Latest Home Improvement Articles

Garage Building Kits

Thu, 15 Oct 2009 19:13:16 -0700

Garage building kits offer some nice advantages over traditional garage buildings. They save you money, and are a great do-it-yourself project that most people can easily tackle. With a few tools and some basic know-how, a garage building can be yours in just a few short days. LIke kits of all sorts, you just follow the step-by-step instructions to prepare and construct your new building. But not all companies put out products that are the same, so be on the lookout for the details.

When it comes to garage building kits, what you are looking for are steel frame members that are swaged for ease of assembly, solid anchoring systems, heavy gauge steel roofing and siding material, options for pedestrian doors and roll-up doors, as well as window options.

Once you find a company that makes the options and quality garage building kits that you think you may want, do your due diligence and check them out with the Better Business Bureau, try to get references of other satisfied customers and only deal with someone that is willing to back up their products with outstanding customer service. The last thing you want to deal with when you get a new garage kit is to get the run-around from the company if there is a problem. Companies like VersaTube are known for not only having top-of-the-line kits, but also for backing them up with a strong dealer network of customer service professionals.

Many garage building kits come in a wide variety of sizes. Available heights often range from 8' to 12' to 16'. Widths are commonly available between 12' and 50'. Siding is usually available in both horizontal and vertical alignment. This is really just a matter of preference and taste. Of course, color matters to many people, and many companies offer different colors for both roofing material as well as siding. Other options to think about include electric door openers and windows. Some kits include these things and others make you purchase them separately.

Just a word on the proper mindset to have when assembling garage building kits. Do not let the size of the project put you off prematurely. It is easy to see why many people don't tackle such a job due to the shear size of the building. But the thing to remember is that, like eating an elephant, you do it one bite at a time. Once you actually take delivery and verify that all the parts and pieces are there, it's just a matter of preparing the surface or foundation and following the detailed instructions from there. Lay out the frame members, attach them together, raise them up and connect them together. You get the idea. Just go through the steps and before you know it you will be the proud new owner of a garage building you built yourself, and all from a kit. Won't your wife thing you're the shizzle!

Garage building kits do not assemble themselves, but if you think you may want to put one together yourself, I say go for it. It is very doable, and thousands of people just like you have successfully done it. Do your homework, take a deep breath, pay attention to details along the way, and know that you can do it if you take it one step at a time.

Creative Garage Storage Solutions

Thu, 15 Oct 2009 19:08:52 -0700

Garage storage solutions usually come packaged in some pretty plain colors. I mean, everyone gets it that shelves are a good idea; but that's so drab. Everyone also gets it that cabinets are good - can someone please pass me the Nodoz. I am not suggesting that shelves and cabinets don't have a place in solving your storage problems. I am just saying that we can all go beyond these basics. Let's take a look at some creative ways to store things in your garage that go beyond shelves and cabinets.

One of the coolest creative garage storage solutions I have seen utilizes the space overhead. If you think about it, we all tend to use floor space without a second thought. We even lift things up just a bit when we start setting things on a bench or on a shelf. Those things help, but it's time to think just a bit higher. There is space above to spare. How about overhead storage racks that attach right to the rafters of your garage? Have you seen these things? You simply screw some tracks into the wooden rafters above and slide on some plastic bins. Viola! There you have it, an overhead storage solution for your garage. This allows you to put all those things up out of the way that are hardly ever accessed. Things like holiday decorations, lights and such.

One of the on going problems with not implementing the right garage storage solutions is that when things get cluttered along the outside edge of the garage, there is absolutely no place to store things that really need storing. It is obvious that you should get rid of the things that you never use or access. Be gone with such rabble. Once this is done you are in a position to truly appreciate and utilize the next several creative garage storage solutions, i.e., bins and racks.

Turns out there are actually bins designed for storing sports balls, roller blades, rackets, baseball gloves, and many other things that typically get tossed on the floor or lost in a pile somewhere. Most of these are attractive powder coated metal bins that are easily adjustable for where you want to install them on the wall. Some even have integral hanging racks with different attachment point options. This is a nice feature because while one height might be good for the adults in the family, it will be completely unworkable for the shorter folks. Anytime you can get adjustable garage storage solutions, that is a good thing. The kids will thank you. And, if you think about it, it'll actually save you time and effort as well because you won't always have to be running out to the garage to hand things down to the kids when they need them.

As for racks, these are real things of beauty. Garage storage solutions have to take care of the things in life that don't stack or store away in bins easily. These are things like bikes and fishing rods and reels. Have you noticed how frustrating it is to try to lean a fishing pole against the wall? They always tip over against the ones next to it and turn into a mangled mess. Racks designed for storing fishing gear are a real life saver. Bike racks are made that allow storage against the wall, or lifted up into the space above. Whatever you do, be creative with garage storage solutions and you will be forever glad you did.

A Garage Kit: Six Advantages of Steel Framing over Wood

Thu, 15 Oct 2009 19:05:37 -0700

VersaTube Building Systems have been around since 1994, specializing in steel framing components for a variety of uses from residential to agricultural to commercial. By 1997 they had patented an innovative "slip fit" steel framing system that made assembling steel frames much easier and faster, so they expanded to offering full building systems, including a garage kit that any do-it-yourself homeowner could build in a weekend.

But in building systems, wood has always been the material of choice, so why use steel? Here are six advantages of a steel framed garage kit over wood framed buildings.

They are easy to install. The steel tubes are precisely engineered to fit together, with one end sliding into the other. No special fasteners are needed, and fewer workers are needed to complete the process. No sawing, holding, and nailing together long, heavy and bulky 2"x4" or 4"x4" planks.
Cost effective. Since the metal is precisely cut in the factory, there is no on site waste (no need to pay for slightly longer wood to make sure they are long enough which you then cut down to size). Since fewer workers are needed, that is less wages to pay if you are having the building assembled by someone else. And in some areas, steel framing in a garage kit will reduce insurance premiums.
Safer and resistant to nature. A steel framed garage kit is obviously more fire resistant than a wood framed building, steel is also unaffected by termites, insects or rodents as well as mold or fungi. It does not have to be treated with chemicals like wood does, and a steel framed building is well grounded and less likely to be struck or damaged by lightning.
Less maintenance and improved construction quality. A steel garage kit does not age and deteriorate like wood buildings do over time, so you know you have a building that will last. The steel used by VersaTube, which is made in the USA , is manufactured to uncompromising standards for strength and consistency, so as a homeowner you don't have to worry about any weak spots. Steel is corrosion resistant, it is dimensionally stable and it also remains straight, no concerns about warping with weather changes.
Lightweight but strong and durable. Steel has one of the highest strength to weight ratios of any construction material, so is great for a garage kit. Steel will never buckle, split, warp, twist, crack, rot or splinter. All this strength, yet it is also weighs less than wood, making it easier to handle, move around and build with especially when raising walls and roofs.
Recyclable. Wood is obviously recyclable, but steel is the most recycled material on earth, with more than 100 billion pound recycled annually. There is little waste and no trees are used, which may be a renewable natural resource but only when properly managed.

When it comes to selecting the best building kit for your shed or garage, take a good look at steel garage kits. As shown above, they offer numerous advantages from easy installation to being more cost effective and more resistant to natural occurring problems. They are also very strong, low maintenance and recyclable. Plus, they come in a lot of configurations, colors and options so with a Versatube prefabricated steel garage kit, you win on many fronts.

Garage Flooring Can be Clean and Exciting

Thu, 15 Oct 2009 18:58:45 -0700

Reading about garage flooring was probably not at the top of your list of things to read about today. I don't know why. It's a subject that men have philosophized about, nations have gone to war over, and future generations will no doubt debate for centuries to come. Seriously though, while garage flooring may be the penultimate topic for some, for most it is something that just escapes their radar completely. Most just don't think about it at all. At the end of a long work day, most just want to come home, open the garage door, drive in, park the car, go in and relax. It is likely that at some point in every homeowners life there will come a moment when the subject rises to the surface. At that critical, precious juncture nobody's eternal salvation is on the line, but the future usefulness and enjoyment of your garage does come into focus. With that special moment in mind, I am going to give you some ideas and options about garage flooring that probably won't alter the course of your life, but will certainly improve the enjoyment of it.

You don't have to resign yourself to a life of dirty and stained concrete any more. If given the choice between an oil stained concrete floor and stylish tiled or matted garage flooring, what would you prefer? Obviously, the answer has to be the tiled or an otherwise covered floor. While oil has its place and its quite attractive in certain settings (I'm thinking of that magical moonlit night when you and your significant other spill out a little oil or gas on the sidewalk, add a bit of water, and watch in amazement and wonder as the light spectrum comes alive in the petrol paradise), in most it just isn't a wanted element. We all prefer clean and neat.

As a garage flooring expert, I can tell you that having a messy stained floor is not an inevitable part of owning a garage. There are many options out there that you can purchase to cover the garage floor. Any number of these will simply do away with this most pesky problem. Being able to clean up spills, or even replace flooring completely is a simple solution to one of the biggest complaints people seem to have about their garage flooring.

Garage flooring also doesn't have to be drab and boring either. I get it that some people really do prefer to just leave things alone. They like gray and have no plans to change a thing. That's fine. However, for the more adventurous souls out there I want to introduce you to a big bold colorful world of options and textures. Companies like Gladiator make a great line of products that allow you to literally tile your garage floor with any number of different colors and textures. Remember those fun black and white textured floors from the 50's? Imagine how fun it would be to bring such creativity to your own garage flooring. Blue, black, white, red, and yes, gray, are all there for you to mix and match at will to create a truly customized floor in your garage. These 1' square tiles interlock and provide a durable and sharp looking surface that can withstand the load placed on them by cars and trucks. They are designed to resist stains that are often found in the garage as a result of spills and mishaps, drips and drops. The nicest thing about this option is that you don't have to mess around with goops and epoxies or concrete paint. Just install and enjoy. And all without a drop of blood spilt in anger, or an angry word uttered.

This is just one of the great options in garage flooring available. Take a look around to see what you like best, and you will discover many great options to your grease stained concrete floor.

The Differences Between Tool Chests and Toolboxes

Thu, 15 Oct 2009 18:57:47 -0700

Sometimes I hear the term tool chest and toolbox used for the same item, but tool chests are definitely different from toolboxes. So what are these differences?

First, lets look at the history of these two items. Specialized toolboxes or chests have been around for a couple of centuries, originally made of wood and specially designed for certain craftsmen; such as machinists, piano makers, upholsterer's, a farrier, cabinet maker or needle worker. Their size, design and function were different for them all. Some of these evolved into the modern toolbox, and others into modern tool chests.

To discuss the differences between the two items, lets next look at the modern toolbox. Today most toolboxes are metal or plastic, and anybody with a few tools should have one of some form. They typically have a hinged lid that latches closed with a handle on top for carrying your tools around to wherever they are needed. When opened, the lid will often reveal an inside removable tray that rests on an inside flange. This tray is great for storing your most used items. Underneath is a bigger space for larger or less used tools.

Some toolboxes will open from the middle with 2 hinges, just like a tackle box. When you open the lid, hinged smaller trays are attached to the lid and open up to reveal the compartment below. This design is most often seen on a metal toolbox, and these smaller trays usually allow you to store a lot of smaller items.

On plastic toolboxes, they will sometimes have small compartments built right into the lid, each with their own little door, perfect for a small selection of nails, screw, bolts etc.

Tools chests, though also for tools of various trades, are most often found with machinists and mechanics. Though they may have a hinged, latching lid with a top handle, they do not have the larger compartment underneath. Instead, a chest has multiple slide out drawers that are often only a couple of inches deep. This allows specific placement of your tools in a manner that is easily accessed. When you pull out a drawer, you can see exactly what is there. This is better than digging around the bottom of a toolbox for your wrench!

There are two main types of tool chests. One is as described above, and though they vary in size, they are designed so that they can be carried. The other type of tool chest is a rolling chest. Just like described above, but larger and on wheels. Often on these chests, the bottom drawers will be deeper to accommodate larger tools. Though on wheels so that they can more easily be moved, especially around a shop, they can be quite big and heavy so are not really considered portable.

Though they can be purchased separately, the smaller tool chest and the larger bottom tool chest can be purchased as a set, with the smaller chest designed to fit perfectly on top of the bottom chest. That way you can keep your most popular tools in the top chest where you have more portability.

The other main difference between tool boxes and tool chests, is that almost all tool chests are made of metal, and for some reason, they are often red. Though you can also find them in blue and black or steel gray. I have never seen one in plastic, but I have heard of them in wood, though these are difficult to find and probably custom made.

So, though tool boxes have their place, if you have a lot of tools, top and bottom tool chests may be best for you. I know that my husband could use one, he has three toolboxes and it is hard for anyone (except him) to find certain tools!

Polished Concrete - Cheap Chic

Thu, 15 Oct 2009 12:03:25 -0700

Many people would raise an eyebrow upon first hearing that concrete is a great option for elegant residential flooring and counter tops. But it is fast becoming one of the most requested products for consumers who want a durable surface that offers longevity and low maintenance.

Flooring - art underfoot

Concrete can be colored to match any decor, with highly artistic inlays of stone, metal or glass. The patterns available are endless, and can be created on a flat plane with the rest of the floor, or include options such as embossed crests, and other raised or carved designs. Grinding to expose aggregates creates a look of polished stone, another highly sought after finish.

When polished concrete was first introduced several decades ago, the term was used to describe the process where gray or colored concrete was covered with a wax product then literally polished to a high gloss. Today, the end result can be attained by using a variety of products – chemical sealers, liquid polishes, or grinding, to name a few.

One of the primary benefits of installing polished concrete floors is the minimal maintenance required, which also means minimal costs for upkeep. Concrete floors are relatively dust-free (and mite-free) which will ultimately create a healthier environment. Countertops - style at three feet high

For consumers who love the look of granite counter tops, but would like to save on the cost, polished concrete is the answer. Over 100 colors and endless insert designs will ensure that no two kitchens are alike.

The process to create concrete counter tops involves filling a cast form with concrete, and after 4-5 days of curing, the counter form is polished to achieve the finished look. The intensity of polishing will determine whether the counter has a smooth and uniform appearance, or an imported stone or marble finish created by exposing the aggregates and patina in concrete.

Stamp your path to luxury

Another unique option available for creative consumers and designers is stamped concrete. This technique allows for designs of any shape, color or style to be imprinted into concrete to give a high-end look. A patterned mat is placed on the setting concrete to create the stamped look, then carefully pulled away to maintain the design.

Some of the most popular looks achieved include cobblestone pavers, brick and slate pavers, and ceramic tiles. The addition of other patterns and colors can result in realistic-looking images such as natural stone walkways or even a wooden boardwalk.

Sleep on the World's Best Mattresses

Thu, 15 Oct 2009 05:26:49 -0700

How many beds have you slept on in your life so far? The number isn't as important as the quality of sleep that you had on each one. Can you truly say that you have one of the best beds? Circumstances change throughout your life and if you chose a bed strictly for its price you may not have had the best bed. If you are looking to purchase a new bed it is time for you to do some research before buying. In doing so you will find the type of bed that you need and with bed sales a price you can afford.

Let's look at the Innerspring mattress first as most people find them comfortable and affordable. They are the most popular because of the various styles and sizes that are available. Some things to consider when looking at innerspring mattresses are that they need to be replaced about every eight to ten years. They don't hold body heat and they can disturb a light sleeper with the motion of another person turning over. The pillow-top on mattresses have been shown to wear out before the actual mattress, so although they are quite popular it is something to think about. Innerspring mattresses will come in a variety of firmnesses. Some even have one side of larger mattresses with a soft and a firm side. When you are testing a mattress lie down on it in various positions for at least ten minutes to see how it really feels.

Memory Foam mattresses are made differently from Innersprings. A Memory Foam can have from one to six inches of foam that is then glued onto a very thick polyurethane base. There are several price ranges for this type of mattress, but they generally cost more than an Innerspring. Most people who own a Memory Foam bed are happy with them, however, a small percent report that they are too hard, too hot and difficult to move on.

Latex Foam is popular in the UK because it has many of the same qualities of the memory foam, but with a nice difference. Latex has a bit more spring to it so it won't retain body heat like memory foam. This makes it much more comfortable when the weather is hot. It has more durability than the innerspring mattress and will repel dust mites. Natural latex is also better for the planet as it is biodegradable. If you have an allergy to latex this mattress most likely won't work for you, however. Make sure that you have a bed frame that has slats so that no mould grows on the underside.

Our last comparison is the Air Mattress. A cushion of air supports the sleeper and can be tailored to the degree of firmness for each person. It is a chilling experience in the colder months as the bed doesn't hold any heat. This type of bed gets mostly positive reviews, but some did find it lumpy with a trench between air chambers.

What to Look for in Best Beds

Thu, 15 Oct 2009 05:25:12 -0700

When you think of best beds most people think about the mattress as the bed, but the bed frame is really the bed. This article will help compare the different types of bed frames that you might use to decorate with. Some bed frames will have a metal frame with metal legs and nothing else. This type is just a place to set the mattress on and is a familiar sight in dorm rooms. Then you can get a best bed frame for innerspring mattresses, memory foam mattresses, air bed frame and bed frames for futons. Children can have very elaborate bed frames or simple bunk bed frames.

There are many price differences because of the material used to make the frame. The standard metal frame bed will be the least costly of all the types. It is strictly no frills. Wooden best bed frames can be made from hardwoods like oak or a softer pine. These bed frames can be painted or stained to match any décor. The wooden bed frames can have slats that allow air to circulate or a solid bottom to lay the mattress on.

If the best bed frame is made of wood you will have many styles to choose from. There are sleigh beds, solid wood head and foot board bed frames and children's styles that may have cut outs. Wooden bed frames can also be designed to look like cars, machinery, or have decals. They can be intricately carved with massive posts at all four corners or an overhead canopy.

There are styles that are very simple like the Shaker bed frames or minimalistic, clean lines of modern or Swedish designs. For everyone's taste there are best beds to fit your personality and pocketbook.

Best beds can also have more than one task to perform. Take the Divan best bed; it incorporates a storage area under the mattress and box springs. You can have one big storage area or it can be divided into drawers. This type of best bed allows for less furniture in a small bedroom as there is no need for a chest of drawers.

Another best bed that works double duty is one where there is a second mattress stored underneath the top bed. These beds pull out from under the top bed and can be unlatched so they are parallel with the first bed. You can also find a bed frame such as this, but it is in a drawer so it remains closer to the floor. These work great for guests or in a child's room for sleepovers.

The last type of best bed frames are for futons. They usually contain a full size futon bed cushion. They also work well in a small flat or form room. The futon doubles as a couch during the day and a bed at night. The best bed frames come in painted metal with flat or rounded arms. A classier look in the futon best bed frame has fabric covered arms just like a sofa.

Are Electronic Keypads Safer Than Deadbolts?

Wed, 14 Oct 2009 17:46:08 -0700

High security doesn't mean you need steel doors or multiple deadbolts on your front door. In fact, these days, quality home security is far less conspicuous. An electronic keypad is the perfect way to keep your home and office safe without being too obvious. In fact, electronic keypads have been in use for many years, but only recently have they made the leap to private residence. Many people are also using them in their offices for added protection against possible break ins. Why Choose Electronic Keypads? While ordinary deadbolt door locks give you some security, there is nothing like a keypad to deter a would-be thief. This is the height of security and it will keep any room, or your home and office, safe from invasions. Security isn't the only reason you should consider investing in an electronic keypad, however. There are other factors to consider. If you tend to lose your keys or worry that they might be stolen and used by someone else, then a keypad is the perfect door lock solution. No key is needed and you'll never have to worry about locking yourself out of the house or office, again. While the initial cost may be slightly more than a regular deadbolt lock, you have to admit that the added peace of mind is well worth it. Features to Consider There are a few different types of electronic keypads. Some security locks are automatic and will lock again within 5 minutes of being opened. Others will stay open until you relock them. You can choose between the two types, or pick a third, which offers both options. The third type of keypad will let you decide if you want the door to lock automatically or not and you can always change this in the future, according to your preference. It's essentially a 2 in 1 security lock which can be tailored to meet your needs. If you find that you never remember to relock the door, then set it to do so automatically. Another thing to consider is the ease of installation. Many door locks require a special installation, but if you opt for Schlage electronic keypads, you'll save yourself a lot of time and hassle by doing the lock installation yourself. It isn't difficult and the locks come with a battery which enables them to be used immediately. You can literally replace your lock and be up and running within a few minutes, following the instructions that come with the lock. Where Can You Use Them? Often, security locks aren't just needed on the front door. If you have a wine cellar, a vault or a safe room in your home, then you will probably want a security lock for that room, as well. Putting a door lock on any room that contains valuables is a good idea. With an electronic keypad, you can secure any room in your house and not have to worry about unscrupulous people finding their way into your locked room. Since there is no key, there's no worry that someone who shouldn't will find the key. You can always change the combination if you suspect it has been compromised and you'll be able to use different ones for each door, if you wish. For the best in securing your home, office or individual rooms, nothing beats an electronic keypad. Use one for each space that you want to keep secure, for the best protection. These security locks also make it easy to keep your home safe, since you no longer need to carry door keys around with you. Instead, you just need to remember the number combination and you can get into your home, no problem. These are just a couple of the advantages of electronic keypads.

Schlage Entry Locks Could Save Your Belongings

Wed, 14 Oct 2009 17:45:51 -0700

Whether you are looking to secure your home or your office, a Schlage entry lock is a good choice for security. You want something that is sturdy, long lasting and still good looking. There are, of course, a number of locks on the market, but if you want to be sure that you are getting the best, you should look at Dexter locks, which are also made by Schlage. The Schlage entry lock is just one of many types of locks offered by the professional security company. They have an offshoot business under the name of Dexter locks, which are also of top quality. These deadbolt locks can help prevent theft. Home invasions are scary for everyone who is a victim of one. If you are there when the burglary takes place, it is entirely possible that you or a family member will be injured, but even if you aren't there or even if the burglary takes place at your office, you will find that it is still nerve wracking. Having someone break into your personal space can make you feel insecure and violated and, unfortunately, those feelings tend persist for a long time. Ensuring that your home and office are as secure as possible can help you recover from a theft, but it's far better to prevent one in the first place. Dexter by Schlage is a solid, long-lasting lock that you can trust to ensure entry security. If you don't trust the current locks in your doors, it's a good idea to select new ones which will give you the sense of security that you need. What Makes a Schlage Entry Lock Secure? Entry security is important, but most locks aren't built to really withstand much in the way of pressure. Schlage entry locks are built out of stronger metal that will resist saws and other tools that may be used in an attempt to compromise the lock. They are also designed to be useless with lockpicking tools, which is what many burglars use. A Dexter lock is designed with the Schlage ideals, built to be strong, but also built elegant enough that you would be thrilled to have these locks in your home or office. They come in a range of styles, with a variety of finishes to choose from, meaning that you are bound to find something that matches your style or even existing hardware in your home or office. Selecting the right lock, such as Dexter by Schlage, is vital in protecting your home and family. Remember that most burglars are already experienced. They aren't going to spend a lot of time trying to get into a well-secured home, not when they can simply pop the lock in the next house. By using a strong lock, you can deter any would-be burglars. Many people don't realize that thieves are lazy and will stick to easy pickings. Your entry security should be the best possible. While you need to protect windows or any other possible entry points, the fact is that the entrance is the first place that most burglars will go to. With home and office invasions occurring more and more often, now is the best time to start thinking about putting in better locks. When choosing a good entry security system, you should certainly consider Dexter locks, which are similar in design to Schlage entry locks. They offer the best security against kick ins, lock picking and cutting tools, which means your doors will be safer than ever before. The added advantage of Dexter by Schlage is that you can order them online making it extremely easy to get new locks for your entire home and your office, no matter how busy you are.