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Written by Tracy
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Green Built: Strawbale Home In Green Certified - more than a month ago |
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Straw is a grain stock biproduct that is usually burned after grain harvests. It can also be used as a durable, low cost and energy efficient building product for bale and mortar homes. Bales can be purchased close to the farm for as low as $1.00 before transport costs.
It's use is both economically and ecologically sound. It makes sense to utilize this waste product from the existing.... more
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Written by Tracy
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Deck Maintenance In Construction, Repair, & Improvement - more than a month ago |
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Decks are functional and can be a compliment to the backyard atmosphere or an eyesore. Rotten or discolored deck boards can put a damper on BBQ's.
A deck worth keeping should be inspected and maintained at least once a year. Cleaning with a pressure sprayer is ok if the deck is built of CCA treated dense pine. In the case of Cedar or Redwood, a pressure sprayer is not advisable. There are.... more
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Written by Tracy
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Contractors - Part III In Construction, Repair, & Improvement - more than a month ago |
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Contract Options
Your contract should be arranged to include the standard articles between the contractor and the consumer with a detailed description of the work to be performed, a budget and some details about product quality being installed.
A good contract should include the following elements or articles;
(1.) Names and locations of the contractor and home owner and address.... more
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Written by Tracy
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Contractors - Part II In Construction, Repair, & Improvement - more than a month ago |
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Coordination & Delays:
Besides mid-course changes there will be supply and scheduling issues that may occur. This has to do with 'special-order' products that may take days or weeks to arrive. When the contractor or salesman makes his intitial estimate for the consumer, he should be familiar with the vendor or distributor of building products or check by phone for product.... more
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Written by Tracy
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Asbestos Exposure In Indoor Air Quality - more than a month ago |
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The EPA beganc a gradual phase out of asbestos in the mid 1970's, since it was linked to a serious lung and intestinal disease, a rare cancer - malignant mesothelioma. Asbestos is a natural substance derived from serpentine stone and has a substantial resistance to high temperatures, which originally made this product worthy of broad commercial use
There are still products existing in homes.... more
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Written by Tracy
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Wallpaper Charms In Home Decor - more than a month ago |
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I don't see much of wallpaper anymore. Especially in the newest homes. And in perhaps most older homes it is painted over. Still, there are decor designers who recommend it for various cozy effects. I personally think that perceptionally, wallpaper is best suited for large rooms with tall ceilings, at least 9 feet and taller. I also recommend using indirect or sconce lights or even small can.... more
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Written by Tracy
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Achitectural Cement? In Real Estate - more than a month ago |
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The average cement building block is a rectangle mass of compressed aggregate that is quite unassuming. In recent years there has emerged a new building block that is engineered for projects and new home builds with style in mind. It's an architectural cement block that offers a finished look, from a polished granite like appearance to a split-faced, irregular or coarse surface.
These are.... more
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Written by Tracy
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Drip Irrigation & Water Conservation In Lawn & Garden - more than a month ago |
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A nice garden always pleases the senses. It takes a little time and effort, with some green thumb smarts. We know that they need sufficient water to stay healthy, especially in hot months. It's easy to turn on the sprinkler and let nature take it's course.
Unfortunately, much of it evaporates or is swept away by wind before it reaches the roots, where moisture is needed. Not to mention the.... more
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Written by Tracy
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Dehumidifiers & Respiratory Health In Indoor Air Quality - more than a month ago |
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Allergies, emphysema, asthma and other health concerns are tied into the air quality of your home environment. Dust mites and sporiferous allergen thrive in damp environments. A good dehumidifier linked into the central duct system under the plenum will condense air moisture and drain off the moisture through a drain tube when the central air system is on. Central cooling also helps to.... more
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Written by Tracy
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Door Quality In Construction, Repair, & Improvement - more than a month ago |
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The exterior door (front or rear) is a functional asset and has a bearing on first impressions. An attractive door can take the form of paneled, solid wood, sliding glass or other types.
The fact is that there are a few regional manufacturers who make specific types or styles which are then distributed through local markets. Attributes to be aware of would have to do with the quality of.... more
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