MyFurnitureOK.com Decorate Your Home 2012-02-08T08:17:26Z WordPress http://www.myfurnitureok.com/feed/atom/ admin <![CDATA[Discount Bedroom Furniture]]> http://www.myfurnitureok.com/discount-bedroom-furniture/ 2012-02-08T08:17:26Z 2012-02-08T08:17:26Z For those of you who are planning to refurbish your rooms, you don't have to worry about burning a hole in your pocket, as it is possible to shop for Discounted Bedroom Furniture. Put in a little bit of extra effort of exploring the options around. It will be worth your while, as you might be ab...]]> For those of you who are planning to refurbish your rooms, you don’t have to worry about burning a hole in your pocket, as it is possible to shop for Discounted Bedroom Furniture. Put in a little bit of extra effort of exploring the options around. It will be worth your while, as you might be able to get Discount Bedroom Furniture that does not have any semblance of being discounted.

There are lots of options that you can explore on the Internet, that offer furniture that can be tailor-made according to your requirements. But of course, this time around the furniture does not only have a pleasing effect on the eyes, but also spells good news for your bank balance. Exactly in the fashion in which you come across several options in regular Bedroom Furniture, similarly you can come across a range of furniture in the Discounted Furniture section. So you can find a range of beds, tables, chairs, chests of drawers and armoires, all available at a discount. The good news doesn’t end here, as the range of furniture also stretches to office furniture. Nonetheless, one look at them and you won’t be able to tell that the furniture happens to be discounted.

You will be able to save a great deal of money if you exercise options such as going for used furniture. You could also weigh the option of buying smaller beds to save money. Look out for the seasonal sale, to ensure that you get a discount. Try doing a comparison by looking at a fair number of shops, instead of simply zeroing on what to buy right at the first store you enter. You can also fulfill your dream of buying that ornate antique bed that you had been craving, now that it is on sale. Many times you will also find some of the exquisitely carved beds or pieces of furniture that are a sheer delight to own. So in case you get them either second hand or at a discount, do not miss a chance to get hold of these prized possessions. For those of you for whom change is a way of life, consider the option of Discount Bedroom Furniture, as you would be able to dispose off furniture with a lesser guilt and make way for new furniture easily.

Bedroom Furniture provides detailed information about bedroom furniture, antique bedroom furniture, bedroom furniture sets, cheap bedroom furniture and more. Bedroom Furniture is the sister site of Air Beds.

[tags]bedroom furniture, antique bedroom furniture, bedroom furniture sets, cheap bedroom furniture[/tags]

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]]> 0 admin <![CDATA[The Way of the Woods]]> http://www.myfurnitureok.com/the-way-of-the-woods/ 2012-02-07T08:17:14Z 2012-02-07T08:17:14Z Your office is where you define who you are and how you work. If you have a laid back attitude and don't mind if your workers have the same, you may not mind setting up a couple of card tables, until a potential customer drops by, stammers a little bit, then moves on. If you are looking for high...]]> Your office is where you define who you are and how you work. If you have a laid back attitude and don’t mind if your workers have the same, you may not mind setting up a couple of card tables, until a potential customer drops by, stammers a little bit, then moves on. If you are looking for high-profile accounts, you must give the impression of being a high-profile company.

The style of your furniture varies from business to business. You need to look at who you are (or maybe, rather, who you want to be), and find a style that fits it. Woods are always a good choice, but different types give off different impressions.

Dark stains give an impression of strength. When one walks into a room with tall ceilings and tall, dark furniture, the room overpowers the will. All the sudden, you have given the impression that no task is to big for you to handle, and you haven’t said a word. The austere environment creates a professional front that drives the conversations toward facts. A disadvantage to this is the disparity that grows between you and your customer.

Light wood stains create a more artsy feel, especially when accented with medium- or dark-toned colors. In being less ostentatious, the personality of you, your employees, and your customers can come through. The disadvantages are that your employees may tend to express their personalities more than the company’s (though this may be a strength, depending on the employee).

Windows can change the dynamic of any room, depending on how many there are. Even though a room is clad with dark furniture, natural light can infuse life. Sunlight always brings

Never take your image for granted. Many people who walk into your shop will not be basing their final decision on references, though that may be what brought them in. Most people go with their “gut feeling.” This will be based on what they perceive the personality of your business to be. Their decision will be based on your image.

[tags]furniture, office furniture, office, office equipment, desks, chairs, wood, office space, work place[/tags]

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]]> 0 admin <![CDATA[Planning To Get New Drawer Pulls]]> http://www.myfurnitureok.com/planning-to-get-new-drawer-pulls/ 2012-02-06T08:04:20Z 2012-02-06T08:04:20Z You have just got some new furniture made in your house or have renovated the old one. Obviously there are drawers and cabinets in it. Now, without a knob you possible can't open the drawers. You need some knobs and these knobs are called drawer pulls. They help you to pull open the drawer. Ther...]]> You have just got some new furniture made in your house or have renovated the old one. Obviously there are drawers and cabinets in it. Now, without a knob you possible can’t open the drawers. You need some knobs and these knobs are called drawer pulls. They help you to pull open the drawer. There are various types of pulls available in the market. You can put drawer pulls to multiple uses. If you visit some older homes, you will find that the same drawer pulls are being used as deco and cabinet drawer pulls. Five or six decades ago, most homes used these pulls on kitchen cabinet drawers and cabinet doors, and in other rooms too on inbuilt cabinets.

There are antique drawer pulls which are of antique styles of handles and knobs. They remind you of olden days when the artistic craft of elegance was at its zenith. It may be a knob, handle, bin pull or hood. They are available in a wide range of finishes and styles and can be made of acrylic or glass, brass, porcelain, iron, nickel or chrome, ceramic, or other materials.

There are crystal and glass pulls for the discerning customer. The difference between crystal and glass is quite perceptible - crystal is glass with a higher lead content, which makes it heavier, reduces bubbles, and improves light refraction and clarity. Crystal pulls frequently have “cut” edges, which make it crisper in shape, while glass pulls have a softer-edged appearance and texture. There are many colors to choose from.

Then, there are pulls made of brass and oak also. You can get exclusive products in six usual finishes (lacquered brass, un-lacquered brass, oil-rubbed bronze, burnished antique brass, brushed nickel, and polished nickel).

There are figural antique pulls that are highly decorative. They have designs of the head of a dragon, lion, serpent, angel, or any other figurines. There may be scrolled patterns which extend to form the handle. These types of pulls attract the children very much.

It is easy to find a pull which truly matches with your period piece of furniture. It is an easy task. However, the task of choosing among so many attractive designs is quite a hard one. But you can also use antique drawer pulls to put a touch of elegant traditionalism to ultramodern cabinetry or furniture. New pulls will bring about a radical change in the appearance of a modern-day bedroom set. They are also a great way to give your kitchen cabinets a new look.

Thus, there is a huge variety to choose the one you find most appealing. There is one for everyone.

Rory Hawkins writes about “Planning to get New Drawer Pulls?” to visit it: drawer pulls, kids drawer pulls and antique drawer pulls.

[tags]furniture drawer pulls,dresser drawer pulls,drawer pulls knobs[/tags]

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]]> 0 admin <![CDATA[Weed Control Using Landscape Fabrics!]]> http://www.myfurnitureok.com/weed-control-using-landscape-fabrics/ 2012-02-05T08:15:53Z 2012-02-05T08:15:53Z Choosing the correct landscape fabric for weed control can be a very time consuming and frustrating exercise, as anyone who has gone through the process will gladly confirm. The manufacturers of landscaping fabrics produce and publish specifications; however the major problem is that their larges...]]> Choosing the correct landscape fabric for weed control can be a very time consuming and frustrating exercise, as anyone who has gone through the process will gladly confirm. The manufacturers of landscaping fabrics produce and publish specifications; however the major problem is that their largest market is construction. Hence, they produce their specifications with the construction market in mind. If you have an unlimited amount of time and a lot of patients you can read through all of the manufacturers’ specifications and try to garner some useful comparison information that will be useful in weed control and prevention.

When choosing a fabric for landscaping, there are three primary areas to consider:

  1. The strength of the fabric is relative to the amount of air and water flow that will permeate through the fabric. Stronger materials allow less water and air to flow through the fabric. When choosing a fabric for your landscaping project you should identify one that has adequate strength for the application, any additional strength is counter productive and will cost you more.

  2. You want to choose a fabric that has a consistent and even dispersal of fibers. The mesh size should be as small as possible in order to prevent weedy grasses from penetrating the fabric’s openings. Weeds and grasses do not grow through the fabric they are attracted by any minute quantities of light that may penetrate the openings between the weave in the fabric or in separations that have occurred between pieces of fabric. Weeds can germinate in the smallest amount of soil and hence will grow on top of the fabric, if there are the tiniest amounts of earth, sending fine root hairs through the fabrics weave on a quest for nutrients and moisture from the soil. To prevent weed and grass growth appearing through the fiber’s weave consider the use of a spunbonded fabric because of its microscopic mesh size.

  3. There is a fine balancing act with respect to the porosity of the landscaping fabric. You want the mesh to be fine enough to prevent weed and grass growth but you want the holes in the mesh to be large enough to provide sufficient water and air to enter the soil. The fabric’s ability to breath; to allow oxygen and moisture to pass through the fabric and aerate and water the soil so that the plants will be hardy and not starved of essential life sustaining material. It is this feature that separates the average landscaping fabrics from the superior ones. This is why the use of plastic sheeting as a weed deterrent does not work. It may prevent the growth of weeds and grasses but it also prevents air and water from entering the soil. A fabric that does not have good permeability will create the problems of water run off which will wash away any coverings such as bark or mulch that may be lying on the surface of the fabric.

For additional information on landscaping your home or other renovation projects, visit Renovation Headquarters.

[tags]landscape fabric, landscaping, weed control, fabric, home improvement, home renovation, remodel, diy[/tags]

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]]> 0 admin <![CDATA[Thomas Chippendale and His Legendary Chairs]]> http://www.myfurnitureok.com/thomas-chippendale-and-his-legendary-chairs/ 2012-02-04T08:24:44Z 2012-02-04T08:24:44Z Chairs crafted by Thomas Chippendale were dazzling examples of quality furniture in their day. Today, they remain extraordinary examples of antique furniture. Chippendale style, ball and claw and ladder backs, there's lots to know. Here's your guide to one of the world's most celebrated chairs...]]> Chairs crafted by Thomas Chippendale were dazzling examples of quality furniture in their day. Today, they remain extraordinary examples of antique furniture. Chippendale style, ball and claw and ladder backs, there’s lots to know. Here’s your guide to one of the world’s most celebrated chairs.

Who is He.

Thomas Chippendale (1714-1779) was an English furniture maker in the mid 18th century whose work was influenced by English, French and Chinese furniture design.

A Book Made Him a Household Name.

In 1754, Thomas Chippendale published the first of three editions of his book, Gentleman and Cabinet-Maker’s Director. It put him on the map. This illustrated directory showed examples of the furniture that Thomas Chippendale could make for his customers. Wealthy clients could see illustrated examples, pick out the designs that they liked which would be handcrafted in his workshop. At the time, Thomas Chippendale probably didn’t expect that this book would become so widely copied for so many years by other furniture makers. It continues to be used today.

A Claim to Fame.

Thomas Chippendale was the first non-reigning monarch to have a furniture style named after him. Before Thomas Chippendale, furniture styles were named after reigning Monarchs such as Louis XIV, George I, Queen Anne.

Chippendale versus Chippendale Style.

Anything made by Thomas Chippendale’s workshop in England is a Chippendale. Furniture made incorporating the features used by Thomas Chippendale is Chippendale-style. American Chippendale refers to Chippendale style furniture that was made in the US - mostly in Philadelphia.

Chippendale Style Particulars.

The style reflected elements of the Rococo, Chinese, Gothic and Noeclassical styles. Deep hand carving was prevalent. Common motifs were of shells, lions, masques, eggs, darts and scrolls.

Favorite Wood.

Mahogany was preferred choice of wood for Chippendale style furniture. Solid wood; not veneers was often used because of the detailed carving involved.

A Lesson in Legs.

There are six basic style - lion’s paw, ball and claw, the late Chippendale, the Marlborough, the club and the spade. Early Chippendale furniture used the cabriole leg which is a serpentine style ending with a lion’s paw, ball and claw or the club. The late Chippendale, Marlborough and spade were straight legs and appeared later in the period.

Seat Selection.

Chippendale style chairs were wood, upholstered or caned.

Chair Back Choice.

Upholstered, rail backs, ladder backs, rung back, splat backs, carved backs, ribband backs. The chair backs are one of the most definitive parts of the chair that typify the style. Ribband backs are carved to look like bow. Very few were made in the 18th century because it required expert craftsmen and was very time-consuming. And very few survived passed the 18th C. Most ribband back chairs around today were made in the 19th and 20th centuries.

What to Look for When Buying.

Look for original condition. Repairs and replacement lower the value. Actual pieces from Thomas Chippendale’s workshop are rare indeed. Make sure the provenance is strong documented when a dealer says it is a Thomas Chippendale versus a Chippendale style chair. Keep in mind that very few ribband back chairs survived from the 18th century. Be wary when someone tells you that they have one.

Reproductions Versus Antiques.

You can tell modern reproductions from the real thing by looking closely at the carving. Is it uniform in depth and symmetrical? If so, it’s a modern reproduction. Antique Chippendale’s would be hand carved which is irregular in depth and never exactly symmetrical because it’s virtually impossible for even a master artisan to achieve it.

Pricing.

Any Chippendale 18th century chair whether it was made by Thomas Chippendale himself or one of his contemporaries will cost several thousands of dollars. If it’s not in that price range, it’s most likely not 18th century. Even high quality modern reproductions can be pricey.

Martin Swinton owns Take-A-Boo Emporium located in Toronto, Canada. He has appeared on a variety of television programs; does furniture restoration; caning and rushing repairs; appraisals and has taught courses on antiques at the Learning Annex. Martin can be reached at http://www.takeaboo.com

[tags]Chippendale, antique, chairs, mahogany, furniture, vintage[/tags]

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]]> 0 admin <![CDATA[Invasion of the Bar Stool - Are you Prepared]]> http://www.myfurnitureok.com/invasion-of-the-bar-stool-are-you-prepared/ 2012-02-03T08:24:19Z 2012-02-03T08:24:19Z Picture this: Its 1683, Dublin, Ireland - A guy walks into a bar and asks for his favorite brew. The bartender obliges and hands it off. He sits down enjoys his drink, maybe asks for another, then sits back and relaxes. I am sure that guy would have never thought that what he was sitting on...]]> Picture this: Its 1683, Dublin, Ireland - A guy walks into a bar and asks for his
favorite brew. The bartender obliges and hands it off. He sits down enjoys his drink,
maybe asks for another, then sits back and relaxes. I am sure that guy would have
never thought that what he was sitting on was a potential household dynamo. The
bar stool would in later years not only be practical but also, be an essential piece of
furniture for its superior functionality in American homes.

When I first heard of a bar stool, I naturally thought of the local pub in town; I never
realized that the craze of the bar stool has taken hold of modern American d

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]]> 0 admin <![CDATA[Home Improvement Costs for 2006]]> http://www.myfurnitureok.com/home-improvement-costs-for-2006/ 2012-02-02T08:12:48Z 2012-02-02T08:12:48Z The following costs are intended as ballpark estimates for repairs and improvements to a typical three bedroom home. The costs are based on information obtained in the east-central area of Ontario. Our experience has shown that actual contractor quotations can vary by as much as 300%. It is advis...]]> The following costs are intended as ballpark estimates for repairs and improvements to a typical three bedroom home. The costs are based on information obtained in the east-central area of Ontario. Our experience has shown that actual contractor quotations can vary by as much as 300%. It is advisable to obtain estimates from more than one contractor.

Roofing/Flashings/Chimneys

Install conventional asphalt shingles over existing shingles $1.25-$2.00 per sq.ft.
Strip and reshingle on medium sloped roof $2.50-$3.50 per sq.ft.
Strip and reshingle on steep, high or complex roof $4.00-$6.00 per sq.ft.
Strip and re-roof with cedar shingles $5.00-$9.00 per sq.ft.
Strip and replace built-up tar and gravel roof $5.00-$8.00 per sq.ft. (min. $1000)
Strip and replace single-ply membrane $5.00-$8.00 per sq.ft. (min. $750)
Reflash typical skylight or chimney $300.00-$500.00
Rebuild typical chimney above roof line $100.00-$200.00 per lin.ft. (min. $300)
Repoint typical chimney above roof line $6.00-$8.00 per sq.ft. (min. $250)

Exterior

Install galvanized or aluminum gutters and downspouts $4.00-$5.00 per lin.ft. (min. $500)
Install aluminum soffits and fascia $8.00-$12.00 per lin.ft.
Install aluminum or vinyl siding $3.50-$5.00 per sq.ft.
Repoint exterior wall (soft mortar) $3.00-4.50 per sq.ft. (min. $200)
Repoint exterior wall (hard mortar) $6.00-$8.00 per sq.ft. (min. $200)
Parge foundation walls $3.00-$4.00 per sq.ft.
Dampproof foundation walls and install weeping tile $100.00-$150.00 per lin.ft. (min. $1000)
Install a deck $18.00-$25.00 per sq.ft. (min. $1000)
Resurface existing asphalt driveway $2.50-$4.00 per sq.ft.
Install interlocking brick driveway $6.00-$8.00 per sq.ft.
Rebuild exterior basement stairwell $3500.00-$5000.00
Build detached garage (single) $8000.00 and up
Build detached garage (double) $12000.00 and up
Build retaining wall (wood) $20.00-$25.00 per sq.ft. (min. $500)
Build retaining wall (concrete) $30.00-$40.00 per sq.ft. (min $500)
Painting (trim only) $1500.00-$2500.00
Painting (trim and wall surfaces) $3000.00 and up

Structure

Underpin one corner of house $3500.00 and up
Underpin or add foundations $300.00 and up per lin.ft. (min. $3000)
Lower basement floor by underpinning and/or bench footings $150.00-$300.00 per lin.ft. (min. $5000)
Replace deteriorating sill beam with concrete $60.00 and up per lin.ft. (min. $500)
Install basement support post with proper foundation $300.00-$400.00
Perform chemical treatment for termites $1300.00 and up
Repair minor crack in poured concrete foundation $400.00-$800.00

Electrical

Upgrade electrical service to 100 amps (including new panel) $1000.00-$1300.00
Upgrade electrical service to 100 amps (if new panel not required) $500.00-$700.00
Upgrade electrical service to 200 amps $1800.00-$2200.00
Install new circuit breaker panel $500.00-$700.00
Replace circuit breaker (20 amp or less) $50.00-$100.00
Add 120 volt circuit $150.00-$250.00
Add 240 volt circuit $250.00-$350.00
Add conventional receptacle $75.00-$150.00
Replace conventional receptacle with ground fault circuit receptacle $60.00-$90.00
Replace conventional receptacle with aluminum compatible type (CO/ALR)(assuming several are required) $10.00-$15.00 ea.
Upgrade entire house with aluminum compatible receptacles, connectors, etc. $500.00-$700.00
Rewire outlet with reversed polarity (assuming electrician already there) $5.00-$10.00 ea.

Heating

Install mid-efficiency forced-air furnace $1700.00-$2500.00
Install high-efficiency forced-air furnace $3000.00-$4000.00
Install humidifier $200.00-$400.00
Install electronic air filter $500.00-$800.00
Install mid-efficiency boiler $2500.00-$4000.00
Install high-efficiency boiler $5000.00-$9000.00
Rebuild firepot (refractory) on boiler $500.00-$800.00
Install circulating pump $400.00-$600.00
Install chimney liner for gas appliance $300.00-$700.00
Install chimney liner for oil appliance $700.00-$1800.00
Install programmable thermostat $200.00-$300.00
Remove oil tank from basement $400.00 and up
Remove abandoned underground oil tank $3000.00 and up
Replace radiator valve $75.00-$150.00
Add electric baseboard heater $250.00-$350.00
Convert from hot water heating to forced-air (bungalow) $8000.00-$10000.00
Convert from hot water heating to forced-air (two storey) $15000.00-$20000.00
Clean ductwork $250.00 and up

Cooling/Heat Pumps

Add central air conditioning on existing forced-air system $2000.00-$3000.00
Add heat pump to forced-air system $4000.00-$5000.00
Replace heat pump or air conditioning condenser $1200.00-$2000.00
Install independant air conditioning system $8000.00-$15000.00

Insulation

Insulate open attic to modern standards $0.50-$1.25 per sq.ft.
Blow insulation into flat roof, cathedral ceiling or wall cavity $2.00-$3.50 per sq.ft.
Improve attic ventilation $40.00-$50.00 per vent

Plumbing

Replace galvanized piping with copper (2 story with one bathroom) $2000.00-$2500.00
Replace water line to house $1500.00-$3500.00
Replace toilet $300.00 and up
Replace basin, including faucets $350.00 and up
Replace bathtub, including ceramic tile and faucets $2000.00 and u
Install whirlpool bath, including faucets $3000.00 and up
Retile bathtub enclosure $800.00-$1200.00
Replace leaking shower stall pan $1000.00-$1600.00
Rebuild tile shower stall $1500.00-$2500.00
Replace laundry tubs $250.00-$500.00
Remodel four-piece bathroom completely $6000.00 and up
Connect waste plumbing system to municipal sewers $3000.00 and up
Install submersible pump $800.00 and up
Install suction or jet pump $400.00-$600.00
Install modest basement bathroom $4000.00 and up

Interior

Add drywall over plaster $1.50-$2.50 per sq.ft.
Sand and refinish hardwood floors $1.50-$3.00 per sq.ft.
Install replacement windows $30.00-$50.00 per sq.ft.
Install storm window $100.00-$200.00
Install masonry fireplace (if flue already roughed-in) $2000.00 and up
Install zero-clearance firelace (including chimney) $3000.00 and up
Install glass doors on fireplace $300.00 and up
Install skylight $1500.00-$3000.00
Remodel kitchen completely $10,000.00 and up
Install conventional alarm system $1000.00 and up

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 building estimate,home repair estimate,home construction estimate,remodeling estimate[/tags]

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]]> 0 admin <![CDATA[Use Console Tables To Fill Awkward Open Spaces]]> http://www.myfurnitureok.com/use-console-tables-to-fill-awkward-open-spaces/ 2012-02-01T08:11:01Z 2012-02-01T08:11:01Z We all have those rooms that just have too much empty wall space with nothing to break up the background. While we like rooms to feel larger and spacious, there is a point where things just start to be downright barren where home d]]> We all have those rooms that just have too much empty wall space with nothing to break up the background. While we like rooms to feel larger and spacious, there is a point where things just start to be downright barren where home d

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]]> 0 admin <![CDATA[Electrical Systems Insurance & Electrical]]> http://www.myfurnitureok.com/electrical-systems-insurance-electrical/ 2012-01-31T08:01:30Z 2012-01-31T08:01:30Z More and more frequently insurance companies are refusing to insure homes with 60 amp services, knob and tube wiring, and in some cases, even aluminum wiring. Does this mean these types of components or systems are categorically dangerous? No. Like all electrical components, they can be dangerous...]]> More and more frequently insurance companies are refusing to insure homes with 60 amp services, knob and tube wiring, and in some cases, even aluminum wiring. Does this mean these types of components or systems are categorically dangerous? No. Like all electrical components, they can be dangerous is they do not meet certain minimum requirements, but they can also be as safe as any others.

The Consumer Division of the Insurance Bureau of Canada operates an information line at 1-800-387-2880 that can answer some questions with respect to how to obtain insurance on homes equipped with 60 amp services, knob & tube and aluminum wiring.

60 Amp Services

Most standard sized homes built prior to the 1960’s were equipped with a 60 amp electrical service. This size of service was reasonably well suited to the needs of living at the time. However, the search for convenience and enhanced lifestyle has generally increased the demand on the electrical systems of homes today.

A common misunderstanding is that the ampacity (size, or capacity) of a home’s electrical service is determined by checking the main breaker or fuses or the rating imprinted on the panel. This method of determining size is fraught with problems as the ratings of breakers, fuses and panels may correlate to the size of the electrical service, but in many cases they don’t. The panel could have been upgraded without upgrading the service wires.

Electric Service Entry

The size of an electrical service is established by the ampacity (capacity) of the incoming service wires. The only reliable method of determining the size of the service is to observe and correctly identify the size of the incoming wires and the related equipment (mast, meter base, etc.).

It is becoming a common belief that electrical services less than 100 amps are inadequate, therefore unsafe and therefore, they must be upgraded. Smaller electrical services, such as 60 amps a not necessarily unsafe and are not categorically inadequate. A 60 amp service will however, limit the number of appliances that can be used at any one time.

For safey and practical purposes the adequacy of an electrical service should be judged against the size of the potential or expected load it will be required to carry. To some degree the load is determined by the size and number of circuits in the home and by the size of the home.

One indication of a service that is undersized for the demands applied to it is the blowing or popping of the main fuses or breaker switch. If the main fuses or breaker is affected, the service is probably undersized. If the service is undersized for the current demands, increasing the size of the service is one option; an alternative is to reduce the quantity of heavy loads such as the oven, clothes dryer or water heater. Central air-conditioners also draw heavy current and the installation of one may require the upgrading of the electrical service.

Another common belief is that if an individual circuit breaker pops or a fuse blows on a regular basis, the service requires upgrading. Problems with individual circuit breakers or fuses indicate only that the circuit involved has a problem and most likely, it is more heavily loaded than it was designed to be. A service upgrade would not necessarily solve this problem. What is probably needed is to reduce the load on the affected circuit, possibly by introducing another circuit into the area where it’s needed.

“Knob & Tube” Wiring

Knob & tube wiring is a type of wiring which was in common use until the 1940’s and sometimes used as late as the 1950’s. The nick-name is derived from the ceramic knobs that are employed to insulate and secure the wiring runs and the ceramic tubes employed to protect the wires where they pass thru potentially abrasive materials (primarily wood joists, studs etc.) Unlike subsequent wiring systems where all the wires in a run are enclosed in a cable, the two wires (black/hot and white/neutral) run separately and only come together at a terminal (switch, receptacle, fixture, junction box etc.).

Knob & Tube Wiring

Knob & tube wiring does not provide a third wire for grounding and is therefore considered unsafe in kitchens, bathrooms, laundry rooms and outdoors. In other areas, knob & tube wiring that is in good condition with sheathing intact, properly protected from damage, and that hasn’t been subjected to extended periods of overloading which can cause it to become brittle, should not pose an increased safety risk.

Aside from the preceding concerns, the primary risk with knob & tube wiring, it seems, is it’s relative accessibility for amateur repairs, upgrades and maintenance. It is not uncommon to see a system with knob & tube wiring that has a history of amateur work (poorly joined connections, unfastened runs, unprotected wires, etc.). If a house does have knob & tube wiring wiring it should be inspected to ensure that it is properly installed and in good condition.

Note: Many older homes with originally installed knob & tube wiring have had some of the wiring upgraded. While modern wiring is visible in many areas, much of the knob & tube wiring may still be in place and concealed beneath floors, above ceilings and hehind walls.

If a few, but not all, of the circuits are in poor condition they can be replaced eventually without rewiring the whole house. However, if most or all of the circuits are in poor condition, it may be more economical to completely rewire the home. Rewiring can also allow the electrical system to be more convenient as the new circuits can be designed to accomodate the present lifestyle of the occupants of the home.

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 improvement,home renovation,home inspection,electrical tips,home wiring,home wiring tips[/tags]

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]]> 0 admin <![CDATA[Bedroom Design]]> http://www.myfurnitureok.com/bedroom-design/ 2012-01-30T08:10:33Z 2012-01-30T08:10:33Z A bedroom should serve as a peaceful, restful place with warm decor that can be varied depending upon the season. Comfort in a bedroom is a key factor for most people, while others prefer simplicity and functionality as important features.

If the room is to be used only for sleeping, obviou...]]>

 A bedroom should serve as a peaceful, restful place with warm decor that can be varied depending upon the season. Comfort in a bedroom is a key factor for most people, while others prefer simplicity and functionality as important features.

If the room is to be used only for sleeping, obviously a bed and storage space for clothes are needed. It doesn’t have to be particularly large. If the room is also to relax and work in, a larger space is needed. If your bedroom space is small, a partition can make the room seem larger and give you room for dressing.

An ideal bedroom should be large enough to contain a pair of comfortable chairs or a small sofa. There should be at least one nightstand for books and other incidentals, bookcase and a desk.

A guest bedroom ideally should be both comfortable and welcoming. If there is space, include a roomy dressing table that can also serve as a desk; add a comfortable chair and provide good lighting.

Infants and young children should have soundproofed bedrooms with dirt resistant flooring. Adolescents and teens should be given the opportunity to help design their bedroom. It should include a bed, worktable, dressing table, chair, book shelves, entertainment center and enough storage for all of their “stuff.” If there is extra space, an extra bed is useful for sleepovers with their friends.

Bedrooms are often square or rectangular in shape. This is considered the most economical design for this room. Some houses have bedroom features like wide windows with platform sitting areas that can be used for storage or as a window seat. If a room has a high ceiling, long windows can create an airy feel.

A bedroom in a cottage does have a special charm, but it becomes difficult to fit furniture into rooms because of size and low roofs.

Ultimately, a bedroom should be designed keeping in mind the comfort and personal requirements of its owner.

Bedrooms provides detailed information about bedrooms, bedroom furniture, bedroom sets, bedroom accessories, and more. Bedrooms is the sister site of Carpet Cleaning Machines.

[tags]bedrooms, bedroom furniture, bedroom sets, bedroom accessories[/tags]

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