what

What Type of Retaining Wall Should You Build?

by

Are you finding it hard to determine the kind of retaining wall you should build? The problem may be that you are not clear on what the objectives of building that wall is. You may be building the wall to simply retain the soil block. You may also be doing it for other reasons such as increasing the aesthetic appeal of your property, or you want a material that is not costly. Below is an outline to help you figure out the materials you can use.

Aesthetic appeal

If your objective is to increase the aesthetic appeal of your property, you need a material that is flexible in terms of shapes, sizes, and textures. One of the materials that you can use is natural stones. They provide a wide range of color and come in different shapes and sizes. They are also quite flexible.

Interlocking blocks is another common material for those looking for a fine looking material. Like natural stone you can choose from a wide range of different sizes and textures. The advantage with interlocking concrete blocks is that you can curve the wall around tree gardens, pools and your patio. The fact that it can be slanted or curved makes it even more beautiful as it sits on your garden.

Wood can also be a visually appealing material that you can use to build a retaining structure on your landscape. It is not very durable. However, the rustic look of the wall can complement certain landscapes and provide an elegance that may not be possible with other materials.

Cost

Cost is another important factor. You probably want a material that will allow you to complete a project within your tight budget. One of the cheapest materials you can use for this is timber. The cost of the project can be taken down further by the fact that timber if you choose to assemble it on your own. It is fairly simple to install.

A natural stone wall is another cheap material. The material is readily available and comes in a wide range of shapes and sizes. You can also put together this wall, therefore you do not have to spend on labor.

Use of modular blocks is another options which happens to be quite visually appealing. It is stacked together and is supported by the weight of the bricks due to gravity. Gravel may be added to increase its strength and support. It is also easy to install.

Durability

Concrete walls can be very durable thanks to their strength. There are several types of concrete structures you can choose from. There is concrete blocks, poured concrete, interlocking blocks, amongst others. All these materials are durable, but interlocking blocks and poured concrete require very little material. These walls can be built to very high heights not possible with other materials.

Marble is another very durable material. The fact that the ancient Egyptian structures are standing to this day, can give you an idea of how durable it is. It also requires very little maintenance. It can be cut into big blocks to prevent problems associated with multiple bricks. It performs very well under extreme temperatures.

Ease of installation

This is another important factor for those looking to build these walls on their own. It reduces labor cost because you can put up the structure without any professional help. Some of the materials that are easy to install include wood, interlocking blocks, and natural stone.

If you want your project to be successful you need to plan and do the necessary research. Look for a material that is ideal for your weather, within your budget and can accommodate the desired height.

Written by Robert Thompson, owner of Custom Outdoor Designs, where they are one of the best companies for stamped concrete in Columbia, MO.

Purchasing Your Historic Dream Home: What You Need to Know

by

There’s something enchanting and even romantic about the thought of living in a historic home.

Maybe you’re imagining lemonade on the veranda or tea and scones in the sitting room.

The reality is that it certainly can be all the things you’ve pictured.

But, you have to jump through some hoops in order to get there and stay there!

What designates a home as “historic”?

There are a few criteria that must be met in order for a home to be deemed historic:

  • It must be a certain age, usually older than fifty, though this could vary slightly with location.
  • It has to remain recognizable for the period it was built.
  • Either an event of historical significance happened at the site, or that a person of historical importance has an association with the site, or that the building itself is significant for its architecture or the interior.

Along with this designation usually, comes some rules.

Common restrictions

Keep in mind that you may be limited in what you can do in terms of renovations and cosmetic changes to the outside of the home.

These are some examples of common restrictions placed on historic home owners as well as some potential drawbacks:

  • Adding on. It is typically not allowed to add any kind of footage to a historic home, including adding stories.
  • Roofs, shutters, and windows. Since these elements are crucial to the original architecture, they are not allowed to be replaced with any style or design other than the original. Keep in mind that there may be added expense in duplicating these components to match the original.
  • Higher taxes. The taxes are typically higher for living in a historic district. Some cities or districts will give a tax credit for purchasing a home in an area that they are trying to revitalize or restore the area.
  • Higher utilities. This may or may not be the case, but it pays to look at the previous bills for the year. Many times it does cost more to heat and cool an older home.

It’s best to visit the local planning and zoning office of the area where you are looking to purchase your home to find a detailed list of regulations for your specific area.

What to look for

You’ve made your decision and you’re ready to start historic house hunting!

There are some tips to keep in mind as you begin to explore your home options:

  • Find a home inspector who has dealt with historic homes in the past. You’ll want someone who is very knowledgeable in this area to make sure you don’t end up with unforeseen trouble, like major structural damage, for example.
  • Gather estimates from contractors. Chances are the home you purchase will need some amount of work. Know up-front what needs to be done and how much it will cost you.
  • Don’t downplay health and safety standards. As perfect as a home may seem, you don’t want to have to deal with asbestos, lead paint, or any other environmental toxin that could be lurking in an older home.

Encouraging statistics

Take a look at the resale statistics of some sample cities:

  • Homes in Columbia, South Carolina’s historic district sold 26% faster than the overall market, according to a 2000 study.
  • Historic homes in Beauport sold for 21% higher than other homes.
  • New York, Texas, and Pennsylvania all showed an increase in property values ranging from 5 to 20 percent in designated historic districts.

When buying real estate in Kitty Hawk, North Carolina, you can expect a similar return on your investment!

What flooring should I install in my self-build?

by

Flooring materials should be considered at the outset so that you can assess their contribution to noise and energy insulation and make an allowance for their differing thicknesses. Different rooms will make different demands, so here are some tips to help you plan.

<2016/11/What-flooring-should-I-install-in-my-self-build.png">what-flooring-should-i-install-in-my-self-build

Image Credit

Kitchens and bathrooms.

Water and stain resistance is your main concern. Materials best avoided include carpet, which can also absorb odour, and cork, which may stain unless you apply a good sealant. Laminate flooring must also be sealed, as flood damage can cause issues. Good choices are vinyl, lino or ceramic tiles.

Bedrooms and upper hallways.

Sound insulation, warmth and softness are what matters here. Laminate flooring has been popular in all rooms in recent years; however, if you use it upstairs, you should use a good noise insulating underlay. Better still, construct your house with fully floated upper floors. Other options include carpet, cork or bamboo. If you can afford to, also consider rubber or leather.

Children’s rooms or play areas.

You need an easy to clean flooring that is not too hard. Sealed cork or rubber are excellent choices for safety and warmth. Laminates, vinyl and bamboo are easy to clean if noise is not an issue.

Ground floor hallways.

These areas must resist wear and soiling. Ceramic tiles or polished concrete are worth considering. Carpet is good if made from fibres that are hard-wearing and dirt resistant.

Ecological sustainability.

A consideration for any modern build should be to ethically source its materials. Cork and bamboo are both eminently renewable resources and many carpet materials are natural and renewable, whilst others may contain plastic products that are not. It is important to buy from a supplier that clearly declares contents and test ratings, such as ukflooringdirect.co.uk/laminate-flooring/series-wood-8mm-laminate-flooring-lazio-oak.

Health and safety.

Your family’s health is even more important than that of the environment. Some vinyls are made from recycled plastics and, laudable as this sounds, have been the most criticised for levels of toxic chemicals. Similar chemicals are found in other types of flooring and flooring adhesives, so check their ratings with your supplier.

European standards.

The CE marking is a requirement for any product sold within Europe and will tell you many valuable things, from how hard-wearing it is to the level of volatile chemicals.

What You Need For Your Kitchen

by

Despite being domesticated beings, in the kitchen is where our primitive side comes out to play with the rigorous preparation of a quality meal. Although it can be initially be daunting to cook for yourself, it does get easier with more practice and experimenting with a number of recipes. Cooking at home is the best way to minimise food expenditures, and you may even find that you enjoy cooking and getting creative in the kitchen. After all, even the likes of Jamie Oliver and Gordon Ramsey had to start somewhere.

Fridge/Freezer

An integral part of any kitchen as all the food we buy needs preserving until the time we choose to use and consume it. Refrigerators chill all food and drink inside, and maintain the cold temperature inside. Food not in the fridge can be prone to developing bacteria, which can spread rapidly, especially in the cases of meat. Eating food that has been left out could cause food poisoning.  Cold temperatures kill bacteria and present it spreading.
Today you can get a fridge and freezer in one unit for added convenience. Among many of the modern features, includes a built in ice maker and filtered water dispenser. It is also possible to buy fridges with built-in cameras. The perk of this is that you can view the camera as a live stream from your smartphone, which could remind you of anything you’ve forgotten when you’re at the supermarket.

Oven

We all need a decent oven in our kitchens because raw food just doesn’t taste that good. There are many options when it comes to ovens, many traditional ovens use gas while the more modern trend is electric. The Siemens HB676GBS6B would take pride and place of any modern kitchen thanks to its sleek and attractive design. Electric ovens are also faster at heating up to the required temperature, and offer a heat that is drier and even distributed throughout the oven, providing an even bake to whatever’s on the menu that night.

Kitchen Wares

It’s best to keep kitchen wares as minimal as possible, especially if it’s your first ever kitchen. First of all you will want to keep cost down, and until you start cooking regularly, you’ll never really know how much of it you’re realistically going to use. Generally, you don’t need any more than two saucepans, one small and one large. The small saucepan will be used for making sauces and boiling vegetables in small quantities, while the large one is ideal for stews, beans and pasta.

Knives

A honing knife and a chef’s knife should be enough to have the vast majority of your chopping needs, while you may need a large serrated knife for cutting bread. There’s no need to be afraid of the knife, but it certainly important to respect the blade. A good knife should feel comfortable in your hand and should be regularly maintained with a honing steel. A magnetic knife rack is the best way to maintain all knives and reducing the dulling or wearing away of the blade.

What You should Know about the Risks Associated with Asbestos – and when You should be Careful

by

It’s good to know that asbestos is no longer used in the construction business – as a matter of fact, it has been banned since 2000. For good reason, in fact: asbestos creates a serious health problem. Asbestos is a hazardous material because small fibres, when exposed to the open air, can get carried around. When inhaled, these fibres can cause serious damage to our biological system – asbestos has been correlated with cancer, pulmonary diseases, and death.

Short-term exposure may not harm you at all, but continuous exposure surely will. It’s a real concern – a concern to any owner, renter, or person working in a building. Here’s what you should know about the risks associated with asbestos – and when you should be extra careful.

Refurbishment, construction, and renovation

<2016/12/What-You-should-Know-about-the-Risks-Associated-with-Asbestos-–-and-when-You-should-be-Careful.jpg">what-you-should-know-about-the-risks-associated-with-asbestos-and-when-you-should-be-carefulExposure to asbestos happens most often in the following circumstances:

  • There are renovations or construction in a property built before the year 2000.
  • No risk assessment has been done before renovation or construction is about to begin.
  • The people performing the renovation or construction do not have any training or knowledge about asbestos and how to handle the hazards in a safe way.
  • The people performing the renovation or construction have been trained to work with asbestos but neglect to take proper precautions.

You are at risk when:

The following people are often at risk the most:

  • Carpenters, joiners, and plumbers who need to remove or break walls
  • Heating and ventilation engineers or repairmen
  • Painters and decorators
  • Architects, purveyors and other building professionals
  • Roofing contractors, as well as people working with insulation

Points to note when it comes to asbestos

It’s important to remember that asbestos:

  • Cannot be seen or smelled in the air
  • Has effects that are not immediately noticeable
  • That people who smoke are at a higher risk
  • That there is no problem as long as the asbestos is located in a safe place

Here’s the positive news: there are simple things that you can do. There are plenty of surveyors out there who are willing to give your home or property a look – in fact, they may even decide to call in an expert on asbestos reports. This is truly the wise thing to do: not only does it allow you to find a problem (if there is one), it allows you to deal with it before the problem ever gets out of hand. And financially speaking, getting rid of a problem and having your property declared, in official terms, as asbestos-free, is something every responsible property owner should do – it makes financial sense. It’s about safety, welfare – and it makes economic sense as well.

Image attributed to Michelle Meiklejohn/FreeDigitalPhotos.net

http://www.freedigitalphotos.net/images/Manufacturing_and_in_g199-Asbestos_Sign_p11770.html

Repair or Replace: What to do if your home appliance breaks down

by

Nowadays, most modern households rely on two or three household appliances to help make chores easier and day to day life run more smoothly. Whether it’s the washing machine, tumble dryer or dishwasher, these modern machines have freed up hours previously spent on laundry or food preparation, which we have promptly filled with the demands of busy working lives, it’s no wonder therefore that an appliance breakdown can cause serious chaos and inconvenience. So what’s the best thing to do when an appliance breaks down, immediately replace it or attempt to repair it? The information below is designed to help you make the right choice for you.

The first thing to establish is whether it is the appliance that is at fault, check that a fault in the power source is not the real cause of the problem. Next, consult the manual for the machine and look at any common faults in the troubleshooting section, together with any suggested solutions.

Once you have concluded that the appliance really is broken then you will need to decide whether to replace it or not. If the appliance is still under warranty, either with the manufacturer or the retailer then of course it will make sense to investigate this option first and try to come to a satisfactory resolution either by way of a repair or a replacement product covered under your agreement.

If there is no longer any form of warranty available to you then consider how long you have had the machine and what problems, if any, you have previously experienced. If this is a new and relatively minor fault then you may decide to keep the appliance and repair it in the hope that this is a temporary blip, of course if the machine has already undergone a number of repairs, particularly for the same fault, then the time may have come to start looking for a new appliance.

Consider the age of your machine, though many of us think that a machine is old at 3 or 4 years guidelines suggest that a dishwasher should last for 9 years, a tumble dryer for 13 and a freezer for 11 years. An older machine isn’t necessarily a negative as many newer, cheaper models do not have the same build quality as older models that were perhaps built to a higher spec. On the other hand, your older machine may be bulky or dated in appearance and not have some of the features now offered by newer models, if there are settings or features you think would particularly benefit you or your household then it may be just the excuse you need to start looking at upgrading your appliance.

Cost is often a fairly major consideration when choosing whether to replace or repair an appliance, in general if a repair will cost more than 50% of the original value of the appliance then it is worth looking to replace with new. If not then a repair to your machine may be justified and will likely save you money when compared to the cost of a new machine, together with the costs associated in delivery, set up and safe disposal of your old appliance.

In most cases, a spare part for your existing appliance will be the cheapest option, it may also prove to be the quickest solution for busy households as most parts can be ordered online and delivered quickly without the necessary shopping trips, research and price comparisons involved in committing to a new machine. Depending on the nature of the fault and your confidence with DIY you may not even find it necessary to call out an engineer to install the new part resulting in more savings.

Many older appliances have a bad reputation as not being green. Depending on how you use your machine and the settings your appliance offers then it may be the case that an older machine requires more water or uses power over a longer time. However, it is also worth considering the environmental impact of a new machine, both in terms of manufacture and the scrapping of your older appliance.

By weighing up the points above and being clear on budget and how you use your appliances you should be able to make the best, most economical choice for your household when an appliance breaks down.