The more trees that you have at your disposal – that are relatively close together – means you have the chance to build a bigger tree house. The first thing that you have to think about is the height that you require your tree house to be. A safe and not too daunting height would be around nine feet off the ground; this sort of height will be exciting but not too scary for children.

Next you should visit your local country store or wood shop and give them the measurements. Tell them how big you’re planning on building your tree house and ask for their advice on the best and strongest materials for the job. Bear in mind that whatever material you decide to use needs to be able to with stand all weather conditions without being affected.
The tools that you will require for the build are as follows:

• Hammers
• Saw
• Tape Measure
•  Drill
• An Adjustable wrench and a square
• Spirit level

Don’t forget a ladder and a step ladder. The most useful and essential tool that you will need is a jigsaw; you can use this to round off any sharp edges.

Build your platform using three inch deck screws; make sure you space out joists. Ask someone for help and place your base up into the tree and tie it down. Add a pulley onto the build as these are great fun for kids to play with; it’s also a helpful tool for you whilst you are building the tree house. Once you have your basic frame up go ahead and lay your decking down – this will be the flooring to your tree house. You should also leave a one – two inch gap around the trunk of the tree, where it is growing through your tree house.

For the railings that go around the tree house you could use recycled fence panels; screw them together and attach them securely to the base. Make sure that any gaps between the rails are not big enough for a child to fit through. For access you could consider building a ladder or even a rope ladder, for additional fun, why don’t you consider attaching a swing to the bottom of the tree house for fun on the ground too.

Harry Hins shares his interest on Summer houses and tree houses for the back garden; for the best quality he would recommend http://www.yorktimberproducts.co.uk/.

Find Potential Contractors

Your first important job is to find names of painting contractors who are worthy of your consideration. One way to get recommendations from satisfied customers is to go on Facebook or other social media. If you are a member of any business groups, you can ask other business owners for opinions of the contractors they used for jobs similar to yours. Another option is to ask your commercial insurance agent to refer you to other clients who may have the information that you need.

Verify References

Checking references gives you a chance to ask specific questions about the level of difficulty involved in a contractor’s previous jobs. You need to get an honest opinion about the quality of the work and whether it was worth the price. When you take the time to do some background investigative work, you improve your odds of getting the quality job that you expect.

Discuss Technical Matters

A commercial painter uses equipment that incorporates technological advances to apply paints to many different types of surfaces. Your commercial and industrial properties probably do not have use the same exterior materials that are typical of home construction, and more sophisticated equipment is required for them. For example, you need a contractor who understands the flammable nature of paints that may have exposure to high temperatures in your factories or other commercial locations.

In your discussions with the contractor that you plan to hire, find out what plans are in place for the preparation of the surface that needs painting. More problems occur from poorly prepared surfaces than from any other cause, according to the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA). In addition, you need to make sure that your contractor knows how to thin paint with the proper solvents in your particular location. Solvents have different properties that can affect odor and combustibility, both of which may affect your employees’ safety.

Commercial painters must have the knowledge to select the right spray gun and nozzle for your job so it can handle the paint and make it adhere properly. Advances in technology provide many variations in the pounds per square inch (PSI) of pressure for the proper application of different consistencies in paint.

Review the Contract

You have the right to know the details of your contractor’s license and insurance information, including the ownership of a liability policy that is valued at a million dollars or more. When you have completed your investigative work, you are ready to read the written contract and sign it if you think it confirms your understanding and expectations.

These tips were brought to you on behalf of TTM Finishes Inc. a provider of premium and cost-effective commercial painting in Toronto and surrounding areas.

Listed below are some of the alternative uses for storage sheds.

A Hobby Room

If you have hobbies such as sewing, crocheting, building trains and planes, etc. and you’re having a hard time looking for spaces to store them in inside your house, then why not build a storage shed that includes a hobby room? You can have a small corner of the storage shed sectioned off for the hobby room. This way, your tools and finished products won’t be cluttering up your home. You also won’t have to worry that the children will be meddling with your things, some of which can be pretty dangerous and harmful. A hobby room inside the storage shed can easily reduce accidents and, at the same time, protect your things as well.

If you’re fond of pottery and you want a safe place where you can keep all your materials, then you can have a small area of the storage shed built for a potting room. You can store here your potting supplies as well as finished and unfinished potteries, etc., and you won’t have to worry that they’ll get mishandled or damaged.

A Gardening Shed

Another functional area that you can have incorporated into the storage shed is a gardening shed. You can keep all your gardening tools here such as rakes, spades, hand tools, etc., and you can also keep your extra flower pots, fertilizers, pest control products, here. You can even have a small potting table placed for when you transfer the seedlings into their pots.

Having a separate gardening shed is a very good idea, especially if you have children and pets. Just keep the doors locked though as you do not want the kids getting their hands on any of the gardening tools.

An Extra Entertainment Area

If you want a place where you can hang out with friends, watch games, drink beer, host barbecue parties, etc., then an extra entertainment area in the storage shed is a good idea. You can place a small pool table there, a TV, a mini bar and kitchen, table and chairs, and you have yourself a man cave.

Really, there are a lot of functional spaces that you can incorporate in the storage shed. You just have to know what you want for the extra spaces, and talk it over with your builder. Yes, it’s an additional expense on your part, but the money is going to be worth it when you start making use of the space and start enjoying the freedom and security it gives you.

So, if you are thinking of having a storage shed built, then think of its alternative uses. Choose a good builder who can work with you in designing these extra spaces.

Jennifer Dalhover writes for Twin Falls sheds builder. A storage shed is a good addition to any home, but it can be made even better if you consider its alternative uses.

However, if you are trying to ‘work’ at the dining room table, you might want to re-think that, for various reasons. Taking space from the home, especially an entire room, and dedicating it to your office has many benefits.

So, if you are debating on whether or not to convert a spare room into a home office, or work from home to begin with, then read on to learn why it would be a great idea to do so.

1. Avoid the Headache of a Long Commute

One of the perks of working from home is to avoid long commutes back and forth to an office when you can get the same amount of work done, if not more, by working from home. For many people, it’s not unusual to spend 30 minutes or more on the road…one way. That is time wasted in my opinion, in addition to the wear and tear of the car and cost of gas.

By working from home, you can easily add an additional hour of either work or play to your day simply by avoiding the commute. Add a couple more hours, if you factor in not having to take a lunch hour and the time to get ready in the morning for a day out of the home.

2. More Privacy Equals Fewer Distractions and More Production

Setting up a dedicated office at home will help eliminate distractions that take time away from work. I have tried to work at the dining room table before. But, there are more windows to look out, noises to compete with, and family members to tug at your ‘sleeve’.

When I am in my office, I can close the door to it all and focus better on my projects. It’s more private than working at a traditional office as well because there are no interruptions from co-workers, impromptu meetings, or multiple phone lines ringing.

3. Customize It to Your Comfort

It’s your room, so you can customize it fit your taste and comfort. In fact, I am thinking of revamping mine in the next month or so, I’ll share my plans with you to show how you can create it to fit you, rather than you fitting into a sterile and cold environment.

First, I am going to paint it a color that helps me to focus and inspire creativity. I did a little studying a while back on color therapy when I designed my therapeutic massage business. I wanted a color for complete surrender and relaxation, and chose green. However, because I don’t want to sleep in my office, I am going with a yellow because that is good for creative thinking, fighting depression, and staying focused…all important traits for a freelance writer.

Next, I will empty a corner that currently is filled with items I rarely use and turn it into my ‘research and development’ area. Because the area is not as spacious as I would like, I will start by looking at wall saver recliners , and probably go with a nice rich leather option. For lighting, I will add a tall torch lamp to add proper lighting for when I kick my feet up to read.

Finally, I am going to build customized shelving for a mini coffee bar…my very own, with my favorite coffees and fixings for the perfect cup of coffee, anytime I want it.

You might not like coffee, or recliners…but, make it your own. That’s the point.

4. Saving Money is Always a Good Idea

Another great reason to have a home office is to save money. You might not even realize it until you suddenly have a little extra cash in your pocket. However, there are several ways you can easily save money by giving up the traditional office. Here are just a few:

•     Less, or no business wardrobe
•     No need to fill the gas tank every other day
•     No longer having to go out to lunch
•     Won’t have to chip in for office birthdays, showers, and weddings.

Those are just simple examples of ways to save money. But, if you are self-employed, by having an office at home you will also save on the larger expenses such as rent, utilities, and staff. If you need an assistant, consider a virtual assistant to save on expenses.

One of the best ways to save money, was by using web based video conferencing. Now you can hold meetings online in the comfort of your office. No need to get dressed up, get in the car and drive to a meeting. It saves an incrediable amount of time and money being able to log into a conference room from your home computer.

5. Tax Benefits

Being self-employed with a home office can also bring some tax relief. If your office is used only for business, your equipment and other expenses can be written off as a business expense. Your computer, printer, furniture, and even a portion of your utilities can be declared as a business expense.

However, if your office is not fully dedicated as an office…with walls and a door to separate it, none of it can be used on your taxes. In other words, if you work at the dining room table, or a portion of your master suite, it is not recognized as a business expense.

6. More Quality Time with Family

I saved the best reason for last. You will find that you have more time to spend with your family, and be able to attend your children’s school events, because working from home allows for a flexible schedule. If your child has a game at 4, you can ‘close shop’ for the day to make it on time…or, come back to it when the game is over.

Making the schedule fit around your family is one of the greatest rewards of working at home. Life is way too short to always be saying, “I have to work”, especially to your children. Of course, they will need to understand that you will have to work at times, but they will appreciate the additional time you have for them.

The bottom line is that any one of the reasons listed above is worth having a home office. Just imagine enjoying the perks of all 6 someday!

Working from home as a freelance writer, Kathy Barber is very familiar of the need for a dedicated home office. It was when she was reading reviews on http://securevideoconference.com that she was inspired to write a series of articles on video conferencing from home. Kathy also writes on other topics such as health, family, and home brewing. Living in Michigan with her husband and son, Kathy enjoys camping, photography, sports, and entertaining.

1. Wood type

There are basically three types of wood used in constructing furniture: hardwood, softwood and engineered wood. Hardwood such as mahogany and oak is your best bet if you are looking for something that will last. This kind of wood is also very grand and looks quite elegant in whatever kind of furniture it is used to create.

(Photo credits: Patrick Hoesly)

The only problem is hardwood is quite rare, and the felling of hardwood trees is strictly regulated to safeguard the environment. It is quite rare to get pieces of furniture that are completely made of hardwood, most of them will have a bit of engineered wood such as ply wood at some points and that is alright, engineered wood is also pretty strong.

While softwood coming from trees such as pines and firs can also be used to make good, high quality furniture, it is more susceptible to dents and scratches and if you have to settle on this then you have to make sure you take good care of that piece of furniture.

2. Construction

The furniture ought to be created in such a way that it will be firm and sturdy, especially at the joints. Joints that are stapled together or glued together, especially where you can even see the traces of glue are generally not that long lasting.

When it comes to joints, you want furniture that has its joints constructed using the traditional but very durable dovetails and mortise methods. The use of screws, bolts and corner blocks are some other good ways to join pieces of wood together.

Check to see how the piece of furniture has been constructed at the back also. Some furniture manufacturers do not pay much attention to the back as it is generally not visible and you might not care much either, but you should because if it has been constructed in a flimsy manner it will cause the whole structure of the furniture to be weak.

Another consideration to be made in terms of the construction of the furniture is how well the doors open if there are any. Do they open and shut easily or do you have to force them? Do the drawers glide smoothly? Lastly, is the furniture steady or does it wobble when you shake it? This might be an indication of a problem with the floor level, and it can be very annoying to have a wobbling piece of furniture.

3. Finishing

Almost a third of the amount of money spent in manufacturing a piece of wooden furniture goes to the finishing. This gives you an idea of how important it is that it be done right. The finishing on a wooden piece of furniture includes carvings and decorations and painting and polishing.

(Photo credits: Patrick Hoesly)

This is not only done to enhance the otherwise bland appearance of the piece of furniture but it is also necessary to protect it. The painting done on wooden furniture usually includes a special; waterproof lacquer that preserves it from water damage and other forms of damage.

When a scratch is made on the finishing, it can easily be painted over and the wood returns to looking as good as new. When it is on the wood itself however, the damage is much greater. The same applies to water. If unprotected wood is exposed to moisture, chances of it rotting are much, much higher.

Make sure that you counter check on all the above mentioned factors and it is more likely than not that you will be able to get good quality furniture which you can pass on to your children’s children!

Chad is an enthusiastic blogger, who believes that shoppers should always only buy from reputable furniture stores to save themselves all the trouble later on!

The consequences of doing so can range from a damaged home all the way up to a fatality. Should you be a fan of DIY, here are eight projects that you’d be wise to leave to a professional. 

Large Cement Jobs 

It is possible to do your own cement work. Unfortunately, it’s also very easy to destroy your home in the process. Cement dries a lot faster than you would expect. One small mistake and you’ve just turned your new patio into a concrete mess that you’ll need a drill to remove.

Second Story Roof Repair

If a job involves a second story roof, it’s not a job that you should do yourself. Before calculating how much you can save by going down the DIY route, ask yourself if you’re really willing to take the risk. A single slip is all it takes to find yourself in the emergency room or worse.

Poison Removal 

Regardless of whether you’re dealing with lead paint or asbestos, if it’s poisonous, you shouldn’t try to remove it yourself. Both of these substances are known to disintegrate into tiny airborne particles when you try to remove them. If you don’t have the equipment to protect yourself from such particles, you need to leave the job to somebody that does.

Anything with Wires

Some wires in your home are pretty easy to understand. The purpose of the one sticking out of your television for example is pretty straightforward. Other household wires however are not so easy to understand and should be avoided at all costs. DIY electrical work can not only lead to a shock, it can lead to a serious fire hazard.

Plumbing

Another component of the average household that you really shouldn’t mess with is the pipes. Small leaks can turn into not so small floods when you attempt to solve your plumbing problems without sufficient knowledge. Plumbers aren’t expensive to hire but the same cannot be said about the damage that a bit of DIY plumbing can cause.

Gas Appliances

If a job requires that you connect or disconnect something to a gas line, always call in a professional. Unlike water leaks, gas leaks are not always immediately obvious. You can therefore easily end up with a gas leak that you don’t even know about. Carbon monoxide poisoning claims thousands of lives each year. It’s also pretty damn flammable.

Large Tree Removal

Cutting down a large tree typically involves climbing up said tree with a chainsaw. It’s therefore not exactly the safest way to spend your Sunday. Both branch removal and establishing the direction in which a tree is going to fall are both tasks that should be left to professionals.

Wall Removal

Finally, knocking down a wall might sound pretty straightforward but not all walls are empty. Many contain water pipes, gas pipes and electrical wires. Some walls also happen to be responsible for keeping your roof in place. Wall removal is therefore one of the last projects that you should try to do yourself.

Ed Markwell is a DIY enthusiast blogger and specializes in authoring articles about home improvement. He excels in providing tips on DIY projects and central heating information. Follow him on Twitter.

The use of Clay for roofing came to America during the 17th century. This was due in part to the success of their long lasting abilities throughout history. Two major fires popularized clay roofs one of which was the fires of London in 1666 and Boston, Massachusetts in 1679.  These fires were so devastating, due in part to the thatched roofs that quickly enveloped both cities and burned a large portion of them to the ground.

During the spread of the American countryside, houses in unpopulated districts often used wooden roof shingles. These cost effective tiles were easy to handle, little cost to make and could be bought at local mills that produced them. This trend started in the early 19th century and continued for over 100+ years.

There are many other types of roof tiles that were used in history including slate, tin and in modern times there are now plastic roof tiles. Slate became a fashionable roof tile throughout the world. Europeans used this roofing method for many years and mounted them as siding to portions of homes, churches and other buildings. Other materials used in roofing included lead, copper and metal. These three materials were mostly in sheets but sometimes they were in architectural styles to imitate tiles or shingles.

Clay tiles had a major return to homes in America during the early years of the 20th century. This was due in part to the return of the Spanish revival in houses and architecture. This trend follows today and in modern days clay and terracotta roofing are used in many homes throughout the U.S.

Today many homeowners make a choice between using clay and concrete tiles for the roofing projects. Clay or Terracotta tiles are somewhat expensive. These tiles are a natural clay element that are formed and fired in a kiln to remove moisture. Cement tiles are made from cement, lime, sand and water and cost overall half the price of using clay. Both are durable and though clay tiles can last for centuries most concrete tiles have a lifespan of about 50 years. There are other problems to think of when comparing these tiles together. These issues range from problems with climate ranges to fading colors and weight factors. Take a look in at a Las Vegas Tile outlet or the many other outlets throughout the country to find answers to understanding the choices between these two.

Though it’s rare to see in the modern world today it is not unusual to find someone using slate tiles for roofs. Slate has a lifespan of approximately 80 to 100 years. Like clay tiles this type of tile has a tendency to slip and cause damage either to the tile or the underlayment. Caring for these roofs require a specialist and is one of the reasons many homeowners shy away from using slate in modern times. Many historical homes and buildings across the country still retain slate on their roofs. Specialists in the field of preservation care for these roofs but not without adding significant cost to their service.

In today’s world many tiles for roofs are being offered in plastics. These Eco friendly roofs can last a lifetime and longer with proper care. These lightweight roofs take little to ship to the work site and are an ease to install. Plastic roof tiles come in a wide range of colors and several companies offer custom color variations on special order projects. Many of these tiles mimic the Spanish style clay roofs and from the road it’s difficult to tell the between clay and plastic. The cost factors with using plastic versus clay is significant and most projects can be completed for less than 25% of the cost of clay. Take a look at the many different roof tiles available in at a Las Vegas Tile outlet or the many other outlets that offer a wide range of products to choose from.

The choices for roof tiles and roofing alike are endless. Finding the correct one that fits a homeowner’s budget is sometimes the hardest factor in the final decision. Be sure to take the time to review all options as many roof tiles look expensive and are efficient not only to original cost factors but to the energy costs associated with the house in which they are used.

Tim Walker is now writing a book on the history of tiles throughout the era of mankind.

Convenience

Electric fireplaces are easy to use. There is no cleanup or difficult lighting method. With traditional wood-burning fireplaces, ashes have to be swept and cleaned regularly. It can also be tedious work to light a fire and keep it burning. Electric fireplaces also do not leave your home smelling like smoke. With gas heaters, there can be difficulty getting the pilot light lit and the heater turned on. With electric fireplaces, there is an on/off button or remote control. It is very simple to operate, and there is no cleanup needed. There is also no need to vent electric fireplaces, since they emit no fumes or odors. If you want the beauty of a fire but not the heat, electric fireplaces are a great option. The lighting can be turned on without the heat. This allows you to use the electric fireplace all year long.

Cost Effective

Electric fireplaces are very cost effective. Some electric fireplaces look just like wood-burning fireplaces and others can be hung on the wall. These are very beautiful and do not come with the constant cost of buying wood. Wood can be very expensive, and it is hard work if you chop the wood yourself. By installing an electric fireplace, you can have a beautiful and cheaper version of a traditional fireplace.

Safety

Electric fireplaces are much safer than other heaters. There is no risk of carbon monoxide poisoning if you are using an electric fireplace. The on/off switch makes it easy to operate. By knowing the heater is off, there is no risk of fire. With gas heaters, it can be difficult to tell if the pilot light is out. This can cause a higher risk of a house fire. Gas heaters also come with the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning. Wood-burning fireplaces present a fire risk. There is always a chance that the fires can get out of control when using a wood-burning fireplace. Electric fireplaces are, by far, the safest form of heating your home. Since electric fireplaces heat rooms without becoming hot to the touch, there is no risk of children getting burned.

When looking for a heater, electric fireplaces are a great choice. They are cost effective, clean, and safe. You can also find electric fireplaces to match any décor. You can have the beautiful look of a fire without the hassle. There is little to no safety risk, and there is no need to clean up ashes. Electric fireplaces are easy to use without the mess, high cost of wood, and the actual fire. Before purchasing your next heater, consider the convenience, quality, and beauty of an electric fireplace for your home.

Citations:

• image citation – I have the right to use this image,

This information was brought to you by Patio Shoppers.

The passive solar system can also be used to circulate air for ventilation. Heat can be extracted from that air and then fed back into the system to warm other areas of the house or water.

The science behind such systems has a number of sources that include thermo-dynamics, fluid mechanics and even meteorology. While the principles of passive housing can be applied to any home in the form of retrofitting, more often than not the optimum scenario can be achieved on a new build. Due to the complexity of “getting it right” a number of scientific disciplines have to be aggregated. Computer modelling and years of accumulated research have fine tuned the construction methods and filtered out failed approaches and bad practices that were learned during the energy crisis of the 1970′s.

While thermal comfort is very much an individual thing based on physiological, health and ambient temperatures at any given time, heat transfer can have a great impact on the individual. Poor ventilation, or too much ventilation from poor draft proofing can not only result in negative health effects but also raised energy costs. In a conventional house layout where the bedrooms are on the first floor and the living area on the ground floor uncontrolled convection of air can result in oppressive heat upstairs and cold areas downstairs. Passive heating is potentially very efficient if done well. It can convert 75% of the Sun’s energy into usable heat.

Because sunshine can be limited in Northern latitudes counter measures need to be employed in order to even out the ambient heat of the house. Heat storage and thermal mass can mitigate such changes. If thermal mass is too expensive or logistically difficult to transport in remote regions, the Earth itself can be used. Houses can be built into hillsides, which achieves the same results as man made thermal mass. Water is another method of transferring heat from one area of the house to another.

While such houses are still considered experimental and usually sponsored by universities, there is no question that we will see more of them and more of the principles gleaned from their design trickling down into mainstream house building. Especially as people realise they can sell their excess energy production back to the grid.

Jonathan Fox writes on behalf of www.aelheating.com, covering topics on energy efficiency