By Mark J. Donovan

Over the weekend I got to try out Master Mechanic’s new Rotary Tool and Oscillating Tool. Both tools are perfect for the workshop or toolbox. They are also ideal for small crafts projects.

They are light weight and easy to hold. Changing bits is also a snap. Each tool comes with a host of accessory bits, blades and sanding materials.

Look for them at True Value Stores starting on Fathers Day weekend. They can be purchased separately or as a combo pair. For a complete written and video review, see my article titled “Master Mechanic’s Rotary and Oscillating Tools Review“.

Originally posted on The Home Addition Blog Site

By Mark J. Donovan

It depends. Remodeling your lower level to create a finished basement living space is typically less expensive to do than building a room addition off the side or back of your home. However, if you have major water issues around your home’s foundation then it could become quite costly to have to excavate and install a perimeter drain around the entire house foundation.

Remodeling a lower level is also easier to do from an inconvenience standpoint. Finishing a basement can be a diy project that can be done at a comfortable pace without disturbing the home and family that much. Building a room addition, however, is like building a new home with the exception that the construction is going on right in your home. Consequently when building a room addition expect many inconveniences such as experiencing a lot of dirt and dust, loud noises, and people constantly walking around and through your home during the construction.

Originally posted on The Home Addition Blog Site

Finding the Right Bathroom Remodeling Contractor is Key for a Successful Bathroom Renovation Project

 If you’re planning a bathroom renovation project, and you don’t plan on doing the work yourself, it’s important you find the right bathroom remodeling contractor for the job. Hire the wrong one and you could find yourself living through a nightmare. Common problems when hiring the wrong bathroom remodeling contractor include cost overruns, poor craftsmanship, schedule slips, extended interruptions to your home and family due to the schedule slips, and many sleepless nights.  

Originally posted on The Home Addition Blog Site

Finding the Right Bathroom Remodeling Contractor is Key for a Successful Bathroom Renovation Project

 If you’re planning a bathroom renovation project, and you don’t plan on doing the work yourself, it’s important you find the right bathroom remodeling contractor for the job. Hire the wrong one and you could find yourself living through a nightmare. Common problems when hiring the wrong bathroom remodeling contractor include cost overruns, poor craftsmanship, schedule slips, extended interruptions to your home and family due to the schedule slips, and many sleepless nights.  

Originally posted on The Home Addition Blog Site

Finding the Right Bathroom Remodeling Contractor is Key for a Successful Bathroom Renovation Project

 If you’re planning a bathroom renovation project, and you don’t plan on doing the work yourself, it’s important you find the right bathroom remodeling contractor for the job. Hire the wrong one and you could find yourself living through a nightmare. Common problems when hiring the wrong bathroom remodeling contractor include cost overruns, poor craftsmanship, schedule slips, extended interruptions to your home and family due to the schedule slips, and many sleepless nights.  

Originally posted on The Home Addition Blog Site

Finding the Right Bathroom Remodeling Contractor is Key for a Successful Bathroom Renovation Project

 If you’re planning a bathroom renovation project, and you don’t plan on doing the work yourself, it’s important you find the right bathroom remodeling contractor for the job. Hire the wrong one and you could find yourself living through a nightmare. Common problems when hiring the wrong bathroom remodeling contractor include cost overruns, poor craftsmanship, schedule slips, extended interruptions to your home and family due to the schedule slips, and many sleepless nights.  

Originally posted on The Home Addition Blog Site

How to Find a Kitchen Remodeling Contractor that You Can Count On

By Mark J. Donovan

If you’re planning a kitchen remodeling project and you don’t want to get taken for an emotional and economical ride, it’s imperative that you hire a kitchen remodeling contractor that is truly professional and ethical. Here’s how you screen for a reliable kitchen remodeling contractor.

There are certainly both good and bad kitchen remodeling contractors out there. You just need to do your homework to make sure you find the right ones that are professional, skilled and easy to work with to achieve your new kitchen.
My Kitchen Remodeling Bid Sheet can also help in finding the right kitchen remodeling contractor. The kitchen remodeling bid sheet is effectively a hiring guide questionnaire that you present to prospective kitchen remodeling contractors to fill out. With the questionnaire you can compare completed questionnaires / bids between prospective kitchen remodeling contractors to get an apples to apples comparison.

Originally posted on The Home Addition Blog Site

Spring time is Peak Demand for Hiring Decking Contractors

By Mark J. Donovan

Finding and hiring a decking contractor in the spring time can be quite the challenge. Homeowners are anxious to start enjoying their decks again, and deck contractors have had all winter to book their spring schedules. Consequently spring time is the most important time of the year to be vigilant about whom you hire for installing a deck. Many guys that can barely use a hammer, saw, and carpenters square often jump into the deck construction business because the barrier of entry is so low. For the naive homeowner that hires this type of decking contractor he/she quickly learns that the only real skill the decking contractor had was the gift of gab.

Deck construction done improperly can lead to many problems down the road. For example, if the deck is not properly attached to the home, water damage and rot can quickly occur where the deck attaches to the home. Also, with many new composite decking materials, joists need to be spaced on 12 inch centers. Deck installation contractors inexperienced with installing composite decking boards, or who are simply trying to save money for themselves, will space the joists at 16 or 24 inches on center. The net effect to you the homeowner is a deck that that has permanently sagging decking boards between deck joists.

My deck installation hiring guide, or bid sheet, is the perfect tool for locating and hiring the right decking contractor for your deck construction project. It will help to ensure you hire the right decking contractor so that you dramatically mitigate the risks of cost overruns, schedule slips and major frustrations. As for the thousands of homeowners who’ve already purchased the deck installation bid sheet can attest to, the cost for this product is a mere pittance to the money they know they’ve saved by screening out and not hiring a shady decking contractor. So order my Deck Installation Bid Sheet today from HomeAdditionPlus.com, a home improvement website that has been helping millions of homeowners since 2005.

Originally posted on The Home Addition Blog Site

By Mark J. Donovan

I just received in the mail yesterday Master Mechanic’s Rotary Tool and Oscillating Tool Combo. I can’t wait to try out this new tool set. Just the sight of it looks pretty cool. Stay tuned and look for my product review on this newly released product in the next couple of weeks!

Originally posted on The Home Addition Blog Site

Replacing My Deck’s old Pressure Treated Railing System with a new Composite Deck Railing System from Fiberon

By Mark J. Donovan

This weekend I visited a home improvement center looking for a new deck railing system for my home’s deck. After checking out several deck railing systems I’ve decided to use Fiberon’s composite deck railing system. The composite railing system pieces are constructed using a PVC core with a very hard PVC finish that resists scratching and fading. I plan to install the Fiberon deck railing system in the next few weeks, while the particular home improvement center is offering a 10% sale on all decking materials. This is the time of the year to get deck material discounts, so if you have a deck project in mind you may want to find out if you can get similar price saving deals at your local home improvement center for your deck project.

The composite deck railing kits from Fiberon come in a couple of different standard lengths, e.g. 6 and 8 feet. Each kit comes with top and bottom rails, balusters, and the hardware to assemble them. You can also trim the standard lengths to the required widths. They also have a special railing kit for stairs. In addition, I needed to buy post sleeves, cap, and skirts. For a 12×10 deck I calculated the total cost of the Fiberon deck rail system to be about $550.

I’ll be sure to write about the project when I complete it, as well as take plenty of pictures and a video or two during the deck construction. So check back to see how the project went and to see the finished look.

Originally posted on The Home Addition Blog Site

Use Switching to Daylight Savings Time as a Trigger for Doing Small Home Maintenance Checks

By Mark J. Donovan

At 2:00am Sunday morning you should officially move your clocks forward one hour as the country goes on Daylights Savings Time. Get ready for some darker mornings

As you move your clocks forward this evening or tomorrow morning you may also want to think about replacing smoke detector batteries. The shift to daylight savings time or standard time are always good points in the year to replace smoke detector batteries and to trigger other periodic home maintenance checks such as changing air filters, batteries in wall thermostats, and even water filters.

So don’t let your shorter weekend be a total bust. Make the best out of it by doing some easy diy maintenance activities

Originally posted on The Home Addition Blog Site

How to Fix a Leaking Shower Pan

By Mark J. Donovan

A leaking mortar shower pan can cost thousands of dollars of damage to your home and can be extremely expensive to repair. The best advice I can give you is to install a mortar shower pan properly the first time, versus having to think about repairing a leaking shower pan later. To prevent from having to repair a leaking shower pan I highly suggest you take a look at my “Shower Pan Membrane Liner Installation Ebook”. This Ebook provides detailed instructions, along with dozens of instructional pictures, on how to properly install a mortar shower pan. By following the instructions in this ebook you will build a leak free shower pan.

If you do find yourself in a position of repairing a leaking shower pan, the first step is to remove the shower floor tiles. You’ll also need to remove the wall tiles from the bottom 12 inches of the interior shower walls. After removing the shower floor and wall tiles, vacuum up all of the rubble and dust. Then, using a cold chisel and large hammer, break up the mortar shower pan. In the process remove the existing shower pan liner. If there was a pre-slope mortar layer below the mortar shower pan, which there should be, remove that as well, again using the cold chisel and hammer. Note: If you find that the pre-slope has a good pitch to the drain, using a spirit level, and it has a smooth surface then you can forgo having to remove the pre-slope mortar layer.

After cleaning up the shower floor area with a broom and vacuum, you can then begin the process of installing a leak free mortar shower pan. If there was no pre-slope mortar layer, or you had to remove the existing one, pour the pre-slope mortar layer making sure you have a proper pitch to the drain. Next install the flexible shower pan membrane liner. Finally, pour the final base mortar layer over the membrane liner. Again, I highly recommend buying my “Shower Pan Membrane Liner Installation Ebook” to learn all the specifics of how to install the mortar shower pan properly. After the base mortar layer has cured you can then retile the shower floor and surrounding shower walls to complete the shower pan leak repair.

Originally posted on The Home Addition Blog Site

The reason why exteriors of your home remain in good condition for many years is because of an exterior layer called cladding. It prevents the brick you used from soaking up rain water. There are different types of cladding today and they all have various functions. Here are some of them.

1. Metal

Metal is an indispensable material for building. If your house has been integrated with metal building materials, you can clad it with a protective layer that will prevent it from corroding easily. When metal is exposed to moisture and oxygen, rust tends to form. Affixing metal armours to existing metal building materials is actually a lot more cost effective than buying building materials that are inherently resistant to rust and corrosion. So if you are under a tight budget, you might want to opt for adding a protective layer to your existing metal building materials. A very thin layer of the armour material is administered to the metal building material. This will then be subjected to high heat. This will then force the metal and the protective layer to bond together.

2. UPVC Cladding

UPVC Cladding is a popular treatment for fascias. UPVC is one of the most durable materials today. One of the advantages of using UPVC as a protective layer to your fascias is its resistance to high heat and moisture. It protects your fascias and preserves its colour for a long time. In addition to that, UPVC is also easier to clean. You do not have to add a coating to it or even repaint it. It maintains its natural state for a long time. Maintenance is comparatively easier. You just need to wash it with water and a mild cleanser. It can also be easily repaired if there are any damages. Also, UPVC cladding for your soffits or fascia is cheaper than any other type of coating such as fibre, stucco or even wood.

3. Over cladding

This is very common in building and much preferred by builders. This is because it helps increase the resistance of walls from weather damages. This keeps the building a tad more weather resistant. Over cladding basically refers to the installation of another wall or skin. This is built on top of the external layer of the building. You basically have two external layers after this has been installed. Builders use an assortment of materials here such as ceramics, aluminium, glass, concrete and metal.

4. Copper

In the past, you rarely saw copper as a home accessory although builders do use it for basic construction. In recent years, we have seen quite a number of uses for copper. There are now copper kitchen and bathroom sinks and even copper utensils. It is also used as an exterior coating for buildings. One of the advantages of using copper as an exterior building material is its durability. It is one of the most steadfast materials today that will not rust or succumb to corrosion easily. It is also lightweight so builders have an easier time working with this material. Copper is also a renewable material.

Another reason why copper might be a more ideal option for external coating is its inherent ability to suppress micro organism growth. Moulds, dust mites and many other micro organisms are less likely to grow in materials incorporated with copper.

Cladding is very important for building. When constructing a house or a large establishment, it is important to choose the best form or material for external coating. UPVC cladding might be more ideal for homes incorporated with fascias. Use them to give your home a new style or look.

Homeowners who live in the countryside will, from time to time, have to deal with the problem of pest infestation in their properties. This may be quite costly especially if temporary or ineffective approaches are used to deal with this problem. It is unfortunate that some home owners only focus on the elements, such as rain, sun, and snow, without assessing the potential damage that may occur from pests.  Vermin such as squirrels and even birds and wasps often find refuge and nesting sites in damaged or broken rooflines. Homeowners who live in a more urban environment might face different pests, such as rats or common pigeons. So long as there is a small hole along the edges of the roof, be sure that rats, mice, wasps, and sparrows will find their way in. These pests will not only enter to search for food, but they will nest and breed, thus posing further risk to the structural soundness of the roof.

It is always important to ensure that the roofline remains structurally sound throughout the year, however this becomes especially important in the colder months of autumn, winter and spring. It is especially important at these times because many pest animals use this time to hibernate, shelter food, or otherwise attempt to escape from the cold and into human constructions. Failure to ensure that the roofline does remain structurally sound means that the building and particularly the roof, becomes susceptible to vermin such as insects, birds, and squirrels. Unfortunately, a significant majority of homeowners focus on the wrong things during a makeover. They may expend effort on eliminating the pests either by baiting or poisoning. Well, this only provides temporary relief to the perennial problem of pest invasion. The best way to handle the problem of perennial pests is to make necessary structural modifications to your roofline. However, you will have to assess the level of damage and extent of repairs that should be completed.

Structural Components Of A Good Roofline

Some of the most important elements of any roofline are fascia boards and soffits. They not only protect the home from harsh weather, but also keep away pests from your home. Other components such as drainage pipes run along the edges of the roof and direct away water to prevent water accumulation when it rains. If you want to replace damaged fascia boards in your home, then you should consider the suitability of PVC, as opposed to either aluminium or wood. The former material is tough and durable and it does not require regular maintenance. PVC is also easy to install and does not need finishing unlike wood which has to be painted. In addition, you can select from a variety of styles and colors and widths or heights to suit your renovation needs.

Every time you want to make structural adjustments, you should contact the right people for the job. Also, do not forget to source for the right materials for the project.  The good thing is that there are quite a number of materials which you can source which means you can easily find the ones that are compatible with your roofline. uPVC fascia and soffits are essential components of the roofline which protect your home from pests. Fascia is usually mounted at the ends of rafters, acting as a barrier. This installation is a protective barrier which makes the roof impenetrable. Besides, fascias also keep the roof damp free and protect the structural components such as rafters. If you want the roofline to stand the test of time, then you should use durable materials. Although wooden fascia looks attractive and is amenable to stylish finishing, it does not act as an effective barrier to pests as they can chew through it.

Naturally, wood decays fast and may leave gaps in the roofline. To avoid such an occurrence, you should install durable and value for money alternatives such as the cost effective shiplap cladding. The above technique can beautify modern homes and buildings and protect your home from vermin. One striking thing about PVC cladding materials is their resemblance to wooden materials, meaning that they are just as attractive when viewed from ground level. Besides the conventional cladding, this technique of using PVC fascia offers better prospects during replacement on the roofline where wooden materials had once been used.  Regardless of the materials, brick, mortar, or cemented wall, the outward appearance of the homes will always be satisfactory when you use the right proofing materials.

Squirrels are normally active at daytime and they are predisposed to omnivorous tendencies. These pests feed on several things, but most commonly they will choose to feed on seeds, nuts, eggs, and even insects. Regardless of their preference for natural food, they also have a taste for foods prepared by humans and so they will from time to time, invade homes to comb for food. They normally do this to hoard food for the colder autumn months and harsh winter when food is much harder to find.

If your home is invaded by squirrels every year, then you might have noticed that their presence and numbers become something of a concern at certain times. These pests breed twice a year. They breed once between December and February, and a second time between the months of March and May. Their gestation lasts for seven weeks and they litter twice a year with the young ones averaging one to eight in number.

Threats Posed By The Grey Squirrel And Some Conventional Ways Of Controlling Them

The grey squirrel is one of the most formidable species of pests in the UK. These pests not only pose serious threats to woodlands but also to human settlements. In the forest, they are notorious for removing barks from trees, and competing with native species, while in towns and settlements, they are known to cause considerable damage, and it is not unusual to find them chewing electric cables and gnawing through lofts. When they invade a home, these pests will certainly chew through external installations such as fascia board or squeeze their way under roof tiles. Once they break in, they will shelter and even create nests.

There are quite a number of ways of controlling grey squirrels. Traditionally, home owners would either use poison or lay traps for squirrels in strategic places. You should select the most appropriate kind of poison for these pests. Also, note that if you lay traps, then you are required by law to check them a few times a day. Sometimes, you will be required to contact the pest control agency that laid the trap. Alternatively, you can also bait them using poison that is placed in the entry points near the loft or roof spaces. Once the treatment has been effected with considerable results, you should carry out repairs and block the access points.

Using Appropriate Roofline Materials To Deal With Squirrel Invasion

The above traditional ways of dealing with the perennial menace of squirrels, that is to say baiting and trapping, do not offer lasting solutions to yearly invasions. This means your home will remain susceptible to future attacks unless you install the right protective roofing materials and layers. You will come to realize that the use of boards to protect areas such as joists and rafters becomes desirable when dealing with elements and pests. Besides which, this undertaking is a crucial part of architecture.

You should note that a wooden soffit board is prone to decay. In addition, they wear with time from exposure to harsh weather and this weakens the foundation of your roofing. Such damage may also open up the loft areas and make them accessible to pests. Therefore, you will be compelled to make replacements from time to time when they get damaged. Unfortunately, people often use timber because they seem attractive, but this comes with pitfalls as indicated above and this is why you should not use wood for cladding. On the other hand, a plastic fascia is a tougher protective material, being far less susceptible to decay and damage. Additionally, it will offer the best protection from more tenacious and intelligent pests such as the grey squirrel.

If you want to undertake a cladding project, you should avoid using timber or wood. It is always important to ensure you include the protective layers and barriers. To reduce the amount of work, make sure that you use uPVC cladding material. This unplasticised material is made of a calcium organic PVC compound which provides protection against environmental hazards. The good thing with this material is that it does not require much in the way of long term care and maintenance, and it does not rot or wear out like wood which becomes prone to invasion by pests. Where wood might in fact exacerbate the problem, in other words, PVC cladding is only beneficial.

Rats are among the most common types of pests that infests the majority of homes in the UK. These vermin mature quickly and within two to three months, they are ready to mate and produce offspring which average seven to eight litters in a year. It is worthy to note that rats are quite wary of new environments and so when they move into your home, they may take up to five days so that they can settle. Thus, they normally prefer enclosed spaces and they navigate by using their formidable senses, touch and smell. You will find them in crevices and ducts such as pipes on the wall where they breed and hide. They are also at home in places such as the garage, loft, and so on.

Feeding and harbourage of rats indoors

Rats will invade any home as long as they find a regular supply of food, water, and appropriate harbourage. The foods that may attract these pests are the leftovers from feeding birds, or those that linger in the dustbins. Similarly, if you rear pets such as rabbits and guinea pigs, be aware that rats will find their way into your home sooner than you think. As for harbourage, rats will shelter beneath garden sheds, under decking, and even inside your home. Although rats are nocturnal, you can still find them moving about in daylight.

Conventionally people have used baits, including poisoned food, and traps to eliminate rats, and this practice is still quite widespread. These ways of controlling invasion of rats work in the short term, but in the long term, more reliable solutions have to be implemented. Also, note that rats are neophobic which means that they will take a few days before they start nibbling on the food that has been laced with poison. If you cannot eliminate the rats on your own, then you can also solicit pest control agencies to help you. They will first assess the situation and come up with ways of dealing with the problem. Even so, their best efforts do not guarantee you a lifetime of a pest free home. This means that, depending on your locality, you will hire them time and again, thus, spend money for services which are not effective against pest menace.

Assessing damage and making necessary structural adjustments

The best way to deal with the problem of rat infestation is to assess the level of damage in the roofline and all the adjoining areas. This way, you will be able to find out areas which facilitate the invasion by pests. If you live in an old home, such things as damaged fascia, large vents, and rotten timber are bound to allow pests to pass through. Anyway, once you realise that there is a considerable level of damage to the roofline, you should act fast to prevent deterioration of the roof. Depending on the nature and extent of damage, you should appropriate funds to remedy the situation. Shortly, we shall explore what solutions guarantee lasting results against rats and pests in general.

Lasting solutions to perennial problem of rats

The roofline is an important part of the architecture of any home. This structural part comprises the areas surrounding the eaves or roof and which are often prone to damage by elements such as snow, wind, and rain throughout the year. If you are always haunted by the perennial problem of rats, then you should ideally consider the suitability offered by lasting solutions such as protective layers and external barriers.

One of the best solutions is to use PVC cladding materials to combat perennial problem of rats intrusion. This material is regarded as being tough. So, you can expect it to withstand the elements of weather, and still secure your home from different kinds of nocturnal pests and insects. What makes uPVC fascia convenient is the simplicity and low cost of installation. In addition, the PVC material is resistant to damp. You can also clean it from time to time to remove dirt or stains that accumulate on its surface.

Besides PVC, fascia and soffits also enhance the structural soundness of the roofline and this effectively cordons the roof from pests. In addition, these low cost materials can help make the exterior of your home attractive. Ensure that you order the best proofing quality materials such as PVC. The material does not allow moisture to pass through to damage the roof nor does it decay like timber.

If you own a home, chances are that you might have encountered the most annoying of all menaces that you have could have ever imagined, pests. Generally, these pests will be types of rodents such as squirrels, rats, and mice and all kinds of burrowing creatures. There is actually a need to curb the threat of pests in your home because, if left to breed or infest, they may cause damage to goods, structures, and even spread diseases to your household. Some of the pests such as squirrels can pose a serious problem to your home by causing structural damage to the loft or by gnawing on cables or electric wires which might cause fires. Besides this hazard, they also cause damage to your garden and lawn.

Common Responses To Dealing With Pest Menace

Conventionally, most of us would start by checking for mice or rats in the most likely places namely the kitchen, attic, behind the refrigerator, and beneath kickboards. Presence of mouse droppings and fur would also prompt us to set traps and baits strategically. This means that we end up setting as many baits as we can, in this way, increase the possibility of trapping them. Of course, as custom has dictated, we might eventually resort to poisoning the mice. Although traps may catch a few of them, poison baiting could seem to be the most appropriate solution because mice cannot stop themselves from gnawing on food. For this reason, we might expect a better success rate when using poison.

However, remember, that only the right poison will work well, and only after being placed strategically in feeding points, warming places, and if possible, close to their nests. Once the mice nibble the poisoned food, the poison will inhibit their metabolism and other vital processes, ultimately causing death.

Conventional Solutions To Pest Menace

Well, there is no doubt that the conventional solutions will help achieve a certain level of control when dealing with pest infestation. If the infestation is severe, you will most assuredly have to start with an elimination strategy to curb breeding of pests in your home. Laying traps and baits will help you gain a certain degree of control of the situation, but to sustain the benefits gained by these traditional and short term methods, you will have to apply long term strategic solutions to rid your home completely of vermin that otherwise will surely burrow through crevices and openings.

Lasting Solutions To The Problem Of Pests

Once you control the spread of pests in your home, that will not be the end of it. With time, you will find that they will certainly find their way back to your home, whether you like it or not. Anyway, to consolidate the gains you made so far, it is advisable to consider using proofing materials which are regarded as pest proof. These materials will certainly safeguard your home from subsequent invasions.

Soffit boards provide one of the best protections against vermin in your home. This installation is located beneath the eaves of your roof and acts as the link between fascias and the sides of your property. When combined with fascias, they provide standard protection to the roofing space and so they facilitate dryness while at the same time allowing ventilation. Besides offering protection, this material also adds to the beauty of the exterior. If you already have old installations, you should consider replacing them so that you can maintain the protection of your home. Weak or damaged ones may allow vermin to invade your home.

You should also consider the suitability of shiplad cladding as an effective solution to the perennial problem of pest menace. This material, referred to as siding in the USA, can be used to coat the outer part of the home or building. The good thing is that it is very easy to find and can be installed quickly enough, if need be. This material is tough and so you won’t expect vermin to gnaw its way into the house via the roof from the outside. In addition, it will also protect your home from the vagaries of weather, especially rain and snow. It is possible to check out many different types of material before a decision has to be made.

At times, you may perceive the presence of mice in your home at night, and the surest indication that these creatures have invaded your home is the shrill sounds that emanate from certain places like the roof or in openings in the wall. These sounds may not be distinct when the mice first invade, but with time, they will multiply and the unmistakable squeaks at night will be a sign that you need to act fast to curb them.

Unfortunately, some people may not have keen enough hearing to pick out the distinctive calls, during which time the mice will have multiplied and caused extensive damage. Mice are nocturnal, but they can be seen sometimes in the day. Normally, they burrow into the loft and because of their small size, they squeeze their way into small holes or openings in a building. Therefore, if you own a home, it is most likely that mice will find their through a defective vent or a broken brick somewhere near the roof.

Adaptation Of Mice And How To Control Them In Your Home

Mice are omnivorous in nature which means they can adapt to a human setting pretty well. In rural settings, they feed on such things as cereals and their daily intake is between two and three grams of any kind of food. Although they drink water, nonetheless, they can still survive for many days without this drink so long as they consume moist food. Generally, mice have a lifespan of about one year and they attain maturity in just six weeks.

Once you find out that your home is infested with mice, you should take specific measures to discourage their presence. Just before you lay traps or baits, you should first conduct a risk assessment to determine the efficiency of the preferred method of elimination. For instance, you can cover any foodstuff in the kitchen, and properly store pet food. Remember, any food that you leave uncovered is a potential attraction to mice. Also, note that the food can be contaminated because mice carry harmful bacteria. Any food that you suspect has been contaminated should be discarded immediately, and all contaminated items cleaned and stored. When dealing with the problem of mice, it is advisable to first check specific areas such as the attic and the kitchen for these creatures. If the infestation of mice is severe, you can start off by eliminating these pests using baits and poison.

Selecting Protective Materials For Your Roof

If you have experienced a perennial problem of animal infestation, be it birds, insects, and even rodents, then it might help to find out the right kind of proofing materials that will secure your home from subsequent invasions. A good proofing material will not only keep the pests away, but also maintain the structural integrity of your home. Remember, if pests can’t find their way into the roof, walls or under doors, then they will not cause damage and the converse is also true. If they just get a small space, they will enter and start breeding, and afterwards, start damaging components of the house. Eventually, the roof will start leaking, timbers rot, forcing you to spend more in renovation.

To prevent such an occurrence, it is advisable to select the right material for proofing. You should consider the suitability of using durable cladding materials for this purpose. Plastic is one of the best materials in terms of value for money when managing the menace of mice during a home makeover. With it firmly installed on the outside, you will not have to contend with noises, and chewing. The good thing with this material is that it comes in a variety. Plastic cladding is considered to be the best material because of its durability. In addition, its installation is easy, so you will not have too much difficulty when you are installing one of the popular materials for family homes in the UK.

Also, you can also use soffits in defence against perennial vermin and especially, rodent infestations. When combined with other proofing materials, they act as an impenetrable shield to your home. The PVC acts a barrier which prevents insects, birds, and mice from intruding and nesting in your home. Just get some cladding and soffits etc, install it properly, check for gaps under doors and rodent infestations will sharply drop in number and severity.

It is very crucial for homeowners who are building or renovating their houses to make sure that all the materials being installed are of high quality. There are a lot of individuals who fail to pay attention to the kind of windows that they use for the house, but if given the right consideration, the right kind of windows can bring a lot of benefits to the house and its owner. PVC windows are very common nowadays, being made of a high quality plastic that is a popular material to use for buildings. PVC is also a very popular material used for many types of conservatories as well as other parts of the house like lean to conservatories. There are several reasons why homeowners choose PVC materials for their windows. Here are the various benefits of using PVC windows at home or building.

Increased Level of Security for the Home

Windows that are made up of PVC frames are very strong, durable and of high quality. These are usually fitted with laminated or toughened glass that will not break easily or that is very difficult to cut into or bend. In addition, PVC windows are flexible enough to accommodate various options for installation of locks, so the homeowner can select the ones that promote utmost security. When homeowners fit this type of window in the house they are renovating or building, they can get a better feeling of security because the structure of their windows is more likely to withstand any intruders attempting to break in to the house. This is a very good reason why many people have started to invest in PVC windows and doors over the past few years.

Lesser Noise Pollution

Aside from providing really good insulation for the house, PVC windows will also prevent outside noise from sneaking into the house. This is a particularly useful feature especially for individuals who live in an area where a lot of cars pass by, a community near the airport or if they have noisy neighbours. If there is an appropriately installed set of PVC windows, the homeowner can stop suffering from the noise outside and start sleeping well at night. The windows can be sealed tightly, because of how the PVC windows are manufactured.

Energy Efficiency

With a PVC window, homeowners no longer have to worry about their homes being energy efficient. Windows that are not sealed properly due to badly fitting older frames would cause the homeowner to face high heating bills. Modern PVC windows are energy efficient because they can be shut tightly to make sure that the cold of the winter or the extreme heat of the summer will not easily seep in to the house, reducing the need for heaters or coolers to work extra hard. The encasement and the windows are built together, making it a tightly sealed structure that can effectively reduce the heating bills of the household. This would definitely raise the value of the house while also improving its appearance.

Maintenance will be An Easy Task

There are a lot of options that a homeowner will have when it comes to choosing the material for their window frames such as timber, aluminium, concrete or brick. However, using these materials will require the homeowners to constantly care for the frame just to keep the windows from being damaged, and they are usually costly to maintain.  On the other hand, PVC is the easiest material to clean and keep looking new for years with very minimal maintenance procedures. Wood is prone to peeling and discolouration, while aluminium may still possibly rust. This is why PVC windows and doors have become a very popular option, especially for homeowners who rarely have time to perform maintenance procedures.

There are a lot more benefits that having PVC windows can bring to the household. They are easy to maintain, affordable, energy efficient, and attractive, also making PVC materials ideal for lean to conservatories. The same way that they can support conservatory roofs, the windows can provide adequate protection from the weather outdoors. That is why it is important for homeowners to make the right choice when it comes to the materials they will use for their windows, doors and even the conservatories that they build to expand their living spaces.

Many homeowners neglect giving attention to the roof of their house, which is a bad habit because the roof plays a vital role in making the house safe, dry and warm. The roof protects the house from the rain, heat of the sunlight and other harsh conditions caused by the weather. This is why the roof must also be protected by having properly installed soffit, uPVC cladding and gutters that all work together to help the roof serve its purpose of protecting the house. The soffits keep water from getting into the house while also making the house insulated, so the right materials must be used along with proper installation. If it is damaged, the homeowner will have to deal with repairs and leaks, so checking it at least once a year is necessary.

The right installation of soffits is very important. If it is done with very poor workmanship and low quality products and materials, it can lead to a lot of hassle in the future because the structure may deteriorate too soon and when the homeowner least expects it. In addition, any repairs will involve extra expense, which is why it is important that homeowners only use high quality materials and have an expert install the soffit, unless they are very adept in DIY projects themselves.

uPVC Soffits

Many builders and homeowners have started to take advantage of using uPVC for the soffits, fascia boards and even cladding, because of its durable quality and affordable price. uPVC is known to be more energy efficient, as its thermal insulation is far better compared to timber, concrete or brick materials, making it an ideal choice for homeowners who want to save on heating costs. uPVC products also do not need constant replacement and hard maintenance. It is very easy to clean using clean cloth and water, diminishing the need to use harmful chemicals such as paint remover or varnish just to maintain it. Investing in uPVC soffits can add a lot of value to the home, as it can help improve the appearance of the house and keep it looking new for a very long period of time.

Environment Friendly uPVC Soffit

In previous generations, people thought that anything made up of plastic would be harmful for the environment. However, because of the many innovations that have happened over the years, plastic has become safer for use at home and any building projects, making uPVC products a popular choice among many homeowners. The manufacturers have started to make lead free and non toxic uPVC soffits, cladding and gutters, which environmentally conscious individuals can use when building or renovating their homes. Fears about the toxicity levels of these materials should be dismissed already as much has improved over the years, and the negative impact that these can give to the environment is far less than before.

This means that every home can now be environment friendly unlike alternative older houses. Because of its durable characteristics, it doesn’t need replacement very often, further reducing the impact on the environment compared to using wood that needs replacement or painting more frequently. uPVC is also recyclable which is why it is okay to utilise uPVC materials in abundance.

Design Options for the Soffit Boards

There are still homeowners who prefer a wooden design because of the feeling of warmth it can bring to the house. The good news is that they can still use uPVC soffit and a fascia because this material can be customised to give a wood effect finish. This way, there will be a lot of design options to fit whatever theme of the house is. Those who would rather have a contemporary design can still enjoy the benefits of having uPVC soffits at home. Other materials such as wood or concrete will have limited design options especially for creative homeowners.

These things make a fascia and soffit board made of uPVC the prime choice for homeowners. Protecting the roof with adequate finishes such as uPVC cladding and gutters that are properly installed will save the homeowner a lot of money from constant maintenance and repair. Homeowners are sure to enjoy the long term results and benefits of having these finishes at home.

When building or renovating a house, there are many different ways to add finishing touches to make it more attractive and protected. Guttering is one of the finishings that can be added to the house in order to protect the walls of the house. Fascia boards are part of a gutter system, which also protect the roof from the weather. PVC cladding is another finishing touch that homeowners can also add to their houses for the extra protection against rain, snow and extreme sunlight. All of these can add value to the homes, while making the home safer and more resilient to the harsh weather outdoors.

What is a Fascia Board

Fascia boards are fitted to achieve the goal of protecting the roof of the house from the harsh weather outdoors, whether it is summer or winter. Having fascias will add an additional layer of protection to prevent homeowners from spending on costly repairs in the future. It is recommended that homeowners use uPVC fascias instead of wooden fascias, as wood will eventually rot, chip and need partial or full replacement and restoration. It will no longer be necessary for the homeowner to use paint or varnish just to protect and restore the wood, as uPVC materials are already durable enough to stand wear and tear. If the fascias are damaged, they can cause a lot of hassle brought about by leaks into the house. Checking the fixtures regularly is important, especially if wooden fascias are installed instead the uPVC ones.

Material of A Fascia Board

As previously mentioned, fascia board can either be made up of uPVC or timber. For many years, homeowners have relied on wooden materials for their fascia boards, and wood continues to be popular at present because of its aesthetic feature. Wooden designs tend to add warmth and character to every home which is why it remains quite popular among homeowners. However, wood needs constant maintenance to preserve its appearance and quality in order for it to properly protect the roof. uPVC fascia boards can have the same aesthetic effect while being able to serve their main purpose of protecting the roofing.

Sizes and Shapes of A Fascia Board

Fascia boards come in different shapes, sizes, lengths and thicknesses in order to be fixed and fitted directly onto the roof. There are basically three different types of fascia boards that homeowners can choose from. The first one is the 16mm thick square edge maxi board that gives the home a modern or contemporary feel to its roof. The Ogee max board is also 16mm thick have a more traditional look because of its ornamentally sculpted boards. Finally, the Bullnose maxi board has a flat, curved edge with a thickness of 18mm that can give a unique look to the roof of the house. Because of these options, homeowners will have choices that can fit the overall theme of their houses while catering to the specific needs of their homes.

Why Homeowner Need Fascia Boards

When homeowners choose the right type of fascia boards, they will get to save a lot on maintenance costs. There will be no need to repaint or be exposed to dangerous cleaning materials, as uPVC fascia boards will not experience discolouration or chipping. These are also very good investments. They are very durable and can last for many years, since they can withstand an extended period of time outdoors regardless of the weather. They also add value to the home, which is advantageous in case the homeowner plans to sell the property in the future. Of course this also makes the home very attractive, especially if the boards were properly and smoothly installed.

Most homeowners can afford to install fascia boards because they have started to become so much more affordable. Many providers even offer warranties, so they can take care of any issues that may arise in the future. The advancements in technology and design allow homeowners now to have many options such as having PVC cladding and guttering in order to provide adequate protection for the roof and walls of their houses. It is therefore beneficial in the long term for individuals to invest in these useful products to make their homes last long and stay protected.

It has become popular for homeowners to have a uPVC conservatory, and many who have not yet had a conservatory installed are wondering why so many individuals are choosing to have them. Conservatories have become very popular to have over the years because of their affordability and being a better option than timber or wooden frames. The same way that a composite door is more advisable than having a wooden door, having uPVC conservatories will not need high maintenance, while being more environment friendly. This is perhaps one of the reasons why composite front doors have also risen in popularity over the past few years. Gone are the days when conservatories were only used to grow plants that would not be able to survive the harsh weather outdoors. Now, homes have conservatories that serve various purposes with many benefits.

Expansion of Living Space

There are several practical uses of having a uPVC conservatory at home aside from providing ample shelter for plants. Individuals who work at home can use the conservatory as their home office. Surrounding a work area with plants and sunlight can be a good way to relieve stress from work, whilst also being able to impress any visitors or clients who may walk in to the room. There are families who use conservatories as their dining area where they get to enjoy the beauty of the outdoors without suffering from the harsh cold or unsettling heat. Some use the additional living space as their haven for their unique hobby, whether it is painting, playing the guitar, reading a book or even pottery. It is a very modern and affordable way to expand their living spaces where they no longer have to move to a new house when the need for a bigger space arises. This is possible for everyone who is on a budget now that uPVC conservatories have become increasingly affordable.

uPVC Conservatory Against Wood Conservatory

Unlike wooden frames, uPVC frames used for conservatories will not require varnishing or painting. A homeowner will only need to use clean water, soap and cloth in order to maintain the nice appearance of the frames. In addition, wood can chip and fade over time, which can happen faster especially if exposed to direct sunlight, rain, moisture and even snow. They will never have to suffer from discolouration and keep looking new for many years. In addition, uPVC conservatories are more secure because of advanced locking systems that are available right now. This will not be possible if wood alone was used to frame the conservatories. uPVC frames will not rot compared to wood, and will not require homeowners to paint them every so often just to keep them looking new.

Environment Friendly

uPVC conservatories are made up of frames that are non-toxic and recyclable, making them an environmentally friendly add on to the home. Aside from that, they allow for saving a lot of energy because of their insulating features, reducing the need for the heating system of the house to work double during winter months. This way, a household can potentially save a lot of money from a lower electricity bill. Also, imagine the trees that can be saved when a homeowner chooses uPVC frames instead of wooden frames.

Flexibility When it Comes to Design

Every homeowner has varying tastes in terms of design and style. Some would prefer a classic look for their conservatories, while some would rather go for contemporary designs. Because of the modular construction, they allow for the ideal look or theme that different homeowners prefer to have for their living spaces. All this flexibility is possible without having to spend a lot or to compromise on durability, security, energy efficiency and overall quality. At present, homeowners can have a bespoke conservatory in order to expand their living spaces at home. They often have composite front doors that can work well with the extended space.

The benefits of having uPVC conservatories are many more than may be apparent, and homeowners that have these in their homes would agree. Many homeowners also fit a composite door, enjoying the various benefits and advantages of having a conservatory plus additional security for their home.

Atlas Shrugged – An Absolute Page Turner that I Could Not Put Down

By Mark J. Donovan

Today I finally finished reading Ayn Rand’s “Atlas Shrugged” magnum opus. It was an incredible book, albeit at 1,069 pages and size 3 font it was a bit tough on the eyes. The book was written in 1957, however the similarities of the characters and the “people’s state” of the United States and world, with today’s present political environment, is frighteningly familiar and uncanny. The basic premise of “Atlas Shrugged” is based around Ayn Rand’s philosophy of Objectivism. Objectivism is a viewpoint in which the individual thinking man acting solely upon himself to produce products and services, and resulting in achieving personal gain, is better overall for a society than a society mentally coerced and effectively physically enslaved to the concept of self-sacrifice for others.

As I read the book and watched the “Head of State” and his political self-sacrificing thinking political cronies develop new federal programs and initiatives to unsuccessfully pull a country out of its economic death spiral, I began to jot down just a few of the similar federal programs, plans, and acts our current political leadership has recently initiated, all in the name of fairness and to help the U.S. out of its economic and moral decay. Again, the similarities are uncanny…..

• Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act
• American Recovery and Reinvestment Act
• American Jobs Act
• Mortgage Relief Plan
• Making Home Affordable Initiative
• Choice Neighborhoods Program
• Promise Neighborhoods Program
• Byrne Criminal Justice Initiative
• Buffet Rule (Tax Fairness Act)
• Shovel Ready Projects
• Unilateral Disarmament

If you really view yourself as a thinking and objective man or woman, I highly recommend reading this book. It’s a page turner both from a riveting story line and from an intellectual enlightenment perspective. After reading this book, I can’t imagine how anyone could not feel changed in some way. I know I’ve been and I hope you’ll read this book…. “Who is John Galt?”

Originally posted on The Home Addition Blog Site

HomeAdditionPlus.com’s new Drywall Cost Estimator / Calculator Iphone App is Fast and Easy to Use for Calculating Sheetrock Material Quantities and Costs for a Drywall Project

By Mark J. Donovan

For diy homeowners and contractors alike, HomeAdditionPlus.com’s new Sheetrock Calculator Iphone App is the perfect tool to have at your disposal on your Smartphone. The Sheetrock Calculator allows you to quickly and easily determine how many drywall panels and 5 gallon buckets of joint compound to buy. In addition, it calculates drywall costs for the entire project by the push of one button. Moreover, you can either use the default unit costs for the drywall panels and joint compound or you can enter in your own specific unit costs. It also allows you to select various standard sheetrock panel sizes.

To use the sheetrock calculator just enter in wall height and width dimensions, ceiling dimensions, the number and size of doors and windows, and hit the calculate button. In an instant you’ll know how many drywall panels to buy, how much joint compound is needed, and the total cost for the project. It’s that easy. The Sheetrock Calculator costs only $0.99 and is available on Itunes. Buy the Sheetrock Calculator Iphone App at Apple’s Itunes Store today.

Originally posted on The Home Addition Blog Site

HomeAdditionPlus.com’s new Drywall Cost Estimator / Calculator Iphone App is Fast and Easy to Use for Calculating Sheetrock Material Quantities and Costs for a Drywall Project

By Mark J. Donovan

For diy homeowners and contractors alike, HomeAdditionPlus.com’s new Sheetrock Calculator Iphone App is the perfect tool to have at your disposal on your Smartphone. The Sheetrock Calculator allows you to quickly and easily determine how many drywall panels and 5 gallon buckets of joint compound to buy. In addition, it calculates drywall costs for the entire project by the push of one button. Moreover, you can either use the default unit costs for the drywall panels and joint compound or you can enter in your own specific unit costs. It also allows you to select various standard sheetrock panel sizes.

To use the sheetrock calculator just enter in wall height and width dimensions, ceiling dimensions, the number and size of doors and windows, and hit the calculate button. In an instant you’ll know how many drywall panels to buy, how much joint compound is needed, and the total cost for the project. It’s that easy. The Sheetrock Calculator costs only $0.99 and is available on Itunes. Buy the Sheetrock Calculator Iphone App at Apple’s Itunes Store today.

Originally posted on The Home Addition Blog Site