Information and Improvement For Your Home

Are you interested in DIY home improvement tips? Maybe you are already actively improving your home all by yourself. Either way, there is always something to learn about home improvement, and advice or tips to gain for doing it yourself. DIY home improvement tips can come from all over; the key is to keep your eyes and ears open, and also know where to look or who to talk to.

If you have access to the Internet, and prefer to do or learn things from the comfort of your own home, then you probably want to hop online to research the subject of DIY-home improvement. Online you will be able to find numerous websites and site links that will aid and guide you in the art of home improvement. For just about every project you have in mind, inside of your home and outside, you will be able to find detailed DIY home improvement tips and ideas.

If you are a different type of learner who needs a person-to-person consultation, then that is easy to do as well. Simply visit businesses in your local area that specialize in things related to home improvement, like a hardware store, or a nursery if its outdoor work you are planning. At these types of businesses youll be able to find someone to talk with, like an employee that works in or with the specific department that relates to the project at hand. Most likely you are going to have to visit these types of businesses anyway to purchase the necessary supplies, tools, and materials to carry out your project. They will be able to consult with you, and answer any questions or concerns you may have.

Another suggestion would be to visit your local library or bookstore to check out or buy books or magazines specifically about or with some content concerning do-it-yourself home improvement. There are plenty of books and guides on the subject.

If youre a hands-on learner, then do some research in your local area on instructional workshops and classes on DIY home improvement that you could attend. This is the best way to get some basic or more detailed DIY home improvement tips, as well as all the newest ideas that experts have been developing.

There is certainly no shortage of resources for helping anyone learn how to do their own home improving.

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Price : $69.97

Features

• Hedge trimmer with extra long blades ideal for taller and wider hedges and shrubs; inline motor design for improved balance, control and precision
• Patented blade design strong enough to cut up to 3/4-inch thick branches; dual action for faster cutting and 40% less vibration
• Powerful 3.3 Amp motor with gear reduction for durability; wrap-around handle with rubber grip for comfort and control; pre-hardened steel blades for extended reach and long-lasting sharpness
• Includes lock-on switch, lock-off switch, and built-in cord retention system
• Blade length: 24 inches; weight: 6.2 pounds; 2-year full warranty; comes fully assembled

Product Description

mfr: BLACK & DECKER - OUTDOOR 24 HEDGE HOG HEDGE TRIMMER New inline motor design improves balance Shearing blades cut branches up to 3/4 thick Dual action blades cut faster w/ less vibration Powerful motor Full sized, 3-sided comfort handle w/ soft grips Lock-on and lock-off switch Cord retention prevents accidental unplugging Pre-hardened, rust-resistant steel blades HH2450 24 IN. HEDGE TRIMMER SIZE:24

Customer Reviews

Review date : 2008-07-07
This hedge trimmer goes through shrubs and bushes like a hot knife through butter. Amazon had the lowest price and shipping was very quick. My only complaint is that the box the trimmer was shipped in was badly damaged and I needed to straighten out the trimmer blade because it was bent. I didn’t think I needed to over react, so I straightened out the blade without too much trouble and the item works great.

Review date : 2008-06-28
My last Black and Decker Trimmer lasted 30 yrs and worked very well.
This new one is more powerful and trims larger diameter material.
Combined with a reasonable this is one great tool.

Review date : 2008-06-26
I purchased mine in May 2006 and it worked fine on my boxwood hedges, which are about 60 feet long and don’t have any larger branches. I trim them once per year. It worked fine again last year (2007), but this year it started slowing down to the point where it was useless for cutting the hedges.

I called Black & Decker and they confirmed it was just out of warranty and I would have to have it serviced. Of course, for a $70 trimmer, they know I’m not going to bother.

Before you buy, consider this: you probably won’t be using it year-round, which means a 2-year warranty is essentially useless if you get a bad product. I believe this model, and perhaps all Black & Decker electric trimmers, may fall in this category.

I will never purchase from Black & Decker again.

Review date : 2008-06-09
This is the best trimmer that I have owned. It trims everything very well. I like the extended cutting bar, the short electrical cord and the powerful motor.

Review date : 2008-06-07

It does an excellent job. Cuts like a hot knife through butter. My other trimmer, "Crafttsman ‘best’" always "gnawed" at the branches leaving frayed edges. I particularly like that the Black and Decker can also be called upon to do delicate trim work as well as heavy twigs. Completely satisfied.

Price : $31.94

Features

• NSF certified refrigerator water filter retains beneficial fluoride in water while reducing chlorine taste and odor
• Also reduces cysts, asbestos, particulates, lead, mercury
• Replace every 6 months

Product Description

Grille Refrigerator Water Filter, Push Button, Ice & Water Filter, Reduces Cysts, Asbestos, Chlorine’s Taste & Odor, Particulates, Lead, Mercury & More, Retains Beneficial Fluoride, NSF Certified, Replace Your Filter Every 6 Months.

Customer Reviews

Review date : 2008-07-09
The filter is exactly what we expected. You can expect some sputtering of the water just after you install the new filter. It’s only air in the line and will clear up after a few glasses have been dispensed.

Review date : 2008-06-06
These are easy to install, and seem to to a good job. Very expensive, considering they only last 6 months (works out to $60/year), but this is what you agree to when you purchase a fridge that requires filter changes.
This seller had them for under $30 a piece, with no tax or shipping, about the best I’ve found.

Review date : 2008-05-27
I am very please with this water filter. It does what it is supposed to do. The water tastes great. The refrigerator monitors the life of the filter and when time comes to replace is very easy. They last about 3 months. My whole family loves our great tasting water. I have never had a problem with this filter.

Review date : 2008-04-15
I’ve ordered from this company several times. They’re always quick and send the right item. Great job.

Review date : 2008-02-21
When the filter needs replacement, expect the water to flow very slowly from the dispenser. This item is very easy to install in the fridge. Make sure you do not accidentally throw away the end piece that is actually a part of your fridge, not the filter.

It happens to countless homeowners around the end of the year - you make the annual visit to your attic to collect the holiday decorations and what do you find? Spots and blotches covering the bottom of the roof sheathing.

Worse yet - it turns out to be attic mold!

What does energy conservation have to do with mold in the attic? Well if you take a step back and consider how the house behaves as system, they are often directly related.

Building science experts have long been using the house as a system approach to diagnose the cause and origin of building defects.

For example, ice dams. These are often caused by warm air seeping into the attic which causes the snow and ice on the roof to melt. The water drains to the edge of the roof (which is colder than the rest of the roof because it is an overhang and not warmed by the attic), freezes and creates an ice dam. As this process is repeated daily, the ice dam grows larger. Eventually water is forced under a shingle where it can seep into the house.

Understanding how the house behaves as a system and the various causes and effects is necessary to diagnose most building related problems.

But how about that attic mold? How did it get there?

Mold requires chronic moisture to form and to thrive, so source(s) of moisture must be present. Possibly the moisture came from outdoors. The roof is newer and a quick check of the roof shows no obvious damage or leaks.

Possibly the moisture came from indoors. During the heating season, the interior of the house frequently has high moisture levels, especially bathrooms and kitchens. A quick check shows that all bathroom fans, kitchen vents, etc. are properly ducted completely outdoors and not into the attic. The amount of insulation looks good and the attic is well ventilated.

Don’t give up - you are almost there! Remember the house as a system? You know that warm, moist air is in the house, but how is it getting into the attic?

By air leaks! Air leaks are the leading source of energy loss in most houses, and a frequent source of chronic moisture that can cause attic mold.

Most homeowners are well aware of air leaks around windows and doors (especially old ones), but many overlook the numerous gaps leading directly into the attic!

Have a look around the attic and you may find large gaps around recessed lights and fans, holes where wires or pipes are installed, even large gaps around the chimney.

And don’t overlook the whole house fan and especially the folding attic stair - a big, uninsulated hole in your ceiling that is often overlooked!

These gaps can add up to a large hole that allows warm, moist air from the house to flow right into the cold attic. The warm moist air condenses on the cold roof sheathing, creating chronically damp conditions that can lead to attic mold growth. And the energy loss - it can be like leaving a window open all winter long!

Seal these air leaks and you stop a significant moisture source. And just think of all the energy you can save and the cold drafts you can stop!

Mark D. Tyrol is a Professional Engineer specializing in cause and origin of construction defects. He developed several residential energy conservation products including an attic stair cover and a fireplace draftstopper. To learn more visit http://www.batticdoor.com

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Do you have a home-improvement project coming up? Lots of people today are taking on almost any home-improvement project you can think of on their own. But before you begin, here are five questions that you need to ask yourself.

1. Do I really know how to do this? — yes, it’s tempting to just jump in with both feet and tackle any home-improvement job that comes along. After all, it’s going to save money if you do it yourself, right? Not necessarily. There are some jobs around the home that demand much more skill than others. For instance if you don’t really know what you’re doing with plumbing or electrical systems, you could not only cost yourself a lot of money, but you could also get hurt. So think long and hard before starting those kind of home-improvement projects on your own.

2. Do I have enough experience? — other home improvement projects, such as plastering, aren’t necessarily difficult to do, but they do require a certain amount of talent and experience in order to make the finished product come out right. So if you care about the way the job is going to look when it is done, make sure that you have the experience needed before you start.

3. Do I have the time to finish this job? — a lot depends on your daily schedule. If you have nothing but time on your hands, it may not matter how long this job takes. On the other hand, if you work for a living, and are doing this in your spare time, then it may actually pay you to have someone else do the work while you are still earning money. Just keep in mind that any home-improvement job is probably going to take you longer to accomplish than the average professional, and you should plan accordingly.

4. Do I have the necessary equipment? — there are several jobs around the home that require special equipment to accomplish. Of course, you can probably rent almost any tool that you will ever need. But that gets very expensive very fast. So if you have a budget for each home improvement project that you tackle, make sure that you have figured in the cost for any specialized tools that will be needed before you get started. Another solution is to check among your network of friends and family to see if any of them might have the tools that you need.

5. Is this job allowed? — some projects are simply going to have to require a permit in order to be legal. Don’t ever try to complete a project without a permit if the laws require it in your area. It can be irritating and frustrating to have to get your plans approved before you get started, but it just simply has to be done.

One of the biggest problems that homeowners face when they start out on do it yourself home improvements is the lack of proper planning. Don’t let that happen to you. Before starting any project, ask yourself the five questions listed above and they will help you start out on the right foot.

Thad Pickering writes on many consumer related topics including home improvement. You can find out more about do it yourself home improvements and do it yourself home repair by visiting our Home Improvement website.

With the continued explosion of small business startups these days, home office setups are becoming more and more of an issue. You need all the standard equipment of a brick and mortar business, but can you afford them? And does it really make a difference? The answer to both questions is yes!

Many home business entrepreneurs feel that if they don’t have clients stopping by, they don’t need to have a good office setup. An old desk, your child’s forsaken bookshelf, a chair from the kitchen table, and a miscellaneous table or two will work just fine. The rest is just fluff.

However, consider these things. Every human being responds to his/her surroundings in one form or another. When your office looks like a professional place of business, you actually respond by being more professional with your clients and vendors. But more importantly, “leftover” desks and chairs are normally not as comfortable as furniture specifically designed for an office. When you spend a tremendous amount of time at your desk, you physically need it to be as comfortable as possible.

Chairs that provide little support, desks that don’t offer enough space or aren’t ergonomically correct, and a setup that does not lend itself to ease and functionality often cause back, neck, shoulder, and eye strains. These may only manifest themselves in the form of fatigue at first, but eventually can develop into more serious conditions.

If you intend to work at home full-time, make sure you have the best equipment you can have. You’ll need a chair designed to offer full support over long periods of time. You’ll want a desk that offers ample space, with a keyboard tray to help prevent shoulder strain. You’ll also need your monitor placed at eye level and to have even, natural lighting in the room.

Think you can’t afford all these things? Sure you can! Check your local phone directory for used office furniture. You’ll be amazed at the bargains you can find. I recently purchased a used desk that was in perfect condition for only $225. The new price was $650. Office chairs, bookcases, printer stands, lamps, and all types of other office furniture were available at 50%-80% off. I could have revamped my entire office for the price of one desk bought at retail.

Other options? Check your Sunday newspaper for “going out of business postings”, auctions, and used furniture listings. There are bargains to be found everywhere.

When it comes to your small business, you need to consider yourself and your well-being first. After all, if YOU aren’t in good shape, how can your business be? With a little investigation, you can have all the comforts of home (or home office) for a fraction of the cost.

Diane C. Hughes * ProBizTips.com

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