• Cordless tool combo kit powered by rechargeable, interchangeable VPX 7-volt Lithium Ion battery packs
• VPX cut saw with tool-free blade change system
• VPX power driver with two speeds for driving and drilling
• VPX flashlight with three long-lasting LEDs
• Includes a VPX screwdriver, VPX cut saw, VPX LED flashlight, one 7-volt VPX battery, and one VPX battery charger

Product Description
VPX, Charge Starter Set, Includes Cut Saw, Screwdriver, Flashlight, 1 VPX, Battery, 1 Port Charger, VPX, 1301x 1VPX Cut Saw, Versatile Design, Cuts Almost Anything, Anywhere, Anytime, Tool Free Blade Change, Accepts Standard Jig Saw Blades, 2 Included, 1401 1VPX Flashlight, Breakthrough Lithium-Ion Technology, Up To 5 Hours Of Runtime Per Charge, Belt Clip & Adjustable Bungee Cord Allow You To Secure Flashlight Almost Anywhere, 1101x 1VPX Screwdriver, Design Performance, All The Power In A Compact & Comfortable Size, Control At Your Fingertips, 2 Speeds For Screw Driving & Light Duty Drilling.Amazon.com Product Description
Introducing the VPX Lithium-Ion Battery System
Black & Decker’s advanced, powerful VPX system guarantees the convenience of a rechargeable battery with maximum versatility. At the center of the VPX system is the 7-volt high-energy VPX rechargeable battery, which features breakthrough lithium-ion technology to generate more energy in a smaller package. The end result is a battery that’s super-compact and 60-percent lighter than Black & Decker’s Ni-Cad power tool batteries. And the VPX holds a charge longer, too — so it’s ready to work whenever you are.

With its versatile design and Black & Decker exclusive technology, a VPX battery is interchangeable with all the products in Black & Decker’s growing VPX line. Swap out one battery for the flashlight, inflator, screwdriver, USB power source, cut saw, or 7-volt drill driver; or double the juice with two batteries to operate the 14-volt drill driver or the hand vac. And of course, every VXP battery and compatible product features the rugged, dependable construction you expect from an industry leader in home power tools.

About this Exceptional Starter Kit
If you’re interested in Black & Decker’s advanced VPX product line, this is an excellent place to start. Begin your collection with this screwdriver, cut saw, flashlight, and battery — and from there, the sky’s the limit.

The screwdriver’s Quick Connect chuck lets you exchange bits and tips without any hassle.

The cut saw tears through everything from stray branches, drywall, and even tougher materials like slim metal piping.

The flashlight’s integrated bungee cord fastens securely to hold the beam steady.

The Cordless VPX Screwdriver
The new VPX1101X cordless screwdriver stays stronger, longer and gets into tight spaces with ease. This compact driver is small enough to fit in the kitchen drawer, but packs plenty of power to take on projects all over the house. This handy model offers two speeds: high speed for assembly and fastening tasks, and low speed for higher torque applications such as small diameter drilling. Easy to grip and comfortably lightweight, the VPX1101X fits conveniently in your palm, and it gets into tight spaces that other power tools can’t reach. You can even use it under counter tops or behind sinks, around corners or between pieces of furniture. The VPX1101X’s spindle lock helps to start and finish screws, and it lets you set the screwdriver for manual operation under tricky conditions. This screwdriver comes equipped with a Quick Connect hex-shank collar that quickly, easily accepts hex-shaped screwdriving and drilling accessories. The screwdriver is powered by a single 7-volt VPX battery.

Applications
Use the VPX1101X for any around-the-house project, from assembling furniture, hanging pictures, installing blinds and more. It’s perfect for all screw-related jobs and light duty drilling applications.

The Cordless VPX Cut Saw
Zip through all kinds of cutting jobs with the new 7-volt VPX cut saw from Black & Decker. Power saws can be intimidating, bulky and noisy; and traditional handsaws can be tiring and inaccurate. Neither saw is versatile enough for everyday cutting around the home, but the VPX1301X combines power and a compact design in a lightweight cordless tool. Truly a grab-and-go item, the cut saw is ideal for quick cuts into baseboard, 1-inch pine, PVC, and more. In fact, the VPX1301X cuts almost anything, anywhere, anytime. The cut saw is powered by a single 7-volt VPX battery.

Applications
Take the VPX1301X outside to make short work of pruning, or trim your Christmas tree down to a more manageable size. Use it to cut plastic pipe under the sink or to modify the fiberboard back of your entertainment center so you can run cords out to your surround-sound speakers. This saw even cuts Closetmaid shelving to make that perfect custom fit.

The Cordless VPX Flashlight
The VPX1401 flashlight is designed to fit right in the palm of your hand, and it features three bright LED lights for plenty of illumination in any position. The flashlight’s pivoting head adjusts so you can direct the light wherever you need it most, and its integrated flat surfaces let you rest the light in three different positions. An adjustable bungee cord can be used to twist the light securely around 2-by-4 beams, pipes or tree branches; or use the belt clip to keep the flashlight close and steady while you walk. The VPX1401 is powered by a single 7-volt VPX battery.

Applications
Use the VPX1401 LED flashlight when you’re working on anything that needs a little extra light to help you finish the job. The adjustable bungee cord makes the light super-versatile for auto work, duct work, plumbing, or any other kind of repair or installation that might occur in a darkened space.

This 7-volt VPX battery is the cornerstone of the VPX family of products.

About the Cornerstone of the System: the 7-Volt VPX Battery
It’s time to re-tool with the new VPX interchangeable lithium-ion battery system. This durable, portable, powerful 7-volt battery is the very cornerstone of the revolutionary new VPX interchangeable lithium-ion battery system. And once you get started with the VPX system, it’s easy to expand with other power tools, household devices, and electronic products. This battery’s advanced technology is created to offer the most in performance in a lightweight, compact piece that holds a charge longer and offers a steadier power output. And all of Black & Decker’s VPX products are powered by either a single 7-volt battery or two 7-volt batteries like this one.

The VPX product line debuts with a broad family of home and workshop tools, including two drills (one 14-volt and one 7-volt model), a 14-volt hand vac; and a 7-volt screwdriver, cut saw, air inflator, power source and a flashlight. Next year and beyond, Black & Decker will be rolling out additional power tools, plus home, kitchen, and cleaning products — not to mention electronics, technology, and yard-maintenance devices. The VPX system incorporates cutting-edge product style with striking aesthetics and a truly comfortable ergonomic design. And since they’re all created to combine the highest in form and function, the VPX products perform as every bit great as they look. Because the VPX battery is interchangeable between the VPX products — once you dip your toes into the system with a VPX charger and batteries, you can expand your collection to include all the VPX products you need at a real cost savings.

Warranty
All of these VPX products are covered by a 2-year warranty from Black & Decker.

What’s in the box:
7-volt VPX battery and charger; screwdriver plus 10-piece accessory set; cut saw with 2 jig saw blades; flashlight with 3 LED bulbs.

Black & Decker’s Focus on Performance
Black & Decker is a global marketer and manufacturer of quality products used in and around the home, and it also serves as a major supplier of information systems and services to government and commercial clients worldwide. With products marketed in over 100 countries, Black & Decker holds leading market shares in a variety of industries, and it frequently adds new product lines to its family of power tools, cleaning tools, outdoor power equipment, laser products and more.

Amazon.com Product Description
Black & Decker’s VPX Cordless Tool Combo Kit provides three powerful yet compact power tools that are all powered by interchangeable 7-volt VPX Lithium Ion battery packs. This combo kit includes a VPX cut saw with a tool-free blade system that quickly and easily accepts standard jigsaw blades, a VPX screwdriver that offers users two speeds for driving and drilling operations, and a powerful flashlight with three LEDs for bright, dependable lighting. All three tools feature ergonomically shaped handles with integrated rubber gripping for comfortable, secure handling.

Home Improvement Complaints and Scams:

“With lower-rate mortgages tempting homeowners to trade up to a bigger house, or to refinance and expand or repair their existing home, we’re finding that construction and home improvement activity is way up, and with it is the number of complaints in those areas,” said Consumer Protection Commissioner Edwin R. Rodriguez. (Consumer Affairs, January 2006)

“Home improvement complaints rank as the top consumer complaint in Connecticut and elsewhere across the country,” Rodriguez said. “While home improvements themselves can be expensive, any problems that arise often cost consumers thousands more to fix. Unfortunately, there have been many cases where a homeowner is left with a huge problem and has no financial means of getting it repaired.” (Consumer Affairs, June 2006)

Basic scams usually do not occur with accredited companies, so make sure the company you use is licensed. “The law requires home improvement contractors to register and follow certain procedures for a reason, to protect homeowners,” Rodriguez said. “This includes complying with state laws that assure consumers a level of financial protection.” (Consumer Affairs, June 2006)

Be Wary of Certain Sales Tactic:

According to the National Consumer Law Center at consumerlaw.org, unscrupulous contractors mostly target senior citizens. Do not fall into the trap of the following sales tactics that take advantage of homeowners:

• “Bait and Switch” – offers low prices for installed items like windows and home siding, and then tells the homeowner the item is out of stock and can only be replaced with a high-priced substitute.

• Misrepresent the urgency of a needed repair.

• Claim the item is more expensive than advertised because it has to be “custom made” to fit the home.

• Misrepresent that the consumer is receiving a discount because the home is selected to model the repair when, in reality, the consumer is paying market price or more.

• Misrepresent the energy savings, health benefits and value added to the home.

• Misrepresent the terms on which financing is likely to be arranged.

Practices to Follow for Finding the Right Contractor:

If you hire a contractor with a license and a good reputation (such as the Home Remodelers Group®), you are guaranteed to avoid unfinished work, financial wrongdoing and fraud.

The National Consumer Law Center has a list of suggestions for homeowners looking for a home improvement company:

• Do not hire an unknown contractor that solicits business by knocking on your door. Deal with companies recommended by friends or reputable building supply stores.

• Before agreeing to hire any home improvement contractor, get a second estimate for the same work from another contractor.

• Get references for the contractor and speak to those references. Ask about satisfaction and any problems that arose.

• Look at other work performed by the same contractor.

• Many states require contractors to be licensed and/or bonded. Check with the state licensing body to see if the contractor you are considering is licensed.

• Get a written contract describing explicit specifications of the work, the price (including details of any financing or credit terms), the responsibility for cleaning up, and the hourly rate for any added work. Ask for guarantees and other promises to be made in writing.

• If the written documents are different from oral promises, do not sign them.

• A 3-day right-to-cancel applies to door-to-door sales and home improvement loans even after the papers have been signed.

• Do not allow a contractor to begin work until financial arrangements to pay for the work are complete.

• Do not agree to pay the final payment until the project is finished.

• Do not consolidate other debts with a home improvement loan.

• If problems with a contractor or home improvement lender arise, get help from a lawyer or housing counselor immediately.

Take Care of Your Home:

The Home Remodelers Group® has been in business since 1964 and there is a simple reason for our longevity. We take great pride in helping our customers beautify their homes, we enjoy our work and we want our customers to be happy with their homes. The Home Remodelers Goup® is licensed and insured so you can feel secure when working with us. Before you sign any contract, we provide a written estimate and detailed information on the scope of the project. You’ll know exactly what you are getting before we do anything. We do this to provide our customers with peace of mind. We have survived in this business because we focus on customer satisfaction, attention to customer service and offer quality products at a fair price.

Think of your home like a child that needs a doctor. You would take your child to a licensed and professional doctor, not someone that comes to your door. So make sure your home receives the care it deserves by hiring experienced and well-accredited home improvement professionals.

For more information visit http://www.homeremodelersgroup.com/?source=articles

• M18 Cordless 1/2-Inch hammer drill / driver with Milwaukee 4-Pole frameless motor delivers 550-Inch-Pound of peak torque, 0-450/0-1,700 RPM and 29,000 BPM
• M18 Cordless sawzall reciprocating saw with patented gear-protecting clutch and counter balance mechanism
• M18 Cordless 6-1/2-Inch circular saw delivers 3,500 RPM with magnesium upper and lower guards for maximum durability
• M18 Cordless work light provides a fold-away hook for hands free use and a 135-Degree rotating head to direct light at the work area
• Includes: M18 2620-20 1/2-Inch hammer drill/driver, M18 2620-20 SAWZALL recip saw , M18 6-1/2-Inch circ saw, M18 work light , (2) M18 XC high capacity lithium-ion batteries, 1-Hour charger, (1)general purpose sawzall blade, contractor bag

Product Description
The M18 cordless 4-tool combo kit includes the 1/2in. Hammerdrill/Driver, Sawzall Recip Saw, Circular Saw and Worklight. The M18 Cordless System’s patented technologies and electronics, innovative motor design, and superior ergonomics provide the most efficient blend of power, weight and performance in the industry. Tools Included: Hammerdrill/driver, Sawzall recip saw, circular saw and worklight, Storage Case Included: Yes, Volts: 18, Battery Type: M18 Lithium-Ion, Battery Included: Yes (2), Charger Included: Yes

Any remodeling job will be stressful for the family, and if most of your remodeling is exterior work then it is always advisable to let any neighbors know they may have to put up with some noise and mess for a while, too.

The decision to remodel may come from a desire for more space or convenience, or because it is assumed that the improvements will bring a profit when the house is sold. Most people assume that they’ll get both benefits, but many remodeling jobs don’t actually pay for themselves in an increased home value.

If you are making changes simply to make your home more comfortable for you and your family, you may not be worried about getting your money back. However, if you intend to sell the home in the next few years, there are two people you should talk to first – a good local contractor, and a good real estate agent.

A common mistake home owner’s make is assuming that when they sell they will get back the money they invest in any improvements they have made to their home. This is not always the case, especially in a volatile real estate market. Some remodeling projects return most of the investment, while others may help the house sell faster, but do not increase it’s resell value.

Your contractor will let you know how much your dreams will cost, and your real estate agent can let you know if the cost will be returned if you sell.

Some general ideas about cost can be determined by doing some Internet research, but the cost will vary from area to area. A contractor in Michigan will give you a different estimate than you would get if you lived in California.

The first step should really to call in a contractor who will make suggestions on materials and styles. As the costs of materials will take the largest chunk out of the budget, this is the area where most of the compromises will need to be made.

Most contractors will be able to give you ideas about how to reduce the costs, perhaps by scaling back the size of an addition, or by finding less expensive materials, or even by doing some of the work yourself. The excitement of your ideas can be dampened once the cost has been looked at more closely and often compromises have to be made in order to complete the task.

Are you going to do most of the work yourself? Then you’ll need to make your own materials estimates, which may be more difficult than you first imagine. Mistakes at this stage can be costly.

Before you begin to tear out walls or dig up the back yard, go to the store make a list with exactly what you need for each project, and determine exactly what it will cost. Be sure you’ve taken careful measurements, so you know exactly how much material you’ll need before you head to the store.

If you do get help from a contractor, you have choices about how much work he’ll do, and how much you’ll do yourself. There are those who like to carry out as much of the works as possible but will still employ the services of a contractor to consult and ensure the plans are sound.

Renovations for the Elderly:

According to a recent CNN report, home renovations for the elderly are on the rise. These types of renovations are the fastest-growing segment of the remodeling industry, said James Lapides of the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB). NAHB’s recent study concluded that 75 percent of remodeling companies have seen an increase in requests for so-called “aging-in-place” work.

The “Certified Aging in Place” Specialist program, offered by the NAHB Remodelers Council to teach professionals how to modify homes for older adults, has increased in enrollment, according to Lapides. Representatives of NAHB and the AARP created the program in 2002. Over 1,000 participants have learned building techniques and structural awareness for accommodating physical needs. (CNN, “Builders: Home Renovations for Elderly on the Rise”, by Grace Wong)

Statistics Show Elderly Want to Stay in Their Homes:

According to the AARP, 83% of people over 45 own their own homes. A 2003 AARP survey, “These Four Walls,” sampled this group and found that 75% expect to stay there for the rest of their lives. 51% envision making changes so that can happen.

In addition, The National Association of Home Builders conducted a survey of remodelers and learned that:

• 75% reported getting more requests for “aging in place” projects

• 60% had done “aging in place” projects. Of those:

• 43% were for customers aged 45 to 54

• 76% were for customers aged 55 to 64

• 67% were for customers 65 and older

Remodelers reported that clients wanted aging-in-place remodeling because:

• 75% were planning for future needs

• 53% were living with older parents

• 46% had acute, age-related disabilities

• 23% had acute disabilities unrelated to aging

(realestate.msn.com, “Elegant Remodels Allow ‘Aging in Place’”, by Marilyn Lewis)

A Remodeling Project:

Some families are bringing older relatives to live with them and extending a part of the house to accommodate that change. Others are making modifications for physical reasons, such as widening doorways for wheelchairs, lowering bathtub walls and adding support bars. Other modifications simply include updating an older home because of wear and tear. However, the going trend is to do it all with style.

An example of an accommodating remodeling project occurred in a California backyard. A playhouse was rebuilt to become a livable apartment for one family’s 70 year-old father with Paget’s disease. Building aspects of the apartment include a walk-in shower with no obstructing ledge at the entrance, two-inch-square commercial nonskid tile, lever handles instead of doorknobs and an anti-scald device to keep water temperature even. (realestate.msn.com, “Elegant Remodels Allow ‘Aging in Place’”, by Marilyn Lewis)

Suggestions for Remodeling:

If you are contemplating a remodeling project, keep the future in mind. You can make simple changes now for what may be needed many years in the future. Sam Clark, a builder and author of “The Real Goods Independent Builder: Designing & Building a House Your Own Way” and “Remodeling a Kitchen”, provides the following suggestions for changes to make to your home to accommodate the physical bodily changes that occur over time:

• Remodel your home so that you can live on the ground level if necessary.

• Widen doorways to accommodate wheelchairs.

• Plan the front entry to be as level with the ground as local building codes allow. Eliminate stairs with sloping sidewalks.

• Try to think way ahead. For example, in a bathroom remodel, install reinforcement for grab bars.

• Plan for a lot of storage within the “optimal reach zone” – the space between 20 inches and 44 inches above the floor to a depth of 20 inches away from your body.

• Use drawers instead of cupboards where possible.

• Install lever handles throughout the house.

• Use hard flooring or choose an attractive, low-pile commercial carpet.

• Place electric outlets higher than usual and switches lower.

• Install a shelf outside the front door so you can put down packages while searching for keys.

Additional tips from the Home Remodelers in New Jersey (www.homeremodelersgroup.com) further suggests vinyl siding. Vinyl siding is made to look like real wood and it never needs painting, preventing any hazardous maintenance or painting. Vinyl windows are also suggested; they are easy to clean and energy efficient.

For additional remodeling articles, visit http://www.homeremodelersgroup.com/?source=articles

As reported in the May 2006 Consumer Reports, designing and furnishing an outdoor room is the second most likely home-remodeling project to do. Specifically, approximately 1.2 million U.S. households will install a fully functional outdoor kitchen, according to a study by the industry research company inquiry.

In 2004, Better Homes and Gardens magazine received survey responses from nearly 60,000 Americans describing home improvement projects and future home-building aspirations. Better Homes and Gardens found that people want indoor/outdoor livability, technological innovations, flexibility for family needs and a kitchen-centric focus. (REMODELING Magazine, September 1, 2005)

Homeowners are seeking ways to make the outdoors a functional part of the living area. To accomplish that, the barriers between outdoors and indoors, such as walls and solid doors, are going away. As cited in “A Simple Way to Increase Outdoor Living Space” at HGPgal.com, for homeowners looking to add to their living space, improve their lifestyle and increase the resale value of their home, the perfect solution is to extend living areas outdoors through the addition of decks, patios, outdoor kitchens and entertainment areas.

“The line between the house and the outdoor space continues to disintegrate,” says Julie D. Taylor, author of Outdoor Rooms. “Many designers are using the same, or similar, materials both on the interior and exterior to extend the house to the outdoors. It breaks down the barrier and gives a feeling of a larger house.”

Alternatively, instead of thinking of the barriers disintegrating, another solution is effective indoor-outdoor connections. These connections can include French doors opening up onto a porch, or the addition of a window to expose a lovely view. Indoor-outdoor connections can be as simple as adding a mudroom between the garage and the home, or more complex, such as an outdoor entertainment area placed just outside the doors of a home’s main gathering space. Adding visual connections to the outdoors, such as through the addition of glass doors or enlarging a window, adds value to your home by making its interior space appear larger than it actually is. (“Connect Inside of Your House with the Beauty Outdoors,” Ann Robinson, Deseret News, April 2005)

To create the outdoor living space that you want, start by determining your budget and your desires.

Consumer Reports provides some tips about what to consider for building room extensions or outdoor entertainment areas:

* Determine how you will use your space

* Consider location

* Be sure to weatherproof

* Incorporate lighting and heat

* Consider safety

No matter what extension you decide to make, it will undoubtedly add value to your home. As cited by Ann Robinson in Deseret News, “Exterior living space adds usable square footage to your home without costing you the $120-plus per square foot you’d spend for the construction of an addition.”

The Home Remodelers Group® can work with you to determine your indoor-outdoor remodeling desires. We have many gorgous sunroom plans and other renovating features available on our website at www.homeremodelersgroup.com. So, if you need a new area to relax and enjoy reading your favorite book, a place to create a new home gym, a place to add a spa to create your own special oasis, or an area for entertaining family and friends, a new sunroom, deck, or outdoor kitchen may be the perfect solution. We can help bring the outdoors in or take your family out in a comfortable and relaxing setting.

For more information visit: http://www.homeremodelersgroup.com/?source=articles

• Compatible with Black and Decker models NST2018, NST1810, NHT518, NS118, NPP2018, NPT3118
• Easy to install and remove
• Powers your yard tools for efficient, wireless operation
• Weighs 1.7 pounds (shipped)
• Includes a 2-year warranty

Amazon.com Product Description
Compatible with Black & Decker models NST2018, NST1810, NHT518, NS118, NPP2018, NPT3118, this powerful 18-volt battery lets you complete all your yard clean-up jobs without the mess and stress of wires. Longlasting, reliable, and a snap to both install and remove, the HPB18-OPE is ready to go when you are. For added peace of mind, it also comes with a 2-year warranty.