Home Things

Dear friends, if you are planning to improve/renovate or
refurnish your home then this article can be a very
useful guide and save your lot of time.

When it comes to home improvement, most people think that
it’s has to do with painting the house from inside out
and forget about it.

But any architectural structure is much more than just walls
and ceiling. There are many systems working simultaneously
which keep the building under function.

Let’s have a look at these systems one by one.

1) Structural System:

This includes the support system of the entire building, namely
foundation, columns, beams, slabs(in R.C.C structure).
The most commonly used structural systems is R.C.C. Other types
include steel and wood.

While renovating a building special attention must be given to
the structural support system. Slabs should be checked to be
leak proof. Columns and beams which are exposed to external
atmosphere must be checked for damage. R.C.C structural members
are always covered with plaster. This plaster must be without
damage.

In case of steel structures, anti-rust treatment must be applied
wherever necessary.

In case of wooden structure anti-termite treatment must be applied
wherever necessary.

2) Plumbing System:

All pipelines which carry water in and out of the structure must
be checked for leakage. The main are of possible leakage is
at the joints, hence must be carefully treated.

Water taps at the washbasins, inside bathrooms, kitchen sinks,
toilet blocks, should be checked for good and smooth operating
conditions.

3)Drainage System:

Drainage from kitchen, bathrooms, toilets should have an unobstructed
and shortest path to outside chambers. Any clogging of these lines
can cause overflowing of the chambers, hence should be checked
and cleaned.

4)Electrical Systems:

This starts with the main supply of the electricity from the
local authorities. The point of entering the main supply should be
checked for any excessive disturbance in voltage levels, which
might cause damage to electrical appliances inside.

All switch boards and switches in respective rooms should be checked
for proper and safe functioning. Security systems such as
earthing and M.C.B’s should be checked for safe functioning.

5) Doors and Windows

These form an important part of any structure as far as safety
is concerned. Proper functioning of the doors and window
shutters is necessary. If your home has a security alarm system
installed, then it must be kept updated and in proper working condition.

Door and window shutter hinges should be applied with lubricants
for smooth operations. I case of sliding doors and windows, tracks
which allow sliding should be dust free.

6) Glass Panes

All glass panes used on windows and doors should be dust free.
Any broken or cracked glass panes should be replaced immediately.

If the building has a skylight, then it should be checked to be
leak proof and clean, to allow clear and unobstructed sunlight in
the interiors.

7) Flooring Materials

In most cases tiles are used for flooring. All tiles should be
checked for cracks and most importantly leveling.

In every home flooring has a natural slope to avoid clogging
of water if any such situation arises. Tiled flooring
must be checked at joints. Any cracks in joins must be
checked with proper bonding material.

In case of wooden flooring, extra care must be taken to keep
the flooring termite-free.

Wall Plaster and Wall Paint.

All external walls must be checked from outside for a proper
layer of plaster. Plaster prevents the rainwater to seep inside
the structure. If external plaster gets damaged, rain water
seeps inside causing dampening of walls.

All internal walls must be checked for scraping of paint.

Furniture and Carpentry Items.

All furniture items must be termite free and sturdy at the
joints. A coat of good quality wooden polish can add life
to the furniture pieces.

Other carpentry work includes door and window shutters, door
and window frames.

9) Other Accessories.

This includes small thing which matter a lot, such as all the
locking arrangement at doors, windows, towel rods in the
bathroom/wash basins, arrangement to dry washed clothes,
storage arrangements in kitchen/bathroom.

10)External Systems

This can include a solar water heater, electric pumps to push
the water from underground water tank to Overhead water tank.,
Cable TV antennas.

All these systems must be checked for proper functioning.

From the above discussion it is clear that proper functioning
of any architectural structure is dependant of many complex
systems which work simultaneously.

Hence all these must be given attention and respect. Any building
is just like a human body, with movable and stationary parts.
If dealt with proper care can give a very healthy living experience
for years to come.

I hope this article was helpful to everyone.

Copyright 2005 Shrinivas Vaidya

Shrinivas Vaidya is the webmaster of Bedroom-Design-And-Decorating-Ideas.com .Visit TODAY to get an in-depth knowledge of Bedroom Design, Bedroom Furniture Sets and Bedroom Decorating Ideas.

Tags: home, home improvement, interior designhome, home improvement, interior design

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A porch swing is a great focal point for the front of a home, but it should be chosen with care.

A porch swing is a wonderfully simple yet beautiful addition to any home’s front or back porch. Today, there are many products to choose from. Before heading to the local department store and purchasing the model that is on sale, do a bit of research and make sure that your investment is worth it. Some of the models you will find in these low priced locations are just not worth the cost and you will lose much of the benefit of having a porch swing with them.

What To Look For

There are several things to look for when it comes to a porch swing. The first thing that you should always consider is the construction of the unit. Is it made to the highest quality? To determine this, learn a bit more about the considerations that you have.

For example, select the type of product that the swing will be made out of. They can be made out of virtually any type of material from wood to wicker to fabrics and plastics. While this choice is yours to make, it is recommended that you look for a wood or wicker made swing. In woods, look for pine, oak or maple. These are the highest in quality and give us that look that we all want from the swing.

Next, consider the swing’s seat size and weight limits. A good quality swing will be able to hold three adults to it. Yet, there are some that are much smaller. Selection here is up to you but you want to make sure it can hold you and your loved one for that midnight swing.

Look at the details. The bolts and other fastenings should provide a good quality tight feel to the unit. You should not be afraid to sit on it. Anything that is not highly secure is a signal that something may not be right. Also, avoid those units that are nailed together. This is not enough of a tight fit for comfort.

Finally, look at the details of the piece. The porch swing can be as simplistic that you would like it to be or as decorative. Add a bit of flair to it with a bold color. Or, stain the wood to match your home’s color. This is up to you. Most pieces will come stained already with waterproofing. If not, you will need to do this to protect your unit for many years to come.

Taking these steps will allow you to have the best possible result in the furniture that you purchase as a porch swing.

Adam Peters is a freelance author who contributes adding interesting articles to a decorating website. Adam publishes ideas for plans and designs at http://www.home-decorating-reviews.com . Reach further articles on porch swings and gliders at http://www.home-decorating-reviews.com/magazine/swings-gliders-guide.html

Tags: bath tiles, decorating, home decorating, home decoration, home ideas, interior design, porch swingbath tiles, decorating, home decorating, home decoration, home ideas, interior design, porch swing

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Twenty Five years ago the Environmental Protection Agency decided they had to do something about the changing air quality and respiratory health of US citizens, so they signed into legislation The Clean Air Act of 1972.

Since then, companies have had to comply with the act or face stiff penalties. Well, the times have changed. For years now, forward thinking companies have known the financial and health impact of sick buildings. The US Green Building Council estimates that one third of all buildings have serious indoor air quality problems. Poor indoor quality in the US is responsible for an annual loss of $15 billion in worker productivity. Now, a growing number of states are enacting tax cuts to corporations that incorporate green, environmentally friendly elements in their buildings.

Whether we like it or not, “Green” is trickling from the corporate environment and into the home. Sustainability should be an integral part in home building and design, and eventually builders and manufacturers will not look at green design as a trend but as a way of earning more market share.

Consumers are catching onGreen is the way to go. If you’re just learning about green living and design there are a number of things you can do to change the health of your family and your home.

• Recycle and use recyclable materials wherever possible.
• Replace or minimize the use of products which contain hazardous chemicals
• Use supplies designed to reduce consumption such as rechargeable batteries
• Support companies that utilize minimal packaging and recycled materials in their packaging
• When painting, choose paints that minimize the amount of volatile organic compounds (VOC’s). These substances are indoor air pollutants typically used as solvents in products such as paint and household cleaners.
• Look for companies that support the Environmental Choice Program (an eco labeling program) or, that carry an eco label on their products.

If you’re planning on renovating or building a new home, please consider the following suggestions:

• Try to eliminate carpeting but to expose hardwood floors instead.
• If adding hardwood floors, consider bamboo or woods certified from the FSC. (Forest Stewardship Council). The wood that is certified comes from well managed forests
• If you want to purchase new carpet, consider 100% organic wool or purchase “Cool Carpet” by Interface. It’s cool because all the carbon dioxide emissions from this carpet are neutralized. The company has retired more than 250,000 metric tons of carbon dioxide emissions which equates to 58,000 cars taken off the road for a year, or over 28 million gallons of gas not consumed.
• Use rapidly renewable products. These are materials that have a shorter harvest period which is typically 10 years or less.
• Avoid purchasing over packaged products- for example; buy nails etc in bulk.
• Use leftover insulation for soundproofing interior walls.
• Use low VOC Paint. Benjamin Moore low VOC paints carry an Eco Label on their line.
• Recycle leftover or unused materials.

By making changes now- even small ones- can make a difference. Who knows, you may be doing some positive things already. Every small decision increases awareness and if we all do our part we can be in the right mindset to make bigger changes down the road.

Go Green Go!

Written by Debbie Greene, ASID. Debbie Greene is a professional Interior Designer and owner Of DC Designs, Inc. in Atlanta, Georgia. Debbie is also the creator of http://www.ratemyroom.net the only website in which viewers and decorating enthusuiasts can rate photos of decorated rooms, write reviews and give advice. Please contact Debbie at http://www.dcdesignsinteriors.com or visit http://www.ratemyroom.net to submit you decorated room. The weekly feature page will prominately display the room with the highest ratings

Tags: Green Design, Health, home ideas, home improvement, interior decorating, interior designGreen Design, Health, home ideas, home improvement, interior decorating, interior design

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