Jorbins.com: Home Improvement and Decorating

(Article) - Kitchen Appliance Garages - Excellent!!

Jorbins.com — Wed, 18 Feb 2009 20:47:25 GMT

One of the neatest trends in kitchen designs these days are appliance garages. If you have never seen one you will want to do a little research on the subject before finalizing your new kitchen design. Even if you were not considering remodeling your kitchen you may want to add this feature in for convenience and organization.

Appliance garages are built in kitchen cupboards that usually sit on the countertop and they hide small appliances. They are great because they still allow easy access to your blender, toaster, food processor, etc. and yet keep them out of site when not in use. You have your electrical plug-ins there as well so all your gadgets are ready to use whenever you want them.

An added benefit besides a cleaner, neater kitchen is that your appliances won't get food and water splattered on them and will not gather dust if they sit there for a bit not in use.

You can find easy to install hardwood appliance garage kits and install them into your existing kitchen quite easily. They even make models that fit in a corner.

The work similar to a garage, hence the name, and you just take the handle and slide it up when you want to use your toaster, mixer, coffee maker, etc. When you are done you just slide them back down and the appliances are out of sight.

These give your kitchen a much more organized and sleek look and it is always easier to be inspired when cooking when you have a clean organized workspace to prepare food on. This way all your gadgets are handy and easy to get at and you don't have a cluttered countertop to look at every day!!

Filed In: Home Improvement | Kitchens | Cabinets

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(Article) - Advanced Mortgage Prepayment (Extra Payments) Calculator

Jorbins.com — Mon, 26 Jan 2009 12:32:43 GMT

Jorbins.com's Advanced Mortgage Prepayment Calculator compares the effect of two different extra payments to the principal on a mortgage.

First you need to set up the mortgage by entering the mortgage amount, interest rate, and the mortgage term(years). Next enter the amount of the first prepayment as well as the frequency. After you set up your first prepayment just enter a second prepayment amount and frequency for a comparison.

The Mortgage Prepayment Calculator will generate amortization tables for each prepayment highlighting when a prepayment has been made.

The calculator will also generate a table showing the interest saved, number of payments saved, and the number of years/months saved.

Filed In: Home Improvement | Buying And Selling | Mortgage Calculators

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(Article) - What I Think Of The New Windows I Just Had Installed In My Home

Jorbins.com — Tue, 30 Dec 2008 14:10:52 GMT

This fall I had three of my many windows replaced in my small home. I live in an older house and it has a lot of windows but I needed to start somewhere.

I had been wanting to do this for some time but the cost was a big factor. I had even went through the process of letting the telemarketers that call come out an give me a quote on what their "bargain" windows would cost. Dang, I could buy a new house for what they wanted to replace all my windows. Plus they aren't local and what would I do if I had a problem. I had a local contractor give me a quote and it wasn't much better.

I had mentioned that I wanted to replace my windows to a friend of mine and three were so drafty that they needed to be replaced before winter. She told me she had a friend that did this type of work and had done work on her house so she put me in touch with him.

I talked to him for awhile, he took measurements, got me quotes and I went for it. B.J did a super job, and even wrapped the windows so that they are maintenance free. The cost for the three windows was less than what others had contracted to do one for. Plus he didn't turn his nose down at only doing three at a time, where everyone else didn't seem to want to be bothered unless they could do the whole house. Which if you count the 10 on my front porch has 22 windows.

It is nice to be able to easily open my windows, not have to put up separate storm windows, and best of all I don't have a huge draft coming in my computer area. I could actually lower my thermostat this year so I will be saving money on my heating bills.

So if any of you readers are thinking of having your windows replaced shop around and talk to your friends and family and maybe you can find someone like I did that does good quality work at a fair price. You will want to take the recommendation of friends that have actually had work done by the person, just because someone has done a good job doing their own home maintenance projects doesn't mean they will take that same care when they are working on someone else's home!

Filed In: Home Improvement | Home Exteriors and Home Maintenance | Windows And Shutters

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(Article) - How To Buy A Decent Set Of Sheets For Your Bed

Jorbins.com — Tue, 30 Dec 2008 13:26:46 GMT

For Christmas this year my mom gave me money to go buy myself a new set of sheets. I decided that it was about time to pass down my current comforter to the dog as well so off to the sales I went to purchase new bedding.

My first goal was to find sheets that actually fit my mattress. The sheets that I have been using continually slip off, obviously not all sheets fit all mattresses. I also was looking for a bargain.

First off I looked at all the bed in a bag sets that I found, but none of them really took my eye. I did notice that they all said that they fit mattresses up to 14 inches deep. Of course I hadn't actually measured mine before I left to see for sure how deep mine was.

Luckily for me I didn't find any combination sets that took my eye in the five stores I went to, none that were in my price range anyway! I know there are readers out there that might think that a $400.00 set is a bargain at $299.00 but not this single mom.

I finally decided to just look at sheets by themselves. I saw all different thread counts and materials that I could get. There were what I would call regular sheets, flannel sheets, and Egyptian Cotton sheets. I decided on the Egyptian cotton type since I really don't care if they get a bit wrinkled and I have heard they are very comfortable sheets to have on your bed.

I also noticed as I went up in thread count, so did the price. This didn't surprise me because the higher the thread count the better the sheets. But what I did take note of was that the higher thread count sheets would fit a mattress up to 16 inches deep. Now maybe those high dollar bed in a bag sheets also said this, but after I saw the prices on some of them I never looked that far.

So I made my decision on the sheets and even found a comforter to match. I even sprung for an extra set of pillowcases to match. I usually just put the shams on the extra set of pillows on my bed but I decided to splurge and do it right this time. So by the time I was all done I ended up purchasing this all at Wal-Mart for right under $100.00.

The one thing that I didn't get was a dust ruffle or bed skirt. I probably would have but they didn't have one to match. I was pleasantly surprised when I got home that not only did the sheets fit and stay on the mattress but the comforter was large enough that it almost went to the floor anyway. If I would have been thinking I would have bought the king size comforter to help with this but as it turns out I didn't need to. I love the Egyptian cotton sheets and I am convinced that the next time I buy sheets I will go with them again.

The down side of the whole thing is that my niece had gotten me a thoughtful gift of a roll of what I would normally call silverware liner. This was to put above and below my old bed skirt to keep my mattress from sliding. I say this was thoughtful because it was, I had asked for something to do just that because my mattress was always going off kilter. But now I don't need to use if for that purpose since my mattress stays where it is suppose to. Since my daughter got me new silverware I will reline my drawers and cupboards with it.

Filed In: Home Improvement | Bedrooms | Bedding

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(Article) - If You Have Gas Appliances And Think You Smell Gas Don't Ignore It

Jorbins.com — Mon, 17 Nov 2008 22:24:35 GMT

When it comes to you and your family's safety you can't be too persistent or diligent. I recently thought I smelled gas in my home so I called the fire department to check it out. I knew they could get there the quickest.

When the firemen came in two of them thought they could smell gas but when they got out there equipment it didn't show a reading. I have both a gas powered furnace and hot water heater so they checked both areas. They also went up into the attic to make sure nothing was wrong there.

One of the firemen told me that the gas company has different equipment that would be able to test for a gas leak better. He encouraged me to call them and have the furnace checked out just in case.

I called the gas company and sure enough there was something faulty in the furnace. So a repairman came out and fixed the problem and then the gas company turned the gas back on.

A little while later I thought I smelled gas again, but wondered if I was imagining it. I opened all the windows and doors for an hour or so to make sure the house was cleared. After I shut the windows and doors I knew I could smell gas again. So another call, this time after hours, to the gas company.

They came out and sure enough there was another problem. The repairman came back out, and found that fixing one problem had let to another. Eventually the problem got fixed and the gas was turned back on the next day. Kudos to my repairman, he did not charge me for the second visit.

About a week later I took the trash out to the alley and I could smell gas AGAIN. At least this time it wasn't in my house. I again called the gas company and they sent someone out. The technician could smell something but didn't think it was gas. But although he didn't think it was he did go back to get some more testing equipment to be sure.

Sure enough when he tested it he found a problem. Apparently problems can occur on older gas meters when they are turned off and back on.

If the firemen that had came to my house would have just said no leak because that was what their equipment said then this story could have had a whole different outcome. While I am sure I would have pursued it right away even if they had said that, others might not.

So the moral of the story is; if you think you smell gas, call someone. And unless someone can pinpoint the odor FOR SURE to something other than a gas leak, then call someone else. Never once was I positive it was gas I was smelling but I wanted to be positive it wasn't. You too should ask questions and demand answers until you are 100 percent certain that your family is not at risk.

Sidenote: Several people suggested I get a carbon monoxide detector to be safe. I agree that every home should have one, but a carbon monoxide detector will not detect natural gas. You need a special detector for that. Also detectors do you no good if the batteries are dead, be sure and change them twice a year. I always replace mine when the time changes. Keep in mind dectors, including smoke detectors, don't last forever. Make sure yours are working properly, you never know when your family's lives could depend on them.

Filed In: Home Improvement | Home Exteriors and Home Maintenance | Furances

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(Article) - Functional and Decorative Toilet Paper Holder

Jorbins.com — Tue, 14 Oct 2008 09:48:28 GMT

I have a small bathroom in my house and space and functionality is always an issue. Since I don't have a lot of cabinets and none of them are in close proximity to the toilet I needed a convenient place to have extra rolls.

I have seen lots of bathrooms with a basket that contained them within reach. I didn't like that idea because not only did it not seem that sanitary I don't care for dusting too much. So this is what I have in my bathroom now.

I can't take credit for it totally since it was a gift but I love it and it would be very easy to make.

Take 4 empty coffee cans and on three of them use your can opener and take off the bottom part of the can so they are cylinders. You will need to keep one with the bottom intact.

Use your hot glue gun and glue them end to end so they will hold 4 rolls of toilet paper.

You will need to keep at least one of the plastic covers, but I recommend keeping all four since after time you may need to replace the lid.

Find some material that is easily washable and matches your own bathroom decor. Get a piece large enough to wrap around the cans. You will want an extra inch or two because then you place Velcro along the edges to fasten it around.

Mine also has a circle of the material glued to the plastic lid so that it all matches. I recommend you making a couple extra lids to match while you have the material out in case they ever need replaced.

A real nice thing about this is it is easily washable. When I wash my bathroom rugs I just take this off and throw it in as well.

Quick, easy, functional, and it adds a decorative touch as well.

Filed In: Home Improvement | Bathrooms | Decorating

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(Article) - Bedroom Decor - Simplicity is Better!

Jorbins.com — Sun, 28 Sep 2008 00:00:11 GMT

To tell you the truth, I never did sleep well in my bedroom. I never cared for the decor or even cared for the atmosphere...

You'll probably agree that a bedroom is not JUST a place to sleep. It's more of a warm sanctuary if you will. It's a place of tranquility, peace, relaxation, comfort, stability, and security where you can go to release everything about your day, regenerate, and welcome a new day.

When your bedroom decor does not reflect such an atmosphere you may be in for some unnecessary sleepless nights. But, there is hope through simplicity!

Why Should You Simplify Your Bedroom Decor?

What your senses pick up on in your environment will have a direct/indirect mental and physical effect on you. Since your environment has such an effect it is important that you control that environment. Without control you risk unnecessary sensory overload and excitement.

The environment that we are looking for in a bedroom is a peaceful and relaxing retreat. It makes no sense to overload or excite your senses with your decor.

Overloading your senses produces uneasiness, stress, and anxiety.
Exciting your senses produces energy, alertness, and liveliness.

Both go against the purpose of a bedroom. With simplicity you are reducing or eliminating almost all sensory overload and excitement so that you have balance.

Eliminating General Clutter - Your First Step Towards Simplicity

Clutter is your worst enemy in almost any environment. Clutter means you have unorganized excess. When you leave a bedroom cluttered it will create an unnecessary feeling of stress and anxiety.

The first thing you need to do is eliminate general clutter in your bedroom. That means anything lying around that should not be there should be removed.

Examples of unnecessary clutter:

Dirty clothes on the floor
Old clothes in your closet
Shoes laying everywhere
Jewelry, loose change, books, etc. that collect on dressers and nightstands
Knick-knacks and non-bedroom items.
Junk under the bed

Decor Colors - Make Em' Simple

Colors can elicit many different types of moods. They can give you the feeling of peace and tranquility or they can give you the sense of outrage or conflict.

Simplifying the color of bedroom decor means to simplify the amount of colors and also their effects. The goal with colors is simple harmony.

Here are some things to look out for in your decor:

Bright vivid colors excite your senses and should not be used in large quantities in your bedroom.
If you must use a vivid color do not place another vivid color next to it. When placed side by side they tend to vibrate.
You can also overload your senses by having too many dominant colors in your decor. Have only one dominate color and use it in moderation such as in highlights.

Colors for your bedroom decor:

Monotone colors are different variation of the same hue. Use up to 3 variations. Example: 1 light - 1 dark - 1 dull works wonderfully.

Complimentary colors are 2 colors directly across each other on the color wheel. Try to keep contrast as low as possible. 2 light versions, 1 light - 1 dull, or 1 light - 1 dark.

Similar colors are right next to each other on the color wheel. With these experiment between light, dark, dull, and vivid combinations. Remember balance is key. Too much contrast or too little may destroy your color scheme.

Contrasting colors are 2 colors that are separated by 3 other colors on the color wheel. Experiment with combinations of light, dark, dull, and vivid colors. Try to get them to blend well but do not allow too much contrast or too little.

Colors and mood:

Dark colors - richness
Light colors - tranquility
Vivid colors - excitement
Dull colors - subdued
Yellows, red, orange - summery, warm, hot, fruity
Blues, green, purple - cool, cold, wintery

Patterns - Don't Go Too Wild!

When you are looking to simplify the decor in a bedroom don't forget patterns and designs. You most certainly want to stay away from wild and busy patterns. Keep them simple or eliminate them altogether and use solid colors.

If you decide to use a pattern make sure it works with your color scheme. Many times colors can make the simplest of patterns seem busy and can completely change the feel of the room.

Bedroom Furniture

Not only should you be concerned about style of furniture but also the visual weight and position of the furniture.

Style: Choose a style of furniture that matches the overall feel of your colors and patterns. If the style conflicts change it. Conflicting styles ads in unnecessary stress and uneasiness.

Visual weight: Visual weight refers to the size, bulkiness, and mass of your furniture. Although some items of furniture may not be physically large or heavy, it may appear so visually. The good thing about visually heavy furniture is that it can create a sense of stability. The bad thing is that they can also create a feeling of oppressiveness if used in large quantities. This is why, again, you should keep it simple.

Position: Not only must you be concerned about the visual weight of the bedroom furniture itself, you must also be concerned about their position. Since most furniture has different shapes, sizes, and purpose you need to position them so that you create balance yet keep it functional.

Let's say you have a big tall dresser on one side of the room. You object is to simplify the visual weight. Either you could get rid of the dresser and buy a smaller one or you could put a smaller dresser, table, or stand in the same position on the other side of the room. If you were to put a picture above it, you would create a sense of equal height. Balance is achieved.

That's About It!

Well, there you have it. A few ways you can simplify your bedroom decor. The best thing you can do is play around a little bit. Remember the object is to simplify for your senses and to create an atmosphere that is comfortable, stable, tranquil, peaceful, and relaxing.

Filed In: Home Improvement | Bedrooms | Decorating

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(Article) - Transform Your Bathroom into a Beautiful Retreat.

Jorbins.com — Thu, 19 Jun 2008 15:45:49 GMT

(ARA) - It's that crowded little room you rush around in every day as you get ready for work, but have you considered that your bathroom could be so much more? A few updates can transform a plain space into a beautiful retreat that will soothe your nerves and become a haven for relaxation.

"Most people want a warm, fuzzy comfortable feeling in their bathrooms," says Steven Bates of Bates and Bates, a California-based company that creates handmade basins and pedestals. "You spend a lot of time there so you want it to be a place that you enjoy."

No matter the size of your space or the extent of your budget, there are a number of ways to give your bathroom a new mood. Changing a few key items can make a dramatic difference.

"It used to be that everyone invested in their kitchens," says interior designer Shirley Bolduc of Shirley Bolduc Interior Design in Minneapolis. "Now that same attention is being moved to the bathroom."

It could be as simple as coordinating your colors. Too many colors can produce a chaotic atmosphere so matching the dominant tones throughout the room will create a more streamlined, calming environment. For example, if your fixtures are yellow, echo that color with accents such as towels, curtains or even decorative tiles.

Consider updating the very nerve-center of your bathroom: the sink. "Whether you want to match a contemporary, traditional or antique interior, there is a sink that will fit your needs," says Bates, who adds that homeowners can even specify the kind of finish they want from highly polished to a more weathered, aged look.

"Bathroom trends come and go -- colors and finishes are always changing. When you're choosing fixtures, make sure you work with a company that has the flexibility to easily adapt to all kinds of looks," adds Bates.

Get rid of blocky cabinets and replace with a graceful fixture that will add an elegant decoration to your room. Something like a baroque basin pedestal made from a delicate hammered bronze or pewter turns a piece of furniture into bathroom sculpture. "You can also take an antique cabinet or marble-top buffet and turn it into an elegant, one-of-a-kind vanity," says Bates, who explains that his company can create a sink to fit any piece of furniture.

Bolduc says that the predominant trend for fixtures and decorations right now is relaxed sophistication: "People want to live with quality products, but they still want a casual feel." The popular "old world" or "European" look, achieved with weathered surfaces and antique accents, fits with lots of different settings.

According to Bolduc, pampering accessories such as double-head showers and handheld spray units are another way homeowners can add some luxury to their bathrooms. "You want it to be a place that feels good," she adds.

Your only problem, you might be late for work. Once you finish the bathroom redesign, you'll never want to leave.

Bates and Bates artisan sinks and pedestals are available for residential baths and kitchens as well as hotels, restaurants and offices. For more information or to locate a dealer near you, call (800) 726-7680 or visit www.batesandbates.com.

Courtesy of ARA Content

Filed In: Home Improvement | Bathrooms | Remodeling

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(Article) - Living Room Decor and Small Children

Jorbins.com — Wed, 02 Apr 2008 00:00:12 GMT

Don't you love it! You finally get the house you want. A nice big living room with the decor and furniture you want. All the little knick-knacks and collectible stuff all arranged to your liking. Next thing you know...

You have kids! And they will get into everything. What decor once worked for your home just may be extremely hazardous for small children.

Not to worry though, armed with these simple tips you can make sure your living room decor is much safer for and even from children.

Walkways and Traffic Patterns

One of the most dangerous things that can happen is a child getting underfoot. Stepping on a child is bad enough but loosing your balance and falling on a child can be worse.

Take a look at your traffic pattern in your living room. Sketch our your living room on a piece of paper if you have to. Be sure to add the decor and doorways and take different colors and sketch each of the MAJOR traffic walkways.

Take notice of where your children sit and play most frequently. For example: Do they sit in front of the TV or in the corner somewhere?

Draw circles around the major play areas which is the area + 2 feet around where a child usually sits and plays. Next widen your circle a bit for a "wandering" area (usually 4-5 feet from play center). This is an area where children usually will wander around while they are playing.

Next look at your sketch. Determine the major pathways of foot traffic. The rule of thumb is the quickest route between doorways and major seating tends to be the path most traveled.

Now look at the relationship of foot traffic and the play area. You do not want any foot traffic pathways to cross in the the major play areas. You can have foot traffic in wandering areas but try to make sure it is light traffic with a single path.

If you need to adjust the furniture, that is fine. Just remember that paths will change.

Coffee Tables - End Tables - Entertainment Centers

Another living room decorating hazard is furniture. With furniture you must make sure each piece does not have any sharp edges or pointy corners or that it can break easily such as glass. You should also test each piece so that it does not tip over easily.

Couches - Footstools - Recliners

When old enough, kids love to try and get themselves up on chairs and couches. This can be dangerous because they can easily roll or even bounce right off of them.

Footstools usually are not quite as high as couches and chairs but still can be a hazard. Little children often have poor balance when seated. It does not take much before them to tip over. Often times just a turn of their head can make them fall. Since footstools have no backs or armrests for boundaries, once a fall starts there is nothing stopping them from hitting the floor.

Keep in mind that low footstools will sooner or later be used as a ladder to higher furniture. As soon as a child can pull themselves up to their feet, get rid of the footstool. Cover it and put it out in the garage until the child gets a bit older.

When your living room decor includes a recliner, watch out! Since they have moving parts it is a hazard. Little ones crawling around may get finger or even heads lodged and crushed underneath.

You should remove the chair from the room and replace it with a solid stable chair from another room if you can. Usually this will be temporary so don't worry. It is better to be safe than sorry.

Knick-knacks

Everyone loves knick-knacks. But many times they are a decorating hazard in a room with small children. For the most part they are breakable and contain small parts.

Anyone with kids knows that once a knick-knack is spotted by a child, he or she will try to get it and keep trying day in and day out.

It is suggested to put them all away. Yes it may make for a bare room, but you are doing yourself, your child, and your knick-knack a favor. Remember, it is only temporary!

Picture and Frames

Pictures that stand on tables where they can be reached by little hands should be removed.

The bad thing is picture frames usually has a glass face. When broken you can imagine how dangerous that can become. Even at that some pictures cannot easily replaced. So protect those memories.

Table Lamps - Super Decor Hazard.

While table lamps may be required in a darker room, they are so very dangerous in a room with small children.

First, table lamps tend to be heavy. Do anything you can too keep it secured in one spot. The last thing you want is for a child to pull it right off the table and it land on him or her.

Second, table lamps usually are made of glass, ceramic, and even contain a glass light. Imagine a lamp getting shattered on the floor and how a child can get severely injured from the pieces!

Third, table lamps use electricity! Since a lamp uses electricity it has an electrical chord. If a child were to get to this cord they could bite into it, choke, or hang themselves with it. If they can get to the plug in they may pull the plug out far enough and stick their finger in between the prongs.

Hardwood Floors

Hardwood floors my look lovely but have you seen a child fall and hit their head on one?

A special play mat or rug is especially helpful on living rooms with hardwood floors. Many times they can soften the fall of a child where they would have been seriously hurt falling on the hardwood floor. What is also nice about them is that you can easily roll them up and hide them when company comes!

These mats and should be padded, comfortable, and soft yet not interfere with toy playing. The mat should have a non-slip coating on the bottom so it does not slide around when stepped on. If it doesn't have a non-slip coating on the bottom you can place a non-slip piece of material to apply between the floor and the mat.

Teach a child not to run on the mat. Even if the is a non-slip coating or material it still may slide given enough pressure. You don't want a child to run and it gives under their feet.

Another use of a mat is in front of the TV were older children usually sit and watch. If your children sit too close to the TV you can place a mat at a safe distance. Instruct that if there is any TV watching you must not be any closer than the mat. If they do get closer let them know that you will turn the TV off.

Filed In: Home Improvement | Living Rooms | Organizing

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(Article) - Decorative Concrete Treatments Let Homeowners' Creativity Surface

Jorbins.com — Wed, 02 Apr 2008 00:00:07 GMT

(ARA) - Concrete -- it's practical, sturdy and has been used in the construction of buildings since the early Roman times. However, let's face it -- few of us would argue that most concrete patios, driveways, walkways and garage floors are attractive. In fact, more than likely, they're drab, dull, even boring. But, as many homeowners and do-it-yourselfers are discovering, through the use of decorative finishing concrete treatments, those gray, cold outdoor slabs can take on a unique, stylish look that reflects homeowners' particular tastes.

Why Decorative Concrete Treatments?

Decorative concrete treatments, such as staining and stenciling, have gained in popularity during the past few years, although the idea of decorative concrete is not new. Concrete stamping tools have been around since the early 1950s and concrete coloring has been in existence even longer. However, the selection of finishes, colors and textures have grown, offering homeowners more options when choosing to add a little oomph to their outdoor decor.

According to Pete Donati, product manager for H&C Stain, a leading manufacturer of concrete care products, the desire for concrete decor among homeowners is an extension of their interior design-sense. "Consumers want the ability to express their own style, not just inside their homes, but on the exterior, as well. Concrete decor is emerging as a newly discovered form of easy-to-complete landscape design that allows homeowners to 'dress-up' something as mundane as a bare concrete driveway."

Donati goes on to say that in addition to adding beauty to a home's exterior, decorative concrete allows homeowners to create vibrant colors and intricate designs at half the cost of installing real stone or other natural materials. "Rather than spending thousands of dollars on replacing concrete walkways, patios or driveways, at a cost of approximately $6 a square foot, the same beautiful effect can easily be accomplished by using decorative techniques on existing concrete."

DIY Friendly Decorative Concrete Treatments The majority of decorative techniques involve changing either the color or pattern of a concrete surface, or both. The most common treatments make concrete appear more like expensive material such as tile, cobblestone, brick and keystone. These illusions can be accomplished through a number of applications. The following are two of the easiest and most popular DIY treatments:

Staining

If you're looking to add some pizzazz to your dreary driveway, patio or garage floor, or cover up some unsightly oil stains, staining will serve to change the color or look of your concrete, as well as add lasting protection against the outdoor elements. In several simple steps, you can transform an outdoor concrete surface into a colorful creation. In most cases, you'll begin by cleaning the area with a concrete de-greaser to help alleviate oil and grease spots. After rinsing off the de-greaser, you should apply an etch cleaner. This step should make the surface feel like 120 grit sandpaper and allow the stain to easily soak into the concrete. After waiting for 24 hours, you can apply the first coat of stain with a brush or roller. A second coat can usually be added after the first coat of stain dries for at least another 12 hours.

Today, concrete stains span the color spectrum. They're offered in colors ranging from traditional browns and grays to racy reds, greens and even hues of purple.

Stenciling

If you want to take staining one step further, stenciling is the simplest way to place brick or stone patterns on a concrete surface. Stencil templates can be purchased in rolls of water-resistant plastic. The "stone" pattern is created by rolling the template out on the concrete and applying a spray base color through the stencil, much like the staining procedure.

Stencils come in a variety of patterns, including cobblestone, herringbone, hexagon tile and natural stone. Cost varies by pattern, but Donati adds that in addition to the staining costs, most stencil systems cost between approximately twenty to twenty five cents per square foot.

Helpful Decorative Concrete Treatment Tips

Although decorative concrete projects are very DIY friendly, if you're thinking about incorporating color or patterns into an upcoming concrete project, there are some tips that will help you successfully accomplish your goal.

First, know that no colored slab will perfectly match any color chart. Expect some slight variations in coloring, even when working with newly poured concrete. If you are working with new concrete, be sure to let it cure for 30-45 days before attempting to stencil or stain the surface. Once completed, your new concrete creation will require some maintenance to keep it looking its very best. Continued weathering can make concrete colors appear faded, so make sure you re-seal your colored or stenciled concrete every two to five years after the initial application. Following these tips will help to ensure you can enjoy your concrete artwork for years to come!

Courtesy of ARA Content

EDITORS NOTE: H&C Concrete Stain has been a leader in the field of specialty and concrete coatings since 1953. With state-of-the-art technology, research and manufacturing, as well as complete technical field support, H&C offers a complete line of concrete and masonry stains, sealers, water repellents and specialty products for both the commercial and DIY marketplaces.

Filed In: Home Improvement | Home Exteriors and Home Maintenance | General Home Exterior Information

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(Article) - Buying Rental Property

Jorbins.com — Wed, 02 Apr 2008 00:00:05 GMT

So you are considering buying rental property. Congratulations. You are now among the millions of people each year who consider buying investment real estate. But are you ready for the next step to actually buy a rental property? Before you dive in, make sure you do some research first and find out what it is really like to be a landlord. Despite what you may have heard elsewhere, there is a lot to know and it is a lot of work. But that does not mean it is not worth it. If you want to be successful, you must understand what to expect before you begin renting.

Owning rental property can be very rewarding financially and otherwise. While it is possible to sit back and collect income year after year without doing any work on your property, it is not a very realistic expectation if you want to maintain a profitable investment for years to come. Finding a home rental or apartment rental that will reap you a net profit each year is not very difficult, but maintaining a 20% return on your investment or selling the rental property in 20 years for a large profit will likely take some regular effort on your part.

Becoming a successful rental property owner requires that you do whatever it takes to rent your property, keep your tenants happy and maintain your property so it can be easily rented year after year. That means you must actively seek renters to fill your vacancies, respond to your tenants needs and take the time to make repairs that will last and even increase your property value. Anyone can pick up a roller and paint a room so it looks pretty. But not everyone can fix a leaking pipe or replace a broken windowpane. Make sure you know what you are doing, have someone that can help you or be prepared to pay for repairs.

When choosing an area where to buy a rental property, there are several things to consider including, distance from your home, supply of potential tenants, average rents you can collect and the ability of tenants in that area to pay you. There are many advantages to renting in an area such as a college community because there is always and ample supply of tenants, rental income is usually higher than most other areas, and vacancies can be limited. Also, students often have parents who will pay their rent.

Take some time to read articles on renting and becoming a landlord before you move ahead and buy a rental property. Participate in on line forums that discuss the pros and cons of buying rental property. Talk to other rental property owners to hear their thoughts on being a landlord. Be sure to ask what it is like to rent to students, how do they deal with vacancies, and what other issues they have renting in a college community. Investment real estate can be a worthwhile investment if you are well prepared to face any challenges that may come along.

About the Author:

Don Romanek has owned and managed rental properties in college communities for 14 years. He started http://www.OffCampusNetwork.com to help landlords and property managers rent their properties near college communities throughout the country. OffCampusNetwork has hundreds of rental property listings nationwide and offers many resources for rental property owners.

Filed In: Home Improvement | Buying And Selling | Purchasing A New Home

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(Article) - Tips for Decorating Your Living Room

Jorbins.com — Wed, 02 Apr 2008 00:00:04 GMT

In the home, the living area, or the receiving room, is one of the busiest rooms. It's also the room guests initially see and form a lasting impression about the home. Hence, the living area should be well-decorated, well-laid out and inviting to guests and family members. It should project a homey, comfortable yet elegant image.

The Greeks were inspired by lofty ideals of beauty. And these same ideals can be imitated and applied to create and decorate an elegant home, an elegant living area in particular. With a combination of imagination, good taste, statues and lamps, any living area can be transformed into one that exudes elegance and coziness at the same time.

There are several ways you can decorate your living area to create an inviting place and cause a lasting impression to your guests:

REARRANGING FURNITURE. Your lifestyle or taste determines what the focal point of your living area is. If you have a fireplace, you can rearrange your furniture around it. Or if you have a piano, and this is the focal point of your living area, your furniture could be set around it.

When rearranging your furniture, also consider traffic in your living area. Does the arrangement of your furniture allow free movement and flow? Does it give an uncluttered look?

It is always good to arrange furniture in off-square angles. This makes the room warmer and more casual. And instead of placing large sofas directly against the wall, why not place it a foot or so away from the wall and put a lamp or plant behind it instead?

COLORS TO CREATE WARMTH. Colors have psychological effects on people and their moods. When applied in your living area, colors can intimidate, invite or irritate. Decorating using colors is also an inexpensive way of decorating because it only involves painting or papering walls.

You want your living area to be warm and inviting, and one of the warmest and most relaxing colors is green. Green has several shades and it's one of the most flexible colors around. But whatever color you pick for the color of your walls, make your carpets and furniture coordinated.

MIRRORS FOR SPACE AND DEPTH. Create space and depth for your small living area by positioning a mirror on a wall. Your mirror should reflect something pleasing to the eyes. If you have more wall space, try adding small painting on either side of the mirror.

ADDING SMALL FURNITURE. To create a "lived-in" aura for your living area, position small furniture in the room. This can be a small bench, or a low sofa table. Place magazines, journals and newspapers under the table. Placing flower vases, baskets and small plants on your table also creates beauty and livens up the room.

STATUES FOR ELEGANCE. Corners and tabletops are good places for small statues. Statues, especially marble ones, provide aesthetic quality to your living area. The statues at Portara portray the Greeks of ancient times -- symbols, deities, objects associated with everyday life. The Greeks used marble for sculptures for its strength, durability and beauty. Portara continues this Greek tradition by creating long-lasting, and genuine statues and capturing the beauty of the Early Cycladic Civilization in its reproductions. Elegant yet down-to-earth, these statues lend warmth to any living area.

UNIQUE LAMPS. Alternative to statues are lamps. Place them in a corner or a tabletop and they can accentuate your living area. Second to color, light creates moods and sets the tone of your living area. Portara's lamps are not your ordinary lamps. They are unique lamps -- created from polished minerals and stones. These minerals and stones can emit light after exposure to day light or the light from normal light bulbs. When the chemicals in minerals or rocks react to light, this reaction causes the minerals or rocks to glow. The visible light emitted is sometimes very colorful and it is often very different from the normal color of the mineral. These unique Portara lamps will accent your living area.

Decorating your home, particularly your living area, allows you to combine creativity, elegance and good taste. Make good use of space, accessories and furniture available to you so you can create a living area that is inviting, relaxing, homey and elegant.

About the Author:

Helen Marakis runs and owns Portara, Inc. (http://www.portara.com/?ref=decorating1), a company that combines Ancient Greek history and art through its unique sculptures, dolls and semiprecious stones that are hand-crafted and hand-finished. Portara, Inc's products are being sold for the first time in the United States and come with a 60-day money back guarantee.

Filed In: Home Improvement | Living Rooms | Accessorizing

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(Article) - Quick Clutter Control

Jorbins.com — Wed, 02 Apr 2008 00:00:03 GMT

1. Whenever you have a few minutes to spare put away five or ten items that are not in their correct place. These could be toys that the kids have left somewhere, letters that need filing away or odd socks that need putting in a drawer.

2. Dump junk mail the moment you receive it. Deal with other mail at least once a week filing away what you need to keep in an indexed concertina file, card or plastic file wallets or even large brown envelopes.

3. The five boxes method. This will clear clutter from any room or area of the house, but can look awful while in progress. Set aside a time when you won't be disturbed, put on a tape of upbeat music and have a treat in the fridge for lunch. First job is to label the boxes - Rubbish, Give Away/Sell, Keep, Sentimental and Not Sure.You then go through everything in the area consigning each item to one of the boxes. Theoretically, by the time you have got rid of the Rubbish and Give Away/Sell boxes, you should have enough space to store the Sentimental and put the Keep items back in an orderly way. The Not Sure box should be sealed up, stored in basement or attic and if not needed after six months or one year, given away unopened, so that you're not tempted to keep the contents all over again.

4. Be ruthless. If you haven't used an item in the last two years you are not likely to need it again. Do you really want a clutter free, streamlined home or not?

5. If you can't face an entire room, break the job down into manageable tasks - the kitchen junk drawer, the letter pile, the hats, coats and shoes area. That way you won't be put off decluttering as just too big a task.

6. Treat yourself to items that make staying tidy easier. Cardboard storage boxes are great for sewing and craft items, Christmas decorations, treasures that your children have made. Plastic or fabric hanging shoe bags are perfect for storing small toys and dolls or for hair brushes, clips, cosmetics and toiletries. Invest in some of those drawer dividers that separate drawers into a dozen little compartments - but don't fill them with junk!

7. Clean and put away fifty per cent of your ornaments. Not only will this give your home a more modern minimalist look, you will get your dusting done in half the time.

8. Consider enlisting the help of a family member or friend to be your organizing buddy. She helps you with your house - you help with her clutter disposal. Hearing yourself try to explain why you need a whole kitchen cupboard full of plastic containers can help you get them into that Rubbish box.

9. Don't keep buying things. Stop and think, do I really need this and have I got somewhere to keep this? Some people work on a one in, one out system, i.e. if you buy a new sweater, toy for the children etc. then one goes to the charity shop or is given to a friend.

10. Don't give up. It will take time. All the clutter didn't come into your home in one day and you won't get rid of it all in one day. Keep on sorting, dumping, tidying and labeling, cut back on bringing new clutter home and it is a battle that can be won. You will have more time, a neat home and less stress as a reward for your efforts.

About the Author:

Colleen Moulding is a freelance writer based in the South of England. She is also owner/editor of All That Women Want.com http://www.allthatwomenwant.com a magazine, web guide and resource for women everywhere. Channels for home, parenting, computing, travel, food, fashion, entertainment, seasonal sites, what kids want, shopping, books and writing, working from home, women's business, antiques, something different and lots more. Subscribe to the free monthly e-zine by sending a blank e-mail to:allthatwomenwant-subscribe@onelist.com

Filed In: Home Improvement | Living Rooms | Organizing

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(Article) - When is it Right to Refinance?

Jorbins.com — Wed, 02 Apr 2008 00:00:02 GMT

With "everyone" talking about the historically low mortgage rates you are ready to decide if it "pays" to refinance. The "rule of thumb" supplied by mortgage companies is that if you can reduce your interest rate by 1% it is usually profitable.

But there is more to it than that. Like how long are you planning on staying in the house? Realistically, the first thing you need to determine is what rates do you qualify for and what are the other costs (like points and closing costs).

When refinancing it is common to roll the additional costs and fees back into the mortgage so there are no "out of pocket" costs. But this allows the Bank or other mortgage holder to charge you interest on these fees. At the current low interest rates and if you choose a short time period for your mortgage the additional interest will be relatively small.

But even at these low rates, if you have a 30 year mortgage, interest will end up doubling the amount of fees over the 30 year life of the loan. Assume you took a 30 year, $115,000 First mortgage on a house 5 years ago. The interest rate at the time was 7.5% and your principal and interest payment was $765.10 per month. (If $765.10 sounds low to you, remember your "actual payment" may also include mortgage insurance, taxes and home owners insurance.) After paying $765.10 per month or $9181.20/year for 5 years you have spent a total of $45,906. Plus, you still owe about $108,000 on your $115,000 mortgage and you still have 25 more years to go! Not much of your payment is going toward principal! So the sooner you can get out from under the better.

Recently interest rates have fallen to around 5% so you consider refinancing. Assuming Closing Costs, fees and expenses are about $3,000. you will have to "borrow" $111,000. to pay off your $108,000. loan (or come up with the $3,000.) from savings.

If you decide to refinance the additional costs for another 30 years... your loan amount would be $111,000. and you would be almost back to where you started 5 years ago... but your payment would drop to $595.87 for a monthly savings of $169.23 Although it might be nice to have an additional $169.23 to spend each month, the question is what will you do with the money? Go out to eat more, buy more toys? Invest it in your retirement fund? Or just "blow it"?

If you just "blow it"... all you have accomplished is that you are in debt to the bank for an additional 5 years. Not a happy prospect... What if you set the mortgage term to 25 years? In that case, your payment would be $648.89 saving you $116.21 per month. So for an additional $53.02 per month your mortgage term remained the same.

Personally, I think that is a better solution. At least you aren't pushing your retirement out an additional 5 years while you continue paying your mortgage.

Remember, the original question was... Is it worth it to refinance and pay the additional $3000. or just keep paying on the old mortgage? Keep in mind, as soon as you sign the papers the equity you have in your house drops by $3000! Assuming you chose the 25 year mortgage (with the $116.21/mo savings) it will take you 25.8 months to break even ($3000/$116.21) because at that point you will have saved the $3000. it cost you to refinance. So if you intend to stay in your house 3 or more years it would pay for you to refinance.

But what if you took it one step further? What if you kept your payment the same and reduced the term of your mortgage as far as possible? A $111,000 mortgage at 5% with a payment of about $765 would require a term of 223 months or about 18.5 years.

Assuming you could get an 18.5 year mortgage and you intended to stay in your house that long, this would be an excellent move! You have drastically reduced the amount of money you will pay the bank over the life of the mortgage and you are free and clear 6.5 years earlier! Even if you move sooner, your equity will be building faster so you will have more money when you sell.

Unfortunately, lenders do not usually let you choose an odd term length like 18.5 years , so you would have to choose either a 20 year term with a payment of $732.55 which would still save you about $30/month but also knock 5 years off your loan (and build equity somewhat faster). Or you could choose a 15 year term with a payment of $877.78 which would actually cost you about $110/month more than what you are currently paying but would knock a full 10 years off your mortgage. If your income has risen since you got your initial mortgage and you could swing it... it would be money well spent.

For those with higher incomes who have difficulty saving, this is a great idea because it actually forces you to save a little bit more each month and once you get used to it, you won't even miss it.

Perhaps you can remove the mortgage insurance off your mortgage. On the original loan, you might have to pay it for the first 10 years, so you would still have to pay it for 5 more years. But... if you have made improvements to the home... or property values have increased dramatically in your neighborhood... you might be able to get the new loan without the mortgage insurance. If you can, you will save an additional $100/month! With that savings you can move to the 15 year mortgage without mortgage insurance for the same amount that you are currently paying for a 30 year mortgage with mortgage insurance. Not bad eh? Whack 15 years off your mortgage just like that!

Another way to reduce the monthly payment is to reduce the amount you borrow. If you could come up with the additional $3000 in closing costs from savings, your monthly payment on a 15 year mortgage would drop from $877.78 to $854.06 ... or only about $89. per month more than what you are currently paying.

Is it worth $89/month to knock another 5 years off your mortgage?

That depends on your personal circumstances! If your budget is already stretched to the limit, or it will put you at risk if you lose your job, NO. But if you can find a way to come up with $3.00 per day, (perhaps by giving up cigarettes, or skipping a trip to the vending machine or to McDonalds) it will save you thousands over the life of your mortgage!

To choose from dozens of places to search for the best mortgage rates check out http://yourfamilyfinances.com/yff/Resources.aspx Useful Mortgage Calculators http://yourfamilyfinances.com/yff/calculators.aspx

About the Author:

Timothy McMahon, Richmond, VA USA
tjmcmahon@fintrend.com
Editor of Financial Trend Forecaster highly accurate Inflation predictions since 1997. www.fintrend.com Also Editor of The place in Cyberspace for historical Inflation Data. www.InflationData.com and http://YourFamilyFinances.com

Filed In: Home Improvement | Buying And Selling | Purchasing A New Home

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(Article) - Basic Mortgage Prepayment (Extra Payment) Calculator

Jorbins.com — Wed, 02 Apr 2008 00:00:01 GMT

Jorbins.com's Basic Mortgage Prepayment Calculator compares the effect of an extra payment or timely extra payments to the principal on a mortgage or loan.

Just enter the mortgage amount, interest rate, and the mortgage term(years), the amount of the prepayment as well as the frequency.

The mortgage prepayment calculator will generate two results for you:

1. The first result the calculator generates is the payment amount, total interest, and an amortization table for the mortgage without prepayments.

2. The second result the calculator generates is the interest saved, number of payments saved, and also the number of years/months saved for the mortgage with prepayments. The calculator will also generate an amortization table for this mortgage highlighting the prepayments.

Filed In: Home Improvement | Buying And Selling | Mortgage Calculators

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(Article) - Home Cooling - Tips For Keeping Energy Costs Down

Jorbins.com — Tue, 30 Nov 1999 00:00:00 GMT

When it comes to cooling our homes and businesses, the cost of air conditioning just seems to keep going up and up. This year is no different. We like the cool comfort of dryer less humid air and we are willing to pay for it. However, there is no reason to just give your money away to the utility company. Older homes are typically thought of as energy wasters. However, newer homes from the 70's and later also have issues when it comes to energy efficiency. More often than not there are mature trees surrounding the older homes. New construction generally stands in a flattened area with new landscaping. If you have ever lived in this new construction, you know immediately that there is a difference in the temperature of your rooms because there is no shade. Check the thermal envelope of the home. If you are asking what a thermal envelope is, it is everything that protects the indoors of the home from the elements and the outdoors. This includes the wall and roof assemblies, insulation, air/vapor retarders, windows, weather stripping and caulking. If you are considering buying a home or you just need to remodel and improve your existing home, know as much as you can about the shell and what is protecting you and you will be ahead of the game when it comes to lowering utility costs.

There are some common sense things you can do to cut your energy costs and keep your homes and businesses cool at the same time.

Have your utility company come out to do an energy audit. They will do a walk through and determine where you have wasted energy or leaks in your home
Check your attic, garage walls, and basement to make sure you have the proper R values for insulation. If you don't add some, it's usually quite easy.
Have your central air conditioning unit serviced yearly, and have them plug any leaks that may occur throughout the year. Keep your unit outdoors clean and clear of debris, shrubs, etc.
What is the age of the furnace? Furnaces that are less than 12 years old can save you 25 - 40% on your utility bills.
What is the age of your hot water heater? This appliance is the second most energy waster in the home. Newer models will also be more efficient.
Install a programmable thermostat to keep the temperature cooler or warmer when you are not at home. These thermostats are great in winter and summer
Install blinds or heavy drapes. They keep the warm air in and cold air out.
Put in double paned windows and clean out all air ducts.
Install a ceiling fan in every room of the house. You can rotate the fan blades in either direction in winter and summer. Moving and circulating air helps you feel cooler even when the air is not "conditioned"
Make sure shrubs are trimmed for proper ventilation.
Plant a tree for natural shade around your home. Properly positioned trees can save you up to 50% on your utility bill. If you live in a trailer house, shade trees can save you up to 75%.
Clean all air filters regularly.
Apply a reflective light coating on your roof. Dark dull colors will absorb heat and your home will be hotter.
Check electrical outlets for leaks, and if you have them put in foam insulation.
If you have recessed lighting, you may have a lot of leaks of energy.

Make sure you are cooling your home with the proper size of air conditioner. If you have the wrong size, it won't be energy efficient either. If you follow some simple ideas, you will be cool and comfortable in your home in the summer and warm in the winter.

About the Author:

Beverly Marshall is a successful freelance writer offering guidance and suggestions for consumers buying portable air conditioning, a dehumidifier, an air filter, ceiling fan and more. She gives information and tips to help you save money and make informed buying decisions.

Filed In: Home Improvement | Home Exteriors and Home Maintenance | General Home Exterior Information

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