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Building a custom shower base pan is a pretty simple process that most DIYers can pull off. If you follow the steps, you’ll get it right, but it’s not exactly the type of job you want to make a real mistake with.

1. Start With Framing: It probably seems pretty simple to frame a shower. And the truth is that it really can be. You want to make sure of one thing though. It’s much easier to get the tiles right when the walls and framing are square and plumb. This is why most tile setters would rather do the framing themselves than deal with a mess that someone else started.

2. Support Is Important: It’s vital that the floor support be solid. So you’ll need solid floor joists and a subfloor as well. One sheet of plywood can be insufficient for supporting shower bases, as it is likely to be too bouncy. This can easily result in a cracked tile or too. So you can’t skimp on a flimsy subfloor.

3. Solid Curbs: You’ll need to make sure to have a good shower curb. Box framing is insufficient. Don’t use open framing but go for stacked bricks or wood. This will give you a good, solid, long-lasting curb.

4. The Base Mortar Layer: You really need to have two mud layers when installing shower base pans. The first layer is sloped, and supports the shower liner membrane. The reason you need two layers is that the liner membrane needs to have a slope to it so that the water goes down the drain. Otherwise, you’ll just get a pool of water at the bottom of the shower. This will leave you with mildew, mold, and a mess that no one wants to have to clean up.

5. Lining: Some people who claim to know how to install a shower base aren’t aware the you need to have a waterproof layer. That’s because the floor of the shower itself isn’t waterproof. Many tiles and all grout allow the water to seep through. This is remedied by the built-in waterproof layer, which will catch the water and direct it to the drain.

6. Cover Walls Well: The waterproof liner needs to slope all the way up to the wall to function properly. But in addition, the wall covering also needs to be able to withstand water. For this reason, cement board is a popular choice. But this also needs to have a proper installation or it too will get moldy.

7. The Top Mortar Layer: Now comes the upper mortar layer which goes right over the waterproof liner. This layer should also be sloped and is practically identical to the bottom layer. You’ll use something called deck mud for this. It’s a pretty simply mix, but make sure not to use masonry mud, which contains lime.

These are the basics of Do-It-Yourself tile shower base installation. Now that you know what to do, you’re ready to get started!

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Bathroom remodeling and renovation will not only enhance the enjoyment of your home, but will also enhance your home’s value when you plan to sell. Bathroom renovation is often considered the best way to get a good return on investment. Homeowners can take pleasure in their bathroom from the time they renovate until the time they choose to sell the house. The following outlines some useful steps in the process of renovating the bathroom

Measuring:

In preparing the design of the renovation project, be sure to make appropriate measurements and then form a map or plan with which to work with. Mark the position of any pipes and mark the position of fixtures and fittings. This will allow you to make accurate layout plans. The secret to a great bathroom design is good initial planning and this process will allow you to map out exactly where you want your fixtures and accessories to be.

Function followed by form:

It is essential when designing the bathroom to put function above form. It does not matter how beautiful your bathroom is, if you have abad design that makes your bathroom difficult or uncomfortable to use, you will not enjoy it. Most bathrooms are small, so if the function is not carefully considered it can sometimes make the room virtually unusable. In your  design process, you need to reflect on what functions you want the bathroom to meet and work towards this goal.

Plumbing fixtures:

Make sure you know exactly where to place the fixtures and fittings when you plan your bathroom remodel. Your toilet, sink and tub will normally remain in exactly the same position they are in now, unless you can move the plumbing. Moving the plumbing could add considerable expense to your project and will require you to employ the services of a professional. I would advise not to undertake any plumbing yourself unless you are very experienced. Water leaks can be very costly and damaging.

Consider your budget

The scale of the bathroom remodeling project will largely depend on the budget you have. If you find you have a lot of money to renovate your bathroom, you can design your bathroom from scratch. However, you can always renew your bathroom, even on a small budget by replacing some of the decorative features such as bathroom furniture, accessories and light fixtures.

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Anchors need to be used in many different types of construction, and the concrete anchor bolt plays a vital part in the integrity of the building.

While this type of hardware can be found in commercial office buildings made of concrete, they are also common in residential uses for anchoring foundation to the framing plates, footers, or directly to a slab. Various types of bolts will be used depending on whether the application is static, dynamic, or will experience frequent or constant vibration.

The installation methods depend on the types of bolts and what they are used for. The most difficult to install, but the strongest, are cast-in-place bolts. These bolts need to be poured on the spot they are used, directly into the concrete, creating an incredibly strong bond. However, this is not very practical for every location, so a wider variety is needed.

Wedge bolts are a hefty alternative. These bolts are designed for heavy loads, and use a machine threaded bolt which expands the anchor as it sinks in. These anchors are low profile for flush mounting. These are inserted into the concrete by drilling holes of the same diameter as the threaded bolt, and then driving the hardware in.

As it is tightened, the action of the nut tightening against the washer causes the pronged end of the shaft to expand and wedge tightly against the inside of the hole. Every wedge has a minimum length it needs to be embedded in order for it to function at its maximum strength; driving the wedge anchor deeper will make it even stronger.

For practical reasons, namely that of building integrity, concrete anchor bolts are coated in rust resistant zinc alloy, and some are even treated to a ‘hot-dipped’ galvanizing process for extra protection. The last thing a contractor wants is for structural problems to occur due to rusting bolts.

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Plastering is a skill that is needed all over the world. It has been around for thousands of years and continues to be highly in demand. The main job of a plasterer is to apply coats of plaster to various surfaces like ceilings, walls, partitions, etc. A plastering job could entail securing an entire structure with plaster or simply filling up a hole.

Plasterer jobs will also require you to know how to mix plaster correctly. Various surfaces require different types of plaster so the worker will need to know exactly what materials to use. Training or previous experience is usually required in order to become a professional plasterer and workers that are more skilled usually receive more complicated and higher paying jobs.

An individual with a plasterer job description may also have experience in other similar skills like painting and construction. Although it is possible to have a career solely as a plasterer, many people find it helpful to learn other skills that go along with the job they are doing. That way if the customer needs a series of jobs done they will be able to hire one person instead of having to hire multiple parties.

Some plasterers have a specialized kind of work. The majority deal in construction related task but some others can specialize in ornamental plaster pieces. This is a very tedious and intricate type of work and usually pays a lot better. The job takes a lot longer as well because the builder will need to set up various patterns and hues before applying the plaster. Guide wires are often used to help apply the ornamental plaster in its proper place. Afterward, the structure will need to be sanded to the right shape and sealed. A finish layer can also be added to give increased strength and improve its overall look.

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Black mold is a dangerous substance that can grow in your home and not only cause damages to your walls, but also put you and your family at risk for some serious health problems, up to and including death.  While most cases, if caught early are able to be taken care of by the home owner and don’t pose much of a risk, if taken care of improperly or not at all, then it can grow into a large, deadly problem.  I am going to give you the do’s and don’ts of black mold removal so that you can hopefully take care of it yourself.

The first thing you’ll want to do is to look into the scope of the problem.  If the mold has been undetected for a while, it will have grown into a larger, more expansive area.  If it is a smaller area, then you should be able to do it yourself, but if you are concerned that the area may be too big, then you should call a professional and have it inspected.

Once you have determined that you will be able to do the removal yourself, then you’ll want to get a specialized black mold removal and cleaning product.  Do not use bleach, because while it may seem like it will be able to remove the mold, it actually makes the problem worse.  Bleach does not kill the mold at the roots, instead it will only whiten the black mold making it seem like you removed it, but it will continue to grow putting you at further risk.  You’ll be able to find the mold or mildew cleaning products at your local grocery store or hardware store.

You’ll want to first seal off the area from possibly exposing other rooms of the house.  You can open a window to ventilate the room better.  Then, you’ll want to use a wet cloth to pat the area of of mold.  If the mold is dry when you are scrubbing, then it can be released into the air and if you breath it in it could cause respiratory problems.  Then, once it is wet, just use the cleaning spray that you purchased by following the directions on there, and you’ll have the mold cleaned up in no time.

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Johns Manville is a Berkshire Hathaway company operated by none other than Warren Buffett. On May 27, 2010 they announced that their company was releasing the ocSPF insulation made of low-density polyurethane open-cell spray foam insulation. This insulation was designed for both residential and commercial applications. They recommend use in floors, walls, attics, and ceilings. Attic insulation is well known as one of the most important aspects of making a home energy efficient. The main benefit of JM ocSPF however is its ability to insulate cavities of any shape which can create a seamless protective barrier. This barrier minimizes and even eliminates air leakage providing the most potent advantage.

This insulation is both mold and mildew resistant, has sound barrier properties, and gives an impressive R-value of 3.8 per inch. That means that 5.5 inches of this insulation will give you an R-value of 19. When the insulation is sprayed, it expands at a measure of 120 times its initial volume. This new insulation reduces jobsite odor and improves safety for installers due to its 100% reactive catalysts.

From the press release Mike Lawrence vice president and manager of the business stated, “We’re excited to announce the expansion of our spray foam product line with the launch of JM ocSPF insulation. We’re introducing JM ocSPF insulation with our customers in mind. Now, JM customers can order both fiber glass insulation and closed- and open-cell foam efficiently from one manufacturer, and with the reassurance that they are receiving quality products from Johns Manville.”

Photo by ann-dabneyThis insulation will maintain its performance over time and is recommended for climate zones 1,2,3, and 4 including the South and Pacific coast of the U.S. Another advantage is that JM ocSPF can be installed with any of JM’s fiberglass insulation products. They highly recommend putting an intumescent ignition barrier coating over the insulation.

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Here are 5 great tools to help you in your sheet metal work:

1. The propane torch is essential for annealing the metal before working it. Annealing softens the metal, making it easier to work and less prone to breakage when formed. especially useful if you do repoussé or chasing.
2. Sheet metal shears are the mess-free way of cutting sheet metal. Get a nice chunky table or floor-standing model, instead of crushing every bone in your hand by insisting on using hand shears!
3. A drill press is the only sensible way to drill sheet metal. Using a hand-held electric drill is asking for trouble, as the drill may get stuck, sending the sheet metal whirling across the room, or straining your wrist severely. Secure the sheet metal to be drilled to the drill press table using heavy clamps and start working. Drill using HSS-drills, slow revs and cooling lubricant – that way your drill bits will live longer.
4. A sheet metal bending brake is just the thing when you need to make straight, even bends in sheet metal. Using this type of machine involves clamping the workpiece between two steel bars called the bed and the clamping leaf – and then bending the piece by forcing it into the desired angle with a heavy hinged steel bar known as the bending leaf. Sometimes the bending leaf has counterweights attached to help lift its weight when bending thick sheets. This is metalworking after all – not a work out. Sheet metal brakes can be had from small tabletop models to large floorstanders, and can be used to make anything from small brackets to rain gutters.
5. A pop riveting gun – yes that’s right! Not very sophisticated or anything, but it sure is an easy way of joining two pieces of sheet metal. Just drill holes slightly larger than the rivets, plop in the rivets and there you go. Pop rivets are usually made of aluminum, and not thicker than a few milimeters, so they won’t have immense strength like old-fashioned iron rivets with a cross-section of half an inch, but they will do fine for less critical assembly.

Photo by Mouser NerdBotThat was it for our sheet metal equipment top 5. You don’t have to own all of these to do proper sheet metal work – but it helps!

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If you are in the process of constructing a new outside room, garage, or building a brand new workshop, concrete anchor bolts could be worth installing. They are used to anchor walls, equipment, or practically anything you want to the floor or wall of your new project.

Building a screened in porch, the anchor bolts would be used to attach the walls of the porch to the floor. When pouring your concrete, you will want to place them in the exact location where the walls will be installed. This will make this project flow much easier instead of trying to secure the walls after it has dried. A floor swing is also something that you may want secured for stability.

If you are adding a new garage, or workshop to your property, and you have equipment such as table saws, drill presses, or even a motorcycle, anchor bolts are used to secure your property.

There are several options, so you are able to choose the ones that are right for you. When purchasing, make sure you do your research for what you are securing, and where on the slab they are going to go. You, of course, don’t want to buy bolts that are used for heavy equipment, if you are anchoring a motorcycle.

Be sure to read all of the directions when installing. The last thing you want is to find out that they were installed incorrectly, after the concrete has dried. The removal of these are not as difficult as you may think. using a pry bar, put the edge of it under the edge of the plate, and use your hammer to pry up as much of the plate as needed to expose the bolt. Once exposed, cut it. To finish, use a grinder to make it flush. You can always use patching material if there was damage done.

The best thing to do is plan. Make sure you know where you want the bolts to go before beginning. Draw out the pattern if needed, and try to stick to that as much as possible.

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Having done water damage ceiling repairs on several occasions, I didn’t feel particularly intimidated by the presence of water damage on the popcorn textured ceiling of the living room of our new house.  I expected to just patch the area with joint compound and then apply some spray on texturing to match.

Unfortunately, once I got up to the ceiling I discovered that the bond between the existing material and the underlayment was poor, and it began to flake off beyond where I initially intended to patch.  I got the idea to remove the popcorn material completely, and took a look on the internet to find out how to best do so.

I was shocked to discover that many (some claim most) popcorn texturing materials installed before the ’70′s contain substantial amount of asbestos!  I had the option of having the material tested for asbestos, but, not being a fan of popcorn ceilings to begin with, I chose to leave what remained in place and cover it.

As unpleasant as was my surprise about the asbestos, I was equally pleasantly surprised to discover that ceiling finishes have come a long way since popcorn ceilings and drywall.  I’d been aware of the availability of acoustic tile, but never cared for it.  However, there are now available a wide variety of options for anyone who wants to take ceiling water damage repairs to a new level.

There are available panels made of metal, stamped in a variety of designs, and faux metal panels as well.  At least one company manufactures planks of fiberboard that can be had in a variety of finishes and textures.  It was a whole new world to me.

Photo by thirteenthbatI settled on a plank system that required that I install furring strips around the room.  For this product, furring is required regardless of the soundness of the underlying material.  I also found that the metal and faux metal panels can be glued directly to an existing ceiling, although there is a difference among manufacturers as to the ability to do so over even a sound popcorn finish.

If you find yourself faced with the need to do extensive water damage ceiling repairs, why not take a look at these new products.  They certainly present a new experience of what a ceiling can be, and as far as home renovations go, they are definitely worth a look.

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When completing tasks around the house or job site, the benefits of using a scaffold tower are numerous. Scaffold towers allow the user to reach heights that cannot be met with a traditional ladder. Due to its ease of use and advantages over other equipment, scaffold towers have been used in many different forms for centuries. Trump Tower in Chicago, the tallest building in the city, was built using scaffold towers. Many historians also believe Michelangelo painted the Sistine Chapel with the assistance of a type of scaffold tower. Scaffolding is helpful in part because it is mobile and can be adjusted with little effort. It is very portable and can be transported in most cars and trucks without the need for a trailer or additional equipment.

While scaffolding comes in steel and fiberglass varieties, aluminum is the most common form sold commercially. Aluminum scaffolding is extremely lightweight and the locking mechanisms are simple and intuitive to operate. This makes aluminum scaffolding easy to assemble for even the novice user. Once scaffolding has been locked into place, it provides a safe and secure platform. The wheels provide a tight lock and keep the tower from rolling on any kind of surface.

Photo by Eric KilbyScaffold towers are also very versatile. They are suitable for outdoor use in jobs such as painting, stripping, or providing access to a roof. Scaffolding is perfect for indoor use as well, assisting the user in painting ceilings and walls, cleaning high windows, or repairing light fixtures. Adjustments can be made to the height to accommodate jobs that require only a slight lift off the ground or big jobs that require several stories. The benefits of using a scaffold tower will save time and money, allowing the homeowner, professional handyman, and anyone in-between to finish their repairs more efficiently.

The Aluminium Scaffold Tower Site has many more benefits of using lightweight aluminium scaffold towers for tasks around the home.

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For many peace and quiet is not something can find even at home. There are many products which you can use to create a quieter room environment.  Acoustic materials such as batt rolls, spray foam, and foam tiles which are specially made to create acoustic insulation in homes and businesses are probably the easiest to install and fairly inexpensive to buy.  These materials are generally placed in the ceiling, under the floors, and within the walls of a room to reduce the amount of external noise that can be heard from elsewhere. Acoustic products are popular in areas where sound quality is needed such as music studios and theaters. Some colleges and other institutions where music is taught, use these types of tiles in the design of music rooms so the sound of music is truer and lacking noise pollutants. The acoustic sound insulation materials on the market today are designed to work in all kinds of environments where noise can pose a problem.

Some people are beginning to incorporate them into spa areas or meditation rooms. By reducing the amount of external noise you will be able to relax and let go of the tension you are carrying from a busy and stressful day at work. There can be a number of outside sounds which can actually be disturbing to a person’s mental well being. The use of sound proof insulation is also being used in the workplace to reduce the amount of sound that carries from space to space. Many cubicles are designed with the special insulation material to reduce the outside chatter and hum of the office. They are also being used for home offices where outdoor noises can be distracting to a person’s work and production.

Most of the tiles and panels you will find for sound proofing your home can be purchased at any home improvement store. You may find some of these available as kits which will include everything you need for self-installation of the product. If you purchase the items separately you need to know the square footage of the area you want to use them in. The soundproof acoustic insulation used as ceiling tile will also need a brace structure in which to place the tiles. Once installed, you will be amazed at the difference the noise reduction will make for your home.

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If you are looking for a great remodeling and design idea that will not only increase the value of your home but will also make it more energy efficient then look no further. In addition to enhancing your home’s architectural magnificence, skylights and ceiling windows, along with a plethora of other “high window” designs, are a primary part of the framework of a stunning home.

I have literally walked into Phoenix homes that had such a lack of lighting that they were a little daunting, especially considering that the homeowners did not like to keep on artificial lighting during the day so that they could keep their energy bills down. Does this sound a little like your home?

With so much sunlight here during the summer, I wonder, why sit in the dark? Home builders in the Phoenix construction industry know how to handle window installation–one trick is to build them on the North and South walls of the home. These sides of the home receive less direct sunlight and therefore keep the home cooler.

If you are considering some remodeling ideas or if you are building a new home, think about installing skylights and ceiling windows in these areas:

In closets and garages. Installing small circular skylights in these areas greatly increases light flow and minimizes the use of artificial light. They are typically very dark areas. Skylights will not only brighten them up with a little sunshine, but will add to the design of each of these spaces.

By the banister. If you have a stairwell with cool metal banisters, a grand staircase, or some other exquisite design you want to show off, then skylights can shed light on this often low lit area of your home. If your stairwell is on an angle, introducing skylights can make for an even more interesting and architecturally daring design. Skylights come in different shapes as well, so you could place triangular skylights with your rectangular windows for a dynamic look.

Above and beyond. The angular dimensions of vaulted ceilings are made to look even more intricate and sophisticated with modern skylights, ribbon windows, and other ceiling window designs. Ribbon windows are a popular choice for kitchens. Ribbon windows are a string, or “ribbon” of windows in a row, set close to the ceiling. They let light shine right into your kitchen accentuating your beautifully textured cabinets or ceiling design.

If you want your home to be one of a kind, home builders in every city, including top rated Phoenix contractors, can design unique, custom lighting elements that take advantage of a home’s structural design.

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Everybody dreams of an ideal space in which to live in tranquility. Sometimes finding this space only requires a little effort and rearrangement in one’s home to create a little area where you can be alone once in a while. Just separating an area in a large family room could give you the privacy that you might be seeking. There are many ways to add a separation wall but a wall would make the room look much smaller and would in fact create another room. The solution resides in the materials you use for you wall. If you were to choose glass blocks to erect your partition you would create the space for privacy, but instead of reducing the room you would simply add a decorative element.

Glass blocks are often used for external walls as well, as they bring in light in rooms that do not have windows, but they particularly shine as an interior wall material, as they should not be used for load bearing walls. They can be used in many different colors, textures, and light filtering effects. They have found a following among interior decorating enthusiasts because they are so versatile.

Glass blocks are heavy but can be installed easily for a partition wall, as long as you have a good ground surface to begin. To construct a glass block wall it is necessary to keep within a 6 yard length and an area not larger than 194 square feet. Anything larger than this would require steel rod reinforcement. To make the wall the right dimension it is more prudent to buy some smaller bricks for the ends, if necessary, than to try to cut a glass block. It is possible to cut a block but not easy.

You should never consider using glass blocks for a partition if they are not attached together and properly anchored as it could be very dangerous. They are installed just as bricks would with mortar, or if installed in a wet area like a bathroom a silicone mortar is used. The store where you buy your blocks will provide you with all the step by step information you need to build your little nest.

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If you are considering making use of your unused basement space that you might already though about converting into an office. This will be especially handy for anyone who works from home and will allow you to more easily separate your life and work spaces. If so then you will probably appreciate a few pointers to help you get the most from your renovation.

A fulltime basement office space must be dry, warm, have as much natural lighting as possible, have good electrical lighting and lots of outlets to plug-in equipment. If you are renovating your basement from scratch, put in double the number of electrical outlets you think you need in the area where the office will be. It’s a big mistake to have only two outlets when at least 5 is a must. Let’s assume you have sealed the basement of cracks and leaks and the basics are done. Raise the floor slightly off the cement, if possible, and have floor heating installed, especially if your area is cold in the winter.

The biggest problem with basement offices is that they are cold and the easiest way to make a comfy space is to have a dry warm floor where your feet will rest 8 or more hours a day. Hardwood is the best finish. Add an area rung under your desk for your feet. If there’s a window, place your desk so you will face the window, not a wall. The best basement renovation ideas, architectural plans and beautiful décor won’t matter much if all you see all day is a wall. Place your desk in the middle of the room or away from the wall, invest in a comfortable padded swivel chair, and have shelving built into every spare place you can.

The key to a success fulltime basement office will be having a warm, dry, comfortable, bright, well lit and well organized space where you will want to work every day. Spend your money on heating, flooring, lighting and storage. Those are the top home office basement renovation ideas that are often overlooked.

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