Category: Eclectic Homes

Since wood expands and contracts with seasonal weather changes, a wooden dining table table top made from timber is intended to move since the timber in the table top finishes to the surroundings. If the builder of this table didn’t account for these changes, the table top will likely bow or split over time. As such, most table tops have been connected to the frame using metallic or metal connectors which slide along a groove in the framework.

Remove any items from the table top, and with the help of an assistant, then turn the table upside down so that the table top is resting on the floor.

Find the mounting connectors for the table top along the two longest side aprons of the table framework. The connectors, which might be made from wood, metal or plastic, will probably be attached to the table top with screws and have a lip that fits into a groove in the aprons.

Tighten the screw which mounts each of the connectors to the table top with a screwdriver. If a screw won’t tighten since it is stripped or the area of the table top where the screw is threaded is damaged, then remove the screw to free the connector.

Slide the connector from the damaged section of this table top to a protected section an inch or two away, while still allowing the lip to be securely engaged with the port in the apron. Hold the connector in position and drill a shallow pilot hole to the table top through the hole in the connector using a 1/8-inch drill bit and a power drill. Then insert the screw to the connector and tighten the screw to the pilot hole using a screwdriver. Repeat for another damaged connectors.

Turn the table top back over and check to confirm that the table top is protected to the table’s aprons.

See related

Wood doors offer a high-end look, but they need more maintenance over time. Steel doors are superior in strength and insulating value, but they are easily dented and scratched, states Mr. Handyman. Happily, a third alternative exists for homeowners that want a customized entry door, superior energy efficiency and low maintenance price: It is called fiberglass. Fiberglass has both advantages and disadvantages that buyers should understand before purchasing doors.

Versatile and Durable

Fiberglass doors are available in a complex selection of styles, colors and finishes — to fit every house exterior. And if you tire of the appearance of your fiberglass door as time passes, repainting is obviously an alternative. Fiberglass is more durable than other substances; it resists dents and scratches and can be impervious to rot and rust which plague doors manufactured from steel or wood. In addition, this type of door never bows or warps from exposure to weather.

Energy Efficient

According to the Department of Energy, fiberglass and steel-skinned doors have greater R-values compared to wooden doors of comparable styles, which means that they keep your house warmer in winter and cooler in summer. A windowless door made from fiberglass offers five times the insulating value of a similar door manufactured from strong wood — a large factor in energy efficiency for homeowners that are worried about the size of their monthly utility bill.

Super Secure

When properly installed, fiberglass doors provide superior security. Your entry door is just as secure as its frame, but composite door frames have double the screw-holding power of wood. Furthermore, fiberglass doesn’t deteriorate over time like doors manufactured from steel or wood. Homeowners never need to worry about repairing rusted-out areas on fiberglass doors or replacing them since they’ve deteriorated from decay.

A Pricey Option

Because of its versatility, superior insulating power, durability and convenience, fiberglass remains among the costlier door options on the industry. While cheap fiberglass doors are available, they are not recommended; they could crack and need more maintenance throughout their lifetime, offsetting the initial savings. Fiberglass doors don’t always work in older homes since they are usually manufactured with the door frame attached, which means that installing one in a door that’s not standard size requires the assistance of a professional.

See related

Several types of tile mounted on sheets instead of individually. This includes many types of tiles as well as all types of mosaic tiles from Korea and Japan. The wonderful thing about sheet mounted tiles is that about maintaining the tiles straight or the grout joints constant, you do not have to think . You do, but you have to be worried about maintaining the sheets and starting off straight. As tile sheets tend to slide this can be challenging on a wall.

Prepare the wall for the tile. If in a place that is dry, drywall is nice — either painted or incomplete. When there is background about the drywall it ought to be stripped prior to installing vinyl. If you’re installing the tile in a moist area you should install concrete backer board. It installs like drywall, but is impervious to water.

Draw on a line parallel from the base of the wall at a distance equal to the width of two joints along with two sheets of tile. Even if whatever you’re tiling from — floor, bathtub, countertop — isn’t flat, it would be best to start off with whole tiles instead of trying to cut mosaics at an angle that would make the fact that it is from level more obvious.

Glue of the wall with the trowel between the base and your line socket. Sort 2 wall tile adhesive is greatest in this situation due to becoming stronger and more sticky than Type 1, that will aid with the sheet mounted tile. Normally, you require Type 2 for a moist place, however for sheet tileuse Type 2 regardless of the area.

Put sheets of tile next to your line. Use the right edge to be certain they are flush with the surface of straight and the lineup. Carefully fix sheets so that the grout joint between them is the same as the joints between the tiles onto the sheets.

Harness on the sheets gently. This is going to make sure that they catch the paste and stop them. Make any final adjustments.

Spread glue up the wall, working at a time to be sure you can pay the adhesive before it begins to skim over. Fix the sheets and check with the edge as needed to create sure that the sheets are right and the joints are constant.

Cut needed against top and the sides of this wall. Use the trowel before sticking to ensure a good bond, to butter the rear of the cuts using a paste. Be certain that the cuts are with respect. Allow the tile to set for 24 hours before proceeding.

Mix according to package instructions. Spread the grout above the tile with the grout float, forcing it as though it were a squeegee, and yanking off the excess with the edge of the float. Wash the grout from the surface of the tile using a moist sponge whilst smoothing the joints at precisely the same time. Allow the grout to dry to a haze and then wash with clean water. Allow the grout to dry then buff it with a towel if needed.

See related

There are a lot of reasons for renting instead of buying: You proceed frequently, you prefer to not have the duty of a house and yard, you are just beginning in your home or it is cheaper to rent. No matter the reason, you are going to want to follow some guidelines to make your rental experience successful and stress-free.

Time Frame

Leasing leases are for one year. Following that, they automatically roll over to some month-to-month term or, if all parties agree, could be renewed for a particular term. If you know you will be leaving in under a year, don’t signal a yearlong rental unless it features a subletting provision. In the event the lease prohibits subletting, you are going to need to pay the rent for the complete year if you live there or not. Some leases permit subletting nevertheless make the original tenant responsible for your lease. It’s more advantageous for you as a tenant to be able to move the lease, discharging your from any additional responsibilities. Request the landlord about those issues upfront and examine the lease prior to signing it.

Application Process

Although landlords are legally required to treat all types of individuals alike when reviewing tenant applications, as with job interviews nothing affects them like first impressions. All other things being equal, landlords will gravitate toward prospective tenants that appear on time, are ready with a credit record and references hand and ask thoughtful questions.

Relationships

The association between a tenant and landlord starts as soon as the prospective tenant walks through the door to look the place over. Although the unit and its place, along with the neighboring tenants, may have a lot to do with how happy that a tenant will be in her new digs, her connection with the landlord is key. Throughout this connection it is crucial to stay respectful and upbeat. If the toilet is stopped up because your toddler stuffed his teddy bear to it, don’t call your landlord up in the middle of the night. Report your problems during business hours whenever possible. Apologize and offer to pay for the repair of any damage you cause, and invite your landlord once he goes over and beyond the demands of the lease. Slimming down the line, when you want a favor because you have locked yourself out or need a reference, you may reap the benefits of a fantastic relationship with your landlord.

Averting and Solving Problems

Although you might think the landlord doesn’t want to be bothered about the little leak in your kitchen faucet, take into consideration the water bill he pays monthly. In case the garbage accumulates in the chute and no tenant takes responsibility, take into consideration the nice the landlord may get from the city. Landlords like problem solvers and tenants that can help him watch out for problems. When it comes time for rent increases, you might find that you do not get one. Landlords will go the excess mile for a helpful tenant.

Other Considerations

Some towns, such as San Francisco, Berkeley and Oakland, have rent control. This is local laws that limits lease increases, frequently limits evictions and occasionally prescribes other tenant-landlord regulations. These regulations take precedent over anything. Familiarize yourself with these rules prior to signing a lease.

See related

The Federal Housing Authority (FHA), a division of the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), guarantees mortgages on houses in order to encourage banks to lend to those who might otherwise not be able to acquire a mortgage. When those mortgages are defaulted on, HUD takes possession of the home through foreclosure proceeding. These one- to four-unit dwellings, often called HUD houses, may be sold at prices at or below current market value.

Availability

After HUD takes possession of a home through taxation, it tries to dispose of their property as rapidly as possible. But, HUD rules require the HUD houses first be offered to folks who are owner-occupants. This priority interval is between 10 to 21 days, depending on the regional rules. If the priority interval expires and the residence is not under contract, the home could be sold to investors who will resell or rent the property.

HUD Revenue

HUD properties are sold through management companies that maintain websites on the Internet. Any real estate agent who is registered with HUD can submit an offer for a buyer on one of these properties. When a HUD home is first offered for sale, it will be priced at fair market value. During what is known as an offer period, HUD takes offers on the property; when the interval is up, it opens all the offers and takes the greatest acceptable bid.

As Is

HUD homes are sold as is without any warranty as to the state of the houses, nor will HUD pay for any repairs. Prospective buyers should get a home inspection by a licensed professional inspector before purchasing a HUD home. Homes that need rehab can be financed with FHA 203(k) loans, which give the borrower with the money to buy the HUD home and fix it up, using a single mortgage.

Special Programs

HUD offers houses at a discount to firefighters, teachers, law enforcement representatives, emergency medical professionals, government organizations and nonprofit organizations under a program called Good Neighbor Initiatives. Discount programs are also offered to residents of hurricane-ravaged areas (such as those affected by Hurricanes Katrina, Gustav, Wilma and Rita) who lost their houses or needed to move permanently because of hurricanes.

Government Purchases

Local governments may purchase HUD homes at a discount. Houses appraised at below 20,000 dollars may be obtained for as few as 100 dollars if they have been in the marketplace for over 60 days and the organization is purchasing at least 10 houses under a bulk sales plan. Homes in the marketplace after 180 days and not under contract could be sold to local governments for one dollar and closing costs.

See related

I have been in some tiny bathrooms — you know, the kind that make you feel as though you need to lose 5 lbs to enter them. But I really like working on this sort of bathroom design. Trying to make everything fit in the available space is similar to performing a giant crossword puzzle.

Among the challenges: configuring the toilet and sink to code, allowing enough clearance for a shower and also, of course, where to set the towels and t.p. Despite the challenges, in most cases it’s still far better to squeeze in an excess bathroom where one is desperately needed, even though it has to be small.

Here are 12 strategies for designing a little bathroom. And yes, you’re off the hook to the 5 lbs.

Hillary Thomas Designs

1. Put in a corner sink. Occasionally even a pedestal sink may interrupt the sole accessible traffic lane in a bathroom.

Within this case placing a corner sink across in the toilet works better than a sink across in the shower. The closing and opening of the shower door usually creates an embarrassing walk-around condition.

Scott Neste | Minor Details Interior Design

2. Use a shower curtain. A shower curtain that moves back and forth saves space above a glass door that moves in and out. Shower-tub combos really can fit into small spaces, with a few bathtubs coming in at 60 inches in length.

Jordan Parnass Digital Architecture

3. Float the vanity. Besides just visually assisting the bathroom appear larger, mounting a vanity above the floor frees up a tiny space for small items.

Peter S. Balsam Associates

4. Round the vanity. Tight spaces may make sharp corners hip hazards. If the corners of a vanity could put in the way, opt for a curved style. Yes, even a round vanity may work in a square space. No more bruised hips!

Chris A Dorsey Photography

5. Extend the counter above the toilet. This banjo-style arrangement can be done with stone or a wood slab. The elongated counter generates just enough space for some needed items. Toilet positioning isn’t affected, and the look is clean and minimalist.

Dunlap Design Group, LLC

6. Use a large-scale layout. A large-scale layout, like this broad stripe, can trick the eye into seeing expanded space. The square footage might stay the same, however the bathroom will feel larger.

The best way to paint perfect stripes

Wagner Studio Architecture

7. Skip the shower door. If your bathroom is about 5 feet wide, that’s just enough space to squeeze in a toilet and a 30- by 60-inch tub. With tight circumstances like these, think about a glass panel rather than a glass shower door. It’ll keep most of the water from the shower and also will free up needed leg room.

Chic Decor & Design, Margarida Oliveira

8. Expand the mirror. From the tightest spaces, acquiring a mirror stretch throughout the wall rather than just the vanity may enable two people to use it at once. In less-than-ideal space states, every inch assists.

Michael Goodsmith Design

9. Mount the towel bar on a doorway. Where do I put my towels? I wish I had a nickel for every time I heard this question.

When space is at a minimum, mounting a towel bar on the shower door keeps towels handy. You might have to put away the majority of your towels in a nearby linen cupboard, but having that one towel close by to dry off is vital.

Design Cube Inc..

10. Put in a trough sink. The slim, clean styling of a trough sink is a fine space option. Trough sinks have a very low profile. When wall mounted, they free up floor area as nicely for storage or foot traffic.

Sheila Rich Interiors, LLC

11. Select a vanity with one shelf. Pedestal design has gotten smarter. Even a pedestal style with one shelf can hold even a basket for toilet paper. Personally, I love the way clean, fresh towels look folded neatly in a bathroom.

Studio Frank

12. Use a wall-mounted faucet. Mounting a tap on the wall allows for a narrower sink or vanity, which then frees up square footage from the entire bathroom. Don’t be afraid to try a faucet in conventional design. It works anywhere!

Designers: Please share your latest small-bathroom design suggestion below!

See related

Earthenware is made from clays that were found, whilst porcelain and bone china are all made from smoother, fine-particle , harder-to-work clays. The difference between those ceramic products starts with the clay’s consistency and its porosity and finishes with its processing in the kiln.

The Clays

The gaps among things labeled bone china and earthenware, stoneware, fine porcelain and other materials that go into making them, the porosity of these materials and the firing temperatures. Due to the ready availability of iron-infused clays for earthenware — and its firing temperature — those clays are also used for bricks, tiles and other practical household items. It is the exact same clay that is used for pottery by primitive and native peoples. Nice china, which is made up of bone or porcelain china, contains other materials that require higher firing temperatures, which also will help to make them more durable and enhanced clays.

The Firing Process

A number of the ancient practical earthenware pieces were fired by burying them in a pit covered with nothing but wood fuel set afire. Earthenware fires at temperatures which begin as low as 1,300 degrees Fahrenheit up to 2,100 degrees F, whereas bone and porcelain china clays fire at temperatures starting at degrees F, but can go. After the firing — the first shooting after drying — and prior to the last glazes are inserted — earthenware turns brown, red or black. Due to the skill required to work it and the high firing temperatures for china, fine china dinnerware prices more overall.

Everyday Dinnerware

Since it’s cheap to create earthenware stands for everyday use in the dinner table, and it becomes somewhat watertight, though less than stoneware, which is also more durable, using a glaze and it added together. It is also on the cheap end of this spectrum, costing significantly less than stoneware, followed bone and porcelain china. In the home, you find earthenware utilized for ornamental bits, toaster steamers and garden planters and pots.

Quality Dinnerware

Porcelain and bone china clays are harder to shape, but attain a smoother product because they include particles that are smaller compared to the texture of earthenware clays. When fired, the clays in good china can attain a melting temperature which turns these things almost glasslike. Bone china dinnerware develops a translucence which gives it a delicate appearance, though it’s still exceptionally durable. It takes skill to work with the clays in good china, making the end product a higher more costly and quality one, better suited to special occasions, formal dinners or holiday gatherings.

See related

In case your Danby air conditioner takes a little long for to the conditioning area, clogged grills, dirty filters and distances are culprits. Air conditioners and Since Danby’s 2014 lineup encompasses more than 30 window units, troubleshooting techniques change per model; assessing the included owner’s care manual functions as your best bet for comprehensive data.

Filters First

Whether you have a window unit or a portable air conditioner, there would be a filter that is dirty the cause of cooling. To restore power, eliminate the filter; it located behind the front grille of window units or models, some of which have just two filters’ grill. Vacuum the filter with a soft brush attachment, then soak it in warm water with a little bit of dish soap that is neutral. Rinse the filter with plain water and let it air-dry completely before reinstalling it.

Window Unit Woes

Before taking action with a slow window unit, Danby recommends turning off the air conditioner for approximately five minutes, enabling it to break, then restarting the appliance. This helps conquer power interruptions or a dispenser overload. Clear any debris such as leaves or twigs and eliminate obstructions that are indoor, including placed furniture or curtains, from front grille to encourage airflow and cooling.

Portable Problems

Escaping air contributes to portable air conditioners that are slow-cooling, so make sure all windows and doors in the area are shut, and the unit hose is securely attached and free of bends blockage or punctures. Similar to window units, blockage of this grille by debris or objects in the area can slow the procedure. The existence of different appliances that generate heat — or a room full of bodies that are warm — also may undermine your portable AC’s ability to cool.

Reaching Out

If basic cleaning techniques do not help reunite power to a Danby air conditioner, then turn to repair professionals. Contact Danby’s customer helpline or email the corporation. At the official site of Danby, enter your zip code to the dealer locator to locate the nearest authorized service center, which can supply parts to your air conditioner that is malfunctioning and repair.

See related

There are lots of varieties though the gutters may nevertheless need cleaning of gutter guards used to protect rain gutters out of twigs, leaves and other debris. It’s still advised that you wash your gutters as clogged gutters could lead to damage to the home, such as flooding in the event that you use a excellent gutter protector. Use the proper equipment to clean your gutters.

Put a drop cloth where you will be working to catch falling leaves and other gutter debris. Where you have to clean your gutters set up a ladder against your home, so the foundation rests on a surface, and position it. If using an extension ladder, its three rungs should extend over the roof edge.

Secure the ladder by using a rope to tie the crate at its foundation, such as a nearby tree, or even have a buddy or family member hold the ladder for you as you work. It is nonetheless a good idea to have a friend or family member place you even should you use rope to secure the ladder.

Put on safety goggles and also garden gloves.

Climb up the ladder for eliminating debris with a bucket.

Eliminate the gutter guards. Place guard sections or hand them. There are quite a few types of gutter some need snaps or clips to remain connected to the gutter, whereas others, such as gutter brushes and plastic mesh gutter guards, are set in the gutter with no attachment substances.

Leaves and any other debris the gutter guards missed in your bucket. You might let debris fall onto the drop material. Use other tool or a garden spade to trash any hardened debris out of the gutters.

Take a friend or family member hand you your garden hose to wash out the gutters. Use a hose since it will allow you to control the water pressure. After the gutters have been thoroughly cleaned, fix the gutter guards back onto the gutter.

See related

Home swimming pools can provide recreation and a way to keep fit. Homeowners who take on a pool construction project should also consider the portion of the construction. Pools need efficiently to function. This work must be inspected before the pool can be used.

Electricians and Permits

Among the first actions to a successful inspection is hiring a qualified electrician to start the installation process that is electric. Electrical wiring requires expertise in control, wiring and loads panels. Qualified electricians have to be trained to protect against any chance of electrocution. The electrician must receive a license for the electrical function of your swimming pool from construction inspection authority and a construction. This license will require a fee. The electrician may include this fee in her bill, or the homeowner could pay the authority right, depending on the arrangement between the homeowner and the electrician. The electrician can start the preliminary work on the pool once the license is acquired.

Rough-in Inspection

The electrician should have facets of his job scrutinized before it could be accepted. When the electrician wired and has installed the pool and configured the circuits, an inspector can examine the job. The inspector has to be a certified electrician accepted by the state. These inspectors have to have passed the state examination before they qualify for any inspection work and should have attended training classes that were licensed. Normally, the inspector should be notified by the electrician at work at least 24 hours before the inspection is needed. The inspector has to be able to see all of the electrical function. No covers should hide the wiring or circuitry. Inspectors can’t approve any work unless it’s readily observable.

Service Inspection

Depending upon the neighborhood regulations, the service inspection might happen through the inspection. But many areas need three inspections. Since he is knowledgeable about the pool project, the service inspection is normally performed by the same inspector. Wiring to panels and power configurations has to be at this time in place. Similar to all wiring, the inspection and panels have to be uncovered or open to allow the inspector.

Final Inspection

Final inspection is the last step required for an swimming pool According to the title. The same inspector visits with the undertaking. All electric wiring, panels and boxes have to be available for inspection, and the power has to be to check the protection of the circuits. If the contractor accomplishes the electrician’s work as safe and sound, the electrician close and to cover all electric connections can be instructed by the homeowner. The pool is ready to be used at this time.

See related