowners, it is simply out of the question).



While a custom vanity may be out of your price range, there are plenty of semi-custom and stock vanity lines that will give you the look and feel of a custom vanity without the high ticket price. There are plenty of cabinet manufacturers that have picked up on the need for vanities that offer more than just the plain square oak front with particleboard sides. Some of the stock cabinets that are on the market now actually feature hand-carved accents, curved legs, and unique architectural features. While they are not completely hand-made, I can assure you that there are enough styles on the market that none of your neighbors will have the same exact one.



One of the latest trends, which was developed from the custom built cabinet industry, is the built-in furniture look. I have come across several vanity lines on the internet that have the look and feel of built-in furniture rather than a square box in your bathroom. Semi-custom cabinets can provide the old-world look of antique furniture, a modern sleek look, or a more comtemporary art-deco feel.



So if you are getting ready to remodel your bathroom, and you are looking for a unique or custom look, do some research for semi-custom and stock bathroom vanities. I think you will be pleasantly surprised by what you find.

Looking for a way to save thousands on kitchen cabinets">? What if you could also create custom storage solutions to fit your families needs? Find out how....

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Bus Safety Tips for Passengers on Charter Buses

Having the luxury of a coach bus to transport your group is a very helpful option for moving large amounts of people to a destination at one time. It is also the perfect solution for travelling over shorter distances where a plane ride wouldn’t be efficient. Whatever method of transportation your travel coordinator chooses, it is important that the entire group arrive to the destination safely and on time.

There are many ways that a trip coordinator can help prepare the selection and transport of a charter bus to ensure the safety of the riders. It is important that they do their research and understand the qualifications, preparations, maintenance and reputation of the charter bus company that they are looking to hire.

Bus Research/Maintenance

When requesting information from the bus company, ask them if they employ a safety director to oversee the safety compliance of their drivers. Driver compliance includes maintaining a valid CDL Class B with passenger endorsement driver’s license with a good driving record and a valid DOT physical on file. A CDL is required in order to drive a commercial vehicle in all 50 states. The driver must be at least 21 years old to drive with a CDL through multiple states, but can be as young as 18 if the trip taken is within the same state. It is also illegal to operate a commercial vehicle without the possession of a valid CDL.

Also find out what the charter bus company does to maintain their buses. Ask if they have certified mechanics working on their buses and how frequently they are maintained. Charter bus companies should have a regular maintenance routine in place for their buses and should be able to provide you with a detailed log of the work done on an ongoing basis. As with any piece of mechanical equipment, breakdowns can occur but with the proper maintenance, the risk of being left along side the road goes down significantly.

Boarding/Riding

Your driver should be knowledgeable of current road conditions and construction. Take time to discuss the route with your driver prior to departure and any planned restroom and meal stops. Good communication between the group leader and bus driver usually results in a great experience for you and your passengers.

Another idea to ensure the safety of riders is to take inventory for possible needs of riders. Some bus passengers can get easily nauseated from being in an enclosed environment and need fresh air, the front window or in some cases bags for extreme nausea.

Upon entering the bus, stress the importance of riders watching their step as they enter and depart the bus and to use the hand rails. As miniscule as it seems, one of the most disheartening ways to start a trip is by loosing your footing upon entering or exiting the motorcoach. It can be very easy to get caught up in the excitement of going on a trip or even stumbling from carryon baggage.

Before departure, everyone on the bus should be aware of every emergency exit and the responsibilities of the person sitting closest to the exit. While riding in the bus, make sure that have their belongings stored away properly and out of the aisle so that there is a clear path for passengers to safely exit or make their way to the restroom. It is strongly encouraged that passengers to do not use laser points on board the motorcoach as it can cause a distraction to both the driver and other motorist.

The most important part of using a charter bus is to make sure that you keep a very close attendance record of all your riders to make sure that everyone gets to the destination and back home safely.

A charter bus can be an amazing tool for transporting groups to places, but the proper cautions should be taken in order to have a safe and successful trip.

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Pellet Stoves - Modern Technology - Traditional Warmth

Breckwell Pellet Stoves - Review

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Breckwell pellet stoves offer the penetrating warmth and captivating flames unique to wood heat, yet with clean operation and all the convenience of a modern appliance: automatic ignition, self feeding and sophisticated controls. Since 1984, more than 500,000 pellet stoves have proven this new home heating technology convenient, economical and gentle on the environment - and a wonderful option for homeowners. There is no smoke from a Breckwell pellet stove.

Wood pellets, made from sawdust and other timber byproducts, are formed in the shape and size of a pencil eraser. Pellets are made to the rigorous standards of the Pellet Fuels Institute; look for the Institute's label of quality on bags of fuel.

Wood pellet fuel, an economical and renewable fuel source, is derived from a waste material. It saves on landfill space, is 100% organic, and does not contribute to the greenhouse effect, since it is CO2 neutral. It is available in convenient 40lb bags and stores in 1/3 the space of cordwood.

Since 1980 (Engineers Al Breckel and Dave Wells started the company in Eugene, Oregon) Breckwell has been the leader in setting the standard in designing and manufacturing dependable, safe, and highly efficient hearth products. A common question within the industry is "Is it as reliable and trouble-free as a Breckwell?"

It starts with our engineering, which is focused on designing High-Quality and High-Heat Performance stoves that are EASY to install, EASY to operate, EASY to maintain, and EASY on the eye. The steel, cast iron, motors, fans, control boards, and other components that we select are among the most durable available.

Every stove is skillfully hand assembled in one of our Oregon or Texas plants. We are extremely confident of the quality of our products, and proudly offer a limited lifetime warranty on all of our stoves. In addition, our One Touch digital technology control boards include multiple safety checks and diagnostics to extend the life and maximize the heat output and efficiency of your stove.

As safety is a major emphasis, all Breckwell models are certified to be safe by an independent testing laboratory. Internal temperature and pressure sensors provide thorough protection. Breckwell has a stellar record for safety. Over the past 3 decades hundreds of thousands of Breckwell stoves have been installed in homes around the world, keeping them comfortable and cozy throughout the winter. We would be thrilled if you would allow us into your home to warm your family as well.

Breckwell’s commitment to excellence continues to garner its success in the industry. In the current economy, Breckwell works to afford consumers the exceptional heat at an outstanding value that is consistent with its name. This is evidenced through multi-fuel and pellet stove options and continued innovation in these fuel-efficient categories of the hearth industry. Please peruse our stove lines and witness for yourself.

Pellet stoves can qualify for a federal tax credit. Signed into law on February 17th, the Economic Stimulus legislation includes a 30% tax credit (up to $1,500) for homeowners who purchase a 75% efficient biomass-burning stove in 2009 and 2010. The Hearth, Patio & Barbecue Association (HPBA) and the Pellet Fuels Institute (PFI), succeeded in including the tax credit to help consumers fight rising home heating costs. All Breckwell pellet stoves have been tested and qualify for this credit.

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The miracle of peridot stone

Jewelry has become an integral part of human beings, especially for women. Not only to beautify can the appearance, but the sheen of light emitted be an inspiration for life around. You can understand the jewelry world deeply and feel the benefits for the beauty of your life.
Peridot is one of the few gemstones that have one color: olive green. This stone comes from the "olivine" mineral, one of the oldest stones known by human, and it is the only stone found in meteorites. The intensity of green color often depends on how much the iron content in the crystal structure, so the color of peridot stones can vary from yellow green, olive green, brown green. The most searched peridot is a dark olive green.
Peridot stone, including stone that is not too hard and can crack if it's bumped. But this stone is suitable used as jewelry for daily use in casual or formal event and one reason is because peridot stone is not too heavy. Peridot stone is the birthstone of August. Many celebrities wear the peridot jewelry to beautify the appearance and as a symbol of luxury.
There are many beliefs about the benefits of this stone. Peridot stone is believed by some people that this stone has a great influence for our lives. Peridot stone is used as a "hockey" stone or stone of luck. Beside that, this stone is also used to remove negative energy, can cure asthma, bringing serenity and peace to the owner and accelerate eliminating a disease if drinking the water that has been dipped by peridot stones.
Peridot is believed to make one's dreams can come true. There is a legend said that at the ancient times, pirates love peridot because it protects them from the power of darkness / demons. When peridot is combined with gold so become a peridot jewelry, it is said will protect the wearer from terrors in the middle of the night. For health, peridot helps the function of adrenal glands, providing an energy balance and helping the relaxation of people who too often experience emotional tension / stress.
You can get various benefits by wearing peridot jewelry. Beside can be used to beautify our appearance, peridot can also become our jewelry collections that have a high value. Although all of the trust inherent in the peridot is not necessarily true, at least you'll feel good while wearing this unique and rare jewelry.
At least, by wearing peridot every day, then you will be able to understand more about the uniqueness of the stones in the universe. No human could make it. Everything is presented simply in the nature, so that we can use to beautify our appearance and for other needs. With all these miracles, we should be grateful for all these uniqueness of the stones and the universe as a perfect masterpiece.

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A Home Renovation Checklist

Planning any major changes to your home can be exciting and scary at the same time. You're looking forward to the improvements but what if something goes wrong? Following these essential steps can help you ensure your home renovation goes as smoothly as possible. This means you'll be left with the improvements to enjoy and not hassles or messes to clean up after the fact.



Make Your Dream Home Renovation List



Go ahead and dream big. There's no harm in doing so. Make a list of the renovations you dream of, and create a corresponding list of the renovations you absolutely need. Creating your list with both your wants and needs in mind will help you make decisions later down the road, especially when it comes time for some crunching of the numbers involved in the renovation itself.



Figure out Your Renovation Budget



Before you even think of picking up the phone to schedule an appointment with a home renovation firm, carpenter, or contractor, you absolutely need to take a look at your own finances. Having a realistic estimate of your own budget in mind will allow you to make the most of your time with the contractor. You'll be able to immediately benefit from your planning time with the renovation specialist and to determine your actual plans for the work you are going to have done.



Plan When you Want to do Your Renovations



When is the right time to complete your renovations? Make sure you're planning the project during a time that you don't have any other big events going on. Stay away from family holidays or other parties you will be having at your home. Keep in mind that not all projects go as planned, and sometimes schedule adjustments are necessary which means you may have your home in disarray longer than originally anticipated while the renovations are being completed after an unforeseen bump in the road. For this reason, you should give yourself a cushion of at least a couple of weeks in your renovation calendar. Plan your project timeframe and add some time to the end of it, just in case.



Start Your Search for a Contractor or Renovation Firm



It's always best to start with recommendations from people you know. Honest responses from friends and family will give you an idea of which remodeler you may want to go with. If you're still unsure, see if you can find contractors in your area who are registered with the National Association of Home Builders or the National Association of Remodelers. Checking the credentials of a remodeler or contractor ensures you get better results. Those who are registered or certified with a professional association are held to a set of higher standards in order to maintain membership in those organizations.



Interview Remodeling Firms and Contractors



You should conduct interviews with several contractors before making a final decision. Even if the first contractor you speak with sounds wonderful and seems to have all the right answers, you should still talk with others. You need to be able to compare responses and quotes in order to make the best choice. Don't be afraid to call a contractor back again to ask additional questions if you need to make a better comparison to the responses of others. Even if you end up going with the first remodeler with whom you spoke, at least you know you're making the right decision.



Take Notes During Your Interviews and do Your Homework



Don't just speak with the contractors but take detailed notes during your conversations. Request information from them in the form of printed bids on work, quotes, examples of previous projects they've completed, and testimonials from other clients. Take some time to review all your findings and compare the information you obtain from each remodeler or contractor before making a decision.



Read and Understand Everything in Your Contract Before you Sign It



It may sound like a given but it's easy to get in a hurry or excited about your remodeling and miss critical details in the contract, only to regret it later when a problem arises. Take the time to thoroughly review the entire document and don't hesitate to ask for clarifications if necessary.



Make Plans in Advance Regarding how you Will get by During the Remodeling Process



Dependent upon what area of your home you are having remodeled, you may feel like you're displaced within your own space for the duration of the remodeling project. Take this into consideration in advance, and try to make arrangements that will allow you to be as comfortable as possible while work is being completed. For example, if your remodeling project is going to make it difficult for you to get ready for work in the morning, what can you do to make the situation more practical? Maybe you'll need to sleep in the spare bedroom during the projected timeframe, and use the kids' bathroom to get ready in the mornings.



Be Realistic and Prepared for the Inevitable Hitch in Your Plans



Don't be surprised if there are a few minor bumps in the road. Rarely is any significant undertaking completed without some adjustment in plans. No matter how well you plan or how good the contractor you hire is, there is still always the chance that adjustments may be required. Be calm and realistic about this possibility and you'll get through it just fine, with a beautiful, remodeled space to cherish for days to come.Home Renovation Guide provides free information and advice on all aspects of home renovations and on a variety of topics ranging from roofing and landscaping to windows and doors we have the information you need to get the job done right. Visit them today.

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Electrical Safety in the home

Electricity is a wonderful part of our lives, clearly enabling us to do so many of the things we take for granted. Food preparation, entertainment, communication, and so much more are all dependent upon the delivery of electricity. And yet, coming into direct contact with electrical current can severely injure you. In some cases, it can even kill you. Here are some things you can do to keep safe. Some of what we suggest may seem obvious, but we include it here because we believe it's impossible to over emphasize the importance of safety.

Safety Outdoors

Undoubtedly, first and foremost, stay clear of all power lines, especially those on the ground. Consider a downed wire to be "live" with electrical current going through it.

Take these easy steps to keep yourself from coming into contact with overhead lines:

When you're using equipment outside, look up to make sure that the equipment isn't going to collide with the lines.

Do not try to remove anything caught in power lines, not even an animal. Instead, call your power company.

Be especially careful when you're doing any jobs that require you to use tools which might extend up over your head.

Keep electrical equipment on your property clear of all obstacles such as trees and bushes.

Downed Power Lines

Your power company wants to know about any outages or power lines that are down. Please call it immediately if you experience or see a problem. You can call them 24 hours a day and they'll send emergency crews out to make repairs.

Inside a Car Touched by a Power Line

Fallen power lines can be extremely dangerous. Never touch a downed power line or anyone who's in contact with it, and stay away from a vehicle if a power line is touching it.

If a power line touches your vehicle, stay inside and warn others to stay away and have them call the power company.

If you MUST get out of the vehicle for safety reasons, jump clear. Do not touch the vehicle and the ground at the same time.

Electric Lines and Trees

Trees are certainly beautiful and enhance our neighborhoods. However, trees planted in the utility right of way must be tended to so that electric service can be maintained on behalf of all of our citizens.

If your tree encroaches into the utility right of way, it becomes your responsibility to keep it trimmed; otherwise, the City will clear those trees that have not been maintained and threaten the electric service.

Trees that grow into or near the power lines which go to your house are also your responsibility and are only trimmed by the City when they threaten continuity of electric service.

To trim near power lines safely:

Call you power company if there is any question as to whether or not a tree is contacting the electric wires before trimming it. They can move power lines away from trees so that they may be trimmed safely. Call them a couple of days in advance of trimming so that they can coordinate with you.

Never hire unqualified tree trimmers or do the work yourself when trees are contacting high voltage electric wires.

Never cut tree limbs that are touching power lines or that could fall into them.

Electrical Lines and Flying Objects

Don't let metallic balloons or kites get away. Balloons and kites with shiny, metallic surfaces or strings can be very dangerous if they come into contact with electrical lines. As Benjamin Franklin discovered, they're excellent conductors of electricity, and, if they get tangled in the line, they can cause a short circuit. This can melt an electrical wire and cause it to fall, resulting in a power outage and possibly severe injury or even death.

Fly kites safely. Kites and electrical lines can be a potentially deadly match. Use common sense when flying a kite; always use dry string, wood, and paper and never use wire or any metallic material. Don't fly your kite in the rain and never try to retrieve your kite if it gets caught in a power line. Call the power company.

Going Underground

Call before you dig. You need to find out if there are lines in the ground before you dig for any reason, such as planting trees and bushes or installing fences and posts. If you fail to call you could end up in JAIL or worse.

Safety Indoors

Be just as careful with electricity indoors as out. In fact, odds are you and your family are more likely to come into contact with electricity inside your home, so take precautions.

Cover all your electrical outlets and wall switches with cover plates.

Put plastic safety caps in all unused wall outlets to prevent children from pushing objects into the outlet openings.

Know when your wiring needs attention. Power company employees will check equipment when an electrical problem such as flickering lights is reported. If they are unable to find a problem on their end, then the wiring in your house may need to be repaired. Find a licensed professional to check your home's electric panel, circuit breakers, fuses, and internal wiring.

Do not use damaged or brittle electrical cords. They can cause shorts, shocks, or fires and should be replaced.

To avoid damage, remove cords from outlets by pulling the plug, not the cord itself. Never attach a cord to any surface with nails or staples, which can break the insulation. Also, kinking, twisting, binding, or walking on cords can harm them.

Never remove the third prong from a three-pronged plug. The third prong has been included to safely ground your electrical appliance. Most power tools and major appliances have three-prong plugs for safety. If you don't have three-hole outlets, adapters are available at your local hardware store.

Protect yourself from shock with Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters (GFCI's). These special outlets can help prevent serious injury by detecting electrical faults and shutting off electricity to the outlet when necessary.

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Wall Mounting Your Flat Screen TV - Part 1

Choosing A TV Wall Mounting Bracket

So you have bought your new LCD or Plasma TV and decided it would look great on the wall – so how do you go about doing that?

Once you have purchased your new LCD or Plasma TV then next step is to buy the correct wall mounting bracket and this is not as simple as it sounds!

There are many different types of brackets on the market; you have the manufacturer’s own mounting bracket that is generally mail order only and well overpriced. Alternatively, there are dozens of universal brackets to choose from that will fit almost any make or model flat screen.

You should consider the following before buying your bracket:

• What is the maximum weight the bracket will take?

• What do you want the bracket to do? I.e. tilt, rotate, extend etc.

• What are the distances between the mounting holes on the back of your screen and will the bracket fit?

• What colour would you like the bracket (usually silver or black)?

• Does the wall bracket come with a warranty?

• How much does the bracket weigh itself? – Some are extremely heavy and may not be suitable for your wall type.

• Are you able to return the bracket if it does not fit?

• Is the wall bracket suitable to go onto the surface you intend to mount it on? I.E. Brick, Concrete, Plasterboard or Wood etc.

Plasma & LCD TV Wall Brackets

Flat Mount

This will always be the least expensive option and will put your TV nice and close to the wall for that hanging picture effect. The bracket should really be no more than around 2 inches in depth.

Tilting Mount

The tilting mount is ideal for use where the TV may be mounted slightly higher than eye level, perhaps above a fireplace. Most tilting mounts allow a maximum of around a 15° tilt which should be enough to angle the TV down towards the sofa for better viewing.

Tilt & Rotate Wall Bracket

Due to the construction and size of the tilt and rotate brackets they are usually only suitable for LCD screens up to around 32”. They are ideal for screens mounted in kitchens or locations where there needs to be a slight adjustment in the TVs angle.

Cantilever Wall Bracket

Without doubt the most versatile of the brackets, the cantilever allows you to bring the TV away from the wall on an extendable arm and angle it up, down left or right.

This bracket is ideal when the TV needs to be in a corner or may need to be angled in a different direction.

When the bracket is folded flat back to the wall there will be a bigger gap behind the TV than you would get with a flat or tilting bracket however so make sure that this is ok. In some cases it may a gap of 3 or 4 inches.

Ceiling Mount

This is the ideal mount to use when there is no wall available to mount your TV on and is often used in commercial applications such as airport terminals and supermarkets. You will need a solid joist or steel girder to mount to using this bracket.

Mounting Your TV

Once you have purchased your wall mount and are happy that it fits you need to decide whether you are able to fit it yourself or if you will need the help of a professional.

You should be able to find a qualified installer by looking in your local Yellow Pages or directory for “AV Installers”. Once you have contacted 3 or 4 installers and compared prices, ask if they would be happy to show you examples of their work. You may find that they have a Website with examples of previous installs that you could see.

Alternatively you could use a recommended builder who should also be able to do the job.

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home_improvement

Those of us who work in the home construction and design industry tend to forget how many little things there are that go into the creation of a new home or a redesign. There are design elements that have to be decided upon, from the big picture such as the overall architectural style of the home, down to the simplest things such as the type of kitchen hardware or the balusters for the staircase or deck. Recently in helping some new friends with their home project I was reminded how much there is to take into consideration in even just one area as basic as staircase design.

“Who would have known when we began designing our dream house just how many little details we would have to decide on? Did you know we spent an entire week just looking at balusters, banisters, treads and newels? I had no idea what any of these even were before we started all of this – except that my grandmother used to let us slide down the banister at her home when we were very small. But growing up in a California ranch style house all on one level, stairs were somewhat novel to me. I really had no idea of everything that goes into putting together a staircase - there is practically a new language to be learned! What exactly did we want? What kind of treads? Iron balusters? Wooden newels? It was all overwhelming.” And after listening to them for a bit longer, I understood what they meant, even I felt exhausted just from their recounting all that they’d been going through before coming to see me.

So after reminding them that this process was something they had dreamed about for years and it was something they were supposed to be enjoying as much as possible and having fun with it, they relaxed a bit and listened to my suggestions of how to proceed encouraging them to consider three easy tips that anyone taking on a home project, big or small can use.

Concentrate on one area at a time – Whether you’re starting from the very beginning with having to determine what style of architecture you want for your home or deciding on a particular element, such as my area of focus, staircase design, concentrate on that one area and work through the possibilities. With staircase design, this might mean first learning about all the different things you’ll even need to decide about. What exactly is a newel or a balustrade? Then you can get a bit more specific - what types of treads are characteristic for the architectural style we’ve chosen? Would iron balusters compliment the area of the home the staircase will lead to and from? Although you will be thinking about and focusing on one area in particular, thinking contextually about how this one area fits in with the rest of the home will not only help you to make good decisions, but will also help you uncover other questions to be addressed. The key though is to note those down and come back to them. Remember, one area at a time to keep from going into overwhelm.

Search out pictures of what you like and even what you don’t - This is a great way to help your through your decision making process. Head to the library or a bookstore and spend some time going through magazines and books until you find something that you really like. It’s again important to keep your focus narrow – look only at staircases and their elements in one sitting - don’t let yourself get distracted by chandeliers you like. If you see something you want to come back to, make a note of it so you won’t forget. Looking at particular elements in use is another option. Grab your digital camera and go look at buildings that might have iron balusters if you’re considering them or the particular type of handrails you loved the sample of but would like to see in an actual home setting. Oftentimes, vendors or builders can help you with referrals of where their work or products can be seen. Gather up all of your pictures to not only help you to solidify your vision, but to help to explain what you really want to your architects and home designers – as well as examples of what you absolutely do not want so that they really can get a visual sense of your style.

Remember your budget, but make decisions that you can live with for the years to come – Sometimes your budget as well as home size will decide from the get go for you if certain elements are not to be considered. For example, that grand balcony and sweeping staircase you saw in that Mediterranean estate on your honeymoon simply won’t work or be cost effective if you’re building a 1600 square foot 3 bedroom, 2 bath home. You’ll not only use up too much of your floor space if you go that direction, but lots of your budget as well. But that’s not to say that with a little creativity and inspiration that you can’t capture the same feel of what you loved about it and bring it to your home. The large antique hand-carved iron scroll work you admired can be emulated with today’s iron or aluminum balusters and accent pieces scaled to fit your particular staircase and home. And with the ability to shop online now for virtually any product for your home, you will also be able to find options to fit within your budget. The important thing is to capture the essence of the design style you like, even if initially it seems out of reach, so that you will enjoy living with your choices for years to come – and ideally stay within your budget.

Although these three tips may seem to oversimplify the process you are sitting in the middle of or are about to embark upon, by applying them over and over to all of your different home design decisions, particularly those you aren’t sure of, you’ll be able to focus your energy one step at a time and break down what might at times seem a daunting task. Your home is important and should reflect your style and desires. The project at hand may take time and energy, but the end result should and will be one you love and treasure for years to come, from the kitchen hardware to the iron balusters, if you just relax and take it step by step and enjoy the process as much as possible.

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Home-Based Baking: Profits from My Kitchen

Over five years ago when I first moved to the Cary, North Carolina my neighbors were telling me to visit the Raleigh Farmer’s Market conveniently located on I-40 and Lake Wheeler Road, exit 297. I was taken back by this 75 acre, modern facility providing up to 225,000 square feet of covered, climate controlled, year round retail and wholesale space. Sold were seasonal vegetable and fruits by the pound or by the bushel. There were homemade baked goods, jellies, jams, honey, and the North Carolina Seafood Restaurant serving up deep-fried Calabash-style seafood, with mounds of home fries and hush puppies.



Now at first glance I was amazed at the amount of food and the number of customers that rolled through the market that fine Saturday morning. I soon learned that North Carolina is a special state; one that possess a cottage food law and encourages home food processors to try their luck at creating unique specialties like pickled collard greens and some of the best homemade snickerdoodle cookies around.



Has anyone ever told you to sell that delicious pound cake? Have friends and family insisted you could be making extra income selling your delicious chocolate marble cupcakes? If this sounds like you, then you could be baking up profits from your kitchen. All over the country there are countless home-based bakeries delivering heavenly baked goods throughout the community.



If you are interested in starting a home bakery business, you need to know that there are many responsibilities that go with starting your home bakery. Every state is different and in some states you will first need to have a Food Regulatory Specialist/Food Compliance Officer come to your home and inspect it. In most cases the Department of Agriculture is the governing agency that will oversee your compliance inspection, however sometimes it is your local health department.



Why an inspection? Your kitchen will need to be inspected to assure that it is clean and in proper condition to produce baked goods that are suitable for human consumption. Although a license is not always required for a home-based bakery, and a separate kitchen may not be needed, you will have to comply with special conditions set down by the Department of Agriculture or your local regulatory agency.



There are currently 25 states that allow some type of home food processing, allowing you to sell baked goods/candies to the public. Operating a home-based bakery means finding your niche. Do you make a "mad" pound cake; custom cookies or a fabulous dry jerk rub? Years ago when the country was predominately rural there were many home food processors selling their jams, preserves and jellies, along with homemade breads, pastries, cakes, pies and cookies.



When I first started out in home baking the Raleigh Farmer’s Market asked home-bakers to sell their goods at the Crafters Shed away from the main market area. Today there is a special area for home-based bakers and the public is flocking to their tables. The baked goods are fresh, delicious and offer a variety not available in grocery stores.



Let there be no mistake, operating a home-based bakery is hard work. It means long hours and a commitment to quality, but for those who take on the challenge it is by far the best job ever. You set your own hours, you provide the public with delicious goods that can only be duplicated by you and for those with families they are their when the children get home from school.



The down side of the profession use to be the isolation, but there are baking forums popping up everywhere online to help bakers stay in touch with one another and support one another building a camaraderie among home-based bakers that never existed before.



Baking for a living is an honorable profession, plus Internet access offers many bakers the opportunity to sell their products online. Diane Purkey, the owner of Maine’s Cakes and Cookies, has been baking from home for more than seven years. She loves what she does and provides the public with incredible baked goods. This is also a wonderful way for those who cook for a living, e.g. personal chef’s to offer their clients a little touch of something fresh from the oven.



The next time someone suggests that you sell that apple pie or Red Velvet cake consider operating a home-based bakery. You never know where the journey will take you and today good homemade baked goods are like jobs, hard to find.

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Best Roofing Options for Your Portland OR Home

Making the best decisions about a roofing job for your Portland OR home is integral to a hassle free experience and a long lasting roof. Of course, hiring an experienced roofing contractor in Portland should be on the top of your list of concerns. Next up, however, is deciding on a new roof.

Choosing the best new roof for your Oregon home involves many variables. Get acquainted with some important tips on roofing in Portland, OR and learn important considerations for choosing the best roof.

Roofing Portland OR -- Consider Durability for Your New Roof

Among the most important considerations in deciding on a new roof for your Oregon home is longevity. Some roofing materials will last a decade or two, while others last up to a half of a century or more. Your Portland roofing contractor can help you weigh the distinctions, along with any factors that may hinder the endurance of your roofing job in Portland.

New Roof Oregon -- Portland Roofing and Weather

Another factor is to match your roofing job to withstand the demands of the weather in Portland. Make sure you're working with a roofing contractor in Portland who is well versed in climate issues unique to Oregon.

Portland receives a considerable amount of rainfall throughout each year, which can be a breeding ground for condensation, algae and moss. You want a new roof for your Oregon home that can withstand the Portland weather.

Roofing Portland OR -- Match the New Roof to Your Home Structure

The structure of your home should be able to support your new roof construction. Some roofing materials are much weightier than others and may not be a good fit for your home. Additionally, your Portland roofing contractor should consider the slope of your existing roof structure.

Style is another important variable in deciding on the best roofing job for your Portland OR home. You want a new roof that visually fits with the rest of the home.

Roofing Portland -- Cost for Your New Oregon Roof

At the end of the day, the right roofing job for your Portland home should fall within your budget. Your roofing contractor in Portland considers several pricing variables, including the materials used and the magnitude of the job. Your best bet is to find a balance -- install a new Oregon roof that's durable and aesthetically accurate for your home at a price you can afford.

Choose a Good Roofing Contractor to Install Your New Rood in Oregon

Above all else is the importance of selecting the right roofing contractor in Portland. Hire a licensed, bonded and insured Portland roofing contractor with several years of experience in Portland roofing. The right man for the job is crucial for installing the best new roof for your Oregon home.

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How to Use QuickBooks for Job Costing: Setting Up Preferences and Items

Accurate job costing is one of the most critical tasks for managing job-based business like construction companies, professional services firms, and even nonprofits that are awarded grants. Many owners put it off because it seems too complicated or time-consuming. But if you're serious about helping your business grow and prosper, it'll help you:

- Analyze how each of your jobs us doing financially

- Identify problem jobs as early as possible

- Identify jobs that weren't as profitable as expected

- Create better estimates for future jobs

Luckily, QuickBooks is an inexpensive program that can do powerful job costing with the data you're already entering - as long as you set it up and use it correctly.

This is the first of a four-part series about how to use QuickBooks for job costing. Intuit, the creators of QuickBooks, has also asked me to host a free Small Business Town Hall series covering the same topics. This is your chance to get your job costing questions answered live. You can get more information here:

http://crystal.semphonic.com/quickbookscommunitycalendar/helios/events/index.php?com=detail&eID=4451

The first step to setting up QuickBooks for job costing is to set your preferences (Edit > Preferences > Company Preferences)

1. Go to Jobs & Estimates and check the box next to "Do you create estimates". You might also want to check the box next to "Do you do progress invoicing".

2. If you use QuickBooks for payroll, and every business doing job costing should, go to Payroll & Employees and check the box next to "Job costing, class and item tracking for paycheck expenses"

3. If you use QuickBooks for payroll, go to Time & Expenses and check the box next to "Do you track time". If you do time & material billing, you should also check "Create invoices from a list of time and expenses".

The second step is to setup your customer:jobs and use them on every transaction.

1. Go to the Customer Center and click on the New Customer & Job button.

2. If you are using Contractors edition, you might also want to create a customer called Overhead or Administrative for non-job expenses, so you can use the "Expenses Not Assigned to Jobs" report (only found in the contractors edition) to make sure you didn't accidentally leave off a customer:job. If you are using classes, you might want to consider doing the same thing so you can use the Profit & Loss Unclassified report to make sure you didn't accidentally leave off a class.

The third step is to setup items and use them on every transaction.

1. Go to Lists > Item List, click on the List button, and select New.

2. Add a new service item for every job phase you want to job cost. For subcontractors, this could be as simple as Labor and Materials. For general contractors, it could be quite lenghty: plans, site work, excavation, concrete, masonry, framing, etc. In this case, you might want to add sub-items for Labor and Materials to your items if you want to track those costs separately. This also makes it easier to report only the Labor portion of a subcontractor's invoice on their 1099.

3. If you are a contractor with short-term jobs make sure to set up all your Service Items as two-sided, with both an expense and an income account. This doesn't occur automatically and unfortunately it isn't very intuitive. You need to put a check next to "This service is used in assemblies or is performed by a subcontractor or partner" for the expense box to be added to the setup screen. Contractors often use a cost of goods sold account called something like "job related costs" for job-related expenses.

4. Builders and many professional service firms have projects that span several months or more generally use a work in progress (WIP) or construction in progress (CIP) asset account because job related costs aren't usually expensed until the project is completed. In this case, they should map the expense account to their WIP or CIP asset account.

5. Depending on your circumstances, there are also several Other Charge items you should set up. These don't need to be two-sided:

- If you use WIP or CIP accounts, you should setup two items: (1) Transfer out of WIP - with WIP as the account and note in the description that the amount should be positive, and (2) Transfer into COS - with COS as the account and note in the description that the amount should be negative

- If you accept customer deposits or retainers, you should setup an item mapped to a current liability account. For better tracking, you should consider setting up a separate current liability account just for deposits.

- If you have customer retention or retainage, you should setup an item mapped to an accounts receivable account and a negative for the Amount (for instance, -10% if your retainage is 10%). For better tracking, you should consider setting up a separate accounts receivable account just for retainage.

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Decorating With Coat Racks And Vintage Clothing For A Unique Accent To Your Home

When most people think of coat racks, they think strictly of hanging coats, hats, and scarves. But coat racks can be a lot more than just a place to keep clutter off the floor. They can also provide you with an opportunity to display your own, unique decorating tastes.

One of my favorite ways to decorate with coat racks is to display vintage clothing on them. Wall-mounted coat racks work particularly well for displaying vintage hats and bonnets. And floor-mounted coat racks are a natural for cloaks, gowns, shawls and scarves.

Don't go cheap when using coat racks as a decorating accent. True, you can pick up a generic wall-mounted coat rack for under $10 and a floor-standing one for under $30. But if your goal is to create an eye-catching accent, don't expect a cheap one to have the effect you want.

Bent wood, rattan, wrought iron, or brass give you the best eye appeal in a floor-standing coat rack. And look for furniture-quality solid hardwood in wall-mounted coat racks. Don't settle for generic, dime-store coat hooks on your coat rack when you can easily combine the beauty of brass and porcelain or get the rustic strength of wrought iron.

You can find wall-mounted coat racks with rosemaling, or other styles of decorative painting. These always add to your accent, as do such features as a plate rack or decorative shelf on top that allows you to display other collectibles.

And a mirror, whether etched or plain, on your wall-mounted coat rack is always a big plus. Not only does it enhance the beauty of your accent, but it provides a much appreciated service to your guests of letting them check their appearance after coming in from outdoors.

As for finding vintage hats or clothing for your coat rack, here are some places to try.

Most larger cities have at least one vintage clothing store available. You can also find vintage clothing in many estate sales. And more and more second-hand stores gather vintage clothing donated to them into a special area.

Or you can look for reproduction vintage clothing and hats from merchants who specialize in supplying the participants of living history events with clothing and items from daily life of the eras these participants portray.

I've found Renaissance festivals and Civil War Reenactments to be especially rich sources of quality reproduction vintage clothing (and many other interesting items useful for decorating).Both events attract a large number or merchants who specialize in reproduction vintage clothing and other items of those times. And you can find many of these merchants on the Internet, as well.

Be aware, though, that while you can usually find a greater variety of items through these merchants in brand new condition, the prices for reproductions can be expensive because of the amount of labor involved in faithfully reproducing construction techniques from a pre-mass production era.

In looking for vintage hats to display on a wall-mounted coat rack, you can either go for a single era, or go eclectic with vintage hats from a number of eras and styles. And don't forget the eye appeal of including one hat in your collection that drapes a ribbon down beneath. Or consider dangling a vintage umbrella or cane from one hook to create various lengths of items hung from your coat rack.

And the hats you use don't necessarily need to be formal. Some of the most effective hats I've found for decorating have been the well-worn, but extremely unique, vintage hats of everyday laborers.

For a floor-standing coat rack, avoid reproduction or vintage clothing that really needs a hanger for it to look its best. Look instead for drapey items such as cloaks, gowns, shawls, and scarves. Experiment with interweaving a colorful scarf or shawl among dark and elegant formal wear.

Or try hanging a coat or gown by the shoulder instead of by the collar for a casual, asymmetrical look. Include a vintage purse. Or, depending on the effect you want to create, consider the effect that draping some vintage silk stockings or lingerie could add to the accent you create.

The options are endless when it comes to combining coat racks and vintage clothing. Just use a quality coat rack that does justice to what you display and let your imagination, and your decorating taste, be your guide in selecting items to display on it.

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