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After a small adventure I had to go through with my apartment building tenants who needed some convincing, I was allowed to begin working on a roof garden at which I imagined myself spending time relaxing under the sun while conversing with friends. But since the space I was allowed to use from the roof top was not as big as the whole roof itself, I had to adjust my plans to the already permanent constructions and always come up with new ideas as I was moving along.

My anxiety was reduced when I my research revealed that humans have been growing plants atop of structures since antiquity. In addition to the decorative benefit, my roof plantings would provide temperature control, architectural enhancement and recreational opportunities. The new residential garden I was creating was based on plantations placed in beautiful pots and wooden containers which I bought for a fraction of their original cost at yard sales and clearances. After walking through parks and gardening supply stores, I decided on the colors the height and the overall appearance of the plants that would go inside the pots. Specifically, I began by placing the biggest plants I bought closer to the existing walls and continued by scattering my medium-sized plants close to the ends of the available open area and placing the smaller ones in the front or at their sides. This created a balanced effect and the still available space gave the impression that the plants did not used up any space, but on the contrary enhanced the overall look and feel of the apartment building’s terrace.

When all the plants and flowers were in place, I installed the watering system that would provide the necessary nutrients to my houseplants helping them to grow and continue being healthy. Soil fertilizers and plated for the pots were added last and then the fun part of decorating the whole roof garden area started. I began by placing some necessary, but fine furniture to live-up the place. A wooden long table was placed across the only wall and between two small trees at its right and left corners. In front and behind the table, two wooden benches completed the scene, while white, green and blue candles were placed in specially designed glass vases for them to provide light without the wind blowing them off. A wide off-white canvas was hanged above the table at a certain height in order to provide some shadow and keep the temperature at lower levels during summer time. The cloth was decorated with shells and small colored stones which I stitched from its inner side and on the wall behind the table I hanged glass bottles of different shapes and sizes, which I filled up with colored sand, bluish small stones and white shells. Some of the glass containers contained candles, which when they were lit created an amazing effect with the rest of the glass bottles against the wall. Chairs and smaller tables that folded in half were also placed in the roof garden, while torches were put at the two open corners of the roof garden to illuminate the outcome at night time.

Kadence Buchanan writes articles on many topics including
Gardening, Home Improvement, and
Home

[tags]Roof garden, gardening, home, garden area, residential[/tags]

If you live in the north, you know that winter can really be a drag so why not bring summer into your bedroom!

In northern climates when the sun comes out (even if it’s only for a few months of the year) many decor-savvy individuals like to freshen the look of their rooms. Bring summer indoors in full force - without losing the comfortable and cozy furnishings you desire in the cooler months.

How can you transform your bedroom into a summer retreat? It’s easy!

When you think summer, you think light. Light colors, light fabrics. Put the heavy drapery away and make the widows a focal point. While the light is great during the day - especially if you don’t need to turn on interior lights - you may dislike the cavernous black holes that they become late at night. For privacy and appearance, keep up the retractable blinds during the day and put them down at night behind a sheer curtain.

Anther way to fill your bedroom with light is to Use mirrors to capture the sunlight and bounce it around. This doesn’t mean a major change in your decor but you may find moving a large mirror to a different wall will optimize the light reflection in the room. Try it across from a window or on a wall that corners against the window wall for the most light distribution. If you don’t have a headboard, you can try using a large mirror as a headboard simply by putting it behind the bed.

Try moving your furniture around to create a more open space. Make your bedroom feel light and airy even if you have to put away some of the furniture for another time. Moving the furniture into a ’summer arrangement’ can optimize your space and give it a more airy feel.

If you have a fireplace in the bedroom and normally focus your seating around that, consider turning the seating to face away. You can put a nice fern or other plant in the opening. Think about decorating the mantle with some summery items like shells and a nice large vase of fresh flowers.

You don’t want a too cozy-comfy look in your summer bedroom so get rid of all those fluffy comforters and flannels. If you find that look is too plain, consider buying or making covers for the pillows that compliment your summer scheme. Celadon green, aqua blues, a hit of orange or even nautical navy and white stripes work great. You might also throw in a rattan or bamboo covered pillow (for looks - not comfort!).

Plants can add a summery feel to the bedroom and are great to have around. A large tropical with palm leaves will give an instant injection of summer to your rooms. Adding some colorful cut flowers will add further summer appeal. However, too much of anything is not good. Don’t clutter your rooms with so many plants it feels like a conservatory.

Don’t feel like you have to get rid of everything in your bedroom and start over. Just using a couple of the suggestions above can help brighten your bedroom and give you a taste of summertime in the middle of winter!

Lee Dobbins writes for Bedroom Designs and Decorations
where you can find more
bedroom decorating ideas.

[tags]bedroom, design, decorating, interior decorating, bed, interior design, home improvement[/tags]

To be successful, every home improvement project should be based on a sound plan. There are an abundance of books and other publications available, where you can get some great ideas. After you decide exactly what you want to do, try to estimate your costs as accurately as possible. Making a rough sketch can be helpful in working up your materials list.

Shop around for the best prices, and watch for sales. Try to visualize the stages of your project, and make sure you’ve listed every item, no matter how small. When you’re certain you haven’t forgotten anything, add 10 percent for wastage; and allow yourself double the time that you think you really need!

Home improvement magazines offer a wealth of materials knowledge; manufacturers’ brochures can also help you compare materials, and are readily available for free at building supply stores. Carefully weigh the differences between standard materials and pre-fabricated units. Products designed for installation by the home-owner can often be installed quicker and less expensively, but might not afford the same results as traditional materials. On the other hand, the do-it-yourself products are usually designed to be installed without a lot of specialized knowledge or tools, and could make the difference between getting the job done or not.

Financing your project: unless it’s a very small project, you could be arranging a loan - and you should shop around for a loan like you would for anything else. Compare the costs against the advantages of personal, home-equity and mortagage loans. You might be able to obtain a CMHC loan, and depending on your individual circumstances, part of the loan might even be “forgiveable”.

Do you need a contractor? Carefully consider your project, and unless you’re an accomplished renovator, you’ll find that contracting some of the work is easier (and sometimes even cheaper, in the long run) than doing it yourself.

Word of mouth is the best reference for a contractor. If you don’t know someone who’s had similar work completed by a contractor, then ask your bidders to provide you with references. Call their previous clients and ask them about their level of satisfaction, before you accept any bid. Ask about price, punctuality, workmanship and quality of materials.

Is your contractor licensed? Is he insured? Bonded? Does the Better Business Bureau have any record of complaints against him? How long has he been in business? (Most new contractors are out of business within the first three years.)

Ask for a detailed contract, including a full job description, material specifications, start and finish dates, permit numbers, clean-up, on-site behaviour, change-order clause and payment schedules.

Agree how disagreements will be handled before you begin the project. Planned arbitration will reduce the time, effort and energy spent on disputes.

I suggest that you observe the work regularly to minimize errors, ommissions and miscommunications. A healthy interaction with your contractor(s) will make the job go smoother!

Suggested reading: How To Be Your Own Contractor, Gene and Katie Hamilton,
Collier Books, Maxwell MacMillan Canada, 1991.

New Complete Do-It-Yourself Manual, Reader’s Digest Association (Canada) Ltd., Montreal 1991.

Copyright Gil Strachan - All rights reserved.

Gil Strachan is a professional home inspector, representing Electrospec Home Inspection Services in east-central Ontario, Canada since 1994. Visit http://www.allaroundthehouse.com to learn more about home inspections.

“The Home Reference Book”
You can probably find a home inspection for a little less than what we ask, but you probably won’t find the Home Reference Book. A $60 value, this solutions-oriented reference tool comes free with every inspection we perform.
It’s the first tool you should have around the house!

[tags]home remodeling plans,home improvement plans,home addition blueprint,home addition plan[/tags]

Wrought iron railings are in vogue since the seventeenth century. At that time, the metallurgy was just starting to shape as a science and the iron railings were regarded as work of art. The wrought iron railings are long lasting and corrosion resistant. Unfortunately, the wrought iron railings are not shock resistant and if anything falls on the railings, the railings are sure to break.

Breakage in one of railings would mar the look of entire staircase or the hand railing of the porch. If you know the repairs, you may be able to bring the railings to near original conditions

Tools for Repairs of wrought Iron Railings

Wrought iron railings can be repaired to near perfect conditions if you do it carefully. The repairs can never restore the railings to its original conditions. The tools for the repairs are available with any DIY enthusiast. You will require

1.Drilling Machine

2.Drill bits 1/4” and 3/8”

3.Riveting set

4.Hack saw

5.Glue Cement

6.Metal Cement

7.Wood working tools

8.Files

Repairs To Pipe Of Railings

Welding of the wrought iron railings is very difficult and even when you weld the railings, you are not sure when the welding would fail. A welded pipe may cause a serious accident when it breaks again. Hence, the broken pipes are never welded.

Instead, you may try to repair the broken pipe by reinforcement internally. The pipe should be taken out from the railings and taken to your DIY workshop. The inside of the pipe could be strengthened by a inserting steel pipe or turned wooden pole of internal diameter of pipe.

If the internal of wrought iron pipe is not smooth, the wooden pole may have to be turned further so that it fits the pipe without force or hammering the wood. If you try force, you will ruin the wrought iron pipe beyond repairs.

When the pipe or wooden pole fits the wrought pipe from inside, it gives strength to the wrought iron pipe. The ends can then be joined with help of glue or metal cement.

Remember that the strength comes from the pipe or wooden pole inserted inside the wrought iron railings. The glue helps in giving the look rather than the strength. If the wrought iron railing has more than two pieces, it needs careful fitting before application of glue or riveting. Make sure that the all the pieces come together and the internal pipe or wooden pole is not visible from outside.

Mounting Poles Or Base of Wrought Iron Railings

If the base of railings has cracked, or the eyelet of railing pipe needs repairs, it might be done by stitch welding. Many firms offer the repair service for this kind of work and offer guarantees. The failure of eyelets or the base is very infrequent and this is best left to the experts. Wrought iron welding or cast iron welding is a specialized job and if you try to do it in a DIY way, you will surely fail

Andrew Caxton is a reliable journalist who has published more articles on this issue for http://www.deck-porch-railings.com A website with tips about deck and porch’ repair or improvement, with a detailed overview on wrought iron railings

[tags]deck railings,porch railings,railing,glass,iron railing,wood,aluminum,wrought iron,porch,deck,DIY,[/tags]

Long a favourite of French chefs, the herb Artemisia dracunculus, known as French tarragon or dragon herb is an essential ingredient in B

The AGA cooker has become an icon of the UK because of the solid performance and cast iron reputation which it has built up over the last 70 years. It is in fact the undisputed queen of the British kitchen and has become a firm favourite with people in the USA.

The Aga was invented by a Swede by the name of Nils Gustaf Dalen (physicist), who one the Nobel Prize in 1912 for the automation of lighthouses. Unfortunately due an industrial accident he was left blind and spent lots of time at home and was convinced that his wife’s conventional cooker was inefficient and the next decade was spent in trying to improve it. This gave birth to the Aga, with the first model being patented in 1922 and was named after Dalen’s company Akteibolaget Gas Accumulator (AGA). However in 1928 the company relocated to the UK.

The Aga is unique because it cooks the food using radiant heat which is able to lock in the natural juices and tastes of the meals placed inside it.

You will find any home that has an Aga in the kitchen has become the heart of the house as the family are usually drawn to the warmth that radiates from it.

Aga’s are powered using a single burner and run either on propane, natural gas or oil but some models now come available with electric ovens. Because your Aga is always on you will find that time is saved not having to wait for the oven to preheat before you begin cooking and if you really want you could put a meal in it before dashing off to work and knowing it will warmed and ready (but never burnt) when you return home.

Another benefit of an Aga is that when having a dinner party or entertaining you can cook the complete meal simultaneously and no the finished items will be perfect in every way.

The four-oven Aga is the flagship of the Aga family and it has separate ovens for baking, roasting, simmering and warming things in. Each oven maintains a different temperature for their various tasks. This Aga also comes with a hotplate which can be used for warming plates as well as the option of having a gas cooker top. It is made from cast iron and coated with vitreous enamels and they are available in 14 different colours ranging from black or white through to aubergine or claret. It is also said that the life span of one Aga is 100 years!

Certainly the Aga cookers which are now sold widely both in the USA and Canada have become a big part of the way we live our life’s nowadays and in some cases have been handed down from generation to generation. Even celebrities have become owners of this versatile and beautiful item such as Ben Kingsley, Sharon Stone, Paul McCartney, George Michael and Billy Joel to name but a few.

So go out and bring home an Aga Cooker today and you will gain a trusted and valued ally for the rest of your life.

Allison Thompson a work from home mum who runs a small real estate company in the Andalucian Region of Spain. She has set up several sites on matters relating to all aspects of property, home improvements and home appliances. This site has been specifically set up and dedicated to all things relating to Aga’s. If you would like to learn more about this ultimate item for your kitchen please visit http://www.aga.kitchens101.info.

[tags]Aga, Aga’s, Aga Cooker, Aga Stove, Kitchen, Cooking with an Aga, Cooking on an Aga[/tags]

Whether planning kitchen remodeling project or planning a whole new kitchen, it can be an exciting and challenging experience.

With today’s kitchens becoming more and more a center of social, family, and functional activities, kitchen remodeling has gained importance in the life of many households. Kitchen remodeling can become economically challenging because of budgetary concerns or space restrictions. Despite the cost involved in hiring design and construction professionals, usually they can help with a variety of such problems.

The kitchen designer can assist in selecting materials and help the homeowner reach their goals within the space limitations of the home. As well as work with the contractor in making sure things get done.

Here are some things you will need to consider when making the decision to plan a kitchen remodeling project:

How well does your kitchen work now? What are its best features? What are the worst? How good is the traffic flow? Do you have enough counter space? What is the general quality of the cabinetry? Do you need newer appliances? What is the condition of the flooring, how old is it?

Most kitchen remodeling takes place mostly to make the kitchen easier to work and move around in. Usually most kitchen remodeling projects end up becoming more luxurious once people start thinking about changing their kitchen, they might as well make it look a little nicer and more up to date as well. Kitchen designers can help you whether you want a kitchen remodeling project, a kitchen makeover, or both.

Full kitchen remodeling is usually an involved process. Floorplans need to be drawn up. Depending on the extent of the remodel, the old kitchen must be striped of fixtures, walls, floors, and ceilings, and even old cabinets must be demolished completely. The kitchen renovation project may require improving your home’s electrical, plumbing and heating systems, and to be able to upgrade them to current safety standards.

The National Kitchen and Bath Association has developed Design and Safety Guidelines
for industry professionals and designers detailing good planning practices that encompass the needs of the homeowner. Among the areas covered are door/entry, door interface, distance between work centers, traffic clearance at seating, and others.

Experts in kitchen design have reviewed lifestyle and design trends and model building code requirements to be used for educational programs in kitchen remodeling and design.

Having a well thought out plan is a requirement for any kitchen remodeling project. There are three basic kitchen uses to consider in creating the perfect kitchen design. Counter space, storage, built-in appliances, and sinks are among these design elements that contribute to the functionality of the kitchen.

A kitchen remodeling project may be one of the most important and most valuable home improvements you can make. Updating and remodeling your kitchen will add more value to you home than any other improvement, according to the National Association of Home Builders. The NAHB reports that kitchen remodeling projects can return more than 100% of the cost of the home when sold.

James Mahoney is the author of many kitchen design articles and has a site about kitchen design ideas at Kitchen Designers Ideas.com.

He also publishes a newsletter on kitchen design.

[tags]kitchen remodeling, kitchens, kitchen design[/tags]

This is perhaps the part about lawn care that causes people to become ill or at least very upset. But let’s face it, the lawn is the great outdoors after all and there will be many creatures that occupy it. The number of insects, rodents, and other creatures will vary depending on where you live. But some common insects and others include:

spiders
bees
flies
mosquitoes
slugs
mice
worms
small snakes
ants
grasshoppers
chipmunks
squirrels
rabbits
deer

While you cannot destroy every living creature that inhabits your yard, you can help keep these creatures from destroying your plants and flowers. Many weed killers are also bug killers. Once you have determined which insects are eating you plants, you should be able to find a chemical solution to the problem.

You should approach some of these insects and small animals with caution, however. Certain species of spider are poisonous, while other insects can cause huge welts to form on your skin if you are not careful. And deer, well, let’s just hope you are never chased down the street by one! Your life flashing before you as you leap onto another person’s porch hoping the deer will keep on going.

Always year your gloves and do not touch snakes, small rodents, and other animals. You could run the risk of spending your Saturday afternoon in the emergency room instead of tending to your lawn.

In order to reduce the number of insects on your lawn, you should:

rake the leaves during the fall and spring and get rid of the piles immediately

clean gutters often

clean overhangs, porch railings, and lawn furniture

replenish mulch each year

mow the lawn when it needs it

These simple housekeeping tips will help you keep your lawn neat and clean while reducing the number of insects. Planting herbs such as rosemary and basil will help reduce the number of mosquitoes. Marigolds will help keep certain types of beetles away as well.

But some insects are good for your lawn. Help them stick around by planting Dogwood, butterfly weed, and Queen Anne’s lace. These plants will also attract butterflies and wild birds to your lawn.

While you cannot always pick your neighbours, you do have a little control over other types of pests. By planting flowers and plants strategically around your lawn, you will not only keep insects at bay, you will also enhance your lawn’s beauty.

Terry Blackburn. Internet Marketing Consultant, living in South Shields in the North-East of England. Author and Producer of blog http://www.lawnsurgeon.blogspot.com Author of “Your Perfect Lawn,” a 90 Page eBook devoted to Lawn Preparation, Lawn Care and Maintenance. Find it at http://www.lawnsurgeon.com

[tags]lawn, lawn care, lawn maintenance, garden lawn.[/tags]

Interior remodeling can have an amazing impact on the look and value of a house. I would definitely recommend getting professionals to do the job for you unless your good at renovation yourself. Here is some advice on how the get the most bang for your buck when remodeling.

Replace the carpets:
One of the best things you can do for your house to improve the feel and value is to replace a dirty and distraught carpet. If there are stains, big chunks missing, and color fading a new carpet is what you need. Again, if the carpet is matched to the theme and style of the room it will look very impressive.

Tiling:
In some cases you should rip out your carpet and put in tiles. Generally these are recommended for the kitchen and bathroom. You’ll have a range of options of textures and color when tiling your floor so it’s important to make sure it matches the theme and style of the room.

Install new light fixtures:
Light fixtures tell a lot about a houses age, so it’s important to have more modern looking fixtures to make the house seem newer.

Creating more space:
Sometimes if a room is too small it is not common to have larger mirrors in it. This creates the illusion of space, making the room seem bigger than it actually is. A very common example is a bathroom with one wall just a mirror.

Kitchen:
The kitchen is one of the main features of any house and one that greatly shows the age of a property. Think about installing new appliances such as disposal units, dishwashers, sinks, and stoves. If you are really looking to get a modern look from a terrible it is recommended that you get a company to do a complete make over for you. These often come out looking very professional and although they might be expensive ($5,000-$30,000) you will generally increase the value greatly.

Bathroom:
The bathroom should have good lighting, be free of dampness, have well placed and large mirrors, and respectability modern and fitting chattels. Again consider letting a company do this because if done correctly can a bathroom can have the highest rate of return for any room in a house.

The great front door:
The front door will have a big impact on the buyer or appraiser when they are at your doorstep, so its important for the front door to be in great condition. Either oil it and repaint it or replace it if it’s in horrible condition.

Put in new curtains:
Curtains are used to create privacy and warmth by being insulators. Some great reasons to replace your curtains are if they are faded, torn, out of fashion. If matched with the color and theme of the room new curtains can do wonders for the feel and value of the house.

Skylights:
Similar to enlarging windows, sky lights will bring a lot of light and fresh air into a room. These are especially good for poorly lit rooms with bad air circulation.

This article is owned by http://www.use-your-equity.com and written by John Whiteside. Learn more about real estate investing, and how to create and use the equity in your home! The original article can be found at http://www.use-your-equity.com/Interiorremodelling.html

[tags]Renovation, Home, Interior Remodelling, Kitchen, Bathroom, Lighting[/tags]

Having a practical kitchen that looks and feels great as well can make a real difference, particularly if you tend to spend a good deal of time in the kitchen. Trying to prepare a meal in a kitchen that is lacking when it comes to countertop space can be difficult, and can make life difficult when it comes to cooking and working in the kitchen. However, if your kitchen is of a suitable size you can really benefit by having one of the classy and stylish kitchen islands available today installed. From a durable butcher block to a stylish granite island you can find the perfect one to suit your needs and complement your kitchen. The extra work space that you get from these kitchen islands can prove invaluable, and when not in use for cooking preparation these islands can double up nicely as a table.

Find the perfect island for your kitchen

From L shaped islands to square and rectangular islands, you can find the perfect one for your kitchen without any problem. You can find an island that complements your kitchen cabinets, your sink and accessories, and your d