Home Improvements

Tips and Hints website for your browser bookmarks

2010-09-09T09:41:00.000+01:00

New tips and hints website was launched days ago - www.TipsHints.co.uk - giving free advice about your home, home improvement and every day tasks of your life. Compiled by hints ant tips from trade professionals.

Fridge freezer repairs

2010-05-09T21:48:00.005+01:00

Fridge freezer repairs for fixed online quote anywhere in England, Wales and Scotland. Qualified engineers to repair following brands of fridge freezers: Admiral, AEG, Ariston, Asko, Atag, Baumatic, Beko, Belling, Bosch, Brandt, Candy, Cannon, Caple, Carlton, Coolzone, Creda, Daewoo, De Dietrich, Electrolux, Fagor, Fridgemaster, Frigidaire, General Electric, Haier, Hoover, Hotpoint, Husky, Indesit, Kelvinator, Kuppersbusch, LEC, LG, Matsui, Maytag, Micromark, Mondia, Neff, Norfrost, Nova Scotia, Ocean, Panache, Philco, Philips, Samsung, Servis, Siemens, Smeg, Snowcap, Sovereign, Teka, Tricity Bendix, Vestel, Whirlpool, Zanussi.

This is the ultimate appliance repair service in UK.

Craftsman

2010-02-19T17:18:00.003Z

An aspiring master would have to pass through the career chain from apprentice to journeyman before he could be elected to become a master craftsman. He would then have to produce a sum of money and a masterpiece before he could actually join the guild.If the masterpiece was not accepted by the masters, he was not allowed to join the guild, possibly remaining a journeyman for the rest of his life.

Tiler

2010-02-19T16:49:00.005Z

A tile is a manufactured piece of hard-wearing material such as ceramic, stone, metal, or even glass. Tiles are generally used for covering roofs, floors, and walls, showers, or other objects such as tabletops. Alternatively, tile can sometimes refer to similar units made from lightweight materials such as perlite, wood, and mineral wool, typically used for wall and ceiling applications.

Tiles are often used to form wall and floor coverings, and can range from simple square tiles to complexmosaics. Tiles are most often made from ceramic, with a hard glaze finish, but other materials are also commonly used, such as glass, marble, granite, slate, and reformed ceramic slurry, which is cast in a muld and fired.

The spread of the roof tile technique has to be viewed in connection with the simultaneous rise of monumental architecture in ancient Greece. Only the appearing stone walls, which were replacing the earlier mudbrick and wood walls, were strong enough to support the weight of a tiled roof.

Tiling was extensively used by Sinhalese kings of ancient Sri Lanka. most of the time they used polished and smoothened stones, which were laid on floors and swimming pools. Historians suggest that they have used advanced techniques and tools for tiling because each tile fits perfectly to the other that not a blade can be inserted in between.

Swimming pool

2010-02-19T16:33:00.005Z

A swimming pool, swimming bath, wading pool, or simply a pool,is a usually artificially constructed container filled with water intended for swimming or water-based recreation. A pool can be built either above or in the ground, and from materials such as metal, plastic, fiberglass or concrete.

Many health clubs, fitness centers and private clubs have public pools used mostly for exercise. Many hotels and massage parlors have public pools for relaxation. Hot tubs and spas are pools with hot water, used for relaxation or therapy, and are common in homes, hotels, clubs and massage parlors. Swimming pools are also used for diving and other water sports, as well as for the training of lifeguards and astronauts.

Chemical disinfectants such as chlorine, bromine or mineral sanitizers, and additional filters are often used in swimming pools to prevent growth and spread of bacteria, viruses, algae and insectlarvae. Alternatively, pools can be made without chemical disinfectants by using a biofilter with additional filters. In both cases, pools need to be fitted with an adequate flow rate.

Stonemason

2010-02-19T16:12:00.007Z

Creating buildings, structures, and sculpture using stone from the earth. These materials have been used to construct many of the long-lasting, ancient monuments, artifacts, cathedrals, and cities in a wide variety of cultures.
Igneous stones
Granite is one of the hardest stones, and requires such different techniques to sedimentary stones that it is virtually a separate trade. With great persistence, simple mouldings can and have been carved into granite.
Generally, however, it is used for purposes that require its strength and durability, such as kerbstones, countertops, flooring, and breakwaters.
Igneous stone ranges from very soft rocks such as pumice and scoria to somewhat harder rocks such as tuff and hard rocks such as obsidian, granite and basalt.

Metamorphic
Marble has traditionally been used for carving statues, and for facing many Byzantine and Renaissance Italian buildings. The traditional home of the marble industry is the area around Carrara in Italy, from where a bright white marble is extracted in vast quantities.
Slate is a popular choice of stone for memorials and inscriptions, as its fine grain and hardness means it leaves details very sharp. Meanwhile, its tendency to split into thin plates has made it a popular roofing.

Sedimentary
Many of the world's most famous buildings have been built of sedimentary stone. There are two main types of sedimentary stone used in masonry work, limestones and sandstones. Examples of limestones include Bath and Portland stone.

Stoneworker

2010-02-19T15:56:00.003Z

Stoneworkers work, unsurprisingly, with stone.

Various types of work—that of the lapidary who shapes, cuts, and polishes gemstones or engraves them for seals and ornaments; of the jeweler or artisan who mounts or encrusts them in gold, silver, or other metal; of the stonemason who executes the plan of architect or engineer for wall, pier, vault, bridge, or dam; of the carver who chisels bas-relief, intaglio, or freestanding figure, using a pointing machine for accuracy; and of the printer at his imposing stone.

Stonemasonry may be of hard materials, such as granite, bluestone, or marble, requiring full finish before laying, or of softer varieties, such as brownstone, laid with rough exterior, the decoration being carved afterward.

Specialist tradesman

2010-02-12T16:40:00.005Z

The term includes general construction workers, also referred to as labourers and members of specialist trades such electricians, carpenters and plumbers.

Bricklayer, a who lays bricks to and construct brickwork. The term also refers to personnel who use blocks to construct blockwork walls and other forms of masonry.

Carpenter, a skilled craftsman who performs carpentry - a wide range of woodworking that includes constructing buildings, furniture, and other objects out of wood. The work generally involves significant manual labor and work outdoors, particularly in rough carpentry.

Concrete finisher, a tradesman who works with concrete, which includes placing, finishing, protecting and repairing concrete in construction projects. Carpet Layer is a tradesmen who specializes in laying carpets and flooring.

A heavy equipment operator drives and operates heavy equipment used in engineering andconstruction projects.

Electrician, a tradesman specializing in electrical wiring of buildings and related equipment. Electricians may be employed in the construction of new buildings or maintenance of existing electrical infrastructure.

Fencer, a tradsmen who builds fences.

Laborer, tradesman proficient with air tools, hand tools, blasting, small heavy equipment and assisting other trades.

Painter and decorator, a tradesman responsible for the painting and decorating of buildings, and is also known as a decorator or house painter.

Plasterer, a tradesman who works with plaster, such as forming a layer of plaster on an interior wall or plaster decorative moldings on ceilings or walls.

Plumber, a tradesman who specialises in installing and maintaining systems used for plumbing,heating, drainage, potable (drinking) water or small-sized industrial process plant piping.

Pipefitter, (also called steamfitter) is someone who lays out, assembles, fabricates, maintains and repairs large-sized piping systems for industrial processes which are typically under high pressure and require metals such as carbon steel, stainless steel, and other alloys fused together throughwelding.

Steel fixer, a tradesman who positions and secures reinforcing bars and mesh used to reinforce concrete on construction projects.

Steel erector, a tradesman who installs structural steel frames of building and engineering projects. The components would usually have been prefabricated, including all welded joints. Structural steel installation is usually crane assisted and utilizes mobile elevated work platforms or scissor lifts as the structure progresses. The work is executed in team using powered and hand tools to bolt the steelwork together.

Tiler, a tradesmen who works on tile in peoples home.

Welder is a tradesman who specialises in welding materials together.

Loft stairs in Bow,loft extention in Leyton.

Security specialist

2010-02-12T16:02:00.003Z

Globalisation has changed the structure and pace of corporate life; the saturation of traditional markets is taking companies to more risky places; the shift towards a knowledge economy is eroding the importance of ‘place’ in the business world; new business practices such asoffshoring challenge companies to manage at a distance; and new forms of accountability, such as corporate governance and corporate social responsibility, put added pressure on companies to match their words with deeds, wherever they are operating.

At the same time, security risks have become more complex, too. Many of the threats, such as terrorism, organised crime and information security, are asymmetric and networked, making them more difficult to manage.

The principle role of the security department is to convince colleagues across the business to deliver security through their everyday actions and decisions – not try to do security to or for the company.

The security department is in the business of change management rather than enforcement and works through trusted social networks of influence.

Security is there to help the company to take risks rather than prevent them and should therefore be at the forefront of new business development.

Security constantly responds to new business concerns and, as such, the portfolio of responsibilities and their relative importance will change over time. Security departments should never stand still or become fixed entities. In many companies today, its role is more concerned with overall corporate resilience than ‘traditional’ security.

Security is both a strategic and operational activity, and departments must distinguish between these two layers.

The power and legitimacy of the security department does not come from its expert knowledge, but from its business acumen, people skills, management ability and communication expertise.

Roofer

2010-02-12T15:54:00.003Z

A roof protects the building and its contents from the effects of weather. Structures that require roofs range from a letter box to a cathedral orstadium, dwellings being the most numerous.

In most countries a roof protects primarily against rain. Depending upon the nature of the building, the roof may also protect against heat, sunlight, cold and wind. Other types of structure, for example, a garden conservatory, might use roofing that protects against cold, wind and rain but admits light.

The characteristics of a roof are dependent upon the purpose of the building that it covers, the available roofing materials and the local traditions of construction and wider concepts of architectural design and practice and may also be governed by local or national legislation.

The material of a roof may range from banana leaves, wheaten straw or seagrass to lamininated glass,aluminium sheeting and precast concrete. In many parts of the world ceramic tiles have been the predominant roofing material for centuries.

Most domestic architecture, except in very dry regions, has roofs that are sloped, or pitched. The pitch is partly dependent upon stylistic factors, but has more to do with practicalities. Some types of roofing, for example thatch, require a steep pitch in order to be waterproof and durable.

The durability of a roof is a matter of concern because the roof is often the least accessible part of a building for purposes of repair and renewal, while its damage or destruction can have serious effects.

A roof is the covering on the uppermost part of a building.

Builder in Bow,

Plumber

2010-02-12T15:18:00.006Z

A plumber is a tradesperson who specialises in installing and maintaining systems used for potable (drinking) water, sewage, drainage.

Plumbers in the United Kingdom undertake the installation of domestic internal hot and cold water pipe work, sanitary fittings and related soiland waste pipe work systems. Domestic, commercial and industrial gas-fired (central) heating installation, servicing and repair works, and works related to all other gas fired appliances, although done by plumbers, may also involve other trades such as pipe fitters, gas fitters etc.

Plumbers install and repair pipes, fittings, fixtures, and other plumbing equipment used for water distribution, waste water disposal, and venting in residential, commercial, institutional, and industrial buildings.

Reading blueprints, drawings, and specifications to determine layout of water supply, waste, and venting systems

Installing, repairing and maintaining domestic, commercial, and industrial plumbing fixtures and systems

Locating and marking positions for pipe connections, passage holes, and fixtures in walls and floors

Measuring, cutting, bending, and threading pipes using hand and power tools or machines

Testing pipes for leaks using air and water pressure gauges

Awareness of legal regulations and safety issues

Ensuring safety standards and build regulations are met.

Hot water supply repairs in Notting Hill,

Renderer

2010-02-12T14:55:00.004Z

Rendering is the process of generating an image from a model, by means of computer programs. It would contain geometry, viewpoint,texture, lighting, and shading information. The image is a digital image or raster graphics image. In the graphics pipeline, it is the last major step, giving the final appearance to the models and animation.

Rendering has uses in architecture, video games, simulators, movie or TV special effects, and design visualization, each employing a different balance of features and techniques.

In the case of 3D graphics, rendering may be done slowly, as in pre-rendering, or in real time. When the pre-image (a wireframe sketch usually) is complete, rendering is used, which adds in bitmap textures or procedural textures, lights, bump mapping, and relative position to other objects.

Plasterer

2010-02-12T14:37:00.003Z

A Plasterer is a tradesman who works with plaster, such as forming a layer of plaster on an interior wall or plaster decorative moldings on ceilings or walls.

Plaster is used as a building material similar to mortar or cement. Like those materials plaster starts as a dry powder that is mixed with water to form a paste which liberates heat and then hardens. Unlike mortar and cement, plaster remains quite soft after drying, and can be easily manipulated with metal tools or even sandpaper. These characteristics make plaster suitable for a finishing, rather than a load-bearing material.

Plaster was a common building material for wall surfaces in a process known as lath and plaster, whereby a series of wooden strips on a studwork frame was covered with a semi-dry plaster that hardened into a surface. The plaster used in most lath and plaster construction was mainly lime plaster, with a cure time of about a month.

Today this building method has been partly replaced withdrywall, also composed mostly of gypsum plaster. In both these methods a primary advantage of the material is that it is resistant to a fire within a room and so can assist in reducing or eliminating structural damage or destruction provided the fire is promptly extinguished.

Plaster may also be used to create complex detailing for use in room interiors. These may be geometric (simulating wood or stone) or naturalistic (simulating leaves, vines, and flowers) These are also often used to simulate wood or stone detailing found in more substantial buildings.

Decoratar

2010-02-12T13:59:00.004Z

The Decorator patterns allows an objects behavior to be dynamically altered at runtime. This change in behavior is accomplished by wrapping an object with a new object. This new wrapper object is the Decorator. The Decorator object will implement the same interface as the object being wrapped.

The decorative arts are a traditional term for a number of arts and crafts for the making of ornamental and functional works in a great range of materials includingceramic, wood, glass, metal, textiles and many others. The field includesceramics, glassware, furniture, furnishings, interior design, but not usually architecture. The decorative arts are often categorized in opposition to the "fine arts", namely, painting, drawing, photography, and large-scale sculpture, which generally have no function other than to be looked at.

Applied art includes the decorative arts but also graphic design and other categories, such as industrial design, which may overlap with decorative art.

In art history the term minor arts is often used for the decorative arts.

Also beauty is a characteristic of a person, animal, place, object, or idea that provides a perceptual experience of pleasure, meaning, or satisfaction.Beauty is studied as part of aesthetics, sociology, social psychology, and culture.

A military decoration is a decoration given to military personnel or units for heroism in battle or distinguished service. They are designed to be worn on military uniform.

A civil decoration is a decoration awarded to civilians for distinguished service.

Interior design is a multi-faceted profession in which creative and technical solutions are applied within a structure to achieve a built interior environment.The work of an interior designer draws upon many disciplines includingenvironmental psychology, architecture, product design, and traditional decoration(aesthetics and cosmetics). They plan the spaces of almost every type of building including: hotels, corporate spaces, schools, hospitals, private residences, shopping malls, restaurants, theaters, and airport terminals.

Today, interior designers must be attuned to architectural detailing including floor plans, home renovations, and construction codes. Some interior designers are architects as well.

Painter

2010-02-12T12:14:00.006Z

A house painter and decorator is a tradesman responsible for the painting and decorating of buildings, and is also known as a decorator or house painter.

The modern composition of paints results in latex formulations being widely used for exterior as well as interior. That greatly reduces post painting cleanup, and reduces the smells associated with petroleum and polyester based paints.

For many painting , the most important innovation in painting has been computerized paint scanners that formulate new paints to match the often faded color of existing paints. Or, to match fabric colors, flowers or another desired source.

Although the brush and the fabric roller were the tools most readily associated with the painter, foam brushes are now commonly used for precise work requiring a straight line. Foam brushes can also be used to create a smoother surface using less paint that dries more quickly than brush applications.

The spray gun is one of the latest tools in the painter's arsenal. It is powered by an electric, pneumaticor fuel powered motor which pumps paint through a hose into a gun whichatomizes the paint to a fine spray.

The ground brush, also known as a pound brush, was a round or ellipticalbrush bound by wire, cord or metal. They were generally heavy to use, and required considerable usage to break them in.

Sash tools were smaller brushes, similar to a ground brush, and used mainly for cutting in sash or glazing bars found on windows.

Varnish brushes are the most common flat brushes available today and are used for painting as well as varnishing.

Distemper brushes, used for applying distemper, an early form of whitewash, were best made of pure bristle and bound by copper bands to prevent rustdamage.

Fitches are smaller brushes, either ovular or flat and one inch wide, that are used in fine work such as to pick out the detail on a painted moulding. Stipplers come in various shapes and sizes and are used to apply paint with astippled effect. A duster or jamb brush was used to dust the area to be painted before work commenced. Stencil brushes, similar in style to a shaving brush, were used for the purpose of stencilling walls or in the creation of hand-madewallpapers.Brushes are best stored in a purpose made brush keeper, a box on which awire could be suspended. If brushes are cleaned after use, they can last for years.

Metal work

2010-02-12T11:58:00.004Z

Metalworking is the process of working with metals to create individual parts, assemblies, or large scale structures. The term covers a wide range of work from large ships and bridges to precise engineparts and delicate jewellery.
Metal work has evolved from the discovery of smelting various ores, producing malleable and ductile metal useful for tools and adornments. Modern metalworking processes, though diverse and specialized, can be categorized as forming, cutting or joining processes.
Almost all other metals are found in ores, a mineral bearing rock, that require heat or some other process to liberate the metal. Another feature of gold is that it is workable as it is found, meaning that no technology beyond eyes to find a nugget and a hammer and an anvil to work the metal is needed. Stone hammer and stone anvil will suffice for technology. This is the result of gold's properties of malleability and ductility. The earliest tools were stone, bone, wood, and sinew. They sufficed to work gold.

Loft Conversion

2010-02-12T10:42:00.008Z

A loft can be an upper story or attic or basement in a building, directly under the roof. Alternatively, it can be a loft apartment which is a large adaptable open space either created or converted for residential use.

A loft conversion is the process of transforming an empty attic space into a functional room, typically used as either living accommodation or storage space. Loft conversions are one of the most popular forms of home improvement in the UK as a result of their numerous perceived benefits.

It is fairly common to convert a loft instead of moving home, with the most common additions being an extra bedroom or study.

A measurement of 2.3 metres is required to allow enough headroom although you may find that you can still get a useful room from as little as 7ft (2.1m) and there must be at least 2 metres clearance above the position of the access stairs. The roof should be checked for any signs that rainwater is entering the roof space. The appearance of dark stains on the roof rafters is a strong indication that this problem exists. Repairs to the roof are usually carried out during the works as part of the loft conversion process due to the construction of dormers and fitting roof windows.

Roof windows are often an attractive option for homeowners due to their ability to fit into the line of the roof.The installation of such windows will provide the loft space with substantial light.

A dormer is a window-featured extension of the roof, usually installed to provide more space and headroom within the loft, in addition to improved staircase access.

Other lofts

A commercial loft refers to a building that has ceilings over 17 feet (5 m) in height and a second story area for storage or offices above.

A live/work loft is a space designed to house a resident and their business.

A raised area or gallery in a shipyard where workers stand while fitting rigging.

A large, open, high ceilinged space where parachute riggers re-pack parachutes into parachute containers.

A large open space used by sailmakers to spread out sails

Some churches have a choir loft, where the singers stand or sit during services.

Loft conversion in Leyton,loft renovation in Stratford,loft extention in Bethnal Green.

Other kitchen types

2010-02-11T18:00:00.004Z

Restaurant and canteen kitchens found in hotels, hospitals, educational & work place facilities, army barracks, and similar establishments are generally (in developed countries) subject to public health laws.

Today's western restaurant kitchens typically have tiled walls and floors and use stainless steel for other surfaces (workbench, but also door and drawer fronts) because these materials are durable and easy to clean.

Professional kitchens are often equipped with gas stoves, as these allow cooks to regulate the heat quicker and more finely than electrical stoves.

The fast food and convenience food trends have also changed the way restaurant kitchens operate.The kitchens in railway dining cars present special challenges: space is constrained, and nevertheless the personnel must be able to serve a great number of meals quickly.

Galleys are kitchens aboard ships or aircraft (although the term galley is also often used to refer to a railroad dining car's kitchen). On yachts, galleys are often cramped, with one or two gas burners fuelled by a gas bottle, but kitchens on cruise ships or largewarships are comparable in every respect with restaurants or canteen kitchens. On passenger airplanes, the kitchen is reduced to a mere pantry, the only function reminiscent of a kitchen is the heating of in-flight meals delivered by a catering company.

kitchen Industrialization

2010-02-11T17:26:00.005Z

The urbanization

In the second half of the 19th century induced other significant changes that would ultimately change the kitchen.Out of sheer necessity, cities began planning and building water distribution pipes into homes, and built sewers to deal with the waste water. Gas pipes were laid; gas was used first for lighting purposes, but once the network had grown sufficiently, it also became available for heating and cooking on gas stoves. At the turn of the 20th century, electricity had been mastered well enough to become a commercially viable.

Rationalization it was built for two purposes: to optimize kitchen work to reduce cooking time (so that women would have more time for the factory) and to lower the cost of building decently-equipped kitchens.

Technicalization parallel to this development in tenement buildings was the evolution of the kitchen in homeowner's houses. There, the kitchens usually were somewhat larger, suitable for everyday use as a dining room, but otherwise the ongoing technicalization was the same, and the use of unit furniture also became a standard in this market sector.

Open kitchens

The re-integration of the kitchen and the living area went hand in hand with a change in the perception of cooking: increasingly, cooking was seen as a creative and sometimes social act instead of work, especially in upper social classes.

Builder in Covent garden,

Kitchen

2010-02-11T16:24:00.022Z

A kitchen is a room or part of a room used for cooking and food preparation

In the West, a modern residential kitchen is typically equipped with a stove, a sink with hot and cold running water, a refrigerator and kitchen cabinets. Many households have amicrowave oven, a dishwasher and other electric appliances. The main function of a kitchen is cooking or preparing food but it may also be used for dining and entertaining.

Antiquity Greece homes of the wealthy had the kitchen as a separate room, usually next to a bathroom (so that both rooms could be heated by the kitchen fire), both rooms being accessible from the court. In such houses, there was often a separate small storage room in the back of the kitchen used for storing food and kitchen utensils.

In the Roman Empire, common folk in cities often had no kitchen of their own; they did their cooking in large public kitchens.

Wealthy Romans had relatively well-equipped kitchens. The kitchen was typically integrated into the main building as a separate room, set apart for practical reasons of smoke and sociological reasons of the kitchen being operated by slaves. The fireplace was typically on the floor, placed at a wall—sometimes raised a little bit—such that one had to kneel to cook. There were no chimneys.

Middle ages the kitchens were divided based on the types of food prepared in them.[1] In place of a chimney, these early buildings had a hole in the roof through which some of the smoke could escape. Besides cooking, the fire also served as a source of heat and light to the single-room building. With the advent of the chimney, the hearth moved from the center of the room to one wall, and the first brick-and-mortar hearths were built. The fire was lit on top of the construction; a vault underneath served to store wood. Pots made of iron, bronze, or copper started to replace the pottery used earlier. The temperature was controlled by hanging the pot higher or lower over the fire, or placing it on a trivet or directly on the hot ashes.

Colonial kitchens became a separate room only later. In the south, where the climate and sociological conditions differed, the kitchen was often relegated to an outhouse, separate from the mansion, for much of the same reasons as in the feudal kitchen in medieval Europe: the kitchen was operated by slaves.

Local builder in Barbican,

Flooring

2010-02-11T16:01:00.008Z

A floor is the walking surface of a room or vehicle. Floors vary from simple dirt in a cave to many-layered surfaces using modern technology. Floors may be stone, wood, bamboo, metal, or any material that can hold a person's weight.The levels of a building are often referred to as floors and are described in the article storey. Floors typically consist of a subfloor for support and a floor covering used to give a good walking surface. In modern buildings the subfloor often has electrical wiring, plumbing, and other services built in. Because floors meet many needs, some essential to safety, floors are built to strict building codes.

Balcony

A kind of platform projecting from the wall of a building, supported by columns or console brackets, and enclosed with a balustrade. The traditional Maltese balcony is a wooden closed balcony projecting from a wall.

A Floating Floor

Is a floor that does not need to be nailed or glued to the subfloor. The term floating floor refers to the installation method, but is often used synonymously with laminate flooring in a domestic context.A sprung floor is a special type of floating floor designed to enhance sports or dance performance. In general though the term refers to a floor used to reduce noise oravibration.

A glass floor

Is a transparent section of a floor, found most often in buildings (usually in the observation decks of towers) or boats in order to facilitate viewing directly beneath where one is standing.Usually made of a reinforced glass, the most common use is as a tourist attraction.

Nightingale floors

Designed to make a chirping sound when walked upon. These floors were used in the hallways of some temples and palaces. Dry boards naturally creak under pressure, but these floors were designed so that the flooring nails rubbed against a jacket or clamp, causing chirping noises.

Raised floor

Is a type of floor used in office buildings (such as IT data centers) with a high requirement for servicing to carry cables, wiring, electrical supply, and sometimes air conditioning or chilled water pipes. Additional structural support and lighting are often provided when a floor is raised enough for a person to crawl or even walk beneath.

Sprung floor

Is a floor that absorbs shocks giving it a softer feel. Such floors are considered the best available for dance and indoor sportsand physical education. They enhance performance and greatly reduce injuries. Modern sprung floors are supported by foam backing or rubber feet, while the traditional floors are cushioned mechanically.

Local builders in Wincham,builder in Leyton.

Heating Engineer

2010-02-11T15:07:00.004Z

There are different types of standard heating systems. Central heating is often used in cold climates to heat private houses and public buildings. Such a system contains a boiler, furnace, or heat pump to heat water, steam, or air, all in a central location such as a furnace room in a home or a mechanical room in a large building. The system also contains either ductwork, for forced air systems, or piping to distribute a heated fluid and radiators to transfer this heat to the air. The term radiator in this context is misleading since most heat transfer from the heat exchanger is by convection, not radiation. The radiators may be mounted on walls or buried in the floor to give under-floor heat.

In boiler fed or radiant heating systems, all but the simplest systems have a pump to circulate the water and ensure an equal supply of heat to all the radiators. The heated water can also be fed through another (secondary) heat exchanger inside a storage cylinder to provide hot running waterHeating can also be provided from electric, or resistance heating using a filament that becomes hot when electric current is caused to pass through it. This type of heat can be found in electric baseboard heaters, portable electric heaters, and as backup or supplemental heating for heat pump (or reverse heating) system.

The heating elements (radiators or vents) should be located in the coldest part of the room, typically next to the windows to minimize condensation and offset the convective air current formed in the room due to the air next to the window becoming negatively buoyant due to the cold glass. Devices that direct vents away from windows to prevent "wasted" heat defeat this design intent. Cold air drafts can contribute significantly to subjectively feeling colder than the average room temperature. Therefore, it is important to control the air leaks from outside in addition to proper design of the heating system.

Central heating in Plaistow, heating repairs in Hackney.

Garden Designer/Gardener

2010-02-11T14:49:00.003Z

Garden is the art and process of designing and creating plans for layout and planting of gardensand landscapes. Design may be done by the garden owner themselves, or by professionals of varying levels of experience and expertise. Most professional garden designers are trained in principles of design and in horticulture, and have an expert knowledge and experience of using plants. Some professional garden designers are also landscape architects, a more formal level of training that usually requires an advanced degree and often a state license. Many amateur gardeners also attain a high level of experience from extensive hours working in their own gardens, through casual study, serious study in Master Gardener Programs.

A gardener is someone who practices gardening.

Gardening ranges in scale from fruit orchards, to long boulevard plantings with one or more different types of shrubs, trees and herbaceous plants, to residential yards including lawns and foundation plantings, to large or small containers grown inside or outside. Gardening may be very specialized, with only one type of plant grown, or involve a large number of different plants in mixed plantings. It involves an active participation in the growing of plants, and tends to be labor intensive, which differentiates it from farmingor forestry.

Carpenter- Joiner

2010-01-27T13:28:00.009Z

Carpenter

Is a person who works with wood. They can make cabinets, build houses, or do other things with wood.The work may involve manual labor and work outdoors.The word "carpenter" is the English rendering of the Old French wordcarpentier (become charpentier) which is derived from the Latin carpentrius [artifex], "(maker) of a carriage. The Middle English word (in the sense of "builder") was wright (from the Old English wryhta), which could be used in compound forms such as wheelwright or boatwright.
A trim carpenter specializes in molding and trim, such as door and windowcasings, mantels, baseboard, and other types of ornamental work. Cabinet installers may also be referred to as trim carpenters.

A cabinetmaker is a carpenter who does fine and detailed work, specializing in the making of cabinets made from wood, wardrobes, dressers, storage chests, and other furniture designed for storage.

A ship's carpenter specializes in shipbuilding, maintenance, and repair techniques and carpentry specific to nautical needs; usually the term refers to a carpenter who has a post on a specific ship.

Steel warships as well as wooden ones need ship's carpenters, especially for making emergency repairs in the case of battle or storm damage.
A scenic carpenter in film-making, TV, and the theater builds and dismantles temporary scenery and sets.

A framer is a carpenter that builds the skeletal structure or framework of buildings. Techniques include platform framing, balloon framing, or timberframing (which may be post-and-beam or mortise-and-tenon framing)

Joiner
A joiner differs from a carpenter in that he or she cuts and fits joints in wood that do not use nails, usually in a workshop environment since the formation of the various joints generally requires non-portable machinery. A "joiner" would generaly produce items such as interior and exterior doors, windows, stairs, tables, bookshelves, etc.

Builders in Hammersmith,

Builder- Construction Trades

2010-01-27T11:54:00.005Z

Bricklayer, a tradesman who lays bricks to and construct brickwork.

Carpenter, a skilled craftsman who performs carpentry - a wide range of woodworking that includes constructing buildings, furniture, and other objects out of wood.

Carpet Layer is a tradesmen who specializes in laying carpets and flooring.

Concrete finisher, a tradesman who works with concrete, which includes placing, finishing, protecting and repairing concrete in construction projects.

Electrician, a tradesman specializing in electrical wiring of buildings and related equipment.

Fencer, a tradsmen who builds fences.

Laborer, tradesman proficient with air tools, hand tools, blasting, small heavy equipment and assisting other trades.

Painter and decorator, a tradesman responsible for the painting and decorating of buildings, and is also known as a decorator or house painter.

Plasterer, a tradesman who works with plaster, such as forming a layer of plaster on an interior wall or plaster decorative moldings on ceilings or walls.

Plumber, a tradesman who specialises in installing and maintaining systems used for plumbing,heating, drainage, potable (drinking) water or small-sized industrial process plant piping.

Pipefitter,is someone who lays out, assembles, fabricates, maintains and repairs large-sized piping systems for industrial processes which are typically under high pressure and require metals such as carbon steel, stainless steel, and other alloys fused together throughwelding.

Steel fixer, a tradesman who positions and secures reinforcing bars and mesh used to reinforce concrete on construction projects.

Steel erector, a tradesman who installs structural steel frames of building and engineering projects.

Builders in Nottingham, builders in Leyton and builders in Birmingham.

Repointing

2010-01-14T17:04:00.004Z

With exposure to wind, rain, frost etc, the mortar holding bricks (or stone) together on an external wall will often start to crumble away and fall out.

On older properties, the pointing will actually be a harder mortar than the bonding mortar, so once this is dislodged, the softer bonding mortar will become exposed and wear away quite quickly.

This repointing process begins by removing damaged pointing to a depth equal to or slightly more than the with of the joint, or to the point where sound mortar is reached.

On very old buildings with soft materials, such as under-fired brick, removal by hand is often the most effective to avoid damage.

Hard Portland cement mortar is usually removed with a grinder or power circular masonry blade, taking care not to damage the masonry units. Vertical joints in most cases are always done by hand or with small power chisels.

Poor repointing work often raises the level of the mortar joint above the face of the masonry unit, which causes the mortar edge to feather.

Repointing materials

It is essential that the mortar used for repointing have similar performance characteristics to the original mortar used in a building.

Mortar used for re-pointing should normally be based on hydraulic lime and clean sharp sand or other appropriate aggregates. The colour and size of the sand particles determine the appearance of the mortar.

The existing older mortar should be carefully examined so that aggregates used in re-pointing can be selected to match existing mortar for texture and colour.

The strength of the mortar should reflect the strength of the stone or brickwork and the exposure to weathering.

Sandstone requires a weak mix while whinstone will allow a firmer mortar bed but not so hard as to cause cracking and capillary pathways for water. Exposed chimneys will need a more durable mortar than a sheltered area of walling.

Lime is a general term for calcium-containing inorganicmaterials, in which carbonates,oxides and hydrohides predominate.

Materials are still used in large quantities as building and engineering materials (including limestone products, concentrete and mortar) and as chemical feedstocks, among other uses.

The rocks and minerals from which these materials are derived, typically limestone or chalk, are composed primarily of calcium carbonate. They may be cut, crushed or pulverized and chemically altered.

Home improvements in Sutton

2010-01-04T13:45:00.004Z

Sutton is one of several towns located on a narrow bed of Thanet sands which extends from Croydon in the east, to Epsom in the west. To the south of this belt is chalk of the North Downs, and to the north is clay. The belt of Thanet sands allowed wells to provide clean water, whereas the clay to the north mostly offered surface water of unsuitable quality. This feature attracted settlements to the sand belt from a very early date. The most notable of these were Epsom, Ewell, Cuddington, Cheam, Sutton, Carshalton, Wallington, and Waddon.

Sutton loft conversion companies, builders in Sutton and Portsmouth loft conversion companies.

Flat roof specialists in East London

2009-12-08T16:45:00.004Z

A flat roof is a type of covering of a building. In contrast to the sloped form of a roof, a flat roof is horizontal or nearly horizontal. Materials that cover flat roofs should allow the water to run off freely from a very slight inclination. Building it, just like any other building work - you might need a professional advice or service from one of the east London building companies. It can be used for any type of property in London.

A flat roof is the most cost-efficient roof shape as all room space can be used fully (below and above the roof) and as this roof allows easy revision/placement of solar panels. They also provide space for outdoor recreational use such as roof gardens. Applying a tough waterproofing membrane forms the ideal substrate for green roof planting schemes.

There are many flat roof specialist companies in Brent, flat roof specialists in Forest Gate and flat roof repairs in Woodford.

Loft improvement and conversion quotes in London

2009-12-01T15:44:00.002Z

If you are contemplating converting your loft, the normal course of action would be to employ a professional loft conversion company who would then undertake all aspects of the project, through to the final completed conversion. More often than not these companies employ the services of specialists, such as ourselves to prepare their drawings and obtain all of the requisite Building Regulation and Planning permissions.

Loft conversion as any other home improvement project can save you substantial amount of money by comparing quotes from at least 3 to 5 loft conversion specialists. You might also want to obtain a free bathroom design quotes from your local plumbers in Kentish Town.

The same thing applies if you are looking for local builders in Camden Town, loft conversion specialists in Camden Town and builders in Leyton area.

Home improvement companies in Islington

2009-11-10T15:46:00.003Z

Islington is the central district of the London Borough of Islington. It is an inner-city district in London, spanning from Islington High Street to Highbury Fields, encompassing the area around the busy Upper Street. The name is now also often applied to the areas of the borough close to Upper Street such as Barnsbury and Canonbury, developed in the Georgian era.

The area round Angel tube station is sometimes considered a district in its own right, The Angel, Islington. The northern part of this area (from the Liverpool Road junction northwards) is within the district of Islington, while the southern half is in neighbouring Finsbury. The area below Penton Steet and east of Pentonville Road is the adjoining district of Pentonville.

Home improvement companies such as builders in Islington, bathroom fitters in Islington, air conditioning repairs in Islington as well as painters and decorators in Islington.

Brickwork

2009-11-09T15:02:00.004Z

Brickwork masonry is produced when a bricklayer uses bricks and mortar to build up structures such as walls, bridges and chimneys. Brickwork is also used to finish openings such as doors or windows in buildings made of other materials. Where the bricks are to remain fully visible, as opposed to being covered up by plaster or stucco, this is known as face-work.

Flemish bond, also known as Dutch bond, has historically always been considered the most decorative bond, and for this reason was used extensively for dwellings until the adoption of the cavity wall. It is created by alternately laying headers and stretchers in a single course.

The next course is laid so that a header lies in the middle of the stretcher in the course below. Again, this bond is one brick thick. It is quite difficult to lay Flemish bond properly, since for best effect all the perpendiculars (vertical mortar joints) need to be vertically aligned.

If only one face of a Flemish bond wall is exposed, one third of the bricks are not visible, and hence may be of low visual quality.

This is a better ratio than for English bond, Flemish bond's main rival for load-bearing walls. Stretcher bold

Flemish bond, with two stretchers between the headers in each row, and the headers centred over the join between the two stretchers in the row below.

Rat-trap bond, also known as Chinese bond, is a type of garden wall bond in which the stretchers and headers are laid on their sides, with the base of the stretcher facing outwards. The main advantage of this bond is economy in use of bricks, giving a wall of one brick thickness with fewer bricks than a solid bond.

Rat-trap bond was in common usage in England for building houses of fewer than 3 stories up to the turn of the 20th century and is today still used in India as an economical bond, as well for the insulation properties offered by the air cavity. Also, many brick walls surrounding kitchen gardens were designed with cavities so hot air could circulate in the winter.

Herringbone bond

A brickwork bond in which the exposed brickwork is bonded to the heart of the wall by concealed courses of bricks laid diagonally to the faces of the wall in a herringbone pattern, with the end of each brick butting against the side of the adjoining brick; a form of raking bond.

Basket pattern bond

A pattern made up of pairs of bricks placed in a square grid so that the join between each pair is perpendicular to the join of the four pairs around it.

English Bond

The English bond bricks were laid in alternate layers of headers and stretchers. while flemish bond has alternate headers and stretchers within a layer, giving good looks to the surface. english bond has high strength value while flemish bond has looks.

Bricklayer

2009-11-09T13:59:00.004Z

A bricklayer is a tradesman who lays bricks to construct brickwork. The term also refers to personnel who use blocks to construct blockwork walls and other forms of masonry.

The training of a trade in European cultures has been a formal tradition for many centuries. A tradesman typically begins in an apprenticeship, working for and learning from a master craftsman, and after a number of years is released from his master's service to become a journeyman. After a journeyman has proven himself to his trade's guild (most guilds are now known by different names), he may settle down as a master craftsman and work for himself, eventually taking on his own apprentices.

The modern process can be different. A tradesman still begins as an apprentice, but the apprenticeship is carried out partly through working for a qualified tradesman and partly through an accredited technical college delivering level one, two and three brickwork qualifications to learners .

The training takes three years. After that there is an examination by the (guild). The apprentice must show that he is able to construct masonry, knows how to protect a house from humidity, knows about thermal insulation, knows about construction material science and about occupational health and safety.

A man who has many years of experience in his trade will be allowed to become a master. He will have an exam again. In this exam he will show that he is an expert of his trade. He also must show that he can work with other people well and has some knowledge of pedagogy, because as a master he will be allowed to educate younger bricklayers.

Curtains

2009-11-09T11:37:00.007Z

Shower curtains are curtains used in bathtubs with a shower or shower enclosures. They are usually made from vinyl, cloth or plastic.

The shower curtain has two main purposes: to provide privacy and to prevent water from flooding or spraying into the bathroom. Shower curtains usually surround the bath inside the tub or shower area, and are held up with railings or curtain rods on the ceiling.

To accommodate the different types of bathtub shapes, railings can come in different sizes and are flexible in their design. Many people use two shower curtains: one that is inside the tub, which is purely functional or decorative as well, and an outer shower curtain, which is purely decorative.

Bathroom plumbers in Wimbledon

2009-11-05T22:50:00.003Z

As it was in the 16th and 17th centuries, Wimbledon's attraction remains its combination of convenient access to central London with the benefit of plentiful recreational facilities. Strong demand for homes, especially the larger properties in the Wimbledon Village and Wimbledon Park areas, has seen prices increase to amongst the highest in the outer London area and South West London.

Wimbledon Village provides a good collection of bistros, restaurants, takeaways and pubs and during the fortnight of the tennis championship the streets are crowded with visitors enjoying the facilities. The newly reopened New Wimbledon Theatre on the Broadway is also popular throughout London, bringing in a large number of West End productions.

Quality plumbing systems installed by qualified Wimbledon licensed plumbers. Create the bathroom of your dreams.

Find local bathroom design companies in Wimbledon, bathroom installation in Wimbledon and general bathroom plumbing in Wimbledon.

Bathroom Cleaning Strategies

2009-11-03T16:02:00.007Z

1. Take everything out of the bathroom. The rugs, toilet paper, soap, toothbrushes, shower curtains, towels... Nothing should be left unless it is glued down such as the bathtub, toilet, sink and cupboards.
2. Clean the room from top to bottom. Start at the top. Dust the corners and remove the light coverings and make them shine.
3. Grab a big sponge and clean the walls and baseboards. A little bit of borax in water does a great job for cleaning the baseboards. Clean the wall according to the type of paint or material on the wall.
4. Next, is the toilet. The icky thing that is used everyday but is the last thing we want to clean. Put on some rubber gloves, plug your nose and clean. Baby wipes or sanitizer wipes are great for cleaning the outside of the toilet. Clean the outside of the toilet first and then do your magic in the toilet bowl. Personal recommendation is to get rid of your toilet bowl brush as they hold all the gross germs and are unsightly in the bathroom. Invest in the disposal toilet brushes.
5.The beautiful mirror in the bathroom will shine with a little bit of club soda. Spray club soda on the mirror and wipe clean with a piece of paper towel.
6. Bathtubs are filled with a dark ring that takes a great deal of elbow grease to get the tub sparkling. Sprinkle baking soda all over the tub and start rubbing. Rinse with water. Spend 10 minutes the first time and clean a little bit of the tub each day. After the tub is sparkling, you can upkeep the look once a week with much less effort.
7. As you wash the floors, put the bathroom carpets in the wash and let air dry. The floors can be washed with a little vinegar and water to remove the dirt.
8. Fill a spray bottle with water and add 3 drops of lemon oil and 2 drops of eucalyptus oil. Mist the room with the fragrance. If you have a window in the bathroom, leave it open for about 20 minutes to infuse the fresh energy from outside.
9. The bathroom is sparkling clean, it is now time to bring back the accessories and personal products back.
10. Read Organizing the Bathroom for tips to keep clutter to a minimum and to have the chi flow effortlessly and abundantly in the bathroom.

How to fix leaky Faucet

2009-11-03T15:08:00.006Z

1. Turn off the water. Before you start, turn the water off to your faucet. Look underneath your sink for the pipes that run up to your faucet. Along those pipes somewhere will be handles that you can turn to shut off the water to your sink.

2. Turn the handles clockwise to turn off the water. Turning the handle right tightens the handle, and thus turns your water off.

3. Plug up the sink drain once the water has been turned off. Use either the sink's in-built mechanism for plugging the drain, or plug it yourself with a rag. Nothing will ruin your day faster then having a screw or a washer going down the drain.

4. Take the faucet handles off. Take out the screw that is holding them on. Use the screwdriver for this. Some faucet handles might hide their screws behind plastic or metal caps. You might have to pry the cap off with a flathead screwdriver to get at the screws holding the handles on, or unscrew a cap.Once you've removed the screws, pry the handles off with a flathead screwdriver. Some handles might come off easily without the need for prying.

5. Once you have the faucet handle off, remove the old washer that was behind the handle. If there is Take the washer you've purchased. Simply place the washer where the old washer was.Basically the hole in the washer should be just slightly bigger than the post that the handle turns.

6. Take the washer behind the handle, that is okay, you are going to add one.

7. Put the faucet handle back on the post and put the screw back in. Tighten the handle until it is "hand tight". That means tighten the screw until it feels tight without you having to use extra strength to tighten it.

8. Turn your water back on by turning the handles under the sink counter-clockwise .

9. Check it.

10. If everything went well you shouldn't have a leaky faucet any longer. If your faucet continues to leak, try tightening the screws on the faucet handles just a bit more. If the faucet still leaks, then it really is time to call a plumber.

Bathroom Sink Faucets

2009-11-02T12:08:00.004Z

Bathroom faucets have evolved over the years, long gone are the days of standard chrome or brass with function but little style. Bath faucets are now available in a many styles, finishes and designs. Manufacturers are creating matching collections of faucets.

Allow your decorative whims to take over.

Whether exquisiteVintage, ultra modern or somewhere in between suits your fancy, you'll be sure to find the perfect faucets for your bathroom project, from your mature master bath, to a fun children's bathroom, to a beautiful guest bath that will welcome visitors.

Faucet finishes

Chrome - very hard, easy to clean. Choices of matte or polished chrome. Be careful of peeling if its put on over the top of cheap plastic. Cheap bathroom faucets will have finishes that chip off.

Polished brass - very classic appearance, resists fading and scratching with the titanium finish. Standard brass is prone to scratching.

Colored - Nearly limitless options of colors available, easy to clean, but can chip and fade over time and in sunlight.

Gold plated - Looks very rich, can coordinate with other bathroom fixtures, the matte finish hides scratches. One of the most expensive options and must be sealed properly to prevent damage to the gold.

Bathroom Sink

2009-11-02T10:57:00.003Z

Bathroom sinks have come a long way, from the basic basin that simply fulfilled a need, to a unique piece of art that helps set the expression of your home.

Before choosing a bathroom sink, consider the style you are looking to achieve in the bathroom as well as your space considerations and storage needs, there are perfect solutions for every space.

With today's styles, colors and unique shapes you will easily find the perfect bathroom sink to fit any design, application and artistic whim.

Every bathroom is different. Some are in tight quarters and require little to no storage such as a powder room. A small bathroom sink particularly a wall mounted design or a small pedestal sink will add nicely to such a room.

A master suite or children's bathroom will generally demand more counter space, storage and will have more room to work in a vanity top, undermount, self rimming or even vessel style sinks set over a nice cabinet will create ample storage space and a stylish appearance. bath sink guide can help determine what sink will fit best in your bathroom.

Pedestal Sink

Pedestal sinks come in a many different designs, styles, and colors.

Some types of pedestals come with wide basins for extra wash space, some come with two faucets instead of one for more control over water temperature, and some come with extra-wide tops so that you have space around the actual sink for additional storage and shelving. Plus, they come in so many shapes and sizes your decorating options are only matched by your own imagination.

Pedestal sinks are a quick way to add a unique look to any bathroom, and once the unit is installed, you now have more room to work around. In fact, so many people love the look of the pedestal sink that they actually decorate the rest of their bathrooms to match its traditional look. Using the pedestal sink as a focal point, many homeowners install a claw-foot bathtub or some stone-tile flooring in order to complement its vintage appeal.

Undermount sink

Undermount is a style of sink that allows the basin to be mounted beneath the countertop. Very common in kitchens and bathrooms, these sinks are popular because they promote a seamless appearance and allow for effective use of space. With its plumbing almost always concealed behind cabinetry, the undermount sink has an invisible advantage favored by individuals who like clean and uncluttered spaces.

One of the main identifying factors where undermount sinks are concerned is the fact that they do not feature decorative rims. In fact (because they are made to be mounted underneath the counter), many of these sinks don't have visible rims at all. Rather, they are positioned either flush with the counter or a few inches beneath it.

There are many advantages to such seamless construction, one being it makes for easy clean-up. Individuals who like to cook, for instance, frequently prefer undercounter sinks. This is because they can simply sweep unused food, crumbs, waste, etc. directly into the sink without having to worry about bits and pieces being obstructed and/or trapped by the rim. The same goes for bar areas. Spills and refuge are easy to brush into a sink that doesn't have a raised rim.

Vanity Sink

One of the biggest misconceptions about vanity sinks is that they are not effective for couples who share bathroom space. Nothing could be further from the truth! The P-Series Zin-Center double sink by Sonoma Cast Stone is a perfect example of an efficient vanity-sink made for two. Featuring a modern Asian design, the P-Series consists of concrete legs and countertop which support two basins.

The great thing about Sonoma Cast Stone is that its products are offered in more than 40 colors. Thus, the P-Series can be custom-built to complement practically any décor or aesthetic. What's more, its design is versatile and can accommodate up to six sinks. This is ideal for individuals looking to outfit commercial bathrooms with something more exciting than a traditional sink and cabinet.

Vessel Sink

A vessel sink is a sink that is designed to sit above the counter. The reason for this is almost purely aesthetic. As the popularity of vessel sinks has grown, so has the number of beautifully hand-crafted products that practically demand exhibition.

By sitting entirely above-counter, vessel sinks can be displayed for their beauty as well as their functionality.

An addition to wood, granite, onyx, marble soapstone, hand-blown glass, various metals, hand-painted ceramic and more. Each distinctive in design and appearance, all of the store's vessels are artisan crafted and quality made.

Bathroom Bathtubs

2009-11-01T14:38:00.018Z

Many modern bathtubs, such as: Massage bathtub, hydro massage bathtub, jacuzzi bathtub, spa bathtub, whirlpool bathtub, infant bathtub and so on, to meet exclusive life.

Major products such as: ceramic tile,porcelain tile,glass tile,wall tile,floor tile,border tile,glazed tile,polished tile,toilet,bidet,pedestal sink,counter top sink,glass sink,bathroom vanity furniture,sanitary ware,shower head,squat toilet,shower room,bathtub,faucet.

Bathtubs | Claw foot

Are a beautiful addition to a bathroom, especially when the decor is geared to a vintage look. Claw foot tub sizes and materials vary. They are available in cast iron claw foot 54" tubs, to claw foot tubs that are 72" and made of various materials. Cast iron claw foot tubs and acrylic claw foot tubs are among the most sought after. Cast iron is traditional and very durable, but acrylic claw foot tubs are warmer to the touch and suffer less claw foot tub heat loss.

Acrylic claw foot tubs also have the advantage of being available in whirlpool and jetted versions, if you want the extra luxury and therapeutic benefits available in these bathtubs.

Vintage claw foot tubs can be very heavy especially if they are cast iron. When making a purchase online,many supply houses offer free shipping on claw foot tubs which relieves the inconvenience and expense of transport to their home.

Bathtubs | Corner

Corner bathtubs can be an attractive and workable solution to an award shaped bathroom, or just a personal preference. Corner bath tubs add a look of elegance to a bath and are reminiscent of the opulent Roman baths of days gone by. These corner tubs are available as standard tubs, and also whirlpool or hydro massage versions with jets.

Bathtubs | Pedestal

Pedestal bathtubs offer a clean vintage look with their matching skirted base which unifies the tub with the bathroom floor. The pedestal style of the bathtub originated in the art deco period in the 1920's and 30's and is still popular today.

Bathtubs | Standard

The bathtubs featured here are non-jetted tubs. Each has it's own features such as integrated backrests and arm rests, and some are pre drilled for grab bars. Read each description carefully to determine what each tub offers.

Bathtubs are made from a variety of materials such as cast iron, acrylic, fiberglass, enameled reinforced steel, and copper. Each product has it's benefits and it's drawbacks. See a helpful overview on bathtub materials.

Bathtubs | Whirlpool

Whirlpool tubs add that extra touch of luxury to a bath and increase the already pleasant experience of enjoying a nice warm soak. The massaging effect of jetted water can ease the tensions of the day, limber up those sore muscles you have rediscovered after starting a new exercise program, or relieve the discomfort of many ailments that come as a normal part of aging.

Whirlpool tubs come in a variety of lengths and materials, offer different size motors, and many different options concerning jets and safety features.

Bathroom Shower

2009-11-01T14:10:00.007Z

Putting a shower in new construction is pretty simple, because it is usually done before all the walls are finished, and there is a lot of open space for manuvering. Getting a shower into a finished bathroom area during a bathroom remodel can be much more challenging.

Before you start your remodeling project do a lot of measuring and plan how you will get the shower into the house, what route it will take on it's journey to the space allotted. Measure hallways, doorways, and any space the shower will have to be taken through to make sure it will fit.

Take measurements and consider how you will get the shower into your space before you make a final selection. This could make the difference between selecting a one piece or maybe a two piece or three piece shower enclosure and saving yourself a lot of stress and inconvenience.

Showers can be purchased that have sound systems, telephones, steam, multiple jet sprays and water massage built into them. Today's showers also offer the option of thermostatic mixers which control hot and cold water for just the right mix you find confortable. With this option you don't run the risk of suddenly suffering a drastic change in water temperature if someone flushes a toilet in another bathroom.

If you opt for a shower with a number of jets or multiple shower heads, some things you want to look into first are the size of the piping coming in, and also the quantity of your water supply. You may find it necessary to upgrade your hot water tank.

Whatever your bathroom size or situation, there is a new shower out there that will work into your specific situation and space. Walk in showers are very popular, but there are also smaller shower stalls, and corner showers. If you have space limitations you may find that a shower-tub combination works best.

There are also showers that simulate the look and feel of tile in new materials. If you like the tile look but don't want the aggravation of keeping grout looking clean this is another good choice.

Bathroom Lighting

2009-11-01T13:36:00.005Z

Selecting bathroom fixtures for lighting will to some degree depend on the size and zones in your bathroom. A bathroom lighting fixture can be for ambient or general lighting, task lighting for specific purposes or subdued lighting for relaxation.

Bathroom sconces make for good lighting both above the vanity and also elsewhere in the room for ambient lighting.

Many lighting fixtures are available in a variety of styles and finishes. Brushed nickel bathroom lighting fixtures are popular as well as brass bathroom lighting fixtures. Bronze, chrome, brass, nickel and gold are available, and many of these lighting fixture finishes are further broken down to polished, rubbed, burnished, brushed as well as other finish sub categories. they also come in traditional, antique, neo classic and contemporary styling.

There are bathroom lighting fixtures to fit all tastes and preferences. Whether you like the vintage look or the more contemporary look for a bathroom, lighting fixtures are plentiful in all of the popular styles, and will not only light your bathroom but add much to the decorating theme you have chosen.

Vanity lighting should be provided on both sides of the vanity mirror. Bar style bathroom lighting is designed to hang above the mirror. This is a mistake on the side of the manufacturers. This type of bathroom lighting is very attractive, but is not adequate for grooming and applying makeup. Recessed lighting is similar. While it is good for general lighting, it is not a good choice in the vanity area.

Good vanity lighting should be balanced on both sides of the vanity mirror, and at approximately face level. This will take a little compromise since members of the household will likely be different heights, but it is better to err on the side of the women in the household. Applying makeup is best done in good lighting without shadowing.

Bathroom lighting sconces on each side of the mirror can be a good choice, and are a very attractive decor addition.Avoid using fluorescent lighting in the bath, if you can. Some areas require this in their code. While this is good and saves money, it is better used in other areas of the house where lighting needs aren't as specific. Fluorescent lighting gives off different colors which are not good when grooming, and specifically when applying makeup.

In some areas of the country fluorescent lighting is required for bathroom lighting when remodeling. If this applies to your area, talk to a lighting expert who can help you find bulbs which will give off more complimentary colors.

Also be thinking about your other bathroom lighting needs. If you are adding a whirlpool bathtub or a soaking tub, you may want subdued lighting that can be used for such times that will lend to the relaxing atmosphere and make this more enjoyable. Lighting specific to bathtub and shower areas have different requirements depending on the building codes for your specific area.

Bathroom Flooring

2009-11-01T13:24:00.007Z

Bathroom flooring may be the place to start your bathroom remodeling project. Flooring in any room makes a great impact just because of the amount of space it occupies, and since bathrooms are usually smaller the impact of a new floor can be greater.

Special consideration needs to be given to bathroom flooring for a couple of reasons. If your bathroom is not a large room, choosing lighter colors and designs with larger elements will expand the room. Another consideration is that a bathroom receives a lot of moisture both in the form of water on the floor, and the steam from showers and running water.

Many flooring choices are available today in a variety of different looks and price ranges. Natural stone such as granite or marble, laminates that mimic a wood look and are easier to keep up, tile or vinyl flooring are some of the many options available. Another long standing product, linoleum flooring, is making a comeback with more choices in pattern and color.

On the following pages you'll find information on a number of bathroom flooring choices and their characteristics and care requirements.

Tile Floor

A tile floor in a bathroom is durable and very attractive. Laying tile can be a DIY project if you are handy and allow proper time to go through each step of installation.

Laminate Wood Look Flooring

Laminate wood look bathroom flooring is easy to clean and stands up to a lot of wear.

Marble and Granite Floors

Marble and granite bathroom floors make a beautiful surface. Be aware of their care and maintenance needs.

Linoleum Flooring

Linoleum is a very durable flooring product and preferred by many people who have allergies. It is considered a green product since it is biodegradable.

Vinyl Flooring

Vinyl bathroom flooring is a good choice when remodeling a bathroom. Vinyl is durable, has many color choices, and will withstand moisture.

How to paint your bathroom?

2009-11-01T11:26:00.004Z

If you're tired of the dated look of your bathroom cabinet, but it's still perfectly functional, giving it a lick of paint is an economical way to give it a makeover without forking out for a brand new cabinet. Painting bathroom cabinets is easy to do and is a great way to give an outdated or worn-looking medicine cabinet a facelift. However, before you reach for your paintbrush, have a read through these tips.

1. First of all, check what your cabinet is made from - plastic laminated surfaces aren't suitable for painting, as the paint won't stick. However, wooden, metal and wood veneer cabinets can be painted successfully.

2. As with any kind of decorating, proper preparation is key. Rather than trying to paint round awkward bits and ending up with paint everywhere, it's best to unscrew and detach all the door hinges and handles and put them safely out of the way. It's much easier to remove your doors rather than attempt to paint them whilst attached to the cabinet.

3. Then give all your surfaces a good clean with TSP (trisodium phosphate), a common degreaser and cleaning agent that can be found in most DIY stores. Rinse with water and leave to dry before using sandpaper to sand down all the surfaces so they are smooth and ready to take the paint. This will create a lot of fine dust, which it's important to clean up properly using a Hoover or damp cloth.

4. Once all the surfaces of your cabinet are ready to be painted, stick masking tape around the edges that adjoin the wall and around the inside edges if you're not planning on painting the inside, this will help you achieve a neat finish.

5. You're then ready to paint. Use a brush or roller, depending on which you prefer to use. Rollers are particularly good for covering larger areas quickly and without leaving visible brushstrokes. Choose a satin enamel paint or specialist cabinet paint, which is available from most big hardware stores. There's a wide selection of colors to choose from.

6. Paint the inside of the doors first, leaving them to dry while you do the main body and frame, before moving on to the outside of the doors.

7. For a professional finish, you'll probably need to apply a second coat, or more. Follow the instructions on the tin, but usually it's advisable to wait several hours or overnight for the previous coat to dry before applying another.

8. Once you're satisfied with the color and finish, you can reassemble your cabinet by attaching the doors and handles. You could even fit new handles at this stage if you want to completely change your cabinet's appearance.